Posted by Bart on June 3, 2008
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.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: God, Love, Prayer, Francis Chan, Crazy Love | No Comments »
Posted by Bart on May 7, 2008
Today I sat listening for God and my ears were filled with the speech of birds. There are so many songs, whistles, and chirps. I remember God provides food for the birds and they do not worry. I think of how diverse His creation is, but how perfectly interdependent. I think He is telling me we can not leave those who are sing a different song out of the body of Christ. They are loved and valued by the creator just as I am loved and valued. Each has an important role in the body so leaving any out is like cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye.
Lord, Father, Daddy, May we not leave any behind becuase they are different.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: body of Christ, inclusion, interdependant, least of these, Love | No Comments »
Posted by Bart on April 15, 2008
THE CROSS, 1 John 3:16
How do I build a heart of love?
First I must empty the heart I have.
Anger and hate must yield to forgiveness,
but where do I find forgiveness?
JESUS
Next I must find love to fill this empty heart.
I can not produce love as it is not of man,
so where do I find love?
JESUS
Now my heart is full of love.
What do I do this feeling is new,
I seek an example what do I find?
JESUS
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: anger, forgiveness, hate, heart, Jesus, Love | No Comments »
Posted by Bart on April 11, 2008
I read Psalm 104 again and more from “Organic Church”
I struggled with being a servant today. Jesus modeled putting the needs of others (all humanity) first in the most extreme way (on the cross). John tells us what love is in 1 John 3:16, “This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave his life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
With Jesus as the standard I really stink when I get frustrated at my wife for being “needy” at times. God forgive me for my actions and attitudes. Please give me the heart and mind of your Son. Lord I beg for awareness of your grace and peace. Abba Father, thank you.
Please bless Jim, Jay, Calvin, Kevin, and your church today with eyes open to see your love.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: cross, Jesus, Love, servant | 1 Comment »
Posted by Bart on April 10, 2008
I read Psalm 104 aloud and the armor of God from Ephesians
Eph 6:12 struck me different this morning. I had always focused on the who we were fighting against section, but the first part struck me this morning. If we are not fighting against people, even “evil” people, then the command to love my neighbor gets a little easier. I can now insert words into the scripture like, we are not fighting against Osama, we are fighting against the powers of darkness. This clearly says it is not the person. We are all children of God. Who is your fill in the blank.
Lord let me see who I have been fighting against. Please replace the spirit of battle with a spirit of loving compassion in my heart and give me the strength to reconcile with them through your grace.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: battle, compassion, darkness, enemy, fight, Love, satan | 1 Comment »
Posted by Bart on March 28, 2008
Today I read Psalm 95 aloud.
Again with the patients!!!! I am very glad God is into forgiving 7×70.
Have a great day.
Lord please bless Kevin, Calvin, Jay, and Jim with extra awareness of your love for them today.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: forgiveness, Love, patients | 1 Comment »
Posted by Bart on March 27, 2008
Today I read Psalms 93-94 aloud. I have just started the book Organic Church by Niel Cole.
I am excited to spend the day thinking about “love being the key” and how to put legs on that thought. I love when Rich Mullins says “faith without works is like a screen door on a submarine”. I have faith in God, but that does not always translate into loving my neighbor. Cole had a good line in his introduction when he told a kid with a broken bike chain yelling at a passing preacher, asking if he had enough time to stop being a preacher and help him. I think christian could easily be substituted for christian, “Hey Bart can you stop being a christian long enough to help me?”.
Jim, Congratulations on seven days! You got any extra bracelets?????
Again, I pray you all will have grace and peace in your days.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: actions, faith, Love, Organic | No Comments »
