Best Disney Ride

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114 NIV

Disney in the summer is hot and crowded. Hey, it is Florida after all. In fact, I guess its crowded and hot all year long, except for the one year when it was the coldest on record and we froze. But I digress.

Here in Florida we pack plenty of water and sunscreen. But even so the heat and sun can become unbearable. During our day at one of the parks we took refuge on rides and in stores. The rides are mostly covered giving us a respite from the direct sun and the stores provide AC to help shield from the heat. The indoor water rides, like Pirates, offer both along with a way to sit and rest.

God is our cool indoor water ride. Just imagine the worst day and you are sweaty and tired and miserable. You're in pain or under stress. Your feet hurt. Run to God. He will give you shelter from the pain and a cool place to relax for a while. Ahhhhhh sweet relief. That's what God is. He's the ultimate Disney park ride and so much more.

Let him give you refuge today.

How to Tie Your Shoes

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 NIV

All throughout history we see evidence that parents and mentors passed on what they had learned in life to the next generation. Millions of dollars are spent each year on college attendance to teach the up and coming workforce. Yoda cautioned Luke to pass on what he had learned, that the only way for the Jedi to survive would be to have one remaining master and teacher. I teach children and adults what I've learned through my martial arts training, giving them the confidence to advance. Dozens of community action professionals just finished a national exam led by their predecessors, ensuring that the values of grassroots community work and leadership are continued.

Every day in every nation people train others. So why do we have an issue when it comes to training others in the gospel, the absolute best news of all? If we want to carry on God's work and bring as many to salvation as possible then we must pass on our knowledge and faith to others. It should be as simple as learning to tie shoes.

So be like Yoda: pass on what you have learned. Don't let others remain ignorant about the love and grace of God.

Test Day

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV

I like to think of all the ways this message is taught from the pulpits. I sense grandiose explanations of the greatness and awe of Gods throne and temple and how Jesus's death rent the curtain so we can enter. We're to get in our prayer closets and ascend to the highest level of intimacy and not come out until the problem is solved and the need is met.

Well, I don't think it's that complicated. Right now I am proctoring a national exam site for candidates taking a certification test. They've been preparing for literally months for this exam. For many it will mean an increase in responsibility in their organizations as well as an increase in pay. It's a big deal. They've been studying and learning. They can approach this test with confidence that they know the material. In their time of need they can draw on the knowledge of what they've been studying.

So it is with God's grace and mercy. We don't have to throw ourselves on the ground moaning and wailing begging God for help, waiting for some magical force to solve our problem. We've been studying his word. We've been talking with him. We can draw on that knowledge to help us when we need it most. There's not a mythical solution to our problems as in that car you need will not magically appear in your driveway because you've prayed and fasted for 3 days. God's word is all we need. He's already given us the tools we need to work through our needs, or survive them as the case may be. But either way there is an end and we have faith that he's with us through it all.

So study, learn, pray regularly. You'll be more than prepared when the test comes.

A Visionary

“Ah, Sovereign Lord , you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 NIV

I seem to be a bit more progressive than some people around me which means my ideas are more radical than expected. It's very hard to try to help people understand what I mean and to describe my vision. To me it's not that hard. A plus B equals C. We can do this. But it just doesn't come that easy for others. Being a visionary is sometimes lonely.

I like to think that God is a visionary, very forward thinking, always looking to the future without sacrificing the present. But I know that we don't always understand. We can't see his vision for us so things he asks of us may seem hars. But they're not to him. And he's here to help us.

So I'll continue being a visionary helping others along the way with God leading me. That's how we roll.

On Being Human

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV

I don't have much in the way of forbearance to give these days. I've been stretched to the end of my proverbial rope and I feel very sorry for anyone who crosses me at the moment. Why? Because I'm human and not perfect and experience human emotions. I think sometimes I experience them more deeply because I truly care about others. But we've been put under a lot of stress lately and little things set me off. I'm sure in time I'll return to normal.

But just because I may feel this way in the moment, it does not negate my obligation to others to treat them in a way that they see Jesus through me. They need to know that no matter how I feel, God's love for me doesn't change and my relationship with him remains constant.

Which means that God is always working through me, even when I'm being very human.

Suffering and Manicures

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3‭-‬4 NIV

Ok so I don't know about you but I'm not so sure I want to glory in my sufferings. I'm not even sure that I'm hopeful they will bring perseverance and character. I think I'd rather earn those a different way.

Beauty is painful, exercising is hard work, learning is tedious. I guess we could call this suffering in a way. In the end we have met the goal we set out to accomplish. But that doesn't make the journey any less painful.

I'm just being honest. No one invites pain and agony into their lives. But we can learn some powerful lessons along the way. I only hope I learn the lesson the first time. I think repeating anything would be like going back to a salon that ruins your nails. That's a whole different level of suffering.

Be the Voice

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 NIV

The world desperately needs this promise. It's inhabitants need to fully accept the hope emblazoned in these words. The world's souls are empty vessels that must be filled with God's love and his message of hope. The prophet Isaiah's word from God himself is reaching through the ages to deliver a message. A message of love. A message of hope.

We all suffer low days. We all are inhibited by human limitations. But our empty vessels are being filled with hate and loneliness, and are crying out for help. Those around to hear are not able to articulate God's word because it's been forgotten for so long.

People are hurting. People are dying inside. People need hope and a future. Be the voice of the prophet who brings them that kind word and fills their vessel with love.

God's Stanley Cup

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

So I just came to bed and the end of the Stanley Cup finals was on tv. The Washington Capitals just won for the first time in many years. Many players on the team have never won the Stanley Cup. Pro hockey is a punishing sport so to survive the brutal game schedule and win the championship is truly a skill to be admired. I've heard that a player can lose 10 to 15 pounds per game, not to mention the missing teeth and multiple facial cuts and bruises.

But I'm sure that all the punishment and misery endured over the season is a distant memory for those guys hoisting that Stanley Cup. All the sweat, tears, injuries and pain has been worth it for this moment.

So how much better is our reward at the end of our life here when we believe in the one true God? We know what awaits us. But we must first endure our time here before hoisting our own Stanley Cup. So keep your eye on the prize. The reward is worth the work and the wait.

God Knows Skin Care Products

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV

All these things that Jesus is talking about are what we consider basic necessities: food, drink and clothing. He says not to worry about those things, pagans run after those.

Well, I guess the Bible is right in that we are all sinners and there are none righteous. I've been chasing outfits for my daughter's wedding for months now. Months. I'm still no closer than I was when I started. And today I ordered some new skin care products because the ones I used to purchase are no longer carried by the store or online. I also ordered bug spray from Avon because that's the only kind we can use. And I bought groceries this weekend. And I lose my daily battle with what should I eat or drink so I can lose weight and stay healthy.

Somewhere in there Jesus is telling me I'm chasing the wrong things. Sure I need to take care of my family, but why do I let these petty things take over? Do I think God is too busy to help me find the outfits for the wedding or lead me to the right skin care products? As silly as it may seem, no he's not. He cares about what we care about but we must seek him first.

Seeking him first trains us to listen and know God's will. It is then he will lead us to the right decisions for us and our family.

We Have Hope

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, Psalm 33:18 NIV

I read in the news where designer Kate Spade took her own life today, apparently leaving a note behind. Because of her fame, her death made the news. Thousands of others don't. They are lost. They feel they have no one. They are in pain. They have lost all hope. I don't know her heart but I do pray she found the peace she so desperately wanted.

We as Christians have hope. We have a future. We have a God whose unfailing love gives us peace in times of turmoil. It doesn't magically take away the feelings of loneliness or hopelessness or sadness. It doesn't even always erase the anxiety and stress that comes from hard situations. But we know, we absolutely know without a doubt that we have hope because we have God. It's the only hope we have. It's the only hope we need.

Our world needs hope. Our world needs God. Spread his love and light every chance you get. You just might be someone's last hope.

I Must Listen

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV

I have been absent from my blog again. God has been reminding me but I have not been listening. Thankfully he keeps pushing and prodding. I have a voice that he's given me through this blog. I am to use it as he wants me too for the benefit and building up of others.

I was watching the animated movie Prince of Egypt. Moses didn't think he had a voice. I don't think that I have a voice either. But I'm pretty sure that if God wants someone to use a gift for his glory, he's going to make sure the person is equipped. He gave Moses the words and actions necessary to free his poeple.

But Moses didn't always do what he was told. Neither do I. We're only human which God understands. So I will do my best to follow what God would have me do here.

He's talking. I must listen.