Daily Reflections on Jn. 10:11-18 (Aliens)

To this day my oldest daughter is freaked out by E.T.. She sleeps with a light on in her closet when she's home. When she was a kid, all you had to say was, "phone home," and she'd be in a panic. A lot of people are fascinated by UFO's and aliens. There've been tons of TV shows, docu-dramas and movies suggesting the presence/existence of aliens on or visiting our planet. And if you've ever been to Roswell, NM, you know the town makes a living off of alien life.

In fact, some have suggested that v.16 of our text is a reference to life on other planets. "Sheep not of this pen that I must bring," according to some, means life elsewhere in the universe or solar system. Quite frankly, I think that's a BIG time stretch. That's making the text mean something out of context or say something Jesus didn't.

Jesus had been teaching Jewish people who considered themselves "God's Chosen People." They translated "chosen" as God's "ONLY" people. Even in the early years of the church, some erroneously taught/proclaimed/insisted that one had to become a Jew before he/she could become a Christian. When Jesus was talking about sheep not of this pen, He was refering to people like me, a non-Jewish sinner. Jesus was saying what He said in John 3:16, that he loved all the world, all persons, and was laying down His life for all people.

I think there's a tendency among the religious elite or even plain ol' church folk to center only on church folk and church. It's almost like a spiritual arrogance. We're the chosen people now, we're God's favorites, He's only concerned about our relationship with Him. Take another look, a closer look. Didn't Jesus also tell a parable about abandoning the 99 sheep in the fold to go look for the ONE outside the fold? Jesus said that He came to seek and save the lost, to gather all who will come to Him. He's as concerned for those who didn't grow up in the church, who've strayed from God and the church.

Unfortunately many pastors, church leaders, church members (refered to as "hirelings" in this passage) run from the ravenous wolves of this world to protect ourselves. We isolate ourselves in our church groups and church schools or home schools so that the evil of the world stays out. We circle the wagons and never venture out. But because of Jesus' love, He faced/faces the dangerous wolves head on to collect as many sheep as He can before they are devoured. He didn't wait until they wandered into the fold. He laid down down His life for them while they were among the wolves.

God, help me lose my fear of the aliens, the strangers, the outsiders and realize I was once one of those people. Give me the strength, courage and protection to face the ravenous wolves so that I might be a part of gathering your sheep not of your pen. David learned to do battle with the lion and the bear with only a sling shot, while tending his father's sheep. Later that gave him the confidence to battle with and defeat Goliath with only that same little sling shot (and your power). God, thanks for rescuing me. And thanks for leaving your light on in my closet just for me.

Daily Reflections on Judges 7:19-25 (Trumpets)

It'd been a long day and longer evening. The meeting that night had been arduous. The cool, gray, misty conditions only added to the craving for some restful slumber. As my exhausted Sr. Pastor arrived home that evening he draped his top coat over the corner of his bedroom door, slipped into his pj's and crawled into bed. Later the night he was awakened by a loud noise. As he peered around the darkened room without the aid of his glasses, he saw the back of an intruder leaving his bedroom in a top coat. He leaped from his bed to attack the intruder. BANG! The cut, so prominently displayed on his forehead the next day, was from hitting the corner of his bedroom door. He had attempted to tackle his own coat hanging right where he'd left it. The loud noise? Turned out to be a clasp of thunder.

Ever awakened from a deep sleep startled or not known where you were? Takes a minute to get oriented. That's the scene in the valley of Jezreel as Gideon and his 300 men broke their clay jars that concealed their lit torches, blew their trumpets and began shouting their victory cheer. Awakened by the sounds of battle echoing across the hills, 120,000 enemy troops slew each other while the remaining 15,000 fled in fear. The interesting thing, Gideon and his measley 300 men never had to raise a sword. All they did was to shine their lights, blow their intruments and shout praise and glory to God.

God isn't without humor in all this. When the Angel of the Lord came to find Gideon, Gideon was cowering in a wine press terrified of his enemies. The Angel of the Lord addressed Gideon at that moment as "mighty warrior." Now that's funny! The rest of us would have called him what he was, "chicken." But that's the point of the story. God takes inept men and puts them up against insurmountable odds and then hands them the victory.

Gideon's victory came not from his abilities, ingenuity, resources, determination or anything else. It came from the hand of God that was unleashed when Gideon and his friends obeyed God and praised God. Wouldn't it be great if all you had to do when you faced an overwhelming, impossible problem was follow God's lead and sing praise in shouts of adoration. Makes me want to break out my guitar right now.

God, I know my obedience to you is the key to personal victory. I don't understand why I don't surrender more of my earthly battles to you. Trusting you and giving you praise in the heat of battle isn't easy. Keep a song of praise on my lips as I go through this day. I give you my life and praise you for the victory.

Daily Reflections on Isa. 54:4-8 (Marriage)

Okay it seems a little weird. I'm not used to thinking of myself as the wife. Makes it hard for me to get a full grasp on the idea of God being my husband. Yet, again and again in the Old Testament God uses that analogy with His people. He talks about His people's abandonment of Him as "whoring after other gods" or prostituting themselves with other gods. He looks at it like adultery, like having an affair with a false god.

The same marriage image is depicted by Paul in Ephesians between Jesus and the Church, Jesus the groom, the Church the bride. Paul goes on to talk about how Jesus models what a husband really is supposed to be and how earthly husbands should learn from Jesus' example how to treat their wives.

The picture that God/Isaiah wants us to see is God's desire for intimacy with His people. He's painting the picture of God's love, protection, provision, restoration and security. Husbands worth their weight in salt always provide a sense of belonging and value and esteem to their wives. God wants to come along side of His people to nurture and care for us, encourage us, lift our spirits, help us stay focused. He wants to woo us and share with us. He wants us to feel alive and enriched. He wants us to experience His constant companionship.

I'm not very effeminate so, as I said, it's hard for me to get a handle on the full implications of God's imagery. I'm used to providing all those things and being all those things to my wife (at least trying to do and be all those things). But I can get a handle on what it means to be alone, rejected, abandoned, devalued, stressed out, ashamed, in trouble and without hope. I can see God as my rescuer and teammate and companion and big brother and mentor and guide.

God, although it's hard for me to picture myself as a wife, it's not hard for me to picture you as my supplier, defender, provider, savior and friend. There's plenty of times I've felt displaced, discouraged, distraught, and on my own. To know you as a friend that sticks closer than a brother, that never lets me down, that's always there to lift me up enriches and empowers my life. It gives me confidence to know that your are always there. Thanks for valuing me. Thanks for standing with me. Thanks for the assurance you provide. Thanks for giving me purpose and meaning and a place of belonging. Thanks for considering me family.

Daily Reflections on Mt. 7:21-27 (Who's Going to Heaven?)

Who's getting into heaven? I'm generally amazed and amused by the discussion. In my years as a pastor I guess I've heard a zillion reasons for getting into heaven from "I'm a good person" to "I grew up in the church" to "My grandmother or grandfather was real religious" to "God is a good god so everybody will be saved." I've heard various theological opinions and rituals to perform. As I visit with families at the death of a loved one sometimes I hear a litany of reasons why grandpa or cousin Joe, who never had anything to do with Christ, never darkened the door of a church and the only time he used the name of God was in an expletive, was going to heaven.

Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he (or she) who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." That's pretty clear. Jesus goes on to say that prophesying in His name doesn't get you in. Driving out demons in His name doesn't get you in. Performing miracles doesn't automatically get you into heaven. Does that mean I could have perfect church attendance for 50 years and not get it? I could give large sums of money to the church and not get into heaven? Absolutely!

Church attendance, keeping rules and regulations, outward signs of religiosity or spirituality aren't what get you into heaven. My guess is the Apostle John missed a few Sundays while in exile on Patmos and Paul probably had to skip sometimes while he was in prison. What Jesus plainly said gets you into the kingdom of heaven is doing the will of God, the Father. How do I do that? Jesus said it's by surrendering your life and will completely to God. It boils down down to submission and obedience that stem from an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It's about building your life on and in Him.

God is always more interested in what's going on in your heart and mind. It's easy to put on a show. Many of us do that to impress our peers. God is interested in authentic surrender and submission to Him, that's played out in genuine obedience and behavior. Lip service is not enough. Our life and lifestyle counts for something.

God, look into my heart. See if there is any wicked way in me. Guide me in your paths by your Holy Spirit. Cleanse me, renew me, lead me each day. I'm not interesting in showing off or pretense. I simply want to be yours to do with as you see fit. I submit my will to you.

Daily Reflections on Phil. 4:14-20 (My Needs)

Seems like I'm always in need of something. I guess maybe I should say I'm always in "want" of something. Most of my basic needs are met on a daily basis. Although many of the things I think I need are probably just wants in disguise or because I've gotten myself in a predicament that have turned my wants into real needs.

V.19 of today's passage is so encouraging. God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches. YE-AH. Sounds good. Here's the list God, now do your stuff. I'm waiting. And oh by the way, here's how I'd like you to do it. I have a need, I rub the genie lamp and out God pops grant my wish.

Actually, that's not quite how it works. Many of God's promises are tied to conditions. For example, to receive salvation, God requires repentance and surrender. In other words, to get eternal life you have to give Him your life. Jesus said if you want to be first, you put yourself last (Mk. 9). If you want to be great, you have to become a servant (Mt.20). If you want to be forgiven, you have to forgive others (Mt. 6). In Lk. 6, Jesus says give and it will be given to you.

The implication in this text is that because the Philippian church eagerly and sacrificially met Paul's needs on a regular basis, God would take care of their needs. Paul met their spiritual needs by giving his life freely to them. Consequently, they fulfilled Paul's financial and personal needs.

It would seem that our willingness to meet other's needs is a prerequisite for God meeting our needs. If I'm a stingy, selfish person, why would God extend His riches to me? If all I do is sit around focusing on me and exacerbate my own needs by poor decisions or willful disobedience, why would God intervene in my life? Maybe the solution to your needs is simply to start giving to others, to be sensitive to the needs of others, to extend yourself to minister to others. You're misinformed if you think God's going to be your personal butler.

God, I've never wanted to be a taker in life. I know that sometimes I do serve myself over others. Use me to be a vessel to care for others. I know that as I open myself up to your service, you'll keep me supplied. I want to be a blessing to others. I want people to be amazed at your glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Daily Reflections on 2 Cor. 4:1-6 (It Bothers Me)

Starting a new church is hard! It's tough to compete against churches with large budgets, good facilities, lots of staff, programs, established reputations, plenty of resources and oodles of options. Here we sit with no facilities, an ultra lean budget, a volunteer staff, no programs, no reputation, extremely limited resources and options, well, not much. It's a real temptation to use any and all gimmicks to just get people's attention and try to lure people in. It'd be easy to become a carnival, where I fill the role as a barker. "Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up and experience the greatest show on earth. You'll see.... You'll experience...."

Unfortunately, many churches have already succumbed to that mentality. I've witnessed youth ministries and children's ministries resort to this to attract kids and teens and parents and make sure their constituents all have a good time.

I confess it bothers me when I see churches/ministries giving away TVs, ipods, bikes, Xboxes, PS3's, Wii's, just to get kids to come to an event. It bothers me when I see churches put on a show each Lord's Day to entertain their audience. It bothers me when I hear preachers and teachers say, "Come to Jesus and all your troubles will be over." It bothers me when I hear preachers and teachers say, "Jesus wants you to be rich, just trust God for that house or boat or car or plane." It bothers me when I hear preachers and teachers offer excuses for sinful behavior, i.e. "You're made that way.", "It's a demon in you.", "You're really not that bad.", etc.

Paul's approach? Simply present the message of God's grace and His Good News. What I've found in starting a new church that's focused on extending ourselves to the disenfranchised, disconnected, dechurched and never churched is that the message of the Gospel transforms lives. The Word of God truly makes a difference in people's lives when read, studied, and applied. Programs don't change lives, God does. Buildings don't change lives, the Bible does. Money doesn't change lives, Jesus does. Shows don't change lives, genuine caring and ministry by God's people do.

God, help me and our leaders not to resort to gimmickry or worldly marketing methods in our new church. Help me/us to lift up Jesus. Help me/us to hold out the Word of Life. Help me/us to genuinely share grace and mercy and caring to people I/we encounter. Lord, I don't want to have a "compete" mentality. Let your light shine through me. Help me simply point people to you. I want to assist those who've been blinded to your Good News and glory.

Daily Reflections on Lam. 3:25-29 (Alone)

Oh the exuberance of youth! As a teen I began a real journey of faith in Christ. After 4 years of Bible College, I was ready to take on the world and reform the Church. I had all the answers in my mind. (The only problem was that I didn't even know all the questions.) I was ambitious, impetuous, adventurous, idealistic, oh and one more thing, naive (that sounds better than stupid).

I know for most of my youthful years many people considered me downright arrogant. I probably was. I thought of myself as confident, assured and determined. After all, a leader with a spiritual vision has to be, right? My attitude was, "Okay, Lord, I know what to do, just turn me loose. I'm raring to go." And God let me go, on my own. You'd think after a couple train wrecks I'd have learned. But some of us are either just plain stubborn or slow learners. Truth is, I may have been both.

All of us learn through the school of hard knocks. We learn through the trials and hardships and struggles of life. We call this "life experience." The more we experience in terms of difficulties and challenges and victories, the wiser we become. As we get battered around in life, we are forced to listen to others, to rely on others, to ask for help. It's during those times we are often forced into isolation, to sit alone in silent ponder.

These are times I've experienced my greatest spiritual growth. These are the times I find myself crying out to God from my knees or face down on the floor or at least my bed. If we don't have these times, we'd probably never learn to rely on God or listen for His voice, His direction, His guidance, His timing. I can't say that these have been the most pleasurable experiences of my life, but they have been some of the deepest, most intimate growth I've had. For in these times I've seen the power of God and the grace of God.

Going through a lonely time? A difficult time? Relish it. Make the most of it. Use the time wisely. Remember it was in those times that God spoke to the heroes of the Bible, like Moses, Elijah, David, Samuel, Gideon, Noah, Abraham, Peter, Paul and others. It was after those encounters that they experienced some of their greatest ministry. You're not alone. You're actually in good company. Ps. 46 says in those moments to be still, relax, cease your striving and know that He is God.

God, waiting on you is hard. Having to endure loneliness and failure and rejection is hard. Thanks for the lessons I've learned in the past. Thanks for demonstrating your power, your presence and your wisdom. Thanks for providing the strength you promised in Isa. 40. I'm still learning to wait on you, especially waiting quietly. Forgive my arrogance.

Daily Reflections on 2 Cor. 4:16-18 (Problems)

Light? Momentary? Are you kidding me Paul? Some of the stressors in my life seem anything but light and momentary. Sometimes it feels like I'm carrying the weight of the world. My chest hurts. My breathing is rapid and shallow. I can't sleep. I get indigestion every time I try to eat. My back and neck ache. I wouldn't call some of the stuff I have to endure light or momentary. It's more like heavy, unbearable, incapacitating, with no end in sight.

To be honest, I can't count the situations that I've encountered in life that appeared to have no solution. Impending doom or disaster was looming at my doorstep. Medical bills to car repairs to leaky roofs to personnel issues to health issues to relationship issues to church issues to employment issues to you fill in the blank, I've had to face some overwhelming odds that I couldn't figure out or had the resources to handle.

Whenever I face such situations, I have a tendency to grit my teeth, gather my determination and jump into it with the idea that I'm going down swinging (which usually happens, I go down and then I'm depressed). The older I get, I'm learning to do exactly what Paul says here, to look beyond the crisis or hardship and fix my eyes on the one who has the ability and power and wisdom to deal with it. I'm learning to look for my strength not in my ingenuity or savvy or abilities or even my determination, but to rely on God for the kind of strength I need to endure.

I've found that when I'm dealing with issues on my own, I'm tense, terse, and temperamental. My internal restlessness is experienced by everyone in my presence or close proximity. However, when I am able to put my trust in God completely, the best way I know how, then I experience an inner peace. I'm then able to endure without panic, the situation I face. My spirit remains alive in me and my intimacy with God seems to grow.

God, it's so easy to focus on all my problems instead of you. I know that if I'm seeking to do your will many of my problems wouldn't exist. I realize I get myself into many a mess. That's why I'm looking to you. Lord, help me not to be overcome by my struggles or emotions or even depression. Allow me to see life from your perspective so that I don't lose heart. I'm looking past my problems today, Lord. I'm keeping my eyes focused on you.

Daily Reflections on Phil. 4:8-9 (An Undisciplined Life)

You are what you eat. That’s what I’ve been told by those who know. I really don’t want to think about it. It’s hard to picture myself as a burrito or pizza or big juicy hamburger. There are plenty of things that I shove in my face that are no doubt unhealthy for me. I eat it anyway. And that’s probably why my scale says, “One at a time please,” when I step on it and my doctor hands me blood pressure and cholesterol drugs.

I live such an undisciplined life. I used to exercise or play sports virtually every day. Now I watch sports in a prone position and the only exercise I get is my regular walks to the fridge. I’ve built up quite a bicep on my right arm from opening and closing the fridge door. My thumb is sleek, toned, agile and well conditioned from punching buttons on the remote.

I’d like to say that I’m disciplined in other areas of my life. However, one quick glance at my office with stacks of papers, folders and stuff strewn from one end to the other would tell a different story.

In athletics I learned that the hardest thing to get into shape and keep conditioned was my mind. It wandered a lot. It got distracted and lost focus. It got tired and wanted to take a break. Concentration, keeping my head in the game 100% of the time was a huge challenge.

Actually, that’s the problem for me in most areas of life. Things, people, events, crises, circumstances, change ups, fastbreaks, other talent, rare opportunities, special moments, you name it, all sorts of things grab my attention and cause me to redirect my focus or let down, or become confused. The area of my mind that gets totally lost in the shuffle of life is my spiritual focus. Everything else seems to consume my thoughts and energy.

Paul’s closing exhortation in Philippians is about focus. He says to zero in on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. Then put into practice what you’ve seen, heard or experienced in these regards.

God, I realize that most my turmoil, frustration, stress and failure come from focusing on the wrong things. I get so distracted so easily. I’m trying each day to change my thinking to your way of thinking. The more I do, the more I experience your peace in my life and a greater peace with others.

Daily Reflections on 2 Cor. 4:5-11 (Dispelling Darkness)

This past winter we suffered the ice storm of the century. Trees snapped in half under the weight of the ice. Power was out across the city for several days. Many streets were impassable due to falling branches and trees. As I stood on my porch at night and looked across our community. I'd never heard it so quiet. Only the sound of another branch cracking and falling broke the silence. A verse from the early chapters of Genesis came to mind, "the earth was formless and void and darkness covered the face of the earth."

To say it was dark would be an understatement. Not even a single street light. Occasionally you could see a beam of a flashlight piercing the darkness. It was dark and bone chilling cold! We lit candles to find out way around the house and huddled around the fireplace for warmth. The few places that by some miracle had power had people swarming it like June bugs to a porch lamp. When the power finally came back on, there were cheers of celebration.

We're all drawn to light. The darker our experience, the greater the appeal of light. The Bible describes God as light. Jesus said He was the light of the world. I love Paul's description of his conversion experience. God's light shined so brightly into his life that he literally went blind for a short period of time. Yet in this passage it wasn't his eyes he refers to, it's his heart. God's light shined into his heart, dispelling the darkness and revealing the glory of God.

Paul became a lantern, aglow with the light of God. When God shines into our hearts, we become reflectors of His marvelous light. It's obvious it's God's light and not our own and that's what makes the message so powerful. God's plan, to make a difference in the lives of people through those of us who have been empowered by the light of God. The good news is that God's light continues to shine even when I have a power shortage, i.e. crisis, stress pressure, calamity, hardship, etc.

God, thanks for shining your light into my darkened heart. I need you. I long for your light in my life. Shine through me so that others can see your glory and find their way.

Daily Reflections on Titus 3:3-7 (Pounding Erasers)

I did it because it was fun! Sometimes at recess and sometimes after school. As a third grader I had a blast with some of my classmates cleaning the erasers and chalk boards. We'd pound those puppies together trying to create the biggest dust cloud. Biggest dust cloud wins. Then it was a race to get your board the cleanest, the fastest. Every inch had to be sparkling green again with no streaking and no puddles of water on the floor. Our teacher must have thought we were nuts. No one asked us. We weren't being punished. We just thought it was cool.

I love to compete and I love to race. But in my hurry, I often had to go back and wipe the board clean again, because as it dried it would leave ugly yellow streaks and smudges on the green board. I'd look over at one of my meticulous friends who carefully and thoroughly was wiping every inch of the board with their damp sponge. I was totally amazed at the pristine nature of their board as it dried. I always had to go back and do mine over.

Although chalkboards have given way to dry erase boards and now smart boards and video projection, the image of the old dust flying from those erasers and seeing those green boards dry to a pristine purity depicts to me the cleansing power of God's grace through Jesus Christ. Without entering into a philosophical or theological discussion of "tabula rosa" or "TULIP," that image describes what God does in my life initially when I first come to faith in Christ and daily as I surrender my life to Him.

A lot of stuff gets written on my board. Sometimes I try to erase it and start over, but the dusty smudges are always there. The more I write or someone else writes, draws, scribbles or diagrams, the more cluttered and confusing my life becomes. When God washes me, I'm pristine again. Nothing that's gone on in the past is evident on my life board. I have what's known as a "clean slate." What I do with my life board from here on out is fresh and new. My past no longer clouds my future.

God, it's miserable when I cloud the issue with my own attempts at starting over. I'm frustrated by the smudges of my past. Wipe my board clean. Make me pristine. Allow me to articulate with clarity your glory, to artfully sketch your majesty. Better yet, you take the chalk. You write on my life. You draw your design. I trust you. I want to be a benefit to others. Communicate through me the splendor of your good news.

Daily Reflections on Ex. 32:1-20 (American Idols)

It happens all the time. We create our own idols to worship or celebrate. More often than not, the idols we create have something to do with meeting a pleasure need. Granted, life is tough and we need some relief from all the stressors and pressures and demands and deadlines.

What concerns me is that there is a tendency to create those idols even in the church. A few years ago a church I was serving moved from its meeting place of forty years to a new location just a half mile down the street. On our final Sunday in the old place we held a special service commemorating the good times and all the things God had done in and through our body at that location. We put some special momentoes in an ark, so to speak, that one of our men had specially crafted for the occasion. Our elders led the march down the street (with a police escort) to our new facility.

But some of our people couldn't let go of the old church home. In fact, 100 people were so tied to the old building that they wouldn't make the move to our new home. The irony was that most of them, instead of staying with their church family, went to other churches and a few decided not to go anywhere.

It's not the first time I've seen it. I've witnessed various forms of idol worship in churches I've served or attended. From stained glass windows, to pews, to positions of stage furniture (especially pianos, pulpits, and communion tables), to decorations, to the building itself. Sometimes the idols are persons or traditions or styles of worship (traditional, contemporary, alternative or hip hop) or the version of the Bible. The sad thing is that most people who create and worship the idol that they've created, don't even recognize it as an idol.

The Israelites created their own idol when Moses was alone on the mountain with God. The idol creators of today are really no different. The reason idols become idols or are created, appear to be because there is no real or intimate relationship with God, Himself. We create idols to satisfy our own need. We want something or someone that's tangible, someone or something we can see or touch. I'm not saying these people don't love God. I'm saying that the lack of depth in their relationship with Him demonstrates that He isn't really alive in their daily life. There's something missing.

I'm not anti tradition or ritual or church buildings. I'm anti putting any thing or person above God, Himself as the central figure of worship. The interesting thing for me in this passage of scripture is that when the Israelites created and worshiped their own idol, both God and Moses referred to them to the other as, "the people YOU brought out of Egypt." Neither wanted to claim them. Both of them burned with anger toward them. It's also interesting to me that the first command God gave Moses to write down after this incident was, "You shall have no other gods before me," and the second was don't make any graven image (idol).

God, thanks for not making me drink my melted down, burned up, ground up to a powder idol. I want you to be my central and only figure of worship. I bow down to you and no one or nothing else. I long for the same encounter and intimacy Moses had with you, to experience your presence and hear your voice, to converse freely with you.

Daily Reflections on Jn. 10:25-30 (Testing the Rope)

Trust and belief go together. If you don't trust something or someone, you'll be apprehensive about it or them. You're apprehension is based on your unfamiliararity. The more you believe in someone or something, the more carefree, confident you are. The first time you take off on a rope swing, you're a little tentative. You pull on the rope a few times to test its strength. You jump off gingerly preparing yourself for the fall in case the rope breaks. You get a little more energetic with each jump. After several successful attemps, you're running full steam trying to maimize the effect of your jump.

That's how faith works. Letting go initially is a real risk. Since you've never known what God can do in your life, you're tentative about letting Him have everything. That's why I always encourage people first coming to faith in Christ to trust God as much as they know how. Deeper trust comes from an expanded experience with God. The more you believe in Him and His ability to intercede in your life, the greater the trust. As your trust develops, your belief deepens.

When you don't know Christ very well, it sometimes causes hesitation to follow or even skepticism to what He teaches. But the more you know Him, the more you find His teachings and commands to be true, then the more your are willing to put your life in His hands. The more you release yourself into His hands, the more assured you become in life, the more content you are within yourself.

God wants you to test His rope. Give it a good tug. Take the leap. He fully expects you to jump gingerly at first. His rope won't break. The more you swing, the more enthusiasticly you'll want to jump. Where in your life do you need to get off the branch, the ledge and go for it with God? You'll never know what God can do until you grab the rope and give it run.

God, I'm listening for your voice. I want to go where you want to take me. I'm following you. I'm placing myself fully into your hands. I want to experience life in you to the fullest. I'm ready for the swing of my life. Here goes, God. I'm jumping!

Daily Reflections on Mt. 9:35-38 (Eyes)

The print was getting to hard to read. I'd stand on stage with my thinline Bible and try to read the scripture. It was almost embarrassing as I stumbled through the words. I switched to my larger print Bible, but after speaking for five services a Sunday, my arm got so sore holding it up. I'd be getting cramps in my arm by the last service. You try holding out 5 lbs for 3 and 1/2 hours a day.

I finally broke down and bought a cheap pair of reading glasses. Unfortunately, before I could wear them "in the pulpit" one of my girls knocked them off the kitchen bar and stepped on them when she went to pick them up. She inadvertently broke off an ear piece. Being the cheapskate I am, I wore them anyway with only one ear piece. Needless to say, the audience that Sunday had a good laugh at my expense. In the crowd that day, my now eye doctor met me at the door informing me of my appointment with her the next day.

After my eye test, she said to me, "As we mature (words not normally directed at me) our vision sometimes deteriorates." "Let's try some corrective lenses to get you seeing clearly again," were the next words from her lips. Corrective lenses? Seeing clearly? My experience in the eye doctors office opened my eyes in more than one way. Not only was I able to read God's Word more clearly, I could see God's will more clearly as well.

As we mature in Christ or the longer we hang with only "church" people, the dimmer our vision gets toward the needs of people around us every day. It's not that we're completely blind, it's that everything gets a little blurred. We are so involved in living our own life, fulfilling our "church duties or responsibilities" that we lose sight of the needs of people in the world.

In my quest to be "spiritual," I cannot ignore the needs of people who are struggling through life right next to me. It's important to keep my eyes on Jesus, to celebrate personally and corporately in praise and worship and to dig into God's Word. However, Jesus calls me out of my pew, out of my Bible study, out of my prayer closet, out of my rich fellowship to the "harvest field." In a parallel passage Jesus says, "Lift up your eyes...." In other words, "take a look around, see what I'm seeing. Can't you see how great the needs are? We need more people making a difference in the lives of their neighbors and communities."

God, I need constant vision correction. Help me to see with your eyes, to feel with your heart, to act with your passion. Give me the wisdom and insight and strength to work in your field.

Daily Reflections on 1 Cor. 15:57-58 (Struggling)

"Oh victory in Jesus...." I loved that song growing up. It was fun to sing. I love the idea of being a winner. "And I repented of my sin and won the victory." Well, if I won the victory, how come I still face all these battles? Why is life so hard? What happened to, "come to Jesus and everything will good in your life?" Cause it seem I'm struggling just as hard if not harder than before I accepted Christ. Seems like the "abundant life" I got in Christ was abundant challenges and trials.

After reading through Paul's misadventures in the faith, including beatings, stonings, imprisonments, harassment, etc. somehow my idea of victory in Jesus has changed. If Paul can talk about victory in Christ after enduring all that, there must be something deeper. Understanding what "victory in Jesus" means involves a wider perspective. It implies we're in a spiritual battle that's bigger than us.

Every day of my life I'm engaged in the battle whether I know it or not. Some days the fighting is more intense than others but it's there nonetheless. Paul assures us that no matter what we face in life that if we will stand firm in the power of Christ and His resurrection we will win in the end. Nothing I do for Christ and His Kingdom will go unrewarded in eternity. In fact, the only things that have lasting value are the things we do for Christ and His Kingdom.

The battle requires all of our being. You can't go half-heartedly into battle and expect to win. It means giving everything, heart, soul, mind and strength. "When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound and time will be no more, and the morning breaks eternal bright and fair, when the saints of earth shall gather over on the other shore, when the roll is called up yonder I'll be there." Victorious Christian living means engaging in life here and now with the assurance of victory for eternity.

God, some days it's really hard to stay focused on your victory. Some days I just want to give up or just stay in bed. Some days, I'm just really complacent and other days totally oblivious. Help me to live each day by your power. Give me the confidence and assurance to face each challenge and trial and opportunity. Thanks for plunging me to victory beneath your cleansing flood.

Daily Reflections on Lk. 14:15-24 (It's Party Time)

It's why I answered the call to plant a church. Nobody wanted to come to the party. Everyone was too busy doing their own thing, concerned abut their own stuff, only interested their own self-gratification. Others outside in the streets, the bars, the neighborhood, those hurting and searching and wandering were basically ignored. "We got enough to deal with on our own to worry about THEM."

The church I served before I left to plant a church is a great church. God touched hundreds of lives and ministries to others were springing up from within. I love those people dearly. But the larger a church grows, the more it can turn inward and lose sight of the needs of those outside of Christ. I found myself, as senior pastor, being pressed into purely administration, maintenance, and only preaching/teaching. My passion is extending God's love to those outside of God's family. Nothing thrills me more than sharing with, encouraging and offering hope to those stumbling through the darkness of a lost world.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He came as a shepherd to the shepherdless, as a hope to the hopeless, as a hand to the outcast and downcast, as a way out to the imprisoned, as good news to the poor, as vision for the blind, as freedom for the oppressed and enslaved. Jesus is the bread of life, the light of the world, the only way to God.

Jesus' desire was the same as His Father's, that all men and women would come to repentance (change your way of thinking to God's way of thinking) and become a part of His family. Join the banquet feast. Come to the party. For several years I've had a picture/painting in my office of an endless banquet table that is elegantly set, but all of the seats are empty. It's a constant reminder of God's unending invitation to those who've not yet accepted God's offer. It's so easy to get caught up with other things of seeming importance in life as a believer, a pastor, a church that we forget that God wants His table full, not a few full people at His table becoming lethargic and sleepy after another big meal.

God, I confess I've enjoyed eating at your table, stuffing and gorging myself on your word, the fellowship, etc. Forgive me for my lack of passion and action. I know you want your table full. Give me the insight and wisdom and passion to go to the highways and byways to extend your good news and invitation. God help me GO and not sit in my church waiting for people to come to me or my church. I want to party with the angels who celebrate when a person comes to faith in Christ.

Daily Reflections on Phil. 4:4-7 (Worry)

When you first read today's passage the little tune by Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry, Be Happy," might come to mind. The thought seems almost as ridiculous as the song. Rejoice always? Right! Don't be anxious about anything? Right! How? Paul obviously must not have faced the same things I face. Telling people not to worry is like telling water not to run downhill.

I fight a little blood pressure problem and have rightly been accused of having "white coat" blood pressure (that means when they take my pressure in the doctor's office it always goes up). When I was first diagnosed and monitored they'd take my blood pressure and it would be high, so they would make me lie down in a dark room and tell me not to think about my pressure. They'd come back in twenty minutes or so and my blood pressure would be ten points higher. A friend of mine said he would quote the 23rd Psalm to make his go down. I tried it and mine still went up. How spiritual am I?

Let's face it, we all worry about something. We all face situations that seem overwhelming or unbearable. Anxiety and worry are a part of life. But do they have to be? Anxiety and worry occur when things are out of our control. We bite our nails, fidget, wring our hands, sweat, shake, pace, become full of nervous energy when we lose our ability to manipulate our environment or make something happen.

Rejoicing in the Lord isn't about walking around with an empty mind and a fake smile plastered to our face. Rejoicing in the Lord is more about resting in Him, trusting Him, finding our confidence in Him. It's being aware that the Lord is near and He's in control. Things may be out of my control, but they are certainly not out of God's control. So I release my anxiety to Him through prayer, petition, and praise. I can walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I can sit in the presence of my enemies or an unforeseen future because God is with me. That gives me confidence and peace as I walk through the uncertainties of life.

God, I'm rejoicing in you today. I choose you to focus on you and not circumstances or challenges. You created life to enjoy in you and I plan to do that today. God, I can't control every circumstance in life any more than I can control the weather, but you can. Even the wind and the waves obey your command. God, I want to live today by your peace and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Daily Reflections on Acts 9:26-31 (Suspicious Minds)

Suspicion and skepticism is the order of the day! We question the intent and motives of virtually everyone with whom we do business or even interact. It's everywhere in our society. And unfortunately it's crept into the American church. Perhaps the national scandals have contributed to the cynicism in and around the church, from the sexual abuse of boys by priests, to the drug use and homosexual rendezvous of Ted Haggard, to the Jim and Tammy Faye Bakers and Jimmy Swaggerts. It's no wonder the church is disrepute with the world.

But it isn't just the high profile cases that are giving the church a bad name. The personal agendas, power struggles, and disputes in local churches are ripping apart the growth and development of the church in America. Research by a friend of mine found that there is not one county in the US that has a greater percentage of believers today than it did just 10 years ago. At the current rate of decline, only 12% of the nation will consider themselves a "Christian" by the year 2050.

Division, fights, splits, disunity, wrong motives, gossip, selfishness, personality conflicts and personal animosity are wrecking the church. It's not the church that Jesus established. That's part of the problem. It's gone from being Christ's church to MY church. Isn't Christ supposed to be the head of the church, every church? Not the pastor or bishop or governing board or denominational head quarters or ladies group or the guy with the most money or influence or been there the longest.

When the apostles in this passage dealt with the controversy surrounding Paul and sent him home to Tarsus for a season of growth, the text here says the church enjoyed a time of peace. It also says the Holy Spirit could then strengthen and encourage the church which in turn led to growth in the number of people accepting Christ and becoming a part of God's family and growth in living in the fear/respect of the Lord. Peace led to more than just a succession of hostilities. It led to more people being drawn to and accepting Christ and a deeper spiritual walk with God.

Isn't it time we drop all the personal opinions and agendas, dealt with the personality conflicts, bickering, backbiting, finger pointing and selfishness? I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a season of peace. I'm ready to be encouraged and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. I'm ready to grow as a church in a deeper intimacy with God. I'm ready to see hundreds, thousands of lives come to know Christ in their life.

God, help me be an instrument of your peace, not a source of controversy and consternation. Help me lead through your Spirit. I want to sense your presence deeper each day. I want to be a vessel that extends your good news. I want our church to model you, grow in you, serve like you, submit like you, love like you, offer hope like you.

Daily Reflections on Eph. 4:31-5:2 (Playing God)

Temper tantrums! We throw them when we don't get our way. We learned them as a child. Don't get what we want, we scream, holler, cry, demand, stamp and stomp until we prevail. Kids can be very dramatic in their antics and somewhat boisterous. As we age, we get more sophisticated in our temper tantrums. The antics change, but our heart actually darkens. Instead of just throwing a simple temper tantrum and being done with it, we hold onto it, nurture it, rehearse it again and again in our mind.

The longer we hold onto it, the deeper the bitterness and stronger the anger and animosity grows. It gets played out in passive aggression, continual confrontation, growing hatred, defensive attitudes, slanderous words and general frustration. It leads to road rage (even when we're not behind the wheel), tension, suspicion, sleepless nights and upset stomachs.

The solution? Get rid of it. That doesn't mean you get your revenge or demand an apology. Paul says you get rid of it by imitating God. This is one time you get to play God. And if you're gonna play God, you have to act like God by repaying malice with kindness, compassion, forgiveness and love. As Jesus hung on the cross and the crowd ridiculed Him, instead of blasting them into oblivion, He ask the Father to forgive them. His love kept Him on the cross.

My problem, when I play God, I have this tendency to come at it as judge, jury, and executioner. If it were me on the cross, I would have given them a taste of my power and caused them a little discomfort of their own. "Okay, I'm gonna endure this cross thing for you, but I wouldn't have to you know." Let them experience a little fear of God!

However, if I want to free myself, I've got to release the hurt and bitterness and anger. As long as we hold onto those feelings, we allow the other person and their actions to control us and our thoughts and influence our actions and affect all our relationships. It steals our joy of life.

Holding on also diminishes our relationship with God. It sucks the life out of our intimacy with Him. Instead of enjoying our time with God, we find ourselves whining and complaining all the time. It's hard for us to frolic in the love and grace of His forgiveness and mercy. Offering grace and forgiveness causes us to experience the fullness of God's forgiveness.

God, help me to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving like you. Thanks for your forgiveness and grace and mercy and love. Thank you Jesus for laying down your life for me.

Daily Reflections on Ps. 103 (I'm So Ignorant)

I don't think I spend enough time, effort, focus on just praising God. I rarely sit down with my guitar and just play and sing praise to God. I don't sing along with the radio most of the time when I have it on because I'm listening to sports or talk radio. I'm too busy throughout the day getting my stuff done to stop and focus on just praising God. Even though most of my conversations with people are about spiritual or church matters, very few of my words get directed at Him in praise.

I guess I'm just comfortable with my relationship with God. So comfortable I almost take it for granted. It's like now that I've got this salvation thing, I only need to give praise once a week for about 20 minutes and on special occasions. It's similar to my mentality with my wife, now that I've got this marriage thing done, I only need to recognize her on special occasions. Not that I don't love my wife, I do, but because I've grown comfortable in our relationship I forget to pour on the plaudits, accolades and acknowledgments.

Why is it we get so caught up with the routines and issues and demands of life that we forget what's really important in life? I'm so busy and focused on taking care of the stuff of life that I forget to enjoy the creator and sustainer of life. Sometimes I think I just make matter worse in my life by constantly pressing or fretting. David brings up a good point in this Psalm. God is the one who heals, forgives, redeems, crowns, satisfies, renews, restores, supplies, repays, accepts, provides, offers, relates, sustains, comforts, protects, establishes, reveals, and more. Just read the Psalm.

God, forgive my ignorance and self-absorption. As David says, I'm like the flower or grass of the field that's here only for a short time. I'm nothing. You're everything! How could I forget you or forget to praise you throughout my day. I want my life to be a praise to you, to bring you honor and glory.

Daily Reflections on 1 Pet. 4:12-19 (Trials and Suffering)

I'm a wimp! I encounter a few struggles in life and I think the whole world's against me. I have no idea what it really means to be persecuted for Christ's sake. Sure I've been kicked around for doing what I've thought God was asking me to do, but that's always been by "Christians." I've felt the ostracism by some for my faith or stand (once again mostly by other "believers." But come on, I've never faced real persecution for my faith. Nobody's led a stoning party against me with real stones. Nobody's imprisoned me for preaching. Nobody's beat me for proclaiming Christ. No one has thrown me to the lions or hung me on a cross just for claiming Christ as king.

I'm just a big baby. Things don't go my way and I want to throw in the towel, take my toys and go home. I don't know the first thing about suffering. I have felt the onslaught of spiritual warfare. I have experienced demonic oppression bearing down on me, my fellow leaders, and my church family. But I've never lost sight of putting on the armor of God and claiming my victory in Jesus.

That spiritual warfare stuff does take its toll on my mental state. I do get tired of weighing in as other battle for spiritual victory in Christ. And the day to day burdens of church, teaching, life and family work me over. But real honest to goodness suffering, I'm just a panty waist in that arena. To be honest, I'm not actually looking forward to entering that ring. Oh me of little faith. If you're so confident and spiritual you jump into the fire first.

Lots of things that many of us consider suffering isn't persecution for our faith. It's either the normal rigors of life in a fallen world or the consequences of our own stupid choices or actions. If we'd obeyed God in the first place we wouldn't have to face those issues.

Peter said it's hard enough for the righteous to be saved, what's gonna happen to the ungodly? That means no matter my my circumstance or situation I need to pursue Christ, praise Christ, obey Christ. I've met a lot of families this week in the ICU waiting room. They're suffering through the life and death crisis of their loved ones. I watch how each family clings to the hope of a doctor's ability or words. I sat there and shared my hope with them with my desire for them to find comfort in my God and Savior. I wanted to allow them to experience the same optimism, security and love I experience in God.

God, thanks for sparing me any real suffering. I praise you for those steadfast martyrs of faith past and present who truly have suffered and are suffering for your name. Lord, help me to be faithful to you and trusting of you in my minor trials so that you can receive the glory.

Daily Reflections on Ps. 25 (Stopping for Directions)

Taking a stand for Christ and living to God's standards is tough in today's culture. There is so much pressure from cultural norms, media influence and peer pressure to live life in total disregard of God's Word. Between my human, sinful nature and the pull of the world it's a daily struggle to follow God's path. I have a sense that I'm not alone.

David obviously had the same struggle and his honesty is an encouragement to me. He had, no doubt, all sorts of pressures as a leader. His position set him up as a high profile target of Satan, his political enemies, and would be power hungry hopefuls. I'm sure he had plenty of people offering him bribes, sexual advancements, special favors and temptations.

In order to maneuver through the maze of life, David knew his only hope was to hang onto the direction of God's Word, God's Truth, and God's Spirit. He had to recognize his own human tendencies, temptations, weakness, frailties, and limited insights. He knew the only person he could trust to give him the right advice every time was God.

Following after God requires a humbling of ourselves. That's something I continually have to learn the hard way. Even though I often excise my stupidity or stubbornness or maybe even obstinance, God is always patient with me when I finally seek out His advice, truth, or direction. When I do finally humble myself and follow God's directives, how much I'm blessed and enriched.

God, thanks for your consistent, positive, faithful direction. Even though it's hard sometimes to follow your path, Lord, I always find your truth to be right and a benefit to my life. No matter what everyone else is doing, I want to seek your path. Thanks for your patience, your forgiveness, your love.

Daily Reflections on Phil. 4:10-14 (Friends in Need)

Having true friends in times of crisis is really a blessing. As the saga with my father continues I've really been encouraged by my church family who have called and emailed me daily. It means a lot to have people stand with you in difficult days. Somehow just knowing that others care, are praying for you brings a sense of peace and comfort.

As Paul sat in prison he couldn't pick up his cell phone and call his buds or log onto Messenger or check his email or MySpace site. He sat all alone, possibly chained to a few guards. Life for him wasn't optimistic at that point. Yet every time a scroll arrives or visitor showed up at the door, Paul was warmed. He knows he is loved and that God is caring for his needs. Knowing Paul, he's no doubt was telling stories to his guards about his friends in Philippi and Ephesus and Corinth and Galatia and Antioch.

Paul had learned to be content in any and all circumstance, even though not every circumstance was pleasant. Some were hard like the one he was in at the time of this writing. But Paul had his contentment not in things or surroundings or circumstances. He had his contentment in God through Christ. His strength and endurance and determination and ability to adapt came in Christ. Paul knew he was never alone.

Even though Paul's relationship with Christ was deep, he felt encouragement from his brothers and sisters in Christ who demonstrated genuine concern by ministering to his physical, emotional and personal needs. Going through the difficult life challenge was made easier or bearable through the caring and presence and involvement of the Philippian church family.

God, I thank you for your presence in my life. I'm trying to find my contentment solely in you. But I also thank you for my friends and family in Christ who have extended themselves to me. I'm learning more and more how important it is to have believers around me with whom I can do life. Help me be an encouragement to others and sensitive to the needs of those around me.

Daily Reflections on Eph. 5:1-10 (True Freedom)

It was 1776 and on this date a group of statesmen gathered together to sign the Declaration of Independence from British rule. They set the course for a new, independent nation. That course would mean sacrifice and struggle and determination. Forging out a new democracy would be a challenge. This newly conceived democracy ultimately would become the pattern for freedom throughout the world. These visionaries broke the current mold of thinking and pursued a lifestyle unknown to the culture of the day.

Since the foundational days of the U.S. of A., successive generations have sought not only to follow the dreams of their founding fathers, but to flesh out the implications of those dreams. In many respects, Paul is urging followers of Christ to do the same thing, to live out the dreams and aspirations that God in Christ has for His people. As His children we are called to live by a standard that is antithetical to the world's lifestyle. Not that God calls us us to live above the world's level with a condescending attitude, but rather with the ambition of calling others to a higher plain.

The path of sin leads to tyranny and oppression. The Bible refers to it as being slaves to sin. Although many people think that if they accept Christ as Lord and Savior of their life, they will have to give up their freedom. It's just the opposite. People can choose to do whatever they want to do, but they can't choose the consequences of their actions or sin.

Paul says that Jesus is the only true path to freedom, that the Spirit of Life/Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death. Is the path to freedom easy? Not really. It came at a high cost, the life of Jesus. It takes courage, boldness, determination, self-sacrifice to follow Christ. Without that attitude and spirit, the U.S. wouldn't exist today. It took some gutsy people to pull that off. In a sense The Church is a new nation, a chosen nation according to Peter, that is set apart to fulfill God's purpose to bring true freedom to the world. We can't do that by following the old path.

God, I want to be a freedom fighter. I want to follow the example set by my forefathers of faith. Rising above the status quo of the world takes a sense of commitment and determination and empowerment that only comes from your Spirit. Fill me. Mold me. Empower me. I want to live to please you, God.

Daily Reflections on Phil. 3:8-11 (What's Life About Anyway?)

As I write this I'm sitting in an ICU waiting room with my father struggling for his life in the next room. Hospital waiting rooms are a unique place, especially ICU where everyone's loved one is in crisis. All else stops. Work, school, daily priorities, urgent tasks all seem to be less important. At these moments you can't help but reflect on what really matters in life.

Obviously God never intended for us just to sit around contemplating the lint in our navel. Paul says those who don't work don't get to eat. James says that those who don't take care of the needs of their families are worse than infidels. But when all else is stripped away, what are we left with?

The only thing that really means anything right now to my dad is his relationship with Christ. That's been his whole life, serving Christ, proclaiming Christ, holding up Christ. Recently, because of my dad's failing health, my folks downsized. Sold were the tools and toys and stuff that once seemed so important. Now? Hanging onto Christ is all he has.

I was reading these verses as a teen when I felt God's call on my life. It was one of those moments when I came face to face with God and the issue was whose was I going to be. It was as if God said, "Are you gonna give me your life or aren't you? What's it gonna be?" I chose to gain Christ.

Since that moment, my life changed. By pursuing Christ I stopped having to prove myself. I walk in the confidence of Christ, not my personality or gift mix or talents or intelligence or good looks. I stopped worrying about what my peers thought of me and started focusing on what Christ thought of me and fulfilling His purpose for my life. What a freeing experience!

God, there certainly are a lot of pulls on me in life, things that call me to direct my attention toward. Help me give the proper priority to those things that matter most. I don't want to reach the end of my life only to realize I chased the wrong things. Thanks for the security I have in you. My life is yours! Thanks also for my dad's promise of gaining you.

Daily Reflections on 1 Pet. 4:8-11 (What If?)

What if? What if people really showed love to one another. I don't mean showed general kindness or even politeness. I mean what if we really loved people the way God calls to love. What if we emptied ourselves like Christ and poured our life out in love? And not just to our friends but also to the people who infuriate us, irritate us, annoy us, frustrate us, or make our life hard for us.

Loving like Jesus isn't easy. It means becoming a servant to others. Real love isn't just empty words. It's a deep, genuine concern for the people around us that is demonstrated in warm-hearted servitude. What if each of us truly used our gifts, talents, resources to extend practical love to the widow or single mom, to the heart broken, to the homeless and abandoned, to the hungry, to the depressed, to the sick, to the forgotten, to the naked, to the jobless, to the financially crippled or even just strapped?

What if we really loved our neighbor; the person who really does live next door or the person who works next to us or who sleeps next to us in bed? What if we really just loved our church family? What if we really extended ourselves to the people who sit in the pew or chair next to us or attend our small group/Sunday School class. What would a church that really loved each other look like anyway?

Peter says here in these verses that as believers we are to love through service, using whatever gifts we have to serve others faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms in such a way that people actually experience God. When we love (of if we would love) the way God would love or in such a way that people feel God's love, feel His arms, hear His voice, then our faults, our inabilities, our humanness quietly vanishes as God becomes alive in us.

God, I want to be known as an extender of you love. I want to be the conduit through whom you touch lives. I want to disappear only to reflect your grace. God I don't want to be a whiner, but a gracious servant that flows with your love. Let my words cease and your words speak forth your comfort, encouragement and good news. Let my hands move with your touch or assistance. Let my arms offer your embrace or become your strength.