A matter of Perspective

Perspective is a cool thing, huh? I love this picture.

Last night at our SWAT team we wrestled with a passage that is definately difficult for me. James 1:2 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." Say what????

The whole purpose of our SWAT teams is to figure out how to do what the Word of God says...so how do I condition myself to consider it joy when I face trials? The more I listened to my teammates around the room....it began to dawn on me.....in each case the things that caused them to grow the most in their faith were the trials they went through. We pray to grow closer to God....to learn how to depend on Him and then complain when we encounter circumstances that show us how much we need to depend on Him.

The book of Acts is full of stories of people who rejoice in trials....and their embrace of being counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus continually advances the gospel to new areas of the world. Incredible! The only difference between them and me.....perspective. If I learn to trust God and know that He has a plan for me to mature me....I can rejoice in everything I face...knowing that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. (Romans 8:28).

What the %*&#?

My friend, Tabb was telling me a few weeks ago it seems like ever since he made some decision in his life to do things God's way that all hell has broken loose against him. (Get the title now?) Have you ever felt that way?

The more I've thought about that statement....the more it has made sense to me. As a child of God, all hell is against you. The thing is....when you decide to do things God's way, you are engaging in the battle. You're taking back ground that the enemy has been occupying in your life....do you think he's just gonna give up and go home? No way!

So, be encouraged...you were made for this fight. And you've got this great promise..."Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (I John 4:4)

What's most important?

I had a cool conversation with Caleb, my 6 year old son, on the way to school today. Caleb began a relationship with Jesus a little over a month ago. I'm looking forward to baptising him a little later on this summer in a swimming pool...it will be very cool!

Right now we have our church services on Saturday night....just due to the fact the facility we rent is not available on Sunday mornings. That can make scheduling tough...especially as we get into summer sports and vacations. We're normally at the school starting around 2:30 to set up and finish around 7:30...and then go out to dinner afterward.

The last two weeks we've had last minute game schedule changes for Caleb's t-ball team that have allowed him (and either Meridith or myself) to be at his games. I really believe that has been in answer to Caleb's prayers....he is so excited when they change and we're able to be there. Well....this week, for the first time, it looks like we'll have a true scheduling conflict. So, this morning we're talking and I gave Caleb the choice.....I told him if he wanted to be at the t-ball game, I would arrange for him to have a ride there and home with a friend. He said "No, I think church is more important" I had one of those winking moments with God....then asked him why it's more important. His answer was simple....."because of Jesus".

My prayer for him now is that all of his choices will be "because of Jesus".....and not just church. It is all pretty simple to him....Lord, would you make it that simple for me? Mt 18:3 "Truly, I tell you , unless you change and become like little childeren you will never enter the kingdom of heaven".

So, what's most important to you? Not just what keeps you from church......more importantly, what keeps you from Jesus?

Doing our part

I'm doing my part to make sure attendance at COC goes up. Not ready for another tax deduction? How about just inviting someone to come with you this weekend! Don't forget the picnic this Sunday afternoon....it will be fun!

(Yes, I am serious. Expect another Parker around later this year!)

Unplugged

I worked on my yard some this weekend. To really appreciate this story, you just need to know that I have a history with weed-eaters....and it's not pretty. If it's gas powered, forget about it....I will not get it running. Over the last year I've gone through two electric's....one actually went down with sparks and minor fire. And if anyone knows how to correctly wind weedeater lines, I could use some tutoring.

So, I wasn't terribly surprised on Sunday when the weedeater quit on me in the middle of edging my yard. No smoke or sparks this time....that's good news. And it only took me a few minutes of taking the machine apart to look over and notice the issue - my extension cord had come unplugged.

We're seeing a lot of victories in the lives of our "plugged in" people at COC Metro. We're figuring out that we really do need each other....to challenge each other, to support each other, to call each other to higher standards, to remind each other that we have a mission and purpose, to love each other. Heb 10:24-25 says "And let us consider how we can spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage each other - and all the more as we see the day approaching."

I think being "plugged in" takes more than just showing up once a week and hearing a guy talk about the word of God. Get involved in the lives of some believers around you....either in a small group, or a bible study.....or with an accountability partner. You may just find the power you've needed to win some victories in your life was someone around you.....you've just been unplugged from fellow believers for too long!