Two quick stories about random unexplained coincidences that pointed me toward God. (A.K.A. "miracles," but more about that later...)
1.) About a month ago, I had to make a one-day round trip from Austin to Dallas (and back, of course...that's why they call it a round trip) to pick up Michele & our two youngest daughters. For several weeks prior to this, the A/C in my vehicle had been getting gradually worse, and was now blowing air that was warmer than the heater. Coolant leak in the system, I guess...
So that morning, all the way to Dallas, I was sweating profusely, praying for a miracle, and dreading the reaction that Michele would have when she realized there was no A/C. (Did I mention that we are in a long stretch of 100-degree days in Texas, and the daughters in question are 2 yrs. old and 6 mos? Important facts to the story...) By the time I arrived in Dallas, picked up the family, caught a quick lunch, and started back south on I-35, the strangest thing happened: I suddenly realized that our A/C was blowing cool air! In fact, it was running colder than the day we bought it 5 yrs ago! Could it be true? Was it a mirage? How long could it last in the heat of the day?
Well, let me just say it blew with arctic force, and nearly formed frost on my nose. For 2 1/2 hours, we rode in frigid comfort. It was a miracle! ONLY GOD could fix an air conditioner for a road trip in Texas! (The funny thing is the next morning it was back to being broken...and it hasn't worked since.) Hmmm...
2.) The same vehicle in question soon had another problem: the front window on the driver's side stopped working. It died while in the "down" position; because of the heat and no A/C, I just left the windows open all the time...and now, I had no choice! For 2 weeks, the front window had stayed down, both day and night, and even through a rain storm. (Thanks to Josh for taping up the window while we were gone! You 'da man!)
Then today, another strange occurrence: I saw dark storm clouds gathering above me, so I pressed the button to raise the window (purely out of habit), and suddenly it started working! No explanation. I didn't do anything new. A broken window was healed! A dead power motor came to life! The Resurrection strikes again!
Sound a little crazy? Yeah, I guess so. But I've recently determined to look for God-appearances in everyday life. Random unexplained coincidences that point me toward Him. Miracles.
(Now, if He could just do something about my tempermental weed-eater...)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Snake in the Grass
Have you ever heard someone say, "Better watch out for old so-and-so; he's a real snake in the grass!" Well, after this morning's brush with death (OK, maybe that's a little exaggerated), I'll have a new appreciation for the phrase. Let me explain...
Early this morning, I went outside to water the flower beds. As I walked over to the side of the house to turn on the hose, my heart raced as I heard a rustling sound at my feet. I looked down, just in time to see a large black snake slither out of sight into the tall grass along the fenceline. (I had nearly stepped on him!) By the time I went to the garage, got not one but two shovels, and returned to the scene, the snake was gone.
I should've been glad, but instead, I couldn't stop wondering where else in my yard he was hiding. You see, may I remind you I have 4 daughters...and so far, none of them seem to be particularly excited about snakes. So, I spent the next 30 mins combing the tall grass around the A/C units, along the fence line, in my overgrown flower beds. Never did find that guy...
There are probably lots of lessons to be learned here (never water the flowers in flip-flops; always carry a shotgun with you before 7am; teach all family members how to suck the venom out of a snake bite; move someplace where they don't have big, black snakes!), but I want to share one simple observation:
My grass is too tall.
You see, if I had done a better job mowing, edging, and weed-eating my lawn, it would have been a less-attractive hiding place for snakes. (As any golfer knows, if you always keep your ball in the fairways, you don't have to worry about those "Beware of rattlesnakes" signs. Snakes like the security of the "rough" more than manicured greens. Duh!) So, because I have allowed my yard to become a residential dream for reptiles...it's no wonder he moved into the neighborhood.
Now, let's bring this closer to home. In my spiritual life, I need to be careful not to let the enemy slither undetected into the tall grass. I want my heart to be safe. I want to protect my family from danger. So, the tall grass of temptation needs to be mowed regularly. The weeds of unforgiveness make a great hiding place for the enemy of my soul. As the 23rd Psalm says, "Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil." Be alert. Watch and pray. Guard your heart.
Always, be on the watch for a snake in the grass...but also, keep the grass short enough that you can see him. (...and then chase him away with not one, but two Holy Spirit Shovels!)
Early this morning, I went outside to water the flower beds. As I walked over to the side of the house to turn on the hose, my heart raced as I heard a rustling sound at my feet. I looked down, just in time to see a large black snake slither out of sight into the tall grass along the fenceline. (I had nearly stepped on him!) By the time I went to the garage, got not one but two shovels, and returned to the scene, the snake was gone.
I should've been glad, but instead, I couldn't stop wondering where else in my yard he was hiding. You see, may I remind you I have 4 daughters...and so far, none of them seem to be particularly excited about snakes. So, I spent the next 30 mins combing the tall grass around the A/C units, along the fence line, in my overgrown flower beds. Never did find that guy...
There are probably lots of lessons to be learned here (never water the flowers in flip-flops; always carry a shotgun with you before 7am; teach all family members how to suck the venom out of a snake bite; move someplace where they don't have big, black snakes!), but I want to share one simple observation:
My grass is too tall.
You see, if I had done a better job mowing, edging, and weed-eating my lawn, it would have been a less-attractive hiding place for snakes. (As any golfer knows, if you always keep your ball in the fairways, you don't have to worry about those "Beware of rattlesnakes" signs. Snakes like the security of the "rough" more than manicured greens. Duh!) So, because I have allowed my yard to become a residential dream for reptiles...it's no wonder he moved into the neighborhood.
Now, let's bring this closer to home. In my spiritual life, I need to be careful not to let the enemy slither undetected into the tall grass. I want my heart to be safe. I want to protect my family from danger. So, the tall grass of temptation needs to be mowed regularly. The weeds of unforgiveness make a great hiding place for the enemy of my soul. As the 23rd Psalm says, "Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil." Be alert. Watch and pray. Guard your heart.
Always, be on the watch for a snake in the grass...but also, keep the grass short enough that you can see him. (...and then chase him away with not one, but two Holy Spirit Shovels!)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Secret Place
Do you have a "secret place" where God meets with you?
A place no one else goes but you Him?
A place you "hide away" with Him to learn His ways?
A place where He "works" on you?
A place where He's making you more like Him?
A place where you seek wisdom?
A place where you find strength for each day?
A place where He renews your hope?
A secret place.
Last night, I heard Rick Dubose share a message on "The Secret Place," and I was challenged! I am humbled by the reality that God wants to meet with me...but I allow the busy-ness of my life to crowd Him out. In essence, I have often "stood him up," left him there waiting, day after day, with nothing but weak excuses and promises that things will be different next time. If I treated anyone else that way, I would either be an absent-minded knucklehead, or simply a jerk! (Lord, forgive me. You deserve better...)
Consider this: Jesus appointed the twelve to be disciples..."that they might be with him." (Mark 3:13). That's pretty much everything to a follower of Christ. Just be with Him.
Find your secret place...and go there! He's waiting...
A place no one else goes but you Him?
A place you "hide away" with Him to learn His ways?
A place where He "works" on you?
A place where He's making you more like Him?
A place where you seek wisdom?
A place where you find strength for each day?
A place where He renews your hope?
A secret place.
Last night, I heard Rick Dubose share a message on "The Secret Place," and I was challenged! I am humbled by the reality that God wants to meet with me...but I allow the busy-ness of my life to crowd Him out. In essence, I have often "stood him up," left him there waiting, day after day, with nothing but weak excuses and promises that things will be different next time. If I treated anyone else that way, I would either be an absent-minded knucklehead, or simply a jerk! (Lord, forgive me. You deserve better...)
Consider this: Jesus appointed the twelve to be disciples..."that they might be with him." (Mark 3:13). That's pretty much everything to a follower of Christ. Just be with Him.
Find your secret place...and go there! He's waiting...
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Drink Coffee, Do Good
Just a reminder: all of the coffee we brew on Sunday mornings is from Land of a Thousand Hills. This is a ministry based in Atlanta, Georgia that serves the families of the victims of the Rwandan genocide, by helping them begin new lives by earning a living producing some of the world's finest coffee. (...in my humble opinion)
In addition to the FREE coffee we brew & serve in the lobby, you can purchase bags to take home ($10), as well as t-shirts, coffee cups, travel mugs, and more.
A cool thing happened this week. Some officers from the Pflugerville Fire Department dropped by our office for their annual inspection. As they walked through the lobby, they noticed the LOTH display, and inquired about it. Before they left, they had purchased 2 bags for themselves, and were very interested in checking out the website to learn more about the ministry in Rwanda.
(And oh, by the way, we also have an emergency light bulb that needs to be replaced...but they were so nice while writing us a warning! Gotta get right on that...)
You never know when something as simple as the coffee you drink will be an opportunity to witness for Jesus Christ. So, keep up the good work: Drink Coffee, Do Good!
In addition to the FREE coffee we brew & serve in the lobby, you can purchase bags to take home ($10), as well as t-shirts, coffee cups, travel mugs, and more.
A cool thing happened this week. Some officers from the Pflugerville Fire Department dropped by our office for their annual inspection. As they walked through the lobby, they noticed the LOTH display, and inquired about it. Before they left, they had purchased 2 bags for themselves, and were very interested in checking out the website to learn more about the ministry in Rwanda.
(And oh, by the way, we also have an emergency light bulb that needs to be replaced...but they were so nice while writing us a warning! Gotta get right on that...)
You never know when something as simple as the coffee you drink will be an opportunity to witness for Jesus Christ. So, keep up the good work: Drink Coffee, Do Good!
I Don't Think I Fit In Here...
These are some of the most awful words I hear as a pastor: "I don't think I fit in here." And when I do, it makes me want to scream into a pillow, or eat chips & salsa, or go for a 3-mile run--anything to let out a little frustration, but without doing something I'll have to repent of later. I want EVERYONE to fit in here! I want everyone to find a place to worship, a place to serve, a place to hang out, a place to grow, a place to find healing, and a place to "get the inside jokes." Is that asking too much of a local church? I don't think so.
So, why do these words bug me? Did the person who uttered them say something wrong? Is it their fault? NO, of course not! I appreciate the straightforward honesty. But to tell you the truth, there are lots of reasons for someone to say this, and it's not always easy to tell what's really going on in their lives. For some, it's a genuine cry for help. For others, it's a selfish cry for attention. For some, it's the prodigal son desperately wanting to find a home. For others, it's the older brother who's frustrated that he's no longer the center of attention. Try to follow me here...
No one can ever really know the heart of a man except that man, himself. But, for those making a cry for help, this is what I think is going on inside their heads:
"I really like this church, and I've been coming for a while. The worship is inspiring, the sermon speaks to where I am living, the children's ministry seems to be effective...but something's missing. I'm starting to wonder if I truly belong here, or if anyone would miss me if I was gone. Am I developing any true friendships? I definitely feel like I am 'buying-in' to this church's vision, but I still don't feel personally connected. Maybe, it's me. I don't think I fit in here..."
If the words above are like a page torn from your journal, please hear this: You DO belong here! A local church is a family where everyone has a seat at the table, and also, helps with the dishes afterward. The local church is an army where every ranking officer has orders that must be followed, in order for the battle to be won. The local church is a body where every single member is important (including eyes, ears, pinky toes, colons, and vocal cords). The local church is awesome--but it's not-quite-as-awesome-as-it-could-be unless everyone goes along for the ride!
The Bridge Church is in transition. That's obvious to see...but the day we STOP transitioning to the next thing God has for us, will be the day we start dying. (And in case you can't discern the rhetorical irony here...I don't intend to let that happen on my watch.) Change is uncomfortable. If we're not careful, things (and sometimes, people) will get lost in tranistion. And we can't let that happen either.
So the next time you hear your brother or sister wondering aloud if they fit in here... look them in the eye and say, "Yes, you do!" Then take them to lunch, invite them to a small group, go to the driving range together, pour them a cup of Rwandan coffee, or give them a big hug and say, "I love you man!"
(Now, to be honest, some of my jeans don't fit like they used to, but that's another issue...)
So, why do these words bug me? Did the person who uttered them say something wrong? Is it their fault? NO, of course not! I appreciate the straightforward honesty. But to tell you the truth, there are lots of reasons for someone to say this, and it's not always easy to tell what's really going on in their lives. For some, it's a genuine cry for help. For others, it's a selfish cry for attention. For some, it's the prodigal son desperately wanting to find a home. For others, it's the older brother who's frustrated that he's no longer the center of attention. Try to follow me here...
No one can ever really know the heart of a man except that man, himself. But, for those making a cry for help, this is what I think is going on inside their heads:
"I really like this church, and I've been coming for a while. The worship is inspiring, the sermon speaks to where I am living, the children's ministry seems to be effective...but something's missing. I'm starting to wonder if I truly belong here, or if anyone would miss me if I was gone. Am I developing any true friendships? I definitely feel like I am 'buying-in' to this church's vision, but I still don't feel personally connected. Maybe, it's me. I don't think I fit in here..."
If the words above are like a page torn from your journal, please hear this: You DO belong here! A local church is a family where everyone has a seat at the table, and also, helps with the dishes afterward. The local church is an army where every ranking officer has orders that must be followed, in order for the battle to be won. The local church is a body where every single member is important (including eyes, ears, pinky toes, colons, and vocal cords). The local church is awesome--but it's not-quite-as-awesome-as-it-could-be unless everyone goes along for the ride!
The Bridge Church is in transition. That's obvious to see...but the day we STOP transitioning to the next thing God has for us, will be the day we start dying. (And in case you can't discern the rhetorical irony here...I don't intend to let that happen on my watch.) Change is uncomfortable. If we're not careful, things (and sometimes, people) will get lost in tranistion. And we can't let that happen either.
So the next time you hear your brother or sister wondering aloud if they fit in here... look them in the eye and say, "Yes, you do!" Then take them to lunch, invite them to a small group, go to the driving range together, pour them a cup of Rwandan coffee, or give them a big hug and say, "I love you man!"
(Now, to be honest, some of my jeans don't fit like they used to, but that's another issue...)
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