Rained Blessings

Whoever said blog posts need to be long and tedious? I must admit this belief has played a large role in why I have not been more active in writing recently. "I don't have anything 'worth' sharing" or "writing can be so tedious and hardly anybody even reads my offerings anyway" have also been factors. The truth is, I have no idea who reads the content I publish, but I'm inclined to think more than I think. My motivation for writing should not be geared only towards those who read my content, but it does make a difference. If you're willing, would you please like the post, or comment within the blog when you see this published? Thanks for considering this request. Anyway, on to today's scenario.

My family has found ourselves gifted with a number of material blessings recently. It's almost comical when I stop to think about it. First, we were given a matching set of bar-stools. Not just any bar-stools mind you, but ones which perfectly match our kitchen and living room decor right down to the wood-grain. Second, a freezer was dropped into our laps (ouch!). Nothing mammoth mind you, but one which perfectly will meet our needs and fits very nicely in our basement. Third, we found ourselves the proud owners of a 1996 Honda Odyssey mini-van complete with stow-and-go back seats, power windows and locks, and a well-functioning air-conditioner. Did I mention this was a gift and we didn't pay a dime for the car initially? Fourth, and finally a new (to us) dining room set with four matching chairs with two-collapsible leaves. So now we are able to much more comfortably entertain friends and don't need to feel squished with food and four at the table. Phew! I'm floundering in blessings.

As I was toodling along on my way to work this past Tuesday, and reflecting on the above list of material-blessings I must admit my mind was not in a spiritual place. I was approaching the list from a carnal and materialistic mindset, although grateful for the items, when I was struck with a startling reality that shook me to the core! Almost all of those blessings which had been given to us were items my wife and I had prayed about over the last year or so!!! *blink* In fact, we were still praying for a couple of the items on the list. I was humbled by the significance of God's provision (and am so very grateful for others' generosity). It was a neat reminder to me of how I may forget about the things I've asked God for, but He doesn't forget, and he'll bring them along at the right time.

Now it's your turn to reflect. Take a few moments to think about the things you've been praying for and if and when God answered those prayers; you just might be surprised at what you discover.

Accessibility to Relationship(s)

Happy Sabbath Dear Friends,

                This past Sunday at Harvest View Chapel we examined Galatians 6:2 which says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” As we continued to unpack this verse we see there are two roles implied: the role of the “giver” and the role of the “receiver.” Paul, the author of Galatians, in his exhortation to the “giver” does not tell them how exactly they are to go about bearing the burdens of others, he just tells them it needs to be done. Similarly, Paul does not lay out a list of ways the “receiver” should let the “giver” help them bear their burdens, but the admonition is implied.

                In studying this passage, I was struck by the simple yet complex ways of giving and receiving help with our burdens. I believe at the top of the list of practical ways we can “bear one another’s burdens” both as the “giver” and the “receiver” is an intentional commitment to being accessible. I know, right?! Easy. Not as easy as you might think.

                I learned to love the Sabbath while growing up because of the picture of accessibility created by my family. Friday nights were a highlight for me because of the sweet fellowship, quality time, and adventures which were in store for my siblings and me. Welcoming the Sabbath with prayer, sweet singing, and an intentional attitude of gratefulness for God’s blessings were only the start! From there we might play games, hear a book read to us, learn something new from Daddy, or spend hours in discussions about a myriad of topics. Not only were my siblings accessible, but my parents were also there in tangible ways which has set the framework for our relationships today. I know my family is accessible because of the time spent with them and if I have a burden I know they will help bear it with fervor and unction.

I share this example of accessibility from my own life as an illustration the power of accessibility can have when our burdens increase. We each know of the burdens we are carrying. I daresay this email has conjured up a few in your own mind, and although my intent is not to weigh you down, perhaps this Sabbath is an opportunity to make yourself accessible as the “receiver” to those “givers” you know are waiting to readily help lighten your load. If we string this example out even further, what would you say your accessibility level is when it comes to your relationship with God? Perhaps this Sabbath is the perfect opportunity to reconnect and break down any walls you’ve let begin to develop; God is waiting on the other side. I know it’s one thing to talk about accessibility and another to show it. So, if you find yourself struggling to find someone who is willing to help bear your burdens, please reach out to me.

May you enjoy this Sabbath with full accessibility to the Throne of Grace and to others around you.  Make good use of the time.

In His Love,

Clyde  

I Will Follow

If you have been hiding under a rock for the last ten years then permit me to briefly catch you up to speed on how fast our world is communicating. Back in 2004 if one wanted to speak with another human being then one might pick up an ancient and trustworthy device called the telephone and give someone a call. In current day 2014 however, if one would like to talk with someone else then you most likely will text, Facebook. tweet, Skype, or perhaps even Instagram the person you would like to get in contact with (oh and you might call them as well if you really want to hear their voice). It is fascinating the leaps and bounds technology has permitted us to experience when closing the gap in communication. I'm not down on technology. In fact, I love gadgets and electronics. It appears the more technology and social media we have access to, the less and less we actually talk to one another, and the quality of our relationships seems to go down. Anyway, that can be another topic for another post.

Within Twitter and Instagram in particular, one has an account where you generate content (pictures or witty thoughts) for other users to interact with. If the content you are creating is of enough value to other users then those users can "follow" you so whenever you post something it will show up in their home feed for them to enjoy. Currently on Twitter I have 239 followers, on Instagram 112, and on this blog there are 5 followers that I am aware of. The effort it takes to click the "follow" button is minimal but the effort it takes to consistently monitor and keep up with others on social media can take a lot more effort.Consider now your relationship with Jesus Christ. In a similar sense it doesn't take much effort on our part to "click the follow button" to follow Jesus, but living our lives in a manner in which it is evident to others that we are following Jesus does take a lot more effort. If I were to string this out even further, then the effort it takes to interact with the content Jesus has already given us is probably the hardest. Content such as, "Love your enemies, and pray for those who despitefully use you." Um, WHAT?! That is content I really am not comfortable with so I think I'll check out. Or another example would be, "Go ahead, step outside of the boat and keep your eyes on me" (paraphrase). Personally staying inside the boat is much more comfortable, but thanks all the same. But if I never get out of the boat, what does that say about my faith?

Since the last time I posted an opportunity to "step outside of the boat and follow" Jesus has presented itself. It's radical enough to include leaving my family and traveling to another country (the UK for those who were wondering). I really don't know where this opportunity will lead but I'm confident this is Jesus telling me to get out of the boat. It's like that in our walk with Him. Jesus doesn't usually tell us what will happen when we get out of the boat, which is usually what paralyzes most, me included, from doing just that. But what if I sink? What if I can't make it to Jesus? Would God let me down? These and other questions hold us back from getting out of the boat. Then again I shouldn't have to have all the answers in order to follow Jesus anyway. If I can only follow when I know where Jesus is going, then I daresay I'm not really following; I'm trying to lead, and my faith doesn't work like that. 

In using this example from my own life I'm not trying to glorify myself. Rather my intent is to illustrate the effort it takes to follow Jesus, even if it means discomfort and uncertainty. Leaving my family behind is hard, paying for this trip is difficult, but if it means I'm following Jesus, then my simple heart response is whatever it takes, I will follow. In what ways are you choosing to follow Jesus?