Monday, September 13, 2010
Feelings. I think that’s probably one of the biggest differences in childhood and adulthood. Feelings. When you’re a child, one trait of the immaturity of such a young age is the fact that so much of what you do is driven by those feelings. How many times do we hear a small child say to his parents, “But I don’t want to…” “But I don’t feel like it…” I remember those mornings when I would wake up and try to put together a good plan to get to stay home from school because I didn’t feel like going. Usually it failed, though. Turns out, my parents could see through my feelings.
This morning I’m thinking about this, because when I woke up at 5am, my feelings were telling me to stay in bed. The alarm was screaming at me (both of them), but my feelings were saying, “NO! Not yet! You’re not done with your dreaming! Just stay here! Call in sick for the bus route…get a sub. You need some more sleep!” Those were my feelings, and had I bowed down to them as I did so often as an immature child, I’d still be in bed right now and a substitute bus driver would be getting ready to pick up my kids. And in a couple hours I’d be very regretful of that decision.
But instead, I put my feelings on the shelf. It just didn’t matter how I “felt”…the fact of the matter is, I have to get up at 5am, I have to go drive the bus, I have to get some things accomplished today at the church, and that’s the way it is. And undoubtedly, many of you reading this understand that reality on a Monday morning, don’t you? So all this talk of feelings drove my mind to another reality…how many of us let feelings drive our relationship with God into the ditch?
There are, no doubt, days when we don’t feel like praying. There are days when we don’t feel like cracking open God’s Word and reading. There are definitely days when we don’t feel like sharing Him with folks that don’t know Him yet. There are days we just don’t feel up to worshiping. And there are Sundays or Wednesdays that we don’t really feel like going to church. But just as is the case with the other areas of life, it’s in those times that we have to put our feelings on the shelf. It’s in those times that we have to ask ourselves, “Am I an immature child in my faith, or am I growing up in Him? Will who I am in Him be determined by what I feel, or by my obedience?”
So there’s the paradigm: feelings or obedience? Which will you choose today? As for me, I’ll sign off here, go jump on the big yellow joy-ride called a school bus, and fulfill my other responsibilities today, after having started my day, and week, off strong with Him in His Word. And though I didn’t feel like it at the moment, I have to admit – in hindsight it sure feels great to have chosen obedience.
PS: Please pray for Jake today. It appears they'll begin to wean him off the meds that have kept him sedated since the accident. Pray he wakes up like he needs to. God is working!!!
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Remember?
Friday, September 10, 2010
Do you remember? It will be 9 years ago tomorrow. September 11th, 2001. That date will never be the same for me. I remember where I was when news came of the first plane flying into Tower 1. And I remember where I was when I watched the second plane fly into Tower 2, live. I remember the emotions. I can still taste the uncertainty and, honestly, fear, in my mouth. It was a scary day. It was a tragic day. Do you remember?
Fast forward 9 years. The date is September 10th, 2010. Debates are waging over the merit of the war we’re fighting. Fighting in Washington has grown to all time levels, and, as with any election year, ads on TV bashing political candidates are on constantly. The biggest concern to most, it seems, is whether there is a “D” or an “R” next to the name on the ballot in a couple months. But do we remember?
There were no democrats or republicans on that day. There wasn’t any fighting over who should get credit for tough decisions. We were simply Americans. All of us. Red and yellow, black and white. Regardless of our background, regardless of our upbringing. We were proudly united under the banner of the red, white and blue. I remember seeing Old Glory flying everywhere and having tears come to my eyes each and every time I saw her. Do you remember?
So tomorrow, fly your flag. Get emotional when you see her waving in the breeze. Thank a soldier for their immense sacrifice. Place your hand over your heart and pledge your allegiance to the flag. And remember. Remember that on that ever so tragic day, God comforted us, strengthened us, and gave us the resolve to stand together against a common enemy. Remember. God bless the USA.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Do you remember? It will be 9 years ago tomorrow. September 11th, 2001. That date will never be the same for me. I remember where I was when news came of the first plane flying into Tower 1. And I remember where I was when I watched the second plane fly into Tower 2, live. I remember the emotions. I can still taste the uncertainty and, honestly, fear, in my mouth. It was a scary day. It was a tragic day. Do you remember?
Fast forward 9 years. The date is September 10th, 2010. Debates are waging over the merit of the war we’re fighting. Fighting in Washington has grown to all time levels, and, as with any election year, ads on TV bashing political candidates are on constantly. The biggest concern to most, it seems, is whether there is a “D” or an “R” next to the name on the ballot in a couple months. But do we remember?
There were no democrats or republicans on that day. There wasn’t any fighting over who should get credit for tough decisions. We were simply Americans. All of us. Red and yellow, black and white. Regardless of our background, regardless of our upbringing. We were proudly united under the banner of the red, white and blue. I remember seeing Old Glory flying everywhere and having tears come to my eyes each and every time I saw her. Do you remember?
So tomorrow, fly your flag. Get emotional when you see her waving in the breeze. Thank a soldier for their immense sacrifice. Place your hand over your heart and pledge your allegiance to the flag. And remember. Remember that on that ever so tragic day, God comforted us, strengthened us, and gave us the resolve to stand together against a common enemy. Remember. God bless the USA.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Just shocking!
Thursday, September 09, 2010
“Well, that’s a shocker!” Have you ever heard some unexpected revelation about someone you know or know of, and responded with that? For some reason when someone falls short of perfection and we hear of it, it knocks us off our feet, especially if we hold them in high regard. We tend to put certain people on a high pedestal, don’t we? In our lives, we seem to think there are some people that are, I don’t know, above failure. But should it really shock us when a sin sick humanity messes up?
Oh, to the contrary. I actually think it should be quite the opposite. When someone does something innately good we should probably be impressed. Truth be told, that’s a lot less common than failure and fallings. When someone helps someone in need, we should be pleasantly surprised. When someone goes and visits someone in the hospital, we should be caught a little off guard. When someone shares a kind word with you on a particularly bad day, it should make us stop and think. Before you start typing up an email of disdain for what I’m saying, just think about it.
When we get shocked by some failure and misstep of someone, what do we do? Although it’s wrong and we should be ashamed, more times than not most folks talk about it. After all, it’s a worthy conversation topic, or so we think. We hold that person up, above a sin nature, or so it seems. So when they fall down, it gets our attention. We don’t expect that. But when it’s all said and done, we are a fallen race. Humanity isn’t naturally good, as so many today want us to believe. We’re naturally bad – naturally sinners – naturally screw ups. So when someone does what comes natural to them, should it shock us?
But when someone does something different, something good, something righteous, well, that’s swimming upstream. That’s going against the flow. That’s doing something supernatural by supernatural, God-given power, and that means they have done something shocking. Why shouldn’t we talk about that? Why shouldn’t that be a worthy topic of conversation? Example: when a pastor falls, everyone, and I mean, everyone, talks about it, don’t they? But if that same pastor went every day of that week to visit someone in the hospital, or nursing home, or that was shut in their home, do we give that the same attention? Pretty sure we all know the answer.
They say good news doesn’t sale. Well, believers, let’s change that rule amongst ourselves beginning today. Let’s focus on the good news. Let’s talk about when people do something spectacular, and lay off of them when they fall. Pray for them, and try to help them back up, but don’t let it shock you. Jesus said in Luke 14:11 that those to “exalt themselves will be humbled,” and those who “humble themselves will be exalted.” Humility brings with it a deeper understanding of the fact that I am, in fact, not better than anyone on earth. That Christ lives in me, and that makes the difference, not my own goodness, because I am very much lacking in that department.
So today – find someone’s good stuff to talk about. You’ll be amazed how much better your day will end up when you focus on the positive in others.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
“Well, that’s a shocker!” Have you ever heard some unexpected revelation about someone you know or know of, and responded with that? For some reason when someone falls short of perfection and we hear of it, it knocks us off our feet, especially if we hold them in high regard. We tend to put certain people on a high pedestal, don’t we? In our lives, we seem to think there are some people that are, I don’t know, above failure. But should it really shock us when a sin sick humanity messes up?
Oh, to the contrary. I actually think it should be quite the opposite. When someone does something innately good we should probably be impressed. Truth be told, that’s a lot less common than failure and fallings. When someone helps someone in need, we should be pleasantly surprised. When someone goes and visits someone in the hospital, we should be caught a little off guard. When someone shares a kind word with you on a particularly bad day, it should make us stop and think. Before you start typing up an email of disdain for what I’m saying, just think about it.
When we get shocked by some failure and misstep of someone, what do we do? Although it’s wrong and we should be ashamed, more times than not most folks talk about it. After all, it’s a worthy conversation topic, or so we think. We hold that person up, above a sin nature, or so it seems. So when they fall down, it gets our attention. We don’t expect that. But when it’s all said and done, we are a fallen race. Humanity isn’t naturally good, as so many today want us to believe. We’re naturally bad – naturally sinners – naturally screw ups. So when someone does what comes natural to them, should it shock us?
But when someone does something different, something good, something righteous, well, that’s swimming upstream. That’s going against the flow. That’s doing something supernatural by supernatural, God-given power, and that means they have done something shocking. Why shouldn’t we talk about that? Why shouldn’t that be a worthy topic of conversation? Example: when a pastor falls, everyone, and I mean, everyone, talks about it, don’t they? But if that same pastor went every day of that week to visit someone in the hospital, or nursing home, or that was shut in their home, do we give that the same attention? Pretty sure we all know the answer.
They say good news doesn’t sale. Well, believers, let’s change that rule amongst ourselves beginning today. Let’s focus on the good news. Let’s talk about when people do something spectacular, and lay off of them when they fall. Pray for them, and try to help them back up, but don’t let it shock you. Jesus said in Luke 14:11 that those to “exalt themselves will be humbled,” and those who “humble themselves will be exalted.” Humility brings with it a deeper understanding of the fact that I am, in fact, not better than anyone on earth. That Christ lives in me, and that makes the difference, not my own goodness, because I am very much lacking in that department.
So today – find someone’s good stuff to talk about. You’ll be amazed how much better your day will end up when you focus on the positive in others.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Surprise!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Surprises: don’t you just love them? I remember when I was younger at my birthday or Christmas my parents always wanted what my gifts were to be a surprise. And I never did. I always wanted to know. I wanted to know so badly, that I have to admit, I’ve been guilty a time or two of sneaking a peak. The famous “hiding place” my parents had for gifts was in their closet, tucked away behind clothes, and a few other places. And occasionally I would sneak away while they were pre-occupied to try and snoop to find what my surprise was. And the truth be told, that probably ruined the excitement for them and me when the time came to open those gifts. But that didn’t matter to me – I wanted to know then, not later.
I went to pay my sales tax on my truck yesterday and got a little surprise. Apparently, the total cost is going to be about $200 more than the estimate given me by the dealership when I bought the thing. Ya see, some surprises aren’t very exciting to receive. But that’s life, right?
We shouldn’t let it catch us off guard when life throws us a “curve ball” of sorts. If there’s one thing we can learn from our life experiences it’s this: nothing is predictable. How true is that! Absolutely NOTHING in this life is certain, apart from our relationship with the One Who hold tomorrow.
Do you remember that old song, “I don’t know about tomorrow, it may bring me poverty…I won’t worry o’er the future, because I know what Jesus said. And today He’ll be my portion, because He knows what lies ahead. Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand. But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand!”
As one of the greatest men of God I’ll probably ever know once used to say, “No matter what breaks, rips, or tears, we’re gonna serve God!” Well, I want that to be my testimony. No matter what surprises may be in store. No matter what “curve balls” may be thrown my way. No matter how the wind may get knocked out of my sails, I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand. And the place that He’s leading me? Well, that’s simple: it’s to Him. And that, my friends, is so very much worth the journey.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Surprises: don’t you just love them? I remember when I was younger at my birthday or Christmas my parents always wanted what my gifts were to be a surprise. And I never did. I always wanted to know. I wanted to know so badly, that I have to admit, I’ve been guilty a time or two of sneaking a peak. The famous “hiding place” my parents had for gifts was in their closet, tucked away behind clothes, and a few other places. And occasionally I would sneak away while they were pre-occupied to try and snoop to find what my surprise was. And the truth be told, that probably ruined the excitement for them and me when the time came to open those gifts. But that didn’t matter to me – I wanted to know then, not later.
I went to pay my sales tax on my truck yesterday and got a little surprise. Apparently, the total cost is going to be about $200 more than the estimate given me by the dealership when I bought the thing. Ya see, some surprises aren’t very exciting to receive. But that’s life, right?
We shouldn’t let it catch us off guard when life throws us a “curve ball” of sorts. If there’s one thing we can learn from our life experiences it’s this: nothing is predictable. How true is that! Absolutely NOTHING in this life is certain, apart from our relationship with the One Who hold tomorrow.
Do you remember that old song, “I don’t know about tomorrow, it may bring me poverty…I won’t worry o’er the future, because I know what Jesus said. And today He’ll be my portion, because He knows what lies ahead. Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand. But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand!”
As one of the greatest men of God I’ll probably ever know once used to say, “No matter what breaks, rips, or tears, we’re gonna serve God!” Well, I want that to be my testimony. No matter what surprises may be in store. No matter what “curve balls” may be thrown my way. No matter how the wind may get knocked out of my sails, I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand. And the place that He’s leading me? Well, that’s simple: it’s to Him. And that, my friends, is so very much worth the journey.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Simply Unpredictable
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Unpredictable. That’s life, right? And it seems like if we have plans for life, more times than not they fall through. Sometimes it’s no big deal, and other times it’s heartbreaking. But that’s life – unpredictable. If there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s not to put too much stock in those plans – those dreams. There’s nothing wrong with them, and I think it’s healthy to dream a little. And it’s certainly wise to make some plans. But don’t base your entire life on them. And the reason – well, it’s simple: chances are, those plans and dreams will not come true, more times than not.
And as hard as that is for us to accept, it’s really just a reminder of Who it is that’s really in charge. “I know the Master of the wind. I know the Maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again. I know the Master of the wind.” Seems like we all want Him as our Savior, but what about our Lord? Are we really okay with Him steering our life in a totally different direction from that which we’ve tried to chart for ourselves?
It’s painful when change comes. It’s painful when the unpredictability of life sweeps us off our feet. And it’s painful when our dreams and plans are changed right before our eyes. And for those of us mere humans who can only see the right now, it doesn’t really make much sense. But to Him who sees the beginning, middle, and end of the parade we call life, all at once: it’s just all part of the Master plan.
Luke 12:6 – 7 tells us of our value to Him. He cares when a sparrow falls, so how much more does He care when we hurt? Just because He tends to steer us in a direction that may at times be painful, doesn’t at all mean He doesn’t hurt with us in those times.
So today, look up. He knows what He’s doing. Trust Him. And when you don’t know how to react, or what else to say, just remember: GIF. God Is Faithful. Always.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Unpredictable. That’s life, right? And it seems like if we have plans for life, more times than not they fall through. Sometimes it’s no big deal, and other times it’s heartbreaking. But that’s life – unpredictable. If there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s not to put too much stock in those plans – those dreams. There’s nothing wrong with them, and I think it’s healthy to dream a little. And it’s certainly wise to make some plans. But don’t base your entire life on them. And the reason – well, it’s simple: chances are, those plans and dreams will not come true, more times than not.
And as hard as that is for us to accept, it’s really just a reminder of Who it is that’s really in charge. “I know the Master of the wind. I know the Maker of the rain. He can calm the storm, make the sun shine again. I know the Master of the wind.” Seems like we all want Him as our Savior, but what about our Lord? Are we really okay with Him steering our life in a totally different direction from that which we’ve tried to chart for ourselves?
It’s painful when change comes. It’s painful when the unpredictability of life sweeps us off our feet. And it’s painful when our dreams and plans are changed right before our eyes. And for those of us mere humans who can only see the right now, it doesn’t really make much sense. But to Him who sees the beginning, middle, and end of the parade we call life, all at once: it’s just all part of the Master plan.
Luke 12:6 – 7 tells us of our value to Him. He cares when a sparrow falls, so how much more does He care when we hurt? Just because He tends to steer us in a direction that may at times be painful, doesn’t at all mean He doesn’t hurt with us in those times.
So today, look up. He knows what He’s doing. Trust Him. And when you don’t know how to react, or what else to say, just remember: GIF. God Is Faithful. Always.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, September 3, 2010
Dependability
Friday, September 03, 2010
Dependability. Being counted on. Being trustworthy. Can others count on you? For a short time (a couple years) I got the privilege of serving in the Fire Service as both a Chaplain and First Responder/Fire Fighter. I always found that regardless of whether or not it was a working structure fire or a chest pain call, when people pick up the phone and call 911, they expect you to be there. They expect those who serve in emergency services to be dependable, to be trustworthy, to show up when they need them the most. And rightfully so. But this morning that just has me thinking.
You may not be a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or emergency responder of any sort, but it stands to reason – there’s more than likely someone depending on you. Last night I had the awesome opportunity to meet with a group of parents who entrust their teenagers to me in my student ministry. I saw a group of people who know what it means to be trusted by someone else. For 13 or more years their kids have depended on them for things like a roof over their head, food in their belly, emotional support, teaching about life in general. And they’ve willingly accepted the task. And I tip my hat to them.
But today you’re going to walk into a school, or a place of business, or a home. And there are most definitely people there who look to you – they count on you. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I have the answer for humanity’s sin problem. I have the solution to what ails the human race. I know how a person can have their sin forgiven, receive a relationship with Christ, and be headed for heaven. I’ve got all that, and whether the lost around me know it or not, they’re depending on me to share it.
And so share it I will. When God gives me the opportunity, whether in word, deed, or both – I want to share it. Dependability – it’s a crucial trait for us all to grasp, especially when it comes to our ever important job of sharing Him with them.
PS: would you please continue to lift up Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their families? Jake is still in CCU and only God has the power to change that. Thank you.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Dependability. Being counted on. Being trustworthy. Can others count on you? For a short time (a couple years) I got the privilege of serving in the Fire Service as both a Chaplain and First Responder/Fire Fighter. I always found that regardless of whether or not it was a working structure fire or a chest pain call, when people pick up the phone and call 911, they expect you to be there. They expect those who serve in emergency services to be dependable, to be trustworthy, to show up when they need them the most. And rightfully so. But this morning that just has me thinking.
You may not be a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or emergency responder of any sort, but it stands to reason – there’s more than likely someone depending on you. Last night I had the awesome opportunity to meet with a group of parents who entrust their teenagers to me in my student ministry. I saw a group of people who know what it means to be trusted by someone else. For 13 or more years their kids have depended on them for things like a roof over their head, food in their belly, emotional support, teaching about life in general. And they’ve willingly accepted the task. And I tip my hat to them.
But today you’re going to walk into a school, or a place of business, or a home. And there are most definitely people there who look to you – they count on you. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I have the answer for humanity’s sin problem. I have the solution to what ails the human race. I know how a person can have their sin forgiven, receive a relationship with Christ, and be headed for heaven. I’ve got all that, and whether the lost around me know it or not, they’re depending on me to share it.
And so share it I will. When God gives me the opportunity, whether in word, deed, or both – I want to share it. Dependability – it’s a crucial trait for us all to grasp, especially when it comes to our ever important job of sharing Him with them.
PS: would you please continue to lift up Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their families? Jake is still in CCU and only God has the power to change that. Thank you.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Persistence
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Persistence. “Stick-ability.” No matter how you word it, there are some things in this life worth sticking with – worth persevering through. This is what separates the “men from the boys,” those who simply casually want things from those who have a burning desire to see things happen. It’s the difference between craving a Dr. Pepper and craving a friend coming to Christ. The varying degrees of desire determine how long we’re willing to wait, and how much we’re willing to wait through. It was, after all, by persistence that the snail reached the Ark.
As a child, I was pretty stinkin’ persistent if I wanted something bad enough. As a matter of fact, as my parents and sisters can attest to, it got me in trouble a few times if I remember correctly. If we were at Wal-Mart and I wanted some new action figure or some new John Deere toy, it took a lot of work for my folks to shut me up. As a matter of fact, the threat of corporal punishment usually did the trick, but it was traditionally used as a last resort. I was a persistent little badger. And when the cause was just, it usually paid off.
Now fast forward 20+ years. How badly do I want things now? I have been known to drive clear across town to the 24 hour McDonald’s at 2AM because I want a Big Mac so badly. I’ve been known to persist through some tough stuff to quench a craving. But this is bigger. This is stronger. This is far more important than some silly craving. This is eternity.
I have a burning desire to see students come to know Jesus. I have a burning desire to see students get set on fire for Jesus and ignite a wildfire on their campus for the glory of Christ. I have a burning desire to see students fall so head over heels in love with the Lord that they want to worship Him every chance they get. I have a burning desire to see a Movement of God sweeping across this town.
And I know a few others who have that same burning desire. And I’m praying for more to acquire it. And guess what – that burning desire – that passion – it will persist through opposition, through hard times, through up hill climbs, through discouragement, through thick and through thin. And why? That’s simple: because there are countless eternities at stake. And God has called us to do something about it.
Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:20 not to get too excited about the fact that they had the authority to command demons to obey. There was something far better to celebrate: their names were written in heaven. There’s something worth persisting for – more names being written there. Will you stick it out with me?
PS: take a moment right now and lift up the name of Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their family to the Lord, would you? He’s a friend of mine from my school days, and a tragic motorcycle accident has left him fighting for his life in ICU. Thanks.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Persistence. “Stick-ability.” No matter how you word it, there are some things in this life worth sticking with – worth persevering through. This is what separates the “men from the boys,” those who simply casually want things from those who have a burning desire to see things happen. It’s the difference between craving a Dr. Pepper and craving a friend coming to Christ. The varying degrees of desire determine how long we’re willing to wait, and how much we’re willing to wait through. It was, after all, by persistence that the snail reached the Ark.
As a child, I was pretty stinkin’ persistent if I wanted something bad enough. As a matter of fact, as my parents and sisters can attest to, it got me in trouble a few times if I remember correctly. If we were at Wal-Mart and I wanted some new action figure or some new John Deere toy, it took a lot of work for my folks to shut me up. As a matter of fact, the threat of corporal punishment usually did the trick, but it was traditionally used as a last resort. I was a persistent little badger. And when the cause was just, it usually paid off.
Now fast forward 20+ years. How badly do I want things now? I have been known to drive clear across town to the 24 hour McDonald’s at 2AM because I want a Big Mac so badly. I’ve been known to persist through some tough stuff to quench a craving. But this is bigger. This is stronger. This is far more important than some silly craving. This is eternity.
I have a burning desire to see students come to know Jesus. I have a burning desire to see students get set on fire for Jesus and ignite a wildfire on their campus for the glory of Christ. I have a burning desire to see students fall so head over heels in love with the Lord that they want to worship Him every chance they get. I have a burning desire to see a Movement of God sweeping across this town.
And I know a few others who have that same burning desire. And I’m praying for more to acquire it. And guess what – that burning desire – that passion – it will persist through opposition, through hard times, through up hill climbs, through discouragement, through thick and through thin. And why? That’s simple: because there are countless eternities at stake. And God has called us to do something about it.
Jesus told His disciples in Luke 10:20 not to get too excited about the fact that they had the authority to command demons to obey. There was something far better to celebrate: their names were written in heaven. There’s something worth persisting for – more names being written there. Will you stick it out with me?
PS: take a moment right now and lift up the name of Jake Pruett and his wife Nikki and their family to the Lord, would you? He’s a friend of mine from my school days, and a tragic motorcycle accident has left him fighting for his life in ICU. Thanks.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
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Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
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