My Stewart Smalley

I recently read 2 Corinthians 10:12-13. It reads like this: "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits"

Its the tendency of many people themselves with their peers in order to be able to feels good about themselves, & in some cases, even to show off that they feel they are better than their peers. But we are not called to be measured by the successes or failures of those that have gone before us or those that are currently going along with us. Paul reminds us that it is only what God says that matters about my calling, position, and authority.

In the past I was one to compare myself to my mentors, wanting desperately to be exactly like them because I had made them my standard for success. I thank God that He has set me free from that!

This passage in 2 Corinthians is a good reminder to me that I am created in the image of a Holy God and that is more than enough. I have been made the way that I am because God wants someone like me in His Kingdom. That doesn't make me better then anyone else, but it certainly makes me special.

I am good! I have plenty to offer to help expand the Kingdom of God! And this great news goes for you too! We don't need to compare ourselves to the successes and failures of others! Let's live lives released from being afraid to be ourselves!

As Stewart Smalley (an old school Saturday Night Live character) used to say, "I'm good enough. I'm smart enough. And gosh darn it, people like me!"

That is how God feels about us! He made us, and God don't make no dummies! God believes we are good enough and smart enough to make a change in this word for the better. Let's start acting like He knows what He;s talking about!

The Choice to Rejoice

From my Devos this morning:
Acts 13:2-4 "As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, 'Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work which I have called them.' Then having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus."

Paul's first missionary journey is recounted in the two chapters of the book of Acts that follow. During this excursion Paul and Barnabas preached the word in multiple Orthodox Jewish Synagogues as well as to a large number of Gentile gatherings; they healed and led people to salvation; they were worshiped as gods; corrected said worship; ridiculed by Jewish leaders; Paul was stoned and left for dead; escaped; returned to preach the word again in the very town in which he was stoned; and ultimately returned home to rejoice over all that God had done. *Pause to breathe*

I am fairly confident that most people would consider being stoned and left for dead to be a pretty solid joy killer, yet Paul not only continued on his journey, he indignantly returned to the very same place on his return trip! Furthermore, once home he rejoiced over what God had done through him when most would have complained and focused on the negative things men had done to him; using a near death experience as an excuse to never go on another missions trip again...and I bet all his friends would have supported that decision had he made it too!

It seems to me that Paul's correct attitude, in spite of his obvious trials, came from a firm knowledge that he had been called, set apart, and led by the Holy Spirit to go, and no matter what happened to him he was going to rejoice in God's work through him!

I know that I know that I too have been called, set apart, and led by the Holy Spirit into the service of my great God. I also know that you have the exact same calling on your life; to serve and love God, and to serve and love people. As I have gone through my life making the choice to serve God I have seen how I would have avoided some pretty rough times had I chosen to do my own thing instead. But I can say this for certain, I have experienced God's work in and through me in ways I would not trade anything for. I find great joy in serving God! I rejoice in every day that I have been able to see His work though me as I know I deserve none of it.

This has been a great reminder for me today that I am indeed called, and that equal part of my service to God is to rejoice as well as 'go and do.' I am making a new commitment to increase my level of rejoicing over what God does as He uses me to expand His Kingdom. I am also committing to stop complaining about the trials. (In fact, as I am writing this I am reminded of James 1:2-5 that tells us to count it all joy when we face trials of many kinds, because they produce patience and perfect our faith.) I invite you, let me make that a stronger statement, I challenge you to make the same commitment to God. He is worthy and your rejoicing over God could be the very thing that will open the door for someone to see the joy of your salvation and want it for themselves!

In the immortal words of Thumper's Mother, "If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all."

"Storm" Written Jan. 2009

I’m sitting in the front room of my house tonight watching a storm rip down our street. I live in Arizona and its Monsoon Season so this storm will probably be over in about half an hour. But as I hear the rain and see the wind rattle and bow the large window that faces our street I can’t help but think how much I love this kind of weather.

Storms awe me. I am amazed at the cleansing ferocity. I am soothed by the anticipation of the smell that lingers when the monster moves on. A smell that tells me that life can be renewed.

As thunder growls like a beast and the light above my head flickers slightly I imagine God watching from Heaven, enjoying His creation.

Like a passionate conductor; an artist, both observing and organizing simultaneously, He reminds me of the shear force He employs. Yet with that force comes a new morning…a thing so bright and smooth, like the favorite blanket of a small child. A hope so strong you can smell it!

I love this weather.