Wednesday, August 26, 2009

How often do we miss CHRIST?

Luke 24: 13-32
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.
14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;
16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.
20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;
21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning
23 but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25 He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!
26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther.
29 But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
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I have been thinking about this topic for some time now, but just couldn't put it all together. Then this week I have been reminded of how easy it is to "miss Jesus" in today's fast paced society. Even when every day for the last months have been full of doing Kingdom work it is so easy to miss opportunities that Christ is giving us to make an impact on some one's life.

These moments can be very little things that we overlook all the time. For example it could be something as small as saying hello to someone or holding the door for someone. "These aren't God moments" you say. I disagree! These are the times that scriptures refers to sharing the Love of Christ with everyone (believers and non-believers). These are the moments where as a Christian you have the ability to be difference, the opportunity to "be different " to leave an impact.

So many times we are so tired or so busy we miss these people that God wants us to share his love and grace with. To many times we fall short of completing the simple task that God gives us and we get frustrated when we don't get instant gratification or our prayers aren't answered instantly. The disciples (those who knew Jesus the most) didn't recognize him on their walk to Emmaus until after they had dinner with him. It is safe to say that anyone reading this, even if they aren't a Christian, would show kindness and love to Jesus if they recognized him walking beside them. It may be out of admiration or out of fear. However, when Jesus is disguised as someone in need, a kid who needs support because they don't have support at home, a stranger who has lost a job, the homeless guy walking the streets, or the woman/man working a second or third job/shift just to provide for his family we miss him. When this is the case we don't recognize Jesus, we miss a chance to LOVE JESUS (You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:38, Matthew 25:40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.") we miss a chance to share HIS love with others.

There is no way you will ever get it right every time, but I sure hope I learn to get it right more times then I get it wrong. Think of what the world would be like if we weren't like the disciples on the way to Emmaus, what if we recognized Jesus the second we saw him, and better yet saw those who need to see him the second GOD put them in our path.

I am so thankful that because of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross God is willing to forgive us and to provide more second chance then you can imagine. GOD IS GREAT....ALL THE TIME....ALL THE TIME...GOD IS GREAT!!!

Thanks for reading may God strengthen you and guide you in the days to come.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

God is GREAT.....Pain hurts.....Summer is over....

Man the last week or so has certainly been like a roller coaster ride. We had an amazing time at the beach. We had a great time with an amazing family in our first real vacation since we were married. Upon our return we jumped straight into our UPWARD evals. It seems like no matter how hard you think you have worked to get ready your are always behind. Then we started experiencing our first "God moments" of the year. Shortly into the night it was obvious that God was at work.
Then a few hours later our family was hit with news that our only Grandparent had a very bad night in the hospital. In a short phone call I was reminded how much pain can sting. We spent almost the whole day at the hospital talking to our family and grandmother. The day was full of uncertainty and a sense of fear. However, the day was full of laughter and great stories with my family. In the midst of this fear and pain it is very obvious that trusting in God is always the best answer.
After a long day today I realized that my summer was over. No more part time work, no more lazy days fishing or laying around with the wife and dogs :(. I hope whoever reads this, if anyone does, will be blessed by God in will realize how great he is. God Bless you!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

UPWARD

Wow it is here and I can't believe it. Tomorrow will be our first evaluations date and things won't slow down until October. There is no doubt that God is going to do powerful things this year with this ministry. Please consider being a part of it, and please pray for this ministry. Come join us at Lyman UMC and watch God work miracles through average people to reach his children.
God Bless!

Beach

Staci and I just returned from a wonderful trip to th Beach. We had such a good time with our geat friends, our God-daughter, and their family. I has been a long time since we have been to the beach and I must admit I had a blast, even though I hate the sand. With that said I can't wait to sleep in my own bed.