Movement. Action. Forward momentum. All are required for our walk of Faith – perhaps that is exactly why it is called a “Walk of Faith”. In Luke 9:23 Jesus tells us: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. He doesn’t tell us, “Whoever wants to be my disciple, get comfortable, lock your doors, and wait patiently for me.” Seriously – how pathetic would that be? There MUST be movement involved. If you want to follow something that is moving, you yourself must move in that same direction in order to follow it. Seems like a simple concept, right? But too many times, we can get comfortable living our lives, that we forget this principle of action and momentum. I don’t understand the reason for this, but yet we see it all too often. Perhaps we are concerned that if …
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Have you ever developed an amazingly solid plan to accomplish something, and then, everything changes and nothing goes as you planned? Experts say it is always good to have a plan in place – this could be a life plan, a 5-year plan or even just a plan for your day tomorrow. Take a 5-year plan for example and think about where you were 5-years ago. Think about where you thought you would be today – did your vision then look like the reality that it is today? And more importantly, did you arrive here just like you planned? I know my answer. There are some pieces of today that are pretty much like I envisioned and there are many that are not how I planned – but one thing is very clear, the path to get here has been nothing like I imagined. And the outcome…has exceeded my expectations. The …
I took this picture on a recent visit to Rome. This is the Mamertine Prison located adjacent to the Roman Forum. It is believed that both Paul and Peter were imprisoned here. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Rome, this was a quiet and humbling spot to visit. As we walked down the narrow stone stairway into the prison itself, I became speechless. It is hard to find words to describe the experience. The fact that anyone could be imprisoned in this environment and survive is stunning – but what is even more impressive are the words that the Apostle Paul wrote while being imprisoned for his Faith: Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 AMP) The fact that Paul could find it in him to Rejoice, even when in a prison like this, should simply inspire us to do …
I have been thinking about seeds a lot lately. All kinds of seed. Seed to produce crops, babies – you name it – seed. I know that might sound odd, but truly, they are amazing things. The fact that something could grow from seed form just takes my breath away. In John 12:24, we see Jesus speak to the amazingness of seeds. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest. (John 12:24 AMP) Jesus had a way of making it simple. But did you catch it? Don’t read it too fast. Read it again. If a grain does not die, it will not produce a harvest. That marvels me a bit. It seems contradictory …
This week I had the opportunity to go to enjoy a concert from Raul Midon. This was my first time seeing him, and I must say, he is very impressive. If you have an opportunity to see him, I would recommend it. One thing really stuck out to me, specifically his lyrics to his song “Everybody”. Here are just a few lines: Everybody is free to make a difference Everybody can be somebody Everybody is free to make a difference in this world. You don’t have to be a big celebrity To feel the power, the power in your soul …To realize that in your eyes there’s a view that only you can see There was something so powerful in those words when he sang that song. Something so simple, yet so profound. Sometimes we let our challenges hold us back. We let our “disabilities” hinder our progress. But yet …
Today, I feel as though I am going to limit my words – but rather, let this video and the following Psalm do the talking. The World, and all its glory, declare the amazing power of our God. Watch this video – read Psalm 19 – and give Glory that we get to have fellowship with the maker of all this: The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo. THE HEAVENS declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork. 2 Day after day pours forth speech, and night after night shows forth knowledge.3 There is no speech nor spoken word [from the stars]; their voice is not heard.4 Yet their voice [in evidence] goes out through all the earth, their sayings to the end of the world. Of the heavens has God made a tent for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out …
Do you ever stop and think about what it was like for Peter to walk on water? What was going through his head as he lifted his foot over the side of the boat? The waves hitting his side. He begins to put his foot down and…what did it feel like? Was it hard was it soft? Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning …
Lately, I can’t get this face out of my mind. The sincerity. The smile. The hope. It just puts everything into perspective. I had the great privilege of meeting this sweet young lady, Daphne, in 2007 during one of my trips to Uganda. This was not my first trip – nor would it be my last. But each and every visit brings new images, new relationships, and a new outlook for me. Daphne, at this time, was living at Destiny Orphanage and Boarding School just outside of Kampala, Uganda. I don’t know her backstory, but what I do know is she is truly one of the most joyous people I have ever met. Perhaps that sounds strange – she was probably 6 at the time and I realize most 6 year old children are truly happy – but there was something noticeably different here. In a country plagued by HIV/AIDS …
I can be very guilty of overcomplicating things sometimes…am I alone in that? Or are there others out there who do the same? I can take what should be simple and over analyze it like crazy! I don’t know exactly what it is in me that drives this behavior, but even if I know it is a simple concept, I tend to think “there has to be more to it then that”. I do this with the Word all the time. When you stop to reflect on the Bible, we have a tendency to overcomplicate it. But we are instructed to find the simplicity: “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted by from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV) I talk with fellow Christians all the time who say how complicated the Word …
I love the Olympics. There is something fun and exciting about them. The competition, the drive, the determination of all the athletes representing their country is something to be admired. The other night we joined the world in watching the opening ceremonies that kicked everything off. I always enjoy the creative ways the host country uses to show what they are all about. Icons and figure heads always come forward; and this year was no different. From James Bond to Sir Paul McCartney and Mr. Bean to The Queen herself (parachuting out of a helicopter mind you) – everyone played their part. On the main field there were hundreds (if not thousands) of volunteers who also wanted to take part in this momental occasion. Without each and everyone of those volunteers – it just would not look the same. The big vision that the creator had for this particular production …
