Do you think people will remember you? What will they remember about you? Stephen Covey, in his book "The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People," talks about what statements you would like to have on your tombstone.
Nehemiah constantly reminds God in the Old Testament to remember him. Remember me with favor, O my God. Remember me for this also, O my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love. Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.
Does Nehemiah think that God will forget about him? Is it his way of reminding himself why he is doing these things for God?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Remembering your home town
What was it like growing up in your home town? I have many good memories of my home town of Greene, Iowa. It's close to orange and blue for those of you wondering. Just kidding. Here are some thoughts from my dad about the wonderful small town of Greene, Iowa:
I certainly think back to growing up in Greene and all of the good people that I came in contact with. There were never any thoughts of violence or fear for your safety. It was Greene, Iowa where everyone knew everyone and looked out for each other, especially for each others’ children.
After Jesus healed the demon possessed man in Luke 8, he tells him, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
I certainly think back to growing up in Greene and all of the good people that I came in contact with. There were never any thoughts of violence or fear for your safety. It was Greene, Iowa where everyone knew everyone and looked out for each other, especially for each others’ children.
After Jesus healed the demon possessed man in Luke 8, he tells him, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Remembering Nile Kinnick
I'm currently reading the book "Nile" about the University of Iowa's only Heisman Trophy winner, Nile Kinnick. Here is a portion of the story from the back cover of the book:
Nile is a story about a young man who played football in the late 1930's. But it is more than a sports story. The nation was stil recovering from the Great Depression and on the cusp of the greatest war in the history of mankind. One athlete, in particular, understood the historical significance of the moment. Many people who knew Nile Kinnick sincerely believed he would have been one of our nation's greatest leaders. Unfortunately, the country never had the opportunity to witness what this promising young man may have achieved. The story tells of Kinnick's life from high school to his ill-fated flight near Trinidad during WWII. But it's also a story that touches on the lives of his Iowa Hawkey teammates. They became known as the "Ironmen" because there were very few players on the 1939 team. After two losing season in 1937 and 1938, the University of Iowa hired Dr. Eddie Anderson to coach the football team. he was relentless in his pursuit to have the players in the best physical condition of any team in the nation. Many quit. But those that remained made history.
This story reminds me of the vine and branches from John 15:
The Vine and the Branches
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.
This inspirational story also brings to mind one of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
And another passage, Philippians 3:12-14:
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
*Nile Kinnick's grandfather was governor of Iowa.
*A substitution rule during Kinnick's era forced him to play most of the game because if you left the game, you couldn't return to the game until the following quarter.
Here is a quote from the book "Nile" - "We often have a tendency to think something in our future will enrich our lives beyond expectations, and change everything. But the reality is, it's our efforts that alter our destinies."
*Athletic scholarships didn't exist during Kinnick's era.
*Kinnick was All-Big Ten in football as a sophomore, 3rd team All-American in football, starting catcher in baseball, second leading scorer in basketball. He dropped basketball and baseball to work on academics and apply for a Rhodes scholarship.
*He memorized the Gettysburg Address for a seventh grade speech contest and was still able to recite it in college.
Nile is a story about a young man who played football in the late 1930's. But it is more than a sports story. The nation was stil recovering from the Great Depression and on the cusp of the greatest war in the history of mankind. One athlete, in particular, understood the historical significance of the moment. Many people who knew Nile Kinnick sincerely believed he would have been one of our nation's greatest leaders. Unfortunately, the country never had the opportunity to witness what this promising young man may have achieved. The story tells of Kinnick's life from high school to his ill-fated flight near Trinidad during WWII. But it's also a story that touches on the lives of his Iowa Hawkey teammates. They became known as the "Ironmen" because there were very few players on the 1939 team. After two losing season in 1937 and 1938, the University of Iowa hired Dr. Eddie Anderson to coach the football team. he was relentless in his pursuit to have the players in the best physical condition of any team in the nation. Many quit. But those that remained made history.
This story reminds me of the vine and branches from John 15:
The Vine and the Branches
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.
This inspirational story also brings to mind one of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
And another passage, Philippians 3:12-14:
12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
*Nile Kinnick's grandfather was governor of Iowa.
*A substitution rule during Kinnick's era forced him to play most of the game because if you left the game, you couldn't return to the game until the following quarter.
Here is a quote from the book "Nile" - "We often have a tendency to think something in our future will enrich our lives beyond expectations, and change everything. But the reality is, it's our efforts that alter our destinies."
*Athletic scholarships didn't exist during Kinnick's era.
*Kinnick was All-Big Ten in football as a sophomore, 3rd team All-American in football, starting catcher in baseball, second leading scorer in basketball. He dropped basketball and baseball to work on academics and apply for a Rhodes scholarship.
*He memorized the Gettysburg Address for a seventh grade speech contest and was still able to recite it in college.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Remembering 8 years of George W. Bush
What are your memories of George W. Bush as president?
November 2000 - senior in high school, staying up to watch the election results and working on my scrapbook for government class
9/11/01 - freshman in college, clear skies, Bush visiting ground zero
November 2004 - senior in college, stayed up late to watch the election results
Faith based initiatives
Giving to poorer countries
Establishing a new democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan
Christianity Today has an article on Bush's Faith-Based Legacy - http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/february/5.44.html
November 2000 - senior in high school, staying up to watch the election results and working on my scrapbook for government class
9/11/01 - freshman in college, clear skies, Bush visiting ground zero
November 2004 - senior in college, stayed up late to watch the election results
Faith based initiatives
Giving to poorer countries
Establishing a new democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan
Christianity Today has an article on Bush's Faith-Based Legacy - http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/february/5.44.html
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The power in remembering life is short
Take a walk through the cemetary.
Notice the names that are familiar.
Notice the date of birth and death on each tombstone.
Notice the dash between each date.
Notice how short life is compared to eternity.
Remember the importance of bringing glory to God in our short time here on Earth.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
Notice the names that are familiar.
Notice the date of birth and death on each tombstone.
Notice the dash between each date.
Notice how short life is compared to eternity.
Remember the importance of bringing glory to God in our short time here on Earth.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Random Remembering Quotes
Remember your dreams.
Memories are wonderful, but do you live your life differently because of them?
(from Crazy Love by Francis Chan)
You must learnt to listen, (remember), and obey God, especially in a society where it's easy and expected to do what is most comfortable.
(from Crazy Love by Francis Chan)
Remember to keep pursuing Christ.
Remember that we are not alone.
Remember that the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Memories are wonderful, but do you live your life differently because of them?
(from Crazy Love by Francis Chan)
You must learnt to listen, (remember), and obey God, especially in a society where it's easy and expected to do what is most comfortable.
(from Crazy Love by Francis Chan)
Remember to keep pursuing Christ.
Remember that we are not alone.
Remember that the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Remembering that we are all still growing
I came across this book review about Kirk Cameron's book, Still Growing, and thought it might be applicable. http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/book-review-still-growing-by-kirk-cameron.php
Here is how he describes his life at the pinnacle of his fame:
I received 10,000 letters per week, mostly from girls who wanted to meet me, touch me, marry me. I had a fan club that sent out a variety of keepsakes—photos, Tshirts, buttons, even a pillowcase with my picture just the right size for girls to kiss my fabric-y likeness as they drifted off to sleep. Weird.
Wherever I went people catered to me. Limousines carted me off to the next gig. Waiters comped my meals. Flight attendants whispered, “Mr. Cameron, why don’t you come with me?” and escorted me to first class. Once off the plane, people laid down a red carpet and greeted me on the tarmac with military-like fanfare.
When I arrived at a party, everyone sat up and took notice. The room buzzed with not-so-quiet whispers: “Isn’t that Kirk Cameron?” The adoration was obvious in the body language, facial expressions and eagerness of those around me. All of it baffled me beyond belief. I was in the midst of a phenomenon I felt I had no hand in creating.
I had everything the rest of the world craved—money, fame, fortune, any girl I wanted. I admit, I liked that part. What 16-year-old guy didn’t want girls to melt when he walked in the room? And I certainly wasn’t complaining when Domino’s Pizza offered me a million bucks to be their ad boy.
If I didn’t have something, it was only because I didn’t want it. I was a devout atheist, livin’ large, hanging out with the beautiful people.
Years later when people asked about that time in my life, I defined it like this: Imagine a world where whatever you want is given to you as quickly as possible. When you walk into a room, all the adults smile at you, talk nicely and say, “What do you want? Okay, I’ll give that to you.”
Everything in your life is carefully placed with the intent to make you happy. If you aren’t happy, no expense is too great in order to fix the situation. As far as you can tell, you are the center of the universe. Everything revolves around you, your schedule, your dreams and wishes. You are more important to adults than other kids are. “Why is that?” your little mind asks. And the only answer you can come up with is that you are very, very unique.
Here is how he describes his experience in how he became a Christian:
A month after my first visit to her church, I dropped my friend off at her acting class in the San Fernando Valley. As I pulled away, something flashed through my mind: I’m part of the ultimate statistic: 10 out of 10 people die. I’m going to die one day. If it were to happen in the next 10 minutes—if I were to get in a car accident and die—what would happen to me? The thought overwhelmed me. I felt smaller than a speck of sand.
I pulled over to the curb and turned off the engine. If there is a God and a heaven, there’s no reason He should let me in, I told myself. I had gotten past the intellectual barrier to God, but I knew there was a bigger stumbling block that stood between me and my Maker. It was not intellectual, but moral.
I knew that because of my prideful attitude and the way I had intentionally ignored—even denied God—especially in light of the good things He had given me, I wouldn’t go to heaven. Instead of loving God, I had mocked the Giver of all that was precious to me. Deep in my gut, I knew my arrogance and selfishness were an offense to God. Without ever having read the Bible, I intuitively knew that I was a walking violation of the first and greatest commandment: I had failed to give the Creator due honor and respect.
I was sure that if I died on Van Nuys Boulevard that day, God would be perfectly justified to exclude me from heaven and instead give me whatever I deserved.
I wanted to pray, but didn’t know how. Closing my eyes—hoping no one was watching—I muttered, “God, if You’re there, will You please show me? If You’re real, I need to know. And would You please forgive me for the things I’ve done that are wrong? I don’t want to join a religious cult or believe in a fairy tale, but if You’re there … I want You to change me into the person You want me to be.”
Here is how he describes his life at the pinnacle of his fame:
I received 10,000 letters per week, mostly from girls who wanted to meet me, touch me, marry me. I had a fan club that sent out a variety of keepsakes—photos, Tshirts, buttons, even a pillowcase with my picture just the right size for girls to kiss my fabric-y likeness as they drifted off to sleep. Weird.
Wherever I went people catered to me. Limousines carted me off to the next gig. Waiters comped my meals. Flight attendants whispered, “Mr. Cameron, why don’t you come with me?” and escorted me to first class. Once off the plane, people laid down a red carpet and greeted me on the tarmac with military-like fanfare.
When I arrived at a party, everyone sat up and took notice. The room buzzed with not-so-quiet whispers: “Isn’t that Kirk Cameron?” The adoration was obvious in the body language, facial expressions and eagerness of those around me. All of it baffled me beyond belief. I was in the midst of a phenomenon I felt I had no hand in creating.
I had everything the rest of the world craved—money, fame, fortune, any girl I wanted. I admit, I liked that part. What 16-year-old guy didn’t want girls to melt when he walked in the room? And I certainly wasn’t complaining when Domino’s Pizza offered me a million bucks to be their ad boy.
If I didn’t have something, it was only because I didn’t want it. I was a devout atheist, livin’ large, hanging out with the beautiful people.
Years later when people asked about that time in my life, I defined it like this: Imagine a world where whatever you want is given to you as quickly as possible. When you walk into a room, all the adults smile at you, talk nicely and say, “What do you want? Okay, I’ll give that to you.”
Everything in your life is carefully placed with the intent to make you happy. If you aren’t happy, no expense is too great in order to fix the situation. As far as you can tell, you are the center of the universe. Everything revolves around you, your schedule, your dreams and wishes. You are more important to adults than other kids are. “Why is that?” your little mind asks. And the only answer you can come up with is that you are very, very unique.
Here is how he describes his experience in how he became a Christian:
A month after my first visit to her church, I dropped my friend off at her acting class in the San Fernando Valley. As I pulled away, something flashed through my mind: I’m part of the ultimate statistic: 10 out of 10 people die. I’m going to die one day. If it were to happen in the next 10 minutes—if I were to get in a car accident and die—what would happen to me? The thought overwhelmed me. I felt smaller than a speck of sand.
I pulled over to the curb and turned off the engine. If there is a God and a heaven, there’s no reason He should let me in, I told myself. I had gotten past the intellectual barrier to God, but I knew there was a bigger stumbling block that stood between me and my Maker. It was not intellectual, but moral.
I knew that because of my prideful attitude and the way I had intentionally ignored—even denied God—especially in light of the good things He had given me, I wouldn’t go to heaven. Instead of loving God, I had mocked the Giver of all that was precious to me. Deep in my gut, I knew my arrogance and selfishness were an offense to God. Without ever having read the Bible, I intuitively knew that I was a walking violation of the first and greatest commandment: I had failed to give the Creator due honor and respect.
I was sure that if I died on Van Nuys Boulevard that day, God would be perfectly justified to exclude me from heaven and instead give me whatever I deserved.
I wanted to pray, but didn’t know how. Closing my eyes—hoping no one was watching—I muttered, “God, if You’re there, will You please show me? If You’re real, I need to know. And would You please forgive me for the things I’ve done that are wrong? I don’t want to join a religious cult or believe in a fairy tale, but if You’re there … I want You to change me into the person You want me to be.”
Remember who this life is really about
(from the Bravehearted Gospel by Eric Ludy)
Question: Who is this life really supposed to be about?
I can assure you, this life is not about me, it's not about you, and it's not about anyone else out there strutting around on this great, big celestial ball. Rather this life is all about the one who covers Himself with light as with a garment, stretched out the heavens like a curtain, laid the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, makes the clouds His chariot, and walks on the wings of the wind (Psalm 104:2-3)...This life is all about Jesus Christ.
Question: Who is this life really supposed to be about?
I can assure you, this life is not about me, it's not about you, and it's not about anyone else out there strutting around on this great, big celestial ball. Rather this life is all about the one who covers Himself with light as with a garment, stretched out the heavens like a curtain, laid the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, makes the clouds His chariot, and walks on the wings of the wind (Psalm 104:2-3)...This life is all about Jesus Christ.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Conquering Fear
It was all I could do to keep my hyper, hormonally-charged bony teenage bottom seated on the bench. With every rebound, steal or basket we made, I would bound to my feet, clap, wave my arms and hoot and holler.
Our point total soared to 92, 94, and then 96 points. We scored again with less than 30 seconds left in the game and a season-long team goal of scoring 100 points in 24 minutes of play was within reach.
The other team missed. We snagged the rebound, whisked the ball down the court.
And then, it happened.
Thirty five years later and I still shudder in remembering coach Newberry’s words: “Third team; get ready. You are going in.” The knocking of our knees was the only sign of life.
Coach bellowed “timeout,” walked the bench, and individually lifted us by the jersey to reinforce his intent. For five young boys – the prospective fear of failure had made cowards of us all.
Jesus’ disciples could have related. Fear was in their DNA. The sea belches and they wake the Master from His sleep. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Calming the waves, Jesus tugs at their jerseys: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
In another instance, Jesus scoots atop the water. Once more, the disciples quake with terror. Jesus says, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (John 6:20).
This time, their response is different. In faith—not fear—they tug at Jesus’ shirt, dragging him into the boat. No longer freaked by the supernatural, truth is in the boat—and “immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were heading” (John 6:21).
If fear can be a monger, faith can be a cure.
If fear has got you in its claws; what leap of faith might God be asking you to take? Is there someone you need to lovingly confront--speaking the truth in love. Is there a situation of some perceived risk that in response to prayer God would have you confidently pursue?
Or is this the day that are to trust in the power of God’s Holy Spirit to communicate the message of Christ to a friend or loved one? Fear not. Take the step of faith and leave the results to Him.
My teammates and I lacked faith. That day, by necessity, we were obedient. We followed a coach who made it clear that our time on the sideline was through. It is time you listen to Jesus—the Master Coach.
We executed the play to perfection—scored the 100th point—and our team burst into celebration. The moment of fame passed so quickly; the lesson of faith—not fear—remains with me today.
Our point total soared to 92, 94, and then 96 points. We scored again with less than 30 seconds left in the game and a season-long team goal of scoring 100 points in 24 minutes of play was within reach.
The other team missed. We snagged the rebound, whisked the ball down the court.
And then, it happened.
Thirty five years later and I still shudder in remembering coach Newberry’s words: “Third team; get ready. You are going in.” The knocking of our knees was the only sign of life.
Coach bellowed “timeout,” walked the bench, and individually lifted us by the jersey to reinforce his intent. For five young boys – the prospective fear of failure had made cowards of us all.
Jesus’ disciples could have related. Fear was in their DNA. The sea belches and they wake the Master from His sleep. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Calming the waves, Jesus tugs at their jerseys: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
In another instance, Jesus scoots atop the water. Once more, the disciples quake with terror. Jesus says, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (John 6:20).
This time, their response is different. In faith—not fear—they tug at Jesus’ shirt, dragging him into the boat. No longer freaked by the supernatural, truth is in the boat—and “immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were heading” (John 6:21).
If fear can be a monger, faith can be a cure.
If fear has got you in its claws; what leap of faith might God be asking you to take? Is there someone you need to lovingly confront--speaking the truth in love. Is there a situation of some perceived risk that in response to prayer God would have you confidently pursue?
Or is this the day that are to trust in the power of God’s Holy Spirit to communicate the message of Christ to a friend or loved one? Fear not. Take the step of faith and leave the results to Him.
My teammates and I lacked faith. That day, by necessity, we were obedient. We followed a coach who made it clear that our time on the sideline was through. It is time you listen to Jesus—the Master Coach.
We executed the play to perfection—scored the 100th point—and our team burst into celebration. The moment of fame passed so quickly; the lesson of faith—not fear—remains with me today.
What You Thinkin’ About?
C’mon now. You are thinking about something. You know you are.
Something’s stirring; something’s churning. Those wheels are cranking within your mind.
What is it? What you thinkin’ about?
Your financial state? Worry of an economy that stinks? A portfolio that is in the dumper? Prospects of a lay-off? The mounting pile of bills due?
Maybe it’s a challenge in your relationships? You can’t quite shake-off that recent bout with your spouse? Is it a child? Your teenager—perhaps. Incredulous, you say. Can a dad’s intelligence really slip that much by the nanosecond?
Or are you thinkin’ about how lonely you feel? No one seems to understand. Isn’t there someone for me? Anyone who would even care enough to ask?
God cares—at least about what you are thinkin’.
The Israelites had been exiled. Jerusalem was no more.
Rather down in the dumps, the author laments: “Just thinking of my troubles and my lonely wandering makes me miserable (Lamentations 3:19, CEV).
“I cannot find peace or remember happiness (3:17, CEV).”
The author says remembrances of such devastation are analogous to eating gravel or having your face rubbed in the dirt.
You’ve been there. You know how it feels. You might be there now?
But then, it happens. His mental pictures changes, alluding to a certain power in remembrance—at least in a focus upon the right sort of things.
“Then I remember something, (3:21, CEV),” he writes.
“But this I recall (3:21, AMP).”
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (3:22-23, NIV).”
And in a remembrance of the unchanging attributes of the Lord, he is filled with expectation and hope.
God cares— even about “what you thinkin’?”
Something’s stirring; something’s churning. Those wheels are cranking within your mind.
What is it? What you thinkin’ about?
Your financial state? Worry of an economy that stinks? A portfolio that is in the dumper? Prospects of a lay-off? The mounting pile of bills due?
Maybe it’s a challenge in your relationships? You can’t quite shake-off that recent bout with your spouse? Is it a child? Your teenager—perhaps. Incredulous, you say. Can a dad’s intelligence really slip that much by the nanosecond?
Or are you thinkin’ about how lonely you feel? No one seems to understand. Isn’t there someone for me? Anyone who would even care enough to ask?
God cares—at least about what you are thinkin’.
The Israelites had been exiled. Jerusalem was no more.
Rather down in the dumps, the author laments: “Just thinking of my troubles and my lonely wandering makes me miserable (Lamentations 3:19, CEV).
“I cannot find peace or remember happiness (3:17, CEV).”
The author says remembrances of such devastation are analogous to eating gravel or having your face rubbed in the dirt.
You’ve been there. You know how it feels. You might be there now?
But then, it happens. His mental pictures changes, alluding to a certain power in remembrance—at least in a focus upon the right sort of things.
“Then I remember something, (3:21, CEV),” he writes.
“But this I recall (3:21, AMP).”
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (3:22-23, NIV).”
And in a remembrance of the unchanging attributes of the Lord, he is filled with expectation and hope.
God cares— even about “what you thinkin’?”
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Remembering the old man and the storm
Last night I watched a Frontline documentary about an old man from New Orleans who didn't want to give up his house after Hurricane Katrina. Many of his family memebers lived in New Orleans before the storm, but are now scattered across the United States. They wanted to return to normalcy and for them that meant that their entire family would be back in New Orleans. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/katrina/view/
What does remembering normalcy mean for you?
We traveled to New Orleans a couple months after Hurricane Katrina to help a group that was providing food and ice to those that needed it after the storm. It was amazing to see the destruction and the need following the storm. It reminds me of Isaiah 61:
The Year of the LORD's Favor
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.
Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed." I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
What does remembering normalcy mean for you?
We traveled to New Orleans a couple months after Hurricane Katrina to help a group that was providing food and ice to those that needed it after the storm. It was amazing to see the destruction and the need following the storm. It reminds me of Isaiah 61:
The Year of the LORD's Favor
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.
Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In my faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed." I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
