A little Mercy Me for your viewing and listening pleasure!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Me No Like Winter
Okay, this is one of those "NOT so deep thoughts" blogs.
I don't like winter. Acually it's not winter, it's just cold air I could do without.
Snow and 80 degrees would be awesome!
But, alas, winter is here again. Last year I tried the whole positive mental attitude - you know, look at all of the good things about winter - fires in the fireplace (I think we had maybe 2 last year), snow (I remember a lot of very cold RAIN), etc., etc.
This year, I'm going with the open and honest approach... I hate winter (sorry, cold air).
My quote of the day (don't expect these every day): Cold air belongs on the fridge.
I don't like winter. Acually it's not winter, it's just cold air I could do without.
Snow and 80 degrees would be awesome!
But, alas, winter is here again. Last year I tried the whole positive mental attitude - you know, look at all of the good things about winter - fires in the fireplace (I think we had maybe 2 last year), snow (I remember a lot of very cold RAIN), etc., etc.
This year, I'm going with the open and honest approach... I hate winter (sorry, cold air).
My quote of the day (don't expect these every day): Cold air belongs on the fridge.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
HAPPY THANKSIGIVING!
I believe that after last week I'm reminded just how many things I do have for which to be thankfull. Often it's the trials of life that help put things back into proper perspective. So, happy Thanksgiving to you all!
My prayer for us:
Father God, thank You for the difficult times that help us embrace and recognize all of the good things You have provided.
Holy Spirit, Comfort those who are struggling today. Help them to be able to remember all the good as well.
Jesus, we thank You for what You have done so that we may have a true and lasting relationship with God... [video below]
My prayer for us:
Father God, thank You for the difficult times that help us embrace and recognize all of the good things You have provided.
Holy Spirit, Comfort those who are struggling today. Help them to be able to remember all the good as well.
Jesus, we thank You for what You have done so that we may have a true and lasting relationship with God... [video below]
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
New Day - New Dreams
I have to admit, the past few days (okay, the last week) has been a rough one. Life situations and circumstances have created many questions I have asked before, but still very few answers.
Once again I must ask myself, "Is God really God or not?"
Becuase of His faithfulness so many times, I do know the answer to this question - He is truly God.
So, today I set out anew - new dreams, new challenges, new questions, new relationships. It's time to get on with life and its time to risk to love again.
The choices is this - don't take any risks by not forming new friendships (this reduces the chance of significant pain when we lose them) or take the chance (this allows me to experience what I was created for - relationships with people and with God). So, empty and safe or risky and full?
It's time for risky and full!
Of course, we will never forget those we have to be apart from, but we must continue to develop new relationships and continue to experience life - ups and downs, good and bad, in sickness and in health, richer and poorer - hey, those sound familiar - that's what real life is all about!
Go live today for all it's worthy!
Once again I must ask myself, "Is God really God or not?"
Becuase of His faithfulness so many times, I do know the answer to this question - He is truly God.
So, today I set out anew - new dreams, new challenges, new questions, new relationships. It's time to get on with life and its time to risk to love again.
The choices is this - don't take any risks by not forming new friendships (this reduces the chance of significant pain when we lose them) or take the chance (this allows me to experience what I was created for - relationships with people and with God). So, empty and safe or risky and full?
It's time for risky and full!
Of course, we will never forget those we have to be apart from, but we must continue to develop new relationships and continue to experience life - ups and downs, good and bad, in sickness and in health, richer and poorer - hey, those sound familiar - that's what real life is all about!
Go live today for all it's worthy!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Worshipping Through the Pain (and tears)
Today was Danny's funeral (as I type those words I still struggle with the reality of it all).
It was a wonderful celebration of his life. A praise band made up of all former students of his youth group led worship and did a great job. Through all of the worship I was crying like a baby and it was really hard. I kept thinking about how there are times where we simply have to worship God and wait for our heart to catch up.
My heart did catch up and I know that God is still on His throne.
I also was reminded just how precious and delicate life is - will you join me to live life to the fullest. It's times like this that I am reminded that tomorrow is not guaranteed (here on earth) and we shouldn't waste a single moment.
Call that friend you've been thinking about recently - just to say "Hi."
Pout less and laugh more.
Fear less and risk more.
Fight less and love more.
Doubt less and live by faith more.
Work less and play more.
Think less about yourself and more about others.
Take less and serve more.
Steal that kiss, hug a little tighter and longer, write a love note.
Live!! I mean really live - don't just exist - live!!
And share your life with those around you - you won't be sorry if you do!
It was a wonderful celebration of his life. A praise band made up of all former students of his youth group led worship and did a great job. Through all of the worship I was crying like a baby and it was really hard. I kept thinking about how there are times where we simply have to worship God and wait for our heart to catch up.
My heart did catch up and I know that God is still on His throne.
I also was reminded just how precious and delicate life is - will you join me to live life to the fullest. It's times like this that I am reminded that tomorrow is not guaranteed (here on earth) and we shouldn't waste a single moment.
Call that friend you've been thinking about recently - just to say "Hi."
Pout less and laugh more.
Fear less and risk more.
Fight less and love more.
Doubt less and live by faith more.
Work less and play more.
Think less about yourself and more about others.
Take less and serve more.
Steal that kiss, hug a little tighter and longer, write a love note.
Live!! I mean really live - don't just exist - live!!
And share your life with those around you - you won't be sorry if you do!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Thank You
Just a quick thank you to all of you who have called to see how I'm doing and for those of you who have prayed for Danny's family and all of us who have been deeply saddened by his passing.
For the past few days I've spent a lot of time outside just contemplating life and God and all of those questions that seem to go unanswered.
I always come back to the fact that if I could figure God out, then He wouldn't be much of a God (I'm really not all that smart :-) ).
The truth is I really do not understand many of the things about God, but I cannot escape the reality that He has changed my life. That in Christ I do find purpose for living. Without Christ this world would be a mostly cold and heartless place.
Friend, if you simply know about Christ, but have never experienced a personal relationship with Him, I'd love for you to share this incredible, life-changing experience. E-mail me at dave@redoinglife.com and I'll share personally with you my experiences and how you too can find real meaning for living.
In one of the sections of the book I'm working on I talk about how so many view religion as being a crutch - because it is. But it's a crutch that helps us get to where we need to go. If you had a broken leg, you could sit on the couch all day and feel sorry for yourself, OR you could get a crutch, get off the couch and get going. Spiritually, religion is the same thing. It helps you get off your spiritual couch and get going. The important question is where does your religion take you? If it leads you to a personal relationship with the living God, then it's a crutch worth leaning on.
Now for a statement that you may (especially if your religious) need to take some time and think about - what happens to the crutch after your broken leg heals? Do you need it anymore? No, you don't. Religion is the same way - once you've begun a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you no longer need religion.
In all the descriptions of heaven in the Bible, I see no mention of religion - it's all about relationship with God.
Am I advocating abandoning church? No! But I'm advocating that church be soooo much more than religion. If church for you is just about religion, your missing the true purpose for church - you're missing the most critical part - you're missing the relationship with God!
If you're a church leader, let me challenge you - are you leading people toward religion or a relationship? The difference is critical!
More on this in future posts!
Love 'em like Jesus!!
For the past few days I've spent a lot of time outside just contemplating life and God and all of those questions that seem to go unanswered.
I always come back to the fact that if I could figure God out, then He wouldn't be much of a God (I'm really not all that smart :-) ).
The truth is I really do not understand many of the things about God, but I cannot escape the reality that He has changed my life. That in Christ I do find purpose for living. Without Christ this world would be a mostly cold and heartless place.
Friend, if you simply know about Christ, but have never experienced a personal relationship with Him, I'd love for you to share this incredible, life-changing experience. E-mail me at dave@redoinglife.com and I'll share personally with you my experiences and how you too can find real meaning for living.
In one of the sections of the book I'm working on I talk about how so many view religion as being a crutch - because it is. But it's a crutch that helps us get to where we need to go. If you had a broken leg, you could sit on the couch all day and feel sorry for yourself, OR you could get a crutch, get off the couch and get going. Spiritually, religion is the same thing. It helps you get off your spiritual couch and get going. The important question is where does your religion take you? If it leads you to a personal relationship with the living God, then it's a crutch worth leaning on.
Now for a statement that you may (especially if your religious) need to take some time and think about - what happens to the crutch after your broken leg heals? Do you need it anymore? No, you don't. Religion is the same way - once you've begun a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you no longer need religion.
In all the descriptions of heaven in the Bible, I see no mention of religion - it's all about relationship with God.
Am I advocating abandoning church? No! But I'm advocating that church be soooo much more than religion. If church for you is just about religion, your missing the true purpose for church - you're missing the most critical part - you're missing the relationship with God!
If you're a church leader, let me challenge you - are you leading people toward religion or a relationship? The difference is critical!
More on this in future posts!
Love 'em like Jesus!!
This week's Video -- For Danny's Family
Mercy Me - Homesick
This video is for Danny's family and all of us who look forward to the day we will see him again.
This video is for Danny's family and all of us who look forward to the day we will see him again.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Gut Check
A few posts ago I wrote about Life & Death and being thankful that when a brother or sister in Christ passes from this world it's only "see you later" and not "goodbye."
Today my faith is tested once again on this issue as a friend of mine went home last night. He leaves behind a wife and three young children and I cannot begin to explain why God would allow this to happen.
I also received an e-mail devotional today that said it better than I can...
Who can know what the Lord is thinking?
by John Fischer
“Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor? And who could ever give to him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36)
I have loved these verses for a long time – ever since I did a detailed study of the book of Romans as a young man. When you come upon this statement of praise in context, you realize Paul wrote this after three chapters of trying to explain God’s plan for the salvation of all people – how God picked the Jews to be his chosen people, how the Jews rebelled and God turned to the Gentiles, and how the Jews will once again share in God’s mercy. Salted and peppered throughout are statements of God’s predestination and man’s responsibility that have baffled us ever since and eluded the theologians’ attempts to explain. In fact, our attempts to grasp contradictory concepts like free will and predestination have driven Christians into warring camps and divided the church for centuries. It is precisely why Paul blasts off into worship here, to show us that when our minds can’t go any further, we need to stop acting like we know everything – admit we don’t know anything – and worship God.
“Oh, what a wonderful God we have!” exclaims Paul, and in essence goes on to say, He’s way past my being able to explain everything. This is as far as my little mind can take me. Don’t ask any more from it, because I’ve already taxed the poor thing too much already!
Sometimes you just have to throw up your hands and revel in the wisdom and glory of God. Sometimes you just have to humble yourself and admit what you don’t know – might never know. I’m not suggesting this is an excuse for being dumb. Nor does it condone poor scholarship. We need to study, and think, and research, and do the background work necessary to build our confidence in the Word of God and what it says to us. God gave us a mind to use and not waste, but that mind can only go so far. Worship is what happens when the mind runs out of reasons.
Is there something you don’t understand, whether an intellectual question or a question about your life – what God is thinking? Go back to the verses at the top of this devotional and read them in light of your questions, and worship. Sometimes that’s all you can do.
Today my faith is tested once again on this issue as a friend of mine went home last night. He leaves behind a wife and three young children and I cannot begin to explain why God would allow this to happen.
I also received an e-mail devotional today that said it better than I can...
Who can know what the Lord is thinking?
by John Fischer
“Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor? And who could ever give to him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36)
I have loved these verses for a long time – ever since I did a detailed study of the book of Romans as a young man. When you come upon this statement of praise in context, you realize Paul wrote this after three chapters of trying to explain God’s plan for the salvation of all people – how God picked the Jews to be his chosen people, how the Jews rebelled and God turned to the Gentiles, and how the Jews will once again share in God’s mercy. Salted and peppered throughout are statements of God’s predestination and man’s responsibility that have baffled us ever since and eluded the theologians’ attempts to explain. In fact, our attempts to grasp contradictory concepts like free will and predestination have driven Christians into warring camps and divided the church for centuries. It is precisely why Paul blasts off into worship here, to show us that when our minds can’t go any further, we need to stop acting like we know everything – admit we don’t know anything – and worship God.
“Oh, what a wonderful God we have!” exclaims Paul, and in essence goes on to say, He’s way past my being able to explain everything. This is as far as my little mind can take me. Don’t ask any more from it, because I’ve already taxed the poor thing too much already!
Sometimes you just have to throw up your hands and revel in the wisdom and glory of God. Sometimes you just have to humble yourself and admit what you don’t know – might never know. I’m not suggesting this is an excuse for being dumb. Nor does it condone poor scholarship. We need to study, and think, and research, and do the background work necessary to build our confidence in the Word of God and what it says to us. God gave us a mind to use and not waste, but that mind can only go so far. Worship is what happens when the mind runs out of reasons.
Is there something you don’t understand, whether an intellectual question or a question about your life – what God is thinking? Go back to the verses at the top of this devotional and read them in light of your questions, and worship. Sometimes that’s all you can do.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sad Day
Our family had to say goodbye to our family dog of 13+ years today.
It's pretty crazy how much our pets really do become part of the family. The most difficult part for me is watching my family struggle with the grief - I feel pretty helpless.
I've already posted some thoughts about this when we first got the news that her time was short with us - so I'll leave this post short and just ask that you say a prayer for us as we adjust to life without Skeeter.
It's pretty crazy how much our pets really do become part of the family. The most difficult part for me is watching my family struggle with the grief - I feel pretty helpless.
I've already posted some thoughts about this when we first got the news that her time was short with us - so I'll leave this post short and just ask that you say a prayer for us as we adjust to life without Skeeter.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Doctor Visit
I just returned from my annual medical check-up (yeah, I'm at the age they want to see if I'm still breathing every year).
I got to see my regular doctor. That may not seem like a big deal, but last year I saw a different doctor. They both do a good job of running the right test and doing the proper physical exam, but there's a major difference between the two of them.
My regular doctor remembers my family history, he remembers the things I like to do for exercise. He spent the first 15-20 minutes just sitting and talking with me about how I am feeling. We talked about all the little things that you forget to ask about when you finally get to the doctor (especially if you have the 2-3 minute doctor visit).
Here's the difference between last year's check up and this year's. My regular doctor actually cares about how I am doing - not just the obvious things, but in all the little ways. He takes the time to "dig" a little. Why? Because if he can spot a problem while it's still little, he can keep it from becoming a big problem.
Our relationships are the same way. Do you have 2-3 minute relationships? The type where if something is obviously wrong you'll notice, but otherwise you're pretty clueless to how the other person is doing. Or are you developing the kind of relationships where you "dig" a little to make sure they are really doing well?
I wish I could say my relationships fall into the second category, but they often are more like the 2-3 minute type.
Let's see, we need a name for the deeper (and better) relationships... how about - "loving." That's what Jesus talked about - loving God and loving others. To really do that takes more than 2-3 minutes.
I want to develop more "loving" relationships - how about you?
I got to see my regular doctor. That may not seem like a big deal, but last year I saw a different doctor. They both do a good job of running the right test and doing the proper physical exam, but there's a major difference between the two of them.
My regular doctor remembers my family history, he remembers the things I like to do for exercise. He spent the first 15-20 minutes just sitting and talking with me about how I am feeling. We talked about all the little things that you forget to ask about when you finally get to the doctor (especially if you have the 2-3 minute doctor visit).
Here's the difference between last year's check up and this year's. My regular doctor actually cares about how I am doing - not just the obvious things, but in all the little ways. He takes the time to "dig" a little. Why? Because if he can spot a problem while it's still little, he can keep it from becoming a big problem.
Our relationships are the same way. Do you have 2-3 minute relationships? The type where if something is obviously wrong you'll notice, but otherwise you're pretty clueless to how the other person is doing. Or are you developing the kind of relationships where you "dig" a little to make sure they are really doing well?
I wish I could say my relationships fall into the second category, but they often are more like the 2-3 minute type.
Let's see, we need a name for the deeper (and better) relationships... how about - "loving." That's what Jesus talked about - loving God and loving others. To really do that takes more than 2-3 minutes.
I want to develop more "loving" relationships - how about you?
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Life & Death
Our household is in the midst of a sad time. Our family dog of the last 13+ years has been diagnosed with cancer and the vet has told us she will probably live only another 2-4 weeks. We've decided that if she shows any signs of being in pain we will have to put her to sleep.
It's times like this that the reality of death is apparent to all of us. For me, the most difficult time is watching my wife and girls struggle with the sadness of this situation - knowing I cannot do anything about it.
As difficult as these times are with our pets, it's so much more difficult when it is a loved one. One thing that makes saying goodbye to those we love easier is if we know it's really not "goodbye," but "see you later."
You see the Bible talks about how when we bury loved ones we will be in one of two situations - one is we will truly have to say "goodbye." The other choice is we can know that it's only "see you later." What's the difference? It's where we are with God - and each one of us has to make our own decision.
The Bible says some must grieve the loss of a loved without any hope of seeing them again. Others are able to grieve a little easier - knowing we will see them again.
I sometimes feel a little weird at funerals. When I know the person we are burying had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it's difficult for me to get too bummed out, because I know I too have that same relationship with God and I will see this person again in a place of no more sickness, pain or death. So, while it's natural to miss someone, it's truly not the end of the world.
Here's what concerns me most, though, for us in America. So many believe they are Christians, but they come to that belief by default (I'm not Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist, etc., so I must be a Christian). Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. The Bible teaches us that we have to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, only THEN do we become a member of God's eternal family.
If you're not sure where you stand with God and you want to talk about this privately, you can e-mail me at dave@relevantcc.com.
As for me and my immediate family, it's comforting for me to know that if I go first - my family can rest assured that they will see me again and vice versa.
Do you have this same hope?
It's times like this that the reality of death is apparent to all of us. For me, the most difficult time is watching my wife and girls struggle with the sadness of this situation - knowing I cannot do anything about it.
As difficult as these times are with our pets, it's so much more difficult when it is a loved one. One thing that makes saying goodbye to those we love easier is if we know it's really not "goodbye," but "see you later."
You see the Bible talks about how when we bury loved ones we will be in one of two situations - one is we will truly have to say "goodbye." The other choice is we can know that it's only "see you later." What's the difference? It's where we are with God - and each one of us has to make our own decision.
The Bible says some must grieve the loss of a loved without any hope of seeing them again. Others are able to grieve a little easier - knowing we will see them again.
I sometimes feel a little weird at funerals. When I know the person we are burying had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it's difficult for me to get too bummed out, because I know I too have that same relationship with God and I will see this person again in a place of no more sickness, pain or death. So, while it's natural to miss someone, it's truly not the end of the world.
Here's what concerns me most, though, for us in America. So many believe they are Christians, but they come to that belief by default (I'm not Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist, etc., so I must be a Christian). Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. The Bible teaches us that we have to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, only THEN do we become a member of God's eternal family.
If you're not sure where you stand with God and you want to talk about this privately, you can e-mail me at dave@relevantcc.com.
As for me and my immediate family, it's comforting for me to know that if I go first - my family can rest assured that they will see me again and vice versa.
Do you have this same hope?
Monday, November 06, 2006
The Book Bug
The book bug has bitten me! There are so many great things God has done in my life and in the life of my family that I want to share with others. My hopes are that others would also trust God to bring good from their difficult times.
I know all of us have faced difficulties (many of us are facing them right now). So, if an encouraging word would help turn things around, I'd love to be that voice.
Anyway, over the past couple of days I've spent numerous hours at this keyboard and we'll just have to wait and see what develops. I have a bunch of random thoughts and stories - I'm just not sure how it will all fit together.
If nothing else it's been a good exercise for me to reflect on God grace and mercy - and that's never a bad thing!
One last thought tonight. As I've been taking the time to reflect, it has reminded me how many people have been a vital part of my life. Although I think about these people from time to time, I rarely take the time to thank them with a little note, e-mail, phone call or a lunch together. I want to be better about connecting (or reconnecting) with my friends.
How about you? Are there a few people that come to your mind as you read this that haven't heard from you in a while? Why not jot them and note or pick up the phone and give them a call. I bet they'd love to hear from you!!
I know all of us have faced difficulties (many of us are facing them right now). So, if an encouraging word would help turn things around, I'd love to be that voice.
Anyway, over the past couple of days I've spent numerous hours at this keyboard and we'll just have to wait and see what develops. I have a bunch of random thoughts and stories - I'm just not sure how it will all fit together.
If nothing else it's been a good exercise for me to reflect on God grace and mercy - and that's never a bad thing!
One last thought tonight. As I've been taking the time to reflect, it has reminded me how many people have been a vital part of my life. Although I think about these people from time to time, I rarely take the time to thank them with a little note, e-mail, phone call or a lunch together. I want to be better about connecting (or reconnecting) with my friends.
How about you? Are there a few people that come to your mind as you read this that haven't heard from you in a while? Why not jot them and note or pick up the phone and give them a call. I bet they'd love to hear from you!!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Writing a Book???
I've always (even when I was 6 months old :-) ) thought about writing a book, but I never really had the energy to figure out HOW to do that. I mean the writing part I get, but all those numbers and stuff on the copyright page - that's just scary.
So, yesterday I was meeting with a lady who I had done some accounting work for in the past. She wanted some information on starting a business. Of course, my first question is always, "What type of business are you starting?" She said, "I'm a publisher." ;-0
Yeah, so anyway, we talked a little about record keeping and all that really boring stuff and then we talked a lot about publishing. Well, she's encouraging me to write a book. The cynic in me says, of course, I think the publisher gets paid whether a single book is sold or not. But the that's-so-crazy-it-just-might-work part of me says - go for it!
So, yeah, I'm thinking about writing a book. I just wish I had something worthwhile to say :-)
So, yesterday I was meeting with a lady who I had done some accounting work for in the past. She wanted some information on starting a business. Of course, my first question is always, "What type of business are you starting?" She said, "I'm a publisher." ;-0
Yeah, so anyway, we talked a little about record keeping and all that really boring stuff and then we talked a lot about publishing. Well, she's encouraging me to write a book. The cynic in me says, of course, I think the publisher gets paid whether a single book is sold or not. But the that's-so-crazy-it-just-might-work part of me says - go for it!
So, yeah, I'm thinking about writing a book. I just wish I had something worthwhile to say :-)
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Disciples Car
I know this will drive (pun intended) some of you crazy if I don't give you my thoughts - I kinda feel like Rush Limbaugh here.
The disciples obviously drove a Honda...
... Scripture tells us that the were often "in one accord."
The disciples obviously drove a Honda...
... Scripture tells us that the were often "in one accord."
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Question
Okay, that last blog was too...uh...deep to just leave it at that for today. So, I have a question that's been bugging me and maybe you all can help.
What kind of car did the disciples drive?
What kind of car did the disciples drive?
First Comment + How's Your Home Life?
Hey, I'm so proud. Someone read my blog and even posted a comment...
...thanks, mom.
Okay, so the only other people reading is my mom and dad - I don't know if that's good or bad :-0
But I am thankful for parents who care about me and are involved in my life - I'm not sucking-up here - I do have a point to make. Okay I'm sucking-up a little, but I still have a point.
I meet so many people (especially in my work with youth) who's parents are not really involved. Sometimes they have split up, sometimes they are just too busy. Whatever the reason, the results are devastating. [I'm not sure I spelled that right, but if not, my mom will let me know :-)]. That's a humor break because of a very deep subject.
The truth is there are times I almost feel guilty about having a healthy home life when I was growing up (and still today). But here's the important part - there is One who knows everything about you. There's One who made it to all your games, or plays, or recitals. There's One that truly does love you unconditionally. Here's the problem - you cannot really see Him. Of course I'm talking about God, the One who wants to be your heavenly Father, but it can be so difficult to have a relationship with an unseen God. Oh, and by the way, God thought about this, too. That's why He sent His Son, Jesus.
Now, you still may say, but Jesus left this earth almost 2,000 years ago - and you're right, but we have a recorded history of who He was and what He taught and how He feels about us - the Bible.
Now, I won't get into all the proofs of the validitiy [mom, is that spelled right?] of the Bible - at least not today (comment if you have specific questions on this). The truth is we can know God and we can sense His presence in our lives if we are just willing to open our hearts to Him. The Bible talks about the wind - we cannot see the wind either, but we can see the effects of the wind and we can know that it is there. The same is true for God.
Why not give Him a chance? Whether your home life was/is good or bad - He cares about you and wants to have a relationship with you.
...thanks, mom.
Okay, so the only other people reading is my mom and dad - I don't know if that's good or bad :-0
But I am thankful for parents who care about me and are involved in my life - I'm not sucking-up here - I do have a point to make. Okay I'm sucking-up a little, but I still have a point.
I meet so many people (especially in my work with youth) who's parents are not really involved. Sometimes they have split up, sometimes they are just too busy. Whatever the reason, the results are devastating. [I'm not sure I spelled that right, but if not, my mom will let me know :-)]. That's a humor break because of a very deep subject.
The truth is there are times I almost feel guilty about having a healthy home life when I was growing up (and still today). But here's the important part - there is One who knows everything about you. There's One who made it to all your games, or plays, or recitals. There's One that truly does love you unconditionally. Here's the problem - you cannot really see Him. Of course I'm talking about God, the One who wants to be your heavenly Father, but it can be so difficult to have a relationship with an unseen God. Oh, and by the way, God thought about this, too. That's why He sent His Son, Jesus.
Now, you still may say, but Jesus left this earth almost 2,000 years ago - and you're right, but we have a recorded history of who He was and what He taught and how He feels about us - the Bible.
Now, I won't get into all the proofs of the validitiy [mom, is that spelled right?] of the Bible - at least not today (comment if you have specific questions on this). The truth is we can know God and we can sense His presence in our lives if we are just willing to open our hearts to Him. The Bible talks about the wind - we cannot see the wind either, but we can see the effects of the wind and we can know that it is there. The same is true for God.
Why not give Him a chance? Whether your home life was/is good or bad - He cares about you and wants to have a relationship with you.
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