May 9, 2012

When serving God, we assume our motives are pure.   

GUIDANCE

Then we look back.  And with the perspective of hindsight, they are usually mixed.  If we're completely honest, selfishness, pride, and other such impurities often contaminate what we do.   

PERSPECTIVE

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light.  It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work"

(1 Corinthians 3:11-13 NIV).

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, please help us serve you faithfully.  Following your lead in even the smallest details. So our work for you is pure and lasting.  May we stand before you on that Day and see you smile at what you have built through us, your people.  In Jesus we seek this.  Amen. 

-Tony

April 25, 2012

Homesickness. When death and tragedy come calling, they often leave us longing for our heart’s true home. 

GUIDANCE

The place where we really fit.  The table set for us.  Loving family refilling our cups, getting us a third helping, and swapping stories about all of us.  Joy.  Laughter.  Harmony.  Warmth.  A place grounded and rooted in Him.

PERSPECTIVE

Jesus replied:  "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (John 14:23 NIV).

When we feel homesick, let’s remember His promise.  Home is anywhere the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are truly welcomed. 

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

Right now I’m looking at a picture over my desk of two weary travelers joined by a stranger on the road toward Emmaus.  I can hear the longing in their anguished plea as they near the village:  "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over" (Luke 24:29 NIV).

And God Himself graced their table. 

-Tony

April 11, 2012

Total attention.  Focused completely and fully.  Like a child at play.  

GUIDANCE

We rarely give anyone our full and complete attention.  We have short attention spans.  Bound as we are by space and time constraints.  Others are lucky to get our commercial break time. 

PERSPECTIVE

"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" 

(Luke 11:13 NIV). 

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

"Watch me, dad!"  "Look at what I can do."  "Did you see me jump?"  "Didn't I do well?"

Our Father is FULLY PRESENT to every child He has.  He is NOT bound by space and time, so He can literally focus on each of us all the time.  With His wholehearted, thoughtful Spirit.

And what a difference His Presence quietly re-creates.

Now, if I can just learn to be a little more present to Him...

-Tony

March 28, 2012

Love makes us vulnerable.

GUIDANCE

Our Father certainly shows us this.  He is Love (1 John 4:8).  So He created everything with heart-filled love.

Including Lucifer. 

PERSPECTIVE

Vulnerability is the price we sometimes pay for loving unconditionally.  Others can pierce us with the very gifts we have lovingly provided for them. 

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

But it can work the other way around also.  The small arms go around the neck and we hear that beloved little voice say for no particular reason: “I love you.”  Friends rally around unexpectedly when you need them the most.  The prodigal returns.

In that moment of joyful gratitude we realize something of why He makes Himself so vulnerable.  Sometime love comes home. 

And a waiting Father opens wide His vulnerable heart to embrace His precious child.

-Tony

March 14, 2012

A world of suffering.
Interesting how He responds, isn't it?  

GUIDANCE

He dignifies it!

When our Father fully engages in His children's activity, it's a complete "game-changer."  His presence changes the nature, focus, and outcome of everything!

His touch and energetic encouragement resurrect our perspective.  His dignity transforms us!

PERSPECTIVE

So, by entering into our suffering, He gives it dignity by making it His own. 

No longer meaningless misery.  Now, meaningful ministry.
No longer solitary suffering.  Now, shared sacrifice.
No longer the cruel chaos.  Now, creative change.

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

When the Father/King weeps with us, we become different.  We see our worth in His suffering.  The dignity He brings to our pain transforms us.  We begin to see ourselves through His tear-filled eyes.  In the mirror of His loving gaze, we see who we are -- beloved children that have His love in spite of anything the enemy throws at us. 

We experience that His grace is sufficient.

-Tony