Thanks to my good friend Joel, front man for Even Adam, I have been challenged by this word integrate.  I highly recommend reading his post, Integrating Worship.

After reading his post I began to ask myself, “What have I been integrating into my life?”  I’m not thrilled with the findings.  There’s a lot of worry that has come into my life in recent weeks.  To be totally honesty - worry has overcome the worship.  Oswald Chambers helped me as I began to ask myself the above question.

“. . . do not worry about your life . . . .” Don’t take the pressure of your provision upon yourself. It is not only wrong to worry, it is unbelief; worrying means we do not believe that God can look after the practical details of our lives, and it is never anything but those details that worry us. Have you ever noticed what Jesus said would choke the Word He puts in us? Is it the devil? No— “the cares of this world” (Matthew 13:22 ). It is always our little worries. We say, “I will not trust when I cannot see”— and that is where unbelief begins. The only cure for unbelief is obedience to the Spirit.

Are you being obedient to the Lord?  Are you living the life he has called you to?  Are you taking the cares of this world upon yourself?  Or have you integrated worship and prayer into your daily life? 

God’s purposes and plans will always prevail.  Don’t trade worship in for worry.  I read the book of Ruth in the Bible today.  You need to read the book to get the context of Ruth 2:20,

Naomi said to her daughter-in-law, “Why, God bless that man!  God hasn’t quite walked out on us after all!  He still loves us, in bad times as well as good!” (The Message).

I was at my daughter’s softball practice earlier this week for her traveling team the Bartow Blue Sox.  I absolutely love being at those practices!  There are several reasons for it but that’s not the purpose of this post.

At Monday’s practice, I was listening to both of the coaches as they were doing what they love… coaching Fast-Pitch Softball.  One of the assistant coaches was in the outfield instructing the players.  His voice is awesome!  He has this deep booming voice that carries.  I made a comment to the other parents about loving his voice.  Several minutes went by and one of the parents made this comment:

I think I figured it out!  The difference between these two coaches and others my daughter has played for is heart.

Her comment is so true.  These coaches don’t get paid to coach 12 & Under Fast-pitch Softball… they do it for the love of the game and these kids… they do it I would guess because they get a great sense of satisfaction from it.

In Erwin McManus’ book Wide Awake, he asks this question, “What moment in your life has brought you the greatest sense of satisfaction?” (191).  How do you answer this question?

I bet no matter how you answer it – it is answered in the context with other people.  McManus states,

You will not enjoy life at its richest level until you learn how to have deep, meaningful, relationships, because life is enjoyed best with people. (199).

When I look at my daughter’s team, I see a group of girls enjoying life and the sport.  I see several coaches enjoying this group of girls grow together and develop as a team, as girls, and as people developing character. 

We were not created to be alone.  We were created to enjoy this life and we were created to spend our lives with other people.  To share our gifts with those we do life with day in and day out.

What does living “the blessed life” look like?  Is it more money in the bank than what you know what to do with?  Is it driving the finest car?  Is it living in a big house?  Is it a large retirement account?  Is it having a job?  Is it living without all of these things?  Are these things the markings of the blessed life?

Proverbs 30:5-6  reveals to us the beauty of living a balanced life:

And then he prayed, “God, I’m asking for two things
   before I die; don’t refuse me—
Banish lies from my lips
   and liars from my presence.
Give me enough food to live on,
   neither too much nor too little.
If I’m too full, I might get independent,
   saying, ‘God? Who needs him?’
If I’m poor, I might steal
   and dishonor the name of my God.” (The Message).

Proverbs 29:18 gives us a glimpse of what living the blessed life is all about.

  If people can’t see what God is doing,
   they stumble all over themselves;
But when they attend to what he reveals,
   they are most blessed. (The Message).

Living life within the realm of what God reveals is living the blessed life.  To seek the things of this world is to loose the focus of God.  There’s nothing wrong with having things.  But if we heed the words found in Proverbs 30 we will desire balance.  Jesus tells his disciples that he and the Father are one.  The words he speaks are the words of the Father.  He speaks to his disciples and says, “The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things…”  See John 14:1-14.

Living the blessed life is not about possessions at all.  The blessed life is living as Jesus did.  Jesus came and he served.  He met the needs of people in sickness of health and heart.  He was an example to his disciples on how to serve.  See John 13:1-17.  In verse 17, Jesus says, “If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it – and live a blessed life.”

The blessed life is not about what is gained but rather what is given…  Given in service to others.  If we take the example of the life of Jesus – we will do well to follow and act as he did and live a blessed life!

There are times in life when we are to be quiet.  We are to be still, alone, silent, and focused on the Lord.  Too often when the darkness comes life seems to speed up… like living life on a run away carousel.  We reach out from the darkness to hear a word from the Lord at church, a friend, a book, or a talk show.  We seek out a “quick-fix” as if duct tape will work on our lives.

Jesus calls us to a quite place to pray.  See Luke 22:39-46.  Jesus tells us to pray so we won’t give in to temptation.  When the darkness comes (it will come) we don’t need to be caught off guard.  It’s a time to:  Seek. Find. Live. 

In Numbers 14:3, the Israelites continue to doubt God and state “Why don’t we just head back to Egypt?”  I’m quick to point a finger at the Israelites and ask, “Why didn’t you get it? You had the cloud by day and the fire by night to lead you.  You had manna every morning.  For Pete’s sake you saw the parting of the Red Sea…”

Today, as I read this, I’m reminded of times when I have stated, “If I could just go back to this or that place… If I could…”  At times my own grumbling and complaining in the present has longed for days from the past.  The truth is we all want to escape the troubles we face in the present in order to find a bit of peace.  We are even willing to go back to something less-than-desirable just to get us out of the moment.

We need to have the faith and character of Joshua and Caleb and march on in the power and might of God’s strength.  Joshua and Caleb they got it… They understood what God was doing.  And during those “dark” days in the wilderness they didn’t just sit there – they were proactive gaining wisdom and learning from Moses.  Seek. Find. Live.  This was their focus.  This kept them looking ahead.  The result:  Others will follow.

In the case of Joshua and Caleb, the result is they led the people of Israel into the Promised Land.  Our goal in life is to please the Lord – to be faithful servants.  When the darkness comes we need to listen to the words of Jesus to pray so that we won’t give in to temptation.

When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else once you are back in the light.  (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, February 14).

Seek. Find. Live. Others will follow.

Some may look at this sign and do exactly what it says every-time.  Some may see this sign and think it really doesn’t mean stop at this intersection.  Then there are those who may think that this only means STOP if there are other cars coming or if the Police are watching.

So, what do you do?  Do you stop, slow down, or ignore this sign.

This morning I’m reading Exodus 28.  As I read, I am recognizing how detail-oriented God is.  Now, when He says to use “purple thread” on the Ephod does that mean purple or a violet… it could mean some other shade of blue.  I guess you may use whatever color you deem appropriate if you are one that doesn’t stop at the stop sign.

God is a God of details.  He cares about the details of our lives.  He desires the best for each of us… no matter where we may find ourselves within our circumstances… He cares. 

The next time you are out driving and you see a sign that tells you what to do at the intersection, how fast you are to drive, or see on the pavement when and where you can change lanes – remember God cares about the details of your life.  Probably a whole lot more than the DOT who is responsible for putting up those signs and markings on the road.

Thanks to Darrell for the insight here…  Thanks for helping us make a memory too.  What do you think – does he stop, coast, or speed up?

It seems like for the past 5 years I have been running around in the same circle.  The circle I’ve been running now is well marked.  Kind of like the rut you find on the ground around a merry-go-round at the park.

Faith.  What does it mean to live by faith?  Do you really know what that means? That’s what I ask myself… and anyone else that may be listening.  I have these set of verses that keep coming up as I read the Bible.  It’s the same set over the past 5 years that keep surfacing.  My heart races a bit when I read them.  I remember situations in the past when I read them, prayed, waited, and acted. 

Read Mark 11:22-25 with me,

Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”  (The Message).

“Embrace this God-life.”  I continue to hold on.  I question, “Do I really have faith?”  Mark 9:23-24 is another set of verses that continue to come across my eyes when I read Scripture,

23Jesus said, “If? There are no ‘ifs’ among believers. Anything can happen.”

 24No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!”

There’s this cry for something from within me… something that reaches out that gives me the assurance of meaning and purpose – which leads to me knowing I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.  This comes so easy for some… and so difficult for me. 

I think a part of the problem for me revolves around one of the words found in the Mark 11 verses listed above.  “Forgiveness”.  If I’m going to really embrace this God-life I’ve got to let some things go… and forgive.

It’s interesting how each person that follows Jesus is so different. The gifts given, the personalities, and purposes for each person are all different. God is very personal with each person. Even the circumstances in life are different for each person. For some, it may seem like everything in life always goes their way. Another look at the human race it may seem like there are others that always struggle and have difficulties… never getting a break.

Why is it that some seemingly have no problems and all they touch turns to gold or at best stays steady moving forward? Why is it that others seem to never get a break?

It’s the same thing when I look at churches. Most churches get to a certain place with the number of people attending. And they just maintain that number… sometimes they will hit a growth spurt and leadership is gelling and moving forward then BAM roadblock… people leave and move on and continue on elsewhere or they get frustrated with the whole church thing and just drop out. Then there are those churches that start up and never look back… they grow and grow. The staff grows, changes, and grows some more.

Do you ever find yourself frustrated? Like there is something else that you should be doing… or that you just aren’t fitting in with what you are doing or where you are serving? Do you think that maybe you are doing something that God really didn’t intend for you to do… thus bringing on the frustration and roadblocks?

In Psalms 73we read about the frustrations of Asaph.  I’ve read it several times in the past couple of days. Do you relate to the thoughts of Asaph? What about in verses 11-14?

  What’s going on here? Is God out to lunch?
      Nobody’s tending the store.
   The wicked get by with everything;
      they have it made, piling up riches.
   I’ve been stupid to play by the rules;
      what has it gotten me?
   A long run of bad luck, that’s what—
      a slap in the face every time I walk out the door. (The Message).

Look and see just how Asaph ends this Psalm in verses 25-28.

You’re all I want in heaven!
      You’re all I want on earth!
   When my skin sags and my bones get brittle,
      God is rock-firm and faithful.
   Look! Those who left you are falling apart!
      Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
   But I’m in the very presence of God—
      oh, how refreshing it is!
   I’ve made Lord God my home.
      God, I’m telling the world what you do! (The Message).

I don’t know why (but for some) things just seem so easy – and for others it’s incredibly difficult. Wherever you find yourself I encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay focused.  Give all of your attention and worship to Jesus.

If it’s difficulties you are faced with remember the words of Jesus to John the Baptist’s disciples just before John was beheaded, “You’ll be blessed if this does not cause you to fall away.”  God can and will get you through anything… it just may be in a different way than what you are expecting.

At times I’m finding it difficult to “just read” through the Bible. (Don’t be dismayed I’m ahead of schedule none-the-less with my reading plan). On Friday, I read 4 verses in Chapter 5 of Romans and BAM… I just have to stop and reflect on what is being said.

God has such a wonderful way of loving us. He created us with love in mind. That was His plan during the days of creation. He had you and me on his mind. I can’t comprehend that… but it’s the truth.

God has put on display Himself and His love toward us through creation as seen in the sun shining upon the water. He shows us His majesty as we gaze upon the Great Rocky Mountains. The expanse of His grace is revealed in the great open plains. Stop whatever you are doing and take in all His grace has to offer. Praise Him at the top of your lungs… go out somewhere this weekend all alone and proclaim OUT LOUD to God your love for him.

“By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.” (Romans 5:1-4, The Message).

I recall sitting in my bedroom on Walnut Dr.  It was summer.  I think I was 19 years old.

I knew what God was wanting to do with me at the time.  I knew what He was calling me to do.  I knew what He was preparing.  But I had this fear of stepping out and doing what He wanted me to do. 

Fear.  It’s an ugly four letter word.  One that I don’t like to face. 

So what happened on that day in my bedroom?  I had been praying about this thing on my mind.  I knew what God was telling me.  Yet I wanted him to write it out on the wall for me… send me a letter in the mail… speak to me audibly.  I just wanted authoritative proof that what was on my mind was really Him and not something I was making up in my mind. 

So what happened while in my bedroom?  Well, after I prayed I recall having this thought come to my mind. “Read Psalm 32:8-11.”  OK – cool – I will read it.  I did.  Before I read it I had no idea what it was going to say.  I wasn’t even sure if there were 11 verses in this Psalm.  I grabbed my NIV and started reading:

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
       I will counsel you and watch over you.

Do not be like the horse or the mule,
       which have no understanding
       but must be controlled by bit and bridle
       or they will not come to you.

 Many are the woes of the wicked,
       but the LORD’s unfailing love
       surrounds the man who trusts in him.

 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
       sing, all you who are upright in heart.

Well, He didn’t have to head me over the head!  But I’m glad He did! After-all I asked for it!

Tonight I am reading in Psalm 32.  While reading this passage I am reminded of that particular evening.  Now I’m 43.  Guess what!  I still struggle with that fear. 

My friend James told me yesterday, “Don’t be afraid”  – among other things.  Sometimes I think if God would put that bit in my mouth and lead me on I will not need to fear… yet he says, “Don’t be like the horse of the mule…”  I guess I’m a jack ass !  Just kidding… I’m a child of God that wants to be safe.  I need to live with “Reckless Abandon”.

Why all of the fear?

I’m following YouVersion.com reading plan as I read through the Bible.  I’m loving it.  I am on track to read the Bible through two times this year.  If you haven’t noticed I like to use The Message by Eugene Peterson.

Today I was reading in Matthew 11.  Checkout the words of Jesus here in Matthew 11:28-30. 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  (The Message).

I love how Eugene Peterson has translated these verses!  “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”  This reminds me of the “Dance with me” posts I wrote in March 2008.  There are several posts there with this thought.

Jesus invites us to walk with him.  Our lives are to walk with the Lord as the Holy Spirit freely moves in our lives.  As I sit here, I get the vision of a wheat field moving with the wind out on the open plains.  The wheat moves without effort as the wind moves across the plain.  Jesus wants us to watch how he lives and to learn to move as he moves. 

I encourage you to read Matthew 5.  Think about walking with the Lord and putting to work the words of Jesus.  If you are burned out on religion, church, or “Christians” who say one thing and live something different… Seek Jesus… walk with him… “learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”  You will find a new world – a new life awaits you!