I was reflecting very recently on a passage in 2 Thessalonians where Paul talks about the need to not live an undisciplined life.  I began to consider if in fact this is what I do.

Normally, I would think of being disciplined as being able to keep my schedule, to know when to do things, to make decisions on everything systematically, to keep my actions and sins under control, and to basically be someone who could keep to any commitment or thought through sheer willpower.  But if you are like me, you know that even the most self controlled, self disciplined person in the world, eventually makes a mistake and is lulled into a time where they just can't stay disciplined, or burns out.  You know what I'm talking about.  It's like when I eat well for 2 months and then have a week where I binge on everything in sight.  Or like being careful with what I say, being positive and godly, and then letting fly in a sticky situation with some really choice words.  Or spending some time every day reading God's word for a month, but then getting sidetracked and going 2 weeks without opening it once.

I realized as I re-read the verses in question (2 Thessalonians 3:6-11 if you want to read them), I realized Paul is not talking about self-discipline.  Self discipline puts all the reliance on . . . you guessed it, self!  And since I am not perfect, I will eventually let myself down.  The discipline that Paul talks about is a life not out of control, a life that is lived thinking intentionally about what I think, say and do.  But it only comes from God.  So that means waiting for God to speak, looking to hear him prompt me at any time during my day, and then being committed to obeying whatever he puts in my mind and heart to do.  When I do that, I will not only have a disciplined life, but one of satisfaction, joy and meaning.

I had the privilege of recently going to Washington DC and spending a day there with my family, just enjoying the weather, walking around the mall, seeing the sights and enjoying the memorials and museums, and even see the end of the blossoming apple trees.  I thoroughly enjoy being able to go and relax there from time to time (although for a place that is mostly "free", you can sure blow a lot of money if you want to eat, park, etc . . . )

If you've ever been to Washington, you know that each of the memorials, whether it is the Lincoln, Jefferson, Roosevelt or any other memorial has quotes engraved in the marble and granite that these men said at one point in their lives.  They include state of the union addresses, interview quotes and so on.  As I read many of these again, I noticed that there is some profound wisdom in many of the things said by some of these men.  They had an insight into the human condition that allowed them to eloquently address many of the issues and problems that they saw around them.

But as I reflected on some of the things written, I realized that for the most part, they are no longer reflected in the wisdom of our day.  Many of the truths have been now replaced by other "wisdom" that seems to better suit how we want to live our lives today.   As we adjust our lives to live how we want, our ideas of what is right seem to change right along with it, not because we are wiser, but because it is more comfortable to believe that way.  And this can get us into a lot of trouble, either individually, or collectively.

I was reminded again of the necessity of always going back to God's word, the bible, as the basis of all our wisdom, which does not change regardless of the day in which we live.  As it says in Matthew 24:35 "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."  If I live my life by that wisdom, I will never be steered wrongly.

I was thinking recently how tired I am of the cold, snow . . . and more snow . . . and more snow. 

This has been an historic winter in South Jersey and we have been lucky (???) to be a part of it.  I think that more than many other recent years, spring is going to be greeted by most people with an enthusiasm that sometimes lacks with the start of a new season.  But because the snow and cold and dreary, messy winter seems to have lasted forever, two things happen.  We think constantly "When will this ever end?" and secondly a desire to hide inside and just make it through until things improve.

I realize that many of us live our lives the same way.  Things so often are more tough than we wish they would be.  The troubles of life pile up, we endure the coldness of broken relationships, the frustrations of life, and it feels like we are going through an eternal winter.  And it causes us to think, "When will this ever end.  When will my life get better."  And so we spend our time just trying to survive day to day.  There is no joy or contentment, because our focus is on the things that still need to happen to make us happy again.

But I wonder if we have the wrong focus.  Perhaps it is not just about things getting better, about our circumstances improving, about that new job, new relationship or getting healthy.  Maybe it is about seeing the blessings of today, no matter how small they may seem to be.  God promises us that he is with us all the time.  He said that no matter what we face, he is there to walk beside us, give us someone to talk to, and to give us strength in the things we do or face.

By recognizing that Jesus is there for us, that he loves us, maybe it will allow us to actually enjoy the snow, and have fun until spring arrives.

Published with permission from Kurt Jarvis.

When global tragedy happens it is not uncommon for Christians to wonder why God allows such things to occur. The Bible, God’s Word, can help give us understanding of these situations.

In Luke 13:1-5 we read an account where this very issue of tragedy is discussed. This account is of a time when Pilate had murdered many from Galilee and had used their blood in pagan sacrifices. Jesus answered the questions asked by many if this was God’s punishment by posing a question Himself. He asked those around him “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered these things? … Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them, do you think they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?”

Here are two examples of tragedies, one that was the direct action of a person (Pilate). The other tragedy might have been from a natural disaster such as an earthquake or negligence by those who constructed the tower. In both incidences people died. Jesus clarified that it was wrong to think that these people died because they were worse sinners than others. Jesus also said that when these things happen it should be a wake up call to everyone to consider their own relationship with God.

If we think global disasters are God’s judgment on people we are going against the very words of Jesus. Earthquakes happen because this is the way the earth was created; they are part of nature and what makes life. Scripture does not support that they are events triggered by God against certain nations or people. It is part of nature, part of life and part of death. Jesus calmed the storm when he was in the boat with His disciples but Jesus did not end storms forever. Storms, earthquakes and tsunamis are all part of nature.

The real question is how we respond to God and others when such tragedies happen. These tragedies are not much different than when a family member dies or becomes terminally ill. It is the same pain only in global disasters multiplied many thousands of time. In these difficult times we are reminded that God loves and cares for each of us. While thousands might be swept into eternity when a disaster happens, those who know God and have their faith and trust in God are also swept into the very presence of God. For those that know Christ, the scriptures remind us to be gone from our earthly bodies is to be immediately present with God.

When tragedy happens. Jesus is there with the victims and there with those who minister to the victims. Jesus understands the pain they are going through because he went through physical pain as well. He is there to help and comfort and God also gives us the responsibility to respond and give help and comfort too.

When tragedy happens this is our opportunity to renew our faith and be reminded that when we reach out to others that are in need, we are being followers of Jesus. It was Jesus who told us when we help those who are suffering it is the same as helping him. Matthew 25:31-40

This is where we can . . . understand the biblical principles of faith hope and love in the midst of global tragedy; Faith, that God is in control and God cares for every victim. Hope in knowing that there is place of peace for all who know Christ as Savior, and the Love that we can show in practical ways through responding to help victims and countries, especially in times of disaster.

The snowstorm that came on Saturday, December 19th, was one of the worst in years in New Jersey, according to news reports.  It snarled up the traffic, made driving difficult (even days after), put people's Christmas schedules out of kilter, and even kept people from their parties and get togethers.

But the biggest lesson I learned with the storm was the need to slow down.  The Christmas season is one of our busiest of the year.  There are so many activities to be done and prepare for, and appointments to keep, and shopping to be accomplished.  In doing so, family time for the two to three weeks before Christmas can become scarce.  And so right in the middle of this frenzied time, everyone, including myself, was forced to come to a complete stop.  And for almost two full days, all the things I thought I needed to do, and all the tasks that I had scheduled, were postponed or canceled. 

Maybe that's why so many people enjoy these types of storms (at least for a day or two).  We get to go sledding with our kids, curl up with a good book instead of going to the mall, shovel the driveway with our teenager whom hardly see any more, watch a good movie as a family, or just play in the snow with the dog.  It's a chance to slow down, to rest, to reflect and to take the rest that God wants us to take.  We are told that our strength comes from "quietness and trust" (Isaiah 30:15) but we are often too busy to do that. 

God reminded me of my need to remember what is important.  To seek him and focus on time with him.  It's like my neighbor said while we were side by side shoveling out our driveways, "It's God's way of telling us to take a day off."

Merry Christmas.

It is that time of year again.  The pace of activities is accelerating and will soono reach a frenetic, breakneck speed that can threaten to overwhelm anyone in any situation.
- we have Thanksgiving followed only 5 weeks later by Christmas
- there is food to buy, gifts to purchase, travel arrangements to be made
- children and youth activities reach a peak, whether it is band, sports, drama, clubs, church or the other multitude of things available today
- we want to take time for holiday parties, families, and inviting friends over
- new movies are being released, football season is in full swing and our entertainment plate is as full as ever

It is often hard to create space for the things that matter.  Usually, I take the tack of trying to fit in the important things along with everything else.  I play the game of "AND" instead of "OR".  I want to do everything, please everyone, and make sure that everything gets accomplished in its time and place.

Yet as I reflect back over the years, and the many holidays and celebrations I've had or been a part of, it is not the movies I watched, the programs I attended, the gifts I bought or received that remain in my thinking.  It was the significant time with family, relatives and friends.  It was the new thought or idea from God that drew me closer to him.  Those times when I was not rushed, when we put up the decorations together, when we tried to untangle the lights for another year, when we sat around the table with friends and ate and played games, those times stick in my memory as the sweetest. 

So this year, I am resolved to make space for what is important.  For what God says is important!  If certain things don't happen because I made space for the other, that's OK.  When I look back years later on this holiday season, I want to remember significant times with God and others. 

I have come to the conclusion that filling up the car (van/truck/motorcycle) is one of the most annoying chores that I do. 
1) I realized that it never happens at a convenient time.  It is just that time when I need to get somewhere quickly, and have no time to take a detour, that the gas light comes on. 
2) There is also no convenient place.  When my gas tank is full, there are gas stations everywhere, but when I am worried about running out of gas, I seem to be able to go for miles and never see one. 
3) Not to mention that I end up having to sit and wait in line so that I can overpay someone to take his time filling up my car when he decides to get to me.
Yet without doing this, I would be stuck.  I could go no where, accomplish nothing, and be stuck in the same place all the time.

As people, we are remarkably like that.  We do not have endless tanks of energy and emotion that never need to be refilled.  We need to be filled up, to have time to be re-energized, to regain a perspective on things and to have our batteries charged.  Everyone's gas tank gets filled a little bit differently, but there are two things that seem to be common for everyone.  The first is being meaninfully connected with another person or persons and the second is spending time in quiet and reflection with God and his Word.  It is amazing how much more energy we can have after having a meaninful conversation with another person who cares about us.  When we read the Bible and talk to God, he fills us up and gives us renewed enthusiasm for living this life.

But in our busy culture, we can get so busy that there is never a convenient time for any of these things.  We are so busy with work, tasks, ministry, hobbies, kids and so on, that we put off going to the "gas station", neglecting our time with others and with God.  And then we wonder why it's so tough, as we run out of gas and spend our energy pushing the car instead of driving it.

So fill up your tank.  Take time with God today.  Read.  Pray.  And make the effort to connect with the person who can encourage you.

I came back from a recent vacation, having had the privilege of traveling to South America for a couple of weeks.  During that time, my family and I had the chance to visit and see some amazing different places.  We spent time in the Amazon jungle, hiked Inca ruins in the Andes mountains, and walked around some the more magnificant parts of some large cities to visit museums, cathedrals, etc.

I noticed that, like many countries, they do not have the same tools and infrastructure that we have available to us in the USA.  You cannot send a letter to people in the Amazon - they have no address and no real way to effectively receive packages or letters.  The people in the mountain in some cases only have access by train or walking, making it difficult to get things to them.  Roads are more conjested, transportation is slower, and you might find it hard to communicate.

But that was the interesting part.  No matter where you went or who you saw, someone was still talking on a cell phone.  Even though you cannot send things to the jungle, you could check your email or Facebook every day through the wonder of satellite.  When we were hiking at 9000 ft elevation in the middle of the mountains, our guide's cell phone rang and he was talking to someone he knew.  It's amazing.  We are now in a world that keeps us connected no matter where we go or what we do.

Now, while I'm not sure I like that (especially while on vacation), it did remind me that we have a God who is even more available than any technology.  There is no where we can go where he is out of range.  There is nothing we can do to shut him down.  He is everywhere, all the time, waiting and ready to talk to us, encourage us, and to be our friend.  With a God who so wants us to call him all the time, it is such a shame that we so often make ourselves "out of range" of Him.  I came back from vacation with a renewed determination and enthusiasm for daily keeping connected with the creator of the universe and me.  As you go through your summer, and take well deserved time off from work, just don't take time off from God. 

As I approach the beginning of a long awaited vacation, many thoughts go through my mind, as I imagine they do for you when you prepare to go away.  Regardless of the destination, remembering to purchase those last minutes items you need, getting the right clothes for the trip, not forgetting your toothbrush, finalizing the travel route or plane flights and confirming reservations are all part of the preparation and anticipation of those rewarding days or relaxation and relationships.  (Or at least, that's the plan . . . )

Vacations are a time to get away from the regular routine, to escape the pressures of our jobs, to blow off some steam on activities we normally wouldn't attempt, to gain back lost sleep, or rebuild relationships that seem to have fallen off during the busyness of life.  Thinking back on many of our family vacations, I notice that they also bring along with them the temptation to take a vacation from God.  Our regular routine of attending services, going to home church and serving others often take a break during our summers as we plan these various getaways.  And that is OK.  But I have noticed a tendency during those breaks to also get out of our routines of spending time with God, pursuing Jesus, and maintaining relationships that would encourage us in our spiritual life.

As long as I view my spiritual life as a collection of tasks to accomplish, or a checklist to keep up with during the year, then it will always be easy for me let it slide when I am away, or even just during those lighter summer months.  But our spiritual walk is all about a relationship with a person.  To always get to know Jesus better.  To spend time with him.  We don't ever need a vacation from him.  So this year, as I think about going away, I am excited to not only spend time with my family and enjoy their company, I am excited about spending time with Jesus and enjoying his company.  I pray that as we all go through these upcoming summer months we will be reminded to not put Jesus on the back burner, but will pursue our relationship with him throughout.  Then, when we look back at the end of the summer, we can truly say that it was a time of renewal and refreshment.

Did you ever think, "My life would be great if there were just no people to get in the way?"  As I reflected on the people that God has put in my life over the years, I noticed that people have a way of being both a source of comfort, pleasure and encouragement, and also a source of endless irritation.  And so sometimes I think that everything would be a lot easier if all those irritating people would just 'go away".

But then I would not be who I am today.  So much of what shapes me comes from the people that I am in contact with.  We are affected when we are young by our parents, siblings and family.  Much of who we are, both positive and negative, come from those relationships that we were born into.  As we get older, we get an increased ability to choose our relationships, whether it's our neighbors, people we hang out with, or even the church we choose to attend.  Yet there are many people where we still have no choice but to interact with.  Whether it is our job and all the people there or our extended family relationships, we deal with the people in our path.  And all these people impact who we are becoming through how we respond to them.

It doesn't matter who they are, our spouse, co-worker, best friend or aquaintance, eventually something about them or what they say rubs us the wrong way.  What I found in those situations was that what matters most is my response to them.  I cannot control other people.  No matter how much I might want to, that kind of control is an illusion.   The only thing I am really in control of is myself, my own actions and reactions.   So whenever I am tempted to write off the entire human race, I question myself.  "Why do I feel this way?  What can I learn about myself?  What is God trying to teach me?"  Or perhaps, "Why are they acting this way?  How can I help them?" I found that when I do this, all the pressure comes off.  I am less irritated by others.  I begin to see others and myself in a different light.  And my life is much more satisfying.

After all, in the end, there is nothing so wonderful as a great friend.  As it says in Ecclesiastes 4:10, "If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."