I Fought The Law, & The Law Won

Sometimes we seem surprised by the results of our sin. For example, we may drive down the road about 40 miles an hour and yet the posted speed limit is 30. So why should it surprise us when a policeman pulls us over to give us a ticket for speeding? We may not have been intentionally speeding, it may have been an accident; however we broke the law all the same. My question is, why are we mad at the policeman, he didn’t make us break the law nor is it his fault that we are now penalized for our lawlessness. In the same way, why do we get mad at others or even at God when so often the bulk of our troubles are self inflicted? Too many times we act selfish or self righteous around the people we work with or even live with; typically our selfishness results in alienating ourselves and pushing the people closest to us away. John wrote…


“5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:5-7 NIV

The only way to overcome both sin and its negative repercussions is to be connected to Jesus in every moment of life. Maybe when we are driving we feel that the policeman is out to get us, maybe some are; however God is not out to get us. God sent His son to die on the cross to save us from sin, to literally transform us into people who are more like Jesus and less like the world. God did this so that we may have a life that overcomes all the negative effects of sin. So if you feel like the world is out to get you, rather than feel sorry for yourself, turn to Jesus, allow Him to give you the power to be wise, Holy, and forgiven.

A Little Help From My Friends

This week Stacy and I began to spruce up our house by repainting many of the walls. In order to paint a house or stain a deck we have to get really close and examine the walls and the wood. The closer we look, the more flaws and imperfections we will see. That is why I hate to paint, I don’t want to see the flaws, because then I have to admit that they are there and that I have to do something about them. I guess I am saying that I like to be happily ignorant. The problem is that if we choose to be ignorant of our homes flaws, we might be ignoring a flaw that will lead to bigger problems that will require lots of time and money to fix. Spiritually I can be the same way; I do not enjoy examining my life or spirituality. Every time I reflect on my spiritual condition I realize I have a long way to go.

When I work on my house alone it is overwhelming and difficult, however when others come in to help the work gets easier. When we are alone everything seems insurmountable, but when we ask for help we discover that all things are possible. The same could be said about our spiritual condition, it may not be pleasant to admit a struggle or to ask for help, but when we do we unlock unlimited power that makes spiritual growth possible.
“26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:26-28 NIV

Interview between John Ortberg & Jud White

Check out this interesting interview on the 12 steps, discipleship, and spiritual formation.

http://perspectives.monvee.com/article/perspectives_john_ortberg_and_jud_wilhite

First Day of School

Here are a few funny quotes on parenthood that I have heard over the years:

• If it was going to be easy, it never would have started with something called labor!

• The smartest advice on raising children is to enjoy them while they are still on your side.

• Avenge yourself ~~~ live long enough to be a problem to your children.

• The best way to keep kids at home is to give it a loving atmosphere -- and hide the keys to the car.

Sending kids to their first day of school is not easy for them, but the truth is, it's not easy for parents either. We love our kids, and we love to protect them. It is hard to protect our kids when they are at school. Will they be bullied? Will the work be too difficult or advanced for them? Will they learn bad habits from bad influences? Will they have any friends?

Almost every day I pray that God will influence my children to do what is right, that they would grow closer to Him, that He would deepen their faith, and that He would protect them. Every time I pray for my kids I find comfort as a parent; knowing that our loving and powerful God is with them every moment. I encourage you to pray for your children each day, it will not only be a help to them, but a comfort for you as well. May God bless all of our children as they begin a new school year.