August 28th
August 28th: Just say no
I love doing things around the house. As an avid Do-It-Yourselfer, I don’t mind tackling many of the jobs that might otherwise be done by paid professionals. That’s not to say I do every job by myself. While I’m fully capable of building small pieces of furniture, doing simple plumbing work, changing electrical outlets, lights and switches, and fixing a variety of small appliances, my biggest talent as a Do-It-Yourselfer is knowing when to I am out of my league.
I am pretty adamant about what I will and will not do around the house. Some projects are unpleasant and unless it’s way too expensive, I’m willing to lay out some cash in order to have someone else do them. A new ceiling fan in our bathroom would have demanded that I fold myself into the wee, cramped confines of our attic. That’s something I hate doing, so we hired an electrician to tackle the job. Some projects are too dangerous. Once again, it’s pro time. Other jobs require expensive equipment and special skills. You guessed it: pay someone with the skills to do the job right the first time.
Thanks to fairly decent training, a lot of personal experience and a healthy fear of wasting time and money I have rarely, if ever, taken on a job I couldn’t finish. At the same time I have never, ever thrown away money hiring someone for a task I couldn’t do myself happily and with relative ease. As I said before, knowing when to say no (and on the other side of the coin, knowing when to go ahead) is one of me talents as an amateur handyman.
Knowing one’s limits is important in all aspects of life. We can’t do everything that’s possible for human beings to do. Some things are too dangerous and some are too expensive. In this case, however I’m not talking about physical danger or financial costs. Some of the things we do are too dangerous and too costly as far as our souls are concerned. God set clear limits on what we can and can’t do with our lives. Going beyond those limits can end up costing us our relationship with God, and that is a dangerous and costly mistake.
The danger of exceeding our limits comes in being totally abandoned by our creator. When we go against God’s rules it is an act of alienation and rejection. Following God’s rules, on the other hand, keeps us close to God and allows for a healthy and holy relationship. Going beyond our limits is expensive too, because it means that we not only waste time and energy on things that don’t help, but it can cost us our very souls.
Thankfully, knowing what we can and can’t do or where the limit are isn’t too hard. God provides clear guidelines in the Bible and an excellent example in Jesus. Furthermore, unlike many of the handyman tasks we might try, doing the right thing is pretty easy and requires little talent, skill or training. All you have to do is say ‘Yes’ to God’s ways and no to anything else.
I am pretty adamant about what I will and will not do around the house. Some projects are unpleasant and unless it’s way too expensive, I’m willing to lay out some cash in order to have someone else do them. A new ceiling fan in our bathroom would have demanded that I fold myself into the wee, cramped confines of our attic. That’s something I hate doing, so we hired an electrician to tackle the job. Some projects are too dangerous. Once again, it’s pro time. Other jobs require expensive equipment and special skills. You guessed it: pay someone with the skills to do the job right the first time.
Thanks to fairly decent training, a lot of personal experience and a healthy fear of wasting time and money I have rarely, if ever, taken on a job I couldn’t finish. At the same time I have never, ever thrown away money hiring someone for a task I couldn’t do myself happily and with relative ease. As I said before, knowing when to say no (and on the other side of the coin, knowing when to go ahead) is one of me talents as an amateur handyman.
Knowing one’s limits is important in all aspects of life. We can’t do everything that’s possible for human beings to do. Some things are too dangerous and some are too expensive. In this case, however I’m not talking about physical danger or financial costs. Some of the things we do are too dangerous and too costly as far as our souls are concerned. God set clear limits on what we can and can’t do with our lives. Going beyond those limits can end up costing us our relationship with God, and that is a dangerous and costly mistake.
The danger of exceeding our limits comes in being totally abandoned by our creator. When we go against God’s rules it is an act of alienation and rejection. Following God’s rules, on the other hand, keeps us close to God and allows for a healthy and holy relationship. Going beyond our limits is expensive too, because it means that we not only waste time and energy on things that don’t help, but it can cost us our very souls.
Thankfully, knowing what we can and can’t do or where the limit are isn’t too hard. God provides clear guidelines in the Bible and an excellent example in Jesus. Furthermore, unlike many of the handyman tasks we might try, doing the right thing is pretty easy and requires little talent, skill or training. All you have to do is say ‘Yes’ to God’s ways and no to anything else.
August 27th
August 26th
August 25th
August 24th
August 23rd
August 22nd
August 21st
August 21st: Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Kate Middleton is losing weight! Charlize Theron might be dating Ryan Seacrest! Rebecca Black has a new single! Wow! I mean, like, totally, Wow! I can’t believe anybody cares about this stuff! Honestly, folks, in the great scheme of things, do the antics of Hollywood celebs, the health of Royalty or the latest offering from a non-celebrity really impact our lives?
I suppose if you’re a gossip follower or want to be in on the latest trends, stuff like that matters. Once again, however, I am left wondering at how empty our lives have become that we should need to know who’s losing weight, dating the wrong guy or peddling bad music. Has our day to day existence so boring that we need to amuse ourselves with trivia? Will knowing about the health status, love life or career arc of complete strangers make us feel more alive? I sincerely hope not. Our lives might not be thrill a minute, chock full of excitement soap operas, but at least as far as my state of affairs goes, it’s plenty interesting enough.
No, I’m not sharing it with you. Well, at least not here. If something in my life interests you because you care, or if I need a little help from you, or if it might help you in your journey, sure, I’ll let you in. I have no problem telling my story to the folks who count. I’m also interested in your story if you care to share for. If our lives should happen to meet in ways that bring us mutual joy, support or success, share away. I’m here for you. But please, if it’s not something you really need to share, or if it’s about someone else that I don’t know, well, I won’t tell you mine if you don’t tell me yours.
The life stories and events we should be interested in are those that have a direct impact on our lives. They should inform us about ourselves or our relationship with others. They should, in short, be helpful to all concerned. Knowing that Kate Middleton is losing weight doesn’t concern me. If, however, a close friend sheds pounds unexpectedly and in an unhealthy way, I would like to know so I can offer them my love and support.
While were so fascinated with celebrities, I’m fascinated that we’re not more fascinated by the biggest celebrity of all, the person otherwise known as God. What God has done, does and will continue to do has a huge impact on all our lives. The story of his Son, Jesus, can lead us to live the best life possible. Understanding the story of God’s church and taking part in it can have a great, positive impact on the world. And trust me, there is enough drama in God’s great book to keep even the most jaded reader interested. God created the universe in an instant! Jesus died for! Jesus rose from the dead for you! The Presbyterian Church in Canada helps local congregations have global impact! St. James Presbyterian Church is making a difference in its community! What better news do you need than that?
I suppose if you’re a gossip follower or want to be in on the latest trends, stuff like that matters. Once again, however, I am left wondering at how empty our lives have become that we should need to know who’s losing weight, dating the wrong guy or peddling bad music. Has our day to day existence so boring that we need to amuse ourselves with trivia? Will knowing about the health status, love life or career arc of complete strangers make us feel more alive? I sincerely hope not. Our lives might not be thrill a minute, chock full of excitement soap operas, but at least as far as my state of affairs goes, it’s plenty interesting enough.
No, I’m not sharing it with you. Well, at least not here. If something in my life interests you because you care, or if I need a little help from you, or if it might help you in your journey, sure, I’ll let you in. I have no problem telling my story to the folks who count. I’m also interested in your story if you care to share for. If our lives should happen to meet in ways that bring us mutual joy, support or success, share away. I’m here for you. But please, if it’s not something you really need to share, or if it’s about someone else that I don’t know, well, I won’t tell you mine if you don’t tell me yours.
The life stories and events we should be interested in are those that have a direct impact on our lives. They should inform us about ourselves or our relationship with others. They should, in short, be helpful to all concerned. Knowing that Kate Middleton is losing weight doesn’t concern me. If, however, a close friend sheds pounds unexpectedly and in an unhealthy way, I would like to know so I can offer them my love and support.
While were so fascinated with celebrities, I’m fascinated that we’re not more fascinated by the biggest celebrity of all, the person otherwise known as God. What God has done, does and will continue to do has a huge impact on all our lives. The story of his Son, Jesus, can lead us to live the best life possible. Understanding the story of God’s church and taking part in it can have a great, positive impact on the world. And trust me, there is enough drama in God’s great book to keep even the most jaded reader interested. God created the universe in an instant! Jesus died for! Jesus rose from the dead for you! The Presbyterian Church in Canada helps local congregations have global impact! St. James Presbyterian Church is making a difference in its community! What better news do you need than that?
August 19th
August 18th
August 17th
August 16th
August 15th
Help me to do the same for others, God, so that my gifts can help others where they fall short.
August 14th
August 14th: Energy Conservation
The hot summer months put a huge strain on power-grids throughout the world. Heat waves drive the use of air-conditioners through the roof resulting in tremendous use of electricity. Power companies try their best to encourage the wise use of their resource. They ask folks to limit the use of air-conditioners during the day. The charge higher rates during peak hours in order to drive people to use energy when the demand is lower. Some companies even offer devices that control the use of appliances remotely, allowing them to limit their use with the user’s consent or participation.
There are many good reasons for us to limit the use of energy. We need to be conscious of how the generation of electricity and other forms of power impact our environment negatively. We have to be aware of the limited amount of power sources that exist, and the fact that we must share what we have with a planet full of people. As people of faith, or just as responsible citizens of earth it’s simply a good idea to be careful and judicious stewards of God’s creation.
As people of faith, however, the rules of good stewardship are slightly different. When we follow Jesus or seek to do God’s will, we are not called to hold back at all. Instead, we are invited to give it all we’ve got, all the time. When we trust God as our energy source, we have a limitless resource available always and everywhere. Wise stewardship of Godly gifts like love and caring does not mean conserving them or holding them back. These gifts are meant to be shared as extravagantly as they were first given to us.
Think of what Jesus did for us. His death and subsequent resurrection would not have been possible had He held back. Had Jesus not used His full Godliness and total capacity for love, he’d still be in the grave and we’d still be totally lost to sin. We are called to give of ourselves the same way. We are called to expend ourselves rather than hold back.
We can do this because our ultimate source of energy is a limitless one. We are empowered by God himself and that means we have a resource that can never be exhausted. In fact, the more we give of ourselves, the more we get to give even more. Sure, our physical resources are limited. God does not provide us with infinite quantities of money. We do not have an eternity to live. We do, however, have way more than we need in spiritual terms. From a soul-perspective, we can count on God to provide for us extravagantly and freely.
Energy conservation is great when it comes to air-conditioners and high energy appliances. As far as faith is concerned, we need not worry about saving energy. All we have to be concerned with is how we’re going to use God’s Spiritual gifts freely and extravagantly.
There are many good reasons for us to limit the use of energy. We need to be conscious of how the generation of electricity and other forms of power impact our environment negatively. We have to be aware of the limited amount of power sources that exist, and the fact that we must share what we have with a planet full of people. As people of faith, or just as responsible citizens of earth it’s simply a good idea to be careful and judicious stewards of God’s creation.
As people of faith, however, the rules of good stewardship are slightly different. When we follow Jesus or seek to do God’s will, we are not called to hold back at all. Instead, we are invited to give it all we’ve got, all the time. When we trust God as our energy source, we have a limitless resource available always and everywhere. Wise stewardship of Godly gifts like love and caring does not mean conserving them or holding them back. These gifts are meant to be shared as extravagantly as they were first given to us.
Think of what Jesus did for us. His death and subsequent resurrection would not have been possible had He held back. Had Jesus not used His full Godliness and total capacity for love, he’d still be in the grave and we’d still be totally lost to sin. We are called to give of ourselves the same way. We are called to expend ourselves rather than hold back.
We can do this because our ultimate source of energy is a limitless one. We are empowered by God himself and that means we have a resource that can never be exhausted. In fact, the more we give of ourselves, the more we get to give even more. Sure, our physical resources are limited. God does not provide us with infinite quantities of money. We do not have an eternity to live. We do, however, have way more than we need in spiritual terms. From a soul-perspective, we can count on God to provide for us extravagantly and freely.
Energy conservation is great when it comes to air-conditioners and high energy appliances. As far as faith is concerned, we need not worry about saving energy. All we have to be concerned with is how we’re going to use God’s Spiritual gifts freely and extravagantly.
August 13th
Things are moving along nicely. I know that doesn't happen everywhere, Lord, I feel so blessed with the fun and success you're allowing me. Help me to find ways to bless others so that they too can have a feeling of fun and success in their lives.August 12th
Things are starting to actually look finished! Hooray! Thanks, God. And thanks for the unifinished bits of life; help me continue to be a work in progress, ever closer to being finished the way you desire.August 11th
Visible progress at last. Much, tiring, repetitive work, for sure, but just part of life. Lord, help me truly appreciate the creative and original work of ministry that happens every day. I have a new respect for those whose life is boring drudgery. Help them, Lord, and help me be a part of positive change that might bring about good, interesting and satisfying work for all humanity. I don't know how, but I know you can make it happen.August 10th
And now the reconstruction begins, ever so slowly, as the new floor underlay goes in. Thanks for the progress, Lord, and as I progress in the work, help me also to progress as your servant.August 9th
The last of the demolition work is done; at least the easy part. Time for some rebuilding tomorrow! Help me, Lord, to be patient and keep doing things as best I can.August 8th
As things progress, Lord, be with me so that I can work safely, and help be keep in mind all the many blessings you offer.August 7th
August 7th: Home at last
It is nice to know where you’re going and helpful to know how to get there. Modern technology can’t help with your choice of destination. You still have to choose for yourself where you’d like to end up, but it can help you get there once your made a decision.
Global positioning systems and programs like Google Maps can give us accurate and useful directions when we need them. Sometimes they lead us astray, as well. If the municipal powers-that-be change or close roads, or if the information is generally incorrect, not even the best mapping or positioning device can help. When those technologies fail, we’re on our own; it’s up to us to figure out how to arrive at our chosen destination.
In Christian and other faith circles we often talk about taking a path or heading in the right direction. We talk about our journey or our pilgrimage as if our life has some final destination, some place we have to be in order for our lives to be complete.
I’d like to challenge that notion for a moment. I’d like to question whether or not we really are on a journey, and whether or not we need some kind of Godly positioning system in order to get there. Actually, I’d like to suggest that we are already where we are supposed to be but don’t know it. I don’t think life is a journey as much as it is an awakening to reality.
Think about it for a moment. What we need for our faith life is already within us. We are God created beings that have been created in our maker’s image. Thus we are made holy and good. We have been equipped with reason and creativity. We have built into us the capacity to love without limits. In other words, we are, from the moment of birth, a total and complete package, a unique expression of God’s genius ready to do what we are meant to do.
Sure, it takes a little formation. It takes growing and learning and making mistakes to figure out who and what we are. But we never have to go anywhere. Being fully, complete and worthy humans doesn’t require us to climb mountains or cross great divides or sail impossible seas. It requires study, observation, training, participation and persistence, not a great pilgrimage. You can think of life as a journey, I suppose, but I think that misleads us, if you’ll pardon the pun.
We are at home with God by who we are and through our relationship with Him. While worshipping with others enhances our faith, we can always worship God alone wherever we are. We can see God in great scenic vistas far from home, but He is equally visible in the love of a friend. Only when we realize that God is never further than a heartbeat away will we truly be home at last.
Global positioning systems and programs like Google Maps can give us accurate and useful directions when we need them. Sometimes they lead us astray, as well. If the municipal powers-that-be change or close roads, or if the information is generally incorrect, not even the best mapping or positioning device can help. When those technologies fail, we’re on our own; it’s up to us to figure out how to arrive at our chosen destination.
In Christian and other faith circles we often talk about taking a path or heading in the right direction. We talk about our journey or our pilgrimage as if our life has some final destination, some place we have to be in order for our lives to be complete.
I’d like to challenge that notion for a moment. I’d like to question whether or not we really are on a journey, and whether or not we need some kind of Godly positioning system in order to get there. Actually, I’d like to suggest that we are already where we are supposed to be but don’t know it. I don’t think life is a journey as much as it is an awakening to reality.
Think about it for a moment. What we need for our faith life is already within us. We are God created beings that have been created in our maker’s image. Thus we are made holy and good. We have been equipped with reason and creativity. We have built into us the capacity to love without limits. In other words, we are, from the moment of birth, a total and complete package, a unique expression of God’s genius ready to do what we are meant to do.
Sure, it takes a little formation. It takes growing and learning and making mistakes to figure out who and what we are. But we never have to go anywhere. Being fully, complete and worthy humans doesn’t require us to climb mountains or cross great divides or sail impossible seas. It requires study, observation, training, participation and persistence, not a great pilgrimage. You can think of life as a journey, I suppose, but I think that misleads us, if you’ll pardon the pun.
We are at home with God by who we are and through our relationship with Him. While worshipping with others enhances our faith, we can always worship God alone wherever we are. We can see God in great scenic vistas far from home, but He is equally visible in the love of a friend. Only when we realize that God is never further than a heartbeat away will we truly be home at last.
August 6th
August 5th
August 4th
August 3rd
God, it's weird starting such a major project with the kids away. This is their house, too, yet Lois and I are changing things radically, without their being here to see or help. Please be with them and help them appreciate what we're doing, and be with Lois and me so that we can make the right decisions along the way.
August 2nd
Today the renovation of the kitchen began in earnest. Walls started coming down, but a surprise stopped things. Lord, I know that it's not much and that the kitchen is in some ways a frivolous project, so help me put things in perspective and truly understand how blessed I am.
July 31st
Well, last day of preaching before vacation went well; thanks for what's been accomplished in the year so far. Be with the folks at St. James as I take some time away; help them support the servants that come to lead them, and to renew and refresh their faith in the waning weeks of summer.
July 31st: A special place
I was watching a popular home decoration show the other day and found myself feeling rather superior for a moment. A couple wanted a meditation room in their house. It was very important to them to have a place to pray. Because they believed something other than what I believe a thought of “Wow, how desperate are they?” came over me. After all, as the Pastor of a church, a devout Christian, and a guy who generally has his act together because of our God, I know better, right?
Everybody say: “Wrong!”
Of course, it would be nice if they believed what I believe. In fact, it’s part of our mandate as Christians to share our faith and help others to see the light. But that doesn’t give us the right to feel superior to anyone. In fact, when I thought about that couple’s earnest desire to make space in their house to practice their faith, I felt a little ashamed and embarrassed.
Here’s the thing: how many devout Christians are willing to go to such lengths. Jesus himself invites us to go into a separate part of our house to pray. He invites us to go into a private room, a quiet place apart, to be with God. Now, that’s not a literal invitation to build a prayer room, but it is a call to make room in our homes and our hearts for Him.
Let me elaborate even further. While our devotion is not measured in square feet of worship space in our house, or how much money we spend refurbishing our place to accommodate a prayer room, or how many hours we take out of our schedule to pray, what we believe needs to be practiced all the time. One woman of faith I spoke with recently described her faith as “talking to Jesus all the time.” That’s a profound way to live: knowing He is never more than a prayer or chat away, and taking advantage of that option, is a great practice. Other folks need something a little more concrete. Prayer journals and study Bibles are a wonderful way to make faith alive.
A separate room works for some folks, too. The point is, it’s not enough to say we believe. Going to church is nice, but if that’s your only contact with the divine, there’s something missing. Harsh as it may sound, there’s more to God than Sunday worship. God is with us all the time. He loves us every moment of His existence. Our lives should reflect that. I might not believe what those folks on TV believe, but I respect their commitment to their faith. Now I just have to figure out how I can be as committed to what I believe.
How about you?
Everybody say: “Wrong!”
Of course, it would be nice if they believed what I believe. In fact, it’s part of our mandate as Christians to share our faith and help others to see the light. But that doesn’t give us the right to feel superior to anyone. In fact, when I thought about that couple’s earnest desire to make space in their house to practice their faith, I felt a little ashamed and embarrassed.
Here’s the thing: how many devout Christians are willing to go to such lengths. Jesus himself invites us to go into a separate part of our house to pray. He invites us to go into a private room, a quiet place apart, to be with God. Now, that’s not a literal invitation to build a prayer room, but it is a call to make room in our homes and our hearts for Him.
Let me elaborate even further. While our devotion is not measured in square feet of worship space in our house, or how much money we spend refurbishing our place to accommodate a prayer room, or how many hours we take out of our schedule to pray, what we believe needs to be practiced all the time. One woman of faith I spoke with recently described her faith as “talking to Jesus all the time.” That’s a profound way to live: knowing He is never more than a prayer or chat away, and taking advantage of that option, is a great practice. Other folks need something a little more concrete. Prayer journals and study Bibles are a wonderful way to make faith alive.
A separate room works for some folks, too. The point is, it’s not enough to say we believe. Going to church is nice, but if that’s your only contact with the divine, there’s something missing. Harsh as it may sound, there’s more to God than Sunday worship. God is with us all the time. He loves us every moment of His existence. Our lives should reflect that. I might not believe what those folks on TV believe, but I respect their commitment to their faith. Now I just have to figure out how I can be as committed to what I believe.
How about you?
July 30th
Thanks God for a fun, busy, busy day and for the folks that let me share their special moments as I conducted their marriages. May Megan and Rob and Stephanie and Todd have wonderful lives together as unique, wonderful couples. And thanks again for my unique life with Lois.
July 29th
Two wedding rehearsals in anticipation of two weddings tomorrow. Everything went well, folks had fun and I think we're all on track for a good day. I just pray your blessing on both couples so that they can be rested and ready to go tomorrow. I also thank you for the many years I've had with Lois and pray for many, many more.
July 28th
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