Oh Christmas Tree…

The Christmas tree is one of the most powerful symbols of the modern world, a tree of life, of lights, of hopes and dreams and memories. It is hung with ornaments that speak to us of beauty and prosperity, fruit and flowers and snowflakes, jeweled icons of a splendid life and the artifacts of our civilization, spheres and stars and tinsel lightning bolts, ornaments that depict our children and our past, the magic of elves and flying reindeer and figures from the nativity.

Underneath all the sparkle and light is a tree that symbolizes an abundant life. From a tiny seed that dies in the darkness of the ground, sometimes triggered by fire, a tree emerges, reaching up to the heavens, becoming a habitat for creatures — one day a giant that stands tall in a forrest of brothers and sisters or alone on a rock overlooking a chasm. The tree is sustained by the soil and the air and the sunlight, miraculously manufacturing its food, distributing it throughout its delightful form.

As a follower of Christ, when I look upon the Christmas tree I see much more. Beneath its branches I see a cross, and on the cross, I see my savior who hung on a tree to redeem the world by making the ultimate sacrifice — innocent for guilty, God for mankind. This is a true story about God and people, about people turning away from God, about God rescuing and perfecting His creation through the powerful demonstration of unconditional love, offering the ultimate sacrifice.

Jesus the Messiah on the cross Savior of the World

Jesus, God in the flesh, walked the earth and was known as the living word of God, the manifestation of truth and righteousness. His short life most certainly changed the world with a message of hope, by his victory over sin and death, in the power of His love. And He was more than a prophet, He was and is “God with us” rescuing humanity from itself and me from myself (note: this is a remarkable ongoing process that has become more amazing and powerful with the passage of time).

His impact on His disciples was extraordinary. After his resurrection, after his appearance to the disciples and to over five hundred witnesses, the Christian movement took off. A miraculous movement of the Holy Spirit that continues even today, spreading light through out the world.

The Spirit of God is able to dwell within us if we are willing. And it is by this power that we choose to dwell with God, like the branches of the vine (John 15:1-4), receiving sustenance, and power to produce the fruit of righteousness and love, receiving God’s incredible peace and joy that grows within us despite our circumstances and sometimes because of them.

So this Christmas, as we gather in our warm houses with our beloved families, exchanging gifts, feasting on holiday delights and the images that remind us of Christmas’ past, we might consider that the ultimate gift is offered by Jesus. By His stripes we are able to receive spiritual abundance in the life changing power of God’s Holy Spirit, by faith in the generosity of God’s grace and by the sacrifice of Christ who was and is the innocent, spotless passover Lamb of God, One who’s death burial and resurrection offers all who receive Him, victory over sin and deliverance from fear, anxiety, pain and suffering — as well as transformation through our darkness, by and into His glorious light!

Today’s reading link:

Merry Christmas to all.

Peace

Today’s reading:  2 Chronicles 29; Revelation 15; Zechariah 11; John 14

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased” (Luke 2:13-14).

“Peace on earth” is an expression often used at this time of year.  What do you think the angels meant by this phrase?  As I pondered the question, I went to the dictionary.  Vocabulary.com defines peace as a stress-free state that comes when there’s no fighting or war; everything co-existing in perfect harmony and freedom.  I’d say this is a pretty common understanding of the word peace in the 21st century.  I don’t think, however, this is the kind of peace to which the angels were referring in Luke 2.  Since sin came into the world and ruined God’s perfect plan, the world has never been free of fighting, war or conflict.  In fact, I don’t believe this definition of peace is really achievable on Earth as we know it today.

The next clause of verse 14, “among those with whom he is pleased”, gives us a little more insight.  I believe the angels were referring to the peace that comes from knowing Jesus.  This peace is the confident assurance that God works all things together according to his divine plan; a comfort that he has every situation under control.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, those who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Today’s assigned reading has us in John 14. These three chapters (John 14-17) are often referred to as Jesus’ Farewell Discourse – his guidance to the eleven disciples (sans Judas) after the last supper, before his crucifixion.  Jesus was once again trying to prepare them for life without him.  The disciples still didn’t completely understand his plan, and it was causing them anxiety.  Think about it.  These eleven men left everything to follow Jesus, and now he was talking about leaving.  How could they be at peace?  Can you identify with their fear and unrest?  Jesus comforted the disciples with these words:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. Rise, let us go from here (John 14:27-31).

Do you see Jesus’ words of peace? – “…for the prince of this world is coming…he has no hold over me…”  Knowing that Jesus has all power over Satan is the source of our confident assurance.  Jesus is our peace.  As you celebrate this Christmas, I wish you peace.  The peace that comes from knowing him as your Savior and Lord.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

 

Prayer to trust His timing

Hello to our Bible Journal family!

Today’s post is from my youngest sister, Katie Pauley. She’s been deeply involved in BSF this year and witnessing her spiritual growth has been tremendous and inspiring. Thanks Katie for writing and sharing!!! – Jon Harris

Last week in my small group we had a conversation about what worries us the most as parents.  Many of us fear the death of a child or spouse, worry about our children being self-sufficient and positive members of society as adults, or fear our own abilities to provide for our children.  Fear comes in all forms as we all know but what about the fear that our children will not have a personal relationship with the Lord?

2 Chronicles 27 and 28 are about two men, King Jotham and King Ahaz, who are dealing with the same political problems.  King Jotham chooses to do what was pleasing to the Lord…..while King Ahaz chooses to ……do what was not pleasing to the Lord .  King Jotham “became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God”.  Meanwhile, King Ahaz failed to trust God out of FEAR.  Instead of turning to God, he ignored the Lords help and chose to turn to the King of Assyria for assistance and continued to reject the Lord.

For the past two and a half years, my (almost 5 year old) daughter Elsa Jane, has been sleeping on a yoga mat in the floor of our bedroom.   Reflecting over the past few years, I can’t help but identify with King Ahaz.  I consumed myself with fear and anxiety over my daughters sleeping arrangement and turned to “the world” for assistance.

At night I would lay awake for hours worrying and creating imaginary scenarios in my head.

“Will she ever leave our bedroom?”

“Do they make yoga mat beds for 17 year olds?”

“Sorry, Elsa Jane, we can’t have a sleepover party, because we don’t have enough room on our floor for all your friends.”

“What’s wrong with my daughter?”

“I’m not a good parent.”

I would spend my free time researching the internet and reading mom blogs.

How do you get your kid to sleep in their own room………

What happens when your kid sleeps in your bedroom until college……

At play dates with other moms my conversation always revolved around Elsa Jane’s sleeping issues.

“What did you do?”  “How long were your kids in your room?”  “Do you think there is something wrong with Elsa Jane?”  “I’m so frustrated!”  “Why is this happening to me?”

I finally got to the point of acceptance.  Elsa Jane was going to be in our room indefinitely.  I tried everything I could.  It’s out of my control and I’ll just live with it.  Then, on November 22, she slept in her own bedroom the entire night!  And has continued to do so for 28 days!

Now that she is in her own room I have some regrets of how I chose to handle this fear in my life. I wish I had been more like King Jotham and turned to God.  Instead of consuming myself with anxiety and fear every single night, I could have knelt down beside my daughter and prayed for her salvation and walk with Jesus. The hours I spent on the internet could have been replaced with hours in God’s word and praying for Elsa Jane’s relationship with the Lord. My conversations at the park with other moms could have been opportunities to share the amazing things God IS doing in my life.

John 13:13 says “You call me Teacher and Lord, and it is right that you do so, because that is what I am.” I regret how I chose to handle this fear but God’s amazing grace taught me to see an area in my life where I am spiritually blind. Instead of turning to “the world,” I pray that I will live in obedience to the Lord our God and trust the timing He has for me and my family.  I pray that I cast my fears upon Jesus and replace them with prayers of the salvation for my friends and family.  Do you have a fear in your life you need to give to God?  Who is God calling you to pray for?  Will you trust Jesus to teach you how to live in obedience to Him?

Today’s reading link: 2 Chronicles 27–28; Revelation 14; Zechariah 10; John 13

Undead or Alive?

2 Chronicles 26; Revelation 13; Zechariah 9; John 12

I detest the idea of zombies.  Even so, our culture is so enamored with them, that they are unavoidable.  Our TV’s and iPads are filled with images of them creeping and slinking their way to our front door.  Unfortunately, this reality influences the way that I interpret scripture.  It became clear to me as I read about Lazarus today in John 12. If you will recall, yesterday, we read that Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead.   How do you interpret that?  For me, Lazarus is undead.  Just like a zombie.

In John 11, we learn about Lazarus walking out of the tomb, still wrapped in burial cloths.  We hear Jesus instructing Martha and her sister, to “unbind him, and let him go.”  Do you hear zombie?  I do.  My full picture of Lazarus is less than human.  I imagine him pale and sickly, weakened by death.  A shadow of his old life.  He probably staggers as he walks and talks with a slur.  This, after all, is what zombies do.  But, I reason, since Jesus was involved, Lazarus was a good zombie. So, what does a good zombie do?  He follows Jesus around like a puppy dog, catering to his every whim and enjoying the scraps from his table.  Can’t you just hear Jesus, his owner, as they walk down a crowded street?  “Lazarus, come on, what are you sniffing at back there?!”

I hope you hear my sarcasm.   None of that is true of Lazarus!  How do I know?  There are two ways.  First, we know that Jesus does not give life half-heartedly.  He gives it to the “full” (John 10:10).  Truly, my degradation of Lazarus’ new life is about self-preservation.  Just like the Pharisees, I’m afraid that if I clearly see Lazarus alive, I will see that I am the fool, not Lazarus.  Let me say that another way.  I’m afraid that I will see that Lazarus was truly living and I am merely undead.  Second Lazarus’ actions prove that he is not undead, but fully living.  Based on John 12, he was out, among the people, presenting himself in a way that was irresistible.  I picture him bounding through the streets, singing, dancing and rejoicing.  Filled with life!  How do we know that?  Because “many people came to Jesus because of him” (John 12:11).  Now, would these people have been attracted to a zombie?  No, people are not attracted to the undead, they want to be like the living.

What about us?  Unfortunately, too many of us are living the “Christian life.”   We are shadows of our former selves, unable to have fun, take risks and engage the world.  Jesus has become our ticket to heaven, our get out of jail free card.  That is not living.  It is undead.  Jesus invites us to die, just like Lazarus.  His invitation is not focused on death, but rebirth.  Done faithfully, Jesus transforms us into His glory, His likeness.  Irresistible.  Just like Lazarus.

 

The Christmas Story Continues

Revelation chapter 12 gives us the truth about Christmas. It is about the eternal destiny of all mankind. It is about war, Satan and his angels, Michael and his angels, God, a virgin birth, a mass murder of infants by evil in high places and principalities of this world and, Praise God, Christ’s ultimate victory. But it doesn’t stop there. It is not just a historical view. It reaches forward to where we are now and where we are headed. The Christmas story continues. It helps us understand the realities of the post war world we are living in.

Often times when thinking about a past war, victors will recall images of celebration. Their post war snap shots are flooded with newspaper headlines that read “Peace!” or “It’s Over!”. These types of images often come from the victors territory and can give the victors a false sense of finality. The war may have been won but the reality may be that the victory was the beginning of the end, not the actual end. However on the other hand the losers’ dominion presents a very different picture. One that is easier to discern; the war has been won, but battles still rage and lives still hang in the balance. 

On the other side the picture will often look something like this; failed states left in ruins, void of leadership and often rampant with lawlessness. The victors have left behind remnants of their soldiers to help the failed state find their way. These soldiers are most always up against remnants of a different sort, remnants of the enemy. 

Post war, the enemy most often deploys a covert strategy. They go underground to continue the fight covertly, doing all they can undermine the victor’s agenda and to strengthen their camp. What seems to motivate them is the hope of carrying their agenda forward at some future time. Living to fight another day. History has shown us that of these sorts the worst is often the hopeless. The ones who know they will never gain the strength to ultimately win but deceive and give false hope to that end anyway. Who still refuse to let go of their agenda and determine themselves to ‘take as many with them’ to their hopeless end as possible.

The end of Revelation chapter 12 makes it clear, the War is won but not over. the battle still rages and Christians are in enemy territory. The enemy is present, powerful and hopeless. In my estimation, a Christian’s role then is that of the remnant of the victor in enemy territory post war, there to help people find their way to the right side. There to provide a beacon of truth amidst all the undercurrents of deception. There to save people from hopelessness.

Perhaps this is the gift of Christmas that Christians wield in post war enemy territory. The light that Christians have been given to shine in the shadow of deceit and through the darkness of hopelessness that the enemy works so hard to create. May your light shine this Christmas season. May your Christmas be merry and bright!

 

Today’s reading: 2 Chronicles 25; Revelation 12; Zechariah 8; John 11

Suggestions for prayer: Ask God to help you steward the gift of Christmas well for Him. Ask Him to help you give the gift of Christmas.

The Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. John 10:11

How great it is to have our shepherd be Jesus? He paid the ultimate price for us and has shared the perfect example of how he will take care of us. The Good Shepherd knows each of us and wants to leads us to green pastures.

In my very short sheep research I was able to read and come to understand the sheep “hard-wire” instinct to follow those around them.  How true is that of us?  As a child, young adult, and into my adulthood many times I would find myself following the wrong crowd or wandering off.  Often of the world and failing the test of listening to God and not the world. 1 John 4:4-6.

My actions of sheepish instincts requires the love of the Good Shepherds staff.   This can be a generous hit by the end to get me back going the right direction or the use of the hook to take me out of a situation.  In both cases his love is provided throughout. John 10 some reminders that represents His love for us.

  1. John 10:3-4 He goes before us calling each one of our names and leads us out of danger.
  2. John 10:7 Jesus is the gatekeeper to an eternal pasture.
  3. John 10:11 He lays down his life for us.
  4. John 10:14-16 Jesus is the shepherd of us all calling us all to one flock with one shepherd.

Dear Jesus, Good Shepherd, you tend over your flock always and know our every need. May your crook and your staff always protect us and guide us through all the troubles of this life. Help us from wandering and allow us to lead others to an eternity with you and your love. Shepherd us to have conversations with others about your glorious kingdom waiting us. Amen

Merry Christmas Bible Journal Family ~ What an amazing year, I pray that reading God’s words of encouragement and guidance has made been a blessing in you and your families lives.  I know it has in ours. We love you.  

Francis Chan: I am the Good Shepherd

Listen to how Francis Chan explains how God has called us to be a shepherd and a sheep. 

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 24; Revelation 11; Zechariah 7; John 10

 

The Works of God in Us

Today’s Readings: 2 Chronicles 21, Revelation 9, Zechariah 5, John 9


As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:1-5

Would you believe that today is the first time I’ve actually read this story? Of course I knew the story of the blind man as a child but for some reason, I’ve never looked up John 9 and read it for myself. It’s just awesome isn’t it? Well, happy Monday folks. It’s Christmas week, you’ve officially made it. While the rest of the world is winding down, I feel as if God has saved this particular Christmas for some “new birth” in my life (no, no I’m not having a baby). What I thought would be a slow deceleration into a time of pj’s and movies has actually turned into a frenetic frenzied mountain to climb. What’s clear is that God has plan for me that I cannot see. Believing in what cannot be seen or heard; very foundation of faith. Do you ever struggle with this? I’m not too proud to admit that I really do. Believing that God has a plan requires a certain amount of surrender and implicit trust.

Today, I want to write to you about verses 2 and 3 of John 9. Maybe this message is too simple for some but I’ll take the risk for those that really need it this Christmas. The first time our son became really truly ill, he was 6 weeks old. The trauma to our family was deep and still comes to the surface now and again. I spent lots of time ruminating on what I could have done wrong, where was the misstep that led to this terrible punishment? I was reeling with sadness, guilt and pain. Now I know that those days were my “blind woman” time. With great counsel, tenderness and love from other Christian’s I grew to understand that God was showing his grace through us. Faith in God doesn’t result in a life without hardship. It does however give us the opportunity to experience His grace and majesty in the moments we least expect Him.

At the end of this passage Jesus says, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” At first this saddened me a bit. We are, after all, in a world without the actual Jesus. But with careful thought, I realize that He is in our world today. He is embodied in my friends, my family, my patients that bravely shine his light. He is with us each and every day. When we are willing to allow God to work in us in those times that we are most broken, we experience Christ’s light. As this year of Bible Journal comes to a close I pray that each of you have been illuminated by His word. I pray that one or two posts touched your heart and brought you closer to your Lord and Savior. When you feel that the night is coming, remember that God is working in you, so that you may be strengthened and shine his light.

Merry Christmas from the McGriff Party of 5.

Thank you for reading and praying with me this year!

Finding The Light

It is my pleasure to share another insightful post from guest writer, my awesome sister-in-law, Lisa Pruitt:

This morning I awoke to the cold, scooted into the kitchen and began making my coffee. It was still dark out and when my coffee was finished, I settled in the living room to enjoy it. I sat there in the room, slowing coming to life, and looked around. I thought how lovely the room looked with the Christmas tree and lights. If I squinted just right, the lights on the tree blurred into stars and I thought about Jesus’ birth and the star of Bethlehem.

In the readings for today, I found myself reading John 8 over and over. There is so much happening in the chapter. Many verses in John 8 have great importance for Christianity. However, it is John 8:12 which resonated the loudest with me today. Jesus said “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.” What absolutely beautiful words. Jesus’ light was a star over his manger, it is the stars of our night sky, and it is in the lights on my Christmas tree.

I remember my astronomy class in college. A simple definition of light is visually perceived radiant energy. The science of light is intermingled with the science of color. Light can be reflected and refracted, concentrated and redistributed. It has a wavelength, a speed and can be polarized. If I were to research light in any encyclopedia, I would find information about all the different types of light. But the light of Jesus might not be on those pages because it is a light which we cannot see with our physical eyes.

When we are born, our eyes use physical light to see the beauty of our parents’ faces, to perceive colors and shapes, to detect wonders and dimensions. Although physical light is important for sight and even for our physical health and well-being, it is the light we cannot physically see that is vital to our spiritual health. It is the light of Jesus. Without Jesus’ illumination, we would be in spiritual darkness. We fear darkness because evil things can happen without light. More crimes and sins happen in the night than at any other time.

I remember a time I was alone in a cave for hours. I was waiting for a group to return and had turned off my light. The longer I sat there, the more the darkness seemed to become palpable. I could feel it, sense it. The darkness almost seemed to be a living thing, swirling around me, whispering, teasing me. My mind played tricks, I imagined that there were tendrils of darkness wrapping around me like long, skinny fingers. However, I fought down my rising panic because I was in control. Yes, I was in total darkness, but I was there because I chose to be. I remember a couple of times picking up my light and holding it, resting my finger on the switch just in case. Just in case the water levels rose. Just in case a rock fell on me. Just in case a cave cricket decided to take a walk on my face. Just in case the darkness started whispering.

I once read a study about a group of people who agreed to live in isolated total darkness for 48 hours. One man wrote about his experience. He said that he was unaffected by the darkness for the first four or five hours; even considered it soothing. He fell asleep and awoke after a time but had no way to measure how long he had slept or how many hours the experiment had lasted. He went through a period where he paced the room, slamming into the walls, hurting himself just so he could have some sensory input. Then he began to hallucinate and imagined that he saw a large pile of oyster shells. Because he was lost in the darkness, he mind created its own apparations.

Without Jesus, we are lost to the darkness. Jesus’ light reveals truth. Without His light and His Truth, everything is black or shades of gray. Maybe I would not own up to my mistakes, misdeeds, and my many imperfections without examining myself in His light. Jesus said that whoever follows him will never walk in darkness but have the light of life. His light reveals the way to salvation. When we believe in Him we can have eternal life.

Just as the fluorescent light in my kitchen encourages my orchid to grow, bathing in Jesus’ light can assist my spiritual growth. Keeping Jesus in our life can change us and allow our spirit to blossom. We become rooted in Jesus love which can allows us to withstand the angry winds of turmoil and sadness which enter our lives at times. When we lose our way, Jesus light can be used as a beacon to find the path again. He can lead us out of the dark cave, the dense forest; he can help us find our way. When his light appears, I must turn from the darkness and follow him or I will be forever lost.

I must not only allow his light to guide me as a compass but I must receive it, absorb it, and embrace it. By doing so, Jesus will become part of me. I will not only reflect His light but it will shine from within in me and help me to make correct choices, to truly walk in a Christian life which is guided by Jesus’ teachings. Because Jesus has given us His light, we can enjoy a relationship with God that stretches into eternity.

Today’s Reading.

Instruction for Leaders

Today’s reading:  2 Chronicles 19–20; Revelation 8; Zechariah 4; John 7

This week I was reading an article about delegation.  The author referenced some pretty shocking statistics from a London Business School professor.  He said only 30% of managers think they delegate well, and only 30% of this group’s subordinates agree that their boss is a good delegator.  By my math, 30% of 30% is only 9% of the population studied.  Assuming the sample used in this study can be applied against a broader population of managers, 9% is a disappointingly low percentage.  The author goes on to identify a variety of possible reasons for ineffective delegation, one of which is the manger’s inability to give clear assignments and set clear expectations (Zwilling, October 2013).  The article was interesting and had some good guidance on how to better employ the practice of delegation in your business.  While effective delegation is part of being a good manager, being a good manager doesn’t necessarily mean you are a good leader.

Today’s assigned reading in 2 Chronicles 19-20 provides an example of effective delegation by setting clear expectations.  It also gives insight into broader competencies of good, Godly leaders. The setting is the later part of King Jehoshaphat’s 25-year rule over Judah.  While Jehoshaphat made some poor choices, he was largely considered one of Judah’s greatest Kings.  Why?  It wasn’t just because he was good at his job, or even because he was prosperous. Rather, it was because of his faith and devotion to the Lord.  He was a good, Godly leader.

The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel (2 Chronicles 17:3-4).

In Chronicles 19:5-10 we learn about one of the reforms Jehoshaphat made in Judah, which was to delegate some of his judicial responsibilities. Verse 8 tells us he selected capable men to serve as judges – Levites, priests and clan leaders.  Even so, he was compelled to provide specific instruction to help ensure they acted in accordance with God’s commandments.  Did you pay attention to verses 6-9?  The wisdom is timeless.  Jehoshaphat’s guidance applies to us every bit as much as it applied to judges in the 9th century B.C.  It isn’t simply about being a good delegator or a good manager.  It is about being a good, God honoring leader.  Bottom line – we are accountable to God for the authority we exercise.  While most of us will never be appointed a judge, hold a political office, or be the CEO of a fortune 500 company, we all exercise authority over someone.  Our decisions affect other people, and they matter to God.  As a result, each one of us should let these key principles guide our actions.

  • You are judging for God, not just for men – He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. (2 Chronicles 19:6).
  • Be impartial and honest, as God is just – Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery” (2 Chronicles 19:7).
  • Fear the Lord, be committed to faithfully serve – He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 19:9).

God has high standards. He expects our best, especially when we are leading others.  Think about what those you lead, your peers and your leaders would say about you.  Would they say you are wholeheartedly serving?  Would they say your words and actions are honest and just? Can they tell you answer to a higher power who is faithful and true?

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve (1 Peter 5:2).

Yes I want to be healed!

Over the past week, I’ve felt excruciating pain like I’ve never felt before as a result of improper form while exercising. On a scale of one to ten, there were times that the agony was almost ten and I was very close to heading into the emergency room. I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t sit, and could barely think straight (hence I’m writing this journal entry the night before it is scheduled to post).

Many thoughts crossed my mind in my darkest hours; here are some of them:

  1. We don’t appreciate being “pain free” when life is good. We need to be praising God every single day, throughout the day for being God and the many blessings he has given us. I recall a commercial a while back with a tagline that was something like, “when you’re not well, nothing else matters”. While not entirely true, it resonates with me because the bulk of my waking moments were spent with the hope to be well again.
  2. Did God allow this so that I would grow closer to him? I don’t think God zapped my lower back but I do believe he allowed this to happen. While I wouldn’t wish the situation on anyone, and I hope to never go through it again, I can say that I did grow closer to God through this. There was deep prayer and meditation, crying out, and devout prayer from my wife, children, and others.
  3. There are people in the world suffering. I’m certain there are many people around the world who live in similar pain all day every day and this caused me to have a little more compassion for those who are hurting. We never know what people are going through. I’m fortunate to have people who love me and take care of me (like Amy did making a nice makeshift bed on the wood floors as that was the best place for my back to heal).
  4. Thankful for medical professionals who are experts and truly care about their patients. This week I talked to a nurse on the phone for a consult, spent time in a medical clinic with numerous people inspecting me to rule out various scary things, and spent time on the phone with a kind and generous friend who is a physician. Every interaction I had with a medical professional was quite amazing, and I’m left in awe at the gifts God has given people. What if everyone found their true calling and lived it out to the fullest?
  5. While most pharmacy medication is “man made”, I’m deeply thankful for what the proper dosage and usage of various medications can achieve. There were a couple times when I thought “I cannot take this anymore”, and then the medication kicked in. Praise God for giving people the knowledge, wisdom, and foresight to produce medications that help and heal when utilized appropriately.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (John 6:63)

BJ’s post from yesterday titled “Do you want to be healed?” really caught my attention because much like my physical pain and suffering, the weight and impact of sin can bring us to a dark place. I want to be healed physically and I want to live life on this earth, but what I really need is an eternal healer, and eternal life. There is only one physician who can heal us from the shame, sorrow, guilt, and loss that we encounter through our sins, and his name is Jesus.

2 Chronicles 18; Revelation 7; Zechariah 3; John 6