22 January 2009
Catch-Up
I suppose it's about time I catch up here, eh?
Honest and sappy, first, OK?
I've been mostly F.I.N.E., but sometimes S.A.D. has kicked in over the past month.
Frustrated
Insecure
Neurotic
Emotional
Seasonal
Affective
Disorder
Both seem somewhat selfish, upon introspection, but I don't seem able to fully control either. No, I'm not professionally diagnosed w/SAD, but rain/clouds/snow/freezing combined w/'perceiving' I'm alone in this world tend to get me there quicker than bright, sunshiny days!
I hesitate to put much personal up here about Christmas, so let's just say I was in Maine for a White Christmas. Travel days were clear (weather-wise), although the ride back to the city of brotherly-shove was bumper to bumper the last three + hours! Boring and lonely, for the most part.
My immediate family (down to nephews :-]>) were all there the whole time :-[> I was. It's quite amazing to admit I missed having alone time with my parents!
We got together one day with friends from my REAL growing up days, and I LOVED it. The Spielvogels are such wonderful people, and we got to meet all the spouses. They have a great house/ camp less than two hours from my parents. I hope to get back there sometime soon!
I've been working on having a better 'work ethic' at work (say that three times, fast). Administratively I've been a lot busier this year, because of it!
Ministry at HUSA is changing hours soon... Not sure what God's doing to me, there. I just know I lose a church night, which for this single guy is 'family time.' I love my guys, though. They bless me in ways they'll never know this side of Heaven!
I'm working on pricing for re-doing my main floor at home (all wood flooring, knocking out a wall, moving cabinets and the electrical stuffs...), and then pursuing a better mortgage!
Yup. Errands, and sleep, and trying to be a friend to all takes up the rest of my time.
Jesus is mostly on the throne of my life. We're taking time together at the end of the month to fellowship and so I can learn His voice a bit better. I can hardly wait.
Well, sorry for the mellow-drama.
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: Christmas, family, FINE, HUSA, Jesus, lonley, SAD, Spielvogel
29 November 2008
Thanksgiving Spectacular, circa. 2008
The above is from "No More Stupid" - a blog I follow by Teri, a friend from the other coast.Jesus is always there for us and He orchestrates schedules, events and even dinners so that believers can minister to other believers in times of trouble and in times of celebration.
As I read her insightful entry on her family and their resemblance to the body of Christ, I was reminded that the body of Christ is my family.
Holidays have not always been happy times for me.
I recall the occasional holiday growing up when I would be 'banished' to my room for some seemingly insignificant event, causing me to miss whatever I had deemed the 'best part' of that particular holiday. Sometimes it would have been the parades, other times, the arrival of some relation or another. The perception of this young me was that celebrations would be better off without me there.
This philosophy of living carried well into my adult years; likely affecting more than 3/4's of my holidays.
Thanksgiving 2008 was likely the best holiday I've celebrated; although it didn't look like it was going to be from my earlier vantage point.
Working in E.M.S. (9-1-1) I generally go home (the parents) every other Christmas or Thanksgiving. Being scheduled naturally for Wednesday and Friday in November, I will be home for Christmas. Having Thursday off could have meant another sad holiday alone.
Enter Ryan and Nate, two of my favorite people on the planet. These brothers celebrated Turkey Day 2007 at Ryan's house, and thoroughly enjoyed it. They invited me to join them this year, and I readily agreed.
Through a series of events, as the holiday approached Nate decided to travel over the holiday, placing a small quandary in my festivity planning. As a note, I am sooo thankful that he got to head to warmer climates to spend time with a best friend of his from ages past.
The problem, was that this may mean that Ryan and Hilliary may change their plans, which of course, would change mine (you recall, don't you, that it really is all about me). But 'Jesus is always there for us. He orchestrates schedules, events and dinners so that believers can minister to other believers in times of trouble, and in times of celebration.' Isaiah said 'but the Lord is mindful of His own... He remembers His children.' Either way, I'm blessed.
I had resolved to celebrate the day with Jesus, even if other opportunities had NOT arisen.
The confirmation came and the Holiday arrived. Communion Thanksgiving Eve was great. Pastor's Brian and Carlos led a great evening, w/Pastor Joe speaking. Slept in Thursday morning.
Arrived at R&H's and hung w/them and the babies. Watched 'Star Wars: Clone Wars' then more of Hill's fam arrived. They were very pleasant and relaxed. Appetizers, drinks and fun ensued and led through a lunch that would easily compete w/Mom's (sorry, Mom, but Hilliary did a wonderful job...). More of Ry's family arrived for 'desert' and hanging out.
Well after dark the place began to thin out again and the hilarious comedy "Kung Fu Panda" aired on the DVD/TV. I don't know when I've enjoyed a movie so much. The lowest note was the last movie of the night, "Tropic Thunder" which I can't even say was laced with swearing. That was the main focal point, methinks. At any rate, I love Ryan and Hilliary so much the more and am thankful to be a part of their family. Brother Nate was missed, but made an appearance via photo/text messaging that brought a good laugh.
I can hardly wait for the Wedding Feast coming up soon. I'm sure to sit near Nate and R&H and so many of you. The food will be beyond comparison, the atmosphere clean and blessed, the building (which I might add, has been in the works for a couple thousand years) beyond compare! And the Groom: I can only imagine. The spouse of our dreams to spend eternity with.
Thank you Jesus, for a incredible day.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus,
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: family, fellowship, food, God, Hilliary, Holiday, Jesus, Kung Fu panda, Nate, Ryan, Star Wars, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving 2008, Tropic Thunder, Wedding Feast
05 November 2008
Prophets
I'm doing a quick run through the Bible, looking for Prophets. I don't recall many popular ones... Most brought an uncomfortable conviction to most... Many were shunned by their people in addition to those to whom they prophesied...
It appears God establishes the 'office' of Prophet in Deuteronomy (13 & 18). Before this time it appears Moses and Aaron were the only prophets (God Himself excluded for this exercise). The people seemed to love Aaron, but he gave them a cow to worship. Moses the people hated one minute ('why have you brought us out here to die' 'where are the onions?') and loved at other times ('speak to God on our behalf and we will do all that you say').
Let's see:
Nathan the Prophet: condemned David for Uzziah's murder and David's adultery--uncomfortable.
Ahijah the Prophet: told King Jeroboam the nation would be split 10:2 -- uncomfortable.
I Kings UnNamed Prophet: Prophet One delivered uncomfortable message and headed home as directed by the Lord; Prophet Two stops him, says a message from the Lord, which gets Prophet One killed after doing the comfortable thing (not sure if second Prophet was of the Lord, or not).
Ahijah the Prophet: You gonna die. -- uncomfortable.
Jehu the Prophet: Prophesied against all the evil in the sight of the Lord! -- uncomfortable.
Ba'al's Prophets: People loved them -- comfortable.
Elijah the Prophet: Repent and return to the Lord! People tried to kill him -- uncomfortable.
Isaiah the Prophet: Set your house in order... you gonna die. -- uncomfortable.
and of course, Jesus said that Prophets are rejected... as He was.
OK, so then there are the prophets that prophesied good things, which were not true, but made people feel good about themselves... oh king the Lord is with thee, go to battle... at which point the other King asked if there were any other Prophets to consult and the unpopular one with the unpopular message was thrown into prison and put on bread and water until his prophecy 'did not come true?!!!' Remarkable.
Change is coming to America. I'm not a prophet in the Biblical sense of the word, but America as we have known it will change. I think people will like it and for a season they will feel good about themselves and the nation and socialized health care and poor getting money and those mean old rich people getting their due and... on and on.
People are comfortable, hearing things that tickle the ear.
Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah will be coming back soon. When He arrives, will He find faith on earth? Let's spread the uncomfortable message that God loves people and Christ died for people and the Holy Spirit is still in the life-saving, life-changing business.
Revival is the change we need. Repentance is the change we need.
Repentance that leads to heart change. We can't legislate morality, and obviously that won't happen any time soon, anyway.
God, who cannot lie, promised that if His people, who are called by His Name, would:
--humble OURselves
--pray
--seek His face
--turn from our wicked ways (that's still to us, believers!)
THAN
--He will hear from heaven
--He will forgive our sin
--He will heal our land
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Blessings!
a humbled ChaplainChas.
Labels: Abijah, Ahijah, America, change, False Prophet, Isaiah, Jesus, legislate morality, Nathan, Prophet, repent, revival, Uzziah
25 October 2008
Rental
This morning I drove to work in a rental. My car was not available. I think the AAA tow service garage is going to plunder and pillage my bank account just to fix the brakes (and whatever-else they deem necessary). They say it'll be done Monday morning.
You see, yesterday I was headed to the last regular season soccer game for TCAGirlsSoccer (as mentioned in other posts) down in Egg Harbor Twshp. I almost always leave plenty of time for interruptions so I was making good time down Street Road when something fell off my car and the brakes decided not to work. I eased into the 'emergency' lane and slowed to a stop. Thinking that wasn't the best place to be I drove around the corner (slowly) into a parking lot, and called TRIPLE A.
Within 15" my car was being towed to their place (about 2:15 PM on a Friday), which apparently doesn't do any work Friday afternoons (they wouldn't look at it, believing they knew the problem and would not schedule an 'appointment only' slot on Saturday. Sooooooooo, Monday morning. I pray it's not too expensive and that they do better work (as personality is not their forte).
Enter rental company. I'm driving a Toyota SUV which I can't even tell if it has a brand name, but runs nicely (although takes a LOT of fuel)... and got me to the soccer game about 15 minutes late (about 1 3/4 hours from my place).
Got in some fellowship time with Coach (which is why I went in the first place) and returned home.
Getting ready for work this AM I realized my work boots, work keys and pager are all in my car, not near my home and the opposite direction of work and church. Sigh.
Chatted with a co-worker about yesterday's funeral (former co-worker), and voila, here I am.
I'm so glad God knows what He's doing! Perhaps someday I'll find out. For now I'll just rest in His arms of grace, swimming in the ocean of His love, abiding in Him. Praise God, I actually can pay the bill when it comes. I guess God had different plans for that money.
That's a post for another time.
Thanks for reading!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: AAA, Boz, brakes, car, funeral, Jesus, money, ocean, rental, soccer
20 October 2008
Of Life and Death
Sunday evening I helped out in Manhattan at the NYC Harvest '08 w/Greg Laurie (Madison Square Gardens). All the tickets were sold and some 13,000 men, women and children attended. Over a thousand registered decisions for Christ Jesus.
It was so awesome. Pastor Greg spoke of the death of his son, Christopher Laurie, in a MVC this past July, commenting that Christopher is now in Heaven. He knows this because Christopher believed the Bible's promise that if on confesses their sins to God, and accepts God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life (through Jesus Christ, His Son) they SHALL be saved.
Christopher didn't, and those 1,300+ won't be going to heaven because of who they are. Christopher doesn't get in because his Dad's a Pastor (I don't read anywhere in Scripture, or other writings where God has Grandchildren). Those making decisions to live for Jesus the remainder of their time on earth, and into eternity will get to spend it with the Master of the Universe because of what Jesus did on the cross, not because of anything they have done.
Shortly after Pastor Greg began his message I received a text message advising that a co-worker (age 39) died of a massive heart attack just a couple hours prior. I finished what I was doing with the Crusade and was amazed at the contrast. Even as a friend passed on from physical life to physical death, a thousand people passed from eternal death to eternal life!
The contrast was stark, and amazing. The reminders of Christopher Laurie (Traumatic Death) and Boz (Medical Death) and then the redemption of all those people who are now spiritually ready to pass from physical life to spiritual eternal life with Jesus.
We are not guaranteed our next breath. I am not quite Boz' age, and I'm a little older than Christopher. Whenever God decides I've accomplished His will for me here on earth He will call me home to Heaven. I am ready. I've accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. He's my friend, my King and my God.
Do you know Him? Do you want to? (Follow this link for "How to Know God")
Jesus is ready for relationship with you, just call Him!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: Boz, Christopher Laurie, death, eternal damnation, eternal life, God, Harvest, Harvest Crusade, How to Know God, Jesus, life
10 October 2008
I love You more
Today I felt my life change in a movie theatre.
God was there, and He met me in a radical, powerful way.
The words that changed my life, my worldview, were written on a card, leaning against a vase of roses. A computer had previously occupied that space.
I had heard the words before. I have spoken, and likely written the words before. They are not scripture, although the thought is scriptural.
The card? It read simply: "I love you more"
The implication? More than boats or thrills or pornography or relationships; more than the esteem of men, or money or security (real or perceived) or religion or lustful pleasures; more than fortune or fame or life itself.
I love you more.
Jesus, I love You more.
This means I admit to loving the things of the world, but I love You more, and trust my love of these will fade as I love You more.
This means I acknowledge that You have demonstrated Your own love for me in that though I was a sinner, You loved me! You gave Your life for me! (Romans 5:8)
This means I acknowledge I've been trying to do it on my own.
No more.
NO MORE. I love You more!
An hour later, writing this at the Chic-Fil-A, I love You more.
Three hours later, typing this onto my blog, I love You more!
Fantasy creeps into the periphery of my mind. My lust for simple pleasures or complex experiences pale in comparison to You.
No more buying people's friendships.
No more gawking after Your creations, Your creatures, Your image-bearers.
I will bear Your image better.
I love You more.
Labels: acknowledge, admit, fantasy, fireproof, i love you more, Jesus, Romans, sin
27 September 2008
Relaxed
Today was a workday to be relaxed at!
BAAM.
How do you like THAT grammar?
26 September 2008
movies
I find myself nauseous, still.
A movie with a married couple and an unmarried couple in a four-way-ish adulterous relationship complete w/homosexuality, crude language and mild sex scenes reminded me last night why I don't have a television.
It was so 1980's in my mind and I am saddened that others found it so enjoyable.
I just needed to run into the arms of Jesus and worship as I processed on the hour drive home. I am so glad that He forgives foolish mistakes, and cleanses me with His blood, and loves me.
Sigh.
I have, frankly, still been reeling a bit in the immaturity of it all.
Lord Jesus, I desperately need You! I want You. I need relationship with You to be fuller and fuller and more complete! I want to see the world through Your eyes, and offer Your love and grace and mercy and anger and... Would You please teach me? I ask for You to fill me with your Spirit. I ask You to conform/ transform/ renew/ revive and awake Your Truth and Your Spirit within me.
Help me to love like You love and WITH Your love.
Thanks, and Amen.
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: adultery, homosexuality, Jesus, movies, prayer, relationship
18 September 2008
Romans and Latte
This turned out to be a great move, as I got great latte and a fruit salad. I also got to sit and not have everyone who walked into the place chat w/me since everybody seems to know my name at SRC (which is usually great). Today, I needed to know God knew my name.
Here are some notes from the apostle Paul. I won't try to list all the verses, but know they come from ROMANS 5, 6, 7 or 8, from the English Standard Version of the Bible.
So... Thank You. I got to read this and be blessed. I then got to read this again as I typed it out for you! I got blessed again!Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... We have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand... At the right time Christ died for the ungodly... while we were still sinners...We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the... life He lives He lives to God... Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus... Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness... Present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification... Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Nothing good dwells... in my flesh. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! ...I myself serve the law of God with my mind...There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh (but according to the Spirit)... He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk... according to the Spirit... Those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ...to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. You... are... in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you... If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He... will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
And now, methinks I'll move on to the Old Testament, for my trek through the entire Bible, as my spirit has been lifted.
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: Christ, Holy Spirit, Jesus, latte, Romans, sanctification, SRC, True Brew
11 September 2008
September 11th, 7 years later
Thirty times. I had to fill out a form for the department of health for NYC and the answer I came up with was close to thirty times.
Every six months or less, I get reminders in the mail from NYC of the best worst year of my life. They update us on health for the registry, of all those who served or lived on or near GROUND ZERO, or the MORGUE, or the DUMP... I forget the name of the island... fish something.
In early November of 2001 I spent a week on Manhattan Island with my church. It was my first official soiree as a Chaplain. I wore my dress blues to Memorial Services/ Funerals of Fire Fighters and Police Officers. Over the year I would attend more of these than the rest of my life, combined.
We took day trips and took over night trips. Our teams fed food to the workers at Ground Zero, walked the perimeter giving coffee or hot chocolate and snacks to the PD guarding the site, ministered to families and workers at the Morgue...
I remember a business man in a suit sitting on a statue's base, telling his story of the day Hell came to Manhattan. We cried together and I prayed for him. I spent some time with a particular police man, making sure to visit from time to time, and getting Bibles to him ('God's Word for Peace Officers').
A restaurant nearby was closed to the public, and opened for the workers at Ground Zero, as well as firemen and police. It was a safe haven where we served by cutting up vegetables, lugging boxes, serving the men and women, and praying with them as needed.
Mission NYC, Harvest Christian Fellowship, Calvary Chapel, Samaritan's Purse, Billy Graham Prayer Center, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Salvation Army, Southern Baptist's... We worked alongside them all.
Some days or nights we'd just walk around as tourists. We'd approach the sad and share hope. I have no idea how many we prayed with. Most, for sure.
There's more, but I'm distracted. There's more, but there's life. There's more, but Jesus will need to bring it out. There's more, but not now.
Because of Who HE is,
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: Ground Zero, Jesus, Morgue, never forget, remember, Sept 11
01 August 2008
A Tale of two Firebirds
Lord have mercy! Jesus must be coming back soon because I'm about to talk for a whole blog post about CARS!
I think my standards may be a little high.
I value friendships, a lot. I hate betrayal, I detest divorce, and I have a sensitive side that is more than half of my personality. I realized a while back that emotional dependency is not just a female issue. I work hard at not growing dependent on anyone but Jesus. He is, after all, my reason for living. He loved me enough to get a whole book written for me to find Him in, and got a whole bunch of people into my life to show me He can really effect change in human lives.
I guess I say all that to say this. I know two brothers that God has raised up and placed into my life who are meeting my standard. Ryan and Nate. Over time I'm sure you'll hear more, but for now I'm sitting on a deck w/Nate, as we wait for today's appointment to purchase a 1990 Firebird (similar to the above picture, but all black w/T-Tops). This is one of God's blessings upon my friend.
A while back his 1992 Firebird was totaled. God miraculously provided this one to meet several needs of this up-and-coming musician. Oh, well the rest is Nate's story, not mine. Not that I can't tell his story, but I don't feel I should at the moment.
At any rate, I get to hang out with my friend and watch God bless his life. Aren't cars grand?
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
I think my standards may be a little high.
I value friendships, a lot. I hate betrayal, I detest divorce, and I have a sensitive side that is more than half of my personality. I realized a while back that emotional dependency is not just a female issue. I work hard at not growing dependent on anyone but Jesus. He is, after all, my reason for living. He loved me enough to get a whole book written for me to find Him in, and got a whole bunch of people into my life to show me He can really effect change in human lives.
I guess I say all that to say this. I know two brothers that God has raised up and placed into my life who are meeting my standard. Ryan and Nate. Over time I'm sure you'll hear more, but for now I'm sitting on a deck w/Nate, as we wait for today's appointment to purchase a 1990 Firebird (similar to the above picture, but all black w/T-Tops). This is one of God's blessings upon my friend.
A while back his 1992 Firebird was totaled. God miraculously provided this one to meet several needs of this up-and-coming musician. Oh, well the rest is Nate's story, not mine. Not that I can't tell his story, but I don't feel I should at the moment.
At any rate, I get to hang out with my friend and watch God bless his life. Aren't cars grand?
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: cars, divorce, emotional dependency, firebird, friend, friends, Jackson, Jesus, Nate, Ryan
13 July 2008
Your Name
"Jesus in Your Name we pray,
Come and fill our hearts today...
As morning dawns and evening fades,
You inspire songs of praise...
Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name..."
Sitting here at Charbucks for my regular Sunday afternoon catchup online and reading. They actually have some bizarre stuff on the radio so I'm listening to the practice CD (well, iTunes) for CCQ and 'Your Name' is very inspirational (by Paul Baloche(sp).
There's healing and salvation and comfort and joy in the Name that is above all Names, the name of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Most High God! I KNOW! It makes no sense to one who does not have the Spirit of the Living God inside; but that doesn't negate the FACT that it's true!
I misplaced my sWord for a bit of time this week. Ended up buying a pocket dagger for the Conference, since I won't be back to HARVEST USA until after the conference (that's where I left it). It's taking getting used to, and I prolly won't be writing any notes in it! Red letters, onion skin type paper, leather (smelling) bound! Almost like a real Bible!
I LOVE reading biographies. Maybe that's why I like the Old Testament so much. Anyway, I'm reading Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret and am reminded again of the Exchanged Life. I'll have to put a bit in here about that sometime. Better yet, get the book.
Ending for now,
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
PS: Last day of work spent about 45 minutes discussing Jesus and religion with three other crewmen... Pray for new life!
Labels: Bible, Conference, Jesus, Starbucks, sWord, Your Name
10 July 2008
Learning to Breathe
God has taken me through some pretty interesting places in life. Perhaps some day I'll share some of them here, but I'll just let that hang out there.
I've found myself stating more and more frequently that I 'hate my job. My full time job, that is, working as a Paramedic. The most frequent response I get to that statement is to the effect of:
Blah, blah, blah, get a grip, blah, blah, blah.
My part time job is better. I get frustrated on occasion, but that's only natural, isn't it? Overall I love it, am useful, am appreciated, am growing, am learning... I help broken people learn to breathe again, especially in certain areas of their lives. I am not a counselor. I am a discipler.
:::Dramatic Pause:::
I want my own Coffe Shop and Bookstore.
Don't know where that came from.
:::Extended Dramatic Pause:::
Well, I guess I need to go spend some time with Jesus!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
I've found myself stating more and more frequently that I 'hate my job. My full time job, that is, working as a Paramedic. The most frequent response I get to that statement is to the effect of:
Why on earth would you hate that? You get to help people who need you!
Blah, blah, blah, get a grip, blah, blah, blah.
My part time job is better. I get frustrated on occasion, but that's only natural, isn't it? Overall I love it, am useful, am appreciated, am growing, am learning... I help broken people learn to breathe again, especially in certain areas of their lives. I am not a counselor. I am a discipler.
:::Dramatic Pause:::
I want my own Coffe Shop and Bookstore.
Don't know where that came from.
:::Extended Dramatic Pause:::
Well, I guess I need to go spend some time with Jesus!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: blah, Bookstore, Coffee Shop, God, hate, Jesus, job, learn to breathe
19 June 2008
The Happenings
Last night I 'cut' church. It was the mid-week Bible Study. It was a pleasant sprinkley-rainy sort of evening when I got home from work. The sun was shining and I felt like singing in the rain.
The day at work had been pleasant, only two calls. Saved the first guys life (drastically low blood sugar) and took a thankful old man and his wife to the emergency room after their car was hit by a tractor-trailer. They'll live to see another bingo game.
Although the weather has been a scosh (read: bit, or tad bit) bizarre, I'm so thankful the humidity is down. High pressure systems hitting low pressure systems which are cooler or warmer than the other reminds me a bit of spiritual warfare, a more likely cause for the happenings in my mind.
Yesterday I spent a couple hours with a long time friend who claims to be a Christian who does not believe that Jesus is God.
...silent pause... ...pregnant pause...
Yes, he's not a lukewarm Christian with high pressure systems crashing across his world and he's not in a low pressure system, either. He's never claimed a personal relationship with Jesus but now feels he must be a Christian even though Jesus was clearly not a lunatic or a liar, but is definitely NOT Lord. He was a prophet like Buddha or Mohammed my friend says, any of which lead you to heaven.
I thought it was bad that friends were away on extended trips, others away on missions trips, friends had loved ones committing suicide, busy busy busy days at work, hot humid weather, gas prices on the rise... but now Jesus doesn't have to be anything to be enough?
My friend realized he was being the hypocrite he accused others of being. He did not claim Jesus as his Lord, yet, but has agreed to read the Bible all the while stating that he's open to God revealing truth to him.
Let's see what THAT does to this every-type-of-pressure system!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
The day at work had been pleasant, only two calls. Saved the first guys life (drastically low blood sugar) and took a thankful old man and his wife to the emergency room after their car was hit by a tractor-trailer. They'll live to see another bingo game.
Although the weather has been a scosh (read: bit, or tad bit) bizarre, I'm so thankful the humidity is down. High pressure systems hitting low pressure systems which are cooler or warmer than the other reminds me a bit of spiritual warfare, a more likely cause for the happenings in my mind.
Yesterday I spent a couple hours with a long time friend who claims to be a Christian who does not believe that Jesus is God.
...silent pause... ...pregnant pause...
Yes, he's not a lukewarm Christian with high pressure systems crashing across his world and he's not in a low pressure system, either. He's never claimed a personal relationship with Jesus but now feels he must be a Christian even though Jesus was clearly not a lunatic or a liar, but is definitely NOT Lord. He was a prophet like Buddha or Mohammed my friend says, any of which lead you to heaven.
I thought it was bad that friends were away on extended trips, others away on missions trips, friends had loved ones committing suicide, busy busy busy days at work, hot humid weather, gas prices on the rise... but now Jesus doesn't have to be anything to be enough?
My friend realized he was being the hypocrite he accused others of being. He did not claim Jesus as his Lord, yet, but has agreed to read the Bible all the while stating that he's open to God revealing truth to him.
Let's see what THAT does to this every-type-of-pressure system!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: christian, Emergent Church, Jesus, the happening, weather
05 February 2008
Pride & Self-Pity
Today I spent several minutes (at the recommendation of a friend) giving God the things in my life that bother me.
My intention when sitting down to write was to list them here, but I think now that that would just be taking them back and being able to dwell on them at a later time. This certainly would NOT be glorifying to God.
My intention is to glorify God in all thinge, everywhere, and in all seasons. By seasons I mean times of life; good times, bad times, at home, at work, during ministry, blah, blah, blah.
Today I am thankful for the cross. I am thankful for the sufferings of Jesus Christ Who even on the cross was able to 'worship?' by crying out "My God" as He addressed His Father in Heaven, even perhaps as His separation from Him was Hell. It certainly was a first. Who was it, Martin Luther that said, "God, forsaken of God; who can know it?"
Lord, energize and enlighten me to desire time in Your Word more than even sleep. You are my strength. I believe it.
Wanting to love Him more,
ChaplainChas.
My intention when sitting down to write was to list them here, but I think now that that would just be taking them back and being able to dwell on them at a later time. This certainly would NOT be glorifying to God.
My intention is to glorify God in all thinge, everywhere, and in all seasons. By seasons I mean times of life; good times, bad times, at home, at work, during ministry, blah, blah, blah.
Today I am thankful for the cross. I am thankful for the sufferings of Jesus Christ Who even on the cross was able to 'worship?' by crying out "My God" as He addressed His Father in Heaven, even perhaps as His separation from Him was Hell. It certainly was a first. Who was it, Martin Luther that said, "God, forsaken of God; who can know it?"
Lord, energize and enlighten me to desire time in Your Word more than even sleep. You are my strength. I believe it.
Wanting to love Him more,
ChaplainChas.
Labels: Jesus, Luther, pity, pride, self, self pity, sleep
23 January 2008
Heath Ledger
Today the death of 28 year old Heath Ledger, of "Brokeback Mountain" fame, is all over the news. I believe he leaves behind a widow and child (papers say never married). How sad.
The media is playing it up as an overdose, possibly a suicide according to the radio. I trust this is not the case (intentional suicide, at any rate). Although I've been there.
No, I've never been attractive, rich, married, popular, or attained super hero status; but I've been suicidal. Thinking about it brings me back to my college days as an emotionally dependent pathological liar. I had no grasp of the sufficiency of Jesus Christ in those days.
How sad it would be if his sleeping pills interacted with other medications and the influenza (pneumonia?) sped up some meds and slowed down the efficiency of others. This happens.
I further mourn for his wife, parents, kid(s) and friends. Heath was not just an actor in Hollywood, you know. He must have been a family man with household chores and financial concerns and temptations and struggles like the rest of humanity. The pictures on MSNBC show him happy with the family, but he is after all an actor. I hope they have good memories, and that their last days together were not overly stressful.
I'd love to hear them reminice.
I didn't know the man. I don't know the family. I saw him in "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson, and "A Knight's Tale" where he did a fine job, and on ads for Brokeback, although I've never seen the movie. I'd like to speak with him. I know, too late for that.
Intentional or accidental, Heath is now in his final resting place; I'm speaking spiritually, as his body hasn't even been released to the family to the best of my knowledge.
I don't know the spiritual beliefs of the Ledger family, but I pray for Michelle and Matilda Rose, and his other relations. This I call to mind, and in this I find my hope: Because of the Lord's great love for me, I am not consumed. His mercies are new every morning. The Lord is my strength and my portion. Therefore, I can say unto my Lord, "Great is Your faithfullness, my Jesus, my Rock, and my Salvation."
I know that regardless of whether or not Heath Ledger is in Heaven or Hell for eternity (yes, I said the "H" word), He would want it shared that John 14 is true. Jesus is the Son of God, who has gone to prepare a place (Heaven) for those who accept and believe He is the way, the truth, and the life; and that no one can get to the Father (for eternity, in Heaven) but through Him (Jesus).
Jesus also promised He would not leave His people comfortless when He ascended to Heaven, but instead would provide a Comfortor for us who believe.
John 3:16 states that God loved the world so much, that He sent His one and only Son, that if anyone (Heath, Chas., Matilda, Michelle...) would believe in Him, they would not die an eternally painful separation from God, but would have everlasting life rejoicing in the presence of the God above all gods.
...I know this is random, and probably not publish-worthy, but it is where my mind is for now.
Your Random Friend,
ChaplainChas.
The media is playing it up as an overdose, possibly a suicide according to the radio. I trust this is not the case (intentional suicide, at any rate). Although I've been there.
No, I've never been attractive, rich, married, popular, or attained super hero status; but I've been suicidal. Thinking about it brings me back to my college days as an emotionally dependent pathological liar. I had no grasp of the sufficiency of Jesus Christ in those days.
How sad it would be if his sleeping pills interacted with other medications and the influenza (pneumonia?) sped up some meds and slowed down the efficiency of others. This happens.
I further mourn for his wife, parents, kid(s) and friends. Heath was not just an actor in Hollywood, you know. He must have been a family man with household chores and financial concerns and temptations and struggles like the rest of humanity. The pictures on MSNBC show him happy with the family, but he is after all an actor. I hope they have good memories, and that their last days together were not overly stressful.
I'd love to hear them reminice.
I didn't know the man. I don't know the family. I saw him in "The Patriot" with Mel Gibson, and "A Knight's Tale" where he did a fine job, and on ads for Brokeback, although I've never seen the movie. I'd like to speak with him. I know, too late for that.
Intentional or accidental, Heath is now in his final resting place; I'm speaking spiritually, as his body hasn't even been released to the family to the best of my knowledge.
I don't know the spiritual beliefs of the Ledger family, but I pray for Michelle and Matilda Rose, and his other relations. This I call to mind, and in this I find my hope: Because of the Lord's great love for me, I am not consumed. His mercies are new every morning. The Lord is my strength and my portion. Therefore, I can say unto my Lord, "Great is Your faithfullness, my Jesus, my Rock, and my Salvation."
I know that regardless of whether or not Heath Ledger is in Heaven or Hell for eternity (yes, I said the "H" word), He would want it shared that John 14 is true. Jesus is the Son of God, who has gone to prepare a place (Heaven) for those who accept and believe He is the way, the truth, and the life; and that no one can get to the Father (for eternity, in Heaven) but through Him (Jesus).
Jesus also promised He would not leave His people comfortless when He ascended to Heaven, but instead would provide a Comfortor for us who believe.
John 3:16 states that God loved the world so much, that He sent His one and only Son, that if anyone (Heath, Chas., Matilda, Michelle...) would believe in Him, they would not die an eternally painful separation from God, but would have everlasting life rejoicing in the presence of the God above all gods.
...I know this is random, and probably not publish-worthy, but it is where my mind is for now.
Your Random Friend,
ChaplainChas.
Labels: brokeback, Brokeback Mountain, comfort, eternity, Heath, Heath Ledger, Jesus, John, Ledger, random, suicide
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
