21January2017 Rejoice

"So, being sent on their way by the Church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers."  Acts 15:3

As Paul and Barnabas reported what God had been doing among the Gentiles, their Jewish brothers responded in joy.  They rejoiced to know that a people their former Judeo outlook abhorred, had accepted the Message of Truth.  Rejoiced!
We've seen this very thing first-hand.  Over the last few months, as we have shared what God is doing among refugees, many of our western brothers and sisters have cried tears of joy.  To be honest, it's been refreshing.  In spite of the society around us saying we are supposed to hate or fear refugees, the Body of Christ is rejoicing that they are hearing and many are receiving the Message of Truth.  In the middle of this crisis there is reason to rejoice.

12January2017 Wedge

Splitting firewood is one of my favorite chores and I've got the blisters and sore biceps to prove it.  I love the smell a freshly split log emits.  I love the measurable progress, a steadily growing stack.  I even love the implements.  A sharp axe, a heavy maul, I mean, what's not to love?  Right?  My favorite tool is a splitting wedge.  This small, conical shaped piece of steel, with proper placement and proper amount of brute force, can split even the largest piece of wood. 

There is a unique sense of satisfaction in putting a wedge in the middle of a big chuck of red oak and smashing the stuffing out of it with a sledge hammer until it splits. 

As we've been back in the States we've noticed one negative undercurrent.  The United States are not quite so united.  Maybe it's the political season we just went through or maybe it's just a sign of the times but we seem to be divided like never before.  Even worse, the Church seems to have succumbed to this same spirit of division.  This ought not be!   Jesus prayed in John 17 "...on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me"  Christ prayed that we, His family, would be one.  Amazing.  Brothers and sisters, let us throw off these things that have divided us.  Let us forgive and love one another as He forgives and loves us.  Let us refuse to allow the concerns of this world become a wedge of division, splitting apart the Family.  Let us remain united in Him!

1January2017 Resolved

Happy New Year! As we look back on 2016 and forward to 2017, what plans, goals or dreams do you have for the next 365 days?  One year from today, January 1, 2018, what would you like to have eliminated or accomplished?  D. isn't a fan but resolutions are a great way of setting a target and periodically evaluating how you're doing.  Want to shed a few pounds?  Want a larger savings account or small credit card balance?  Want to learn a new skill or pursue a new degree?  Want to memorize more Scripture or increase your quiet time?  All of these are good things, some great.  I'll tell you two of mine.  One, I'd love to take more photographs.  As Ferris Beuller said, "'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it'. Pictures may not slow things down but at least you have some sort of documtation of the journey.
Two, I want to live a life of greater gratitude. So, I'm starting a Thanksgiving Journal (okay, the name's a bit lame but you get the point). Each day I am going to jot a thing or two, or ten, that I am thankful for.  I refuse to wait until the last Thursday of November to express gratefulness.
Right now, as I type these words, I am praying for you and for your 2017.  Remember, without Him we can nothing (see John 15:5 ) and nothing is impossible with God (see Matt.19:26.