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IF Update - May 16, 2012 |
 I live in a world where everybody is focused on the future. Some are planning for what they will do in the future; some are preparing themselves for the evil they think is coming. On the other hand, there are many who think little of the future because they live in the past. These folks are wishing they had made better choices in the past, or they are dealing with the consequences of behavior in the past that is now impacting their lives in the present. I find few people who are truly living in the present, making the most of every decision and action today. |
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IF Update - May 9, 2012 |
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I find myself in a peaceful place this week, far away from the busyness of the city, no or little traffic, and a place where one can hear the distinctive calls of the area birds. I am quite certain that Jesus would love this kind of place. He often took himself away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds and to the mountainside or off the beaten path. I think he did this for the purpose of removing anything that might distract him from keeping in touch with the Father. It may be my mind playing tricks on me, but it seems that in this kind of setting one is able to hear the distinctive still small voice of the Lord more clearly than at other times. |
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IF Update - May 2, 2012 |
I am finding that the closer I am to the Lord, or at least think I am, the more I sense him prompting me to think about others. It seems to be true, that the lower I am in terms of my circumstances in life, the higher I am spiritually as he walks with me, and the more I can pray for others to be blessed.
As I write these words, I am drawn to that very familiar Psalm (23) where David declares the same thing. He wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (v. 4). |
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IF Update - April 25, 2012 |
Reading through 2 Corinthians 5 today (5:17 - 21), I was struck with the thought that living the Christian life is not a passive thing. It is active. This especially rang out when I considered the last part of verse 20 where Paul declares that as a result of the work of Christ on our behalf we have become those entrusted with the “ … message of reconciliation.” I know this primarily refers to the reconciling work of Christ, but it means more than this, too. It means that as we go into the world of work, home life and church life, and even during our times of leisure, we are to be reconcilers.
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IF Update - April 18, 2012 |
I was thinking this week about life. Before you think that I am losing it or getting extremely contemplative, let me explain.
It seems to me that everybody is looking for something as they go through life. Many pursue hobbies, thinking that experiencing it will bring happiness and meaning. Others take a liking for solitude, spending all of their time secluded away from people and the busyness of life. Then, there are many who are into everything, doing this or doing that — hoping that in pursuing this or that, they will have their needs met.
My observation and experience is that these kinds of things and a host of others do little more than tire a person out. They do not meet one’s deepest needs leading to a continual pursuit of more or different. |
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