Hospitality

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Matthew 25:35,36

I recently read something on the topic of hospitality. The statement that stood out to me was "The essence of hospitality: welcoming people, not entertaining or impressing them." I think we easily get hung up in the 'entertaining or impressing' mode. We even call it 'entertaining' when we have guests over to our house. Entertaining or impressing is just another way of putting on the false face. Real hospitality is just that… real.

This week let's pray about hospitality - both when we are having guests and when we are the guests. It's a key component of doing life together and therefore it's a key component of our witness and our refinement. I'll close with a quote from the book I was reading:

"Someone knocks at my door. If I am anxious or resentful, I may put on a good face, offer a cup of tea, but offer no real hospitality. The person I really am at the center of my being is unavailable… blocked by worry or the wish to control. My business, whether as host or guest, is to be as open and real as possible in any situation." Susan Mangam

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Listen

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry James 1:19

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

"Christians (especially ministers) so often think they must contribute something when they are in the company of others… that this is the one service they have to render. They forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"We pay attention only long enough to develop a counter-argument; we listen with an agenda, to sell or petition or seduce. Seldom is there a deep, open-hearted, unjudging reception of the other. By contrast, if someone truly listens to me, my spirit begins to expand." Mary Rose O'Reilley

This Wednesday as we fast we are praying about listening. I don't think I can really add much to what's been said above.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Oh Rats!

I recently heard about a study that was done with Norwegian Rats. The researchers used a large vat of water and a spray system to simulate rain falling on the water. The control group rats were simply placed in the vat. What the researchers found was that it took an average of 17 minutes for these control group rats to drown. The test group rats were put in the same vat of water with the same rain falling on them. The difference was that these test rats were rescued from the vat just before drowning. Then they were put back in their cages and nurtured for the next few days. After a few days, these test group rats were placed back in the vat to see how long they would survive after having been rescued once. Amazingly, the average test group rat lasted 37 hours on this second trip to the vat before drowning. That's more than 130 times as long as the control group. By the way, the purpose of this study was to see if 'hope' had an impact on 'ability to survive'.

"… but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:3-5

The word 'hope' to the secular world has quite a different meaning from how we use it as believers. Just think about the difference between "I hope I win the lottery…" and "My hope is in the Lord…" One is based on something that you don't think will happen but you think you'll be very happy if it does and the other is based on certainty. The biblical 'hope' is a 'for sure'… it's that which keeps you going. So this Wednesday let's pray about our hope and get in touch with our hope. Our hope makes all things possible… all things bearable…

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

The now

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

I think I spend a lot of time in the past. And I think I do this in one of two ways that handicap my present kingdom work. The first way is regret. I can so easily live in the many failures of past decisions and actions. It's these things that keep me in neutral when God's will is urging me forward. The second way is pride. I can look back and see periods when God has done amazing things for others through me. And rather than let this spur me on to greater things in His service, I can once again shift into neutral and bask in the past glow (so to speak). But look at Paul - He is forgetting what is behind (good and bad) and being obedient now. The now is where we grow. It's what takes us out of neutral and moves us forward.

I'm not a big fan of wrote prayers but I recently heard something that Mother Theresa prayed every day - "May I truly obey You today… For up until now, I've done nothing."

So this week we are praying that we focus on now. That we free ourselves up to be slaves to His will. Like Paul, I want to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

One last quote - "Don't let yesterday consume too much of today."

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Know

Then they asked him, "Where is your father?" "You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." John 8:19

"I am the Good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me" John 10:14

All of us know about Jesus. Even many unbelievers know something about Jesus. But Jesus says we must know Him. Not just know about Him. I suspect there are many people at my church and perhaps many at your church too who only know about Jesus. So how do we get to know Him? How did you get to know your spouse… your children… your close friends? Spend time with Him. Pray. Read the bible. He is the friend that is always there.

This week let's pray that our life is about knowing Him.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Small groups

Last week I was blessed with another week of vacation. We spent it in New York state in the Adirondacks at the place we fondly call Woodchuck. This is the 5th year in a row our group has gone but it was my first time back in the last 3 years. Although I've thought quite a bit about why Woodchuck is such an awesome vacation, I'm still not sure I know why. It's some bizarre magic with the combination of the people and the place. I think maybe the group of adults that go come together with all the attributes you want in a good small group. This week we are going to pray about small groups. First and foremost, if you are not in a small group, you really need to be. I've never met a person who tried small groups only to find they were a waste of time. They can really be a life changing experience. I joined my first small group before I was saved and I have to say that the influences in that group were a key part of my re-birth.

A good small group makes an effort to know each other on a deep and personal level. This is essential to honest sharing and honest confrontation if needed. A good small group has deep conversation. Surface talk is quickly brushed aside to get to the stuff everyone really wants to talk about. People share what's going good in their lives and they share what's going bad. As they do so, their small group members love them without judging them. The side effect is that everyone really has a lot of fun and everyone grows extremely fond of each other. It's that coveted synergistic environment in which all boats rise. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts and all members come away thinking "these people really make me a better person". It's a place where the presence of Christ is felt in a very real way and the work of the holy spirit is done.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Safe

When Jesus walked the earth in human form, he was a dangerous man. In fact, he was so dangerous to the 'religious' way of life, they plotted to kill him. In the spirit of following our Lord, the question we are asking this week is - "Am I a dangerous Christian?" For that matter, what does a dangerous Christian look like?

First, their walk matches their talk. What they believe is consistent with what they do - no matter how much grief that may bring them from the world. They don't compromise in order to be cool or accepted. The truth runs their lives - not the consensus.

Second, they share their faith. I recently heard the statistic that 90% of Christians have never witnessed to another person. Is it fear that keeps us from sharing? Are we afraid of looking foolish, losing a friend, being thought hypocritical, being asked a question we don't know the answer to, being viewed through the lens of the worldly stereotype of Christians? Or is it a lack of love that keeps us from sharing? After all, we're already saved… why bother. Whatever it is, let's pray about it this week. We have never met a person who doesn't matter to God. And God loves everyone of those people as much as he loves us.

Third, they give all. Christ is the center of their life and it reflects in the way they use their time and resources. They don't just merely give out of their abundance. Said another way, they live in the dangerous ground of trusting the Lord in all things.

So this week let's pray about being a dangerous Christian. The kind of Christian that brings grief to Satan.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Da Vinci

I hope you will be patient with me as I keep on talking like a fool. Please bear with me. I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. For I promised you as a pure bride to one husband, Christ. But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent. You seem to believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach about a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

"The Da Vinci Code" was released in theaters this past week. I'm sure you've heard of it. You may have read it - I did. You may have already seen the movie. For those of you who don't know much about it - it's a fast paced conspiracy theory story that makes claims about Christ and the Bible that are, to say the least, very unconventional. Here are a few examples of the claims as I remember them:

1. Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and their bloodline survives today.
2. The early church did not believe Jesus was divine… that was voted on and forced on the Church some 300 years after His death.
3. To support this notion of a "Divine Jesus", the church left out some of the best early writings when deciding what would be the official bible.

You can see the impact of this book in every media outlet. Just go to the bookstore... turn on the TV… look at the major magazines. I clearly think it's something we need to spend time praying about. Specifically, let's pray for the following:

1. For believers - Many believers will see this movie and for some, it will shake their faith. Let's pray that these believers will investigate the book's claims and actually come through with a stronger faith. There are lots of good debunking the da vinci code books out there. It doesn't take much effort to see through the revisionist's history "The Da Vinci Code" is trying to push. It also doesn't take much effort on our part to be armed to answer questions our fellow believers may have.

2. For unbelievers - I was agnostic for a good portion of my life. Having never read the bible, I assumed it was a collection of rules and fairy tales. Religion was a crutch for the weak - the opiate of the masses. At the risk of over-generalizing, I think the views pushed in The Da Vinci Code are not that far from what the average unbeliever consciously or unconsciously believes already. As such, let's pray that seeing this movie will at least spark curiosity and debate. Let's pray that it gives us the opportunity to talk to unbelievers that we may have never talked to. Genesis 50:20 says You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Our God is big enough to use a film like this to actually save people. Once again, let's be armed to answer questions if and when the opportunity arises.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

The dust

In ancient Jewish culture, many young Jewish boys would strive to become a Rabbi. After several years of studying the scriptures, the best of the best would be selected by a Rabbi to be his apprentice. It was the common desire of an apprentice to be "covered in the dust of his Rabbi". That's a figure of speech that means to always be close to the Rabbi so as not to miss any wisdom that comes from his mouth. Quite literally, it means to follow so close in the Rabbi's footsteps that even as the Rabbi walks down the road, the dust that he kicks up will settle on the apprentice. I want to follow Christ that close. I want to be covered in His dust as I seek to know Him… His wisdom… His love… His forgiveness… His sacrifice… His grace. However, what I want to do and what I actually do are two different things. I think I'm more likely to be covered in the dust of the world. I've said in previous messages - It's not easy, but it is simple. Quite simply, it’s all about Jesus. Whenever it starts to get more complicated in my mind, my eyes are no longer on Him.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Money

This week we are gong to pray about money. Specifically, we are going to pray about our attitude toward money. A few weeks back I heard a pastor talking on this exact subject. The two questions asked were as follows:

1. How do you behave when you have a lot of money?
2. How do you behave when you don't have any money?

The pastor's claim was that unless you behave the same in both situations, you still have things to learn. Is your faith the same in both? Is your trust the same in both? Is your contentment the same in both? Is your humility the same in both? Do you still have a charitable heart in both situations? Some of you may have only ever been either one or the other - always with money to spare or always barely scraping by. If that's the case, you're going to just have to imagine what your attitude would be like in the opposite situation.

This week we are praying that we develop the right attitude toward money. That it doesn't become our "God"… our security. We are praying that its presence doesn't give us pride and that its absence doesn't diminish our trust in Him.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Bennett driving - part 2

When Bennett first started driving, we spent several weeks only making right-hand turns. It's amazing how you can get almost anywhere with only right-hand turns. It's not terribly efficient however. Shortly after graduating to mixing in a few left-hand turns, Bennett was forced to start doing some lane changes. The easiest way to explain the problem with the lane change is that whichever way his head is looking, that seems to be the way the wheel wants to turn. In other words, as he looks over in the left lane to check his blind spot, he starts drifting over into the left lane. I can remember that I used to do the same thing when I first started driving. The day I got my license, I almost ran off the road as I looked over and waived at some friends that I was driving past.

The point is, we move toward whatever we focus on. This week we are praying that our focus is Christ. As we walk the narrow path, he has to be our focus… Our center… Integral to every part of our lives... Not just an add-on. Luke 9:57-62 talks about the cost of following Jesus. At the end of this passage, Jesus says "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Let's pray that we learn to keep our eyes on Christ - Always.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Bennett driving - part 1

My oldest has had his driving permit for almost 3 months now. One of the observations as a passenger that stands out to me is related to speed. When I'm driving, I feel perfectly comfortable driving at higher speeds - 10, 15, even 20 miles per hour over the speed limit doesn't seem fast ( easy officer Curtis… no tickets please :). But when Bennett is driving, it seems fast even when he is barely going the speed limit. I thought about this for weeks. At first, I thought it was a control issue. I thought my discomfort came from not being the one behind the wheel. But then it occurred to me that I do feel comfortable riding with other people who drive fast. That's when I realized that it was a trust issue. Knowing Bennett's limited driving experience, I don't trust him to drive fast.

So why do I have so much trouble as I try to let God drive my life? Why do I keep "grabbing the wheel"… "back seat driving"… "pulling out the map to make sure He's going the right way"? He isn't some amateur. He isn't even just some professional. He's the creator of life and he knows the perfect way to "drive" a life. Putting the wheel in His hands is infinitely better than keeping it in my own.

This week, let's pray that we learn to trust God the way that He deserves to be trusted - completely.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Build each other up

For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake of asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

The sales organization I work for gives out a variety of awards. The thought is to "Catch people doing something right". The underlying theory is that praise is needed to overcome our natural tendency to self-doubt.

So this Wednesday, we are praying that we learn to be a blessing to each other through encouragement. Encourage that volunteer at church who you see serving every week. Encourage that new Christian as they find their way into a relationship with Christ. Encourage the accountability partner who has managed to steer clear of their chief temptation for some time now. Encourage your children. Encourage your spouse. Encourage your co-workers.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Run quickly

1 Samuel 17 tells about David slaying Goliath. You're all probably familiar with these events. The one thing in these passages that always stands out to me is the confidence and faith of David. David is certain that God has delivered Goliath into his hands. Going out and actually killing Goliath seems to merely be a formality. After exchanging what Goliath must have thought was mere bravado and trash talk, Goliath must have been at least a little surprised to see David running up to meet him in battle. He must have encountered people who were "all talk" in the past - surely this boy can't be that sure of himself. Take a look at the passage below. It says David "ran quickly…"

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. 1 Samuel 17:48-49.

Where's the part where David says "wait… is this really God's will… why is Goliath so big… why didn't Saul's armor fit - perhaps that's a sign that this isn't God's will… why am I only carrying a slingshot… surely this little stone can't kill that mountain of a man… this has to be a job for an experienced soldier..."?

The point is - sometimes we "think" our way out of God's will. When God lays a specific task in front of us, we analyze it through the myopic lens of our own limited capabilities. "I'll trust God and do what He asks as long as He's asking things I know I can do - or at least I'm pretty sure I can do". Is there something God is laying on your heart right now that just seems way beyond your capabilities? If so, this week let's pray that we step out in faith and run quickly - before we have time to "think" our way out of faith.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

All of you

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:26-28

Thomas was skeptical and had no qualms about doubting his peers. But in his awesome love, Jesus met Thomas where he was by appearing to him and allowing him to see and touch the wounds in his hands and side. But look at how Thomas responds in John 20:28 above. I think it's safe to say that once Thomas got it, Jesus had all of Thomas. This week we are praying that Jesus has all of us. Not just a part… Not just some areas of your life… Jesus wants the whole thing. What areas of your life haven't you surrendered to Him? What doubts are keeping you from selling out completely?

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Love for our brothers and sisters

There are several passages in the bible that talk about the many parts of the one body of Christ. Romans 12:4-8 is one example and 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 is another. These verses have 3 obvious levels of application to the Christian life:

1. It stresses the importance of being well-rounded as a Christian. Christ wants us to enjoy all the fruits of the spirit - not just the couple we think we're good at.
2. It stresses the importance of all servants in a church - no matter how it is that they are serving. It takes a variety to make a living church. "If they were all one part, where would the body be?" 1 Corinthians 12:19.
3. It stresses the importance of all the different Christian churches.

Several months ago, I was listening to Chuck Swindoll talk about unity within the church. One thing that stood out was the discussion about an early secular spy who was sent by the Roman government to spy on the early church. This spy's observation was - "Behold, how they love one another." The question was, how would a spy view your church? How would a spy view Christianity as a whole? Would "love" be the word used or would it be something like one of the following:

- behold, how they judge one another.
- behold, how they hurt one another.
- behold, how they criticize one another.
- behold, how they deceive one another.

This week let's pray for unity. Let's pray that "love" becomes the all pervasive trait that outsiders see within His church. Ultimately, let's pray that we, as members of His body, mirror Him (not ourselves).

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Opportunities

Think about all the conversations you have in a week's time. Are there frequent opportunities to talk about faith? Do you act on all the opportunities? Occasionally I'm talking to a person… the conversation leads down a path where faith would be an appropriate discussion… and yet I let it pass by… and usually kick myself later. One example happened when I was traveling to Florida a few weeks back. On my way to the airport, I was listening to a discussion on how to witness to Jehovah's Witnesses. I got to the airport in plenty of time and got through the ticket counter very quickly. Then, as I was walking to security, you guessed it, there were 2 women handing out "Watchtower" pamphlets (that's the periodic circular for the Jehovah's Witnesses). Instead of stopping, I walked on by under the rationalization that I didn't know how long security would take. While I waited for the plane (for about an hour), I kept thinking about the opportunity that I let slip by.

This Wednesday we are praying about the opportunities that God puts in front of us. We are praying that we don't pass up these opportunities to love others the way God loves us. And we are praying that when we do miss opportunities, that we would learn from it and be more inclined to recognize the next opportunity. I want to be quick to respond when I hear that small voice saying "say something".

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Why

When adversity comes your way, do you ever find yourself struggling with the "why" questions. I've asked the "why" questions many times. My own personal "why" questions seem to fall into 2 different categories. The first is the "why" that is implying unfairness. It's more of a protest than a real question. It's the "why me" directed at God. Perhaps a better question I should ask myself is "why not me". The second is the "why" that is trying to figure it all out. The "what is God trying to teach me through all this" questions. I presume that if I know what he's trying to teach me, I'll just go ahead and concentrate on learning it quick. I'll just speed up God's plan and unlike all my past lessons, I'll learn this lesson on the first try and I won't forget it so fast...

But ultimately, the real question is the why behind the "why". Said another way, Why do we ask "why"? Trust is the answer. We all believe in God. But do we all trust God? And do we trust Him completely? The "why" questions betray a lack of trust. "Just tell me where we're trying to get to God and perhaps I'll come up with a plan that's better than your plan for getting there."

This Wednesday, as we fast, let's pray about the "why". Let's ask ourselves if we are fully trusting God. Take some time to read from the book of Job this week.

You've probably all heard a pastor say "I don't need to know… I just need to know the one who knows.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Missionaries

This Wednesday, as we fast, let's pray for the missionaries that are out serving in other countries. Personally, I've always really admired the missionary calling. Probably partly because it seems nearly impossible to me to just pick up the whole family, move to a strange place, rely on others for living expenses, and jump in whole heartedly to witnessing to others. A few months back, while visiting a VA for work purposes, I met a doctor who works as a missionary in Central America. He comes back to the states to work for a few weeks every 6 months to both help fund his mission work and to make sure he keeps his ability to practice medicine. The rest of the time he spends in Central America planting churches with his family. Another mission couple was in to visit our church a couple weeks back. They work in Katmandu. They had very interesting stories to tell about their 10+ years in that area.

Just pray for all missionaries this Wednesday. And pray for their children as well. May God do a work in them as well as those they are trying to reach.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Half full

I just returned from a trip to Florida and it reminded me of several things that I really like about New Mexico:

1. There is very little humidity in New Mexico. In Florida, you can feel like you're swimming when you're on dry land.
2. There are no mosquitoes, gnats, or biting flies where I live in New Mexico. In Florida, mosquitoes are the size of small commuter planes.
3. I'm not aware of a single toll road in New Mexico. In Florida, I stopped to pay 4 different tolls on a 60 mile trip.

Now don't get me wrong. This isn't intended to portray New Mexico as better than Florida. In fact, I'm guessing if Florida natives traveled to New Mexico, they would be reminded of things they really like about Florida (the color green for example). The point is, it is our nature to take our blessings for granted. We focus on what we don't have instead of what we do have. Look at the account of the 40 years in the desert. The Jews complained about anything and everything. Not enough to eat… Not enough to drink… Too much manna… They even wished they were back in slavery in Egypt at one point. Think about your spiritual life for a moment. Are you more prone to look at how far you have to go to become like Christ or do you look at how far you've already come. The first focuses on self and self's inherent shortcomings. The second focuses on the amazing power of God. Apply the same to your marriage, your job, your children, whatever. Remind yourself of blessings that you may have started taking for granted. Challenge yourself to see what's right instead of focusing on what isn't.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Temptation

Do you encounter temptation on a daily basis? If you acted on every impulse, would you be fired… divorced… homeless… arrested… broke???

Oscar Wilde once quipped "I can resist anything!!!... Except temptation."

As we pray about temptation this Wednesday, let's reflect on the temptation of Jesus in the desert. First, I think it's pretty neat that our creator, the maker of the universe, has first-hand experience with the same temptations we struggle with day in and day out. Second, don't fail to notice where the temptation comes from. Third, whether you read the account in Matthew 4 or Luke 4, you'll see that with each temptation, Jesus resisted by quoting scripture. The word became flesh… and then used the word as a weapon against the enemy.

We need to be in the word on a regular basis. Listen to good preaching on the radio as you drive in the car. Read the bible as a part of your daily routine. Commit passages to memory. Write God's word on your heart by Meditating on scripture. Discuss the word with believing friends. Pray about the word. Fill yourself with Christ. This is how we prepare to resist Satan / temptation.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

New believers

Bennett (my oldest) started driving school this past week. Perhaps you have kids old enough that you know what this parenting experience is like. I had the usual concerns before he started taking the class but now that I've driven with him for a few hours, I have to say I'm even more concerned. The thing that is amazing to me is how much he doesn't know about driving. Or perhaps it's amazing how much there is to know about driving. Fortunately, he has a healthy respect for the responsibility. He is cautious and eager to practice and learn all the things he doesn't know.

This week we are praying for those who have just recently been saved. Just like we wouldn't expect a new driver to just go out and wing-it without experienced instruction, we shouldn't expect a new believer to go out and wing a relationship with Christ. Let's pray this Wednesday for this vulnerable time. Let's pray that mentors step up and help lead them into a relationship with Christ.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Stubbornness

Last fall, we went to a rodeo at the New Mexico State Fair. One of the first events had about 30 teenage contestants. Each contestant was carrying a lead with a small length of rope . 20 or so mid-sized steer were released and the teens had to try to wrestle the steer to the ground, fit the lead over the head, and then use the rope to get the steer back to the judges. The first 10 contestants to return to the judges would be given a steer to raise for the 2006 steer showing competition. It was really fun to watch. It looked hard enough to get the steer on the ground… much less to keep the steer there long enough to get the lead over the head. But the thing that really stuck with me was what happened after they had the steer roped. At this point, most of the teens would engage in a tug-of-war to drag the steer over to the judges. They would pull with all their might… the steer obstinately pulling the opposite direction… and only make inches of progress at a time. They would eventually succeed but you could tell it was quite a battle. In the midst of all this, we saw one girl take a totally different approach. After this girl had the steer roped, she tugged a little to maneuver the steer so it was facing the judges. Then she casually walked around behind it, used the end of the rope to give it a couple swats on the rear, and then just jogged behind the steer as it ran straight over to the judges.

I think you can use this as an analogy for a lot of different things. As a parent, I can see myself as the bozo struggling to drag the obstinate steer. As a child of God, I can see myself as the steer not wanting to be led. And as a sinner, I can also see the whole scene as an analogy of my internal struggles. And even if you can't see this analogy applying to anything you are dealing with, at least you will have an upper hand the next time you're wrestling a steer :)

"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble." Proverbs 4:11-12

One last little nugget to think about from this rodeo scene - This girl ran her steer right past a couple of other teens who were still struggling with the tug-of-war method. Even so, none of them changed their tactic. They continued to pull with all their might.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Appreciation

Some friends of mine have 2 sons. Their oldest son is about 3 and a half which makes him just a couple months older than Evan (my youngest). About a year ago, this oldest son was diagnosed with autism. I got to spend some time with them over Christmas break and he was dramatically different from the last time we saw them just 8 months ago. You don't have to spend much time with the mom to tell that it is really really really hard. My heart just breaks when I think about them. I've got three healthy kids and it makes me feel guilty for times that I've taken them or their health for granted.

This week our prayer topic is appreciation. Too often we lament what we don't have and take for granted what we do have. Let's pray that we learn to appreciate the many gifts God has given us - children, significant others, material things, salvation, etc. It's hard in our affluent society because our abundance breeds apathy. Sometimes it takes hardship to wake us up to what's truly important. Since hardship wakes us up, we can come to appreciate hardship as Paul did - "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3. He knew that even when his situation was dismal by worldly standards, God was still doing a work in him. Ultimately, what he is appreciating is God's love.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

The real deal

The Rio Grande flows right through the middle of Albuquerque. People who've never seen the Rio Grande assume that the river is big simply based on the name. However, the name is deceiving. The reality is that the Rio Grande is no bigger than a big stream back in Pennsylvania. In short, the reality doesn't live up to the label.

As Christians, we wear the label "Child of God". This Wednesday, we are praying that our reality lives up to this label. We are praying that we are indeed walking the talk.

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22

"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

A couple questions to think about this week:
1. Am I seeking Him… Seeking His will… Seeking His ways? Or am I doing my own thing and hoping God's will matches up with my will?
2. Would a complete stranger suspect that I'm a Christian after spending a short time with me? Would they see love, mercy, faith, compassion, peace, etc.?
3. Am I the same person outside of church as I am in church? Or do I let the world's ways creep in and crowd out God.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob

Fellowship

Today is the last day of my Christmas vacation. We fly back to Albuquerque early this afternoon. We had a great time visiting, spending time with, relating to, and conversing with family and friends. There were many deep conversations on a variety of topics which is one of my favorite things to do.

Yesterday, I got the opportunity to have lunch with one of the list members. It was a great time of connecting and talking about a wide range of topics. One topic that came up is how we both have people in our lives with which we never seem to have deep conversations. And it's not from a lack of trying. These conversations always seem to just stay in the safe ground of the superficial. Weather, sports, work, etc. You can probably think of some relationships in your life that fit this profile. People who you love dearly but don't feel like you really know them. People who you wonder if anybody other than God really knows them. People who you wonder if they really know anybody.

In order for "iron to sharpen iron", it needs to rub together. When one of us refrains from deep, intimate fellowship, we not only hinder our own maturity, we also hinder the maturity of those around us. This Wednesday let's pray for our fellowship. That it is deep, intimate, honest, loving, authentic, biblical... And that all of the people in our lives who never seem to get past the superficial, come to understand the gift that true fellowship is.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob