Are You Ready for a Revolution?

I am relaxing this evening with the family and our family pet, Spice (the most adorable cockapoo to grace the earth).    Snow is falling and all the world seems quiet from my vantage point.  Ahhhh...


I am beginning a new book tonight entitled, "The Compassion Revolution" by Dave Donaldson.   Chapter 1 - "Imagine for a moment that you are relaxing at home and the phone rings.  When you answer, you hear a friend's breathless voice:  'Are you watching the news?  Have you heard what has happened?  It's horrible!'  During this one day, 30 jumbo jets have crashed, killing a total of 5,700 people.   Don't you think the whole world would be shocked and in mourning at the announcement of this awful event?    Of course this didn't happen --these 30 jets didn't crash.  But the children who died today simply because they lack clean, safe water would fill all of these planes."


rev⋅o⋅lu⋅tion⋅ar⋅y  [rev-uh-loo-shuh-ner-ee] - a drastic and far-reaching change in thinking and behavior.


In Luke 6:36, Jesus instructs his followers, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."    The challenge is not to merely feel merciful, but to BE merciful.     The needs of this world are so great.  Hunger, homelessness, sickness, poverty...can we really make a difference?    When the disciples posed this same question to Jesus he said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.   He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."  John 14:12


I am looking forward to reading this book, meditating on the scriptures and reacting with Christ-like compassion.


Let's join the compassion revolution!

Ye, Myself and I

Snow plow? No plow as of 11:08 p.m. this Sunday night! At the moment, I am completely fine with the lack of attention from the State Highway Administration. Once the wall of snow is penetrated and shoved aside, I know that the world will move full speed ahead. It will be time to jump back inside of the giant hamster wheel and start running the race all over again. Do you ever feel like that? Maybe you feel like you're being chased by an avalanche or giant cartoon snowball. As I sit in silence, encased in a protective wall of white, I again recognize my need to be still. Why is that so difficult to do for some of us? Shouldn't I be doing something to try to get a little ahead? March is coming, Easter is coming. Move, move, move my inner being cries out!

Thankfully, the deepest part of my inner being is crying out and has a louder voice. I have allowed some time for examination before God and believe I have an answer for myself. You can call me, "ye of little faith" or you can call me "Ye" for short. Humiliating or humbling? I admit it to be both, but fortunately there is learning from this title. Faith is the very basis and foundation of my relationship with Jesus and yet it can be one of the most difficult things I wrestle with. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died and 3 days later rose from the dead, that He can heal the sick, transform lives, and even move mountains. I struggle with why I fail to have the faith to see how God will meet the needs of every day life. The unexpected expenses that creep in, job stresses, family matters, money stress, feelings of inadequacy, health issues or sickness.

And yet, how many stories are there in the Gospels of healings that happened just because an individual, simply in a child-like fashion, knew and believed that Jesus could heal the person they were concerned about? I can memorize scripture and attend Bible studies about these miracles, but if I don't have child-like faith, it means nothing in my own life.

I have some needs right now. I could make a list, a long list. I have forgotten that all I need is my faith in God. All I need is God. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." There is a certain simplicity to faith. Simply believe. God didn't have to, but he has shown His credentials. He is faithful and He has shown us this through the ages. Manna from the sky and water from a rock. Lazarus raised from the dead, the parting of the Red Sea, feeding 5,000, calming the storm and creating the entire world...what more do I need!!?? I don’t see dead birds or other animals lying around in the snow as a result of the storm. God provided for their every need. Need after need has been met over and over again. The almighty God has shown Himself strong! And yet, I have to call myself "Ye" from time to time.

I am spending tomorrow in solitude in silence, realizing that I can, because God is in control of all things. Not me. He’ll get along without me just fine. I will meet with the One who is able to do immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine. I plan to show up with "Ye, myself and I" and be renewed from the inside out. God, I'm here to meet with you, come and meet with me.    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMb3xBsGiZU

I'd Stop the World and Melt with You

Well, it is 1:10 a.m. and I am unable to sleep. The anticipation is great! A big event is imminent and there is a rush and flurry of activity. Preparations are in place and people are keenly aware of their needs and living essentials. Phone calls are being made to friends, neighbors and family members ensuring that have heard the latest news. It is important that they are prepared for what lies ahead. My friends, we are talking about the snow forecast for our Maryland area. Yes, we are expected to receive up to 2 feet of snow or more in the Baltimore area through Saturday evening.

S N O W- (snō), noun

1. Particles of water vapor which when frozen in the upper air fall to earth as soft, white, crystalline flakes

It sounds heavenly, yet this water vapor which falls to the earth as soft, white flakes evoke fear, panic, and frustration for many folks. Are we really surprised by snow in the winter? It certainly is plausible for January and February. Someone taught us that snow is an anticipated part of the winter season. Yet, we seem ill prepared for the crystalline flakes when they are forecasted. We think about everything we need; the essentials. We prepare and plan. We make a mad dash to the store for milk, bread, and toilet paper. We even think about others' needs. Something is coming and we'd better move fast, with a sense of urgency. What if we are trapped in our homes for a few days? What if our plans have to change or are cancelled? What if we can't get to work? We run around like Chicken Little...the snow is falling, the snow is falling!

And, of course, there are others who eagerly await the snow. They gaze upon its beauty and consider the wonder of God's beautiful creation. Every flake quietly falls from the sky and blankets the world in pure white. All seems still, quiet and at perfect peace. For a time, there is tranquility and the only focus is upon the One who created each icy, glistening particle. The One who created the heavens and the earth. The One who beckons and calls us to slow down our pace. Peace, be still. He calls to us and says, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."  Oh gentle Savior, to look upon your face and consider the wonders you have done.

Where do you find yourself? Are in you in the "snow camp" or the "slow camp" at the moment? I have to admit I've been living out the past few days in the "snow camp" club.

In these moments of quiet, alone in my living room, I realize my desire for some slow and silent moments with God. Blanket me with your presence O God, and make me white as snow. No rush, just slow and steady moments with you, steeping in your Word.

I'd stop the world and melt with you. Let it snow and may I be blessed with no place to go but into the arms of my Savior.

~Sleep in heavenly peace~

Do something about it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esdhq7n2Zbg

The Wheels on the Church Go Round and Round, all through the town

The Wheels on the Church Go Round and Round...

I can't believe it has been several months since I took the time to update my blog and empty my head. Where to begin?

This has been a time of transition. A time of change, growth, adjustment, acceptance, grief, wonder, excitement, joy, uncertainty, expectancy, and prayer.

Ecclesiastes 3 A Time for Everything

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

There is indeed a season for every activity under heaven. God has set apart this time and season in my life to follow hard after Him. In order to follow someone, you need stay close and never lose sight of where your leader is leading you. You listen closely for your leader's direction. You keep your eyes on the leader, otherwise, you can end up lost and going your own way.

God is on the move! He is depositing a bunch of his followers smack in the middle of Bel Air to begin a new worship site at the John Carroll School. Why? To reach the people Jesus misses the most. Mountain Christian Church is going multi-site and will be holding worship services at John Carroll on March 21st. The wheels on the church go round and round...literally. This is a "God-sized" mission which simply confirms what I already know: "Apart from Him, I can do nothing" coupled with a healthy dose of "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." I will be leading Children's Ministry at the new site and will be part of an amazing team which God has hand picked for such a time as this.

I am learning a lot of about my Savior as He moves Mountain. I am learning what it means to completely surrender to Him, to listen for His voice, to seek Him first and then all else will be given. I need my Savior moment by moment as we embark upon this amazing new thing. God's new thing. I repeatedly stand in awe of what He is doing and that He is using a wretch like me.

When I think about the kids and families that can meet Jesus through our new site, I can scarce take it in. Life after life will be transformed. When lives are changed through Jesus Christ, people notice. Neighbors take notice. Kids at school take notice. Family members take notice.

There is much to pray about. I am reading one of Bill Hybels' books, Too Busy Not to Pray and am reminded of my need to be in constant communion with God.

God's got wheels...and I am chasing hard after Him. Follow along with me, for it sure to be a wild ride!

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

WHAT IF?

What if…


What if…we actually had the courage to ask?
What if…we were not afraid to ask the hard questions?
What if…we asked the One who had the answers?
What if…He gave us an unexpected answer?
What if…it does not make sense to the rest of the world?
What if…we knew it would not be easy?
What if…it was not the popular decision?
What if…we knew in the deepest place of our soul it was what we were created to do?
What if…it meant giving up your comfort?
What if…it felt like leaping off a tall building?
What if…you were asked to drop your nets and come follow?
What if…you were called?
What if…you knew His good, pleasing and perfect will for your life?
What if…you did nothing?
What if…you tried to drown out the sound of the call because of fear?
What if…you didn’t have all of the answers?
What if…you leaped?
What if…you obeyed?
What if you did?

Do you know who you really are?

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=849dc7c803281df74bb2

What an amazing retreat time today. God always shows up and reveals Himself when we seek Him. It was a beautiful afternoon at Susquehanna State Park where He once again led me beside still waters...

26 I gave an account of my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. 27 Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. 28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. 29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law. 30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.
Psalm 119:26-30

Every Season
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dwpdZdvCl8

Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that´s ours
And I notice You
In children´s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun & wonder
You´re summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I´m braced for colder winds
I´ll offer thanks for what has been & what´s to come
You´re autumn

And everything in time & under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You´re winter

And everything that is new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it´s with You
And how You make me new
With every season´s change
And so it´ll be
As You´re re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

Look, a new day has begun

"Daylight, I must wait for the sunrise, I must think of a new life, and I musn't give in. Look, a new day had begun." Profound words from the song "Memories" from the musical Cats. I love musicals, anything from Bye-Bye Birdie to High School Musical! For some reason, I awoke this morning with the song "Memories" sounding in my head. That's a crazy way to begin the day I suppose, and a frightening glimpse into the psyche of Jenny Krichton, but it did direct me to thoughts of my God. I must think of a new life, and I musn't give in. Today is beginning differently for me. I am committing each new day to God by spending time with Him first. No Good Morning America, no a.m. race for the coffee, no Facebook, no Weather Channel, no quick email check on my phone. Nope, nope, nope! The first book of the Bible begins with these words, "In the beginning God..." This is my new morning mantra and I musn't give in! In the beginning, God.

Change my heart oh God. Make it ever true.
Change my heart oh God. May I be like you.

You are the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me, This is what I pray.

Full Exposure to the Son

I am eagerly anticipating an exam on Friday. It is going to be a tough exam for me and I am not sure I am at all ready or prepared. Ever had that feeling? Well, this is not a college exam or a physical exam. Friday is the day I slip away to be alone with God and allow Him in to examine my heart.

Socrates declared that "the unexamined life is not worth living." A regular spiritual examination and full exposure to the Son is something that has become essential in my life. It's the prayer of David: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

In our home, we regularly take out the garbage and clean out the refrigerator, and yes, even pick up the dog waste in the yard! The question is, do we really have the courage to do the dirty work needed in our own lives? Will we take the time to be still before God and allow Him to expose what is rotting in our own lives and then take the trash out to the garbage can?

I have been challenged by the book, Soul Revolution, by John Burke, which suggests a full spiritual inventory. "The goal is to bring everything into God's light so that he can remove the hidden things fully." He suggests that we pray David's prayer (Psalm 139:23-24) and then write down anything that comes to mind that you need to confess before God. Then listen and respond to the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to journal some action steps to take. What does God want to change? What is God trying to do in your life right now? When we enter His presence with humility and listen for His voice, it will become clear.

Growth begins when we can be a naked soul, fully exposed before the lover of our souls.

Search me, test me, and lead me O Lord...

One more day til T.G.I.F.