In the Midst of the Valley

Valleys = Opportunities

2007-07-31T17:37:00.000-07:00

Acts 18:40 - After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydie's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.

Here are Paul and Silas - working for the Lord, doing the godly thing, sharing the gospel, casting out demons, being arrested and severely whipped, shackles around their ankles, locked in an inner cell of a Philippi jail, and being closely guarded. So what do they do? That begin a praise and worship service. They being began praying and singing hymns to God!! In spit of what we would clearly claim to be heinous treatment by the people and government of Philippi, they worshiped. They weren't complaining or whining about their circumstances. They weren't inciting the people over their mis-treatment. They didn't run to every person who would lend a sympathetic ear and share their sob story. NO!! I don't think Paul and Silas would stoop to that. Instead they turned to their Lord and praised Him.

I recently ran across a definition of worship I like very much. I can't remember where I read it, but I like it. It goes something like this: "Worship is when we take the focus off of what's wrong with us and place it on what's right with God!" Now that's worship. And this is exactly what Paul and Silas did. They didn't even consider what was wrong with them and, instead, focused on what was right with God.

It was also while in the midst of this valley that hey were sensitive to opportunities to minister to others. Take the jailer, for instance. It says that God used this opportunity to use Paul and Silas to minister to and lead the jailer and his entire family to received Jesus as Lord and Savior. They even baptized them afterwards. They didn't run the first chance they got. They could have. The doors were flung open and the shackles had fallen from their feet. They had every opportunity to hit the road and never look back. They could have said, "Adios amigos!" But they didn't. Instead they used their valley experience to make themselves available to God and lead a man and his family to the Lord.

Then, after finally being released. . .appropriately, according to Paul. . .they went directly to Lydia's house. Why? To tell them about their unfair treatment and to solicit sympathy? I think not! Verse 40 says they went and when they met with the brothers Paul and Silas encouraged them. I can hear them now, telling the brothers - many may have been new to the faith - how God used them in spite of their circumstance to share the gospel.

I do believe there was probably some shoutin' and hollerin' going on. Worship probably broke out there as well.

If you're like me, you can use a reminder like this to help us keep in mind that we need to stop whining and complaining about our valleys and 1) worship our Lord, 2) look for opportunities to minister and be used by God while we are in the midst of a valley, and 3) encourage others when we come out on the other side. If you're in the midst of a valley I hope you will take your focus off of what's wrong with your or your circumstance and place it squarely on what's right with God. Remember, the "what's right with God" is way more powerful than what's wrong with you!

Mike

My Sign

2007-05-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

This is my sign. No it's not a peace sign made popular in the '60s and '70s. It's the V-sign. As in V for victory. It was originally made popular during WWII as a sign of victory and encouragement. I use it all the time. When you ride a motorcycle - like a Harley - you wave not like you do in a car, but by lowering your left hand as you pass another rider. I do this, but with the V-sign.

I have found myself using it more and more these days. I'm not sure I know why. Maybe it's the victory I find myself experiencing every day since the loss of Karen. I don't always feel like I'm living in victory. As a matter of fact, some days I feel downright defeated. Then I'm reminded that the only victory Satan and this world have over me is the victory I give them. I choose to live in victory or defeat.

I write about it today. . .well. . .because today is the the second anniversary (for lack of a better term) of her death. That's right on May 8, 2005 Karen went to worship her God for eternity. As this day approached I've asked many to pray for God's grace for me for today. I wasn't sure what to expect or if I should expect anything. I didn't know how I would feel or if I should be feeling anything. Many have reminded me of their prayers for me. Thank you. I really do appreciate it. Those prayers remind me that I can live in victory.

I know the day's not over and something could still happen. And to be honest. . .that would be OK. I hope I would still choose to live in victory.

What about you? What about you, fellow Valley Venturer, are you living in the victory you have in Christ? You do have victory. Allow me to encourage you to live in victory. Start today. . .right now!

V,
Mike

Struggles

2007-04-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

When I began this blog it was mainly centered around my journey in the valley of dealing with Karen's death. I recently realized that not all valleys are centered around such deep struggles. I knew that, but it just didn't occur to me as in "a ha!"

Many of us, probably all of us, deal with daily struggles. . .our own little personal struggles. I do. Everyday I wake up I struggle with something - pride, arrogance, demanding, a quick tongue, lust (yeah, I'm such a guy), and some I probably don't even realize. God reminded me that it's these little struggles than lead to a life of victory or a life of defeat. I desire to live a victorious life, but often times I fall and stumble and my struggles overwhelm me.

In Romans 7:13-25, Paul shares with us his own personal struggle - it's mine too. It's the struggle of the flesh against the Spirit. Paul says that he often fell in defeat, but he doesn't stay there. He knows there is victory. That victory doesn't come in our will, ability or our conscious decision to do right. For if that's all there is then defeat overtakes us every time. No, Paul tells us that victory comes in the person of Jesus Christ

I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. (v. 24-25)

Ohhhh baby!! Thank you Paul for reminding me, and everyone else, that we don't have to live a life of defeat. Thank you for reminding us that there is victory, even over the daily struggles we get up with, live life with, do our jobs with, do family time with, love our families with, and go to bed with in the person of Jesus Christ.

Today I can choose to live in defeat and wallow in the mire of self-pity or I can get up, wrap myself up in the presence and power of Jesus and live a victorious life. . .daily conquering my struggles. You can too!

Won't you choose victory over defeat?
Mike

Forgiveness

2007-04-21T06:01:00.000-07:00

Friday night I led our 20-30s Singles Bible study. For some reason I felt God leading me to teach about forgiveness. As I was preparing I noticed that God's forgiveness has always been a vital part of His relationship with His people. In the Old Testament it wasn't so much a person forgiving another person as it was God forgiving the Israelites - corporately or individually. There are exceptions of course: Joseph's brothers asking his forgiveness after realizing who he was; and Saul asking Samuel's forgiveness after Samuel caught him keeping some sheep from the Amalekites when Saul was supposed to wipe them from the face of the earth.

In the New Testament, forgiveness, for the most part, moves from a corporate to a personal experience. Jesus, we find, ushered in a personal relationship with God and with it personal forgiveness. We also find that Jesus expanded the concept of forgiveness from God-to-man to man-to-man. Jesus thought so much of forgiveness that He reminded us that unless we forgive each other God won't forgive us. If you think about it He can't. Unforgiveness puts us on the throne of our lives, not God. In Matthew 6:12-15 Jesus is in the middle of teaching the disciples what is now known as the Lord's Prayer when he says. . .

Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.' For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

He says, "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." The tense is such that we ask God's forgiveness because we have forgiven others.

In Mark 11:24-25 He also says . . .

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Again, Jesus emphasizes forgiveness of others so our Father in heaven will forgive us. The problem is that forgiving others seems to be one of those innate things deep down inside us that is so difficult for us to do. Why? Control - to forgive someone else means we release them and our feelings so that we don't hold it against them any longer. Pride. Emotions or feelings. Lack of understanding who we are in Christ. I'm sure there's some I haven't listed. These are usually mine. You may even have one or two that are just yours.

Dr. Howard Zehr (pioneer and internationally known lecturer, writer, and practitioner on the subject of restorative justice) reminds us of a couple of things about forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a process, not an event
Forgiveness is a decision not an emotion
Forgiveness can't wait until you feel like it or you may never forgive
Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting - remembering can help you so you don't find yourself in the same or similar situation again
Forgiveness isn't letting people off the hook - there may be still consequences they may have to address
Forgiveness can't be willed to happened
Forgiveness doesn't mean you deny your hurt or pain
Forgiveness is an acknowledgment of the intrinsic worth of the offender - they, too, have a God-given value

Jesus reminded us that it is not only important, but imperative for the believer. If that's so, then who do you need to forgive? A friend? A family member? A co-worker or boss? What about yourself? I have found that the valley can be a difficult place to forgive, but it's forgiveness while in the valley that moves us forward. Like eradicating yourself of boots caked with mud, the journey through the valley is made easier without the baggage of unforgiveness. It may be difficult. It may actually be the hardest thing you've ever had to do. Just remember, your relationship with God depends on it.

Mike

The Journey Continues

2007-04-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

Several months back - November, I think - I wrote my last post here. Thinking I was somewhat out of the valley I moved on to other passions. . .new passions. This past weekend made me think, was I out of the valley, or was I encountering a new valley? What have I learned during my time in the valley? Am I different because of my valley experience? Was that difference good or bad? Positive or negative? I could go on, but you're probably getting the picture by now.

This last Saturday I posted about a song I heard and how it made me feel - click here to read it. In that post I spoke of loss - the loss of someone you love to death, illness, drugs, alcohol, pornography, an accident, or to anything else. When I say "anything" I don't necessarily mean a physical death, it could be anything that takes control of their life and leads them to a detrimental result.

I got to thinking. . .Did I lose something or someone after Karen's death? I'm not thinking in terms of Karen, obviously I lost her. I'm also not thinking of losing something in me associated with Karen, like I wrote about here. No, I'm thinking more in terms of me personally.

Actually, I'm thinking more along the lines of did I lose something in me. . .a part of me. . .that has made me different? I seem to be more cynical these days. I'm definitely less trusting. I worry about things that Karen used to worry about. I'm less carefree than I used to be. I used to think I had that wild-man faith that John the Baptist exhibited. Now, I find myself needing more confirmation from God about things. I think that's it. I've lost my deeper sense of trust - in God, in people, even in myself. For good or bad, I think I have lost someone I loved to this situation. I've lost the man that once ran wildly, chasing after God, while everyone else sat on the sideline telling him how crazy he was.

I miss that guy. I miss his willingness to go all out for God no matter the circumstance or the obstacles. I've asked God to bring him back. Like the father of the prodigal son, I long to see him again. I watch the horizon for his figure to come racing home - full bore, head low, stride wide open. I wait with anticipation and expectation. I wait for "one day". One day when my heart will be united with my passion for God and the pursuit of His heart above everything else.

Ever feel like that? I know some of you have. I know some of you are feeling like that now. I know some of you feel like you've lost something. . .something very deep within you. . . through the valleys of life. Don't give up. Like the father of the prodigal son, don't lose hope. Don't give in to fears. Don't stop looking forward to "one day."

Until "one day",
Mike

New Blog

2006-11-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

Alrighty then!

Some of you have been wondering and asking about my new blog. Well here it is.

Here's the link to my new blog. It's in WordPress 2.0. I'm still learning, updating, and modifying. Eventually it will be part of a new website/ministry called ManHeart Ministries. For now, though, check out the blog.

Its called "Man Words"

Oh! I'm using a theme I downloaded and some of it is in German. So if you run across something in German or something isn't quite right ignore it - I'm in the process of tracking down all the changes that need to be made - or email me and I will get to it as soon as I can.

Thanks for your support.

Mike

Is the End in Sight?

2006-10-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I journal. In my journal I write my thoughts, lessons God is teaching me, struggles I'm wrestling with, the good-the bad-the ugly. It's all right there in my journal. Some days I write pages and pages. Some days I don't even complete an entire paragraph (remember, I'm A.D.D.). I write in first, second, and third person - sometimes in the same paragraph, maybe in the same sentence. I don't really care - it MY journal. :)

Here is what I wrote on October 2, 2006:

I haven't posted anything to the In the Midst of the Valley blog in a while. That has taken a back seat to my new passion. I'm thinking of wrapping it up and closing it. It would still be available, but I don't know what else to add. I just don't know if I could add anything new. I have considered turning it into a book. That would be a lot of work - organizing it, re-writes, publishing, etc. I don't know if I'm ready for a new responsibility. Maybe Gene (my friend and mentor) could give me some insight.

I also dont' know if I've learned all there is to learn about living in the valley. What if there's something else (to learn)? What if I have this big "AHA!" moment?

Then there's the "Have I made it to the mountain top yet?" question. I don't know if I have or not. When will I know? What sould I expect? Do we have mini-mountain top experiences along the way to the "BIG" mountain top - whatever that is?

Then there's the "How do I wrap it up?" question. Do I just say thanks and that's the end? Do I explain myself and what God's doing in my life now and say good night?

Father, grant me the wisdom to move forward. I sense it's time to move on. And if you should want me to put the stuff in a book for others to have in the midst of their valley, please let me know.

**********************************

So there you have it. Word for word straight from my pen - my thoughts, my struggle, my heart. Is it time to move on? God has definitely impressed a new passion and ministry on my heart and I desire to pursue it at some point. And, of course, what do I do with all this stuff. Believe me, it's good stuff - ok, so I'm a little biased. There's about a year and a half of lessons, insights, thoughts, emotions, and struggles right here for anyone to see and read. Should I publish it? If so, how? Do it myself? Use a publishing company? I just don't have a clue.

Please pray that God would give wisdom and clear direction.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

P.S. - Let me know what you think about the publishing stuff.

Men of God

2006-09-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

I've been spending time recently reading through Genesis. As I do, I have been focusing on the men Moses writes about. There are a lot of men listed in Genesis, but God has been leading me to study Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

This morning I finished. There is some good stuff here for us guys. Here are some lessons for us men (and for some women) out there.

It doesn't matter if we start out in the wrong direction as long as we end up in the right direction - Jacob began as a con-man - a swindler - but ended up being used by God
Some men were meant to leaders from birth - Joseph
It was intended that all men lead their families - spiritually, provisionally, & relationally
Living out an adventure is all part of our makeup - Noah, Abraham
Men, we need to fight for our beauty - Jacob fought for Rachel, he worked 14 years just for the privelege of marrying her
Even though we may be arrogant, we need to learn to be humble (yours truly fits into this one) - Jacob & Joseph - like father, like son
We need to pursue the heart of God - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, & Joseph

These were incredible men. Men who made mistakes, just like we do today, but they continued to serve and pursue the hear tof God. They listened to the voice of God. They served God, in spite of their circumstances. They clung to Yahweh. And they modeled for their sons God's desire for men to be leaders of their families.

Listen up men!! If you have a wife who is expereincing a valley time right now, she needs you to fight for her. Lift her up in prayer - privately and openly. She needs to hear you and see you fighting for her. And lead your family - stop allowing her to do it. It's your responsibility.

I remember when Karen was sick. I would pray for her - her healing, her comfort, her encouragement. I often prayed privately for her. But I also prayed openly for her and with her. She needed to know that I was fighting for her. She needed to know she wasn't alone in this fight. I remember when God told me she would die of cancer. I told God he wasn't going to get her without a fight. I was not letting go of her that easy. I never told Karen God told me she would die of cancer, but I did let her see me fight for her and she knew of it.

If you're experiencing a valley time in your life right now remember to be obedient to what the Lord is telling you. Be found faithful. And trust God for the details. Continue leading your family. Continue serving God. Let your wife and children see you struggle, but let them also see you trust God. It will scream volumes to them about the importance of a relationship with God -especialld in the midst of the valley.

There probably haven't been too many days that I haven't struggles since May 12, 2003, when Karen was diagnosed with cancer. Whether during Karen's illness, her death, or with life after Karen, I have struggled. And there have been days when I wasn't faithful to God (always faithful to Karen), when I didn't follow God, when I didn't listen to His voice. Thre were times when I didn't want to lead anymore. I was tired. I was worn out from the fight. At times, I was ready to give in. But I didn't. I continued to fight, to lead, to provide, to serve. I continued to trust God, even if I couldn't see His hand. I let Karen into my struggles - women pay attention here - and in doing so I know Karen prayed for, encouraged, and supported me as a husband and a leader. I allowed her to see my fight and my trust.

Ok. . .enough about me. Men, this is about you! For some of you, I want to encourage you to keep up the fight. If you need someone to pray for you email me and let me know - please incude your name and your fight. For some of you, it's time you stepped up the plate. Quit letting your wife lead and fight for your marriage and family. Stop being such a wuss. You're in a battle for your family and the longer you wait to take the lead the greater the chances your family won't survive. C'mon man, grab that sword and take on the enemy!! If for nothing else, for your wife and your children.

You may be hearing more on this subject in the days ahead. The passion to see men become what God designed and desires them to be is something God has really laid upon my heart recently. I may even choose to start another blog or web site devoted to this issue.

Let me know where you are, how I can pray for you, or how I can help you.

Taking up the sword and fighting the good fight,
Mike

Noah

2006-09-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Reading Genesis 6:1-8:17 and a few things occured to me. Here we have Noah - a man minding his own business, taking care of his family, but caught the eye of God. Of all the people on earth only one man was pleasing to God - Noah.

Noah then embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. No man before or since has ever been on such an adventure. He would experience something no man before him had ever encoutered. Hold up a minute. Let's think this through for a moment. Why would this simple man risk it all for a flood to destroy all the earth? Because God made man for an adventure to live and Noah was a man of God. A man who heard the voice of God, no matter how eccentric the message. And he obeyed . . . and survived.

After reading account of events a few things occurred to me:

Noah was righteous in the eye of God
Noah obeyed the voice of God
Noah was protected by the hand of God
Noah was blessed by the heart of God

FYI - You need to read the account of events to have an understanding of these points.

Here was a man who lost everything - house, all his earthly belongings, everything! But in doing so he gained the favor of God. God protected he and his family. When everyone else was suffering the horror of death, Noah and his family were beneath the caring hand of God.

Wonder what Mrs. Noah thought early on when Noah came home and told her God said to build and ark and get two of every kind of animal on it? Wonder what she thought when the rains came? Wonder what she thought when it kept raining and the ark began to move, then float? Wonder what she thought when the waters receded and she realized they were the only humans on the face fo the earth?

If you're in the valley - or not - and God speaks to your heart, guess what? It probably won't make sense. Probably didn't make sense to Noah, nor the Mrs. I would imagine it definitely didn't make sense to his neighbors or community leaders. In spite of everything, Noah was obedient. And becaude of his obedience he not only experienced the adventure of a lifetime, but the blessings of God.

Listen. No, I mean it. Listen . . . listen to the voice of God. There's more there than meets the eye, including blessings you never imagined. All it takes is obedience.

I can imagine,
Mike

Can You Imagine?

2006-09-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Romans 8:20-22 (NLT)

Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

**********************

Don't know about you, but imagining a place and/or a time where there is no death or decay is pretty hard for me. Not that I don't believe it exists. I do. I really do. But trying to envision a place where there are no hospitals, doctor's offices, emergency rooms, or funeral homes is kind of hard for me.

You have to understand that growing up my brothers and I practically lived in the emergency room. As we got older we just started patching ourselves and each other up - saved time and money. So thinking that I won't need a doctor. . .there won't be a need for funeral homes. . .hmmmmm.

Then again, won't that be amazing? C'mon, think about it. It's not like being out in the middle of jungle and need a doctor and can't find one. It will be like we won't NEED one. Now that's cool!!

It's there, you know. That time and place is there. It awaits all who are called sons and daughters of God. There is a day coming where in the glorious presence of Almight God we will no longer experience death and decay.

It gives me great hope, and while my heart longs for Karen at times, my soul rejoices in knowing she is no longer suffering. She no longer is hurting. Her body is no longer withering away. She is in the presence of the ultimate healer - dancing with Jesus and worshipping her God!! (her words, not mine)

So while I continue to experience death and decay here on earth at this time, there is hope that one day I will be liberated - set free - from this current bodnage and worship my God for all eternity!!

What about you? What about you, valley experiencer? What about you, flock? Struggling with earthly death and decay? Remember, a day is coming when it will be no more and you will be set free from the bondage of hurt, of disease, of the painful experience of this earthly existence.

Can you imagine?
Mike

Our Present Sufferings

2006-09-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready to teach this Sunday on Why do Good People Suffer? Going through some Scriptures I this morning I read Romans 8:18.

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. (NLT)

The NIV calls what we suffer now "our present sufferings." Thinking on this passage and "our present sufferings" in view of the glory that is to come, here are some questions to ponder:

How are you responding to your "present sufferings?"
- To tell you the truth - I stink at at it. There are more times than I care to count when I'm just really tired of my "present sufferings." I'm ready for them to be over. Then, again, that's just me.

What are the benefits of enduring suffering (see v. 17)?
- It's what I often forget - I have the wonderful privilege of sharing in Christ's glry as co-heirs with Him. Is that not the coolest thing ever?

Do you find it difficult to view today's trials with eternity's rewards in mind?
- Most definitely! I'm carnal - part of fallen humanity. That side of me desires relief and healing now. I don't think I'm mature enough in my walk to think "eternally." Maybe I should be.

Sometimes I think it's difficult for me to have an eternal perspective because I have so much going on in the here and now. My mind, my heart, my eyes are focused on all the stuff around me. I'm afraid that if I take my eyes off of the stuff something will slip through the cracks - it will sneak up on me. Then what will I do?

What about you? How are you handling/viewing your "present sufferings?" Where's your focus?

Father, give me an eternal perspective. I know, in my mind, that today's "present sufferings" don't compare with the glory that's to come. Help me see the comparison in my heart where it really matters.

Gloriously adopted,
Mike

God's Seasons

2006-09-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think of God's seasons? I did. I mean. . . we experience different seasons of life. Like new chapters in a book that keep the story going, seasons reflect periods of time in our lives. God has seasons - not like fall, winter, spring, summer - He created those. Im talking something along the lines of chapters in history.

Ever think God does something just for the heck of it? Mmmm. . .come to think of it, I don't ever remember thinking along these lines. You may have. I may have. I just don't remember.

Was reading the first chapter of Titus this morning and this phrase kept sticking in my craw, "His appointed season." For the entire passage and it's context click [here]. Basically, Paul was speaking of the God's use of Paul's preaching of the gospel at God's appointed season, or time.

Make no mistake about it - God doesn't do stuff just for the heck of it. He always has a plan and a purpose for everything He does or allows. Take Jesus' coming, for instance. In Galatians 4:4 Paul writes, " But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son." In other words, Jesus didn't come to earth until God was ready for Him to come. For in God's timing, His season, Jesus came to redeem us - not a "season" sooner or later.

It is also no mistake to think we are tested and tempted when we are. It is not by fate, coincidence, or just plain bad luck when we encounter valley times in our lives. He (God) has appointed us to enter into the valley at His appointed season.

And just like the seasons of the year, our seasons in the valley have specific time frames. Now these time frames, these seasons, may be dependant upon our learning and applying specific lessons to our lives or a need for growth and dependence upon God. I don't think we can just sit around and wait it out. Try that and you/I could be spending a long time in the valley - much longer than we care to.

So. . . what do I do? What do you do? Let me suggest. . .pursue the heart of God. Asking Him to show me, to show you, the lesson(s) we are supposed to learn - AND LEARN IT!! I'm here in this valley for a season. I'm here because God appointed me to be here. I'm here because God loves and and desires me to grow in my faith in and knowledge of Him.

So. . .make no mistake. . . it's no accident. . .no coincidence. . . that I'm in the valley right now. So, I should thank the Lord for loving me enough to want me to learn and grow.

Thank you Lord!
Thank you for this season of life in the valley
May I learn and grow as you desire

May you do the same.

Mike

Equilibrium

2006-09-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

I am NOT, let me repeat, am NOT a person of balance. All my life I have given my all to whatever I do, often at the expense of something else. I think it's a combination of my drive to be the best, the fear of missing out on something, and the pursuit of constant affirmation. Whatever the reason(s) my tendency is to completely jump into something with both feet.

Yesterday I was having my quiet time and encountered this struggle - quiet, meditating, writing with God or getting up and doing the things that needed to be done.

For some of you it's a no brainer - time with God. For others it would be getting up and doing. For me it's difficult to find balance - equlibrium. I don't know how to quite explain it so those on either end of this continuum can understand. Let me see if I can help you guys out.

I love hanging with God. I love reading His Word. I love just sitting and thinking about things with God in mind. I love writing. I love talking to God.

I also love getting up and getting stuff done. Though I am a procrastinator by nature, when the time comes I HAVE to get things done. That's the OCD in me. They will drive me crazy until I get them done. Yesterday was cleaning house, having to register the cars, laundry, and other things that have been put off to the point that they drive me crazy.

So what did I do? I had my time with God. . .wishing it could last longer than it did. Then I got the house cleaned, laundry done, loaded up the Harley to drive downtown Mobile to register the cars, hanging out at Barnes & Nobles, the mall, then to see a movie with some friends, and wrap up the night at Starbucks.

Let me ask, is it important to find balance? Is it ok to move from one end to the other at times? Maybe so, just so long as you don't remain there. I think, knowing my tendency, this is my greatest danger. So I must continue to wrestle with this.

Now. . .am I the only one who struggles with these two things? Am I the only one in the valley that hates trying to find this equlibrium. . .this balance? What about you? To which end do you lean - time with God or get stuff done? I'm sure there are some of you who serve as my hero - you don't struggle with finding equilibrium. For you it's all about balance. Congratulations!!

For the rest of you let me know what you think and where are you in this battle.

Mike

Pursuing the Heart of God

2006-09-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

My-o-my, how time flies when you get caught up in the business of life. Sorry gang, but that seems to be what has happened to me this past week. Hopefully it's all behind me and I can share some lessons God has recently been speaking into my life.

Take a look at 1 Timothy 6:11-12

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

There is some good stuff in here. First, Paul commands us to flee from all this - in previous verses he speaks to greed and false doctrine (see here). Both of which moves, or sways, our focus away from God and places it squarely on us.

* * * Valley experiencers - might want to take a look to see if one of these might be the reason for your valley right now. * * *

Then Paul contrasts these with where our focus should be. I love the word he uses - PURSUE - actively chase - these things:

Righteousness
Godliness
Faith
Love
Endurance
Gentleness

Then we are to fight the good fight of the faith. We are to persevere and trust God. We are to cling to our faith in God.

Next we're to "take hold of the ternal life to which you were called." Hang on - put the death grip on your hope, your assuarnce, in the eternal life you have in Christ Jesus.

It's about our focus - my focus. . .your focus. There are so many things that can be a distraction to you and me that shouldn't be distractions. If I want to maintain my focus on God, then I'm to make the things of God a part of my life. Things like . .

Righteousness
Godliness
Faith
Love
Endurance
Gentleness
Fighting the good fight - standing up for my faith
Grabbing hold of the eternal life - the hope - I have in Christ Jesus

As I look back on this list I see Karen's life right in front of my eyes. She was such a woman of righteousness, godliness, and faith. She loved God and everyone she came in contact with. Her endurance and gentleness in the midst of her valley was so obvious. She definitely fought the good fight as she pointed us toward Christ and gave God the glory in spite of her circumstances. Lastly, she clung to the eternal life promised her through her Lord and Savior. Thank you, Father, for such a wonderful example of a woman who pursued the heart of God.

What about you? Do you exemplify these qualities in your life? What's keeping you from being the example of these qualities? Karen didn't begin exhibiting these qualities in her life when she was diagnosed with cancer. They were always a part of her life with Christ. I do think her battle with cancer just brought them to light. That's what the valley does. It brings our true character to the forefront for others to see.

What do others see in you?

Fighting the good fight,
Mike

Wounded

2006-09-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

I'm leading a single men's Bible study on Thursday nights. We're walking through the study, Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. This is the second time I've gone through it with a group of men. It's been a good study for me.

Eldredge speaks of "the wound." It's the wound that men receive from their fathers. It's the wound that tells sons, "You're not good enough." "You don't have what it takes to be a man." "You don't measure up." So these sons grow up, living with this wound, never to be the men God had designed them to be - men who desire a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.

This got me to thinking about valley experiencers. We're wounded, too. Sometimes by circumstances beyond our control. Sometimes by bad decisions we have made. And sometimes by those close to us. For whatever reason, we're wounded.

Eldredge reminded us of a verse in Isaiah that Jesus read when He began His public ministry.

Isaiah 61:1
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners;

I love what it says, He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted. Did you get that? Jesus has come to heal our inner wounds! To comfort our broken hearts!!

I want to encourage you this morning. If you find yourself in the midst of the valley and you are a Christ-follower, take heart, Jesus came so you may find healing and comfort in Him.

Recognize your pain, your wound. Identify its source. Then try these steps (I'm borrowing them from John Eldredge).

Surrender your life and your wound to Jesus - quit hanging on to it, give it up.
Invite Christ into your wound - allow Him access to your pain and the deepest parts of your soul.
Confess how you've mishandled the wound - many of us don't know how or don't want to face our wound so we mishandle it.
Grieve the wound - it's ok to feel the pain of your wound, if you don't you will live with it for the rest of your life.
Let God love you - allow God to get very close to you, quit acting like He doesn't already know about it and open yourself up to Him.
Ask Christ to set you FREE!! - That's why He came, remember?

I hope this helps. It is a wonderful feeling to be set free from the pain of a wound. It's glorious to see and feel the healing take place. Don't waste another moment hurting and carrying around a wound Christ came to heal.

Stop hurting and start healing
Mike

Hope

2006-09-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

. . . that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. - 1 Timothy 4:10

As Paul says, this is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (v. 9). So, if it is trustworthy - something I can put my trust in - and it does deserve full acceptance - no partial acceptance here - the I must ask myself, Where is my hope?

Is it in the living God or in my abilities? Is it in the Savior of all men or in the desire of a mate? As a believer, is my hope in the one who has redeemed me or in the affirmation of men?

Where is my hope?

As far as hope goes, I'm not rattling on about wishes or something that turns into desparate exasperation. No, what Paul is talking about is the hope built on assurance that leads to expectancy. It's the same word Peter uses in 1 Peter 3:15-16

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

It's having my assurance in the living God, knowing He is the living God. It's having an assurance that He is the Savior of all men. As a believer I have the assurance that He is God - living, active, caring - and He is the Savior of all men.

My part in this relationship is to put that assurance to work, living a life of expectancy. It is up to me - no one else - to live my life with that expectancy. It's not up to my parents, my friends, my pastor, or even God. It's up to me! It's up to you to live that kind of life.

Listen. . .I know what it's like to be in such a place and know such a depth of despair that you start placing your hope in anything and anyone. I've been there. I know. I also know the blessing of living my life with an expectancy. . .an assurance. . .a hope in the God who created me and redeemed me.

If you're in the valley and things are looking pretty bleak ask yourself, Where is my hope. . .my assurance? If it is any place other than the living, caring, loving God of this universe I encourage you to stop what you're doing, confess to God that you've placed your hope in someone or something else, then ask Him to help you place your trust. . .your hope. . .your assurance in Him, and Him alone.

Whether you know it or not, He's waiting for you to do this very thing. I don't guarantee it will make things easier or better, at least not right now, but I do know there is a peace that comes with a hope placed in God that doesn't come from anyone or anything else.

Today, while it is still called today, place you're hope in Him.

Mike

What's love got to do with it?

2006-09-03T05:26:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah. . .I know I'm not the only one who remembers this song. Some of you remember it as well. It's an oldie, but goodie recorded by Tina Turner. For those of you who don't remember it, well. . .sorry. Go to iTunes, download it and enjoy it.

Ok, regardless of whether you're familiar with it or not, this is a great question for those of us in the valley. Read Lamentations 3 and God pierced my heart with verses 21-26 -

21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

The writer begins with the word "Yet." Which translates "In spite of." In spite of what?, you may ask. In verses 19-20 he says

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.

20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.

What he is saying is that in spite of all the stuff I've gone through and am going through. . . YET! He's stating that now matter how deep my valley gets. . . YET!!

We all go through valley times in our lives. Each of us will, at some point, experience the valley of life. If you haven't or are not now, you will. Jesus' brother, James, reminds us of this. It's the "whenever" in verse 2 that tells us that this is a when, not an if statement. So take it to the bank - you're going to have valley times in your life.

Now that that's settled, let's move on to the purpose of the question, What's love got to do with it?

In verse 21 we find that we have hope. So many of us are looking for a glimps of hope. Let me assure you it's there for you. Why? Because of God's great love. It all hinges on God's great love for you and me. I'll show you.

Because of God's great love we have God's fresh, new mercy, or compassions, each and every day - no left over mercy here.

Because of God's great love His compassion never fails - it's always there.

Because of God's great love we receive God's faithfulness and He is our portion - He'll never let us down or walk away from us.

Because of God's great love we can wait on God - and stop trying to force or manipulate things on our own.

Because of God's great love He is good to those whose hope is in God and seeks, or pursues His heart - He takes care of His children.

Because of God's great love we can wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord - we can wait for his rescuing and leading us out of this valley.

Don't know about you, but those are some powerful words. They speak truth about God. They teach you and me that because of God's great love we have hope in Him.

Thank you, my Lord, that in the midst of my valley you still extend your great love and with it, its many blessings. . .its benefits. My life, nor my situation, is too far from you and your great love.

So what DOES love got to do with it? Everything.

Valley experiencers thank the Lord this morning for His great love.

Mike

Tears

2006-09-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Reading through Lamentations this morning this verse jumped out at me -

She sobs through the night; tears stream down her cheeks. - Lamentations 1:2 (NLT)

These are the cries of Jerusalem after the fall and exile to Babylon. These are deep words. . .deep wounds. They are wounds that can only be expressed through tears.

For some, even me at times, it seems the valley is full of tears of those who tread its paths.

There were so many nights I cried myself to sleep - my pillow soaked with tears of sadness. . .of distress. . .of desparation. . .of pain.

There were the tears I cried the week after Karen's death. They accompanied the "Why?" question, along with the gaping hole her death left behind. There were the tears that were shed later on that partnered with the hurt & pain I finally realized I was experiencing. There were tears of struggle as I worked towards putting my life together without Karen. Tears also flowed as I realized God would not give me the desires of my heart. Then, finally, came tears of healing - the sweet drops of cleansing and setting things in God's perspective.

Tears are good. Tears signal pain. They let us know we hurt. They bring cleansing and, ultimately - for me - usher in healing. And with healing comes the journey to an "other side" of the the valley. Don't be afraid to allow them to flow. Sometimes it could just a trickle. At times a full-blown raging river. It's alright, take it from someone who knows.

I continue to have tears of sadness. At times I still miss Karen. It could be when I hear a song, see a visual reminder, or think of a situation and I think of Karen - and I cry. These times usually sneak up on me. They're not bad times, just "missing" times - tearful times.

If you're in the valley, there may be times when the valley seems flooded with your tears. It's OK, let them flow. And as you do pursue God's heart. Remember, Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with night (Ps 30:5, NLT). There is hope. There is a morning. There is a new day bringing refreshing and healing.

Thank you, Father, for such wonderful tears and the seasons of the valley they represent to me.

Where's my hanky?
Mike

Cleaning House

2006-08-30T06:01:00.000-07:00

Now I've been cleaning house since I was about 7 or 8 years old. I didn't have any sisters - only two younger brothers. So when Saturday came around. . .well, let's just say my parents were under the impression that mom didn't dirty up the house on her own. And the rule was, no TV/cartoons until the house was clean. That means we were up at 7:00 changing sheets, dusting, sweeping, cleaning bathrooms, doing laundry, mopping, and the like. Sometimes mom thought we ought to clean a little more. That entailed wiping down baseboards, stripping and waxing floors, and other things that still cause me nightmares to this day (the therapist says I'm making progress).

Mom taught me about cleaning house. I like a clean house. Do I keep it as clean as mom? Probably not, then again, not many people do. One lesson she taught me was that it's much easier if you do it a little at a time. But when spring came around, we opened the windows and went through the house top to bottom.

Reading Jeremiah 47-49, you'll find God cleaning house. And when God cleans house, He really cleans house. He is about to clean house, not just with Judah, but the surrounding nations as well.

I don't know why He's taking out His anger on these other nations. Maybe it's their influence on His people, the Israelites. I guess that's one way to get rid of negative influences in their lives. Then again, this would not be the first time He's wiped out nations. In Genesis He destroyed the entire population of the world because of man's corruption. Again, I can only speculate that God is tired of the influences and distractions these nations have become to His precious children.

I do know that God is sovereign. And He is both merciful and just. There is no one who escapes His eye. He also desires us to worship Him and Him alone. He rewards the faithful - like the Recabites. But He punishes the disobedient - just ask Zedekiah. You see, God wants their obedience, their faithfulness, their worship, too.

I remember mom would tell me to clean up my room. After several warnings, she finally had enough and all hell would break loose. Believe me, it wasn't pretty. Guess what? My room got cleaned up, but it would have been so much eaiser if I would have just kept it clean or cleaned it when she told me to the first time. A lot less crying and gnashing of teeth - if you know what I mean. Does your "room" need to be cleaned up?

God wants us clean. . .He wants our obedience. . .He desires our heart. . .He loves our worship.

So, how's your room. . .your life? How many times does He have to tell you to clean it up? What do you need to do to clean up your room? What's laying around that needs to be picked up? What dirt needs to be identified and scrubbed away?

Sometimes we become so accustomed to the grime in our lives that we don't even recognize it for what it is. If you don't realize you've got some stuff that needs God's scrubbing bubbles, ask Him to show you what needs to be cleaned away. He wants you clean, so He will definitely help.

Now where's that Windex (I thought I didn't do windows. Oh well),
Mike

Idolatry

2006-08-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

If you read the entire 44th chapter of Jeremiah you soon come to realize it speaks of idolatry and how the love for anything or anyone above your love for God, well. . .pretty much makes Him mad - I wanted to say "Pisses God off," but thought that may piss some of you off, so I used "mad." I'm not talking about mad like "I'll get over it," but mad like, "I'm ready to destroy you!" That's pretty mad, wouldn't you say?

If I think about it, or think through it, why wouldn't it make Him mad? Here are the Israelites whom God has protected, provided for, and rescued time and time again. And all He asks of them is their worship of Him; that they make Him first in their lives, in their marriages, in their work place. As much as He had done for them you would think they would run from worshipping idols. But . . .no.

And there's me . . . there's us. Here God has rescued me from an eternity in hell by giving me His most precious relative, His Son, as payment for the penalty of my sin. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, as my payment, why shouldn't He expect that I have no other thing or person greater than He in my life? If that weren't enough, He provides protection, He provides for my needs, He encourages me. And still I turn my attention and affections toward other things - my desires and my will (that makes me lord of my life, not God), my abilities (that makes me arrogant), my stuff, my activities, my computer (that makes me slave to stuff).

Hope you're gettin' the picture here.

What about you? In light of all God has done for you, where does He reside in your life? Are there things or people or relationships that He takes a back seat to? What about your spouse? Your children? Your job? Your attitudes? Your hobbies? Your schedule?

Now, put yourself in God's place - just for a moment - and try to imagine how He must feel right now.

If you're in the valley - your valley shouldn't be the most important thing in your life. It's part of your life, but if you're focusing on it more than you love God, your valley has become your idol. If you're focusing on how you feel more than loving God, your emotions have become your idol.

Take some time right now and ask God to help you see what idols you have in your life. When God reveals them to you confess them, repent (turn from them), and ask for God's help in making Him the focus of your life.

I assure you, you will see a difference. That and, well. . . God won't be pissed off at you. :)

Mike

Discipline

2006-08-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up my parents believed in discipline. I received so many spankings, I think there were days my mom spanked me not because she caught me doing something wrong or bad, but because she suspected it. Now. . .mom didn't abuse me. I willingly admit that that I deserved most, if not all them.

Now when she disciplined me, whether I liked it or not (ok I don't remember ever liking any of the times I was disciplined) it was for my good.

When God disciplines us it's for our own good as well. His word tells us that He disciplines those He loves. The question is, will I accept His discipline. . .or not?

In Jeremiah 38:17-18, Zedikiah, King of Judah, could either accept the Lord's discipline and live in Babylon healthy, prosperous, and safe or he could resist His disicpline and die right there in Jerusalem.

The sad thing is that many of us - including myself - try to "survive" on our own. It only makes things worse. Zedikiah thought he knew better when he tried to escape, but he was caught and before his eyes all of his officials were put to death, then his own eyes were gouged out.

I think, sometimes, we don't want to hear of God's discipline. We think we know better and we snub our nose at God or we run away.

When I was younger I would have never snubbed my nose at my mother or father while they were about to discipline me(I wouldn't do it now, either). Doing so would have only made it worse. I would have never run from my mom or dad (mom is 5'11" - she was the living version of Stretch Armstrong and would snatch me back before I could get away - and you just didn't run from dad - bad move). Same thing with God. Running or disrespecting God only makes it worse.

I don't know all the ways God disciplines, but I know He does. I also know His discipline makes us better and it requires faith in believing God wants what's best for you and me. So. . .we grow in our relationship with God and our faith grows as well.

As I wrap this up remember, as hard as it may be - accept God's discipline. Ask Him what He wants you to learn. And praise Him for loving you enough to discipline you.

Oh, the extra padding in the seat? Doesn't work with God.

Mike

To Be Found Faithful

2006-08-24T05:15:00.000-07:00

I have written many times, in several different forms, that we are to be obedient, be found faithful, and trust God for the details.

Recently, He has confirmed that this concept.

I was reading Jeremiah 35 when I came across the Racabites. Not much is said about them throughout the Old or New Testaments. As a matter of fact this may be the only mention of them (I haven't confirmed this, so don't call me on it yet).

As it turns out the Racabites are a remnant of faithful people among those in Judah. In the midst of all the sinning, turning from God, debuachery, hedonism, and idol worship going on among the leaders and people of Judah, there remains a group of people who are faithful - the Racabites.

God tells Jeremiah to bring them into one of the inner rooms of the temple and offer them some wine. Jeremiah, being the obedient prophet, does as the Lord commands. When the wine is set before the Racabites they respond . . .

"We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.' We have obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab son of Recab commanded us. Neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters have ever drunk wine or built houses to live in or had vineyards, fields or crops. We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab commanded us." - vv. 6-10

Then see what the Lord says,

Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.' Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me.' " - vv. 18-19

Oh to be found faithful - faithful in all thinkgs. Oh to be equated wtihthe Racabites - to do what you know is right, when all those around think and do differently. We may not realize it at the time - don't think the Racabites thought much about how God would belss - they just did it. They were found faithful.

Allow me to encourage you. It doesn't, or shouldn't, matter what the Lord will do, we should be found faithful. It shouldn't matter our valley - be found faithful. It doesn't matter how deep, how long, or how hard the valley is. It doesn't matter what all your friends say. It doesn't matter what think or how you feel - be found faithful.

What has God asked you to do? What is God expecting you to do? Be found faithful. I don't have the slightest idea what God will do for you - it shouldn't really matter. Just be found faithful.

So. . .today, while it is still called today remember. . .be obedient, be found faithful, trust God for the details.

Mike

Taking a Break

2006-08-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

I'll be taking a break for the rest of the week - unless I can get connected to the internet somehow.

Our staff will be on it's annual staff retreat. Please pray for us - unity, fellowship, focus, and productivity.

Until then, remember "Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby steps." (think What About Bob?)

Mike

What is He talking about?

2006-08-22T04:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wonder if God has lost His ever lovin' mind? Oh, don't act so pious and righteous, you know what I'm talking about - God asks you to do something and you're thinking, "What in the world? God, have you lost your ever lovin'?"

I guarantee you I have. On more than one occasion.

I think this is what Jeremiah must have been thinking when God told him to buy a field from his cousin, have the purchased witnessed, sealed, and the documents placed in a protective clay jar. [click here to read the entire story]

I get the feeling as I read the story that Jeremiah didn't quite get it when God told him to pruchase the field form his cousin. I'm not too sure I blame him. Think about what God has been telling him to proclaim to the people of Judah and its leaders - "Get ready to surrender or die." Then God tells Jeremiah to purchase some land. Don't know about you, but I would probably be mumbling something about throwing good money after bad.

You know what I've discovered - Sometimes God doesn't make sense and that's OK. It's called faith. It's believing God has our best interest at heart. It's also realizing and accpeting the fact that God's ways are not our ways.

I can attest to the fact that God doesn't always make sense. Like watching the life slip from the love of my life after more than 20 years of marriage. Or, that not even two months later He has me in Mobile, Alabama. Don't get it. But one thing I do get is that He's still God and He's still right.

You know. . .I'm so glad I serve a God that I can't figure out, especially with the few brain cells I have left. I serve a God who is still mysterious. One who allows me to get to know Him and is deeper than I could ever go with Him.

Listen. . .if you're in the valley of life and God asks you to do something - just do it. If you don't understand it, don't worry about it - just do it. If you can't figure it out, it's OK - just do it. Remember it's called faith.

Jeremiah didn't understand either. Not until God came to him and explained His plans to restore both Judah and Israel in the future. You see, Jeremiah's purchase of that field was a sign that God was going to bring His people home one day and there would be a day of restoration - a day of hope.

There is a day of restoration. There is a day of hope. There is an "other side".

Ours is a journey of obedience.

Remain obedient. Be found faithful. Trust God for the details.
Mike

What a Promise!

2006-08-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty pumped this morning. Let me tell you why.

Yesterday, I read Jeremiah 29. In it is verse 11 - you say, "Why of course. It's always been there." I say, "But have you read it in context of the entire chapter?" You say,. . .

In case you're wondering why I'm carrying on this conversation with you - and by the way, thank you for playing along, it really helps - I, too, have read this verse over and over and over. I have had it emailed to me, I have seen it as signatures on emails, and I have read it in devotionals. But until this morning when, while I was crunching on some cereal and bananas, it hit me that this verse must be read in its context. So, I re-read chapter 29.

Why of course, I will set it up for you.

This one verse is part of an incredible letter from God, written by Jeremiah to those Israelites exiled to Babylon. You see, God had been telling the Israelites they were headed to Babylon. Because of their sin and turning away from God, He was sending Nebuchanezer, King of Babylon, to take them back to Babylon as exiles.

Then He gives Jeremiah this letter to give to those who are in exile. It's a letter of promise. It's a letter of encouragement. It's a letter of hope. It's a letter to those Israelites who are in the valley.

It's also letter to us. It's a letter of promise to us, you and me - those who God has allowed to journey into the midst of the valley of life. If you're experiencing a valley time in your life right now, take God at His word. And here it is.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

What a wonderful promise. To know that my God has plans for me. That my God's plans don't include harming me or hurting me, but blessing me. That in God's own words, there is an "other side!"

Now, these blessing may not come in the valley. And I can't tell you what your blessing will be, that's up to God. But I can tell you this promise is for every Christ-follower who is experiencing life in the valley right now. I want to assure you. . . there is an "other side". There will be a time of restoration. There will be a time of blessing. There will be a time when you and I will stand on top of the next mountain with our arms raised in sa-weet victory (this is where the theme to Rocky starts playing in the background) and do the Rocky dance - OK, so I don't dance, but I can jump up and down.

So. . .if you feel like you're stumbling around in the valley, be encouraged.

If you're a single mom struggling to make ends meet and be both mom & dad, be encouraged.

If you're a student struggling with relational issues. . .school. . .peer pressure, be encouraged.

If you're a dad wondering how you will provide for you're family, be encouraged.

If you're wrestling with a divorce or the loss of a loved one, be encouraged.

If you're haggling with God over His plans for you, be encouraged.

If you're wondering how long you will be in this valley, be encouraged.

If you're a pastor wondering why you are where you are, be encouraged.

Remain obedient, be found faithful, and trust God for the details. Follow your Shepherd and allow the flock to love on and minister to you. Because, there is a "one day" coming. There is a promise to you and me that God will restore you. There is a promise that He will bless you.

There is a promise of hope for you.

Hey, anybody seen my old grey sweats and bandana?
Mike

Rest

2006-08-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those people who come home and think you just HAVE to do something? You know what I mean. You can't sit and relax. You feel as though you must stay busy? Karen was one of THOSE people. She would literally work herself to sleep at night. I used to kid her that she would look at her to-do list for the week and get that done on Monday night. On Tuesday night she would do the next week's stuff. Anyway. . .I think you get the picture.

And yes, by the use of the term "THOSE people" I mean I am NOT that kind of person. I'm one of those who like to shut down for a short period when I come home. Then, if I feel the need, and usually I don't unless it's something I have been putting off to the last minute and now's the last minute, I might do something.

In spite of my unique personality quirks, I have been in a form of transition - I guess you could call it that. Now I'm not blaming Karen, but part of me doesn't do stuff because Karen did enough for me, her, and several other families - so if you've noticed some changes in your wife, husband, and/or children it could be that Karen's not doing their stuff anymore. Now I have to do the stuff - pay bills, take care of the yard - including watering, making sure the animals are well and fed, cleaning house, fixing things, yadda . . .yadda . . .yadda.

And . . .oh yeah . . . I'm learning to become a morning person!!

Alrighty then . . . with all that said I am also learning to rest. I don't mean shut down and veg in front of the TV. I mean I'm learning to get in my bed, close my eyes, and nap. That's right, I'm learning to nap. I've never been much of a napper before, but I'm also learning that I only have so much energy - I mean with my age and all. And if I give all that energy to the Lord at the church planning, studying, investing in relationships, then I'm zapped when I come home.

I understand that I don't have the family responsibilities I know some of you have - children, spouse. But, if you knew me, you would also know I would trade you for either in a heartbeat.

But I also know that I'm learning to rest in the Lord. Sometimes I just lay there and pray. I lift up requests I get via email from some of you. I pray for our church. I pray for our leadership. I pray for needs of people I know. I pray for lost people I know. I pray for families who need to be changed through God's transformational power. I . . . pray and I rest.

I was thinking about this today. And God reminded me of Psalm 23:2

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

Yeah, I get to nap. Never been much of a napper before. I'm also a pray-er. Not been much of a pray-er before, either. In either case I feel like I'm learning the meaing of this verse. God provides the green pastures and quiet, still waters for me to rest - to recuperate. It's what works for me.

How does your valley suck you dry? Honestly, you don't have to be in a valley for life to drain you of every ounce of energy. So how does life drain you? Fincances? Kids? Job? People - this can be huge if you're not careful? A situation you're having to deal with? Spouse? Expectations - of others and of yourself? So, what drains you?

Now. . . how do you recoup? What do you need to do to get the energy back? What works for you? I would suggest -

A gaurded, consistant time with God - His word & prayer (no matter what else you do, you must have this one)
Journaling - writing helps me organize my thoughts so they aren't overwhelming me - remember I'm A.D.D.
Solitude - get alone somehow - take a warm bubble bath, find some time early time in the morning, how about uncluttering the calendar(I did this Saturday and rode my Harley - did wonders for me), take a walk, get out in nature
Get some rest - you're body can only handle some much, at some point it will shut down - I can attest to that, it also affects you emotional, mental, and spiritual states as well
Hang with a friend - find someone who you trust and respects you, but is not impressed by you - I have a couple of those and they are incredible blessings to me

You may be able to think of some other ways, but you do need some "green pastures and still waters" time in you life.

Flock - if you know someone who needs this time, you can help -

Watch kids - (a couple of hours or even for a night) it will go a long way
Take them out for coffee - Starbucks is always a good choice, but any local coffee shop will do
Take them out to a movie - make sure it's not sappy and will make them cry, find something funny and uplifting - ok chick-flicks works for the ladies, but guys . . . c'mon
Encourage them to find some time to get alone and get some rest - they may not even know they need it
Love 'em - most of all, just love 'em

Hope this helps. God laid this on my heart this afternoon, so I'm thinking there are somenone out there who need this. GO FOR IT!!! And get some rest.

Mike

A Bush or a Tree?

2006-08-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

Growing up, literally, around the world I have had the opportunity to see so many different kinds of plants. I remember living in the Philippines - we had this really big banana tree in our yard and real coconut trees around . I do remember eating fresh coconut right off of the tree. That was cool.

Living in Italy gave me the chance to see beautiful olive and grape orchards spread out over the countryside. Living in San Diego, California I was blessed to see so many gorgeous plants - some of which my Grandfather grew - roses, birds of paradise, and so many others.

Living in Texas - well living in Texas allows one to see the spectrum. In west Texas nothing really grows above 3 feet because of the wind and lack of rain. That's why you get tumble weeds. Their roots aren't very strong so they are easily uprooted and blown across the landscape by the strong winds. Yet you go to east Texas and you'll find grand oaks, magnolias, and sky-high pines. It's the only place on earth where I think you can hear the wind, but never feel it!

In Jeremiah 17 these verses came to me to remind me that I'm to be like a tree with deep roots, like one planted near the water that continues to drink from an everlating source. I'm not supposed to be like a bush with shallow roots that is easily uprooted by the blowing of the wind.

5 This is what the LORD says:
"Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,
in a salt land where no one lives.

7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

So. . .how do we become the tumbleweed instead of the tree? Great question (some will get this and laugh)! The Lord told Jeremiah that the tumbleweed guy is the one who trusts in his own abilities, his own way of thinking, his own standards. He or she is the one whose heart turns away from God. OK - to be honest I thought the verse spoke for itself. The question is will we admit that we're the tumbleweed. Does it matter? I think so. If you are a bush easily blown around because you have no spiritual root system and you don't come to a point of acknowledging it then you'll never become a tree. It's that simple. And if you're a bush, let me just say that it only makes the valley experience that much harder and that much longer.

So how do you become a tree with deep root system? Another great question! Allow me to share with you a verse that may be familiar to you and many others, but I think has great spiritual impact.

. . .if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Here are some simple steps this passage outlines for you and me to become spiritual oaks.

Humble yourself - realize that you are NOT God (this is a big one for a lot of people, including me sometimes)
Pray - spend some time with God, confess the fact that you've been trying to get through this valley on your own
Seek God - desire to know the heart of God - pursue the heart of God, listen to Him
Turn from your wicked ways - simply put, this is repentence, turn from the way you are doing things now and turn toward God's ways

The Fathe tells us that if we will honestly and sincerely do these things, THEN He will hear us, will forgive us, and will heal us. If you and I will do this, then we will drink from the everlasting waters that nurture and grow our spiritual roots.

Have you been struggling in your valley expereince? It's hard, I know. I remember coming to a place where I had to let go of so many things. I had to stop working so hard at getting through my own personal valley and turn to God. My ways were just frustrating me and I wasn't getting anywhere. It was one of the most important lessons He has taught me while in the valley.

If you're struggling in the valley today check your spiritual roots. Praying and reading the Bible don't add up to a hill of beans if you don't have a humble heart that is focused on God. The wisest advice a friend can give ain't worth squat if it doesn't lead you to pursue the heart of God.

If you're struggling do one of two things today:

Post your struggle here - click on the comments, type them out, submit them anonymously if you wish
Click on "Email Mike" to the right - let me know privately

I want to pray for you, and will, if you let me. Let's become spiritual trees, rather than tumbleweeds.

Spreadin' my roots - Ooooo that water feels soooo good,
Mike

It's still hard

2006-08-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

I was reading a blog of fellow blogger, Jeremy Sawatzky. He's Canadian. Other than that, he's a great writer. I love purusing his blog. Today, Jeremy suggested a prayer post. You post a prayer request in the comment section, pray for other prayer requests, and post a word of encouragement or two. I love the idea, but the idea is not the focus of this post.

shhhhh. . .I may "borrow" the idea later - when he's not looking.

What really caught my eye was his prayer request for a couple - Earl & Ramona Reimer. In July Ramona was been diagnosed with what her doctor says is a form of incurable cancer called sarcoma. As I read their blog and see what they are going through it evokes strong emotions within my own heart.

I just bowed my head and cried before God for them. I can, but don't want to imagine another young couple going through what Karen and I went through. I am broken for their journey. The funny thing is I don't even know the Reimers. They're as foreign to me as I am to some of you.

I prayed for them. I especially prayed for her healing. It hurts so much to think another godly husband may lose his godly gift of a wife.

Please pray for Earl & Ramona and their families as they embark on this journey. Pray for her healing. Pray for strength for Ramona as she receives chemo. Pray for Earl - I know the difficulties of his position. Pray for their finances - their insurance doesn't cover the cost of going to the May Clinic in Minnesota.

Thank you for praying,
Mike

The "Why?" Question

2006-08-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

I have been told that I'm not supposed to ask the "Why?" question. I've never understood that line of thought. I think it has something to do with faith and trusting God - like if I ask I don't trust God or something. And to be honest, I usually hear it from people who have never been through very deep valleys - Bless their heart (people from Alabama will understand). Then I ran across Jeremiah 15:18.

Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable?

Here, Jeremiah asks the "Why?" questions. Oopps. Nobody told good ol' Jeremiah he wasn't supposed to ask the "Why?" questions. Uh-oh. Wait a minute, God didn't stike him down! As a matter of fact God continues to have a discussion with him - He answers Jeremiah!

Oh my, so what do we do now?

How about if we say it's ok to ask the "Why?" questions, without expecting God to answer? I think this would be more the case. In Jeremiah 15, Jeremiah asked and God answered. See I don't think God minds if we ask such questions, but I also don't believe God owes us an answer. It's His right, or privilege, as sovereign God to refuse.

I wonder why we think we have to know the "Why?". Why do we need the what, the how, there where and when? Why don't we simply accept things and live in obedience? I think part of it is our nature. We want to know. Not so much for curiosity sake, but for our own comfort.

I think the unknown scares us. It does me. That's why I beg and plead for God to give me signs and confirmations - I want to know. And it's not that I'm afraid so much as I'm uncomfortable with the unknown; it stretches and grows my faith - that's good; I don't always handle it so well - that's bad.

So, I'm probably going to continue to ask God questions, even the "Why?" question. I will also accept God's choice to answer or not.

Are you in the valley? Go ahead and ask away - Oh, even the "Why?" questions. Don't hold back. God is so much bigger than your desire to know. He's so much bigger than the questions you ask. He can handle it. He's been doing it for years. He's an ol' hand it taking questions. Now, don't be surprised if He doesn't answer right away. That's His choice. Simply be obedient, be found faithful, and trust God for the details.

Hey flock - give valley experiencers a break, at least until you're in our valley with us. We may need to ask questions. It's ok - it's in the Bible!! Just be there to listen, encourage and pray for us. Sometimes that's all we need and it goes way beyond what you can imagine.

Asking the Abba [no not the group ;) ]
Mike

What do I miss?

2006-08-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

Trips are great! Coming home from trips SUCK!!

Yep, you read correctly.

I hate coming home from trips. My house is empty. There's no one to share the stories with. No one to hug. No one to welcome me home. No one to go out and laugh with. No one to listen.

That's what I miss about Karen's absence.

When she was alive, I loved coming home from trips. Whether I was in the corporate world or in ministry - she would always greet me - airport, home, church - give me a hug, flash me one of those patented smiles of hers and ask the inevitable, "How was your trip, honey?" I couldn't wait. We would then go home or go out to eat. She would let me tell her my stories - the good and the bad. \She would augh with me, console me, and encourage me.

I miss that soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo freakin much.

I hate coming home to an empty home with no one to share my time away with. I didn't realize it until recently, then again tonight. I just returned from a great rafting trip with some of the singles from our church. I came home, unloaded (I'm one of those people who have to put everything away as soon as they come home - yeah, I'm wierd) sat down and realized how much I hate coming home.

It's not all it's cracked up to be. I will definitely enjoy sleeping in my bed tonight, but it's just not the same.

Right or wrong, I told God tonight that I didn't ask for this. I never wanted my wife to die. I never wanted to come home alone. So what am I supposed to with all this emotion? Huh, God?

Sorry, to be such a downer, but the feeling is so strong I had to do something with it.

Mike

What's in your wineskin?

2006-08-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

When I was younger (3rd-5th grades) our family lived in Naples, Italy. Dad was in the US Navy and the US government thought we should spend some time there. Don't get me wrong, it was one of my favorite places to live growing up. We didn't live on a base, instead we lived in the community along with the Italians and other Americans. We actually lived in an apartment building on the side of a hill, with the Bay of Naples on one side of us and the soccer stadium in downtown Naples just below us. It was a great time to be a kid.

Just up the street from us lived a farmer and his family. He farmed all the land below us. He grew all kinds of fruits and vegetables, inlcuding grapes. Guess what he did with the grapes? Yep, stomped 'em for homemade wine. They don't view wine like we do - something to drink when you go out with friends, etc. (by the way - I know not everyone views wine this way and many have a healthy respect for wine). Wine is just a part of their culture. For the most part they enjoy wine, not abuse it.

Speaking of wine - you're probably wondering where this is going, eh? - I was reading Jeremiah 13 this morning and wondered across this verse

"Say to them: 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Every wineskin should be filled with wine.' "

The note at the bottom of my Bible said the use of the term "wineskin" was reference to the Israelites who were to be filled with God's presence. Which, of course, as we read through the book of Jeremiah we find they were not, though they acted like it (or tried to).

The same goes for me - and God's people - today. I, too, am to be filled by with God's presence. The problem is that I often look like I'm filled with God's presence on the outside - I'm full. I'm filled. . .with something. The problem is I'm not filled with God.

I'm filled with my own desires, my own wants and wishes, my own kind of love, my own sense of grace, mercy, and justice. I'm often filled with frustration rather than joy; pain rather than healing.

I hate that I don't allow His presence to fill me. I hate that I fill my life with so many things. I hate the fact that I fill my life in the first place. (Hate may be a strong word, but you hopefully you know what I mean.)

My heart - my life - is supposed to belong to God. And as the rightful owner, He has every right to fill it with His desires. . .His wishes. . .His love. . .His grace & mercy. . .His joy. . .His healing.

The question is who will I allow to fill my wineskin - God or me?

What about you? What's in your wineskin? Have you allowed God to fill you today with His presence or is your wineskin full of your stuff? It's your choice, you know.

Struggling in the valley today? Check your wineskin. What's in there? Despair, pain, hurt, bitterness? Empty it out today. . .right now. . .by confessing to God whatever you have allowed to be in there. Then ask God to fill it with His presence. . .His love. . .His healing. . .or whatever you need right now. Oh, and by the way, even if you don't know what you need right now, God does. Just ask Him to fill it with the right kind of "wine", He knows.

Ciao bella,
Mike

God and Dog Food

2006-08-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning somewhat irritated by the fact that Sadie (female black lab) had been barking for the last hour. I knew before I finally got up that she was barking for one of three reasons:

She was gaurding her food and the one of the other dogs was looking at her
One of the other dogs was in her way and wouldn't let her pass by
They had found some stray food and she wanted it.

Just as I opened the door to their room to confirm the commotion she and Dakota (female German Shepherd) got into it. I'm not talking about "stop pushing me" getting into it. I'm talking "I'm gonna kick your butt" getting into it. They jumped on each other and it was on.

WELL!! That sent me straight over the edge. I started screaming and hollering and pushing them out the back door into the backyard, reminding them that I am the boss - not either of them!! I shut the door behind them and started picking up their food from last night.

Side Note: My male dog, Mix, wasn't all that innocent. He's the reason there were 4 or 5 pieces of dog food on the floor. He likes to push all the food out of the bowls and all over the floor while he's eating. Then he looks for another bowl of food to spread out Mix-style.

Oh, by the way, they had to spend the morning outside. . .well, at least until I was about to get ready for work.

I found out they were fighting over 4 or 5 pieces of dog food. That wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact that there was entire bowl of food at the other end of the room. Here Dakota and Sadie got into it over morsels when way more was waiting for either one of them. If only one of them would have taken the time to look around.

I think we're a lot like Sadie and Dakota sometimes. We argue and fight and cuss and discuss over morsels of God's blessings when He has som much more for us. All we have to do is look around. . .try something different. . .look into a new place.

Experiencing all God has for us isn't always where we think it is.

Are you struggling. . .look around, there are more blessings that you can ever imagine. God's blessing for you may not be where you're looking or where you want. His blessings may be somewhere else. Step back, ask God to point you in another direction and look for his blessings.

You know, dog food's not that bad,
Mike

No one else is like you. . .

2006-07-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get to ranting and raving about the church and stuff and I forget that above all the fighting, above all the rules, rituals, and regulations there is a God is great, whose name is mighty in power, who deserves our reverence, and is wiser than all the MENSA-rated geniuses put together.

Even when I pray, I sometimes forget to tell God. . .to adore Him for who He is!! And I don't think He gets tired of hearing it, either. Not because He needs to hear it, but because when we declare who He is, it helps us realize who we are in light of who He is. It places my/our relationship with God in proper alignment.

Now, I must remember that when I declare God's greatness or His majesty or any of His magnificent qualities, it must be done with a sincere heart, not like the superficial praise we give superstars, athletes, rock stars, or actors/actresses. Our adoration of the Father must be an overflow, an acknowlegement of our time with Him. How else will I. . .we. . .know of His nature?

So. . .who is God to you? Mighty - Powerful - Faithful - Loving - Gracious - Ever Present Help - Father - Lord - Healer - Banner - Provider - . . .?

Take time today, even now, to adore the One who loved you even when you were wallowing in your sin. The One who loved you first. The One who loved you enough to send His one and only Son to die for you.

Will you tell Him?

You know. . .if you're in a valley time of your life right now, it may seem difficult to praise God. Boy, can I relate. There are days, even weeks, that you don't want to sing the praises of Almighty God. I can only say that the longer you go without praising your Father, the more difficult it will become to do so later. Don't wait. Even if it's hard. Count it a blessing to experience Him in a new way; to know Him on a deeper level. . .even when you don't feel like it.

Remember, He's always there, waiting for you. . .for me.

Mike

Junk in Our Trunk - Part 3

2006-07-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

This will probably be my last installment of the Junk in Our Trunk thought - I think (that just means I reserve the to add something I forgot or something else I learned and thought needed to be added).

This post is a struggle for me in a way. I believe God, in His soveriegnty, can decide to use anyone He chooses to expand His Kingdom on earth. But I am also well aware of certain boundaries and cautions that need to be explored before fully accepting or placing someone in a place of leadership. I think Godly wisdom and council should prevail, though I struggle with where do we place the boundaries. Here are some guidelines I have considered:

First and foremost, is it biblical?
Is placing a person in place of ministry contributing to their struggle? I wouldn't put someone with a history of child abuse serving with children
Does it create a security risk for the families of the church? - See #1
Is the standard a matter of redemption or rule made by the church?
Would it harm the church - the bride of Christ?

So with this in mind I continue.

As I read through the Bible and look at the lives of the people God used for His purposes, I see imperfect people, some with a "past".

Let's look at a few:

Abraham was a liar and slept with his wife's servant
Moses killed a man
Rahab was a prostitute God used to hide the spies in the defeat of Jericho
Jacob was a con-man
David was a murderer and adulterer
Paul was guilty of harassing Christians and stood by and watched as Steven was stoned
Matthew, as a Roman IRS agent, was despised by his own people and yet was put on Jesus' leadership team

These are just a few of the many people with a "past" God has used throughout history for His purposes. . .to expand His Kingdom here on earth.

Isn't amazing how we think someone's past or experiences or family history or almost anything we can find can keep them from being servants of God, even leaders. I find it dumb-founding that we can tell someone they can't be used by God because of a mistake they made along the way.

Shhhh. . .(in a soft whisper) Listen - Do we need to tell God? I don't think He knows He's not supposed to be using these kinds of people.

Am I glad someone didn't tell a guy like John Baker, a former alcoholic. If they had Celebrate Recovery Ministry may have never been born.

I'm glad no one never told a guy named Dee Brown, who God rescued from a biker lifestyle only to send him back in to minister to and share the gospel with these same guys. I know there's some junk in this man's trunk.

There may be someone in your life you're glad no one ever told they couldn't be used by God because of the junk in their trunk.

You know, it's funny how soon we often forget about our own junk in our trunks. Here's a list of junk, see if any might be found in your trunk:

Anger management issues
Adultery
Lust
Pornography
Lying
Exagerating the truth
Pride
Addictive behavior - you name it (alcohol, drugs, food, bad relationships, etc.)
Gossipping
Manipulation
Divorce
Co-dependency
Approval issues
Stealing
Control Issues

And the list goes on. Find any in the list that someone may find in your trunk?

You know what's funny? You dragging it around like no one sees it. You know what's even sadder? You're pointing everyone else's out while you're dragging yours around like no one can see it.

God still uses who He chooses. Maybe we should get better at addressing our own junk, before we are so quick to point out someone else's junk. Jesus said something like this as well.

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

Matthew 7:1-5

I think we could replace speck with junk and replace eye with trunk and we would come up with same thing. Think?

Here's another thought. M-a-y-b-e-e-e-e. . .we should stop putting up man-made rules, rituals, and regulations and just accept the fact that we all have some junk in our trunk, pray for one another, extend grace to one another, and live life for God. Hmmmm. . .

Hey - do these jeans make my trunk look big?
Mike

Junk in Our Trunk - Part 2

2006-07-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

Well, here's the second installment of Junk in Our Trunk.

God gave me a message several months back. I wrote it down in my journal and haven't shared it with many people. . .until now. I'm still hesitant, but in lieu of the burden God has placed upon my heart for His church and how it/we treat people in the church and outside of it I think it may be time.

There's a story in the New Testament (John 8:1-11) where Jesus was teaching one day in the local synagogue (our church today) and in the middle of his lesson a woman who had been caught in an adulterous relationsip was brought to him by the church leaders (funny how they didn't bring the man, eh?). They asked Jesus what they should do with her since the Law of Moses said that they should stone her. After some time and further questioning by the church leadership, Jesus finally addressed them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." He let that sink in. Then those gathered left - the older men first.

Soon there was no one there except the woman and Jesus. He stands up from his scribbling in the ground and asks where her accusers are? Where are those who condemned her? She replies that they aren't there. Jesus final words are most incredible. He tells her, "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."

Here's what it comes down to:

If Jesus would have been about the letter of the law, then when He was asked His response to the Law of Moses He would have replied, "If you got 'em throw 'em." But He wasn't about the letter of the law, He was about the Spirit of the Law which was redemption. His sole intent was to redeem this woman.

Be sure of this, Jesus DID NOT condone her lifestyle. Rather, He told her to stop sinning. . .to stop doing what she was doing. But He was not there to condemn her, but to redeem her.

Hey flock - Let's take a page out of Jesus' book and stop living by and applying the letter of the law to everyone else's life. How about a little redemption action here? How about putting down your rocks long enough the hug someone and let them know they matter to Christ and to us as well? Ever wonder what would happen if we stopped pointing fingers at each other and started loving each other - I mean loving each other like Christ loves us? Wooooweeee, would the church look different.

What if we forgave people, instead of pointing out the junk in their life? What if we walked through the junk with them and helped them overcome the junk, rather than adding more labels and more junk to their trunk?

What if someone did that for you?

Mike

Junk in Our Trunk - Part 1

2006-07-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I love to read good books. If they don't keep my attention, then I usually don't finish them. Me and my A.D.D. :)

I recently finished a book by John Ortberg entitled God is Closer than You Think. It's very good. Check it out. I'm now reading another of John's books called Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them. In it he discusses our need for true community. I've just begun, so I'm not too far into it.

Though I've just started, something he writes about in the first chapter really rang a bell within me. And in light of my post yesterday [click here], it really supports my heart for the church to get real and get honest.

In the first chapter he refers to Isaiah 53:6 - We all, like sheep, have gone astray. . .

Know what this means? It reminds us, or at least me anyway, that we ALL have messed up. We've lied, we've gossipped and forwarded rumors like a hot email message, we've been disobedient, and can you believe this - we've all made wrong choices at some point in our lives. The list goes on, but you get the point. Want to know what we do with our junk - we tuck it away in our trunks, thinking no one can see it and walk around, dragging all this junk with us, pointing out everyone else's junk. It means that we often think better of ourselves by pointing out everyone else's junk and holding it against them - family, friends, former friends, neighbors, co-workers, ministers, etc. HOW DARE US!! Who do we think we are? When in fact, we all have fallen short of God's standard (Romans 3:23) and all need God's grace.

I often wonder why more people don't come to our churches? I think I have found the answer - we don't like, or better yet, love each other, how in the world will we love those outside the church?

Mike

God's Grace. . .Where's Ours?

2006-07-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

" 'Return, faithless Israel,' declares the LORD,
'I will frown on you no longer,
for I am merciful,' declares the LORD,
'I will not be angry forever.' " - Jeremiah 3:11

As I read Jeremiah 3 this morning this verse jumped out at me. It seems that God has been challenging me about the state of the church's heart. As I read this I kept thinking how unmerciful and how ungracious we can be to each other. I know it's part of our DNA - our flesh - and I know how often I give into my flesh, but come on!! When does it change? Isn't it supposed to change when we become a child of God?

It appears God is way more merciful that we are - yes, I know He's God and we're not. Earlier in chapter 3 God called Judah a prostitute for taking their worship and needs to foreign gods, and yet, it's God who declares, "I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful." He is going the take them back, no longer be angry with them, not hold it against them, and extend grace to them. They may not deserve it, but inspite of everything they've done to God, He decides to take them back them anyway.

Why can't we do that to one another? Why can't we forget the past? Why do we allow petty issues or disputes to come between us? Why are we not extenders of grace? If we are to be reflections of God's presence, then why are we not reflections of God's grace and mercy? Why do we ostrecize people who don't agree with us and treat them like outcasts? Why do we judge and condemn them just because they are different or their convictions are different?

Why, O God, do we think more highly of ourselves? Where is your presence among your people, my Lord? Why do we judge and condemn when your Word clearly states were are not to judge one another (James 4:11-12)?

If there is one thing I think is keeping God's church from being the church He envisioned is the hardness of our hearts toward each other and outsiders - or those not like us.

Father, come and call us back to our first love - you and you alone! Soften hardened hearts. My your love and grace abound among your people. May we be conductors of your mercy toward each other.

May I be an extender of your grace, love, and mercy toward those you place in my path.

Hey flock - for once, let's love each other instead of beating each other up and hurting one another. For Jesus, himself, said that the world will know that we are His followers by our love for each other (John 13:35).

Mike

Son of Who?

2006-07-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

I was reading Jeremiah 1-2 this morning and as I began to read I kept coming back to verse 1

The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin.

Now there's no great theological issue here, but I kept thinking, "I wonder why we don't present ourselves like this?" Like, "Hi! I'm Mike, son of Wayne of Waxahachie in the country (oops) region of Texas, keeper of the golden chariots of children." I dont' know why we don't. We just don't. Maybe it's because it's too difficult and clumsy. Maybe it's too time consuming. For some it may be too painful. For some, they may just not feel like it. And for others, they just may not want to be associated with their father - their earthly fathers.

But what about our heavenly Father? Why don't I indtroduce myself as Mike, son of God? Am I ashamed of the fact that I am a child of God? Am I afraid it will turn people away from God - like it's too "in your face"? Could be.

Regardless of how we introduce ourselves, the real question is, How do we live our lives? Are we proud of being children of God? I love being my dad's son. . .my mother's son. I brag about it. But do I brag about being God's son? Do I live my life like a child of the King? Oh. . .that makes me a prince, by the way. It also makes me an inheritor, an heir, a co-heir with Christ! Is that not the coolest thing?!

Hey valley experiencers - if you're a believer - one who has prayed and accepted God's forgiveness and made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life - then YOU are a child of God! I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it, but you are. The question is, Are you living like it?

I want to encourage you, the next time Satan wants to throw down on you and drag you through some kind of mental, emotional, or spiritual backwash of life, stand up to him and remind him that YOU are a child of God. You are a prince or princess of the King and you will not be treated this way!!

Take some authority. As a matter of fact - right now, whether out loud or in your heart - claim your birthright. Let Satan know that you know you are a son or daughter of the victorious God.

Oooooo. . .now doesn't that feel better? How cool is that?

Would you hand me my robe?
Prince Mike

5,000 Mark

2006-07-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

I just realized this afternoon I hit the 5,000 mark on my sitemeter! I don't know if that's a big deal or not, but I'm pretty pumped.

Thank you to all of you who read and comment or email me. You have been an encouragement to me over the last year or so.

May God truly bless you.

Mike

The Battle Rages On

2006-07-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

OK. . .I'm back from student camp. It was a great experience and fun time with old friends.

[Read more about it here]

I don't know about you, but the one thing I don't like about going on a trip is coming home. Don't get me wrong, I love coming home - seeing the animals and sleeping in my own bed - YEA!! What I don't like is coming back to the office. Even though I have a great Assistant - thank you Lord for Suzanne - I am almost always overwhelmed by the catching up I have to do.

I also don't like coming home from such an incredible experience as student camp because I am usually worn out - spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. And that's when it, or better, he cold-cocks me. Satan jumps on me and works me over something awful. It happened again this weekend. By the time I got home he was attacking me. My mind and emotions were bouncing around like a pinball being worked over by the pinball wizard (The Who - memories for some, no clue for others).

I couldn't focus when I prayed. My mind wonders aimlessly - of course some of you are saying that's normal, I understand - but it wonders more than usual. I really feel like there is this huge battle raging inside of me. I was reminded of this battle this morning. I read Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Then I remembered my declaration - I will not run, I will fight! God has given me prayer, power, His word, koinonia (Christ-centered fellowship), and truth (sound teaching and doctrine) as weapons against the enemy. This morning I began praying and claiming His word. I am a child of the King and if a child of the King, I have victory. I will live in victory, rather than in the muck and the mire of defeat - that's where the spiritual forces of evil want me - AND YOU!

If you are a valley experiencer and you're feeling defeated or beat up by the enemy - STOP LIVING IN DEFEAT! ATTACK!! Live the life of victory. It's not easy, but that's where we belong. Use the weapons our God has given us and stand tall. Throw your shoulders back and your chest out - I should've been a drill sergeant, eh?

Flock - do you know someone who is getting hammered by the enemy? Stand beside them and fight for them. They need you NOW, not later. Stop and pray for them. Claim God's Word over them. Ask the Holy Spirit to minister and strengthen them. You know what to do - DO IT!

So let's unite against the forces of evil and claim the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus!

Left, right, left, right. . .
Mike

Blogging Hiatus

2006-07-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Beginning tommorrow (Sunday, 7/16/06) or maybe Monday, I will be taking a blogging haitus. I will be in Wichita Falls, Texas teaching a class for a student camp at Camp Chaparral.

I'm pumped - love haning with students and the opportunity to help them on their journey to Christ-likeness.

I leave at 11:30 on Monday - arrive in Dallas at 1:09 (I think that's right, it's 1:something). A two hour drive to Wichita Falls were I get to spend a week with two of my favorite people - Steve and Pam Sparks. Oh yeah, I do get to teach students.

It will be a mini-reunion of sorts for Steve, Pam & me. The last time I saw them was the morning I left Lufkin to drive to Saraland to become a permanent resident. I spent the night at their place, then left the next day to head to Alabama. That's been about a year ago.

I guess what makes it so special for me was the role Steve & Pam played in our lives while we were in Lufkin. The truly exhibit servant leadership. Steve and I served together at Carpenter's Way - what a 5-year journey it was. I was glad to have someone like Steve to teach me and show me the ropes of minsitry during that time. He was always humble, loved serving people, and loved to laugh.

Pam was always there for Karen and me while Karen was sick. She, along with others, would spend the night with Karen while she was in the hospital and once she got home, giving me a chance to sleep in my own bed and get a decent night's rest. Pam was there during Karen's last night. She stayed up all night with her working with hospice to get Karen's pain under control. What a trooper she was, and is.

This will be a special time, for me anyway.

So. . .I beg your forgiveness and understanding while I'm out if I don't get a chance to post something while I'm away .

Thanks for understanding,
Mike

PS - I may get to post, so keep checking back.

Trials and Trustworthiness

2006-07-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

I apologize to those who have been reading along with me through the Adventures of the Apostles (the book of Acts), but I read ahead today and finished it (Acts 21-28). It is facinating to me to read the stories of men and women in the Bible who were faithful to their calling even to the end. I just couldn't stop reading. Besides I was up a little earlier than usual and found myself with a little extra time.

Sooo. . .

I was amazed at Paul and how sensitive he was to God even in the midst of his own valley. We find him on his way back to Jerusalem - despite repeated warnings that bad things were going to happen to him. When he arrives he is falsely accused of inciting riots, blah, blah, blah - all the same stuff he has been accused of before. But this time he finds himself arrested by the Roman army and imprisoned for his own protection. He then goes from one Roman leader to the next, each time to a higher level of authority. Eventually he is shipped off to Rome for an audience with the Emporer. On his way they are shipwrecked. Finally, he and those with him arrive at Rome.

In all this, he remains faithful to his calling - presenting the gospel whenever he has opportunity. He also continues to hear from God. When they are traveling across the sea and encounter bad weather, Pual shares with those on board that and angel of God stood beside him and told him that whoever remains with the boat will be safe.

Even in Rome Paul takes opportunity to share the gospel -

For the next two years, Paul lived in his own rented house. He welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God with all boldness and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him. (Acts 28:30-31)

So you valley experiencers - take a note from Paul's life

Remain obedient
Remain faithful to your calling
Don't give up on God, He hasn't given up on you
Listen for God - He shows up in the strangest of times (so we think)
Continue to minister to others as needs arise - including sharing the gospel by telling your story with God to others
Don't worry, be happy ( oh wait. . .that's a song. . .never mind)

And the God who watches over you will be there with you always. Annndd. . .your valley won't seem so deep and long.

Mike

Heavy Burden

2006-07-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

This morning during my time with God I was overwhelmed by an intensly heavy burden. My heart is heavy and I still don't have a peace about it. God shared with me a church who needs our prayers. A friend of mine serves there and for the sake of the church and leadership I am hesitant to say who it is. No, it's not FBNM. So I could better understand what's going on there, God gave me a visual for this church (He does that probably because I'm better at understanding pictures than words) - the picture is a tornado encompassing this church. While it may be calm in the center, the outer edges are wreaking havoc on this church.

Instead of trying to figure out whom I'm referring to, I would rather you simply join me in praying for this gathering of believers. I don't know why God laid this church on my heart, it may just be to pray fo them. . .to fight for them. . .to attack Satan for them.

Join with me today, will you? God knows your heart and He knows the burden He has placed on me. So your praying won't catch Him by surprise. In Acts 12:5 it tells of the church earnestly praying for Peter while he was in bondage/prison. We, the church - the flock, can earnestly pray for these believers and the bondage they are currently experiencing and ask for God's release.

Pray for any demonic presence to be released and cast away.

Pray the leaders receive wisdom and discernment.

Pray that anyone, inlcuding leaders, who are keeping the church from experience the fullness of God and distracting it from its God-given mission will be removed.

Pray for God's calming presence to overtake the heart of the members and leaders.

Pray as God leads you to pray.

Thank you for taking up the sword with me and taking the fight to Satan.

To God be the glory,
Mike

Strange gods

2006-07-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the hardest thing for me to do is to get started. Whether it's teaching, preaching, writing, or blogging. I'm not the most creative person in the world - that was Karen's gift - so when something does hit me I know for sure it's God.

This morning, I'm not so creative, so I'm just going to jump right in with both feet.

So I'm reading Acts 17 this morning and kind of thinking this is just like the stuff in Acts 14. Paul and his compadres are preaching the gospel, ticked off some of the local church leaders (yeah it happened then too), escaped a lynch mob, went to the next town over and lo and behold guess who shows up. Yep! The guys from the last town, stirring people up against Paul and again he makes like a baby and leaves (yeah I know).

Paul finds himself in Athens. A place where there are so many gods and altars to gods. They even have an altar to an unknown god. Here's what I think is so funny. With so many gods you would need a program to tell one from another isn't it kind of ironic, or at least a little funny, that the Athenians would say something like, "He's pushing some kind of foreign gods." I don't know about you, but I thought it was funny. Think about it for a second, how would they know what was foreign and what wasn't? Anyway. . .remember, I'm a little strange and find things like this somewhat humorous.

On a more serious note, the passage says that Paul was distressed, deeply troubled, at the number of gods he encountered. One version writes that Paul was angry at all the idol worship that was going on. If Paul were to take a walk around your community. . .your life. . . would he be upset at the gods he would find. He would in mine, that's for sure. I would definitely be a disappointment. Let me ask another question, are you distressed at the gods in your community? Your life? If not, why not? If so, what are you going to do about it?

Paul took action. He went and met with them and told them about the One, True God. What about you? Want to see your life and the church become what God has always intended it to be? If so, ask God to help you develop a holy anger for idols and gods in your life and in your community. Then do something about it.

In your life - repent (turn from the gods in your life) and confess - if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9), become more disciplined - for you do not have the spirit of timidity, but the spirit of power and love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

In your community - pray for God's transforming power to overwhelm your community, live your life in such a way that others will know you're different - and they will know you are Christ-followers if you love one another (John 13:35).

These are starters, but it really begins when we develop a burden for our community and those whom God places in our lives. I'm still learning. Won't you learn with me?

Mike

I'm just a little tired

2006-07-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

Ohhhhh. . .it's definitely a Monday. I was going to post something then, what's left of my brain cells went back to sleep. Ever have those days?

This morning I'm tired. I would really, REALLY like to go back home and back to bed. But the day is ahead of me and I have a lot to do and to get ready for this week.

I guess, in some small way, this is my little valley today. When I'm tired I don't think well and Mondays are my thinking, getting ready day. I really can't afford to be so tired. So I will rely on the Lord to get me through, remembering Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

So, in my weakness of being tired and my tail dragging I will praise the Lord for His power.

Have a great Monday! :)

Mike

What the. . .?

2006-07-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

Please read the previous post first [click here to read it]

So by now you're wondering what in the bejeebers is going on? Don't blame you one bit. I kinda thought the same thing last night. Allow me to interject.

Last night I found myself at the church sitting on a curb under the portico in front of our nursery entrance with a cup of Gazebo blend from Starbucks, pouring my heart out to God. I have never wept so bitterly at the state of the church. Denominations deteriorating. Churches chasing after everything but Jesus. Leaders loosing their heart and passion for their calling. Families in disarray. Men running away from their responsibilities as husbands, fathers, and spiritual leaders. Children being treated like chattle. Ministries splitting because of petty disputes. And, in case you haven't noticed, it's all taking place inside our "happy" little churches.

God so burdened me last night that I couldn't even get off the curb. I just sat there and through tears and snot poured my heart out to God. I couldn't believe what we call church was what He ever envisioned. I begged God to change His church. I pleaded with Him to call us back to our first love. I cried out to Him requesting He send His transformational power on HIS church. I asked God to remove our masks.

Rarely have I felt the kind of anguish I experienced last night. This was new for me. It was concerning and troubling.

As I prayed I found myself pouring my heart out before Him, spending time in confession and repentence. I am so confident. . .no arrogant and prideful and I do it my way; hiding behind a mask of insecurities. I am so ashamed to be called a pastor. I turned it all over to God. You may not realize it, but in the last year God has removed me from everything that is dear to me - my wife (she passed away last May), family, friends, co-laborers. All I have left to offer God is me. . .my heart. So I gave it to Him. I tearfully handed over my heart to God. I released the death grip I had allowing it to slip through my fingers into His loving and powerful hands.

In the midst of the tears and snot bubbles I became angry - not at God, but at the church for allowing Satan to have a foothold in its presence, structure, beliefs, mission, etc. I didn't know why until I read Acts 14:19 and realized Satan doesn't just go away. He always comes back for more.

So here I sit in my house contemplating last night's events. Still angry, but now at Satan. And as I said in my previous post, I'm not taking it anymore.

How about you? How about your church? Your denomination? Your ministry? Your heart?

Mike

R.I.P.?

2006-07-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

I must predicate this post with this note: Read this in an angry, frustrated tone

This morning I was reading Acts 14. While I was reading my eyes ran across verse 19,

Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.

When I read that verse God reminded me that just because we change our environment doesn't mean Satan will leave us alone. Just because we change churches, or cities, or friends, or _______________ (you fill in the blank in your life) doesn't promise safety from the evil one. He will keep attacking. He will continue to bear down on us. Just as he did to Paul, he will do to you.

Even our churches aren't safe. We come in on Sunday all smiley, glad-handin', huggin', servin', preachin', teachin' and we think somehow the enemy is safe outside while we're safe inside. NOT SO!!! He sneaks in through well-intentioned people, he hides behind the rules, regulations, and rituals. He ambushes us through our finances, buildings, creeds, or whatever we cherish at our churches. The sooner we get this the sooner we will be ready to take the fight to Satan.

That's what Paul did. When these men followed he and Barnabas form Antioch and Iconium riled up the people so much so that they stoned Paul and left him for dead, Paul got up and went right back into the city! He wasn't just going to lie there and die. He got up and he took the fight to Satan. He went right back in the ring. Talk about guts! Talk about hang-me-downies!! This guy had 'em.

(Side note - don't know what women have to describe gumption - courage, initiative - sorry ladies)

Karen had them. She wasn't going to allow Satan to steal her joy - to rob her of victory. She took the fight to Satan. She wasn't going to just lay there and die! She fought - she fought to the very end for her Lord. She had guts.

Maybe I need some guts. Maybe I need some hang-me-downies. I need something so I will stop running scared and whooped and attack Satan. Maybe the church needs leaders who are tired of running. Maybe the church needs members who are tired of running. Maybe we need to take the fight to Satan - FINALLY!

Oh, by the way - WE HAVE VICTORY!! We have power in Christ Jesus to defeat the enemy. We have everytihg it takes to break out a 55 gallon drum of whoop on Satan. What are we waiting for!? What are you waiting for? What am I waiting for?

Today, this is my declaration

I will stop running and start fighting!

Prayer
Power
His Word
Koinonia
Sound Teaching & Doctrine

These shall be my weapons

Will I be scared? You can bet your bottom dollar on it. But I will pray for boldness as they did in Acts 4. I will also pray for comrades who are also tired of running. Comrades who will also stop running and take up the cause of Christ with me; who will attack instead of escaping and hiding. Comrades who will stand side-by-side, back-to-back with me against the most powerful enemy the church has ever encountered - Satan, himself.

Will you join me? Will you be one of those comrades? Will you stop lying there, get up and take the fight to Satan?

I'm not ready to roll over and die!!
Mike

Glad to Hear. . .

2006-07-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

I'm back! My dad and his wife, Jane, have been here all week. It's been a good week - busy - but good. Did lots of good eatin', shoppin', and even spent one day riding motorcycles with Dad (read about it here). With all the goin's on in Saraland I just haven't had the time to post anything.

But. . .I'm back, so here it goes!
===============================

Are you ever glad to hear from someone? Are there people in your life you love to talk to and hear about their life? Is there someone who, either through email or phone or even in person (yeah, think about, some people still talk face-to-face, go figure - like they don't have anything better to do), you can't wait to hear from? Someone to share your day with? Someone to laugh with? Someone to cry with? Someone to hear you out and help you walk through the valleys in your life?

I do - did, actually. Karen was that for me. She was my confidant . . .my advisor. . .my ultimate accountability partner. . .my counselor. . .my friend. In her absence God has given me some others to talk to:

My best friend, Stacey, who makes me laugh, encourages me, and dreams with me - we can really talk about guy stuff, stupid stuff, and God stuff
My friend Lynn - she's like a big sister/mother figure to me. She makes sure I'm alright and checks up on me from time to time, she's also good with advice
My friends Vince & Debbie - Vince used to be my accountability partner and Debbie was one of Karen's closest friends, they know me, aren't impressed by me, but respect me and what I do. They also ask the hard questions and I know, without any doubt, they and their children pray for me

Who do hear from? Who, in your life in the midst of the valley, do you or can you call?

I also have someone else. Someone who's always there. Someone who's greater than anyone I can talk to. Someone who knows me better than anyone I know. Someone who's always glad I called. Wanna guess? If you said God, you were right.

This morning I was reading Acts 13 - an incredible passage in it's own right: Apostles praying and fasting, the setting aside of Paul and Barnabas for the first mission trip, preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. In the midst of this passage I ran across a couple of verses that really spoke to me -

47For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
" 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

In case you missed it, verse 48 says that the Gentiles were GLAD and HONORED the word of the Lord. Ok, glad kind of speaks for itself, but the word honored translates to glorify and give praise to. So, not only were these Gentiles, these God-fearing non-Jews glad for the opportunity to have a relationship with God they praised and glorified the word of the Lord. I can just see them know - dancing, singing, praising - can you see them?

If not, it may be that you're not glad . . . you're not praising the word of God. When was the last time you spent some meaningful, intentional, un-interrupted time with God? When was the last time you looked forward to hanging out with God - talking to Him, sharing with Him, listening to Him, laughing with Him, even dancing before Him (for us Baptist this can be fun, but scary :) )? Even if it's been a while you can still get back to that point.

If you've never spent time with Him, it may be because you like the Gentiles before Paul and Barnabas never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and the love God has for you. If this is you, click here learn how you CAN have a personal relationship with the God of this universe. (If you become a Jesus-follower email me so I can rejoice before the Lord and pray for you.)

If you've established a relationship with the Father, then step back away from the screen, close your eyes (move your lips if you're at work . . . don't want someone, especially the boss, the think you're sleeping on the job) and ask God to meet you there, or tell Him how you feel right now, or something you're struggling with, or ask for an answer or encouragement, or wisdom, or focus, or whatever you need right now. Then just sit for a moment - it may feel like a lifetime, but it will only be for a few seconds, trust me. Allow His presence to put a smile on your face. Then thank Him. If you can't dance where you are, dance in your heart!! Later today, maybe tonight before you go to bed, and in the morning, do it again. Before you know it you will be looking forward to spending time with your Heavenly Healer, praising Him, glorifying Him, hootin'-n-hollerin' before Him (oops, my Texan slipped out).

I'm glad and I honor God's word. . .not always, but a lot of the time. It makes a difference.

Glad for God's Word,
Mike

The Power of Prayer

2006-06-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

"After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."
Acts 4:31

God has really been speaking to me about the subject of prayer. And as I have been reading through the Acts of the Apostles I keep seeing how important prayer is to the work of the Kingdom and the lives & ministries of the apostles. We find this played out in Acts 4.

One thing that keeps coming back to me is the fact that I don't think they experienced or practiced prayer as we know it today. NOPE!! For the majority of us - we don't have stinkin' clue about prayer. Especially when I hear phrases like, "Let's have a quick word of prayer and we'll get to the business at hand" - often heard in church meetings held by church "leaders." As though God is some kind of drive-by prayer chapel like the wedding chapels you find in Vegas with an Elvis ready to lock two love-birds in blissful matrimony.

I don't think "quick" and "prayer" ever entered their mind in the same sentence. I think there was a deep, deep desire within them for what they prayed and asked God for. I believe they, unlike many Christians today, wanted to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and His power, so they could speak the Word of God boldy, because knew they were going to continue to tell, share, and preach the gospel to anyone and everyone. In a very short time they had come from a scattered, timid group of followers to a force to be reckoned with. Prayer, power, and preaching had become a way of life for these new believers. With that came a longing and praying for something they really wanted - power to speak boldly.

I think we often ask for such things from God for the wrong reasons. We are enamored with the idea and by-products of revival - lives changed, more people in church, everyone lovin' on each other, everything hunky-dorey. But I don't know if we are in love with real revival and what it takes to experience it. So why would God blow through our lives as He did those in Acts 2? Do we really want to be empowered by God to do great and mighty things for Him? Do we realize the cost we will/may have to pay to receive such power? Do we realize the sacrifices we may have to suffer for the cause of Christ to get what we are praying for? Do we REALLY want what we ask for?

I think if God were to grant our desires and He were to bring revival among His people, we would be very much surprised at the changes it would bring. I think there would be a change in how we see people - ready to love your mother-in-law or the homosexual? I think there would be a change in priorities - children in small groups learning God's Word rather than allstars? I think there would be a difference in how we worship and how men lead their families. I think the way we see our possessions would be different - ready to sell the truck to give to someone who has a need?

The question I keep coming back to is, "Do we REALLY want what we are asking for?"

Do we REALLY want to be different? Do we REALLY want to be used by God? Do we REALLY want to give up stuff for Him?

The better question is, DO I?
Mike

Sweet Restoration

2006-06-29T07:34:00.000-07:00

Healing, sweet restoration, it can happen. It does happen. No matter how difficult things get, no matter how deep we go in our valley - healing is always an available. Peter says so.

In Acts 3 we read of Peter healing a lame man who, day after day from birth, had to be carried to one of the temple gates to beg for money and any kind of help he could he get. The coolest thing was that Peter looked at him, got his complete attention, and gave him not what he was asking for, but what Peter had to give him - healing!

Then Peter turned to the crowd and told them that this man's healing was possible through the powerful name of Christ and through the power of the faith that comes through Christ.

What about my healing? Your healing?

Peter says that in the name of Jesus and faith that comes through Him, God makes complete restoration possible. It takes faith, but it takes faith in Christ. When both are present healing does take place. But our fiath must be totally in Christ - no wavering - nothing else. Our fatih cannot be obstructed or misplaced - as in ourselves, our abilities, or someone else - otherwise we will not expererience true, unabated healing.

Now remember, healing doesn't always come in the form we think or wish. And it definitely doesn't happen when we always want it to.

Regardless. . .healing from the hurts and pains of the valley can and will take place. . .when our faith is in and through the powerful name of Jesus Christ.

Where's your faith?

Mike

Mere Ramblings and Emotions

2006-06-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Went to my first wedding since Karen's death. I went alone. The wedding was good. Went well. But there was still this "something" inside me that made me a little sad.

Maybe it's because I remember our wedding day. That was one incredible day. Anyway. . .I don't know why, but it wasn't as easy to sit there and watch.

Then again, I was kind of in a funk this afternoon. Ever have those days? I hope I'm not the only one. Of course I'm kinda weird, so what's new. Maybe I'm just tired. Probably just need a good night'a rest or something.

I keep thinking Satan's using my emotions against me. He does that, you know. I can't allow my emotions to control me. That's EXACTLY what Satan wants to happen. If I give in to my emotions I miss out on God's leadership.

When you're in the midst of the valley it's easy to give in to our emotions. That's because we are so full of mixed up emotionas. . .DUH! So, I've praying and asking God to guard and protect my heart and my mind. I'm still not out of the woods yet, but God is faithful and I have turn every thought and every emotion over to Him or I'm a goner!!

Got to catch some zzzzzzzz,
Mike

Winds of Change

2006-06-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have those moments when something changes inside you - that "AHA" moment when you realize something for the first time? You know - those moments in time that, for the first time, something comes alive in you or something is made so evidently clear you will remember it forever?

I had one of those times sitting in church listening to a pastor speak on Acts 2. I still remember that moment to this day. He began teaching on the 2nd chapter of Acts and he used the phrase, "the winds of change." When he did I thought, "WOW!! That's exactly what happened." It was like for the first time in my life I realized the change Pentecost had on the followers of Christ. The sound like a rushing wind brought change that would forever change the course of history.

Later I was doing a study on the presence of God in the Old and New Testaments. I found in the Old Testament God's presences was usually represented by fire and/or smoke. And very rarely did He speak personally to the people of God. Usually there was a leader, a prophet, or a king through whom He spoke. At Pentacost, I beleive, God stopped being a corporate God and became a personal God. Don't crucify me here if you disagree. What I mean by that is that now people, individuals, for the first time in history could have a personal relationship with God. They could go directly to God rather than through someone else as in the Old Testament. ALL believers, children of God, would be filled by God's presence, the Holy Spirit. This doesn't mean He's not a corporate God. He is, but in the sense that believers come together to make up the corporate Body of Christ.

(Does this make sense? I hope I'm explaining myself here, if not let me know and I will try to do a better job)

ANYWAY. . .what does this have to do with being in the midst of the valley? It has a lot to do with it. What this means is that everyone one of us in the valley who have become children of God through salvation have access to the same Spirit. Not only do we have access, but we are filled with the same power.

This week I was meeting with a man who, in his own right, is going through a personal valley. And when I shared with him that he has access to the same power and the same Spirit I do, it was like a light went on inside of him. It blew him away!! He had never looked at it like that.

Maybe you haven't either. Reading this could be the first time you have ever thought that you have access to the same Spirit and the same Power that I do and any other Christian does. Claim that power. . .ask God to fill you with that Spirit. Ask God to blow the winds of change through your heart. It WILL make a change in your perspective of your valley. Don't let another moment go by without living in the Spirit and power of God. 2 Timothy 1:7 says. . .

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Do don't wonder through the valley afraid adn timid. You have the Spirit of power and love and self-discipline in you. CLAIM IT AND LIVE IT!

Blow winds blow!
Mike

Good Spots

2006-06-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Recently God convicted me of my quiet time - it had gotten to the point that it wasn't the quality of time God deserved. You see, for years I got up in time to get a shower, take care of the zoo, get dressed and head off to the office where I would hang out with God for a while. My office. . .it was always my sanctuary. I don't know why, except it seemed I could shut the world out and focus on spending time with God. Recently it had lost it's "sanctuary" rating. I found myself in a rut. Know what a rut is? It's a grave with both ends kicked out. So my quiet time with God was dead and going no where. I had to do something different. If my time with God was to be meaningful I had to change something.

So what changed? Glad you asked. I changed my time and place.

I get up around 6:00 am now, whether I like it or not. I feed the cats, get the dogs their Scooby snack, and grab some Starbucks as I head to one of two spots.

The first the back patio, if it's cooler. I like going outside. I get to pet the dogs and watch the cats play as well as feel the cool breezes that blow through my back yard.

The second is the purple chair. It's really cool. It's a double chair that wraps around you when you sit in it. The cushions and arms are filled with down. So when I sit in it, it sucks me in and wraps around me.

Either place allows me to feel the cool breezes, hear the low, soft clanging sound of the chimes. Listen to the birds chirping and playing in the trees around the house. I get to hear and see Gods creation doing what it was designed to do . . .live.

I read and spend time writing and praying. This time alows me to do that. These spots have provided a new enthusiasm and re-fueled my time with God. It's like I can't wait to get there. They are special spots. Spots that have meaning only to me. . .no one else.

Where is your spot? In the car on the way to work? At the kitchen table? In your bed?

Do you have a special spot where you meet with God on a regular basis? Has your quiet time found itself in a rut - remember the definition of a rut? Hmm. . .hmmm??

I want to encourage you to find that spot. The spot where you meet with God. The spot where you can hear God. The spot that fuels your passion for Him.

If you're in the valley, this is of utmost importance. It's hard to find your way out of the valley without it. So get to tryin', look around, find that SPOT!!!

Mike

Devoting yourself to prayer

2006-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

If you were waiting for today's post. . .sorry! Had to get the yard mowed and cleaned up this morning before it gets too hot. So, here it is.

I've jumped to the book of Acts. It's one of those books of the Bible I have read chapters, verses. . .parts of, but never the entire book straight through. Aannnddd Awayyyyy we gooooo. . .

As I read Acts 1 I was drawn to verse 14. . .

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

It seems that after Jesus left them to sit at the right hand of the Father the first thing they did was gather together and prayed. I don't know about you, but my inclination is not always to turn to prayer - to turn to the Father. Sometimes, acutally more times than I would like to admit, I try it on my own or seek advice from well-meaning friends rather than going into my prayer closet and asking for God's leadership.

This was a new season in the lives of the apostles and the followers of Christ. It had been three years since they did anything without Jesus being there. Now they were alone. They didn't have Him there guiding, helping, teaching, and leading them. In a sense they were experiencing their own particular valley. So what did they do? "Hey. . .I know, let's gather together and pray. . .let's seek God's face!"

We valley experiencers can take a page from their book. Maybe the next time you and I are feeling a little alone, a little pressure from our valley. . . take time to pray. Seek God's face. Spend some time in intentional prayer.

If you're not sure what to do next stop right now and pray. Ask God what He wants. Tell Him how you feel. Let Him know what's going on inside. I know from experience He listens and hears your prayers. It's up to you and me to go to Him.

Mike

Good Days!

2006-06-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

While I was serving at First Baptist Church in Terrell, Texas I would walk through the worship center meeting and greeting folks on Sunday mornings. Some were senior adults who couldn't sit through both Bible study and worship, so they came to worship.

I remember greeting one couple asking if they were having a good day. His response still brings a smile to my face. He said, "At my age, Brother Mike, everyday I can wake up and shake the sheets is a good day!" I still get a laugh out of his reply.

You see, good days are relative. Some have a good day because they woke up and can both feet on the floor. Some declare a good day when their wife is in the car and they are pulling out of the drive way ON TIME!

(guys I used the two-minute drill with Karen - I declared in two minutes I was pulling out of the driveway and made my way to the car. This let her know she had to stop doing stuff and leave. I know some of you are saying to yourselves right now, "How dare he!" Oh c'mon, Karen, herself, admitted that if it wasn't for me she would be late to everything. Anyway, it worked for us.)

I tell you this from more than a year in the valley - EVERYDAY IS A GOOD DAY!! God's Word declares, "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 188:24). I don't know about you, but for me that says that everyday the Lord gives me is a good day. I'm to receive it, rejoice in it, get glad about it. It doesn't matter if it's raining relational, financial, or personal problems. The simple fact that God made this day and gave it to me is the only reason it is a good day!

HEY VALLEY EXPERIENCERS - Listen up! I've been through some of the darkest days anyone one person can experience in the valley. It wasn't that I didn't receive a good day. . .I DIDN'T WANT A GOOD DAY! I wanted to wallow around in the mire of self-pity and problems. I wanted to declare, "O woe is me!!" I wanted to be angry and frustrated. I wanted my way.

All that will do is eat at you 'till it destroys you. STOP IT!! Get up, dust yourself off, and receive the gift of this day and rejoice in the One who loves you more and deeper than your pain, your grief, your loss, your hurt, your feelings, your emotions, your. . .(you fill in the blank).

Smile, sing, encourage someone else, confess, repent, receive. Whatever it takes for you to have a good day. . .DO IT! Remember, your good days are relative to you, not what others think you should have. Maybe today if you can shake the sheets you need praise the Lord for a good day. Maybe for you it's being able to put one foot in front of another today. Maybe a good day for you is being around people. It could be that a good day for you is simply facing the day.

Don't forget. . .TODAY, TOMORROW, AND THE DAYS AFTER ARE GOOD DAYS!

Loving Today,
Mike

Bring It On!

2006-06-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

When I played sports on a more regular basis - days before aches and pains lasted much longer than I think they should - I was very, very competitive. I hated to lose more than I loved to win. I didn't - actually I couldn't - do anything for "fun." And if I won I wanted to win from the best. I wanted my opponent's best. If I found out that they only gave me even 99% instead of 100% it would infuriate me!

I must say that I was gracious when we started. I always wished my opponent well. . .well, sort of. When my opponent was as arrogant and as cocky as I was that would get under my skin. . .waayyyyy under my skin. Then, my attituded changed and it was on - Bring it on!!

I'm not that way anymore. I still love to win, but I'm a lot more gracious and I smile and laugh a lot more when I play games. But I still want to do my best and I still expect my opponent's best.

God's like that - whoooaaaa, wait a minute, I'm not saying God is like me :) - I'm saying God wants our best. He wants us to bring our best to Him, not to compete with God, but to be used by God. In Exodus 35 God tells us about Moses going to the people and asking for their best - gold, linen, fabric, even their skills - for the tabernacle.

It's pretty cool that when everyone steps up and brings their best to God and GIVES IT TO HIM to be used as HE wishes there is more than enough. Check out Exodus 36:4-5 -

4 So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work 5 and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done."

I believe that when we all bring our best to God - whatever it is. . .financial resources, gifts, abilities, passions, experiences, physical resources - we will have more than enough to do what God calls us to do.

So what's this have to do with being in the valley? Hhhmmmm. . . Let's see - even if I'm in the valley I have something to contribute to the Kingdom. If I bring my best - even if it's a little bit - God can still use it? No matter what it is? And if I focus on serving God and being used by Him rather than focusing me and my problems I will experience a fresh presence of God?

Don't know about you, but this valley thing can definitely get in my way of bringing my best to God to be used by Him. What about you? What CAN you bring? What DO you have that He can use? Where IS your focus?

Only you can answer these questions. He's waiting. . .so BRING IT ON!

Bringing what I have,
Mike

What a Wonderful World

2006-06-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (Friday) I was driving and heard a song that made me think of Karen. It was her favorite song - Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World. I just happended upon it as I was messing with the radio (like that's new, eh?) and as soon as I heard it I stopped. To me it will always be Karen's favorite song - wait a minute it always be Karen's favorite song, right? - but to me that's how I will always remember it. It could be a bajillion other people's favorite song, but, to me, it will be Karen's. Ok I think I've gone down that road long enough- get the idea?

In case you don't know or remember the words here they are:

I see trees of green........ red roses too
I see em bloom..... for me and for you
And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue..... clouds of white
Bright blessed days....dark sacred nights
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are also on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do
Theyre really sayin......i love you.

I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
Theyll learn much more.....than Ill never know
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world

(instrumental break)

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky
Are there on the faces.....of people ..going by
I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do
Theyre really sayin...*spoken*(I ....love....you).

I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow
*spoken*(you know their gonna learn
A whole lot more than Ill never know)
And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself .......what a wonderful world.

Anyway. . .the song made me think of Karen. For a time it was about missing her, for a very short time. No, what really came to mind was the way Karen viewed this "wonderful" world.

She lived life as though this life. . .this world. . .was really very wonderful. She would be the first to admit that her world. . .her heavenly world. . .is so much better, but I believe she saw just how wonderful this world is and can be.

She saw the sky as this incredible blue canvas. She saw the red roses and the trees of green. I think she noticed all these amazingly spectacular sights of this life because she took time for the little things in life. Little things like. . .

Stopping to smell the roses
Spending time with friends and family
Loving children - of all ages
Noticing the colors of the world around us
Making people laugh
Laughing at herself
Putting others first

For Karen, this is a wonderul world and she lived every minute she could appreciating it and making it wonderful for someone else.

If you're in the midst of a valley, stop. . .stop and smell some roses, smile at a stranger, call an old friend or family member, love on some children, play with them, laugh, make somene else laugh. There are a million ways to to see what a wonderful world our world actually is.

I guarantee it will change your perspective of the valley. Karen changed mine, whose will you change today?

I hope the next time you hear this song it will serve as a reminder of what a wonderful world we do live in.

What a Wonderful World,
Mike

Standing in the Gap

2006-06-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

One thing my brothers and I was taught growing up was to stick up for each other. And that's what we did. I know some of you don't doubt that for a moment. Our mentality was we could fight with each other, but no one else could fight us. And believe me, we fought. Our definition of a fair fight was one that you won. Soooo. . .everything was legal - whatever you could do to win was acceptable. But if you were smart, you would stay out of our fights, 'cause the same went for your fight with me or either of my brothers - everything was fair. As the oldest I took it upon myself to take up for my brothers, on occasion they did the same for me. Now let me set the record straight. . .we never started a fight, we never went looking for a fight, but if you started it - we were to finish it! End of story!!

As I was reading Exodus 32-34 this morning I realized that people - valley experiencers in particular - need someone who will fight for them. . .stand in the gap for them. Sometimes they can't fight for themselves - they're too hurt and beat up. Sometimes they are simply oblivious to the fact that they need someone to stand on their behalf before God. Sometimes they are full of shame or too guilt-ridden to ask for help.

Moses did this a couple of times. He did it when God was REALY, REALY hot at the Israelites and wanted to wipe them out. Then there was Moses - he reminded God that these were His people - not that God needed to be reminded, but Moses seemed to have a way of calming God down (if that's possible) - like a good friend.

On another occasion Moses stepped up and asked God to go with them when they moved forward. He pleaded with God not to send them out without His presense or the Israelites wouldn't be any different than the rest of the world.

I don't know if the poeple of Israel realize how fortunate they were to have a Moses stand in the gap for them. I don't think they knew how many times they were close to total obliteration. God wanted to get rid of them, or at least remove His hand from them, but, once again, there was Moses. There was always Moses. . .standing up for the people.

There are so many people - valley experiencers - who feel like they, themselves, are on the brink. . .the edge. . .so close to obliteration, and they need someone who will come before a merciful God and plead their case. I need it and so do many others.

Who does God want you to stand up for this week? Flock - who has God put in your path this week that needs SOMEONE. . .ANYONE. . .to plead their case before Almighty God? They are there, now stop and think whoooo has God placed in your life recently? And are they going through a valley - it doesn't have to be huge, just a valley? What is their specific need?

GOOD!!

Next step - pray for them. Make it a habit of coming before Holy God and pleading their case. . .presenting their need. Then wait. . .wait and watch God do something you never expected, or they either for that matter.

Stepping Up,
Mike

Time Heals All Wounds. . .NOT!!!

2006-06-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

I've heard, over the years, that time heals all wounds. Let me just set the record straight - NOT!!

I mean, c'mon, ever seen a wound get infected? Yeah, time and leaving it alone equals infection. I know, I have enough scars on my body from injuries that I know how to take take of wounds. You clean them out, put some kind of medicine on it to keep it FROM getting infected, bandage it up for a time, remove the bandage so it can get some air and heal PROPERLY.

If you think about it, time heals all wounds doesn't even make sense. So. . .let me get this straigt - if I hurt~emotionally, spiritually, relationally, psychologically~and I just don't do anything to help, then over time I will heal? Hmmmm. Don't know about you but seems kind of suspicious, wouldn't you say?

Let me give you a better recipe for healing. . .
Time+God's healing work (this could be through His Spirit, His Word, and/or His people) = healing.

If you're hurting. . .been wounded. . .and it's still a little tender, then allow me to encourage you to stop the tried-and-not-so-true method of just letting time do the mending. Bring your pain, your wound, into the presence of Jehovah Raphe (The God Who Heals - this is one of His names). The Great Physician, the one who created you, knows you best. He has just what you need. Let Him begin the healing process.

I will tell you that healing God's way does take time. Healing won't happen over night, but it will happen a lot sooner than relying time and nothing else. Besides you don't want all that puss shooting out on everything when you bump that infected wound on something, do you?

God heals. . .but it takes time. Stop what you're doing and show Him your wound. He can take it. He's seen it all.

Healing with Helper,
Mike

Encouragement

2006-06-13T14:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I love it when someone encourages me. It makes me feel good. . .valued. Since sharing my story and the lessons from the valley Sunday night I have received words of encouragement - written, spoken, even through hugs (I like hugs :) ).

Flock - pay special attention to this. One of the opportunities we have as the flock is to encourage those going through various valleys. In short - it's the church being the church. Paul instructs us to "carry each other's burdens." The picture here is like a fellow athlete who comes alongside an injured player and gets underneath him and helps him off the field. You know what I'm talking about. You've probably seen it many times. Is that not a great picture of helping each other with their burdens. . .the weight of their valley?

I have been quite blessed this past year to have so many people in my life who, at different times and in as many ways, came alongside me and got under my burden with me. I can't tell you how good it feels to have someone do that for you.

So, church. . .lets BE the church! Encourage someone today. It only takes a moment, a card or note or email, a word, a hug, a mowed yard, some flowers, a meal . . .I think you get the picture.

Encouraged beyond belief,
Mike

Be Honest

2006-06-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

I'm just a little tired this morning. I had a very busy weekend - hangin' with folks, house stuff, and teaching this weekend. It's a good tired, though. I like it.

Last night I shared 4 Lessons from the Valley with our folks here at First Baptist North Mobile. I thought it was good simply because I was able to share my story with our people, some who have yet to hear it. But it was good because I believe everyone of us will experience valley times. . .low times. . .hard times in our lives. No one serves as an exception. I also believe that there are a lot of people attending church who are not honest with themselves, others, or God about their valley.

Just think, the only one they are fooling is themselves. God already knows. Some sheep know, those who don't. . .well they just don't know enough about their situation to help.

Hopefully God was able to open doors to some hearts allowing people, even Christians, to be honest for the first time.

Listen, if you're experiencing a valley time in your life, be sure to tell someone. And if you don't know anyone or don't trust anyone, let me know. If nothing else I can pray for you!

Sooooo, until tomorrow - don't be a fool, be honest!
Mike

Laughing!

2006-06-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about it this morning. . .how good laughter is for us.

The best laugher were Karen and two of her high-school friends - Paige and Kristi. They would start laughing and then nothing would come out, but tears. They wouldn't breathe, they wouldn't even have to say anything and it was like they knew what the others were thinking and they woudl start all over again. I miss those days, but I also cherish them, because of what it meant to Karen and me in her last days.

Valley experiencers - when was the last time you laughed? When was the last time your face hurt from smiling, your innards where sore from laughing so hard, tears poured from your eyes from joy?

Recently I begain lauging - again. It's been a while. I know what it's like to not want to laugh or even think you can. There are times when the sorrow seems too great. . .when the pain is too deep. But I have come to believe that laughter is like salve for the soul. It DOES help.

There's something about laughter that moves us forward in the valley. Laughter doesn't allow us to dig our heels in and camp out in a spot. It gives us momemtum. It doesn't even have to be memories or about your valley. Go see a really stupid movie. I remember when I was in seminary and working and serving as an intern at our church and Karen was bearing so much of the financial load. We were both just worn out, tired, pooped. We decided to go see Son In-Law. Now Son In-Law is not on the must see list, but in the middle of the movie we found ourselves laughing - not quietly, to ourselves, but OUT LOUD!! We were bustin' a gut!! We even bought the movie and everytime I watch that stupid movie I remember us laughing.

I don't know what makes you laugh and in the midst of the valley it could be almost anything. I encourage you to find it. . .be open to it. . .and when it happens let her rip!!

Later,
Smilin' Mike

God and the WWE

2006-06-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

Ok. . .so God and the WWE don't REALY have a lot in common - on the surface. But I was recently reminded of them both by a friend who is going their own valley. They reminded me of the point we all must come to in the valley - giving in or giving up.

I know from personal experience, many of you do too, that our valley experience often comes down to a wrestling match between me and God. . .you and God. For me it was a knock-down, no-holds-barred event. You could have sold tickets and made a million. Bring out the bright lights, the glam, the crowds, fill the arena, and "LET'S GET IT ON!!" Valley experiencers know what I'm talking about.

As I was also reminded it comes down to this - giving up v. giving in. Are you going to give up - walk away, turn your back on the One who loves you more than anyone, the One who has done more for you than you will ever know? Are you going to walk away from all God has done and wants to do in you and through you?

OR. . .are you going to run to the ring, taking everything with you - emotions, strongholds, beliefs, perspectives - and hit the mat with God? Are you going to do the most difficult thing in your life? The most painful experience you will ever go through - battling God and learning to give in - cry "Uncle?"

I have to be honest here, it would be so much easier just to turn it all over to Him up front, but it's so hard for me and for many valley experiencers I have encountered on my journey through the valley. Why do we hold on to things? Why do we grip so tightly? I think it's because sometimes, it's all we think we have and if we lose that, there's nothing left to hold on to. So. . .we come to the point of giving up or giving in.

I would much rather a valley experiencer learn to give in, than give up. When we wrestle with God, pull the ol' WWE, and learn to give in it sticks with us. It will always be with us. It is our experience with God. It's good to wrestle with God. May not be the easiest way, but it certainly serves as a great reminder of who wears the "BELT" and who doesn't.

I also think when we wrestle with God and learn to give in, it helps us "make the turn." There's just something about exiting the ring knowing you gave it all to Him, you didn't hold anything back. There's a renewal, a peace, a new perspective we gain. Now the journey, even if it gets worse by the world's standards, doesn't seem so deep . . .so hard. . .so lonesome. . .so long.

If you're struggling with you're journey. . don't give up. Take God out back and "GET IT ON!" Just remember, don't hold back. Cry, scream, kick, punch - just not walls or anything that's fairly solid, take it from one who knows - write, pray, walk, run - whatever you do, don't hold back. God is the "Champ" and can take anything you throw at him. He wants it. He wants you.

From one who knows,
Mike

God and BLING!

2006-06-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

Couldn't help but think how much God likes His BLING when I read Exodus 25. READ IT!! Notice how much He likes fine wood, rare jewels, and gold. Holy cow, the gold!!! OK, so God's probably not walking around with a diamond encrusted spinning clock hanging around his neck, or a ring with "G-O-D" on it covering all four fingers on one of His hands. And I'll bet He doesn't have the latest 24s spinning on the royal chariot - as far as we know anyway.

I don't think He likes them so He can show them off. I think He likes them because of what they represent. Take the gold, for instance - it's cool and shiny and has a lot of WOW! factor, but it's also the purest metal we know of. I think the gold represents purity. What does that for me and you?

1) It represents God's purity. God, who is holy - pure, without blemish, is the kind of god I want. I don't want a god who can, for a minute, mess up. . .sin. . .well to be blunt, be like me. I want a god who is above that, above me - a god who stands so far above me that there is no chance He will ever mess up and come to my level. I want a god who is Holy - pure - like gold.

2) It also represents the purity of my heart when I meet Jesus and accept Him as my Lord & Savior. I can't come before a Holy - a pure, whithout blemish - God if I'm not made pure. . .made holy. So. . .through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ I am made pure. So pure, in fact, that I can not only come into Holy God's presence, but I am able to have a personal relationship with Him.

3) It also represents the purity of heart I should ("must" may be too strong a word - don't know) have when I come to worship Him, to hear from Him. The really cool thing is that I don't have to go to the tent of meeting to meet with God. I do get the honor of meeting together with other believers to worship my Lord, but I can also walk around my backyard, sit on my patio, hang in the living room, walk along the beach, drive my car or ride my Harley and still worship my King. Is that not the coolest thing? I can worship, praise, honor, and bring a "sacrifice" of praise before Him anytime and almost anyplace (I know for a fact that there are some places for me that wouldn't be conducive to personal worship, for me anyway).

It doesn't really matter where I worship God, what does matter is the purity of my heart when I come before Him.

So. . .I become God's BLING! through Christ Jesus and I get to praise Him with a BLING! of a heart. That is some kind of amazing, eh?

Hey Valley Experiencers!!! Don't get caught up in the depths of despair the valley can and does bring into our lives. YOU can be God's BLING! You can, and are, made pure through Jesus Christ. And guess what? He would rather show you off than any gold bracelet, sparkling rims, or flashy rings.

How cool is that?

Blinging for my Daddy!
Mike

Talk is Cheap!

2006-06-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

Getting back to the Israelites, Moses, and God - this morning I was reading Exodus 24 and I noticed something. . .something I could relate to. In verse 3 it says,

3 When Moses went and told the people all the LORD's words and laws, they responded with one voice, "Everything the LORD has said we will do."

Then I thought, how easy it is to say, how difficult it is to put into practice. How much easier it is to declare, "I will obey," how much harder it is to actually obey God. Like the Israelites, I find myself proclaiming to God, "Sure, whatever you want God. You got me. Just send me. I'll go."

Yeah right!

As you read the 24th chapter you will find that this wasn't the Israelites only time to respond with these words. Soon afterwards they made this pronouncement they did it again (v. 7)! I've done the very same thing. Have you? I, like the Israelites, have said I would obey God's will and how I have decalred to the heavenly Father, "I will follow," not once, but on several occasions,

Now, I must say, I said those words with great intentions. Don't we all? I had every reason in the world to want, to desire, obedience to God's leadership in my life. Then how I fell. For one reason or another I tripped. . .I stumbled. . .I fell. I, as much as I wanted to do everything the Lord wanted me to do, didn't do it.

I've found that the valley is an easy place to cry out and have the truest desire to follow God, to be obedient to Him. But, I've also found that the valley is the easiest place to fall away, to stray from the Shepherd, to wander from the flock. Why? Great question. I think it's because when we are in the valley it is so easy to get caught up in our own little world, our circumstances, our emotions, our own form of justice and fairness. So, we go our own way, living out our own desires, wondering where everyone else is. And what do we find along the way? We find that talk is cheap, 'cause we're not willing to live it out.

Valley experiencers - be careful to want God's will. It's not a bad thing to desire God's will. In fact it's a great thing. But I feel I must warn you, it may not be what you want. It may lead you to places you don't want to go. It may require more of you than you are really willing to give. So if you really want God's leadership in your life, and trust me you do, then be willing to follow through. And, if for some reason you don't follow through, something happens - because we all know life happens, eh? - just reach up to God and allow His loving hands to pick you up and get back on track.

Flock - don't let valley experiencers walk away. Stay with them. Hang on to them. Hold them accountable. Love on them. They may not realize what you are doing now. To be honest, they may never accept it. But some will. Those who do receive you, may not even accept it then, but when they do, they will be eternally grateful you didn't let them wander off.

If you, like me, have declared your willingness to obey, but have tripped, stumbled, even fallen flat on your face - that's probably why I have a deviated septum (a.k.a - broken nose), it's OK. God still loves you more than that. Confess your disobedience. Confess that you placed your desire above His - making your will greater than His, placing you in His place. Confess your unwillingness to do what is hard, even if it's right. Then receive His forgiveness, His grace, His mercy and make the decision to really be obedient . . .to follow the Good Shepherd.

Trying to be a faithful walker rather than a big talker - those of you who know me - DON'T SAY A WORD - wipe that smirk off your face - quit laughing - OK, get off the floor and back in your chair - wipe your eyes - hey, your mascara is running - yeah you. . .

Mike

Stepping Back for a Moment

2006-06-05T17:17:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all God has been teaching me and I have been sharing with you as we travel together with the Israelites, Moses, and God through the Exodus I must step back for a moment to share something I have experienced over the last 3 or 4 months. Maybe understanding where I am. . .the point I have come to in my valley experience will help you - valley experiencer and flock alike.

Allow me to preface my experience with a verse from Paul - a man who experienced incredible valleys in his own right. In his letter to the Philippian church Paul writes. . .

. . .for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Phil 4:11-12)

I don't know if you got that or not. Read it again. . .again. . .and again. Did you notice it? Paul wrote that he learned to be content in any and every situation. It didn't matter what he experienced, what he went through, what happed to him, he learned to be content. Contentment doesn't come easy for us and I don't think it came easy for Paul easy, that's why he wrote that he learned to be content.

In my valley I have come to a point where I have learned to be content. I've always wondered what that would feel like and would I ever expereince it in my valley. Well. . .I have and I am. I don't now if I can put into words how it feels, but it's like I know everyhing is OK and everything will be OK. It's like finally feeling the hand of God when I couldn't feel anything for so long, but I knew it was there. I believed, I trusted, I kept moving forward - some days were great strides, other days were no more than baby steps. It's like an assurance that God is with me. It's also become something I recognize as experiential. In other words you know contentment by experience. There's no other way!

Maybe this helps explain why I write more than I used to. Maybe it helps explain why I am enjoying going home and just hanging out a lot more than I used to. Maybe it explains why my demeanor is more pleasant. . .more positive. Maybe it explains why I'm loving what I'm doing so much more. Maybe. . .it explains the peace I feel when I get up in the morning, while I'm going about my day, or heading home to the animals.

So how do you learn to be content? I think it comes when you truly, I mean truly surrender everything to God. It comes when, like Paul, you lay your life, your troubles, your worries, your circumstances, your heart down before the God who loves and cares for you more than anyone you will ever meet on this strange, strange planet.

Having trouble finding contentment? Let me encourage you - flock and valley experiencer, alike - find your life in Christ - not in your circumstances, not in your situation, not in your expectations, not in your way of thinking, not in the expectations, wishes, and dreams of others - ONLY in Christ. It will probably be the hardest lesson you will learn and definitely the most difficult to put into practice. But as sure as I know there is a God in heaven, I know that if you will come to the place in your journey where nothing and nobody else matters, nothing but the wonderful presence of God, you, too, will learn what it means to be content.

There will be a smile that comes from deep inside you that may have been missing for a while. There will be a peace that overcomes any circumstance. There will be laughter where there used to be pain. There will be passion where there used to be wishes and desires.

So. . .let met just say that contentment is real! It's there, waiting for you to experience it. . .to discover it.

I'm not sure how to wrap this up. I know I need to, but I could go on and on. So, let me just say this, "It's out there, but it's up to you and me to discover it. To discover it we have to lay everything at the feet of our Heavenly Father." So get to layin' it down. He's waiting.

Mike

OK - It's About Worship. . .Again

2006-06-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

It's about praising God!

In the valley there are times when you don't feel like praising God. I know there have been times when I certainly didn't feel like praising Him. As a matter of fact, I wanted to walk away. I was mad and wasn't in the greatest frame of mind to worship God. Now I look back and see the hand of God - how He provided for me, how He never stopped loving me, how He continued to share His love and His power with me.

In Exodus 18 we find Moses, Jethro (Moses' father-in-law, former boss, and Midianite Priest), and the Elders of Israel worshipping God. Verses 9-11 say,

9 Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the LORD had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. 10 He said, "Praise be to the LORD, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly."

Then Jethro offers a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, then they eat bread together in the presence of the Lord (v. 12)

Hhhmmmmm. . .have I stopped to worship my Lord? To offer sacrifices of praise? To gather with other beleivers to worship together out of what God has done - His provisions, His rescuing, His love for me. . .for you. . .for us?

Ooohhhh. . .how soon I forget to praise Jehovah Jireh - The God who Provides. How selfish of me to receive God's blessings and NOT bow down before Him and thank Him. It's so easy to focus on the valley. . .on my circumstances, isn't it? Valley experiencers step back from your situation, whatever it is and spend some God-focused time worshipping the One who loves you more than anyone you can imagine. Bow down, humble your heart, and stretch out your hands - open, palms up and receive His mercy, His grace, His love.

Don't go another day, or even another minute without spending some time praising the Lord of Creation. The Lord who saved you from eternal despair. The Lord who guides you even when you can't see where you are going. Like Jethro, offer a sacrifice. Don't know what to offer, how about YOU. Become a living sacrifice!!

Doing so will change your perspective and will change your heart. You can't afford not to praise Him, so take a moment, and even it's just a few words of praise - sing, mutter, cry out words of praise to your Father in Heaven. It helps. It always helps.

Yeah, He likes my singing :)
Mike

Side-By-Side

2006-06-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

I remember hosting the Side-By-Side Leadership Conference while I was serving at Carpenter's Way in Lufkin, Texas. It later worked its way into a potential ministry for Karen and me. It was based on Exodus 17:12-13.

12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

The idea is that in ministry we are to come alonside one another, as did Aaron and Hur, and help them; together we can accomplish so much more than we can alone.

I think it's the same way with the valley. I can't tell you how many times I've needed someone to hold up my arms. At times there were people to come alongside me - Stacey, Lynn, Steve, Jeff, Donya, Pam, and many, many more. I wonder if the flock thnks we need them only when it's really, really hard? It's not true. There were time they held my arms by listening, hugging, mowing my yard, planting flowers, cleaning my house, donating a vehicle, paying golf with me and best of all making me laugh! Valley experiencers don't always need someone when things are hard. They just need someone to come alonside them and hold their arms.

Flock, look around. There are sheep who need their arms held up. You don't have to do a lot. Just hold up an arm. That's all Aaron and Hur did and look what happened to the Israelites. You want to change lives? You want to have an impact on the world around you? Lift up someone's arms. It's not hard, but it does take time and effort. Allow me to share with you from someone's who's arms have been lifted up more times than he would like to know. Please know it helps. It works.

Soooo. . .go find a valley experiencer and do some arm lifting and watch what God does.

Mike

Worship the Lord!

2006-05-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

Why do I complain about others when all along it's the Lord I'm really mad at?

I found myself contemplating this question the other day as I read Exodus 16, especially Exodus 16:8.

I remember when I went away to college after graduating high school. I attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. It's a great school and I really enjoyed my time there as my grades will attest. Anyway. . .I remember attending OBU believing God had called me into full time ministry. I went there to prepare for serving the Lord with my life. One problem. . .life got in the way!

While I was away my family seemed to be falling apart and the church was nowhere in sight. I got mad - at the church, at my family, and anyone else I could find. I left the church, I left ministry, I left God and pursued a life that I often refer to as my testimony building time. It's not a time I brag about, but it's a part of my life, like it or not.

Later, after I found myself at the feet of God like the prodigal son and began rebuilding my relationship with Him. During that rebuilding period I took some time to reflect on this period of my life. You want to know who I was really mad at? You probably guessed it, God. I was furious with Him. I mean, c'mon, this is how someone is treated who surrenders their life to Him? If that's so, then I wanted no part of it! You talk about a valley!!! While I was mad at God, I took my anger out on people who loved me, people who wanted the best for me. Why?

Is it because I didn't/don't know it's God at the time who I'm really mad at? Is it because it's easier to gripe about someone - someone I can see and touch? Is it possibly because I don't want to be angry at God, so it's easer to be mad at a person? It's probably all of these and more. What's yours?

But isn't that so much like me - get angy at poeple instead of God? Then again, should I even be angry at God?

The Lord led the Israelites out of 430 years of captivity - bondage, working for the man - and now they think they have it worse than they did before? Isn't that just like me - like us? God leads us into this beautiful valley where there's food, shelter, water, and this really Good Shepherd. And what do we do? We complain. We gripe. We whine. We get angry. We lose sight of the big picture - all for the scope of our present situation.

We begin to look at each day, each situation in and of itself as though they stand alone. We don't take time to connect the dots. We don't step back and see where we came from, where we've been, and where we're going.

Soooo. . .we whine, stomp our feet , pout, get mad, pitch a fit - and blame someone else for our current situation just like the Israelites blamed Moses.

If I remember correctly I'm supposed to consider it joy - all joy - when I experience various trials and fall into different kinds of valley. For in doing so - experiencing trials - I develop and build up perseverence which leads to maturity in my faith, making me complete - not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).

So, for today I will praise the Lord. I will lift up holy hands to praise and worship the Good Shepherd, His love, and His protection. Today, I will glorify the name of the Lord, not just with my tongue, but with my life.

I have found that it's hard to whine and gripe and be angry and worship the Lord at the same time. Have you? Try it today. . .now. . .this moment. Stop and thank God for family, your church, salvation, His love, mercy, and grace. Praise His name for victory and abundant life. What can you praise Him for today? Stop whining and start worshipping!!

Lifting Holy Hands,
Mike

Following?

2006-05-31T06:41:00.000-07:00

Ever just read a passage of Scripture and become overwhelmed with how much stuff there is in there to learn and draw from? I had that expereince when I read Exodus 14:15-15:27. OK, I'll admit it's a long passage and hence the amount of stuff there is. But as I was reading this I just couldn't stop, so I kept reading.

There is so much in this passage of Scripture, but what kept coming to mind as I read is how God protects and fights for me. I have found that when I'm in the valley the Shepherd, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) leads us just as Exodus 15:13 reminds us.

One of the phrases I have come to appreciate more and more is the phrase, "the right hand," especially when it refers to God because it often speaks of His power, His protection, His strength, His wrath, and/or His glory!! As a redeemed sheep of the Eternal Shepherd I am privy to GOD'S RIGHT HAND! I am covered as long as I follow; as long as I am obedient. He will put Himself between me and the enemy, just as He did for the Israelites (Exodus 14:19-20). And with His right hand he will protect me, He will fight for me, and He will lead me.

The real question is not will God protect me. I think we have covered that. The real, get honest question is will I follow and remain under His cope of protection? Will I follow Him to His Holy dwelling?

Valley experiencers these questions apply to you as well. So. . .will you follow and remain under is cope of protection? Will you follow Him to His Holy dwelling?

Following and Failing,
Mike

The Hammer

2006-05-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

The valley gets to be a lonely place at times. And it's in those lonely times our enemies - the predeators in the valley - come at us and we either give in to them or we are overcome by them. So what's a sheep to do?

God gives us a clue in Exodus 14:13-14. After the Israelites - valley experiencers in their own right - see the Egyptian army coming at them like screaming banshees and begin whining and crying to Moses about how they are going to die (this is my version) Moses looks at them in his best Charlton Heston imitation and tells them to stand firm. STAND FIRM!? They are about to get overrun like Custer at Little Big Horn and they are supposed to STAND FIRM!? What's going through this guys mind, if he has one?

I'll tell you what's going through his mind, the same thing that went through his lips - "stand firm and watch the Lord fight for us." He knew that if they didn't run, if they didnt' try to take on the Egyptians in their own power, that God - Deliverer God - would once again deliver them from the enemy. Moses was confident in his God's ability to protect them, fight for them, and bring victory to them.

God will do the same for us - IF we let him. He WILL fight for us. First, we must, like the Israelites identify the enemy. What's your enemy?

Here are a few of mine:

Impatience - "Let's get it on!"
Self-Reliance - "I can, and will, make this happen"
Pride - "It's not my fault"
My Way - "I want to do my way"
Arrogance - "I've got it all figured out"

So. . .I ask again, what are some of your enemies? Maybe they're like mine. Maybe yours include doubt, fear, confusion, loneliness, discontentment. Maybe your enemy is only something you know about and can't even put into words. To be honest, it doesn't matter, surrender it to God. Only He can bring victory into your life - if you let him.

Second, don't try to take on the enemy yourself - you will lose, I know from experience. And don't run, your enemy will only catch up to you and overtake you. Like the Israelites, STAND FIRM!, and allow the God who delivers to swing the hammer of victory and watch Him crush the enemy.

Watchin' from the Front Lines,
Mike

Faith and Power

2006-05-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

This morning during my quiet time, as I was mulling over God being in the details of my life, I thought about a little book I bought for Karen while we were in Houston for one of Karen's chemo treatments. The book is entitled, God is in the Small Stuff and It All Matters: Stop Worrying and Invite God Into the Details of Your Life. It was written by Bruce & Stan. A couple of guys who love the Lord and have a unique way of writing about Him.

Anyway. . .I picked the book up and was looking through it when I noticed a bookmark in the back. It turned out to be one that Karen gave me on June 28, 2003. That was the year she was diagnosed with colon cancer. On the bookmark was the verse where Jesus tells us that if we have the faith of a mustard see we could do great and mighty things - nothing would be impossible for us (Matt 17:21). On the back she wrote,

Mike,
Continue trusting God in all things. Have the "faith" of that little mustard seed.

I Love You,
Karen

It's the same bookmark that finds it new home in my journal. It serves as a reminder - not necessarily of Karen's great faith, but that I must have the faith of the little mustard seed attached to it. And with that faith, along with God's power, I can do ANYTHING! NOTHING will be impossible!!

[Side Note: While I must have faith, it's not my faith that moves the mountains. It is the power of God! BUT faith must be present.]

It's a lesson in trusting God. What are you trusting God for? Do you have the faith He can/will provide? So. . .where's your faith? Is it in your abilities or God's power? All it takes is the faith of a little ol' seed.

Mike

Details, Details, Details

2006-05-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

Are you a details person? Do you love diving in up to your elbows in details? Me? Sometimes. It depends on what it is. I love the details of a project. I hate the ongoing, mundane details of tracking receipts and stuff like that. I can't tell you the number of times I have become frustrated and completely wore out because of the details. You?

I believe my walk with God - my journey in the valley - is very much like that of the Israelites. I don't have to worry about every little detail because God will take care of them for me.

In Exodus 14:1-2 God gave Moses and the Israelites very specific instructions on where to go and where to camp out. As I read this I couldn't helpt thinking that God was, and IS, in the details!! Oh how that takes the pressure off of me. It doesn't mean that I dont' need to be aware and mindful of them. It simply means I don't have to WORRY about them and neither do you. Even Jesus reminds us that we aren't to worry about the details of our lives. He told us not to worry about things like where we will live, what we will eat, or what to wear. If God provides for the birds how much more will He take care of you since you are so much more important to Him than the birds of the air?

One thing God has really taught me is that HE IS in the details of my life. I still think about what he told me sometime toward the end of last year - Be obedient and trust God for the details. I believe He is always working around me - and you - behind the scenes. And it's during these times that God is working out the details.

Valley experiencers and flock, alike. So many times we become overwhelmed by the details of our lives. Our job is to be obedient. Trust Him. Obey Him. Follow Him. Just as God took care of the Israelites, He WILL take care of you!

Letting God Do the Details,
Mike

To God be the Glory

2006-05-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder about this valley thing. I wonder why I'm going through it. I wonder when I'm going to get out. I wonder why it's so hard some times. I know God has some lessons for me to learn. Some are easy, some are more difficult. I know there is some growing that needs to take place. Some of it emotional, some spiritual. This morning as I read through Exodus 14 I was reminded that my valley is also to be used to bring glory to God. In fact, that may be the prmary reason I've become a valley experiencer. It's also the most difficult for me to grasp. . .to understand. I think it's because I view life, and especially my life, from my self-centered, self-preserving, point of view and not from God's point of view.

In Exodus 14 Gods says three times "I will bring glory to myself," or "I will gain glory." God was all about bringing glory to himself. Why? I believe it's to remind us to fear the Lord and put our faith in him. That's what verse 30 says happened when God destroyed the Egyptian army right in front of the entire Israel nation. The people turned to God. It was about Him, not them.

Yeah, I think there are some lessons and some growing to be had, but even these are meant to draw me closer toward God. And if I am coming closer to Him, then I'm focusing on Him more and more. And my focusing on Him brings Him glory!

As I think back to Karen's valley, I am reminded of how she constantly pointed people toward God, away from herself and her valley. Somehow she seemed to make sure God received the glory, not Karen. Even in her last days as she was REALLY drawing closer to God her words reflected her heart. I remember her saying, "Don't worry about me, 'cause I won't be worrying about you. When I get to heaven I'm going to dance with my Jesus and worship my God." You see, Karen, even in her last days on this alien planet knew it was about, all about, God.

So. . .is your valley about you or about bringing God glory? Sure there are some lessons to be learned and growth to experience, but, even then your valley is to bring God glory. Now, if your valley has become about you, step back and begin focusing on God. You will be surprised the difference it will make.

Glory to God!
Mike

Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way!

2006-05-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

During my corporate career and for a large part my ministry "career" I lived by the axiom "lead, follow, or get out of the way." I was the guy in college whose group you didn't want to be in if you were looking to skate by. I remember my last semester at the University of Texas at Dallas. I was in a class where our entire semester consisted of working with the same group of people researching and presenting case studies. During our first meeting I declared with both arrogance and boldness, "We WILL make an A!" I was so very close to graduating with honors and I wasn't about to let that chance slip away. I also didn't want to go through an entire semester with people who weren't ready to put in the work to do well. In the end we made an A and I graduated with honors - the reason this was so important to me is a story for another time. All this means that I don't like to be put in a position of waiting on or following others. I want to be the one out front - leading.

As I read and re-read Exodus 13:17-22 one thing kept coming to mind - God leads, we follow. God's place is out in front - leading. My place? BEHIND God - following. How many times have I got that backwards. Way too many times for sure

If the Israelites wanted to see their promised land, then they had to follow God. It was as simple as that. If I want to see my "other side" - my promised land - then I have to follow God. It's not always easy to do, especially if you're used to living by the saying, "lead, follow, or get out of the way." It's not only my desire to be in front that gets in the way, but so do my emotions. My desires get also gets in the way. My love for the "hurry up" definitely screws up my will to follow. It's not easy, for sure, but that whole "lead, follow, or get out of the way" mentality is lost on God's idea of God leads, I follow. If I try any other way it doesn't work.

Valley experiencers, how many times have you taken your place in front of God. You do know He doesn't follow, He leads? Want to get to your "other side" God must be in front. If you find yourself in front let me encourage you to take time to confess to our Father, our Leader, your arrogance, disobedience, desire to hurry up, giving in to your emotions and desires, or whatever it was that caused you to place yourself in God's rightful place. Then I invite you to sit back and watch God do His thing. Our valleys definitely work for our best when God is allowed to have His place in our lives. So let God lead, you follow, and anything that causes you to reverse that needs to get out of the way!

Fumbling and Following,
Mike

DO WHAT!

2006-05-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

My Dad is notorious for his "shortcuts." When we would go on a trip or a weekend excursion everything went as planned until he would proclaim to the fam that we were taking a "shortcut." This usually entailed a journey through some unknown, back-woods, little-used road that took us twice as long to get home. Since then Dad's shortcuts have become somewhat of a family joke. I have come to appreciate my father's sense of adventure and willingness to get off the beaten path. It just doesn't jive well with my sense of accomplishment that says we have to get finished with what we are doing so we can go do something else. So when Dad declares a "shortcut" the first thing that goes through my mind is, "DO WHAT?!"

That must have been what the Israelites were thinking when God led them out of Egypt and didn't take them the shorter way. In Exodus 13:17 it says that when Pharoah let the people go, God did not lead them through Philistine country, though it would have been a shorter route to the land God had promised them. Now. . .God had His reason; He knew that if they faced war, and they probably would have, they might change their mind and want to return to Egypt.

I can't tell you how many times God has done something in my life and I said, "DO WHAT?" It's because my perspective and God's perspective of my life are not the same. When God leads me in a direction I wasn't planning on going or down a path that wasn't a part of my plans I often find myself saying something like, "I wouldn't have gone this way," or "I wouldn't have done it this way," yadda. . .yadda. . .yadda. Then again my ways are not his ways.

I imagine some of the Israelites were probably mumbling something like this behind Moses' back. They were saying things like, "Moses doesn't know where he's going," "This isn't the shortest way," or "We should have taken that left at Albuquerque," - Bugs Bunny fans will get this one.

God had His reason for taking the Israelites the way He did. It doesn't say whether or not God told them His plans, then again, God doesn't always tell us, either. Does He? You see, when I'm in the valley I don't, and often can't, see my life from God's perspective. He has His reasons - protection, lessons to be learned, healing that needs to take place, whatever it is I probably don't see it at the time. To be honest, I just want out of the valley; so I ask and look for the quickest way out. And when it doesn't happen like I expect it to I respond, "DO WHAT?!"

Valley experiencers take a lesson from me, don't take the shortcut. Don't miss out on God's plans for you. I know it's tough. It can be a hard journey, but remember, your ways are not God's ways, for His ways are so much greater. They are so much better. You will definitely want to experience His plans!

So. . .remain obedient, faithfully trusting God for the details!

Mike

Faithfulness

2006-05-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

In Exodus 12:33 the people of Egypt URGED the people of Israel to GET OUT!! for fear that all of them might die. Hmmmm. . .didn't God tell Pharoah that He would only kill the firstborn sons? Yeah, I'm a firstborn, kinda scary to think about. Now, I don't know if the people knew this little fact or not, but Pharoah certainly did. And I don't know that if Pharoah didn't allow the people to go if God wouldn't have killed more people. That's God's call, not mine. But did someone, somewhere, forget what the Lord had told them?

I know I sometimes forget what the Lord has told me. It's easy to do in life. It's even easier to do when you find yourself in the midst of the valley. We get so busy with everything going on around us - job, kids, marriage, friends, even church becomes something we get busy doing (versus being) - and before we know it we forget.

We forget that God said He wouldn't put more on us that we could handle. We forget He would give us peace that goes beyond human comprehension. We forget we have a Spirit, not of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and discipline. WE FORGET!!

What has God shared with you that you have forgotten? What has God told you, but because of your valley. . .your life. . .you have let it slip your heart and mind? Stop and ask God to remind you today of what He has spoken to you, so you, like the Israelites, will always remember what He has done and said.

Finding Him Faithful,
Mike

Change of Heart

2006-05-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well. . .continuing on this journey with Moses and the Israelites. Today we find that the locals' perspective of Moses has changed. Exodus 11:3 says:

Now the LORD had caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the people of Israel, and Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt. He was respected by Pharaoh's officials and the Egyptian people alike.

Do you remember RockyIV? Rocky takes on the Russian, Ivan Drago - now there was a stud! - after Drago kills his close friend Apollo Creed in an exhibition boxing match, pitting the USA against the Russian machine. Remeber how, at the end of the fight Rocky speaks to the Russian people? He says, "During the fight, I've seen a lot of changing, in the way I feel about you, and the way you feel about me. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if I can change, and you can change, everyone can change." Then everyone goes nuts, even the politburo (government leaders) applaud Rocky! Everyone is cheering, clapping, and smiling. Their perspective of Rocky and Americans changed.

I think it was kinda like that for Moses and the Israelites. In Rocky IV the Russians see Rocky stand toe-to-toe with their champion, Drago, and not only survive, but WIN! In Moses' case the Egyptians and the officials saw Moses (along with the God of Creation) stand toe-to-toe with Pharoah and, not only survive, but they won as well. I guess after 10 plagues I think I would begin to look a little favorably at Moses, too. How 'bout you? We must always remember, though, it is God who does the changing, not us. God changed the way the Egyptian people and officials viewed Moses and the Israelites and it is God who changes hearts as well as surroundings in our valleys.

I say all that to say this: When we find ourselves in the valley facing what feels like overshelming odds, remember that the God who is surpemely sovereign changes hearts and perspectives. It is the God of Abraham, Jacob , and Isaac who also changes surroundings. So if you're dealing with relational issues in your valley or having to work through stuff that includes people and difficult surroundings, remember we serve the God of change!

So. . .stay on the journey, be faithful & obedient, and trust God for the details. . .trust Him to even change hearts and perspectives.

Watch and see,
Mike

Look for the Other Side!

2006-05-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

Note:
I'm walking through Exodus for now, so you will probably see a trend.

I'm posting twice because I was unable to post yesterday and I wanted to get caught up. Some good stuff here.

Alrighty then!
===========================

Valley experiencers, how would you respond to God if, in the midst of your deepest valley experience, you began to get the feeling you have to go deeper? What if you had to take on additional pain and suffering, even more than you are facing now? Something to think about as we look at the Israelites. Looking at Exodus 5 we find Moses and Aaron - HEY FLOCK everyone needs at least one Aaron in their life, this is where YOU come in - asking Pharoah to let the people of God go so they can go into the wilderness to worship and celebrate the Lord, their God.

Pharoah is HOT at hearing their request. He ain't likin' it one bit!! He responds by adding more difficulty to an already tough job. He makes the Israelites keep up their brick production quota without providing some of their materials, like straw. Ever tried to make bricks without straw? Me neither. So I'm imagining trying to make chocolate-chip cookis without any chocolate chips. And, oh by the way, you still have to make as many today as you did yesterday! Get the picture?

Pharoah's command is harsh - agreed? Why would God allow this? Moses and Aaron were there to take God's people away from such cruelty. Yet. . .He allows them to experience more pain, more suffering.

In the end, though, the Israelites would experience something they had not know in some 400 years - FREEDOM!! They couldn't see it at the time, but it's theirs and they would eventually receive it. God always had it to give to them, and they, like Pharoah, would see God's unmatchless soveriegnty and in the end the Israelites were to see the "other side" of their valley.

When we are in the valley it does appear that - and in reality it actually happens - we go deeper. . .a little deeper in pain, suffering, away from the light into the darkness. The Israelites, God's own people, suffered real pain. We, too, may be asked to endure more pain for a little while longer, but God IS sovereign. He's there all the time. He hasn't left us or forsaken us. And eventually there's an "other side."

God was well aware of the Iraelite's circumstances. He is well aware of yours. This morning take time to thank God for your "other side." You may not be able to see it, but it's there. OH IT'S THERE! Don't allow your valley. . .your pain. . .your suffering keep you from experiencing the unmatchless soveriegnty of God.

Looking for my binoculars!!
Mike

Why Me?

2006-05-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

This isn't the "Why me?" that thinks, "why am I in the valley?" It's the "why me?" that says "why do you want me to do that!?" In Exodus 4 we find Moses standing before the very presence of God. Jehova has told Moses to go on God's behalf and tell Pharoah to release the Israelites. God does some pretty impressive stuff to let Moses know that God is able. Moses' reply to all this? "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." (v 14) Ohhhh Moses, why would you EVER say something like that? Are you rolling your eyes, too? Yeah, that takes guts - telling God "NO!" Refusing to go for God!!

How many times has God had something for me to do and I refused? You ever do that? This is the same God who spoke the universe into being, who raised man from the dust and fearfully and wonderfully created all his intricate parts - even the fun ones - and who raised the dead to walk again. So why do I hesitate? Why do I find reason after reason - spoken and unspoken - not to go and do? Why do I deny God, as though He is incapable of equipping and enabling little ol' me to accompish the very mission/purpose He, himself, has asked me to do?

I know the answer. The real reason I stand flat-footed has a simple answer with many parts. Parts like:

denial
lack of faith
fear
pride
selfishness

All these parts add up to one thing - SIN. Sin in my life keeps me from believing God. . .seeing God. . .experiencing God. It is sin that holds me captive rather than allowing me to experience the freedom that comes from obedience.

You? You holding back? You unwilling to go and do? What's God wanting you to do? Where is God wanting you to go? You know it's true. . .sometimes we valley experincers get so caught up in our experience, in our valley, in our pain, in our suffering, in me, me, me, me that we deny God the pleasure of seeing us through a task - a mission. We stand before a holy and powerful God and say, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." In doing so we miss out on incredible blessings and opportunities to see God do some exciting things in, through and around us.

What's keeping you from going? What's keeping you from doing? What, in your life, makes you like me. . .like Moses?

Open Handed Before God,
Mike

Hey You!!

2006-05-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

God gave me a pretty cool word this morning. I think it's appropriate for many of us, but especially for vally experiencers.

In Exodus 3:1-15 God appears to Moses. Now, God didn't just show up. You know. . .He didn't appear in His royal robe, long white, flowing beard, bright light kind of stuff. He showed up in a most unusual way - A BURNING BUSH! So, here's Moses busy with sheep - how busy do you think he was? - on Mount Horeb, the mountain of God and this bush catches fire. Don't know about you but anything catching fire without me setting it ablaze would probably catch my attention, but God went even further, the bush wasn't turning into ashes. It was just on fire! This DID get Moses' attention and God used it to speak a powerful message into the life of Moses.

OK, what about you and me? What must God do to get our attention? What must He do to grab us so He can speak into our lives? For Moses it was a non-consuming fire, what about you?

If you're like me burning bushes are neat. Think about it. . .how cool would that be to have God show up in the midst of a burning bush? I'm afraid that's exactly what it would take to get my attention. Why does it seem to always take something dramatic in our lives. . .something like valley experiences for God to get our attention? I don't know. I do, however, agree with Stuart Briscoe who writes in his devotional One Year Book of Devotions for Men, "the busier a man is the more difficult it is to get his attention." How true and how sad. Many of you have been in the valley a long time (or so it appears) and your focus has been on the circumstances, the environment, the longing for a mountain top. I know because I feel the very same way and do the very same things.

I'm so busy with stuff I wonder that if I did see a burning bush the first thought through my congested and screwed up mind would probably be, "Great, another fire to put out!" How 'bout you?

Valley experiencers and flock, alike, let's slow down so God can get our attention. I'm almost certain He has some pretty cool and powerful stuff for you and me- didn't think cool and powerful could go together did ya? I hope God wouldn't need something as dramatic as a burning bush to get my attention, but if it takes that, so be it!

FLAME ON!
Mike

it's Been a Year

2006-05-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

On the way home from Lufkin I was reflecting on the year it's been. Yes, it's already been a year since Karen passed away.

A YEAR!! Sometimes it seems like yesterday we were getting ready for her funeral. Sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago. It's still been a year!

A yearof transition.
A year of firsts.
A year of frustation.
A year of emotions.
A year of new beginnings.
A year of leaving.
A year of becoming.
A year in the valley.
A year full of lessons.
A year of God like I've never seen Him, felt Him, experienced Him, needed Him or loved Him before.

Thank you God for never letting go, especially when I wasn't hanging on. Thank you for carrying this wayword, hurting, tired little sheep when he didn't, sometimes couldn't, put one little hoof in front of another. Thank you for picking him up in your comforting, nurturing arms and putting him around your shoulders and allowing him to hitch a ride on his Shepherd.

I'm not completely out of this valley yet, but getting closer. Don't know what this year has in store for me, but I do know, in the words of Dave Busby, God is still God and He is still right!! Amen?

Leaving and Living,
Mike

Happy Anniversary!!

2006-05-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, this is the day. The day that folks have been telling me to look forward to, like some inner switch gets flipped and things are somehow magically different. Don't know what that means for me, but regardless, today is the the day - the one year anniversary of Karen's going home party!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KAREN!!

Thought about it yesterday, Psalms 84:10 says, Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere, and Karen has spent 365 days in the courts of God! How cool is that?

Went back to Lufkin this past weekend. Yesterday would have been the Sunday she passed away into the glorious presence of her God. I didn't get a chance to attend worship that particular Sunday. I remember calling Jeff and telling him Karen had a bad night and was still in a lot of pain. I was going to stay with her and make sure she was OK. Litlle did I know I would never worship with her again this side of heaven.

So I made up for missing last year and attended Carpenter's Way's worship service yesterday. I was just a little late, but during the welcome I made my way to my seat - down near the front on the left side of the worshp center - just behind where Karen and I used to sit each week and worship together.

It was great to see so many friends - family, really. There were a lot of necks to hug, hands to shake and "Good to see ya"'s to exchange. Afterwards was just as touching. Thoe I had yet to see made their way over to see me - shake a hand, hug a neck, share a smile. Even those who I had not always agreed with seem to reach out to me. It was a very humbling expereince.

I wish I know how to put what I was feeling into words. I don't know if words could/would express all I was feeling. It was homecoming, closure, makin' up, rejoicing, and missing rolled up into one great emotional burrito with the sides cracking open allowing emotional ingredients to oooze out. . .slowly. . .a little at a time.

I miss Texas. I miss Lufkin - you're only 7 minutes from anywhere in town. I really miss Carpenter's Way - not the church with all its activities, but the people with all their love, grace, and mercy. Father, thank you for a church family like Carptenter's Way! Carpenter's Way, I will never forget you and how you ministered to me and my family. What a wonderful flock you are and have been. Keep it up!! There will be others. There's always others.

Mike

Exiled?

2006-04-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

I'm reading a new book, Mark Driscoll's The Radical Reformission. It's about Christians being on mission for Christ by taking the gospel to their culture in order to change lives that will change their culture for the Kingdom of God.

I was reading this morning and he states that God sends us into exile (much like the Israelites of the Old Testament) to influence a culture that otherwise wouldn't hear the gospel. He, himself, speaks of his place of ministry, Seattle, Washington. He would have never chose to go there to plant a church. . .but God did.

I began to think about that in conjuction with being in the valley and wondered if God doesn't allow us to experience valley times in our lives so we can influence others for the Kingdom of God? Like our valley experiences are periods of exile. Now that does assume we are willing to be used by God and for God while we are in the valley. We don't have to, you know?! We could just sit and wallow in the mire of our valley experience hoping that one day something will change.

Mark didn't, and doesn't, have to allow himself to be used by God in what he calls "the most politically liberal, expensive yet unchartitable, and least churched yet most self-righteous cities in the nation" (p. 131). But he does. He allows God to use him in an area most Christians would cringe and whine like a spoiled brat of a child if they were to learn God was "exiling" them to such a place.

God is about furthering His Kingdom. The question I ask is, Will you help with the expansion process? Even if you're in the valley?

Expanding in Exile,
Mike

Encountering God on the Journey

2006-04-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

I recently finished reading Donald Miller's book, Through Painted Deserts. It's about a journey. It's about leaving and becoming. It's about starting something and seeing it through.

Donald and a friend (Paul) leave Houston in a '71 VW Van - pretty cool, huh - for Oregon, but on the way Donald finds God in the craziest of places and in the oddest of circumstances.

Valley travelers - sound familiar? Those of us in the midst of the valley are on a journey. We are on a journey of discovery, trust, obedience, following, movement, rest and a host of other focuses, yet, we are still on a journey. And we find God in the craziest of places - hotels, the living rooms of old and new friends, parks, on the back of a Harley. Even see God move in the oddest of circumstances - new people at Starbucks, transients on Sunday morning, watching our pets love us even when we're angry at them.

Those are some of mine. What are some of yours? What have you left to become what God wants you to become? Where has God revealed himself in your journey? What circumstances has unexpectedly drawn you closer to the presence of God?

I would still like to own a VW Van - like a Harley - always have, always will. That would be cool, don't you think?

Leaving and learning,
Mike

Contentment in the Valley

2006-04-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything in quite a while, as you probably already know. I have had some of you ask me about this. "Where's the lesson?" "You have so much to offer." "Others can learn from your experience." They're right. . .I guess. But I woke up one day and didn't want to do it anymore. I didn't want to write because I felt I had to, but because I wanted to. I wanted to post lessons because there was a worthwhile lesson to post. I want to help other valley travelers, no doubt, but I want to do it with the appropriate heart, the appropriate motivation.

I woke up this morning and felt that motivation. . .that desire. . .to share. So here's where I am. Hope it helps where you are:

Since Karen's passing last May I have struggled to find contentment. I WAS content with everything - being married to my best friend and lover, serving in a wonderful, grace-filled church, living in a growing and transitioning community where even outsiders like Karen and me are welcome. I would have loved to have had children with Karen, but we had so many other children we could invest in - Seth, Aubrey, Spence, Dallas, Laura Leigh, Bryce, and others - what a beautiful blessing we were able to enjoy. So, yeah, I was pretty content.

Then Karen passed away and everything changed. Not only did I lose my best friend, my lover, and fellow dreamer, but God called me to a different community, a new church, and away from my "children." I had to learn contentment all over again, and I didnt' like it!

Wish I could say it was easy, but it wasn't . I didn't want to be single! I didn't want to be alone! I didn't want to be away from friends and family! I wanted things to be like they were before, but they weren't.

In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul writes "for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Phil 4:10) Did you catch that? He says he has learned to be content. I, too, have learned to be content. I didn't realize until the other night when I was at the house catching up on some things I haven't had time for recently because of my schedule. I just remember realizing that I am content. I'm OK! I'm going to be OK. For the first time in almost a year I felt content with where I am and living life without Karen, without my family and friends, without my last church family. Do I still miss Karen, the people of Carpenter's Way, my friends, and our families - durn straight, I do! But. . .it's OK.

Paul went on to say that he learned contentment because also learned that he could do all things through Him who gives him strength. That Him is Christ. That strenght is the strength to continue, to face new challenges, to face tomorrows, to face change. I can relate to that, what about you, fellow journeyman(woman)? Have you learned to be content, yet? Maybe that's what God is waiting on. . .your learning to be content in whatever your circumstances, because it's in Christ we find that contentment - not our friends, family, occupation, stuff, church, position, status, or even ourselves. We find it in Christ!

I must warn you in advance - this is not an easy lesson to learn. It takes time. It takes prayer. It takes trust. But, in the end, it is well worth it.

Copacetic with Contenment :)
Mike

Praise in the Valley

2006-03-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

In April, Mobile will be the host of a Franklin Graham Festival. In preparation for the event our church is hosting the Christial Life & Witnessing Training for students on the the west side of the bay. Last night was our fourth meeting (out of 5). A band from a Bayou Sara Baptist Church student ministry led worship. During their set they led us in a song that I have sung a millions times (OK, not a million literal times, but you know what I mean - A LOT). As we sang the words jumped out at me.

It's Matt Redman's, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord. Here's the words that lept out at me:

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Read these words a couple of times. Stop after each part and let the depth of the meaning seep deep into the crevaces your mind, heart, and soul. . .

Now it's easy to praise God when we are in the land of the plentiful and where streams of abundance flow. Isn't it? Let me ask you this, Do we really worship in the good times or just enjoy them and give God lip service? Now I know some of you truly worship God because of the abundance, not doubt. Some of you have been in the valley long enough to appreciate times of abundance and over flow. But when was the last time you worshipped God and poured your heart out to Him in the good times? I find it easy to hide behind the good stuff that's going on and just go through the motions. You?

On the other hand how many times do we get to those desert places in our lives and fall away. We become angry and bitter. We hold in grudges and don't unleash forgiveness. We look around at our circumstances and throw these really great pity parties - AND WE INVITE EVERYONE!! Then again, some of us, get to the valley and fall on our faces before our God and worship Him. We bless His name because we ARE in the valley. We turn up the flame of praise and worship becomes even more passionate. This doesn't minimalize our circumstances, the pain we experience, or the journey in the valley we are on. It does turn the focus from our own situation and turn it back on God - where should always be anyway. Right?

So. . .regardless of the blessings God pours out on our lives or the darkness we may feel we are traveling in, take time today, well. . .now's as good a time as any. . .and praise God, bless His name, worship Him, pour your heart out to Him, open up to the most loving Father you will ever know. Tears may flow, it's OK, I know from experience. It could be gut wrenching and to be brutally honest, very painful, but in the end there is a peace that transcends everything you're going through and covers you.

Won't you join me?
Mike

The Shadow Proves the Sunshine

2006-02-20T06:09:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have heard this song before, especially if you're Switchfoot fans. I am. This song is off of their Nothing is Sound CD which came out near the end of last year. I have had it loaded on the ol' iPod for a while and I love listening to the CD itself. But the other day I was listening to this song a little closer than I have in the past. Can't tell you why, just was.

I love the title The Shadow Proves the Sunshine. What do you think when you read these words? Stop for just a moment and ponder the profundity (really big word for the profound/depth) of this statement. . .(Jeapordy music softly playing in the background) . . .Ok, so what did you come up with? Email me, I'd like to know.

Here's what hit me when I allowed the brain cell-lacking cerebrum of mine to ponder these words:

Valley experiencers, like myself, often feel like we are in the dark - the darkness of our spiritual journey. But I have come to realize one thing - if I'm in Christ, then I'm in the light. And if I'm in the light then I can't be in the darkness. Because darkness is the absence of light. Darkness does not overcome light.

So what do we experience when things seem dark, if in fact it's not darkness that we encounter? That's a great question. Let me see if I can shed some light on the matter (yes, pun intended - it's Monday morning so cut me some slack - only two cups of coffee so far).

When I first began this blog it was called Can't See Daylight - hence the URL (web address). I called it that because I was in a period of my life that I just couldn't see any "daylight" because of all the stuff I was going through - church stuff, ministry, Karen's situation, etc. Later I changed the name to In the Midst of the Valley because of the metaphor of a valley experience and some other stuff. Click on the link to find out more.

ANYWAY. . .all that to say that I never denied the presence of the light, I just couldn't see it. The light was always there - just beyond the shadows. You see, something got in the way of the light - circumstances, relationships, pain, suffering, loss. . .LIFE! Life got in the way of the light. Darkness didn't disspell the light it simply got in the way.

It's the same way shadows are created. An object gets in the way of the light and creates the shadow. It is because of the shadow that we know the light exists. Think about that for a moment. . .Can you have shadows in the dark? I think not. No way. Nope. Nadda. Can't happen. Soooo, the only way we can have shadows is in the light. Therefore, we know the light is still there, always has been, always will be.

And if you walk in the light - the light of Christ - you may, for a moment, walk in the shadows - stuff may get in the way of the light. Stuff like LIFE. But thank God for the shadows of life. It's the shadows that prove the light exists!

Yea God!

Mike

Encouraging Words

2006-02-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

This morning I was lying in bed needing to get up and get the day started, but wanting to lie there snuggled under the covers with Ranger & Lucy (my cats, who were in no hurry to get up either). As I was contemplating the inner struggle as to what to do - get up or continue lying there - I asked God for a word today - something encouraging.

This morning when I checked my email - yes, I finally got up, made coffee, gave the dogs a snack, ate some breakfast, did some net surfing, blah, blah, blah - I received the following email from our daily prayer ministry:

When You Question God's Love

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39

What a truth to cling to when we begin to doubt God's love...because of the severity of our pain, the enormity of our loss, the incongruity of the situation. The essence of God's being is love--He never separates Himself from that.

Pray for tonight's "Merge" college service. Pray for Pastor Mike Shipp and the worship band as they lead. Pray for our church to have an effective outreach and ministry to college students.

First Baptist North Mobile exists ... To Love Christ and to Share His Love!

Now, let me say up front, I DO NOT QUESTION GOD'S LOVE FOR ME. However, it was not the title that encouraged me in the first place, but the verse and the brief devotional thought that accompanied it. Like I said, I don't doubt God's love for me, or his love for anyone else for that matter, but I do know what it's like to be in the midst of the valley and experience severity of pain, enormity of loss, and the incongruity of the situation. I do know, like many valley experiencers, what it's like to drop into the depths of despair and hurt beyond recognition.

Here's the encouraging part - no matter how much it hurts, no matter how deep the despair, no matter how far away God feels, God still loves us. None of that can separate us from God's love - even the deepest of valleys. We can never be out of the reach of His love. Why? Because He IS the essence of love, He can never do anything less than love us as only He can.

So. . .if today you need an encouraging word from God - may this be it. And may you feel His love in the most extraordinary of ways today!

Feelin' the Love,
Mike

All Alone

2006-02-09T07:03:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like you're all alone in the midst of the valley?

Being alone is one of the greatest and most difficult lessons for me to learn. I have written before about how I hate, let me re-state that, I HATE being alone. It really hit me while I was working through some stuff last November surrounding Karen's death. Now, don't get me wrong. I love solitude. There are times when I don't want to be around anyone else. I either need some down time, so veggin' time, crash time, whatever you call it I need time away from people to recharge my batteries. That's why my time with God in the evenings and in the mornings is so improtant to me.

But being alone is not my idea, nor is it my choice. When I speak of being alone I mean coming home to an empty house and unable to share my day with someone. I mean getting in the car and not having someone on the other side. I mean not having someone to share life and dreams with.

When I say "not my choice" I mean I didn't choose to be alone. I didn't plan Karen's death, nor did I do anything to bring my loneliness to reality.

So what am I getting to? God has put me in a position of total and utter dependence upon Him. Everyone I have depended on in the last five or so years have been cut off from me. Friends, family, loved ones - all have been removed. It's not like I can't call or email them, but I can't sit down and share, seek counsel, live life over a cup of coffee, dinner, or a movie. For me, and I would guess for many other valley experiencers, dependency is related to proximity. I tend to rely more on others when I am in geographical proximity of them.

Now they're not around. I can't go sit and talk with them. I can, however, sit with God. He's always with me. He says He would never leave nor forsake me. He is as close as I am to Him.

So. . .as I take one lesson at a time, I am learning to depend upon God. It's difficult for someone like me who doesn't like to be alone. . .then again, I'm not. God is as close as a whisper. . .a thought.

Never Alone,
Mike

I'm Baaacckkk!

2006-02-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Ok. . .so it's been a while. . .I know, it's been a long while. Well, here's the scoop. Between hosting two conferences(Singles' Ten Towns Tour and Students' Warfare Weekend a.k.a. Disciple Now) on back-to-back weekends and still holding down the rest of my ministry responsibilities I've not had a lot of extra time. The time I did have was spent crashing at mi casa! I've also been learning some new lessons from the midst of the valley. Some things that weren't so obvious to me until recently. Some - to those of you who know me - will be more than obvious.

So! With all that, for what it's worth, behind us, let us get on to more pertinent matters.

I would like to begin with a lesson God recently brought to my attention while I was in, of all places, the shower. It seems He speaks to me there quite often. I mean let's just put it into perspective - showering and shaving are not things that require a lot of attention from my goofy, A.D.D. mind. Afterall, taking a shower has become pretty routine after 4?-something years, know what I mean? Because of the rather mundane process of showering and shaving this time provides me with the opportunity to focus on God. Now that you know the why's of God meeting with me in the shower let me share with you something He shared with me.

I start with this one because it is so profound. Here it is. . .

Focus on one lesson at a time!

How profound is that?! I don't know about you, but when I'm running through lessons like bananas through a baby my tendency is to keep going, head down, moving foward. I don't stop, I never stop, to LEARN the lesson; I just acknowledge it. And by the end of the day, week, month, or some length of time I haven't really learned anything. So what do I mean by LEARN? Glad you asked.

Learning is not limited to knowledge. Anyone can know stuff, but so what? Does knowing stuff make a difference in your life? Has memorizing football or baseball stats changed your life? Has collecting a cornucopia of trivial facts made a difference in your life? Knowledge is great to have, but what you do with it makes the real difference. It's about application. . .applying what you have learned is what makes the difference. I don't know about you, but it appears I'm not much on application, mainly because it takes time and my time is valuable, and my time is. . .yadda, yadda, yadda. . .blah, blah, blah! It seems to be the same ol' song and dance, doesn't it?

Additionally, many of you, like me, have head knowledge of lessons, but because we somehow associate head knowledge with spiritual growth we fool ourselves in believing that we are growing and maturing. NAY!, I say, NAY! (don't know what that was, just came to me :) ) Head knowledge doesn't mean growth. It just means that we have accumulated a lot of stuff we aren't using.

A-N-Y-W-A-Y. . .

Valley experiencers, let's just slow down a little and graze on the lessons that God is providing. I know I need to slow down and taste God and see that He is good. Don't get in a hurry to learn more than you need to right now. Lessons will come. . .they will always come. What you do with them is what will make the difference!

Grazin' on the Goodness,
Mike

Moments

2006-01-26T06:48:00.000-08:00

I was told I would have moments. You know - where everything is going well, then they sneak up on you and you're flooded with emotions and memories. Like missing a friend you haven't seen in a while, but worse.

This morning I had one of those moments . . .

When Karen was sick and new that her death was eminent she had here wedding dress cut up and made into handkerchiefs that she wanted neices, nephews, and friends who weren't married yet to have as something old on their wedding day. She wore her dress almost 21 years before, so guess the handkerchiefs would qualify as something old. They are so beautiful, if I do say so myself (yeah - I'm secure in my manhood!!). Karen had always intended on writing a note to go along with them, but she passed away before she could.

A dear friend of mine is getting marriend on Saturday. She has one of the handkerchiefs. Guess who wrote the note. Yeah, me. I tried to write it in a way I thought Karen would write it. It's probably more a mixture of Karen and me.

That's when the moment snuck up on me and beat me about the heart and head. I know now why I haven't written the note to go along with the handkerchiefs. It was super tough. Memories of our own wedding, the day she decided to cut up her wedding dress and have gifts made of it, her last days, the many ways she always was thinking of others and many more memories flooded my mind and my heart. I was overshelmed with emotions and they came rushing out like a river breaking through a levee.

So what do you do with times like this? The only thing I know to do is to cherish them. To hold onto them and don't allow life to steal them away.

Erica, wish I could be there. Sorry I can't. Please know how happy I am for you and Stephen. And even though I'm not there I will be celebrating in my heart for and with the two of you. May your God truly bless your life together.

Blindsided by moments,
Mike

Tuesday's Gone

2006-01-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

This post is not deeply spiritual. As a matter of fact it probably doesn't have anything to do with God's presence in our lives while we are journeying through the valley. I do think it has potential in the realm of personal healing.

This morning I'm camped out at Mocha's. It's a local coffee shop across from the church. I grabbed a cup-o-joe (no flavored stuff here - Americano Bold - espresso with water added to make a coffee-like drink) cranked up the laptop, popped in earbuds from the iPod and got lost in the music. One of my fav-o-rite groups of all time is Lynard Synard. I love southern rock and they do both. . .well. . .really well.

A n y w a y. . .

So Lynard Skynard it is. Recently I downloaded Chronicles. It has all their stuff, including early demos of some of their songs. One of the songs that played was Tuesday's Gone. Probably doesn't mean much to most of you - unless you like Lynard Skynard. But the song is about saying good-bye to someone very dear.

Hearing this song brought back some recent memories. Recently I was working through some issues related to Karen's death with a friend of mine. One of the things we discussed was letting go of Karen emotionally. I had let go of her physically, even spiritually, but emotionally I was still hanging on. We agreed on an exercise that really, really helped - writing Karen an good-bye letter. So. . .I wrote Karen a good-bye letter. In the middle of writing the letter this song came on the ol' iPod. I had heard it before, but for the first time I felt I really understood it's meaning. I even told her about the song in the letter. Thought it was kind of ironic - don't you? I even laughed when I realized what was playing and what I was doing.

Heard it again this morning. Still kinda funny - strange funny, not haha funny. But it was also very therapeutic.

Ever wonder what lengths God will go to suprise us. . .to heal us. . .to make us stand up and pay attention? I do. Then, again, I'm funny - strange funny, not necessarily haha funny. Some of you will agree - all to readily I might add, so quit smiling and nodding your head. You know who you are!! :)

Again, not the most spiritual post, but WOW! Thanks God for the memories.

Love,
Mike

King of the Mountain

2006-01-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

I remember when I was younger my brothers, my friends, and I would play king of the mountain. For those of you not in the know - king of the mountain is about claiming the mountain for your own while keeping all others off of it by whatever means necessary and tyring to keep from getting knocked off. The mountain could be anything - a mound of dirt (most preferred) or anything one would have to climb and stand atop of, alone, to claim victory (hope that makes sense). You are king of the mountain until someone else, by whatever means necessary, knocks you off of the mountain.

Got it!! Hope so.

So what does this have to do with being in the midst of the valley - EVERYTHING!!

I read Romans 8:37 this morning (I actually read all of Romans 8, but this verse stood out to me as if to say, "Ooo, Ooo, Ooo - look at me, look at me!). It says, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." As I read this verse and began writing in my journal a couple of points came to my mind.

1) So what are "all these things" Paul is talking about?

Verse 35 names several "things" - trouble, calamity, persecution, hunger, cold, danger, the threat of death. That's "these things." How many times have I struggled with trouble or calamity - bad things that happen to me or even stuff that doesn't go my way? How many times have I allowed them to bring me down - to defeat me? Honestly. . .too many times.

What about you? You. . .those in the midst of their own valley. . .how many times have you allowed Satan to use them to bring you down - to defeat you? Hhmmmm. . .

2) I AM VICTORIOUS!

Verse 37 tells me that in Christ Jesus I am victorious - a conqueror - one who stands as "KING OF THE MOUNTAIN!" In Christ I am King of the Mountain over everything that Satan would want to use to discredit me, to bring me down, and along with me my testimony of/to my God.

NOT TODAY SATAN!!

You will not knock me off of the mountain. In Christ, God placed me up here and I claim victory over . . .
my tiredness
my attitude
my heart
my thinking
my motives
my mouth
mw love for others
my compassion
my eyes
my emotions.

And anything else, you, Satan would like to attack. They are not yours. They belong to God who purchased them with the blood of his own Son on the cross and with power raised my Savior from the dead and gave HIM the keys to hell. It is the same power in which I claim victory and the spoils of victory!

NOW SATAN - DEAL WITH THAT! I AM THE KING OF THE MOUNTAIN!!

You can be the King of the Mountain today - even in the midst of your valley. For if you have accepted Christ as Savior and made Him Lord of your life then God says that you are a co-heir with Christ of all that God has given Him. In other words, today, you can claim the same victory God gave Christ when God raised Him from the dead.

CLAIM IT! LIVE IT!

Living like a King!
Mike

Come and Listen

2006-01-09T06:03:00.000-08:00

I love music. Always have. Always will. My father is from Texas (Hook ‘em Horns) and my mother is from Alabama (Roll Tide). Not sure where my parents are from has to do with music, except the south has some really deep roots in the type of music I listened to. Their influence in music is unmistakable. I grew up listening to gospel, r&b, soul, blues, pop, rock, and instrumental (when you're ADD you can't listen to music with words and type a paper at the same time - it's funny how verses in a song end up in a research paper). I count my background and exposure to so many different types of music as a plus. It makes it so much easier to relate to others. Besides the exposure to so many different types of music I also learned to listen to the words - what are the songs saying?

Come and listen. What does that say to you? It may not say much - to you. To me it says a lot. It’s the title and theme of a David Crowder song on the band’s A Collision CD. It speaks of inviting people to come and listen…come and listen to what God has done in my life…and what He can do in their life.

Ran across an interesting passage the other day in Mark. Mark 5:1-20 tells of a man who had been healed by Jesus. Jesus had, literally, cast many demons out of this man. This man, free at last from the bondage of the demons wanted, pleaded, begged to go with Jesus. Jesus looked at him, as only a man with the character and compassion of Jesus could, and said, “No, go home to your friends, and tell them what wonderful things the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” In verse 20 we find the man went away and began to tell everyone about the great things Jesus had done for him.

Now that’s Come and Listen. Come and listen is about telling people the difference the presence of God makes in your life. As a valley experiencer I know for a fact that God’s presence has made a HUGE difference in my life. Some of what you read here is the difference He has made and is making in my life.

Valley experiencers – what difference is He making in your life? Has He made a difference? If so, then who are you telling? Are you shouting, “Come and listen! Come and listen to what God has done in my life!”. If you are not telling anyone about the difference, then is there a difference? If there is a difference then why aren’t you sharing with anyone. You can. You should. Maybe it’s through a blog like this one. It could be through a card, note, or email. It might be through the divine encounters God puts in your path today, tomorrow, the next…

Let’s Come and Listen and see the difference He makes in the lives of those around us.

Mike

Hold On!

2006-01-08T07:37:00.000-08:00

I had a different beginning on this post, but after meeting Ron this morning I had to change it. Ron came into my office just needing someone to talk to, someone to listen and pray with him. I had never met Ron before today. He’s not a member of our church. He doesn’t even attend here, but God put him in my path this morning. Ron’s valley has to do with his relationship with his wife. Ron needs someone to tell him to “Hold On!”.

The other day I was listening to the ol’ iPod. Specifically, Shawn McDonald’s Hold On. I got to thinking about that phrase – Hold On. The more I thought about it, the more it began to sink in. “It”, what is “it?”

“It” is the deep desire for God to hold on to me. One of the lessons I have learned about being in the valley is that sometimes I begin to lose my grip on God. Sometimes, slowly, my hand begins to slip through his. Come to think about it…sometimes I don’t want to hold on. It’s too hard, and so, I want to let go. I want to let go and RUN – run away as fast as I can. I can’t explain it in words, but for some strange reason I want to release my grip and take off and looking over my shoulder shout, “Hasta la vista, baby!!”

So…I need God to Hold On.

In the valley it is so easy to lose sight of the purpose of the valley – spiritual growth, healing, rest, helping/serving others - progress. I know, because I have lost sight of each of these while on my journey. I lose sight because I let go of God. So it is during my journey that I have come to say to the God of hope, “Hold On!” Hold on to me as though my life depends on his grip. And it does. Without God I stand a good chance, actually – every chance – of loosing my way, of getting lost, of losing sight of the purpose of the valley.

I am learning to say, “Hold On!” every day. Don’t do it every day, but I’m learning to ask God to hang on to me. Why? My life depends on His grip, because I still struggle to hang on to God.

As a valley experiencer you may feel as I do. I want to invite you say to God, “Hold On!” Maybe you need to do it with what feels like your last available breath. Maybe you need to scream it at the top of your lungs. Maybe it’s just a whisper. However you need to declare it, simply say, “Hold On!” and God’s grip will clamp down.

Here’s the good stuff – He tell us that He will always be there for us and He will never abandon us. Don’t know about you, but YEEEAAA GOD!! Everything and everyone in our lives will let us down (or has the potential to let us down), but not God. He will always be there. He will not give up on you.

So…today, in the midst of your valley maybe you need God to Hold On. Don’t be afraid to ask Him to squeeze a little tighter. Rest assured, He will.

Hangin’ On,
Mike

Trust and Believe

2006-01-05T15:14:00.000-08:00

This morning I read John 4:46-53. The thing that really hit me was this man's faith.

How often do you and I take Jesus at His word? Great question if you think about it. The reason it’s a great question is due to the realization that I often question God’s answers and promises. I spend countless hours and wasted energy putting God to the test rather than simply believing. Why? Well. . .I always want to make sure it’s not me - my thoughts, my wants, my desires, my feelings. I want it to be God! I often find that if I step back and check one thing I will know if it’s God or me – am I trying to make happen? If so, then I know it’s of Mike, not God.

But to know something is of God means to trust and believe. I am to trust God and believe him. In John 4 we find a guy – a community leader – who is about to lose his son to the darkness of death. He literally begs Jesus to come to his son - to heal him. Jesus tells the man to go home, his son had been healed. What does the guy do after hearing Jesus’ words in the face of his son’s imminent death? He believes Jesus!! He takes Jesus at His word and starts home. When he arrives he finds his son well. The key? He believes Jesus!

How many times do you, and I, for that matter, really believe Jesus? How many times do we put His promises to the test? How many times do we ask God to re-affirm His answers to prayer?

Maybe, valley experiencers, it’s time you and I began believing God for healing, for direction, for resolution to stressed relationships, to provide our needs – physical, financial, emotional, relational, and all the other “als.”

Has God given you an answer to a prayer or provided for a need? If He has, trust Him to fulfill it. Believe God will keep his word. Stop wasting time, effort, and energy on things and situations God has already told you He will take care of.

Take it from me, a fellow experiencer, trusting and believing, while difficult at times, provides more peace than anything you can do to make it happen.

Peace Out,
Mike

It's About the Pace

2006-01-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was reading L.B. Cowman's Streams In the Desert, it occurred to me that we can't push the pace. Valley experiencers cannot, must not, force the pace. For me, that can become a huge issue. I like to finish, to hurry up. I want to get it done and move on to the next thing. For this valley journey, that's difficult. In the first place, I don't want to be here and in the second place, I want to get it over with and move on! You may be able to relate to my natural tendencies. Allow me to caution us - don't rush!

I'm learning that this is not a race I'm trying to win. It's a journey. Sometimes it's a difficult one. Sometimes it's an unpleasant one. Sometimes it's a hurtful one. Yet with all its ups and downs, it's still a journey. That doesn't mean I always like it. If you're a valley experiencer you probably don't like it much, either. And, if you're like me you want it done. . .over. . .kaput. . .FINISHED!!

I often yearn to stand on the mountain top with my arms raised in victory (think Rocky I). I want to do a steroid-induced version of the kitchen dance!!

(I used to do the kitchen dance after opening and seeing my grades from college and seminary. I opened them in the kitchen and if they were at or better than what I was expecting I would begin the kitchen dance. And being the baptist that I am - dancing not being my forte - I would dance around the kitchen where no one could/would see me and praise God - Now that that's out - be nice, OK?)

Alas, the finish with all its celebration and joy is but a small part of the valley experience. It is within the walls of the valley that we experience the greatest potential for spirituall growth. This being true then we must endure the valley - the journey. We must move at God's pace. . .the Shepherd's pace. Somedays we rest, somedays we travel, but always at the pace best for us. . .for me!

Valley experiencers - don't rush it. Don't get ahead of the pace God intends for you.

Flock - don't push 'em. Pray for them. Come alongside them. Love them. Encourage them. But don't push them.

Pacing with the Padre,
Mike

Ministry and Motorcycles

2005-12-30T08:20:00.000-08:00

It has been the coolest thing - ministry with a motorcylce. God has provided some incredible opportunities to meet people using my motorcycle. I wasn't sure about it when I originally bought it. To be perfectly honest (Ok, honest is honest - how can you be imperfectly honest? yah yah yah) I bought it for me - to give me an out from the busyness of life and ministry. But God has surprised me - pleasantly surprised me.

Yesterday, I met a guy, John, at Starbucks who is a charter plane pilot (I tried to talk him into letting me go along on a trip, but to no avail). We talked for quite a while. We talked about motorcycles (to say the least), we shared stories, we talked about. . .life. It was great to see him smile and laugh. John, I believe, is a Christian. I fam sincerely happy for John, but I just loved hangin' with John and hearing his stories.

A couple of weeks ago, while riding one evening, I stopped in at Starbucks (alright, yes, I'm the self-appointed secret shopper for Starbucks ) and met someone else, a lady whose name is Tammy. She owns both a Quizno's sandwich shop and a motorcycle. It's not a Harley, but it is a motorcyle. We talked a long time about motorcylces, cars, marriage, church, and again. . .life.

About a week, or so, ago I went in to get my hair cut. I wasn't riding my bike, but had one of my Harley hats on. The young lady cutting my hair, her name was Tammy also, noticed my hat and asked if I owned a motorcycle? Come to find out her father had passed away and left her a Harley-Davidson. Not only did she ride, but so did her brothers. She used to attend First Baptist North Mobile, but now doesn't really attend anywhere. While she snipped away at my locks we talked. We talked about her dad and his love for motorcycles, we talked about church, pastoring, and most of we just talked about. . . you guessed it - life. When I shared with her my desire to begin a motorcycle club/ministry at our church she got very excited about it and wanted to be a part of it.

WOW!! I am both humbled and excited at the opportunities God has placed in my life to meet people and share life with. It is sooooo cool. I guess that's kind of what Jesus did - took ministry to the people and shared life with them.

Now, I'm no Jesus (quit nodding your head), but I can definitely minister like he did. I can take ministry to the streets, literally. I can be available when he places people in my path. I can be an ear for those who just need someone to listen. I can share Christ by sharing life - being honest and transparent. I can minister by letting them see a pastor who, like them, is human and on a journey - seeking, laughing, hurting, and enjoying life.

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunities to share life and in the process share Jesus.

Motorcycling for the Messiah,
Mike

Insecurity in the Valley

2005-12-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

One thing I have never been accused of is being insecure of who I THINK I am and what I THINK I can do. Believe it or not, I have even been called over confident and cocky!! Yeah, I know, where do they come up with this stuff? I don't understand it myself.

(Now that you've regained your composure - shall we continue?)

In spite of my confidence in who I am and what I can do, I do know this one thing - it is easy to become insecure in the midst of the valley. What do I mean? Well. . .it has been easy for me to become insecure about God's love for me, insecure about God's promises, insecure about the fact that He wants what's best for me, insecure about His direction for my life. I think you get the picture.

Where do these insecurities come from? Great question. I believe they come from deep inside of us. They are always there, but Satan brings them to the forefront and uses them to distract us from God. . .from the journey. You see, if we become insecure we will begin taking things in our own hands - that puts us in God's place - and we start screwing everything up. Then we're off track, we are out of God's will, we begin to question God, His love, friends, family, in fact there's nothing we won't question - except our insecurities.

I was reminded of this as I read David Nasser's book A Call to Die. He said that when things are more unstable we become more insecure - we're not sure of what's going to happen, we can't see the future, we can't figure things out and we become insecure. Things are never more unstable than when we are in the midst of the valley. It's because we can't always see where the journey will take us. We don't know what's lurking in the shadows of the trees. We can't fathom what's around the next bend.

Rest assured - God is still in control. He's still God. And He's still right.

So how do we get that security back? We confess our insecurities. We confess our fears. We confess our attempts to take God's place. Then we trust in Him - completely and confidently (as hard as this may be right now). Psalms 24:17 says we are to wait on the Lord. We are to be strong and stay with God. That is how we gain our confidence back. I don't think it happens all at once - I guess it could. For some of us valley experiencers I think it takes time. So. . .each day we trust Him a little more, then a little more tomorrow, then a little more the next day. Then, when we least expect it we find ourselves totally immersed in our trust in God. This journey of trust, in and of itself, may be it's own valley experience.

Are you struggling in the midst of your valley? I fully understand. I've been there. I know exactly what you're going through. So do many other valley experiencers. Don't loose heart. Stay with God. Confess your insecurities and fears and allow the Shepherd to guide you through this season of life.

Confidently yours (sort of),
Mike