You are currently browsing the monthly archive for September, 2008.
I would have loved to have served with Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War. Though I may not agree with some of the things that the Confederates were trying to protect, hearing stories of his ironclad faith in God amaze me.
If you don’t already know, General Stonewall Jackson got his name because when the enemy would fire on them, he would be the only one standing instead of cowering behind something. He felt that the fate of his life was in the hands of God so he didn’t need to worry.
Philippians 4:7 states that ‘the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” If we put our faith in Him, rather than the circumstances around us, we can have true peace.
At least that’s how I see it,
Craig
I lived on a dirt road outside of Ottawa when I was child. I think living in the country made me think that I could go anywhere without telling my parents seeing as it took so long to get anywhere. I knew that I could go anywhere as long as I was within an ear-shot of home. When it was time to come home, my dad would go outside and whistle three times… our code that he wanted me.
Jesus says in John 10:27 “My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me, and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost.” Jesus calls for us to follow and it becomes our choice whether or not we choose to follow it. His voice is clear and can be heard by all… we just need to listen for it.
I challenge you to open up your heart and ask Him what He’s saying to you. You’d be surprised how long He’s been calling and waiting for you to come.
At least that’s how I see it,
Craig
PS – I was at a crowded Toronto airport a couple of years ago picking up my dad after a trip to India… his three whistles still work!!!
Oh I hated standing against the wall at school as two captains chose the teams for kickball, soccer, or whatever the activity at recess was. I don’t ever remember being chosen last (of course!!!) but I always had that sinking in my gut as the last couple were picked. Nothing compares to being picked for a team only because there is no one else to pick.
But I read a different story in the Bible. I read Jesus’ words in John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.”
Wow!!! To think that the God of the universe stood there at the beginning of time and looked at me standing against ‘the wall of existence’ and said, “I pick him!” That’s a powerful feeling. And he picks you too. He calls for you to ‘join His team’ and waits for your response.
Are you going to go? Are you going to join Him on His team or say no and miss out on all that He has and desires for you? You’re standing at the wall right now. Teams are being picked. Your choice.
At least that’s how I see it.
Craig
A number of years ago I had the privilege of going on a week long golf trip with my dad. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime dreams that Dad had and we made it happen. For me, I loved the trips there and back because it gave me a chance to find out more of his upbringing (he was trapped in a car for 28 hours… it’s not like he could go anywhere).
If I had never heard the stories, there would so much of my history that I would never know. The battles, the victories, the failures, the successes; all making him, and my heritage what it is.
In the book of Deuteronomy (6:6-7), the families of Israel are instructed to make sure that their children hear the stories of what God had done. Without those stories, the children would lose sight of God’s importance in their lives.
Sometimes I wonder if we ‘tell our children’ enough of what God has done. If they never hear then they will grow up being not only unsure of His importance but not understanding how involved He wants to be in our everday lives. We need to make a point of reliving the memories and instilling them in our future.
At least that’s how I see it.
Craig
You know the story… two families living beside each other… hating each other… not really sure why nor when it all started.
Interesting story? Sure. Not relevant to us? Not so sure.
I think that there are people who often take time to nurture the ‘weeds’ in their Garden of Relationships rather than put that effort into blossoming the beautiful flowers and plants around them. It could be so much easier to resolve situations but instead they expend horrendous amounts of energy to keep the war going.
Paul tells us in the book of Romans “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone (12:18).
Did you get it? Did you notice what he said? “… as it depends on you…” It depends on YOU… Not them… It can all stop… but it depends on you.
So next time you face the war… be a Hatfield… or McCoy… and end the spat.
At least that’s how I see it,
Craig
