Does God Even Care?

Does God even care? Does He care about my heartache? My lonliness? My sadness? My struggles? I'm convinced these questions are asked many times each day by people too numerous to count. My conclusion is yes, our Father does indeed care.

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Luke 7:11-17 tells of the story of Jesus seeing a widow, following the casket of her only son who had died. During this encounter, God revealed to Jesus the pain of the widows grief and the depth of her lonliness upon losing her last remaining family member. She was going to be by herself once her son was buried. No other person would have cared for her as deeply and lovingly as her son. How deep her grief must have been during the walk to the graveyard. The Father saw and was moved. So, He raised her son back to life through Jesus. Clearly, one lesson from this text is God knows our grief and pain and wants to help us through times such as this.

But He doesn't bring everyone back, and neither does He heal all who are suffering from a disease. So how can I say He cares when there are parents at M D Anderson watching their children suffer through cancer? How can I say He cares when another family has buried a loved one cut down by a drunken driver? How can I say He cares to numerous other situations similar to these?

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Here is a partial answer. Luke 7:22 tells us how Jesus responded to John the Baptist's inquiry about whether Jesus is really the one or should they look for another? Jesus responded, and I paraphrase here, "Tell John to look at the evidence of God's power that is working through my life. Here is what the Father is doing. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf here, the dead are raised, and the poor are being ministered to. Take heart John, God is revealing His extraordinary power to humanity through me. No man can do any of the things you have seen me do, only God can! He is showing humanity what His power is able to accomplish, so look at this evidence and be encouraged and approach the Father with your heartaches, your lonliness, your sadness, or your strugggles and be prepared to see something extraordinary occur, because God cares!"

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This may not be satisfactory and I understand that, but what I can say with assurance is this. No life is so messy or so painful that it is beyond the Father's power to redeem. When we come to Him with the shatttered shards of our life, He takes the broken pieces and from them builds a new and beautiful life. Father, you care. I really believe that, and I thank you for revealing this through Jesus.

The Audacity of Faith

The story of Luke 5: 18-26 is an inspiration to those who believe that God is powerful and can do the impossible. The audacity of faith makes people do things that the world views as stupid. In this testimony, the world would roll their eyes at what these men did to get their friend into the presence of Jesus.

The world says, oh come on, the man is paralyzed! There is no way he is going to walk, so accept that truth and move on. But his friend's faith says no, we will not accept that until we enter the presence of Jesus and he tells us otherwise. So they pick up their friend's bed and carry him to the place where Jesus is. On arriving they find such a large crowd they cannot get inside the door. Now they are at a decision point, they want their friend to walk and they did not carry him this far to wait, so they find another way into the presence of Jesus. The trouble they went through to get their friend into the presence of Jesus. They had to climb to the roof and lift him there and then they still had to remove part of the ceiling. This wasn't just a five minute detour either, they had to negotiate many road blocks just to get him into Christ's presence, and then there were no guarantee's that Jesus would heal him. However, their friend was worth the effort and the result touched Jesus deeply.

Jesus told them that this kind of faith leads to forgiveness of sins, not just physical healing. This kind of faith brings a person into God's presence, and walking pales in comparison to seeing God. This kind of faith is a testimony of how deeply you believe and trust in the power of God. This kind of faith results in God assuring us that our sin is forgiven.

The audacity of faith - pure foolishness to the world, pure trust and belief to the Father of creation. Father, I want to enter your presence, help me to have such audacious faith!

Living in Luz

In Genesis 28:16-17, Jacob says the following:

"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it. How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven."

Have you ever been to Luz? Luz is the place where we fail to recognize our Father's presence for what ever reason. In Jacob's case, Luz was the place where he finally had to sleep even though he was under stress of fleeing his brother, whom he cheated out of his rightful blessing.

In my case, it might be the rudeness of a self centered, 18 year old girl, whose philosophy is "it's all about me". Or it might be the sadness of living among neighbors who believe drinking and gossiping is the definition of a good time. Or it could be the stress of working in an office where young people do not wish to learn from the wisdom of the older generation. Or many other such similar places, but you get the idea.

Luz is the place where we focus on other things and fail to see that God is right here with us. While Jacob was making his bed that night on the hard, cold ground in Luz, he wasn't thinking of saying any bedtime prayers. Perhaps he was thinking that God was back home with momma, or perhaps he wasn't even thinking about God at all. Yet, that evening while sleeping on a stone pillow, God revealed Himself to Jacob and spoke to him. Upon awaking, Jacob screamed out the two verses above. What had changed? Was Luz a desert sandy place when he went to sleep, but on awaking became an oasis of trees, water, nourishment and rest? Of course not, the place had not changed one bit during his sleeping to awakening time. It was the same dreary, desert place as before, but the difference was he recognized that God was there. And where God is, there is His house, and the place can no longer be seen as dreary instead it becomes an awesome place.

Oh, how I can kick myself for letting other things and others take my focus off my Father. He is here! Right here, right now! My Father wants to reveal Himself to me. I've gone to sleep too many times in Luz. I've laid my head down on stone pillows with angry thoughts reliving slights from others. I've tossed and turned on a lumpy mattress of being excluded from social gatherings. I've simply gone to Luz because that is where I wanted to be. But in truth, I was always in Bethel (verse 19), I just didn't recognize it. And the sad thing is while God is there, I can absolutely not see Him at all if I so choose.

The power of this choice is we can then make the whole world a Luz. That choice does not alter the fact that God is still here, it just means I will not see the awesomeness of wherever I happen to be at the moment. I think I would rather wake up in Bethel, than go to sleep in Luz, because I want to remember who is with me, wherever I may find myself. I believe it must be wonderful to wake up each morning in an awesome place. I think that's what I'm gonna strife to do each day. Reveal your presence to me God, so that I will quit focusing on the wrong things. Your house is awesome, and that is where I want to be.

Witness to a Redemption

Michael Vick is back in the NFL after a two year ban, while fulfilling his prison sentence and house arrest following his release from prison. That he should want to return to the NFL is his right and the rest of us with rocks in our hands need to go look in the mirror at ourselves before condemning him any further. I'm still searching for the other perfect person to walk on this earth since Jesus and have come up empty thus far.

This has the potential to be a truly inspiring and epic story. Before his troubles, the story of Michael Vick could have been titled, "It's All About Me". He didn't care about rules, he didn't care about what the average fan thought about him, because he was more important than either rules or them. And then he was humbled. His money could not prevent the power of our laws from reaching him and bringing him down, and what a fall it was. He was completely exposed for what he was in secret. He was completely humiliated. His story did truly become "it's all about me", though he would rather have kept those specific details in the dark, because they were terrible.

Now here he is again and I am moved by what I have seen so far. He is humble and he is broken, and these two traits are indicative that he has undergone some serious soul searching and he didn't like what he found. Because of that, he wants to become a different person than the one he was two years ago. He understands that one more hiccup and his ban from football will be for life. He wants to change and I for one think most Americans should applaud him for that attitude and should encourage him to stay true to the path he is on.

I don't know if this is a spiritual story, but it has all of the elements that usually cause one to seek the Father. A terrible fall and no friends around. A deep understanding of powerlessness over your situation and understanding that you cannot change it. Then a turning and asking for help, admitting that you are unable to change, but "you Father can change me". Here lies the lesson I hope Mr. Vick has learned from this ordeal, and the rest of us would do well to embrace or at least remember ourselves. No life is so messy that the Father cannot redeem. He takes the broken pieces and from them builds a new and beautiful life. Grow Mr. Vick, you have inspired me in your brokenness and I for one thank you and embrace you. I hope the best for you as you move forward.

Is It Really Amazing Grace?

Lately, I've been struck by the transformation that John Newton underwent when he encountered God in a raging storm while at sea. His encounter was so deep that he wrote the song Amazing Grace as a result. The words of this song continue to inspire hearts 200+ years later. When Mr. Newton's story ceased to be about himself, God was able to touch the world through him! Whoa, that is heavy stuff.

Mr. Newton described himself as a wretch and he was absolutely amazed that grace could even save him. Yet the God whom he praises in his wonderful song is able to do just that, because it is not about John Newton. It is about the Father who is described with words such as love, compassionate, merciful.

Why does John Newton experience the same grace I have experienced and he is transformed by it, and I seem not to be? It seems to me, that grace should cause a person to realize that they need a power much greater than themselves to reach down and save them. When they get to that moment what else can one do but bow down and confess, "I am not worthy, but you, oh God, love me anyway".

I don't believe I have been transformed in the same way John Newton has been. I also do not believe his transformation was an instantaneous event in his life. Grace, however, was something he was able to wrap his arms around as he grew in his relationship with his Father and he had to capture that with words. That is what I want. I don't want to be one who takes grace for granted. I want it to transform me so that my Father is able to use me to bless others as He works to draw them to Himself. Teach me oh Lord the depth of your grace in my life. Use it to transform me into the image of Jesus and help me to surrender my will to yours like Jesus did on his last night on earth. Father, I want my life to sing how amazing you are to the world!

We are Praying

I watched the report on our soldier who is being held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan and my heart dropped. Here is a young man wearing the uniform of our country with his whole life ahead of him and he shared with all of us that he is afraid. I confess that I am also afraid for him, because of what his captors are like in practice.

Pfc Bowe Bergdahl has the same dreams that my 25, 19, and 11 year old children have. He wants to live, he wants to bask in this wonderful life, he wants to make money, he wants to raise a family. But more than anything he wants to see home again. Home is where we find our peace and acceptance. He wants to go home.

To my country's young soldier I want you to know that while it may not seem like it at the moment, you are not alone. God is a loving Father who cares for you as much as he cares for your captors. He knows well your current situation, I hope you reach out to Him and call to Him, because he always hears and he always answers.

I will lift you up in my daily prayers as well and beg my Father to bring you home to your family and friends. Be strong and have courage, Pfc Bowe Bergdahl. Please be comforted in the fact that I am not the only one lifting you up. I am not alone either, for we are many, and we are praying.

An Ungrateful Man

I've returned from a trip to watch my son complete his final review at Texas A&M, where he has finished his second year as a cadet in the Corps. After watching the young men and women in uniforms march in review before officers, school officials and extremely proud parents and family; I am humbled at how blessed our nation is to have young men and women in today's college environment that choose to serve their country in uniform rather than pursue riches in industry. The young men and women in the Corps of Cadets are a minority at their university, roughly 2200 out of a population of 45000 or less than 5% choose to wear a uniform while attending class. Of that number around 150 each year will choose to commission in a service branch. After reading an article this morning about the most recent former vice-president, it struck me how there is a significant difference between many of the cadets and the former vice-president of our great country that for some reason many of them idolize.

As I listen to the former vice-president speak and defend some of the policies the previous administration condoned, I find I am becoming more convinced that he is no more than an ungrateful and hard hearted man. This man is blessed in many ways above what the average American has been blessed with. He is richer than 98% of our American population. He is a former CEO of one of our country's great corporations. He rose to the second highest office our nation has to offer. So, the question becomes where is the gratitude that should be overflowing in this man's life? I suspect that you will not be able to find it because there is none to be found. I suspect he believes he is entitled to evrything he has been blessed with. I suspect his heart is as hardened as the bunker he hid in during the uncertainty in the days following 9/11.

While thinking back on the final review, I was struck at how the former vice president is known as a hawk. Yet, during his time when he was the age of many of the cadet's I watched yesterday, he is one that we would not have seen marching in formation during his day. When our country called on him during Vietnam, he chose to exercise his deferments rather than pick up a weapon and go halfway around the world for our country. He was more content to let others do the fighting, because his education was more important than his country's call. By putting himself above country he was able to raise a family while it was others his age who paid the ultimate price. By putting himself above country, he was able to make money while standing on the sacrifice of many of his generation who did not come back from Vietnam. While putting himself above country, he was able to accomplish much, because he chose deferments rather than service.

Why else does he condone using torture on enemy combatants? We are an enlightened people and we should not revert to such actions no matter how much we may hate those who carried out the 9/11 massacre. America is above that, yet the former vice-president has helped to destroy our reputation in much of the world. His decision to speak out today, reminds me of why we are blessed to have them out of office.

Here is hoping that the current administration can repair our reputation in the world, while standing firm against those who will harm us. And here is hoping that all of the cadets I saw marching yesterday, who will go onto wear a uniform of our military after graduating will epitomize the vast gulf between them and the former vice-president, because they chose service over deferments. Because they chose service over material riches. Because they chose service over self, and I suspect that they will become grateful men and women in the years ahead because service is at the heart of why God created us.

Raise Your Sons in the Way They Should Go

This week the arrest of the suspected "Craig's List" killer highlights the ongoing violence that continues against women. This violence is perpetrated by weak, mediocre men. When is society going to say enough?

I believe that one cause of this violence is parents who do not train their sons to treat women with respect. As a dad to two sons, I can have an impact on that cause. I am sharing a "letter", I wrote to my sons when they were ready to start dating. I am not implying that they are angels by sharing this. I am suggesting that they had a clear understanding of where I stood when they were not in my presence while on a date. So, it comes back to the Proverb, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6. Let's change the way far too many men in this world treats women. Let's raise sons who know where we stand when they are not in our presence.

Crossing the Threshold
by Kenneth Garrett

My son, you entered this world crying, and seeking comfort,
You found it in your mother's arms.
You tasted the pleasure of another's caress, and briefly glimpsed love.
That first touch gave you a hunger, a hunger that only another soul can satisfy.
This hunger leads down a road to heartbreak; your mother's and mine.
You have begun the journey to cross your threshold.
To leave your mother and me behind, because this is a hunger we cannot sate.
It is a girl you are searching for, one whom you can share your life with,
One whom will provide you comfort, one whom will complete your soul.

Understand, I want you to have this I do, but before I will allow this,
You must show me you are ready to handle responsibility.
I choose to be hard, because the world is full of mediocre men.
And you are not to become such a man.
A higher bar is set for you, and mediocrity is not your destiny.

It will be easier for you to convince her parents to let you date their daughter,
Then you will have of convincing me you are ready.
This may appear harsh, but it is for your growth I require this.
For you must understand when you take her on a date,
She will be your responsibility, you will not be hers.
Such is the nature of manhood.

When you pick her up, you will be with her for a time,
Talking, laughing, dining, and courting.
But only for a time, for you must return her home safely to her parents.
When she is with you, she becomes the most important person in your life.
You must make sure she is comfortable, happy, and safe.
Her needs take precedence over yours. Her life becomes your reason for being.
Should the call arise, you must place yourself between her and danger.
She is your responsibility, you are not hers, that is manhood's nature.
It is not about fairness. It is simply the way it is.

Show me you are ready to accept this and I will step back and let you fly.
And I will stay behind mourning this threshold that you have crossed,
Where you will leave me for another.
Where your focus is forward to you journey, and not back at your family.
Fly high my son, I remain here watching you with pride.

Love,

Dad

Book Covers

The story of Susan Boyle that is creating quite a buzz worldwide is inspiring, and is the trigger that caused me to begin this blog. I believe just about everyone knows her story of these past few days, (April 13 - April 17, 2009). She is a 47 year old lady, unmarried, unemployed, and never been kissed, who goes on the talent show, "Britain's Got Talent" and blows the audience away!

Now here's the thing. When she walked out on the stage, everyone had already determined that she was insignificant. Most of the audience, if not all, was looking forward to a good laugh when she started singing. The judges also expected that she was going to be laughed off the stage. She shared that her dream is to be a professional singer. When asked why that hadn't happened she replied I haven't been given a chance. I believe most conclusions formulated at that moment was I can "see" why you haven't been given a chance. Of course, when she sang that first note, everyone understood that Susan Boyle happens to be someone quite special. Her audition touched hearts worldwide. She is no longer anonymous. She has reminded the world, that a book cannot be judged by its cover. You have got to turn the pages or else you may reject something of value.

Her story reminds me of Samuel in the old testament. In the first book of Samuel, God told him to go to the house of Jesse and anoint the new king. When David's oldest brother, Eliab, walked out, Samuel was awestruck and believed Eliab was the one. God told him otherwise, as a matter of fact God told Samuel he rejected all 7 of David's older brothers. And then God revealed the difference between himself and man. He told Samuel "that man looks at the outward appearance, but He looks at the heart".

Miss Boyle's story leads me to conclude we still don't understand that we're not as discerning as we believe we are. Miss Boyle's dream was valid, she just didn't look the part. Her song was appropriate, "I Dreamed a Dream", and the last phrase, "and life has killed the dream I dreamed", sums up her life. But, her first note went through the cynicism in that auditorium like a hammer smashing porcelain. The reflection we viewed in the mirror afterward, showed us to be a people who would throw away a diamond, because it is covered in dirt. Wow! I wonder what other gems we would find, if we would only follow God's example and learn to focus on the heart?