A friend asked me what I might suggest for a hypothetical acquaintance who was weary juggling family, job, marriage, church involvement, economic stresses, and community activities. These are some things I quickly thought of to share with that hypothetical friend.
Margin - a number of Christian spiritual thinkers are saying we need to start building more margin into our lives. That means a buffer between us and so much activity, giving some breathing room. Maybe reduce the time we spend checking the news...fast from something (more folks now are talking about 1 meal, or 1 normal activity - or chocolate, etc.) just to help focus.
Exercise - most anybody will tell us that the more we can exercise, the more fit we'll be, and the better we'll sleep. 1/2 hour per day is recommended... and maybe leave the ipod at home. A simple walk can suffice, these days, the cheaper, the better! I have temp masks that allow me to walk in freezing temps.
Rewards - maybe start rewarding oneself upon accomplishment of certain tasks; really! For a CPA, I might suggest, if he finishes up a payroll report, or completes a tax return, trot down the stairs, around the new hardwood, go get a treat stashed in the vehicle! Or, phone a buddy in SS class, just to boost his morale.
Do the jumble on line http://www.jumble.com/ . Or, save the fun things in his day, "till after I finish this". Somehow encourage him to build in some rewards, even if small, silly, or contrived.
Refresh - more and more, especially with this economic daily news, we need refreshing. Lunch with someone who can relate, connect... even pray in their vehicle together, about real stuff. I went to a counselor on two different occasions, relating to job changes. At the end of 3-4 sessions, I commented that he was really just a paid friend. He Agreed!!! He said, "that's all I am!" But we are so disconnected from folks, and so superficial in relationships, that it would take a lot for us to open up to someone we'd trust enough to share real stuff. Perish the thought that we should admit an inadequacy, or a concern that's bugging us. That's a serious guy problem today. [[Top Sacred: I find some of my best talks can be with my ADD friends, or one who's been divorced! The ADD guy can't keep himself from talking! And the divorced guy, if a maturing Christian, has been so broken open like a watermelon in front of everybody, he no longer has any reservations!]]
Re-Checking - I have a couple of guys who use me, or I them, just as accountability partners in certain areas. Simple as trying to be sure both of us contact 2 guys a week on 100+ person SS list ( that had some great results with families, we both got bogged down and quit) A prayer commitment for 2 weeks about a certain issue, and then check to see what results have shown. So this can be with someone he's not deep friends with, just has enough respect for in a mutual area of concern.
Reading - LifeWay and Family Christian websites have lots of good books... and then he may find them on Amazon for 1c... + $4 shipping. Maybe realize that he CAN do without the news every other day. Turn up the good, turn down the bad.
Recharge - The AJC Sunday paper has 1-tank getaways from Atlanta... ideas of just getting out of town. But even some really cheap stuff... visit the new public library... plunk down the money for a Tellus visit. Do different things than he's been doing. Drive different roads to work daily. Call the old buddy who meant lots in college...(facebook searches can be produce neat connections). Break out of any routine he can, to get to the stuff that energizes you. One guy personally can't tolerate anti-depressants, so he watches Joel Osteen while he irons!!
Renew - Spiritually. Be sure to build in time for a daily time with the Lord. Tell this guy to try some different things. Read through Bible in a new translation... read books out of order! I am constantly reading spiritually stirring stuff, in addition to the Bible, and preparing for two SS lessons per week. The time with the Lord is critical, and sometimes it's enhanced by a book by John Ortberg, John Eldredge, Katie Brazelton, etc.
Re-educate! Maybe take a parenting course through the BCWRC like ScreamFree Parenting, Value Packed Parenting, Raising Kids That Turn Out Right, etc. Sometimes a few tips can help improve family life tremendously! I once heard that if you go to a conference, and get one good idea that works, it was worth your money.
Reconnect - with family. More and more parenting professionals, and counselors, are bemoaning the number of things we have our children in and going to. Maybe this fellow and his family need to consider something I recently heard: 1 activity, per child, per season. Avoid traveling teams like the flu!! Get in the floor, with a board game, and tape the TV remote to the back of the TV.
Slow Down - deliberately wait 24 hours to respond to some personal emails (maybe). Get in the longest line at Walmart. He may want to practice 1/2 day per week doing things like that... taking the road home with the most redlights... to practice slowing down, and seeing that God still takes care of things.
Power Boosts - http://www.ransomedheart.net/, http://www.purposedriven.net/, http://www.screamfree.com/, http://www.joelosteen.com/ , http://www.intouch.com/ all offer emailed devotionals that mostly come in the morning, that could be of help to our friend... just be careful not to overload the inbox!! Also, he can go to GodTube, and YouTube, and search for his favorite songs... minimize, and have a mini worship service at work or home.
These are just some things off the top of my head that could be of service. Obviously, if I got to talk to him personally, I might could better tailor a plan that would be more suitable. Some of these things he might pick up and try, and get help from on his own. Other guys might want a more accountable relationship, where one walks alongside, checking in on him weekly. NOT the "did you commit one of these sins this week" but "we talked about you trying this and that... did you? How did it work out? Would something else get a better result? What else do you want to work on?" etc.
I've talked about this guy so much, it's almost like he's become real! Maybe he is... he sounds like most of us!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Package Enroute!
It was a simple thing. A college daughter was back at school, and needed a new filter for her air cleaner. We have an account with a national company that supplies such. The representative was so kind as to do extra research to cross reference much info to find the right filter for an OLD unit. With a little more work, the order was charged, and set up for direct shipment by a well-known shipper to the college PO, and thus the daughter's inbox.
Problem - from tracking email, we noticed her address has gotten adjusted a little, omitting her name, and referring to daughter's address as a PO Box. The University calls it something else, and daughter is fearful that package will be rejected, based on printed policies. In fact, in 4 years, we've never referred to it on any address label as a PO Box. (I've seen it, I'd call it a PO Box!).
Father, having the University's number in my cell phone, calls the school's Post Office, speaks to one of the nicest people in the hemisphere, who assures dad that they are the receiving point for this shipper. They will make sure that daughter's inbox gets a note as soon as the package is received. Dad emails the tracking information, so both he and University PO can track the package. (This part is kind of fun... to note what cities a small package travels through). Hanging up the phone, the thought comes to mind, as if I were humorously speaking to my daughter... "You don't know who your father is..." (But all I had REALLY done was enlist the help of kind strangers in a simple quest).
Which brings to mind Bible stories that tell of angels' arrivals to reveal information: of babies on the way, of dangers to avoid, of future things to come that are too amazing to explain. What might be some of the good things God has on the way for us?
Are they in a distant city whose name is barely recognizable, that we have no contact with whatsoever? Could God's good things for us, scheduled for a delivery time unknown, be even now in the hands of a kind, and efficient stranger?
Silent He may seem sometimes, elusive may be His ways without a web-based tracking system,
unexplainable may be His methods... But surely He can be trusted for our provision, surely He can be depended upon for safe delivery!
Problem - from tracking email, we noticed her address has gotten adjusted a little, omitting her name, and referring to daughter's address as a PO Box. The University calls it something else, and daughter is fearful that package will be rejected, based on printed policies. In fact, in 4 years, we've never referred to it on any address label as a PO Box. (I've seen it, I'd call it a PO Box!).
Father, having the University's number in my cell phone, calls the school's Post Office, speaks to one of the nicest people in the hemisphere, who assures dad that they are the receiving point for this shipper. They will make sure that daughter's inbox gets a note as soon as the package is received. Dad emails the tracking information, so both he and University PO can track the package. (This part is kind of fun... to note what cities a small package travels through). Hanging up the phone, the thought comes to mind, as if I were humorously speaking to my daughter... "You don't know who your father is..." (But all I had REALLY done was enlist the help of kind strangers in a simple quest).
Which brings to mind Bible stories that tell of angels' arrivals to reveal information: of babies on the way, of dangers to avoid, of future things to come that are too amazing to explain. What might be some of the good things God has on the way for us?
Are they in a distant city whose name is barely recognizable, that we have no contact with whatsoever? Could God's good things for us, scheduled for a delivery time unknown, be even now in the hands of a kind, and efficient stranger?
Silent He may seem sometimes, elusive may be His ways without a web-based tracking system,
unexplainable may be His methods... But surely He can be trusted for our provision, surely He can be depended upon for safe delivery!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
God's Stories in My Backyard
In Matthew 13, Jesus told a number of parables, which some people call stories. Jesus' disciples asked Him why He was telling stories about farmers, birds, merchants, fishermen, and such common things. His response was that some people were ready to hear from God, some were not, and that the stories helped prepare people for insight and understanding.
Jesus often relates that the stories in Matthew are like the Kingdom. Looking over His parables in chapter 13, there are reports of farmers who have to wait to pull enemy-sown thistles until the final harvest. There is a story of a great tree, that comes from a quite small and unimpressive seed. Another parable says the Kingdom is like yeast stirred into bread mix: there's a time of waiting and warming before the final product is ready for the next step. Another time Jesus tells His hearers that the Kingdom is like a jeweler, who sells everything else he has when he finds the perfect pearl.
There is a lot to absorb from these stories... does the thistle story help us understand why God doesn't deal directly with bad people right now? Does the small seed story mean that much of God's work in our world will come from unnoticed small starts, here and there? Maybe the yeast (leaven) example is God's way of reminding us that many good things require a time of maturing. The jewelry story may show us that when God found us lost and straying, He sold off His Greatest Prize, in order to buy us for Himself.
I can't help notice and be reminded of what professional landscapers have told me about some of our plants and shrubs, and believe that God has stories going on in my backyard! There are different and important times for pruning and dethatching some of our landscaping. Hydrangeas "bloom on old wood", so I know to leave some of those unsightly stalks standing. When trimming the beautiful OakLeaf Hydrangea, I was careful to remove only the dead bloom stems, for the new buds were evident, inches away!
Crepe Myrtles come in 100's of variations, and in our area they are seen trimmed in 100's of ways. I do it by hand, cutting back to certain joints. Some workers say liriope should be trimmed every January with a weedeater... others applaud my December method of running over it with the mower and bagger every few years!!
What is MOST interesting to me is: already, though our winter season has hardly begun at this writing, a number of both the ground vegetation, shrubs, and trees have already "set the buds" for the spring blooming. In other words, my metereological advisors are warning me that winter is ahead.... but God, Master Gardener, is telling me through my own backyard that HE IS PREPARING and PLANNING FOR SPRING!!! I find that a pretty positive approach, no matter what the economy or weather, and I think I'll adopt it as often as I can in my thinking...
Jesus often relates that the stories in Matthew are like the Kingdom. Looking over His parables in chapter 13, there are reports of farmers who have to wait to pull enemy-sown thistles until the final harvest. There is a story of a great tree, that comes from a quite small and unimpressive seed. Another parable says the Kingdom is like yeast stirred into bread mix: there's a time of waiting and warming before the final product is ready for the next step. Another time Jesus tells His hearers that the Kingdom is like a jeweler, who sells everything else he has when he finds the perfect pearl.
There is a lot to absorb from these stories... does the thistle story help us understand why God doesn't deal directly with bad people right now? Does the small seed story mean that much of God's work in our world will come from unnoticed small starts, here and there? Maybe the yeast (leaven) example is God's way of reminding us that many good things require a time of maturing. The jewelry story may show us that when God found us lost and straying, He sold off His Greatest Prize, in order to buy us for Himself.
I can't help notice and be reminded of what professional landscapers have told me about some of our plants and shrubs, and believe that God has stories going on in my backyard! There are different and important times for pruning and dethatching some of our landscaping. Hydrangeas "bloom on old wood", so I know to leave some of those unsightly stalks standing. When trimming the beautiful OakLeaf Hydrangea, I was careful to remove only the dead bloom stems, for the new buds were evident, inches away!
Crepe Myrtles come in 100's of variations, and in our area they are seen trimmed in 100's of ways. I do it by hand, cutting back to certain joints. Some workers say liriope should be trimmed every January with a weedeater... others applaud my December method of running over it with the mower and bagger every few years!!
What is MOST interesting to me is: already, though our winter season has hardly begun at this writing, a number of both the ground vegetation, shrubs, and trees have already "set the buds" for the spring blooming. In other words, my metereological advisors are warning me that winter is ahead.... but God, Master Gardener, is telling me through my own backyard that HE IS PREPARING and PLANNING FOR SPRING!!! I find that a pretty positive approach, no matter what the economy or weather, and I think I'll adopt it as often as I can in my thinking...
Monday, December 22, 2008
God Is Closer Than You Think
One of the authors I really enjoy is John Ortberg. He has written a number of popular titles that help stir our hearts toward a deeper walk with the Lord. My favorites are: God Is Closer Than You Think, If You Want to Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat, and The Life You've Always Wanted.
The event that triggered Christmas as we know it today, was a far different thing from what we see in the culture around us. We know from several passages in the Old Testament that God had appeared and spoken to men in various ways and situations. Adam, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses were receipients of some of God's earthly visitations, and connections personally with man. The burning bush, Moses' staff, the pillars of fire and cloud, were all evidence, as Ortberg says, that God was keeping His promise to "be with" His people.
It is interesting to me to visit a friend's town or subdivision, and almost without fail, the host will point out a home or business where a noted citizen lives or works. In Bethlehem, God didn't drop by for a visit... He moved into the neighborhood!!!
Jesus grew and ministered, and then came to a point where he basically said, "I need to go, so that SomeOne even better can come". Stunning was the news to those who had walked, witnessed miracles, and camped out with Him for 3 years. They had already decided, and stated their loyalty, "to whom else shall we go?" And now Jesus was definitely leaving, and promising SomeOne Else was on the way.
When we become Christians, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. That's God getting pretty close!! Too often we ask for God to "be with us"... when He covered that request 2,000 years ago!! Let us live believing that His every attempt to get as close to us as possible - has been fulfilled in our individual salvation - and just ask Him to live out Himself through us. Immanuel in Action!
The event that triggered Christmas as we know it today, was a far different thing from what we see in the culture around us. We know from several passages in the Old Testament that God had appeared and spoken to men in various ways and situations. Adam, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses were receipients of some of God's earthly visitations, and connections personally with man. The burning bush, Moses' staff, the pillars of fire and cloud, were all evidence, as Ortberg says, that God was keeping His promise to "be with" His people.
It is interesting to me to visit a friend's town or subdivision, and almost without fail, the host will point out a home or business where a noted citizen lives or works. In Bethlehem, God didn't drop by for a visit... He moved into the neighborhood!!!
Jesus grew and ministered, and then came to a point where he basically said, "I need to go, so that SomeOne even better can come". Stunning was the news to those who had walked, witnessed miracles, and camped out with Him for 3 years. They had already decided, and stated their loyalty, "to whom else shall we go?" And now Jesus was definitely leaving, and promising SomeOne Else was on the way.
When we become Christians, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. That's God getting pretty close!! Too often we ask for God to "be with us"... when He covered that request 2,000 years ago!! Let us live believing that His every attempt to get as close to us as possible - has been fulfilled in our individual salvation - and just ask Him to live out Himself through us. Immanuel in Action!
Friday, December 12, 2008
God Save The Queen; The King Saved Us!
Recently an email went around, suggesting that it was from the Queen of England. The substance of the message was that the English people had observed our political shenanigans here in the New World, (especially our Presidential elections!), and determined that we were not capable of self-government. The little story continued that Parliament had rejected our state of independence, and would immediately dissolve Congress and the Senate (and send out a survey in 6 months to see if we had noticed!!) It was a humorous little message that continued with directions for observing afternoon tea, and pronouncing a number of words "correctly".
For years I've been a fan of the Queen of England. Surely, being one of the wealthiest persons in the world has some benefits! But what I see in Queen Elizabeth II is a person who has laid aside any personal aspirations, and has chosen daily to be of service to her country, and an encouragement to her citizens, and actually to many non-citizens of the world. The monarch's unbelievably regimented daily schedule would have most of us in a rehabilitation program within weeks (and she's had her 80th birthday, and has over 50 years on-the-job employment history!) Just watch a documentary like "The Royal Family at Work" to get the picture of her life of service to her people and country.
In early 1982, the Argentine government, a triumvirate in trouble on the domestic front, looked several miles east across the Atlantic Ocean, and decided to "retake" the Falkland Islands. Sometime in the early 1800's, these islands had become part of the British Commonwealth, and after 150 years, were a quiet British settlement of roughly 1100 people, and LOTS of sheep.... not a real primary military target.
In response, the British Parliament passed a declaration of war against Argentina, as brought before them by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This event led to her gaining the title, "The Iron Lady". A constitutional monarchy requires that the seated monarch sign or at least approve such a declaration of war. So, a procession of armored black vehicles carrying the Prime Minister moved rapidly through London, on it's way to Buckingham Palace. Citizens of Her Sovereign Majesty had been captured, and required aid and rescue by the Crown!!
Within days, British warships (including the ocean liner QE 2 as a troop ship) were on their way due south at an 'amazing' speed of approximately 25 miles per hour, in order to keep the 22 ships together at the pace of the slowest ship. Their journey took almost 3 weeks! (In comparison, our USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier alone moves with a contingent of 25 ships, as a Battle Strike Group.)
Now, the British monarch occupies several residences throughout the country, at various times during the year. The family flag of the seated monarch is flown on a high flagpole from whichever residence the Queen is occupying "presently". To see the Queen, one has to follow her flag! A British citizen does himself no good by going to any other location.
FREE translation: I believe that in the Kingdom of Heaven, the FATHER's flag is raised, and flying proud and victorious. It seems to me He has no other interest than the spiritual health and welfare of His citizens! There may be certain areas that the enemy seems to occupy, but when called for, help can soon be on the way. It might seem a little slow sometimes. It might not look how you'd like! (The QE 2 has no flight deck, anti-aircraft guns, or cruise missles! I've said to more than one person, if I'm in trouble, please don't drive 25 mph to come rescue me!)
When we need help, our appeal needs to be directly to our seated Monarch, The Ancient Of Days. I get a kick out of some of the science fiction space stories mentioning "light speed". My first thought is, "Go for it, but My Heavenly Father has got you beat, and His Sovereign Majesty specializes in rescue missions!!"
For years I've been a fan of the Queen of England. Surely, being one of the wealthiest persons in the world has some benefits! But what I see in Queen Elizabeth II is a person who has laid aside any personal aspirations, and has chosen daily to be of service to her country, and an encouragement to her citizens, and actually to many non-citizens of the world. The monarch's unbelievably regimented daily schedule would have most of us in a rehabilitation program within weeks (and she's had her 80th birthday, and has over 50 years on-the-job employment history!) Just watch a documentary like "The Royal Family at Work" to get the picture of her life of service to her people and country.
In early 1982, the Argentine government, a triumvirate in trouble on the domestic front, looked several miles east across the Atlantic Ocean, and decided to "retake" the Falkland Islands. Sometime in the early 1800's, these islands had become part of the British Commonwealth, and after 150 years, were a quiet British settlement of roughly 1100 people, and LOTS of sheep.... not a real primary military target.
In response, the British Parliament passed a declaration of war against Argentina, as brought before them by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This event led to her gaining the title, "The Iron Lady". A constitutional monarchy requires that the seated monarch sign or at least approve such a declaration of war. So, a procession of armored black vehicles carrying the Prime Minister moved rapidly through London, on it's way to Buckingham Palace. Citizens of Her Sovereign Majesty had been captured, and required aid and rescue by the Crown!!
Within days, British warships (including the ocean liner QE 2 as a troop ship) were on their way due south at an 'amazing' speed of approximately 25 miles per hour, in order to keep the 22 ships together at the pace of the slowest ship. Their journey took almost 3 weeks! (In comparison, our USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier alone moves with a contingent of 25 ships, as a Battle Strike Group.)
Now, the British monarch occupies several residences throughout the country, at various times during the year. The family flag of the seated monarch is flown on a high flagpole from whichever residence the Queen is occupying "presently". To see the Queen, one has to follow her flag! A British citizen does himself no good by going to any other location.
FREE translation: I believe that in the Kingdom of Heaven, the FATHER's flag is raised, and flying proud and victorious. It seems to me He has no other interest than the spiritual health and welfare of His citizens! There may be certain areas that the enemy seems to occupy, but when called for, help can soon be on the way. It might seem a little slow sometimes. It might not look how you'd like! (The QE 2 has no flight deck, anti-aircraft guns, or cruise missles! I've said to more than one person, if I'm in trouble, please don't drive 25 mph to come rescue me!)
When we need help, our appeal needs to be directly to our seated Monarch, The Ancient Of Days. I get a kick out of some of the science fiction space stories mentioning "light speed". My first thought is, "Go for it, but My Heavenly Father has got you beat, and His Sovereign Majesty specializes in rescue missions!!"
Thursday, December 11, 2008
God-Of-The-Angel-Armies!
I was thinking recently about how the phrase "Lord of Hosts" means "God-of-the-Angel-Armies". (The Message Bible translation writes it out that way, everytime!) And I thought... Armies... now, those guys aren't just sitting around, fluffing feathers!
Almost everytime in the Bible angels appear to a person or group, their first statement is "FEAR NOT". Several descriptions in the Bible indicate that they are tough looking dudes, and I suspect they make our Marines and Rangers look like school boys... and one of their most important commissions and duties is to serve and protect us... (Hebrews 1:13-14).
So we need to be expecting supernatural things, anytime, and calling for them to happen! The B-2 stealth bombers don't lift off from Whiteman Air Force Base until dispatched. But after they leave the tarmac on a 20-50 hour mission, they don't come back until their mission gets done!
Campus Safety or friends recently had to escort a college coed everywhere she went, due to the threatening behavior of another student. Now according to Ephesians 3:20-21, I'm thinking that the HEAVENLY FATHER's protective services are far better than any well-trained campus police staff (often former City Policemen and State Troopers!) See Isaiah 49 for support.
I'm going to add that thought into my "toolbox" as a prayer: "Excuse me, SIR, but it seems there's a need for angel service here..." Yes, it's true, I cry if I see more than 10 minutes of the movie "Angels in the Outfield" ...because something in my heart tells me, "they're just that close, and they do even better work!"
Almost everytime in the Bible angels appear to a person or group, their first statement is "FEAR NOT". Several descriptions in the Bible indicate that they are tough looking dudes, and I suspect they make our Marines and Rangers look like school boys... and one of their most important commissions and duties is to serve and protect us... (Hebrews 1:13-14).
So we need to be expecting supernatural things, anytime, and calling for them to happen! The B-2 stealth bombers don't lift off from Whiteman Air Force Base until dispatched. But after they leave the tarmac on a 20-50 hour mission, they don't come back until their mission gets done!
Campus Safety or friends recently had to escort a college coed everywhere she went, due to the threatening behavior of another student. Now according to Ephesians 3:20-21, I'm thinking that the HEAVENLY FATHER's protective services are far better than any well-trained campus police staff (often former City Policemen and State Troopers!) See Isaiah 49 for support.
I'm going to add that thought into my "toolbox" as a prayer: "Excuse me, SIR, but it seems there's a need for angel service here..." Yes, it's true, I cry if I see more than 10 minutes of the movie "Angels in the Outfield" ...because something in my heart tells me, "they're just that close, and they do even better work!"
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
It's All In Who You Know?
People often say when disappointed about their treatment in customer or public service (or maybe technical telephone support!), "Well, it's all in who you know!!" Some people really struggle with a sense of defeat in this area, thinking they can't get a good deal or fair treatment, because they don't have an "inside" connnection.
Once I had the opportunity to work with a rather well-known man, and I often would have individuals say, "Why, I've known him since high school". Others might say something like, "Tell him Abraham said 'hello', he'll know who you're talking about!" (Unfortunately, with all the descriptive power I possessed, I could not get a memory triggered about Abraham in the mind of the man to whom I'm referring).
In that same work, I had occasion to speak to both the mayor of the small town, and the commissioner of the county from time to time. After several months, we recognized each other's voices immediately over the phone, could quickly exchange greetings, and get to the business or messages needed.
It occurred to me that it really isn't "Who you know" that is important in getting things done, it's "Who knows you" !!
There's certainly a spiritual application from this insight. Jesus himself said that there would be people who would cry "Lord, Lord", and He would have to say to them, "I don't know you". I'm thinking that in the end times, that is NOT a conversation you would want to be party to!!
Make sure in your relationship with the Lord, that you are truly one of His, not just someone who goes to church, or knows some Bible verses... Salvation is free, but it does require giving our hearts and lives to Him, and asking for and accepting His forgiveness for our sins.
I'm glad to say that for several decades I've known the Lord as Saviour... but I'm more pleased with the knowledge that HE KNOWS me!!!
Once I had the opportunity to work with a rather well-known man, and I often would have individuals say, "Why, I've known him since high school". Others might say something like, "Tell him Abraham said 'hello', he'll know who you're talking about!" (Unfortunately, with all the descriptive power I possessed, I could not get a memory triggered about Abraham in the mind of the man to whom I'm referring).
In that same work, I had occasion to speak to both the mayor of the small town, and the commissioner of the county from time to time. After several months, we recognized each other's voices immediately over the phone, could quickly exchange greetings, and get to the business or messages needed.
It occurred to me that it really isn't "Who you know" that is important in getting things done, it's "Who knows you" !!
There's certainly a spiritual application from this insight. Jesus himself said that there would be people who would cry "Lord, Lord", and He would have to say to them, "I don't know you". I'm thinking that in the end times, that is NOT a conversation you would want to be party to!!
Make sure in your relationship with the Lord, that you are truly one of His, not just someone who goes to church, or knows some Bible verses... Salvation is free, but it does require giving our hearts and lives to Him, and asking for and accepting His forgiveness for our sins.
I'm glad to say that for several decades I've known the Lord as Saviour... but I'm more pleased with the knowledge that HE KNOWS me!!!
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