I was shopping at Good Willl Sunday afternoon.  When I say shopping I mean watching my girls play in the toy area while my wife shopped.  As I watched the kids playing with the other kids I realized they did not care if the other kids were dirty or sloppily dressed.  There was even one boy who had on a pair of jeans that were way too large and no underwear and to make matters worse he had them on backward.  The kids just played together.  The only time there was trouble was when one would not share or grabbed a toy from another.  There was no notice of social status.

Later that night I was watching the show where Tye demolishes a needy families house and rebuilds it to fit their particular needs.  The son was being interviewed.  He was blind and in a wheel chair, but a talented musician with a great outlook on life.  He said that he saw blindness as an ability and sight as a disability.  He explained that sight hinders seeing people as they really are on the inside.

Sometimes I think someone is trying to get my attention.

bart

Ephesians 3:10 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

The challange to the church is set forth.  We are to model God’s plan that his wisdom may be made known to the angles (principalities and powers).  I have a hard time modeling Christ to my neighbors much less the angels.  The view of many none christians toward the church might be a good measure of our success toward God’s intent.

For the next few months I will be blog’n Crazy Love by Fancis Chan on Tuesdays.

The first chapter talked about the awe factor of God.  Chan challenged us to stop praying at God and listen in awe for a while.  I will let you know how it goes.

Last night our church started a biweekly outdoor movie night.  Free Market Jesus by Donald Miller was the first flick.  I liked it and am still digesting some of the content.  The main point went something like Jesus is not a product to fix you and me.  He loves us and will change us to the extent that we follow Him.

I am reading 1 Peter 1 today.

(NCV) 5 God’s power protects you through your faith until salvation is shown to you at the end of time.

This verse has got me thinking about our protection by God’s power through our faith.  This is slightly different than Ephesians 2:8 (NCV) I mean that you have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.

I would love any insights into the differences or simmilarities in these verses.

Also, I am going to try posting on Tuesday and Thursdays for a while.

Grace and Peace

I have been reading Mathew 6 and Psalm 62

A quote from Wesley’s notes is sticking with me, Mathew 6:33 “Seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness - Singly aim at this, that God, reigning in your heart, may fill it with the righteousness above described. And indeed whosoever seeks this first, will soon come to seek this only. “

If I really give my life to the Lord, I think this is His primary concern, then I must give the details to Him also.  This means relinquishing the right to worry about things.  Worry is not compatible with giving the details over to the creator of all things.  I must “find rest in God; only He gives me hope” Psalm 62:5.  How can I accomplish this level of trust and surrender?  If seeking God first leads to seeking God only then this is a good place to start.

 Now I start more actively seeking God first in all things.

Lord, Thank you for the provision you make for Kevin, his family, and all of us each day.  Thank You for the promise of meeting all our needs if we only seek your kingdom first. 

Today I prayed the morning prayer from In Constant Prayer and I read Psalm 23 and Isaiah 5. I am thankful and humbled to see God’s provision for my family during this time of transition.

Today I kept morning prayer and read Psalm 110 and Isaiah 4. I am looking for strength from the Lord during a very hectic time in my life. I pray that God will see us through this move and then we will be able to catch up with ourselves.

From Mathew 6:33 Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.

Wesley note:  33 Seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness - Singly aim at this, that God, reigning in your heart, may fill it with the righteousness above described. And indeed whosoever seeks this first, will soon come to seek this only.

Lord, May I seek you only.

I am reading Let Go of the Ring by Ralph Moore and it is really speaking to my need (desire) for control.  He states “God will only call you to do things that are bigger than you are…” and goes on to explain how the ability to visualize the details of an activity to it’s completion probably means that it was conceived of man not God.  This makes sense as we have the mind of men and do not think as God thinks.  I forget the book, but I remember reading that in the Bible.  He also says he had givin his life to the Lord years ago, but not the details.

Lord, I love you.  Please take the details of my life that I may follow you completely.  I beg you to force me to “do the next thing” that Your Kingdom may come and Your will be done.  All honor and glory to you, Abba Father, for ever and ever. Amen

Lord