Lent, pt. 40

40 days already? That went fast.

I enjoyed the routine of blogging every night.

Now, I find myself asking what the next step is with this blog.

Do I continue daily? Weekly? Topical or impromptu?

thinking


In a larger sense, my relationship with God is like this blog site.

I can make little effort to contribute. Or, maximum work can be poured in.

Either way, I will get out of it what I put into it.

effort

I AM NOT saying that I can somehow earn a better position or standing with God by doing more stuff. That is not biblical.

I AM saying that I can grow and mature more if I work harder. That is biblical.

See the difference?

And that is what am taking away from this Lent blogging season.

I can put forth more effort to know God better. His Word is available and I can pray anytime, day or night. He is ready for me to find Him.

He loves me in obnoxious and ridiculous ways, that won’t change.

How I understand and receive that love can change.


Good night and find God in a new way this Easter season.

 

Lent, pt. 39

If you remember yesterday’s post, I had gone to a men’s conference at church.

Today was the second half. It was really good.

There were so many morsels of truth that I will be mulling over the next week or so.

I want to give you one such morsel today:

There is power in proximity.

When you have spent time with Jesus, others are affected.

The opposite is true.

When you are with someone who has been with Jesus, you can sense the power.

So whether or not you are the one with Jesus, great things can happen.


Let me challenge you.

Spend time with Jesus. Let his love fill you. Change your life to fit into God’s desires.

Not only will you be different but the world around you will be changed as well.

 

Have a great night and see you tomorrow for Lent, pt. 40!

Lent, pt. 38

Today was pretty cool. There was a men’s conference at our church tonight.

I would guess about 75 men were there tonight. At least 30 of those were from other churches.

It was really cool to hear a bunch of guys singing out praise and worship.

And then we ate BBQ.

So overall, a great night.


Some people have told me that they can worship God by themselves. That they don’t need to go to church to be a Christian.

I don’t believe them.

Once you get a taste of corporate worship, it adds such a flavor to your relationship with God.

It is just plain fun.


Easter is just around the corner. Lots of people will attend church. Lent brings people back to church.

But when Lent is over, how many people don’t see the inside of a church until Christmas?

Don’t be a C&E (Christmas and Easter) Christian. Be an AYL (All Year Long) Christian.

Lent, pt. 37

Tests, Exams, Quizzes…it seems that every students hates them.

Today, I gave a quiz to my Chemistry students and a test to my General Science class.

test taking

I was bombarded with the usual excuses about not enough time, some students gone, etc.

But I was strong and confidently handed out the papers. It was fun. =-)

Part of Lent involves being tested. Many places in scripture reference tests, trials, or temptations.

I think that Lent can be a good place to go through these tough times.

We know God is gracious and faithful.

If we do fail, there is the safety net of grace to catch us.

I don’t think Lent is about making perfect people. It’s about making trusting people.


As we near Easter, remember that God does not require perfection of us.

He desires our trust.

Do you trust God? Do I?

Let your actions answer that one.

trust

Lent, pt. 35

In a few days, Monday the 15th, I will celebrate my anniversary with my wife.

It will be 19 years.

Wow, it is hard to think that many years have gone by already.

I found a couple of rather interesting lists regarding gifts for anniversaries.

anniversary list 2anniversary list

Although neither of the lists had 19 years, I did find them amusing.

The lists that did show 19 years, mentioned a common theme.

Bronze.

What?!?!

My question, then, is what in the world do I get my wife, whom I love, a gift that somehow relates to something bronze?

Who made these lists anyway?

To my wife, I love you and thank you for 19 years. May God give us 19+ more!