You are annoying

You are annoying. To be honest, I am annoying. Most of us (first as children, and then as Parents are annoying.

We are annoying because we all face the limitations of time, energy, and wisdom. We are also annoying from what the Bible calls sin.

 Romans 3:23 (MSG)
²³ Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us,

We will be dealing with annoying people until we pass or until Jesus returns.  So the bottom line is give and accept grace from each other. Unless someone you are dealing with is evil, cut them some slack.

With some qualification (ie not justifying bad behavior) and a grain of salt, cut yourself some slack.

P.S. The parents’ curse is real: “I can’t wait till your kids do this to you!”

You can't take it with you

From a recent AP story


CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — A Carson City recluse whose body was found in his home at least a month after he died left only $200 in his bank account.
But as Walter Samaszko Jr.’s house was being cleared for sale, officials made a surprise discovery: gold bars and coins valued at $7 million.

This story reminds me of Jesus' words in
Matthew 6:20-21 (NIV)
²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I would assume that 69 years old Walter was seeking security for himself by hoarding gold.  
Our treasure reflects where our hearts are at. I remember my Dad telling me a number of years before he died, "I don't care what you do with the house, but save my tools."
Our treasure, our use of talent and time, all reflect what is important to us.

I once heard a memorable sermon by Haddon Robinson. His main idea was, "You can't take it with you, but you can send it ahead."

Heavenly Minded: the good, the bad, the ugly

Heavenly minded is bad and ugly for you when you ignore the present in light of the eternal.

Heavenly minded is good for you when you live in the present in light of the eternal.

Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV) ¹ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
⁴ When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

When in Doubt

When in Doubt – Read the Directions.

I have not always done a good job of reading the directions which come with the various things you buy. After my father passed away, I inherited his wood tools. The thought of cutting my fingers off motivated me to read the directions which came with the table saw, router, etc…  I also took a wood working class at a local high school a few years ago.  The only thing I did in the shop which required stitches was being careless with a chisel a few years ago.

When in doubt regarding the morality of a decision, read the directions (your Bible).  When still in doubt about the morality of a situation or an opportunity, don’t do it. When you violate your conscience too many times, it tends to become seared and a poor guide.

Questions I've asked myself

Over the years I've talked with people who want to rush to a quick answer without pondering the question. [What is the right question?].  I've observed that sometimes a good question is much better a quick answer, or sometimes even a good answer. A good question encourages us to think.


Some questions I’ve asked myself:


What is the act of faith in the opportunity ahead of me?

What do most people need to see to respond in faith?

What may be the “evidence of the grace of God?”  (cf.  Acts 11:23)

How do you know if something is a miracle from God?

Is it appropriate to ask (and then expect) a miracle from God?

Does my motivation affect whether God will give a miracle?

What does a “No” answer to a miracle request mean?