Playground Connections

Yesterday I had the privilege of spending an hour with our 3-4 age preschool room kids.  We started upstairs with song time followed by talking out the day - what the weather was like, what day of the week it was, and what kind of clothing is suitable for the weather.  After sitting still for so long, it was time to go out to the playground.


Once we navigated the halls, stairwell and half a dozen doors in (almost) quiet single-file line, we emerged to the sun drenched playground.  I felt like Willy Wonka finally opening the door to the Chocolate Room, watching his guests scatter to discover all the treasures to be found within.  And scatter they did - some to the swings, some to the climbing wall, others to the slide.


As I kept an eye on the group, one by one they shouted, "Captain Tom, watch this!"  As soon as they had my attention, they climbed up, jumped down, or swung from one ledge to the other.  


And so I responded with "Whoa!" or "Wow!" or "No Way!"  And they seemed satisfied.  But they wanted that kind of response again and again.


It made me remember with fondness when my own kids were that age, and they longed for their Dad to be there, to watch them, to respond with encouragement.


I wonder if we ever long for someone to watch us in what we do.  Did someone notice that I created that report for my boss with excellence?  Did someone see when I let the person with only two items in front of me in the grocery checkout line?  Did someone realize that I bit my tongue when I felt the urge to be critical?


And what kind of response would we expect if someone did see us?


The prophet Isaiah announces: 


All of us have become like one who is unclean, 
    and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; (Isaiah 64:6)

Too often we get caught in the performance trap with God.  Only it isn't his trap, it's ours.  We think that if we just do something amazing, something unexpected, something "Godly," he will sit up from his throne in heaven, notice and respond with delight.  "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," we hope to hear.

Rest assured, he does see what we do, but that isn't the basis of our relationship or his favor.  If it was, we'd all be in a heap of trouble.

Isaiah explains a few verses later,


Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. 
    We are the clay, you are the potter; 
    we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8)

God is our father.  While he is our master and we his servants, our relationship with God is more like a father-child relationship.

In other words, he loves us no matter what.  And he wants to be the one who does the amazing work in our lives.  Of course, we serve him.  But he wants us to stand back sometimes and let him do what he wants in our lives.

He wants to shape us - transform us - into an extraordinary creation.  He wants to lead us, help us, change us, to match his exciting plan for our lives.  Not just where we go and what we do, but he wants to transform the essence of who we are.

Maybe on the playground of life, rather than clamoring for God's attention, maybe we need to sit down, quiet ourselves and watch what amazing things God is already doing in your life.  

And maybe you'll say something like "Whoa!" or "Wow!" or "No way!" And you'll mean it, because God's work in your life is amazing.

More on Simon's "Undercover Boss" Moment

As I usually do when I prepare and study for Sunday morning, I come up with much more material than I have time to deliver.  Today, the message was "Who is this Jesus? Our Best Look at God."  We started with John 10:25-30 and ended up looking at Luke 5:1-11, examining the moment when Simon realized that Jesus was more than just a teacher - he was God.


As I look at Simon's experience, I discover six things that accepting Jesus as God means.


To accept Jesus as God means. . . 


. . . to obey him even when it doesn't make sense.  


Remember, Simon had been fishing all night long (verse 5).  I don't think it was an accident that Jesus picked Simon's boat as a preaching platform.  And I don't think it was an accident that Simon hadn't caught anything all night.  Sometimes Jesus uses circumstances to get our attention.  But what would have happened if Simon didn't cast his net - just one more time?  After all, it didn't really make sense, did it?  


What has God been asking you to do?  Why are you hesitating?  Are you resisting that call to pray for something you've been praying for years?  After all, what will one more prayer time do?  Are you struggling to shake a habit - you know it's wrong but what difference will full obedience mean?


When we know Jesus as God, we are inspired to obey him even when it doesn't make sense.  That's what faith is all about.



. . . To be overwhelmed from time to time with God’s blessing.


Take a look at Simon's catch - the one Jesus told him to cast for.  The nets were so full they were breaking (verse 6).  They were so heavy Simon needed help lifting them (verse 7).  The boats were so full they were sinking (verse 7).  When we finally acknowledge Jesus as God, we see him as the one who can meet our needs.  When God answers prayer or he blesses me out of left field, sometimes I feel ashamed at being so surprised.  After all, didn't I believe God would come through for me?  


But then I think of how delighted I am when I can surprise my kids with a Christmas present.  It's a lot of fun, isn't it?  I think God takes a great deal of pleasure in surprising us.  


Yes, I think our faith needs to grow bit by bit so that we can pray bigger prayers.  A growing faith unlocks God's goodness and power in a more dramatic way.  But acknowledging Jesus as God means that we will be overwhelmed from time to time with his blessing.


. . . To partner with others


When the big catch came in, Simon needed help, and he called out for others.  And they came to help (verse 7)


When you accept Jesus as God, you suddenly become part of a team - a family of brothers and sisters who help you along the way.  Have you considered joining a Bible study or small group?  Being a part of a group of believers means that you will spend time who have been through what you're going through.  They understand.  You're going to gain from the wisdom of others, and they can gain from  (verse 7)


. . . To see yourself inadequate and insufficient without him


When Simon finally realized who Jesus was, he suddenly saw himself for who he was - a spiritually needy Simon.  (verse 8)  It was like being a toddler on the field of an NFL game - the comparison is dramatic and overwhelming. 


When we acknowledge Jesus as God, we see ourselves as inadequate and insufficient.  The best news is that Jesus accepts us as we are.  He forgives us and gives us a fresh start in life.  


. . . To accept a new priority for your life


One Simon "got it," Jesus gave him a new priority - taking the fishing skills Simon already knew: patience, determination and strength; and putting them to practice in winning people to Jesus.  (verse 10)


I get the sense that God is calling our congregation to conduct a fishing expedition - to cast the nets one more time.  There is a neighborhood just west and north-west of the corps building that God is calling us to reach for his kingdom.  On Saturday, March 31, we will be taking a "prayer walk," going door-to-door, asking for prayer requests.  Let's acknowledge Jesus as God by going out into our neighborhood - reaching out with God's love for others.


. . . To live your life by a new pattern


At the end of this chapter of Simon's life, he begins a new one - he starts following Jesus.  (verse 11)  He wants to spend time with Jesus, learn from him, and pay attention to how Jesus does life.


When we acknowledge Jesus as God, we start following him.  Try reading a little bit of the Gospels every day to see how Jesus lived, and then put what you learn into practice. 


------------------------


So, how will you live this out?  Are you ready to accept Jesus as God?  If so, fasten your seatbelt, because there are going to be big changes in your life.

Seeing God's Plan in #Earthquakes

There have been a lot of earthquakes in the news lately.  Much confusion, devastation and death.  And a lot of speculation and questions about what God is up to in the midst of this calamity.

So I did a little research about earthquakes in the Bible.  Here's what I found:

• Earthquakes are nothing new.  Earthquakes have been recorded since sin entered the world.  Be careful about coming to a conclusion - while suffering is all a result (directly or indirectly) of sin, don't conclude that a certain sin or one person's disobedience cause these things.  We live in a broken world, and suffering is a natural part of it.  Therefore, we can't blame a disaster on God's judgment on a specific sin.  God is holding His judgment and wrath until the last day.
• Earthquakes can be an indication of God's presence, power and wrath (see Isaiah 29:6).  But not always. In fact, when God was getting ready to speak to Elijah, the wind, earthquake and fire came, but God was not in them.  He spoke in a still, small voice. (I Kings 19:11-13).
• Earthquakes were evident during the death and resurrection event of Jesus (Matthew 27:51-54).  It was clear that something more dramatic and powerful was happening than the death and resurrection of one man.  In fact, Jesus was conquering sin and death for you and me!
• Earthquakes will be a feature of God's judgment at the end of the world.  (see Revelation 11:13, Revelation 11:19 and Revelation 16:18)

 Here are some of my thoughts about earthquakes that hopefully will bring you some encouragement:

• God isn't causing the earthquakes.  In fact, I believe that His prevenient grace (a fancy term for God's protection over us) is protecting us, not only from the severity of earthquakes that occur, but also from other calamities that would come without God's protection.
• Earthquakes provide an opportunity for us to serve each other and share God's love.  In many disasters I have heard about, there are stories of selfless service and heroism on behalf of complete strangers.  Let us hear an announcement of a disaster as a call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world.
• Disasters remind us of our mortality and our need for God.  In an uneventful day-to-day life, it's easy to lose sight of the eternal.  It's in times of loss and uncertainty that cause people to wonder about the eternal and to turn their hearts to God.
• There will be a time when pain and suffering will be over.  Disasters help us remember that this world is not the end - we have heaven to look forward to.  The Apostle John wrote this:  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  (Revelation 21:3-4)

OK, OK.  I don't have all the answers.  But God does.  And when I hear about an earthquake, I trust Him all the more to use me to care for those around me and to provide a safe place for me in heaven.  I am thankful for every day that I have on earth to spend time with family and friends, but I know that this isn't the end.  It is just the beginning, and I have chances now to share God's love with those around me.

Earthquakes just move me to be more faithful.

Maybe the news of an earthquake can help open the door for God's message.

Are you ready to hear His voice?

Are you ready to tell someone else?

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

Finding God's Will - The First Step is a Deusey!

I have wrestled a lot in my life.  Not on the mat - anytime I got out there, I lost.  My wrestling has mostly been in understanding and following God's will.  Maybe you are the same.

But so far in my struggles, I do believe that this whole issue of God's will in my life boils down to two facets:

1. Understanding God's Will
2. Following God's Will

For those who struggle, I think a lot of us get stuck on the first part. We pain sometimes over the minutiae of decisions, believing that God has a step-by-step plan for our lives.  If only we could get a detailed, turn-by-turn map like what Google maps provides.

If I had a map for God's will, I would follow it, wouldn't you?

But I think we need to suspend temporarily spending thought and energy on understanding God's will and concentrate on following God's will.  Because I believe that in a very fundamental way, God has already settled the issue for us.  I believe that He's already given us a plan for our lives.  Something to follow that will take us through every motion, every decision in life.

And here's the secret, revealed by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:3:

It is God's will that you should be sanctified

I'm not trying to downplay the efforts people put in to get God to weigh in on my decisions:  where to go to school, what career to choose, which person to marry, etc.  All I am saying is that we should make a daily choice to live every day, with the Spirit's power, a life that is pleasing to Him.

Before we settle the issue on our daily or even long-term decisions, we need to settle the issue of the heart.

Am I pleasing God with every thought, word and deed?  Is everything that comes from within me from a motivation of pure love?  If not, maybe it's time to stop searching for the "what" of God's will and start concentrating on the "Who."  God himself wants to transform you from the inside out.  That's God's will for each of us - that we should be sanctified.

As we continue to wrestle with the day to day, let's make the first decision of each day to give ourselves to God, letting Him have control of our very heart.  And He will sanctify us, giving us the privilege of experiencing His love being expressed through us all day long.

And the wrestling over life's decisions will be easier, because we have settled the most important issue about God's will for us.

How do I do this?

1. Believe that God wants to transform you in that way.
2. Decide to give up on any other way but God's way.

Start off each day following God's will, because you know what it is for you.  And understanding God's will for the other decisions will be an easier struggle.

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.

Theologian of American Anguish

I have always been intrigued by our 16th president, this gentle giant who was Abraham Lincoln.  Today, in his tribute, I will lift a few quotes from a book given me by my historian cousin.  It is called, "Abraham Lincoln: Theologian of American Anguish" by Elton Trueblood.  This first edition is signed by the author. As I make my annual pilgrimage into this book, I share bits of it with you.

From Chapter 1 - The Spiritual Pilgrimage of Abraham Lincoln (page 7):

"The anguish which Lincoln experienced more than a century ago gave birth, not only to penitence and thanksgiving, but to much more that has endured in our spiritual panoply. The phrase "under God," which emerged spontaneously at the Gettysburg Battlefield in November, 1863, has now become an official part of our Salute to the Flag. "In God we trust," first used in Lincoln's administration, still adorns our coinage and is engraved on the walls of both houses of Congress. Out of anguish came greatness such as does not normally come in easier times."

 Quoting Lincoln in Chapter 2, The Agonizing Interlude (page 44-45):

"We are indeed going through a great trial — a fiery trial. In the very responsible position in which I happen to be placed, being a humble instrument in the hands of our Heavenly Father, as I am, and as we all are, to work out his great purposes, I have desired that all my works and acts may be according to his will, and that it might be so, I have sought his aid — but if after endeavoring to do my best in the light which he affords me, I find my efforts fail, I must believe that for some purpose unknown to me, He wills it otherwise. If I had had my way, this war would never have been commenced; if I had been allowed my way this war would have been ended before this, but we find it still continues; and we must believe that He permits it for some wise purpose of His own, mysterious and unknown to us; and though with our limited understandings we may not be able to comprehend it, yet we cannot but believe, that he who made the world still governs it."

From Chapter 3, Lincoln and the Bible (pages 50-51):

"How well he knew some of the verses is shown by the lawyer's response when he drove out into the country to make a will for a woman who was dying. After the will had been signed and witnessed, the woman asked Lincoln to read a few verses out of the Bible. A copy of the Scriptures was produced, but Lincoln did not open it. Instead, he recited from memory the Twenty-third Psalm and the opening verses of the fourteenth chapter of John."

From Chapter 4, Lincoln and Prayer (pages 73-74):

"The evidence of Abraham Lincoln's own practice of personal prayer is so abundant that no thoughtful person can deny it. He prayed alone, and he called the nation to prayer; he prayed for guidance, and he prayed in gratitude; he prayed in defeat, and he prayed in victory. Often noted was his reverence when others engaged in vocal prayer.  Along with his unashamed reverence, however, went a large measure of reticence. Though Mrs. Pomeroy said that she heard the President praying aloud in the White House, we have no text of any vocal prayer uttered by him. Something of his reticence is indicated by the fact that when he attended with regularity the weekly prayer meeting at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, he elected to sit unseen in the pastor's study with the door ajar. The President told his pastor, Dr. Phineas D. Gurley, that he received important help from these unostentatious gatherings, chiefly because they were characterized more by prayer than by the making of speeches. By this time in his life, with countless heavy burdens upon him, Lincoln had entirely outgrown juvenile delight in religious argument. Talking with God seemed to the mature Lincoln more important than talking about Him."

I hope these few excerpts are enough to whet your appetite for more of who Lincoln was, and perhaps to find more significance to his 201st birthday.  God bless you today!

Like what you are reading? Consider the following: 1. Subscribe to my blog (there is a link for that on this page). 2. "Follow" me on twitter. It's a free account, and a great way to meet like-minded friends. My link is: http://twitter.com/tommccomb. 3. Leave a comment (I love your candid feedback and might use your ideas in future posts) 4. Tell someone else about this blog. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you soon.