Life Changers

I'm here in Arizona with my mom after a tragic accident involving her and a 96 year old man. He died after my mom hit him with her car... it was very dark and she never saw him.

If you know my mom, you know that she has one of the kindest and most generous hearts there is and celebrates life. She, at the core of her being, would do anything to prevent something like this from happening, period.

But here in lies the crux... a fallen world. A world where our bodies don't function like they should, decisions that could have been changed, and places we could have taken a different route home.

I am more convinced than ever that this world needs redemption. A saving grace that only comes from Jesus Christ. And, I'm not just thinking about the souls of people, but also this earth and the world that we live in... all because of one man's sin! Yikes. And yet because of another man's righteousness, we are saved! Lock, stock and barrel. Redemption, grace, mercy and power (Romans 5:18-19).

How I wish I could turn back the clock for my mother so she would have to go through reliving the horrible tragedy that happened earlier this week. And, yet, there is a part of me that expectantly waits to see what God does with all of this.

For we all have the choice of whether we wallow in self-pity and the terrible circumstances or we can hold our chins up to look for help, guidance, strength and wisdom in our hour of need. We can choose to be selfish or selfless even in times of trouble.

Where does my help come from? Does it really come from Jesus? Or do I just say that and not believe it?

Jesus, please be with my mom during this time... go before her and not only prove yourself faithful, once again, but may you draw others into your kingdom because of this!

Computer Crashes and more

I am finally back online after the hard drive on my macbook pro crashed! I didn't think they were supposed to do that. Anyway, after a week and a half reloading applications and retrieving the files I did manage to salvage from the old drive, I am back up and running. I now know the significance of a data backup and you can be sure that I will be doing this on a regular basis now. Even as I type I am using the apple time-machine app.

Although, I was able to manage my life without the use of a computer for a week, I still had my iphone for a lifeline for email and some minor things. But, no bulletin. No website updates. No blog... you get the picture... I managed. And yet there was still a need for this tool to accomplish more than what I was able to do without it. I wanted it and needed it and couldn't wait to be back online.

"I wonder what my spiritual life would look like if I lived like I couldn't manage without Jesus."

I wonder what my spiritual life would look like if I lived like I couldn't manage without Jesus. I mean, I could survive... but my life wouldn't be all that it could be without Him. And, even though I call myself a Christian (a pastor even!) I often live in a self-survival type of mode. Sure I pray, sure I read the Bible, sure I go to church... but does my life reflect the absolute need for Him?

Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, gives me all that I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). He gives me peace, wisdom, assurance, discipline, and strength just to name a few. All of this and I still try to manage things on my own. I am truly grateful that He doesn't give up on my antics, weakness, and ignorance. I'm grateful that He still give me that lifeline!

I want to live my life reflecting the reality that I can do nothing without Him. How about you?