When I used to travel a lot, I would find myself sitting in a hotel room, tired—my type-A personality making sure that my plate was more than full. It reminds me of when I was a kid, working for my dad. He was a civil engineer, owned a construction company, a farm and rental houses. It makes me wonder if type-A personalities are genetic. There were always things I had to do: bush hog a field; replace a toilet; rebuild a tractor engine; hoe the corn rows; pick the okra, etc., etc., etc. The chores never ended, and my friends who lived in town couldn’t believe all the work I had to do. read more » There’s a beautiful verse that begins the Beatitudes and stirs my heart each time I read it: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Oh the joy, the wonderful discovery, of being helpless in ourselves and totally dependent on God. Rest is not found in the land of man’s ability and strength, but only in the place of complete dependence on God. That place where we say with King Jehoshaphat, “We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Like a child, wholly and simply trusting. read more » It’s a powerful experience, watching a human being come into this world. There is emotion, drama, pain, joy, laughter, tears, and more–all packed into this one experience. And the little person, who is the center of attention, hasn’t got a clue. The life of everyone involved gets put on hold and suddenly redirected to this one focus. Phone calls are made, and in no time at all, the attention of everyone concerned is focused on the arrival of this brand new member of the human race. read more » As I was talking with a young man one day, he began to share his dream with me. I love it when, without probing or coercing, a young person begins unfolding their dream to me with heartfelt passion. It’s a good indicator of the likelihood that his or her dream will come to pass. The young man’s words were descriptive and painted pictures, which in no time at all became a mural on the wall of his future that I could easily read. He spoke of why he had come to this decision for his life. Through his journey, he had met many obstacles, some so significant they sucked the energy from him, leaving him tired and discouraged. But in each case, God confirmed His will again, reviving his heart and dream. read more » Christianity must be lived out in life not just in a church service. It would be simpler if we could just “do Christianity” on Sunday mornings (which seems to be the route chosen by many Christians today). That way, I could practice all the right things to do until I become very adept at being a Sunday morning Christian. My Christianity would be very much like a nice suit I put on to go to church, only to be taken off after I return home. The ones I’m endeavoring to impress would be my peers at church; they are the ones for whom I would be bringing out my Christianity. Their acceptance and admiration would be my reward. Fitting in with them would be my goal. read more »
True Christianity – Realigning Our Focus
Steve Vickers : January 30, 2012 12:08 am : President's Blog
President’s Blog
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