Catching Up

Long Term Verses Short Term

In the Old Testament, the book of Habakkuk, God speaks about His plans for the nation of Israel. In chapter two God says His plans will come about at the "appointed time".  Looking back on history it took  years for the "appointed time" to arrive, but it did arrive. In John chapter 8 it says Jesus "time was not yet".  But His time came within weeks, His death and resurrection.  Habakkuk is long term view and the Jesus passage is short term view.  Both are important.  Some times it feels like no matter what you do there will be this outside force that will wipe away all one has done, e.g financial markets, driving safely but being hit by a drunk driver.  In terms of the long term view (marco) one needs ot beware of trends.  In terms of short term view ones needs to do what one can in every detail of their lives to make themselves and others around them better. While at the same time realizing that we need to trust in the God who is there to protect, provide and guide us.

At the time of this writing I am aware of the potential of the financial markets, opening in just four hours in Asia, going through a melt down because of the economic down turn and the S&P rating downgrade given to the USA.  For the last three years our government has continue to spend more than it takes in.  No matter what any politician says regarding living within our means, its only talk.  There is  no action to back up those words. If we were to take action to reduce spending, it would take lots of pain and time, but the future would be brighter for our country and for those looking for jobs.  If we continue to spend more, each and every one of us would be affected by the devaluation of our currency the dollar. Either way is painful but one has a better outcome in my opinion. 

So what does one do?  Long term understand the trend and make short term adjustments.  The power you and I have is the short term. Get your house in order.  Look at your financial situation as a business and begin to operate with margin, if you haven't already.  Make those tough choices to spend less than you bring home.  Decide to live on the 80-10-10 principle: Live on 8o%, save (pay yourself) 10%, and give 10% to God through the church you attend.  We also have a long term (macro) power, vote for those who will cut spending.  It's never fun to cut.  We always feel better when we spend, until you are bankrupt or the value of the dollar is worthless.  Long term and short term views of life.  God gives us the power of choice.  Chose well my friends.  Just a thought.

My Friend Tom, I will miss you.

Today my friend, Tom Neumann, went home to be with the LORD. Tom and I went to college together and played on the college basketball team.  Over the last several years Tom was our counseling director.  When this working/ministry opportunity began to develop I was thrill because of the quality of person Tom is, both in his personal life and professional life.  From time to time Tom and I would sit down and talk about many things...some regarded our personal lives and challenges physically we both were dealing with. Some of our conversation was just kidding each other.  I will miss my friend Tom.  When news came from Tom that he had a rare form of cancer our hearts were broken.  Tom being the person is continued to counsel people almost up to his entrance in to heaven today.  Tom always was trying to gather more information about how he could help people. Reading, seminars and listening gave him the tools to assist people through the struggles they were going through.  I will miss my friend Tom.  Tom will be joined in heaven, later on, by his sife Ev and son.  He loved his wife Ev.  I remember when they were dating and when they got married.  They were a striking couple, full of life and dreams.  I will miss my friend Tom.  My loss of a friend though is heavens gain. While I will miss my friend Tom, he is enjoying and experiencing everything about what our faith points to.  Tom is in no more pain. The burdens of trying to help others are lifted and he is experiencing pure joy and happiness. I miss my friend Tom but will join him some day in a world that is beyond comprehension on this side of eternity.  I miss you Tom but I am glad you are where you are at. 

Perception verse Reality

Currently I am on a study retreat away from the office. During my devotions this morning I came across something in the life of Jesus that got me thinking. (Thinking for me can be very danerous.) Mark 11: 12b, "...Jesus was hungry." Now that is a man statement, "I am hungry". Out of normal hunger, Jesus looked to get some food. In the distance he saw a fig tree with leafs on it, leafs were a sign (I've been told) for a fig tree that it had fruit on it. Jesus approached the tree and He discover it had no fruit, thus no food to satisfy His hunger. Now we all know when a man is hungry he can get a little ticked, a little on the edge. When our boys were at home, Melody, their mother, learned the importance of food for boys. Food always seems to calm the "beast"within. Boys seem to function better when they are not hungry, especially when they are growing. Let's get back to Jesus. Once He (Jesus) realized there was no fruit you could say He got ticked off. The disciples there said He cursed the tree. In fact after a few days they walked by that tree and saw it had withered from the roots up. Wow, don't mess with Jesus if He is hungry. But here is where we have to stop and ask ourselves, is there a leason, a teaching, a principle here in this story? Is God trying to say something to us here? The answer is, of course. Nothing is placed in scripture except to teach us something about life and our walk with Him. Here is a thought to consider. The fig tree gave a perception that is had friut. Leafs on a fig tree, I have been told, meant there was suppose to be fruit on the tree, even if it was out of season. Leafs meant fruit. It gave the perception of being able to satisfy ones hunger. I think Jesus cursing the tree, causing it to die, was more related to a truth instead of Him being hungry. Here is a truth I came away with: Perception without reality is not good and should be avoided, in fact not only avoided but it's deadly and harmful. Yes, Jesus was hungry, but the perception of reality was only a perception. There was no fruit to back it up! So how does this relate to life? Two things to keep in mind. First, just because something looks like it will meet your need doesn't mean it will, it could be a fraud. Have a process in place to make sure it's the real deal. Second, regarding our faith in Christ. Ask yourself this question, "Is what I am doing now helping me follow Christ or is what I am doing now not giving me the results in knowing/folowing Him?" Heres another question that could produce some guilt, that's not my intention though, "Am I person that gives the perception of being a follower of Christ but doesn't having any fruit to back it up?" Wow, that's a question everyone should ask. So are we the real deal or pretenders?

May the God of heaven grant us wisdom and insight into being who we are without pretense, trying to be something we are not. For me that is a struggle every pastor has to deal with since we are looked up to as leaders and examples to other. I want to be authentic even though it may not meet everyones approval. Just some thoughts to consider.