Pthu! – To Sin

Crossroad

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Pro 4:14-15)

Most of the time, you can taste it in your throat. Or feel it in your gut – right behind your belly button. Sin.

A man I know used to travel down a country highway on his commute. There was a porn shop sitting back there, right next to a gas station. He got addicted (to the porn, not the gas). It was ruining his life. And he began to change his ways.

He was doing great kicking the the habit, but one day he forgot to get gas in the city. On the way home, he stopped for gas – and fell back into that nasty habit.

He needed to find another way home or another job. It was a good job and the nearest way home other than that country road would take him 30 minutes out of the way.

Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

Trust your gut. Spit it out.

Pthu! to Sin.

photo credit: Country Road by mrbillt6 via photopin cc

Because I Am Fragile…Trusting God

Road To SomewhereWe’re on the move again. With God guiding our steps (Prov 20:24 & Prov 16:9).

While we have an outline and a map, an itinerary and a plan – we will always be ready to pivot on God’s command for the sake of Christ.

Some people may not understand – and sometimes, I’m not sure I do either. It’s not wanderlust. It’s not fear of commitment (to people). It is our life.

The confidence and trust we have is this: If our journey takes us in a direction we think is right, and it doesn’t turn out the way we have planned, we trust in God. Paul had a vision to build a church, got thrown in jail, and trusted in God. And the jailer and his family became members of the church (See Acts 16).

We have a vision. And yet, there is a possibility of something else.

“Because I am fragile. And I don’t know God’s plans.” – Susie Davis

That quote rung true and comforting, sending me to James 5:13-15 this morning as a reminder to always trust God, no matter the circumstance. For what is my life?

We soon depart for South Dakota as our next short-term mission. After South Dakota, the vision is in process of definition and preparation. If these planned paths get diverted for some reason (and also if they don’t), we look towards God – even if a diversion seems to be bad news. 

Photo on Flickr by Stuck in Customs

 

Slow Teaching – The Mask of Zorro

This scene from Mask of Zorro shows an example of “slow teaching”

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; – 2 Tim 2:24-25

Audience of One

Audience of One

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. – Gal 1:10

Like a performer might feel receiving a standing ovation. Adoration and compliments coming in floods. Tangible. Exciting. Addicting.

When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. – Prov 16:7

I dropped the ball. By pleasing others first. Stretched too thin, overwhelmed, joyless, rushed … One would think that pleasing others is better than pleasing self – but at its core, isn’t pleasing others a somewhat selfish act?

God is pleased when you set aside parts of your life for others ( John 15:13 ) – but do so for the glory of God, the sake of Christ, being led by the Spirit.

An Audience of One. There is both less pressure and a more profound obligation.

And Then …

What's Your Testimony?

If someone asks you “How have you been?”
What an opportunity to share about the time when
From the depths you cried out to God, and then …
Let the redeemed of the Lord, Say So (Psalm 107:1-43)

What’s your testimony?