Afterthoughts – Forgiveness, Repentance, Empowerment

      There is an intrinsic relationship between forgiveness, repentance, and empowerment. As we each stand (grovel) before the God of the universe we will see our true place is in the grand scheme of things. We are not the measure of all things. (Protagoras. 5th C, BCE) God is.

       Some of us have a sense that we are not the Supreme Being. Others act as if they are. I’m not sure how they come to that conclusion.

       My concern here is to examine the relationship between the three ideas of forgiveness, repentence, and empowerment. Some of us believe that there is a holy God from whom we need to seek repentence; probably for the arrogant lives we’ve led. More of us do not believe there is a god anywhere to which humanity owes anything. Personally, I’d rather go with the first option just to be on the safe side.

       Oddly, when I first repented I felt as if God had already forgiven me. Going into the repentence process it felt as if God was already there ahead of me, welcoming me home. Immediately following I felt cleaner, lighter, and, of course, forgiven. My life prior to my conversion had been convoluted; phiposophy, modeling, dating, and hiding from people. [Yes, for you who know me, I was actually an introvert. Hard as that might be to believe.]

       Being empowered is yet another thing that must come from without. Money often empowers people: so does position. Approval by people you admire, or who are in authority above you also empowers us. Some of us need more kudos more than others. It’s not a weakness: it is simply a dynamic of personality and heritage.

       The greatest empowerment will come from the God who made us— Jesus Christ. It’s not just enablement. It is true empowerment. In my own life I have often asked God to help me get through something. What I should have been asking for is the power to get through it. Those of us who are tied to God through faith have access to the power of God; but we rarely tap into it. Why is that? Have we become so self-sufficient that we now prefer to depend solely on ourselves? There is only so much power in that.

       But all of us need to be empowered at some point in our lives. We do not have it all together. Be sure that your empowerment flows from the Godhead rather than from any other source. Most often, if follows repentence and forgiveness. Good places to start.

Gary

NEXT— EMPulse 12 Overbooked

Afterthoughts –  Rekindling the Fire

   In the last century there was a lot of talk about rekindling the fire. As if the flame of faith had gone out. Given the denominational wars and the liberal/conservative divisiveness a lot of the fire was directed at our fellow Christians. Yet another diversion our adversary throws in our path to keep us from being lights in the world around us.

   As some of us grow older there is a subtle dimming of our flames brought on by simple exhaustion, family responsibilities, health issues, and of being sidelined in Christian service. Granted, it is true that in Scripture the older priests in Temple service were moved to less physically demanding responsibilities. But they never stopped serving.

       In our Western culture there is a prescribed idea that when a person hits 65 they retire from the workforce. But there are some who are just hitting their stride. (Think Colonel Sanders and his Kentucky Fried Chicken.) Nonetheless, across the board, the older a person is, the more pressure there is to drop out.

       Here are some ideas on how to reignite the fire, rather than throwing in the towel.

1.      Eat right.

2.      Exercise! Start small; then go for the Olympics.

3.      Sleep right. As we age we really DO need all the 8 hours we can get.

4.      Socialize! Especially if you are an introvert.

5.      Keep your time with God percolating! Do not get stuck in a rut.

6.      Try something new. Anything! Guitar. Dance lessons. Learn a new language. (Gaelic?) Sky diving. Writing your Memoirs. (If you can remember them.)

7.      Take a course in psychology or Biblical studies. Or start an academic degree program.

8.      SERVE in your church or community. Even politics. Just get out there!

9.      Get back in the workforce in a completely different arena.

10.   Just don’t give up and become a couch potatoe.

       Much of my time is found investing in the lives of other people. Helping them discover things they haven’t thought of yet. Helping them discover who they are and God’s unique design for their life.  

       The point is that you don’t have to lay down and die just because you hit the big 65. You have a lot of life-lessons under your belt that others need to learn.

Gary

NEXT— The Shower— forgiveness, repentance, empowerment

Afterthoughts – Faith Shapes

   Ever since the ascension of Jesus Christ the forms and shapes of our faith have been affected by the surrounding culture, individuals within that culture, the extent of our knowledge of Scripture, how that knowledge was used to build theology, and even our geography. (Think John Knox in Edinburgh in the sixteenth century.) Our expressions of the faith have varied from culture to culture, continent to continent, and been refined by individual Christian leaders in each setting.

   Even today there are so many expressions of faith it is almost impossible to keep track of them all. The diversity of Christian expressions and shapes is immeasurable. The greatest diversity would probably be the Western Church expressions and the Orthodox (Eastern) expressions. (there are also numerous expressions across the South Sea Islands and Africa.) Historically, these two Eurasian forms were even at war with one another for dominance. Then there are at least 127 Protestant denominations (Europe, North/South America, Iceland, and numerous African expressions), the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox expressions; and 64 Baptist denominations. I think.

   The point is that the Christian faith comes in a myriad of expressions; and even they have evolved over 2000 years of Christian history.

   Many Protestants follow the Book of Common Prayer for a structure for their faith. Catholics use the Lectio Divina. Those we used to classify as Pentecostals are now Charismatics. And the Charismatics have been absorbed as today’s common expression of Protestant Christianity.

   So what’s next?

   Before we judge various expressions of our faith we should be planted squarely in one where God has placed us. Withhold judgement on others. Give the Holy Spirit of God time to test our spirits.

   That brings us to a question we all must ask. What shape of faith is our Lord calling you to follow? A lot of the answer may be tied to the personality He has given you. Trust that God has designed you to worship and express your faith in ways appropriate to the times, your personality, your geography, and Scripture.

   We are not all the same. We define our faith in different ways given our experiences, our relationships, our personalities, and the age in which our Lord has placed us. But we are never to express our faith in a way that is incommunicable to others.

Gary

NEXT— The Shower— rekindling the fire

Afterthoughts –  Clutter

 Years ago, when I was younger, I was more organized, even planning a year ahead, by thirds of days, color-coded by arena of operation. I was so proud of myself. But as I grew into my late 20s & early 30s I started to realize that my world was fairly small. Of course, I could plan well; I had very few responsibilities. I managed so little and did not know it.

   Then my world grew extensive as God expanded our ministry. I could barely keep track of it 

   Now, I must confess that, at 78, my world is growing smaller. Smaller.  Not so much by choice as by simply growing older. I cannot keep track of as much as I used to.

       One thing, though, has remained constant, if not expanding. CLUTTER. Stuff just does not dissipate in life. IT BREEDS. Like dust bunnies under the dresser, clutter replicates itself in exponential expansion. [“I thought I threw this out?!?” I didn’t.]

       In my previous life I was a fashion model. I like clothes. Still do. The problem is that I have grown in size since my 40s. I have a lot of clothes, which hang there and collect larger dust bunnies.

       “Houston, we have a problem.”

       After a while clutter can take over. Unless some of the buildup GOES, it will continue to breed. And breed. And breed.

       How about you attack one “room” of your life each week? Clear out those things that hold you back. Too many books, class notes from kindergarten, failed friendships, attempts at reconciliation that are dragging you down, past hurts, even past successes.

       You cannot live in your past. And you don’t want to rust on your laurels. Or rest.

       What will it take for you to move past who you were to who God has made you to be now?

       Some call it faith. Others, decisions. Whatever it is, God hasn’t told you to simply throw in the towel. Will you have difficulty discovering the new you? Sure you will. But don’t you think it’s worth it?

       Unless you are lying in a hospital bed gasping your last breath, you are not done with serving our God and the people around you. So…, get up! Get going.

       Yes, even when you don’t have the strength to do it. God is still full of surprises.  See Psalm 42.

[n.b. This is just as much a challenge to me, as it may be to you.]

Gary

NEXT— The shape of our faith

Afterthoughts – Wearing out

      We try to plan for it. Schedule breaks so we are prepared for it. But it usually just sneaks up on us. After a vigorous workout, a mentally challenging confrontation, or raising kids, we get to a point where we are simply worn out. New York traffic or the New Jersey Turnpike will do the same thing. We have all come to a point where there is just nothing left.

       We start to feel like well worn tires with very little life left in them. If any. Our life isn’t over yet, but it sure feels like it. Retreads are not the solution.

       I’ve had many times in my life where I simply could not go on. Taking a nap helps, but not always. [I’ve always had a terrible time shutting down my mind.] Why? Because the issues I face are still there, gnawing away at my heart, at my strength.

       In more recent days I’ve also deal with my old nemesis— depression. And my residual postcancer treatments also take a toll on me. Ah, the joys of aging! Ugh.

       So what can any of us do about wearing out?

       For one, keep active. I don’t mean start exercising when you retire at 65, but throughout life. The later you start, the harder it gets. Trust me.

       Get outdoors more. Sunshine, hiking in rain, overnight in a tent. All great things to do. Or, at the least, a game of tennis or round of golf. Avoid Bingo! You, know— sitting on your… .

       Grow new friendships. The old ones will stay there, or not. But new Friendships are like starting over.                                                       READ! I’ve developed quite a hunger for new ideas. My wife still loves her British murder mysteries, but, for me, ehhh, not so much. I’ll take a good cultural analysis any day.

       Spend more time listening for God to confide in you. You’re never alone. Get used to it. Our God is always just a heartbeat away. Sometimes, when you least expect it, He will ask you if you have any time for Him.

       Say yes.

       The other thing I do to keep from wearing out is to change my routine. At this stage in my life I find that “regular” is not the best for me. I feel trapped. Oh, except for going to the gym. THAT is a must M-W-F!

       Also, try new things. Ever been skydiving? Me either. But I sure wouldn’t mind. OK, too much? Try Israeli food or taking a course in geriatric personal defense. How about going for another college degree?

       On the other side— just take a rest! However you rest…, do that.

       There are so many ways to rest. Above all, stop striving! God may not be finished with you…, yet; but that doesn’t mean you have to do more.

Gary

NEXT —  CLUTTER!!!

Afterthoughts – Who am supposed to be in this stage of life?

       Throughout life we should all be asking the question—  Who am I now? But we don’t. We casually continue to go to work, drink, play, have relationships, end relationships, and start new ones. As if simply by rote or ecstatic event.

       We celebrate new birth, commemorate special occasions, mourn loss, cry, laugh, go flat. It’s just all a part of life on earth.

       Unless we are cognizant of it, we may miss that our world is changing. Likewise, we need to keep track of ourselves— that we are changing as well.

       So who are you? What are the components that go into you, being you? Now. Not what used to define you, but what defines you now?

       Erik Erikson, an American/German Psychologist, has set forth this classification—

·       Infancy·       Toddlerhood
·       Preschool years·       Early School Years
·       Adolescence·       Young Adulthood
·       Middle Adulthood·       Late Adulthood

       If (and I do mean if) you mature just a little more in each phase you will give up your earlier toys, develop new friendships, set goals, deepen relationships (& give up others), figure out who you are, change, grow a family, learn it’s not-all-about-you, and pass along what you have learned to the next generation. Admittedly, this is a very simplistic progression.

       But not all of us are aware of these phases and transitions. We know that graduating school, at whatever level, is a milestone. So is marrying. So is that big promotion or salary increase. And having children changes EVERYTHING. Still, the changes that happen around us could blind us to the changes we need to face.

       Busy lives.

       It’s so easy to get lost in life. In our work. In ourselves.

       So what are you doing to keep track of yourself? Here are some guidelines.

1.      If you set goals in life, how are you doing at completing them?

2.      Areas where you are weak— what are you doing to strengthen them?

3.      Places where you shine. How can you keep on shining and be humble about it?

4.      What kind of support team will you need next in your life?

5.      Can you admit wrong? What do you do about it?

       To move into the next (healthier) phase of your life, you will need a safe place for refreshment. What is it? Truly, God will provide one it you ask. Ask.

Gary

Next – Wearing Out

After Thoughts – Where do you feel safe?

For most of my adult life I have maintained that everyone needs a safe place, a safe activity, and a safe person as a basis for their lives. But there exceptions. Prison changes people; so does war.

       When we were children it was much simpler. We had our parents, or at least one of them, grandma, or our “Teddy.” For the most part our world was a safe place to live, learn, and be loved.

       As we grew into our teenage years it wasn’t quite the same. “Love” sometimes meant being hurt, disappointed, or betrayed. Decisions were more complicated. We didn’t have the experience to make them all that well. We made mistakes. We learned. Hopefully.

       In later years we learned we shouldn’t trust all people as naïvely or innocently as when we were younger. If there were any proof for evil in this world this is it— the loss of innocence.

       For Christians, this comes as a shock. Too often, those we looked up to, those we trusted, those we admired, turned out to be not quite as “safe” as we once thought. Betrayal in the Christian world seems far more venomous than in our secular relationships.

       It should not be this way.

       I know I’ve addressed this issue before but given the increasing violence in our culture it is time to take another look. So allow me to wrap back to our beginning.

·       Where is your safe place?

·       What is your safe activity?

·       Who is your safe person?

For a long time, my safe places have been the Galbraith lakehouse and these Colorado mountains. Both have provided a real solace for my soul. My safe activities have been working on my Volvos, and now, getting high into these beautiful mountains. I love living here. Other than my wife, Starr, I am not sure I have a safe person at the moment. Well, no. For 20 years now it would have to be my assistant Melanie. As I’ve often commented, my biggest fear in life is when Starr & Mel get together to discuss “me.”

       Jesus once said 28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [Matthew 11:28-29, NASB]

       Can any of us find anymore safety than can be found in Him? ©

Gary

NEXT— The Shower— Who am I supposed to be at this phase in my life?

After Thoughts — How do you decide what’s right & wrong?

You have to make a decision. But you can’t decide what would be a good decision and what would be a bad decision. What do you do?

       First you weigh the pros & cons of each side. What’s good for you: what’s not. What’s good for other people— that delivers the greatest good. But what if they’re even? I’d eliminate some of the lesser consequential pros or cons for a start.

       Then there are those decisions that don’t have a right or wrong. They involve the heart. You don’t want to make them. But they must be made somewhat soon. Here’s where your intuition factor comes into play. You don’t have enough data to make an adequately informed decision; yet it must be made.

       So now we move into the areas of personal track-record, of intuitive intuition, the hunch, the second-guess. Some of us have more of this, some of us, less. Ask a trusted friend to help.

       About 10-15 years ago many of the teens in our neighborhood were wearing rubber bracelets that read WWJD. What would Jesus do? Of course, our society quickly transmuted that to We want Jack Daniels. So what else is new? The point was that some people were consulting Jesus, maybe the Bible, to get some help making decisions.

       However, there is advice to be found in Proverbs 16:1-3—

To man belong the plans of the heart,

But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,

But the Lord weighs the motives.

Commit your works to the Lord,

And your plans will be established.

This poem conveys an overarching context for making decisions. First establish yourself within the perimeters of wisdom of our God. Then make your decisions.

       There is something to be said for founding your life and heart in following the precepts of our Lord that provides a framework for everything else. Not that all decisions will be easy, or have a context for consideration. But if your life is in alignment with our Creator’s precepts for living, then making a decision has walls of protection within which decisions will be undergirded with a history of other wise decisions.

Loving God; loving people… and bringing the two together! ©

Gary

NEXT— The Shower—Where do you feel safe?

After Thoughts — I Mostly Listen to Music

       In asking around what some of my friends think about in the shower I often receive I usually just listen to music & sing along. Hummm. Hadn’t quite thought of that one. Probably should consider it. John Denver? Karen Carpenter? Taylor Swift? If anything, I play Classical. Soothing as I think.

       Still, my singing does sound better in the shower. I think everybody’s does. Oh…, you’ve never tried it?

       For most of us “the shower” is a place of escape. A time to separate from our world of work; or a place to prepare for it, to organize our thoughts and approach to the day: to clear our minds of extraneous clutter. And so we smell better. I prefer to start my day with a mind clearing shower, one where I can lay the gridwork for things accomplished. My wife, on the other hand, likes to end her day with a soothing shower, drawing a close to the work of the day.

       Neither of us are right or wrong. It’s just a life pattern we have developed over the years.

       Whether you begin your day with an invigorating shower or end it with a soothing one, you need to establish a pattern that works for you. Consistency is the point. Eliminate one more thing you have to think about so you can get the important stuff done.

       When I was an undergrad I remember a chapel speaker saying There is enough time in each day for you to accomplish all of God’s will. He challenged us to examine our days to see how we were doing with that.

       The idea had never occurred to me that I had been called to participate in something much greater, much more majestic than my own picayunish plans for my day. Let alone for my life. I had to change the ways I viewed myself, my plans, and those around me.

       It wasn’t all about me.

       I still need to be reminded of that. Each day. Every day. Some days I fail miserably to make a difference. I fritter my time away with superfluous stuff.

       But there’s always tomorrow. And tonight’s shower. Or tomorrow mornings. So sing!

       And plan on!

Loving God; loving people… and bringing the two together! ©

Gary

NEXT— The Shower— How do you decide what is important?

After thoughts – What makes you…, You?

       WHAT MAKES YOU…, YOU? Let’s start with the obvious descriptors— heredity and environment. HEREDITY is what you are; conceived by your birth parents, with their genes, their propensities and personalities and proclivities. You are some of who they are, but not all.

       ENVIRONMENT, on the other hand, is what makes you you, the person are today. More specifically, it is your reactions to the experiences you have with your environment and to the people who surround you. No one is an island. Seriously.

       Some of us just accept what is happening to us with little question. Others challenge these occurrences with questions or confrontation. We do not accept the way things are. We look for better ways to accomplish the same task or overcome the same challenge. We are not intimidated by life; we attack it.

       Of course, there are many other factors that form who we are. Our economic heritage, our own financial situation. Our cultural history: that is, how much our ethnic history and socioeconomic station in life affects us. Where we attended school, prep or otherwise. Our predisposition for introversion or extroversion. When you were growing up did you prefer to read or write? Were you more into sports? Always ready to compete or challenge a goal?  

       Some of us (not me) were ready for both! I was more of an introvert.

       Then there is, what I call, “the God factor.” I believe that God has designed each of us to fulfill our role on this blue marble, third planet from our star. We are designed to make a difference, to contribute something to the successful functioning of the various people groups across the globe.

       Too many of the people on our planet live for themselves, with little-to-no interest in making a difference in our world. “Go for all the gusto you can grab!” and they do.

       For years I have endeavored to instill a sense of urgency and responsibility in those I know and have taught. I wonder how successful I have been.

       How about you? Have you made a difference?

       One day we will all stand before our Creator. Are you ready for what He will ask you? “What did you do with what I gave you?”

Loving God; loving people… and bringing the two together! ©

Gary

NEXT— The Shower— How do you decide what is right or wrong?