Photo by لا روسا Acacia in Ein Khadra Desert Oasis, Egypt
There can be seasons of waiting and living in the space between what's been and what's hoped for. The new professional opportunity, the relationship development, the family situation, the health condition, the personal goals hoped for. It's in these times when a disconnect can exist between the intellectual acknowledgement that God is in control and loves us and the heart experience of longing, discouragement, pain, and disappointment.
In these places, it's so important to continue to lean in to God's promises even when we can't see what's on the other side and when it will come. To trust in the Lord with all our hearts leaning not on our own understanding but allowing Him to direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 paraphrase)
A comfort when I've been waiting in the space between, is reading Psalms. There are so many great passages that worship God and acknowledge Him as creator, almighty and powerful, a rock and refuge in times of trouble. Similarly, there are passages that are brutally honest, crying out to God in times of trouble, expressing pain, and searching for what good can come of very difficult circumstances and how long they'll last.
Whatever you're going through in your season of waiting in the space between, be encouraged that God is with you, He sees you, He knows you, and He loves you.
Selfishness and choosing a path outside of the one God designs leads to outcomes that may be temporarily satisfying but ultimately leaves regrets, pain, and heartache. When tempted there can be a tendency to not think of the impact and repercussions one's own actions and choices can have on others.
However, the effects of sin cascade outward like concentric circles from a rock dropping in water. Not only does it affect the person but it affects everyone around them. Sin's physical and emotional consequences can affect both yourself and current or future interactions and relationships with others.
In contrast, making wise choices that lead along the path of righteousness can impact both you and your broader circles positively. By rippling joy and righteousness, those you interact with also benefit from more joy and your contributions to their life.
As you start each day and go through different scenarios along the way, pray Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heartbe acceptable in your sight,O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." When you've found yourself in a place that you'd rather not be in due to sin, pray 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." In pursuit of His best, Andrew
"A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." -commonly attributed to Charles Spurgeon
When reflecting on the amount of time and life events spent with a Bible, it strikes me as significant when getting a new Bible. The copy I've been using for the past 8 or so years has reached the point where it's time for retirement. I don't know that I could ever throw an old one away since it's been a source of so much spiritual nourishment and is like a good friend.
In putting the new one into service, there is a sense of anticipation of what God will teach me, the life circumstances I'll go through, who I'll pray for while reading it, and so many other spiritually significant activities that I'll encounter while reading or studying it.
Yes, it's just a physical copy of a book but it's a book that holds the very words of God spoken through man. Words that have the power to transform life and impact eternity.
If you've never read the Bible, or have only done so sparingly, may I challenge you to read the best seller of all time? It will change your life for the better. There are a number of reading plans available at https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/. Or if you're more of an app type of person, check out a plan in the YouVersion Bible app. You can even have the Bible app read to you as you're driving in the car, exercising, doing work around the house, or other tasks. If you become a person molded and shaped by the Word of God, you'll be glad that you did.
Sometimes life doesn't turn out how you think it should. It might be a hope that's unfulfilled, discouragement with a job situation, disappointment over a relationship, frustration with a family scenario, an unmet goal with no completion in sight, or any other number of situations that are difficult to understand. This song speaks to that type of life scenario. God has a master plan and even though we don't always see it in the midst of things, He will work on our behalf for our good and His glory.
If you're interested in downloading the song on iTunes or listening on Spotify click on these links. Download on iTunes Listen on Spotify All Things Work For Good
From the start of time you had me in mind and you planned my days
You formed my inmost parts and you know my heart. I am wonderfully made.
I know that things don't always turn out how I think they should
But I know that when I'm walking by your call, all things work for good
You knew I would mess up but then you'd pick me up and you'd give me grace
And if I pursue your best in all I do, you will guide my way
I know that things don't always turn out how I think they should
But I know that when I'm walking by your call, all things work for good
When the sun don't shine, in the dark of night I find, even there you love me
From the start of time you had me in mind and you planned my days
You formed my inmost parts and you know my heart. I am wonderfully made.
I know that things don't always turn out how I think they should
But I know that when I'm walking by your call, all things work for good
Is Jesus Lord of your today? Many would say that Jesus is Lord of their life but when you break it down to day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, could it be said that he is Lord of that moment? Without intentionally inviting him into your day and acknowledging him as Lord of that day, things can easily get off track.
When you try to do this, it can be hard as people get on your nerves, temptations come at you, traffic is terrible, a coworker annoys you, or you have conflict with someone close to you. It's especially in these moments that it's so important to maintain focus on Him and ask Him to be Lord in that situation too.
In Psalm 55:17 it says: "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." As you go through the next days and weeks, start out each day asking Him to be Lord of your day. As the day goes by, keep checking back in with him and allow him to be Lord of every moment.
Asa was by and large a good king of Judah. He honored the Lord with his life and in how he led the people for the majority of his reign. He helped turn them away from idol worship and removed many false gods and the associated images and heathen behavior. At one point, he led the army of Judah and Benjamin against an army of a million men in which they were outnumbered two to one. Despite these overwhelming odds, he trusted in the Lord and asked Him to overcome their enemy. The result was a resounding victory.
A prophet came to Asa after this victory and said, "the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you." -2 Chronicles 15:2b Asa went on to lead Judah in following the Lord with resulting blessings for many years.
However, towards the end of his reign, Asa decided to go outside of God for assistance and do things in his own thinking, his own ability, and with the resources available to him. He ended up hiring a mercenary army to fight on his behalf. While this might have had a semblance of sense from a military and secular perspective, he did not seek out guidance from God or ask for His power to handle the situation. As a result, God withdrew his blessing from Asa and his final years were marked by war and illness.
There is wisdom and practical application that can be drawn from this passage. You may be very skilled at a particular task, profession, relationship, activity, social situation, or any number of different areas of life. In your own ability, you may be able to make things happen and advance your goals. However, if you try to do this without God's involvement or seeking his counsel, at some point, you'll either fail or fall far short of where you could have ended up.
By including Him in the process, He can open doors that otherwise would remain shut. He can create opportunities that would not be available to you. He can make a way in what would be an impossible situation. He can guide you away from making mistakes or aligning yourself with people who may mislead you or be a poor fit. He will allow you to do it without Him but more times than not,
avoidable heartache and far less favorable outcomes will result.
As you go through life, don't follow the example of Asa in his latter years; pursue God's best and allow Him to provide for, bless, and lead you.
Have you ever thought of the metaphor of God as a conductor, orchestrating the story of your life? If you allow him to, he will orchestrate a masterpiece.
When the story isn't going the way you think it should, it can be hard to resist grabbing the baton and start conducting differently. Maybe things aren't moving as quickly as you'd like professionally, or something you'd hoped for relationally isn't going the way you'd expect, it could be a challenge with a family dynamic, or perhaps an illness or injury is preventing you from living life the way you'd want.
Do you ever feel that God is not in charge during these times? It certainly can be confusing when you don't see the end of the story while still in the middle. God knows where things are going and has a master plan he's orchestrating even in these times of difficulty and frustration.
There are other times that life hits on all cylinders. You've got great health, work is rewarding, family is spending quality time together, your walk with God is deeply connected, and your goals are being met all around. Basically, all you do is win. In these times it's still essential to maintain focus on The Orchestrator and keep your eyes on His baton. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith..." Hebrews 12:2
Whether things are going
swimmingly or if it's a darker part of the story it's important to keep talking with Him. He'll provide insight
that you wouldn't otherwise have. In Jeremiah 33:3 He says, "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." The best thing you can do is to continue to stay plugged in to the master orchestrator in both the ups and the downs. Allow Him to progress the story in His time and in the way He would choose.
As hard as it can be to trust in your heart and not just from an intellectual perspective, keep looking to the master orchestrator. As He queues the different parts of the story, watch as He unfolds a beautiful story arc. His ways aren't always on the path we might choose but you can trust that He loves you and will be faithful to the end. "He will never leave or forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." -Psalm 138:8
In the midst of life, it can be easy to get discouraged if you look around and life hasn't worked out the way you would have wanted. When others have professional success, promotions, and recognition but you're still chugging away where you've been though you feel qualified and deserving. When friends, peers, and even those younger than you get married and begin to have families while you're still single as a dollar bill. When health issues and concerns just won't go away. When those living selfishly, bending or breaking the rules, get ahead and have success while you do things selflessly and with integrity but get left on the sideline. When other families seem to have the perfect marriage, and well adjusted kids while yours is a struggle. When other people seem to get all the breaks and life always works in their favor while you bust your tail and experience challenge after challenge. When life just doesn't make sense at all.
Even in the midst of life's deepest disappointments, hold on to the promise that God will fulfill His purpose for you. He loves you always. Yesterday, today, and forever. Be honest with Him, cry out to Him, express your frustration, anger, hurt, and disappointment. Lean in to Him and pray again and again for Him to meet you where you are. To give you strength when you feel like quitting, to give hope when you feel hopeless, to encourage when you're discouraged, to pick you up when you get pushed down. To comfort you when you feel abandoned, to hold you when you feel alone. To shine light in dark places and to fill your heart with His love and compassion.
Keep your head up child of the King. He loves you more than you can imagine and will fulfill his purpose for you.
Over the past few years I've read several articles that talk about the Proverbs 31 woman. She's held up as the Biblical model to aspire to. The more that I've thought about it, the more I've realized that my mom is the Proverbs 31 woman.
She is an excellent wife and worth far more than jewels or riches. My dad trusts in her and she's done him good all the days of her life. With her hands she is able to whip up a tasty meal, clean a house with great skill, and keep a family well clothed.
When she goes to the store, she is skilled at getting good deals on quality items. She gets up every morning to talk with God, read the Bible, and write in her prayer journal.
Throughout her life she's been compassionate to the children she's taught both at school and through church activities. She's a great listener and friend to many people. She partners with my dad to make good financial decisions and they seek to fulfill the great commission through prayer and supporting the church, missionaries, and other ministries.
When she speaks, there is wisdom that comes from lots of time spent with God and she's one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. I am glad to call her blessed and so is my dad.
"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." (excerpts paraphrased from Proverbs 31)
She doesn't do what she does for recognition or praise but she is a special lady and as good as they come. Of anyone who lives like the Proverbs 31 woman, I think she does a great job. Many people love their mamas. I sure love mine and think she's probably the sweetest, most compassionate, loving, and best person I know.
I think one of the best ways to condense a trip like this into a few words is that being there makes the words jump off the page and really come alive. To walk where Jesus walked, explore the city of Jerusalem, feel the heat of the desert, see where the Dead Sea scrolls were found, hear the sounds of the marketplace, taste middle eastern foods like baklava, St. Peter's fish, shawarma, hummus, falafel, get baptized in the Jordan river, pray and worship in the garden of Gethsemane, ride on a boat on the sea of Galilee, and look across the plain of Armageddon brings the Bible to life in a way you only understand if you've been there.
Cave where large number of Dead Sea scrolls were found
Sea of Galilee
Fishermen on Mediterranean at Cesarea
One surprise was the vast amount of agriculture in the country which is maintained largely through advanced drip irrigation. When the Bible talks about the land flowing with milk and honey, our guide said that the "honey" it referred to is actually made from dates and is more of a syrup. The food we had was all quite good.
Couscous, falafel, and more
Tasty Deserts
Date Palm Tree
Pomegranates
From a topography perspective, Israel is a fairly hilly country. The Bible refers to mountains and to give a good feel, most of them are more along the lines of Kennesaw Mountain than the Rocky Mountains.
Wilderness near Qumran, Israel
People often wonder about safety in a place that's frequently in the news for unrest. By and large, I felt safe the vast majority of the time. Like anywhere, you need to be aware of your surroundings and make wise decisions if things look like they could get out of control. We saw children running around and playing quite a bit, which should give a sense of the comfort level parents had.
One of the most impactful times for me was going to the Western Wall on Shabbat. To see the Jewish people singing, dancing, and praying at the wall was deeply moving. It reminded me of the importance of praying for people I know from the Jewish faith. They believe Messiah is coming and one of my prayers is that they will come to believe in Jesus as Messiah as I do.
At the Western Wall
Another big impact was how much significance lyrics to songs take on when actually in the place where the cross was at and where Jesus walked, taught, prayed, and rose from the dead. When I sing about the Wonderful Cross the song will come alive in a new way.
Empty Tomb
Place of the Skull
It's difficult to summarize a trip like this in a few words but hopefully the above provided a taste of what it was like. I recommend for anyone to go to Israel if nothing else than for the vast amount of history and good food but also for the enormous spiritual significance.
My heart and flesh may fail but God is my strength
My heart and flesh may fail but God is my strength
The strength of my heart and my portion forever
The strength of my heart and my portion forever
Forever my heart is yours
Music has played an important role in my life for many years. Whether learning fundamentals through piano lessons, playing French Horn in middle school and high school symphonic band, studying music theory, taking and teaching guitar lessons, playing bass in the youth praise band at church, singing in the choir, playing in the church orchestra or for a dinner theater, leading worship as a summer missionary, busking on the sidewalk of Kansas City, Athens or Roswell, Georgia writing songs, playing in the worship band at church, or just enjoying others music, it has given me an outlet to express myself, create, have fun, and connect with God and others.
I've written quite a few songs throughout my life and in recent years I've written several in the country and southern rock genre. It's one thing to play a song you've written at home or for a few friends or family but to actually put production behind it with multiple parts and capture its full vision and potential is something that I've not often gotten to experience.
People talk about bucket lists and life goals and for me, recording a high quality album of my own songs has been on that list for a number of years. I had the blessing of living next door to an audio engineering student for a couple of years and he was extremely generous with his time and knowledge and assisted me in the process of recording and producing the songs on Southern's Who I Am.
Songs aren't necessarily autobiographical but elements of the
songs are representative of who I am: Southern, drinker of
sweet tea, enjoyment of clever wording, fun, pursuing God, and love of
mama. One element of my heritage included in the album is the farm where my dad grew up which served as the backdrop for the photography.
The Bible talks about doing things as unto the Lord and we worked very hard to produce the album at an excellent level. While most of the songs are not overtly Christian or spiritual, there are overtones of God and Jesus woven throughout. My goal in recording the songs was to create a quality product that I would be proud of and enjoy and hopefully others would too.
I think a large part of being a creator is wanting others to listen to and experience your art. Though I don't always see the numbers or recognition that I might like, God keeps telling me to be faithful and pursue things as best I know how and He will work to accomplish what He wants to through it. I don't know if my music will go beyond a few friends and family members but it sure has been fun and I'm really happy with the result.
I'd love to hear what you think of the songs. If you have a moment, check it out and drop a review on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube or even here on the blog; every review helps.
Have you ever experienced seasons of life where you're discontent with a job, a relationship (or lack thereof), living situation, unfulfilled hope, family, social life, health concern or just having a bad day? That should cover all of us. I've found that sometimes I'll turn something like this over and over in my mind and may passingly mention it when talking with God but don't really engage with him about it.
This could be due to functional distrust in Him, frustration that circumstances haven't changed, or even stubbornness or lack of taking action though there are steps that can be taken. I've found that it's best to just level with God and tell Him exactly how you feel about the situation. It's not like He doesn't already know but it allows you to be intellectually honest and get your thoughts and feelings on the table so that you can work through them with Him.
There can be a perception that we need to be pious anytime we approach God or talk to Him. And while we should absolutely have respect toward Him, He knows you at the depths of your soul so it's best to at least acknowledge where you're at so you can have an honest conversation and not just say nice little prayers from time to time. By doing so, you can get down to business and allow Him to guide and give you insight that you might not experience otherwise.
Be real and shoot straight with God. Remember, He loves you more than you can imagine and wants you to experience life abundantly. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."-John 10:10
What
are the things your mind keeps returning to? Do they revolve around your job,
family, social life, exercise, church, favorite sports team, hobby, TV show, movie,
vacation, a song, worries and fears, hopes and dreams? The
dialogue of your mind will determine your attitude and outlook on life. Choose
carefully what you dwell on. Do you find your life filled with joy and hope?
Keep it up! Is your emotional state one of negativity and depression?
Somewhere in between? No mater where you’re at, choose joy and keep pinging
your thoughts back to God’s best in your life.
If
you have tough days, tell him about it. When you have good days, celebrate with
and thank Him. By keeping the internal dialogue centered on conversation with
God, He stays at the forefront of your life and you will more easily find yourself
with joy no matter the circumstance.
“Rejoice always,pray continually,give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -I Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." -Matthew 6:33
Have you tried to fill yourself with things you think you want but not pursued God with all your heart? This will leave you discontent with where you are in life. He wants more for you and will give you all your heart desires if you seek Him first. The first to know your name, to see you, to delight in you. You are His child.
The enemy has stolen from you and attacked your heart and who the Father has made you to be. This is not His best for you. You were made for joy, to listen to His voice, and walk by His side. Nothing can compare to or separate you from His love, child of the King. Listen to His voice and rest in the goodness of His love.
"Today you are you, that’s truer than
true. There’s no one alive who’s youer than you.” –Dr. Seuss
Do you ever look around and compare yourself to others? It
can be tempting to evaluate your current life stage in comparison with friends,
peers, neighbors, or family. This can lead to feeling less than, inadequate,
behind, frustrated, or whatever other negative emotion that might be associated
with the comparison trap.
There’s also a temptation in the other direction if you see
someone that might be “behind” you to begin to feel smug, superior to, or
better than. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus gives a warning about this.
Rather than taking your queues from those around you, it’s
far better to define yourself by how God sees you. Instead of comparing
yourself to a neighbor or friend’s professional, social, family, physical,
emotional, or spiritual life, celebrate their successes with them and keep
pressing in to God’s identity and plans for you. He tells us in Ephesians 2:10
that “we are his workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk
in them.” God gives each person unique giftings
and abilities and opportunities to use them.
There is of course the practical side
of evaluating areas of your life to identify things that need to change in a
healthy way. But this should be done by prayerfully seeking what God would have
for your life rather than done in comparison to someone else.
The world needs you to be the best you
possible so step up in the areas that you thrive in. Don’t let unmet past hopes
for present circumstances dominate your current attitude and future steps. Live
fully where you’re at, always keeping your eyes on God’s best in each
season.
"Honor your father and mother and mother which is the first commandment with a promise so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." -Ephesians 6:2-3
My mom is a great mama by any measure. She raised my brother and I during a 22 year maternity leave from her work as a school teacher. She's made thousands of meals, drove us to countless sports practices, music lessons, and church events. She celebrates when we have successes and helps talk through the tough stuff in life. Most of all she's our biggest prayer warrior and spends time talking with God on our behalf on a daily basis.
Something that has impressed me in addition to all of this is her honoring of her own parents. In their advanced years, health concerns have necessitated more assistance and she spends time with them multiple days a week, cooking for them, taking them to hair, dental, and doctor's appointments, filling prescriptions, helping with managing their house, and just sitting with them.
While she wants to spend time with and help them, it is certainly a sacrifice of time and energy. Retirement affords her the flexibility to do this but sometimes an elderly family member gets put in a nursing home without receiving visits very often and can be set to the side in their later years.
My mom's commitment to honoring her parents has been a great example of living out this passage from the Bible. She doesn't do it to receive recognition or accolades but I believe it pleases God when we honor our parents like she does. As we honor mamas around the world today, what's a way you can honor your parents?
As you think about that, listen to a song I wrote a couple years ago about mamas and share it with yours!
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life,
prosperity and honor.” –Proverbs 21:21
Righteousness is a path that is not easily
walked. There are all kinds of things that can pull you down, cause you to
stumble, or slip. Though it’s not always an easy path, it’s the best one
resulting in greater joy, fewer regrets, and deeper fulfillment.
People may not understand why you’re seeking righteousness
when it doesn’t make sense from a human perspective. That’s the reason
recruiting others to journey with you is hugely beneficial. Mutual support and
encouragement with fellow believers will help keep you on the path.
The irony in pursuing the path of righteousness is that the
enemy tries to bring you down even more and will attack you with intensity.
It may be mostly on a spiritual level with
increased temptation or negative thoughts entering your mind from seemingly out
of the blue. Or it could be discouragement from others whether those that you
don’t get along with or even people that you love and care for.
Increased distractions from general busyness, media
consumption, hobbies, social endeavors, and even church activities can pull you
away from where God is leading you on the path.
“So, if you think you are standing
firm, be careful that you don’t fall!No temptationhas
overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will
not let you be temptedbeyond what you can bear. But when you are
tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
-I Corinthians 10:12-13
Don’t be discouraged if you experience increased attacks, it
probably means you are doing some great things for the kingdom of God. Preemptively pray and thank God for leading you in the path of
righteousness and ask Him to strengthen you in the face of temptation. Be sure
to put on your spiritual armor each day (Ephesians 6:11) and stay constantly
vigilant. Memorizing scripture and singing or listening to worship music are great tools to guard against the arrows the enemy will fire at you.
Influence is a little like gasoline. When you leverage your
influence, it causes things to really kick in gear. It will accelerate the
causes, goals, and tasks it’s used for so be sure you’re pouring gas on the
right thing and are pointed in the right direction.
Others will ask you to use your influence for their benefit.
Sometimes this will line up with your mission and sometimes it won’t. That’s
why it’s so important to know your calling and how God wants to use you. Once
you’ve figured out calling, leverage your influence for that purpose but be
cautious of who and what you align with to avoid getting caught up in something
that is not on mission. (See Nehemiah 6 for a great example of doing this well)
When used wisely, influence can increase but can just as
easily be lost if not carefully stewarded. Don’t give away your influence to
something that’s not on target.
Aiming your influence can be a little like a hound dog
chasing a rabbit. If he keeps at it, he’s got a shot at eventually catching the
rabbit. But, if he starts trying to chase two or three rabbits, he’s just going
to wear himself out and probably not catch anything. Know your rabbit and stay
on track.
You may strongly disagree with someone’s views on a topic but
it’s important to consider whether arguing with them will serve God’s
purpose for your life. Holding back from response does not equate to apathy,
it’s a matter of choosing where to use your influence. By not getting pulled
into a heated off-mission debate, you maintain the ability to speak into the other
person’s life and engage in a way that will lead them closer to Jesus.
Everyone follows a leader at some point in their life
whether parents, a boss, a coach, teacher, pastor, government officials,
military officer, volunteer coordinator, or some other person in
leadership. It is important to pray for those who lead us that God will give
them wisdom and direction as they make decisions. Whether you personally agree with
them or not, pray that they will seek God’s direction and wisdom.
I Timothy 2: 1-2 says, “I urge then first of all that requests,
prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and
all those who are in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all
godliness and holiness.”
The weight of leadership can lead to loneliness in the very ones
who are responsible for large numbers of other people. Sometimes a leader just
needs a friend to share their burdens with and to encourage them. If you’re not
in direct leadership, you can still have great influence by praying with, speaking
truth and encouragement into a leader’s life.
When you have the opportunity to lead others, don’t feel
that you have to bear the full weight of responsibility alone. Pray like crazy
and seek out others for counsel and support. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel,but with many advisers they succeed.”
Pray for your boss, coach, teacher, government leaders,
pastor, and anyone who has a position of oversight and influence. When
appropriate, let them know about it too. Knowing that someone is lifting you up
in prayer can be encouraging in the midst of a stressful situation.
Take a moment right now to pray for your leaders that God
will guide and give them wisdom.
