Quote

I recently read this quote on Kristen's blog and loved it. It came from Charlie Hall but don't know if it is his or if he picked it up from someone else.


“May God Bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.”

The first part really speaks to me. Relationships and relational church are pop topics these days. Maybe it is a fad or maybe it is a true longing in the heart of many people.

We live in a culture and time where most relationships are only about an inch deep and only last as long as the purpose they serve.

I guess we really do reap what we sow.

Obedience?

I have two sons. In all their years they have never once asked me if I was really their Father. Even when they did something I didn't approve of and I disciplined them they never asked if they were still my kids or if I had rejected them.

Ouch, I don't want to imagine what that would feel like, "Do you still love us? Are we still your sons? Can we still sleep in your home tonight?" Man questions like that would break my heart.

"Don't you know you're my kids! Everything I have belongs to you!"

I've had a few conversations with them about obedience and doing what mom and I expect but never ever in the context that if they mess up they would no longer be considered my children. And make no mistake it is a few conversations certainly not the focal point of our relationship.

Reality is most of our conversations have nothing to do with obedience. Yea there is encouragement and teaching but almost always in the context of enjoying our relationship. I say "almost always" because I am less than perfect.

"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven..." Lk 11:13

The Narrow Path

The grime, filth, hurt, pain, sin and rebellion around me aren't obstacles to the path of Jesus they are the path of Jesus.

The filth and pain is an opportunity to extend God's kingdom through love, humility, and compassionate service.

When He saw sin He saw an opportunity to redeem,
when He saw disease He saw opportunity to heel,
and when He saw dirty feet He saw an opportunity to get on His knees and wash the dust off.

Jn 13:13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.

Meet Allan

Allan was baptized in early December and recently has come to live with us for a while.

He's a rollerblading maniac. Hardcore crazy stuff like 540's and grinding off roofs.

Please pray for him as you think of him. He is fresh and new and has more questions than answers which is frustrating to him. Pray that he would become content with the questions and the reality that we see but dimly and it's a walk of trust not knowledge.