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Thursday, May 28, 2009

I love this one: “Dad, tell me when we get there.” If they really meant that, then what is the purpose of: “Are we there yet,” and, “How much farther?” These are constant refrains of kids on long trips...or is it really just the kids? I’ve realized my own restless spirit on trips, both at destinations along the way, and en route.

Not satisfied with what is going on at the time, I’m always looking forward to something—anything, whatever is next. If I am driving, I want to get there. If I get there, I want to unpack. If I unpack, I want to do something exciting. If I do something exciting, I get tired and I’m ready for bed. In the morning, I’m ready to pack up and move on to the next location, or the next mini-adventure.

I’ve realized this phenomenon is not just on trips but with all of life. And in light of our restless, selfish spirits, Scripture teaches us not only to be content, but to make the most of every opportunity. While the context of that passage may be directly with our Christian witness, I believe Christ is pleased when we carpe diem; when we seize the day.

God, help me to slow down and enjoy the trip. Help me to enjoy the drive and the scenery. Help me enjoy catching up with old friends, and building blocks with my kids. Help me to realize I’m not in nearly as big a hurry as my speedometer reveals. Help me to bring life and breath and salt into these relationships along the way.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Much More than my Co-pilot

When a foreign king was outsmarted by Israel in 2 Kings 6, his advisors said to him, "Elisha, the prophet tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” This is how close God is to us all the time. Sometimes this helps us to resist temptation.

Over breakfast this morning a friend and I discussed the temptation of passing an attractive joggers, and how it helps to imagine that our wives are in the car with us. Then I said, “You can also imagine that Christ is riding with you,” and I think we both realized at the same time, this is something we don’t have to imagine—it is actually the case. And even more than just ‘riding with me,’ he is reading my thoughts. This is how close God is to us all the time.

And much more than just the negative (protection against temptation), there is also a positive application of the nearness of God. If I am lonely and single, I have the constant companionship of my best friend. If I am being wheeled into surgery, the Great Physician will watch over the physician’s every move. If I have lost my spouse, my Bridegroom will never die. This is how close God is to us all the time.

God, help me to know and feel deeply your presence today. And help me to act and will and live today with such courage and contentment that shows the world that this is all I need.

Friday, May 15, 2009

In John Grisham’s The Firm, the main character (who is married) is propositioned at a bar on a business trip far away from home, and he nobly turns the girl away. He wins the battle, he goes for a walk on the beach, and rescues another girl from a (supposed) attacker. But his guard is down, and he succumbs to lust and adultery in a most unexpected and unanticipated scenario.

We think of Jesus’ victory over Satan’s temptation in the wilderness a time of great triumph, and it is. But Lk 4:13 contains a chilling phrase I do not remember seeing before: “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left Jesus…until an opportune time.”

For the Christian, “Greater is he who is in you (Jesus) than he who is in the world (Satan),” but Satan is still very real and very powerful. Another chilling phrase is that he “prowls about as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8). This verse confuses me because Satan is as shrewd as a serpent but gives the appearance of an innocent dove. He doesn’t usually make a frontal assault with guns blazing, he tends to come in behind the lines after the battle is over to offer fruit to a hungry, tired soldier.

What is his most opportune time with you? Maybe it is when you are sick, maybe after a spiritual high. Perhaps when you have had a fight with your spouse, on a business trip, or watching the morning soaps on the phone with a friend. Satan will wait for the most opportune time.

Father, help me to be alert, save me from myself, the world and the Devil. By grace through faith, strengthen my resolve, my dependence upon you, my defenses. May Satan’s attacks fail to knock me over because I am on my knees before you, my God, my Deliverer.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Blessed Light

I’ve been in a deep, dark valley for several months and am seeing lots of sunshine now in the area of parenting. I continually remind myself through my experience that parenting well doesn’t come naturally, and it is not automatic. What makes it more difficult is that as kids mature, practices that worked last year need some adjustments because you are in a different relationship now. And though many principles are good and time-less, parents are not. We begin to let things slide as we get comfortable and busy and lazy.

So, where did the sunshine come from? The first ray was advice from others. My wife was infinitely wise and humble to ask my mother on a recent visit, “What advice do you have for us in the area of parenting?” It takes a daughter-in-law who is confident in the righteousness of Christ to ask such a question (and listen to the critical advice without getting defensive). Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.”

Another ray of light came from reading. I’ve been through at least three dark parenting valleys, and each time I’ll pick up a good book. This one was Have a New Kid by Friday by Kevin Leman. Yes, I was that desperate. Actually, it was a gift from my mom—no new earth shattering secrets; only solid reminders and signs for someone who is lost on the valley floor.

A final ray of light came through prayer. I have shared my struggles with each of my small groups and men’s groups, crying out to them for help, prayer and advice (a small group is worthless if you can’t do that). Paul writes to the Corinthian church that, “God will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers (2 Cor 1:10-11).

I have a close friend who has been through an even deeper, darker valley than myself who shared with me how the church has loved him and his wife through their trial. He said, “We actually felt they prayers of the church.”

God, I am weak. May it be that I am helped by the prayers of your church. But even more so, may I pray in such a way, with such passion, such fervency, such belief that others are helped by my prayers, as they are applied by your Spirit.