Not a day goes by when you don't hear of someone talking about praying or someone (maybe ourselves) asking for or promising to pray. Proverbs 28 has an interesting statement to make about prayer..."9 God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to him."
So unless our prayers are a conversation that involves us listening to what God says and what he has written down for us our prayers are not much more than an attempt at self-medication.
One of the biggest hindrances to having a two-sided conversation with God, is that we do not want to deal with the brutal honest truth about who we are on a heart level. 13 You can’t whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them. You cannot expect your relationship with God to grow or move forward if you have sin in your life that you haven't admitted and left.
What is your whitewashed sin? Find someone you trust...tell them. James says, that we move forward in our journey by confessing our sins one to another. So tell...someone you trust, and be smart about it. Foolishness is blabbering it to the wrong person. Anyway, confess it to a trusted friend / mentor, confess it to God...and move on. Give that someone permission to kick you in the middle (if you're a guy) if needed to keep you moving on.
Until your relationship is moving forward, you are merely grasping for hope and that leads to trouble. You don't need to grasp...you need to a foundation / relationship to trust in. 25 A grasping person stirs up trouble, but trust in God brings a sense of well-being.
(my prayer) Father, still my heart to listen. Bring to my attention the whitewashed fortresses in my heart, and allow me to move from where I am (grasping) to living a life built on consistent trust in you.
Chris -
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Don't Brag
Proverbs 27:1 Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.
It shocks me at how often I'm deciding and announcing what I'll be doing tomorrow when I don't even have control over today. God desires for us to follow Him on a moment by moment basis, yet I tend to want the highlight version.
The movie "Click It" starring Adam Sandler highlights this reality for me. So often, I just want to jump ahead to the planned future (my plans). It is especially tempting when I'm going through something that really sucks. However; it is God who decides human destiny, and it is God who knows what I need to become the follower of Jesus that he desires to shape me into.
Father, teach me to live more in the moment with you. I tend to get so ahead of what you are doing in and around me right now. Especially with my kids...don't let me get ahead of myself and forget to teach them to follow your ways...don't allow me to get so far ahead that they miss out on seeing me live it out in front of them in the now.
James 4 :12 says, "God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others? Nothing but a Wisp of Fog 13 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” 14 You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. 15 Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.” 16 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil."
It shocks me at how often I'm deciding and announcing what I'll be doing tomorrow when I don't even have control over today. God desires for us to follow Him on a moment by moment basis, yet I tend to want the highlight version.
The movie "Click It" starring Adam Sandler highlights this reality for me. So often, I just want to jump ahead to the planned future (my plans). It is especially tempting when I'm going through something that really sucks. However; it is God who decides human destiny, and it is God who knows what I need to become the follower of Jesus that he desires to shape me into.
Father, teach me to live more in the moment with you. I tend to get so ahead of what you are doing in and around me right now. Especially with my kids...don't let me get ahead of myself and forget to teach them to follow your ways...don't allow me to get so far ahead that they miss out on seeing me live it out in front of them in the now.
James 4 :12 says, "God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others? Nothing but a Wisp of Fog 13 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” 14 You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. 15 Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.” 16 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil."
Monday, March 16, 2009
Left Turn
Pray for El Salvador! After several years of stability and headed in a positive democratic direction, it has taken a 90 degree turn to the left.
Sunday, Salvadorians voted in a socialist president that represented the party of the guerrillas that drug the country through a horrendous civil war in the 80's.
The Americas project has been researching some partnerships in El Salvador, it remains to be unseen how this will effect those opportunities.
People will always be disappointed when they put their hope in governments and political parties...our hope should be in Jesus.
Sunday, Salvadorians voted in a socialist president that represented the party of the guerrillas that drug the country through a horrendous civil war in the 80's.
The Americas project has been researching some partnerships in El Salvador, it remains to be unseen how this will effect those opportunities.
People will always be disappointed when they put their hope in governments and political parties...our hope should be in Jesus.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
life interrupted...pt2
(disclaimer...all this happened mid January and I'm recovering quite well)
After the initial interruption, 5 long dreary days tick by. Test after test, scan after scan...nothing. The relief that nothing serious had been found is deadened by the question, what's wrong?
As if the unknown wasn't unbearable enough, my thoughts flatlined. Just blank stares at the wall or ceiling in front of me...the best moments were when I could just dose off to sleep. After the initial shock I had hoped / assumed that there would be some profound life altering thoughts or that I would gain some profound spiritual insight...but nothing.
The only thoughts I had were concern for my family and the slow realization that I was no longer immortal. Up to that point...death and sickness was something others experienced.
Little did I realize at the time that those two (simple) thoughts would begin an earth shattering transformation in my life.
After the initial interruption, 5 long dreary days tick by. Test after test, scan after scan...nothing. The relief that nothing serious had been found is deadened by the question, what's wrong?
As if the unknown wasn't unbearable enough, my thoughts flatlined. Just blank stares at the wall or ceiling in front of me...the best moments were when I could just dose off to sleep. After the initial shock I had hoped / assumed that there would be some profound life altering thoughts or that I would gain some profound spiritual insight...but nothing.
The only thoughts I had were concern for my family and the slow realization that I was no longer immortal. Up to that point...death and sickness was something others experienced.
Little did I realize at the time that those two (simple) thoughts would begin an earth shattering transformation in my life.
Friday, February 06, 2009
pardon the interruption
Life has been interrupted. Like a barking dog at 2am after a long days work, January interrupted my comfortable existence.
After weeks of wiping away a runny cold, and feeling the low rider vibrations in my chest every time a I took a breath; I went to the local hospital. Not like they could really help me. The place looked like Trading Spaces on the first morning. So much for a bad economy...these guys have money...o...that's right...they lied to their creditors, which has nothing to do with this story.
The ole doctor routine kicks in, they jam a prob under my tongue and strap a velcro cuff around my arm. Beep...Beep...Beep... ??? "Let's try the other arm." Beep...Beep...Beep... "No way!" Let's get him back to the room and have one of the nurses check it. Beep...Beep...Beep... ??? "Get another machine!" Beep...Beep...Beep... ??? "Find me a manual cuff." "Umm Umm...286/190?" "I'll be right back." "Mr Alford, we are going to have to move you to another room, we are not setup to handle someone with your blood pressure."
Wheelchair arrives, off we go...TRAUMA UNIT??? Trauma Doc opens the curtain, "Mr Alford, If you want to see your kids next Christmas (only 10 months away), you may want to let us admit you and find out what is going on with your blood pressure." ???OK???
Let's just say...life has been interrupted.
After weeks of wiping away a runny cold, and feeling the low rider vibrations in my chest every time a I took a breath; I went to the local hospital. Not like they could really help me. The place looked like Trading Spaces on the first morning. So much for a bad economy...these guys have money...o...that's right...they lied to their creditors, which has nothing to do with this story.
The ole doctor routine kicks in, they jam a prob under my tongue and strap a velcro cuff around my arm. Beep...Beep...Beep... ??? "Let's try the other arm." Beep...Beep...Beep... "No way!" Let's get him back to the room and have one of the nurses check it. Beep...Beep...Beep... ??? "Get another machine!" Beep...Beep...Beep... ??? "Find me a manual cuff." "Umm Umm...286/190?" "I'll be right back." "Mr Alford, we are going to have to move you to another room, we are not setup to handle someone with your blood pressure."
Wheelchair arrives, off we go...TRAUMA UNIT??? Trauma Doc opens the curtain, "Mr Alford, If you want to see your kids next Christmas (only 10 months away), you may want to let us admit you and find out what is going on with your blood pressure." ???OK???
Let's just say...life has been interrupted.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Day of the Kings
As a family, we celebrate the day of the kings. On the 12th day of Christmas, Jan 6, some Latino cultures celebrate the giving of gifts to coincide with the day the kings gave their gifts to the baby Jesus.
A few years ago in the attempt to get out of the commercialized nightmare that Christmas can become...we made a switch. On Christmas eve, we open the gifts given to us by relatives and friends. On Christmas day, we spend the day reflecting on the Christmas story, Jesus, and family. Most years we even bake a cake...it helps our youngest to grasp what's going on. Some years we bake tons of cookies and deliver them to people who have to work on Christmas.
On the day of the kings, we recount the story and share gifts like the wise men / kings did with Jesus. Of course, we also throw in a feast. Most years it's crab legs, shrimp, and steak. This year Kristina surprised me with oysters as well.
Tonight was the night! We fed ourselves like kings, then we shared gifts. The cool part is I don't feel that I'm overshadowing the purpose of Christmas. And Christmas goes from being 1 big day to 12 days of celebrating the arrival of our Savior.
A great by product is that our family buys all of its gifts at around 50% off the week after Christmas.
All in all, we are trying to create signposts throughout the year that point us back to God. There is a lot of time to wander with just Easter and Christmas.
A few years ago in the attempt to get out of the commercialized nightmare that Christmas can become...we made a switch. On Christmas eve, we open the gifts given to us by relatives and friends. On Christmas day, we spend the day reflecting on the Christmas story, Jesus, and family. Most years we even bake a cake...it helps our youngest to grasp what's going on. Some years we bake tons of cookies and deliver them to people who have to work on Christmas.
On the day of the kings, we recount the story and share gifts like the wise men / kings did with Jesus. Of course, we also throw in a feast. Most years it's crab legs, shrimp, and steak. This year Kristina surprised me with oysters as well.
Tonight was the night! We fed ourselves like kings, then we shared gifts. The cool part is I don't feel that I'm overshadowing the purpose of Christmas. And Christmas goes from being 1 big day to 12 days of celebrating the arrival of our Savior.
A great by product is that our family buys all of its gifts at around 50% off the week after Christmas.
All in all, we are trying to create signposts throughout the year that point us back to God. There is a lot of time to wander with just Easter and Christmas.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Top 10 List #2 (The Positive in 08)
10. I learned that I need a spiritual rhythm in my life. So I've adapted the liturgical calendar to provide spiritual markers to keep me from wandering.
9. My son (Connor) is becoming a man...time with him is precious and running out.
8. Ministry isn't what it is cracked up to be, but being a spiritual leader is an exhilarating and challenging experience.
7. The point of prayer isn't communication it is communion.
6. Eugene Petterson's writings have been a God-send.
5. I adjusted to life with good friends...it's been a long-time since I've let people in too close.
4. Christmas can actually be fun and great...Scrooge no more!
3. Speaking truth in peoples lives is tough, but it is freeing when you say what God has put on our heart.
2. God provision is amazing.
1. My wife is the most amazing woman in the world, and I married way out of my league
9. My son (Connor) is becoming a man...time with him is precious and running out.
8. Ministry isn't what it is cracked up to be, but being a spiritual leader is an exhilarating and challenging experience.
7. The point of prayer isn't communication it is communion.
6. Eugene Petterson's writings have been a God-send.
5. I adjusted to life with good friends...it's been a long-time since I've let people in too close.
4. Christmas can actually be fun and great...Scrooge no more!
3. Speaking truth in peoples lives is tough, but it is freeing when you say what God has put on our heart.
2. God provision is amazing.
1. My wife is the most amazing woman in the world, and I married way out of my league
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