RUNNING INSTEAD OF WALKING?

It’s been a long time since I posted, partly because I’m barely keeping my head above water with my health, my job, & other responsibilities. It is so draining to deal with constant complications, when I so much want a simpler life. My heart longs to imitate the verse Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, & to walk humbly with your God?”



But it seems as if there are so many trivial things that get in the way of this. Somehow, it is always the urgent, trivial things that seem to impede the important things. Many years ago, NavPress published a little booklet called “The Tyranny of the Urgent”, & I have always felt that the title is an accurate description of the things that tangle my feet daily. Dealing with day to day trivialities, I neglect the things that edify the Body, & draw me closer to my Father. It is a constant battle to put the IMPORTANT things first.


I am blessed to be able to listen to music while on the job. Just today, I was struck by a song that has had a strong influence on me: “Running Just to Catch Myself” by Mark Schultz. I love the humor & the truth of it for those of us who must work the standard “business hours” of 8am - 5pm (or MORE!).


Here are the lyrics, but in order to get the REAL DEPTH of the song, I suggest that you go to iTunes or Amazon to download the song.


Here is the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Running-Just-To-Catch-Myself/dp/B004V7EKUO/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&qid=1340204183&s=dmusic&sr=1-30

I am driving

I am late for work

Spilling coffee down my whitest shirt

While I'm flossing and I'm changing lanes

Oh Yeah

Now I'm driving

Through the parking lot

Doing eighty,

Hey, what the heck, why not?

Watch it lady, Cuz you’re in my spot

Once again.

It's early to work

And here's a surprise,

I got a McMuffin for

just 99 cents today-

I think they ran a special

CHORUS:

I can't stand still!

Can I get a witness?

Can you hear me?

Anybody, Anybody?

I think I am running just to catch myself!

Maybe someday I could fly away

Go to Key Largo or Montego Bay

Sport my Speedo, maybe grab a tan

DREAM VACATION, WILD ELATION!

Now I'm running

Straight into my boss

And he's angry,

Oh, and he calls me ‘Ross’

Which is funny, cause that ain’t my name

And that’s lame!

I'm still running

Running very late,

For a meeting

Wait, that was yesterday!

Guess I'm early for the one next week,

Oh how sweet

I get on the ladder, I corporately climb

I wave at my life as it passes me by everyday

My name's not Ross!

I can't stand still!

Can I get a witness?

Can you hear me?

Anybody, Anybody?

I think I am running just to catch myself!

Life in my cubicle’s discreet, Life in my cubicle is neat

I've got some pictures of my friends

Some sharpened pencils...where's my pen?

Ten O'clock I'm in a meeting

Paper cut, I think I'm bleeding

Check my hair it's still receding,

Hey what a life!

Break for lunch, there's nothing better

Run outside and don my sweater

Like Fred Rogers, let's be neighbors

I've lost my mind!

I'm overworked, and underpaid, and unappreciated

It's just a perk of being of being middle class and educated

One... spinning circles in my chair

Two...win a game of solitaire

Three... and I ponder where my stapler's gone to,

Four O'clock and I stare at the door,

And I stare at my watch, then I stare at the door.

I stand by my desk like I'm going to war.

There's just one thing that I'll be needing

Grab my paycheck as I'm leaving

Oh oh oh oh oh oh ohhhhhhh

Five O'clock, it's time to go

There's crowds to fight and horns to blow

It's talking fast on my cell phone

Hey, watch out! That’s reckless driving!

Five O'clock, it’s time to leave,

Hit the couch and watch TV.

Set the clock and go to sleep.

It's 8 a.m. on Monday morning

Again and again and again and again and again!

Driving around, nowhere to go,

So I hang with my lady,

Oh, and I chill with my bro,

It's okay, in my Cabriolet

I can't stand still!

Can I get a witness?

Can you hear me?

Anybody, Anybody?

I think I am running just to catch myself!

When I meet God, I will have a question.

I just forgot the question.

I think I am running just to catch myself!

Wishing you a blessed day!

Perspective #2

Recently I wrote about perspective. I thought I had gained some good insight into how God sees things, but in the past few weeks, I've encountered other things that have challenged me to an even deeper understanding.


It all started with me being a stressed-out mess a couple of weeks ago. Somehow, in the middle of a normal conversation, I busted out crying. I knew that the cause of all the noise was work-related issues looming on the horizon, but I hadn't expected them to affect me so much.


After I calmed down a bit, I tried to apologize, but when I tried to speak, I just began crying again. While all this was going on, I felt so guilty about burdening someone else with my "baggage". It wasn't her fault that I was a stressed out crazy person due to work pressure and chronic insomnia.


But my listener didn't criticize me or try to get out of the situation. Instead, she gave me a huge hug and let me get over my tears and drama. As we talked, she gently chided me for trying so hard to be a "super Christian" with no problems or struggles.


She also challenged me to be more open with you, my readers, since ALL Christians have struggles in their lives. If I was waiting until I was a "spiritual giant" with no problems BEFORE I wrote any blog entries, the blog would quickly become extinct!!


I must admit that my pride took a blow at being so "weak" in front of another person. But as I thought about it, I realized that it was JUST my pride. That's always been a weakness of mine, & here it was, rearing its ugly head again!


I was also apprehensive about considering vulnerability in a public forum like a blog. Security has always been a hot button issue for me, because I used to work in criminal justice. So I tend to keep my personal "gunk" private. But I also feel called by God to write this blog, which means that sharing my personal stuff is part of the deal.


I know that, when it comes to TRUE security, that can only come from God. I remembered Psalm 91:4-7: "He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not approach you." [NASB]


I see now that, if God has called me to this, then my security lies in HIS hands. So I guess that means that you, my readers, will get to know more about me, my personal struggles, and hopefully some of the victories along the way.


In case you're wondering, the work-related stuff worked out OK, although it was a difficult and challenging situation. I was in a scenario where I could easily have failed, but managed to make it through without crashing and burning. My insomnia, which is due to a medical condition, played a major role, but God gave me the strength to endure and emerge victorious. My tears over the whole situation were wasted water.


Sometimes, even as Christians, we experience victory "by the skin of our teeth ", but it is still a victory nevertheless. In my case, it was a near thing, but it was NOT an "epic fail", for which I am sooooo grateful. Failure could have meant serious consequences for me professionally, but as it turned out, my reputation and my Christian witness have remained intact. Which means that I "live to fight another day."


I think that God still has much to teach me about His perspective. If you'll keep "tuning in", I'll keep on sharing what I learn.

PERSPECTIVE

To say the least, it’s been a long week. Even on Monday night, I was feeling plenty sorry for myself. I felt terrible physically, & mentally I was just wiped (out). Altho it’s one of my favorite shows, I almost didn’t make it thru watching “Dancing With the Stars”, & collapsed into bed soon afterward.


You could say that I have a complicated life. Working full-time, with a house “up north” & another “down south”, my sis & I share 12 dogs (yes, I said 12!), 6 sheep, 30 chickens, 4 parrots, & “a partridge in a pear tree”! Of my dogs, one is almost blind & going deaf, one is old & somewhat senile, one has brain damage from seizures, & one is starting to show dementia. Their needs are great, & I always feel inadequate in trying to meet them. Not to mention everything else!

In truth, I don’t suppose my life is any more complicated than most parents with a house full of active kids, & and all of their needs. I was just feeling sorry for myself. Put upon. Unappreciated. Bummed out.

The Word always has something to say, even when it gets bad like that, & that night was REALLY bad. I can always find comfort in Psalms, but one of my all-time favorite places to lift my spirits is in the Isaiah 40’s. Yeah, I know, real specific! But this is gained over years of going back to reading these passages, & the blessings they have brought to me.


So here are a few nuggets from these wonderful passages:

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. [40:11]

Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, the One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing. [40:26]

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. [40:28-31]

Now, this is just Isaiah 40! Let me tell you, there’s even more to lift your heart as you read thru these chapters! So give it a try! And don't lose heart. "The battle has already been won, beloved! Now it's time to start ACTING victorious!!"

Finally, here is a classic to lift your hearts. If you’re having a tough time, let the cadence of these stanzas bring joy to your soul:

There is a land of pure delight
Where saints immortal reign,
Infinite day excludes the night,
And pleasures banish pain.

There everlasting spring abides,
And never-withering flowers:
Death like a narrow sea divides
This heavenly land from ours.

Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood
Stand dressed in living green:
So to the Jews old Canaan stood,
While Jordan rolled between.

But timorous mortals start and shrink
To cross this narrow sea,
And linger shivering on the bank,
And fear to launch away.

Oh could we make our doubts remove,
These gloomy doubts that rise,
And see the Canaan that we love,
With unbeclouded eyes.

Could we but climb where Moses stood,
And view the landscape o'er
Not Jordan's stream, nor death's cold flood
Should fright us from the shore.

~~“A Prospect of Heaven Makes Death Easy” by Isaac Watts

How Do YOU Measure Up?

We often tend to measure ourselves against the performance of other people. We’re more intelligent, or dumber, or prettier, or more musical or artistic. 

But God measures us in other ways. The psalmist phrases it so:

O Lord, who may abide in Thy tent?

Who may dwell on Thy holy hill?

He who:

*  Walks with integrity

*  Works righteousness

*  Speaks truth in his heart

*  Does not slander with his tongue

*  Does no evil to his neighbor

*  Doesn’t take up a reproach against his friend

*  Despises a reprobate

*  Honors those who fear the Lord

*  Swears to his own hurt and does not change

*  Doesn’t put out his money at interest

*  Takes no bribe against the innocent

He who does these things will never be shaken.

[Psalm 15]

In the New Testament, Paul tells us:

The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God.

[I Corinthians 1:25-29]

So, on this day of rest, my brothers & sisters in the Lord, how do you measure up?

At your service in His service,

KenaniahSings

SWORDPLAY

“When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.” [Psalm 63:6-7]

Remember how I’ve said previously that the Psalms are AWESOME, because they pretty much cover ANY emotions we might be experiencing? Well, the above verses are a great treasure for me, because I have chronic insomnia.

I’m one of those folks who has worked in a traditional work environment for many years. This stodgy, inflexible environment has required the “standard working hours” of 8am-5pm. Over the years, I’ve been able to adjust my schedule to an 8:30am-6pm, but that’s about as flexible as it gets in this type of job.

Now, enter this chronic insomnia, which comes hand-in-hand with a chronic illness that has been my constant companion for almost 30 years. It’s quite common for me to be up until 2am, & there have been countless times when I’ve even been up until 4am or 5am. As you might guess, this type of schedule isn’t really conducive with my job, what with having to get up at 7:30am or so. Sometimes I feel as if I’m sleepwalking thru my life. Not to mention that this spotty sleeping really wreaks havoc on my concentration & short-term memory.

So the above verses really bring me comfort in those lonely wee hours when I’m up walking back & forth in my 28x20 great room, trying to wear myself down to such exhaustion that I can fall asleep. My faithful dogs watch me go back & forth, almost wearing a furrow into the carpet.

The thing is, I’m not sharing this because I’m looking for pity. Each of us has some sort of trial to bear. Paul called it a “thorn in the flesh.” In my case, one of my “thorns” is this insomnia. But I know others who have grappled with struggling marriages, or kids in trouble, or serious personal “falls from grace”, or major health issues far beyond my own. The Word of God can bring comfort in ALL of these cases.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

No matter what your experience, the Word is the Source for your guidance & comfort. NEVER underestimate the power of the Living Word! It can change your point of view from pessimistic & discouraged to trusting & ready to continue the battle! I write these words to myself as well as to you, dear friend! Our Lord gave us the Word so that we could be strengthened, challenged, and encouraged.

Whether you find yourself awake & feeling alone in the middle of the night, or fighting all alone to save your marriage, or any other situation – the Word is POWER! It is our Father’s Love Letter to us! The Armor of God is not just a highfalutin’ concept – it is POWER!

 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” [Ephesians 6:10-17]

I had a friend in college who had this little Bible he kept with him. It was so well-worn that it was covered in duct tape to hold it together! My friend called it his Knife (smaller than a sword). I LOVED that concept – that my friend knew the Word so well that he had to hold his Bible together with duct tape, & could use his Knife to fight the fight against the spiritual forces of wickedness!

So I challenge you, as I challenge myself, to delve deeply into the Word. Know what it says, & use the Word’s power to strengthen you against the spiritual forces of wickedness!

Lovesick

Just had to share this song with you. What an uplifting song!

Give me rules, I will break them

Show me lines, I will cross them

I need more than a truth to believe

I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes

To sweep me off my feet,

It’s gotta be…

More like falling in love than something to believe in

More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now

It’s like I’m falling, oh

It’s like I’m falling in love

Give me words, I’ll misuse them

Obligations, I’ll misplace them

‘Cause all religion ever made of me

Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet

It never set me free,

It’s gotta be…

More like falling in love than something to believe in

More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now

It’s like I’m falling, oh

It’s like I’m falling in love, love, love

Deeper and deeper

It was love that made me a believer

In more than a name, a faith, a creed

Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me

It’s gotta be…

More like falling in love than something to believe in

More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now

It’s like I’m falling, oh

It’s like I’m falling…

It’s gotta be…

More like falling in love than something to believe in

More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now

It’s like I’m falling, oh

It’s like I’m falling in love

I’m falling in love

~              MORE LIKE FALLING IN LOVE

                By Jason Gray

                From Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue © 2010

If you’d like to take a listen for yourself, here’s a link to a sample at Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031405F2/ref=dm_ty_trk?ie=UTF8&qid=1307645570&sr=1-1

I like the way this songwriter thinks! He knows that it’s more than just Talkin’ the Talk -- it’s about Walkin’ the Walk!!

Elijah once challenged King Ahab of Israel & the priests of Baal:  “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him.” [I Kings 18:21]

John, the prophet of Revelation, also passed on God’s message to some of the early churches. First, to Ephesus: “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for My Name’s sake, and have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent.” [Revelation 2:2-5]

Again, he told Laodicea: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” [Revelation 3:15-16]

On the other hand, the church of Philadelphia received a different message: “I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My Name…He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the Name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven.” [Revelation 3:8,12]

So…………..

Which church reminds you of yourself?

I can tell you that I can relate more to both Ephesus & Laodicea than to the faithful of Philadelphia! These words indict me for the times I’ve lived a lukewarm life, having left my First Love far behind.

Fortunately, we have a forgiving, merciful Father. So always remember:  he who overcomes!

A Watchman for the Lord

Sometimes, it's just best to share a passage of Scripture, and let the living Word do its work. That's what I want to do today:

"If the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman; and he sees the sword coming upon the land, and he blows on the trumpet and warns the people, then he who hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, and a sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood will be on himself. But had he taken warning, he would have delivered his life.

"But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a person from them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman's hand.

Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth, and give them warning from Me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you shall surely die,' and you do not speak to warn the wicked man from his way, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand." [Ezekiel 33:1-8]

What does this passage mean to you? I know how deeply it has affected my life, but I'd like to hear from you in the Comments.