Friend

Back in the office after a week (felt like 3 or 4 weeks) away. What an incredible time with my wife, then wrapped up the week with a friend I have known for 36 years (that’s a long time when you are only 42).

There is something incredible about having that type of friend. Shoot, I’ve known Todd longer than two of my siblings. Our friendship is unique in that we didn’t go to grade school or high school together, we don’t share the same world view, we think differently (he is much more intelligent–but I’m better looking so that evens it out), for all but three years, the closest we have lived to each other is about 180 miles, and yet he is one of my greatest friends.

We’re blood brothers, literally. Way before AIDS/HIV and before we knew any better, we tasted each others blood (just a dab, Mom). We are that close and I love him dearly. I feel so blessed to have a friend like that.

Wicked

For the last few days I have been having the time of my life hanging around Chicago with the “wife of my youth.” We’ve waited a long time (too, long really) to finally break away from the children for a few days. We are celebrating our 20 year anniversary as well, and I love Wendi more than I ever have. I can’t even begin to tell you all the fun we are having…food…weather is great…bike rides…more food…tours…and tonight we are going to see “Wicked.” I can’t wait.

Tell It

I often hear people rationalize their lack of “evangelizing” (telling other people about Christ) by convincing themselves that how they live is more important than what they say. They’ve quoted St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel where ever you go, and when necessary, use words.” Maybe the modern translation of that is, “people don’t care how much you know, until you show them how much you care.” I’ve heard those reasons and…I’ve used those reasons. I justified my lack of sharing the Gospel story because I privately hoped that people would catch God’s grace by osmosis. And we should live lives that point people to God’s grace, holiness and love. But…

…just as Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Chapter 5) these words are recorded: “He (Jesus), opened his mouth to teach them…” Jesus is the best example of living an exemplary life, but he still saw the need for words…and we should, too.

Don’t Just Stand There

I am about 20 minutes late getting into my study this morning, but I’ve just got to write this (for all 8 of my readers).

In Genesis 42:1 there is a serious problem. There is no food. There is no food in Canaan, but there is food in Egypt. Everyone recognizes the problem, they haven’t eaten in days. But read what Jacob says to his 11 sons, “Why are you staring at one another?” (NASB) In other words, why are you just standing there doing nothing when this huge problem is staring at us in the face (and the stomach).

So often people recognize problems and needs but they are waiting for some one else to fix them. I know Jesus said, “Come, follow me” but after following he took a couple of red-shirt Jewish boys, put them in the game and from reading the NT most of them became pretty good leaders, too.

What needs are you aware of and what are you doing about it?

Coat

His Dad gave him a coat that was the envy of his brothers. He dropped his coat and she claimed he tried to seduce her. He wears stinky prison clothes. He meets the king and is given new clothes. He is put in charge and gets a robe made of fine linen. From decorated to the dungeon, from ordinary to extraordinary, Joseph went through “it” but never lost his faith nor his favor with God. (see Genesis 37-41)

“Blessed be your Name, when the sun’s shining down on me, when the world’s as it should be, blessed be your Name. Blessed be your Name, on the road marked with suffering, when there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your Name.” (Matt Redman–Blessed Be Your Name)

These words gave me, and give me hope.