His temporary job became a full time job, and he started a few days early because a person his department died in a car accident.

That news hit me like a ton of bricks…
Someone had to die, so he could have a full time job….

Truth be told that is true for me too! Someone had to die so i could have my current full time job.

I work in full time Christian Ministry. I work in this ministry because someone died in my place.
Jesus Christ died, and took upon himself all my sin, and because of that i now work in full time Christian Ministry.

I would not have this job if not for the death of Jesus, the Christ.

Moments like this make me think of what my life would be like with our Christ.

I would not be married to Stephanie if i wasn’t a Christian. I meet her at Church.

I would not have my daughter Kate if i wasn’t a Christian because we adopted here through the State of Texas, as foster parents. A choice we made because of the call to care for orphans clearly presented in the bible.

My life is what it is because someone else died.

what about you?
Did someone have to die so you could be where you are?

I unfold my hands, who crave wealth as an armed man
To put
to rest
the slumbering thief

As I wait
I wait to be
to be home with you.

I take up the news, which is the coin recovered
To protect
my head
with light in the shade

I open my eyes, which are a dreams awakening
To hear
the King
calling my name

As I wait
I wait to be
to be home with you.

I call to my soul, which is a traveling shadow
To resound
recall
His deeds I forgot

You open my mouth, which is a pit on fire
And placed
inside
the applause you redeemed

As I wait
I wait to be
to be home with you.

from home
is where i wait
and find
i’m already home.

I lift up my head, which is my will unhindered
To embrace
the help
coming down the hill

I give up my heart which a throne of the Righteous
To receive
the hope
of your kingdom come

As I wait
I wait to be
to be home with you.

i find myself at another interesting point in my theological journey.
One i can only call compromise. i mean that is a positive way, not in a sinful way (i hope).

I have been asking myself, what theological/doctrinal positions can i set aside for the sake of unity in the body, and in local ministry.

This question is a difficult one because often the theological/doctrinal positions people hold define the very God they serve.

yes, yes, i can hear it now the voice of the old man at a conference i was at once only a few years ago with a friend… “Doctrine divides brother.. you don’t need no Doctrine.. doctrine divides..”

That old man was correct, but i don’t think his conclusion was correct.

Doctrine is the thing that defines who and what we believe in. Without it, we are all left to our own individual interpretations of the bible, and that can be dangerous. This kind of individualistic approach to the bible can lead to terrible things. I often think how easy, and simplistic of a mistake was made by a man like Charles Taze Russell. Look at what a tragedy came from that “Bible” teaching.

The study of the Bible, and the definition of doctrines and theological positions is a high calling, one that needs checks and balances.

back to point.

What things can be set aside…. and what things can’t..
What do you do when you find your self serving along side brothers and sisters who hold to doctrinal positions that appear foundationally different then your own?

these are hard questions for me.

..now i must pray… Pray and ask the Lord who spoke the words of John 17 to give me wisdom on this issue of compromise and unity.

Never the less, I prayed.

As I did, the Lord reminded me who HE is.

I was reminded that even though I don’t know the person nor his or her need, GOD DOES! And then my prayer turn more to a praise, and “cheering Him on” kind of thing. I prayed with a confidence knowing that God, the  Omnipotent, Omnipresent, GOD was able to heal, comfort and guide, this person because HE knew them intimately like a father.

With that perspective I saw prayer as a an opportunity to “partner” with God in his perfect will and work.

Prayer allows us to partner with God in HIS powerful, omnipotent, omnipresent work! What a privilege! What a gift, WHAT GRACE!

Prayer is not MY work, it’s God’s work being “cheered on” by me, and you.

Who will you “partner with God” in Prayer for today?

I plan on starting with either ” I, Robot” by Issac Asimov or “Dune” by Frank Herbert

Which would you Chose?

…or do you think i should start with something else?

I am also open to suggestions….

Happy “sci-fi” New Year!

Last night, after watching a great holiday movie, I said.. “honey, they love us”… the words, and the reality of that statement shocked me. Our kids love us! Why would “the boy” love me? why does he cry when i leave the house? why does he ask for me when he wakes up? Why does he want to eat dry toast (like his daddy) when he has fresh banana and grapes on his plate? Why does he love me?

Why would “the girl” love me? why does her face light up when she looks at me? why does she hug me for hours… just because. Why does she want to dance with me? Why does she love me?

before you say.. “because they are your kids” let me remind you. that a year ago these two wonderful children didn’t even know I existed. And in less then a year, they trust me, they love me, they need me.

i didn’t earn this love. Honestly i didn’t even expect it. But none the less it came. LOVE from two little children.

Love came to me.

What a great day!

“You can accomplish anything in life, provided that you do not mind who gets the credit”- Harry S. Truman

13In him you also, when you heard^(A) the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him,^(B) were sealed with the^(C) promised Holy Spirit, 14who is^(D) the guarantee^[a] of our^(E) inheritance until^(F) we acquire^(G) possession of it,^[b](H) to the praise of his glory.

I first heard in 4 years later in 1996. I thought it was amazing. this album and others showed me Christian’s can make honest music.

This week I found a CD copy of “Dig” by adam again.

and I feel in love with it again.

the Title song is my favorite!

here are the lyrics.

Dig by Adam Again

I had big idea
I had a lazy eye
I broke the sacred seal
I told a lazy lie
I’ve had my conscience bent
I’ve had my patience tried
I’ve been up in the desert
And down by the riverside

Will the eagle try
If the sky’s untrue?
Do the faithful sigh
Because they are so few?
Remember when I cried?
Remember when you knew?
Remember that look in your eyes?
I know I do

And count the stars to measure tme
The earth is hard, the treasure fine
To the sea I’ll crawl on my knees

Feel it coming in
Feel it going out
Water covers sand
Blood covers doubt
So I begin again
Again, the healing bow
There was a time that I might have surrendered
But not now

Consult the cards to measure mine
The earth is hard, but the treasure fine
At the sea, I’ll wait on my knees

This entry is a “AUDIO” blog… Click HERE to hear the post.

thanks…