The Delcaration of Dependence

In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.

1 Corinthians 11:11



Our modern society stresses independence, self examination, and individual thought.

Leaning on each other and doing things for your other brother does not usually make the evening news.

Where does all this start? It starts on a reliance in each other knowing that either party is not independent of each other but dependent on each other.

The key words in this scripture verse are ...In the Lord.


I can't be dependent on myself .

God made me to be dependent on him. If I am not dependent on him, I have all the wrong motives for the things important in relationships and life.

My dependence starts and finishes with a close connection with God and all other dependencies flow from the grace and mercy offered  to me from my relationship with the Lord.


"We are all one in Christ Jesus!" Paul told the Galatians (Gal. 3:26-29). Satan, however, constantly tries to divide God's people.

One of his most effective means of division has been to divide men and women whether in marriages, families or churches. Paul reminds me that if Jesus is my Lord, I recognize I need others and I am committed to placing value on others, especially in my marriage relationship. Rather than letting Satan divide my relationships through our differences, I choose to unite  in dependency around my Savior.


Lord, in whose image I am made, please give me the courage to value and love all others as you love me. Let me love in relationships where love is difficult. Let me love where love is not returned. Let me love the dependence I have on you while on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Can't Get Off This Path Thing

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Proverbs 4:18, New International Version

I just finished 20 days on exploring some of God's promises. There are many more and I will get back to them some day soon. His promises to me are sometimes unfathomable from a standpoint of why did the God of the universe do this for me.

Because he loves me. He loves me the way I am as I come before him every day and ask for -


* Mercy in sharing


* Acceptance in relationships


* Wisdom in thought




Well...

That puts me back on the path...

Seems like I get sidetracked some times while on the path.

Just like life, I think it is going in one direction and all of a sudden the path takes an unplanned turn.

This verse is a comfort to those on the path of life. The sun is a bright beam of light in the dawn guiding me as I wake and continues to grow as the full light of the day illuminates the path.

The full light of the day totally opens up the path of righteousness as God continues to work in me while he guides me with his wisdom and spirit.

Lord, today, let me feel the light of the dawn as you touch my soul and warm me with your wisdom and grace. Let your light shine brightly on the path while on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Blessing

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
-- Numbers 6:24-26







For the past few weeks, I have looked at God's promises. There are MANY more but I wanted to look closely at God's promises and how they impact my life on earth while they prepare me for a life in eternity. My Christian walk should be one of obedience but not out of fear or legalism but out of immense love for God because of what he does for me and what he will do for me in the future. His promises are a great testimony of what he did for his people long ago and how faithful he was to his people while they struggled in the old testament. The struggle continues but so does the faithfulness of the God who created the universe. This leads me to a respite from the promises of God but on a note offering something no one else can offer.

A Blessing and Peace and how we can share this with others

I would like to place the name of the LORD on people I love. God promised this blessing in today's Scripture in his name (his power and authority) to be placed on his people. What an incredible gift I have to give to others with just my faithful words! Blessings are found all throughout Scripture. I need to look more for ways to pronounce God's blessing on others.
Today, I want to start with this one as the people I love receive God's blessing and his peace. I pray particularly for those I love where relationships need healing, grace and mercy.


LORD of every good and perfect gift, your blessings are too many to count and too wonderful to fully comprehend. Please use me to share those blessings with others. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear so that I can share your blessings with others today and each day on the Adventure in Middle Grove!

God's Promises - Witness Protection Program

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.
-- Acts 5:32

Not only am I a witness of "all these things"....

Ya better go back and find out what they are!

I am protected by the Spirit of God, no matter where I go. God's Spirit is with me and protects me and is is truly a promise of God

Of all the many promises of God, the promise of his presence in me through his Holy Spirit is among the most precious promises. The Spirit's presence makes me God's temple (1 Cor. 6:19). The Spirit intercedes for me according to the will of God when we pray (Rom. 8:26-27). The Spirit helps me overcome the pull of our flesh (Rom. 8:13-14).The Spirit gives me strength in my inner being (Eph. 3:16). The Spirit is at work to transform me to the character of Christ. I thank God daily for his holy presence in me through the Holy Spirit.

Father, thank you so much for your Holy Spirit who is interceding for me as I pray. Please strengthen me through your Spirit as I seek to live a holy life dedicated to you. It is my desire for you to transform me by your Spirit to be more like your Son in character and compassion as I practice your presence on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

God's Promises - 5 times is Better

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.

-- Isaiah 41:10-11



Not only does God's blessing rest on me, his presence goes with me. I cannot ever be in a place where he is not with me (see Psalm 139). His presence and Spirit will uphold me and strengthen me. No matter what may happen in and to my physical body or the world around me, God has given me the ultimate victory over all adversaries. Even Jesus' doubters and enemies will worship my Lord and kneel at his feet and will recognize he has won the battle of eternity. (cf. 1 Thess. 1)


Thank you, Father! You are not only the God of the heavens, but you are also my God. You know me and care about me. You hear my cries for help and grace. You share my struggles and burdens. Please deliver me from every enemy, both physical and spiritual, and give me boldness to stand firm in my faith in you.Today, I feel your right hand as you guide me on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

God's Promises - The Desires of our Hearts

"Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4


Desire is a word having many connotations in our society today. The desires are usually desire of self. They are usually desires of satisfying our human nature.

It appears this is what scripture is say in Psalm 34 but taking a closer look at what is meant by the desires of our heart, it is not the case.

If I delight myself in the Lord, I am looking for the opportunities to serve God and to bring all the contentment in my life in focus with his wisdom and heart. I will be in a state of connection with God where I will sense God's presence in my life and feel his leading as I move through the day.

THEN...

He will give me the desires of my heart.

This is where the desire part takes a different path.

Since I am delighting in the Lord, my desires should be driven by the wisdom and direction God has provided.

My contentment and comfort should be derived from the warmth and love only God can show.


My desires should be drive by Him.

Lord, direct my desires and soften my heart with your love as the desires of life are strengthened today on the Adventure in Middle Grove

God's Promises - Eternal Joy

"Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you."
John 16:22

Yesterday I was discussing the earthly joy we can have when we have a union with Christ and follow him and his wisdom. I was thinking all day yesterday about the real joy promised by Christ that cannot be taken away or leave us here or in eternity.

I also emailed a friend yesterday for no apparent reason and asked him to call me if he had a chance. Well, he called me in the morning and we chatted for a few minutes.

He then asked me if I heard about the kid found dead in the State Park. I sad, yes, that was terrible. He then told me it was his neighbor and he was on the way over to meet the family. I don't know much yet but it sounds like this was a troubled youth who grieved his parents who tried to do anything they could to help him out.

The pain they are feeling now is indescribable,


the grief unimaginable,


the doubt and questioning immense.


Flash back to the summer...


This past summer was a tough time for many reasons. The main reason was God was working in me in ways I couldn't understand or have never felt.


It was a hot summer night and I was having trouble sleeping but I finally went to to sleep.

It was about 3:00 AM when I awoke and was sitting in bed dripping wet and shaking with something. Was it fear? Was it uncertaintity? I will know some day.

As I sat in bed, wondering what was happening to me, I was startled as I looked in to the darkness of the summer.

Right in front of me was Rick, as clear as day on a hot summer night.

As I looked in to the darkness sobbing like I never did in my life, I saw his face as he looked at me in the eyes.

He said, "Dad, you don't have to worry any more, I'm OK and I will see you again"

And that was it, a small message in the night in an unexpected place in an impromptu situation.

Now, nothing like this has ever happened to me before or is something I sought as a resolution to an unfortunate situation.

I believe it was this verse working out in action for me and showing me a fore-taste of the real joy I will have when I meet Rick again.

It will be like no other reunion I have ever known.

It will be like no other time I ever experienced while on earth

It will be like no other hug, I have every hugged.

I will meet him, just as I will meet God

I felt a peace like no other time in my life. It was my body being drained of all the

doubt,

fear,

and uncertainty

It was meeting God face to face through my son.

It was a scary time wondering about all the events that lead up to this moment

It was a time of relief knowing that he was in God's hands and everyting was ok.

I could elaborate more but it is hard writing this as I think back to the events of the summer and the joy and sorrow I experienced. It is still fresh in my mind and I hope it never leaves. But, it is still and emotional time as I wait for the time when I will see Rick again, in glory. It is still an emotional time as relationships in my life are not complete as I wait on You.


All this being said, this cold winter morning in March, I know you are with me and you will never forsake me or leave me. You are with me through it all:

good

bad

uncertain

So, TODAY,

My heart rejoices and my joy is complete as I know it can NEVER be taken away while on the adventure in Middle Grove,

today...

tomorrow...

and forever.

God's Promises - Raising the Roof

"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."

John 15:11

There needs to be a bit more joy around here. I meant not just "here" but here being every where.

Stock market is in the dumps

Banks are failing

People are out of jobs

Food costs are escalating

Houses are being foreclosed


Not a very good situation....

or is it?

It is always interesting to read before one of theses passages to find out what happening. What things did he speak?


Go and read, it but he spoke of the connection to God in a way anyone could understand


He spoke of the unity and connection I have with Him

He spoke of how important the connection is I have with him

He spoke of the love he has for me

He promises me the joy.



Not only does he promise me the joy I have in Him but this joy will become full.

What a comfort in a world where joy is not something making the news or talked about in the news paper.

Lord, make my joy complete as your path connects me to the fullness I have in you on the Adventure in Middle Grove

God's Promises - Learning in Kindergarten

Deuteronomy 31:8:

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.


I knew there was a reason I learned to play that game in kindergarten. Do you remember how to do it? There was a person who was the leader and the rest of the class had to follow what they did. Most of the time the leader was the teacher because a kindergarten kid didn't know their left from their right. Once in awhile there was a kid who was much smarter than the rest of the class, the teacher really liked him/her. They would get a chance to be smart up in from of the class and make everyone look stupid.

Well, this winter I am cleaning up around the house. I got some spare time so I might as well do something useful! I was going through some boxes of stuff and I found all my old report cards. My mom never throws anything away. I was looking through the report cards and pictures and was trying to remember what it was like in each grade.

I found my kindergarten report card and looked it over to see how smart I was!

Well, I was smart... but there was one "skill" that was not very good or at least it was not satisfactory.

It was following directions. I guess I wasn't really good at the directions or the follow the leader thing

Must have been the start of my problems!

God has softened me up since then and has showed me that I need to follow the leader...


the right leader.


Too many times I followed the leader and the leader was me.

Too many times I made decisions and the leader was me.

Too many times I trusted wisdom and the leader was me.

Too many times I rested in the glory and the leader was me.


Lord, you have shown me many great things in my walk with you. The most important thing you have shown me is the leader is not me,



it is YOU!


I will follow you, Lord, as you lead me along the path of life. I know you will lead me in places where I wouldn't go because of my sin and my short comings. Lead me to a place of righteousness and I know you will NEVER forsake me on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

God's Promises- Strength Coach for Heaven

2 Thessalonians 3:3:

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.









OK, I have to admit it. I over did the exercising over the last week. I really love going to the YMCA. I even like it better when I can go with someone and we can do a few things together and do a few exercises by ourselves. I am in good shape but this week my bones were aching so going to the Y was just what I needed.

There is nothing like getting totally exhausted from exercising on the Elliptical for 45 minutes and feel better in about 10 minutes. That, for me is the best part of exercise, I can see how fast I recover. If I recover slow, I really not in good shape.

The one thing about exercise is the benefit is long term but it cannot be stopped. I can't get in the best shape I have ever been in and say, "OK, that is enough exercise for life"

It has to be sustainable and methodical. It also has to be varied and interesting. If I said I was going to get myself in shape and I was only going to do sit ups and push ups, it would not last long since this is about the most boring thing I can image doing for a long period of time.

There needs to be a challenge and some fun in order to keep an exercise program going over the long haul. Habits need to be changed and new habits need to be formed for a successful exercise program to last.

Well, I did have a point to all this...

God says he will strengthen me and protect me. This is not a passive program where I sit in my easy chair waiting for God to protect me. He does not put a force field around me so the bad things of this life bounce off and go away.

He protects me and strengths me if I follow him and his leading and his direction. I cannot go it alone. I need him to be there with me but I also need to continue to do the things to be in sync with what God wants me to do. I need to be close to him so he can move me and work in my heart on a daily basis to continually strengthen me for the long haul. I need to be immersed in His Spirit. I need Him to show me the plan for sustaining me for a life time.

Lord, as this week begins, let you Spirit work in me as I seek your will and guidance.

Strengthen me and protect me while I "exercise" on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

God's Promises - A Blessing

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:18


MARCH Already!




Still hoping the coldest of winter will move quickly to the warm gentle breezes of spring.

I can't think of a better way to start the day than with a positive uplifting blessing.

Not by me, but by the God who created me and loves me.



God longs to be gracious with ME


He rises to to show compassion to ME




God is slow to exercise his justice when that justice demands his people's punishment. "Gracious and slow to anger" is a phrase repeatedly used to describe God in the Old Testament. Good thing about that one! Most people think of the "lightning bolt God" of the Old Testament



God longs to be gracious and bless his people. He extends time for me to repent and turn to him. In Jesus, God even gives me his own Son as the sacrifice for my sins.


Father, how can I ever thank you for your love and mercy demonstrated in the sacrifice of your Son for my sin.

Please forgive me for those times that I have not intentionally and completely shown my appreciation for your grace in the way I live my life.

Please refine me by your Spirit just as you have forgiven me and loved me by your grace. Let me hear the heart of God today by turning my life and my heart to the God who longs for me and watches me on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

God's Promises - Helping Hand

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. -- Isaiah 41:13


Wow! I can use a hand most any day!

Going it alone is not a good plan and trying to be " be the best you can be" is a shallow echo when I really put myself in front of God and his greatness.

I need a hand.

The people I need and depend on each day is immense.

I need a hand.

People at work, home, and church.


Most importantly, the deep relationship I need with the closest person in my life.


I need a hand.


Life crashes in and I wish I could be child again and have someone to take care of me and protect me.

I need a hand.

Into my confused and chaotic world, God's promise comes to me in a new way once again. Like a loving parent with a frightened child, God reaches out and takes hold of my hand and comforts me with his precious words:

"Don't be afraid. I'm here with you. I will help."

I need a hand.

Even when he seems distant, the echo of this thought can remind me that I am never alone or forgotten. (cf. Heb. 13:5-6)

I need a hand.

Father, whose presence and help are always near, please help me have faith that you are here. I confess that at certain points in my life, you have seemed distant and I have felt alone. Please touch me through your Spirit of your nearness and your care. In my moments of struggle and doubt, please make your presence known today as your hand reaches out with tender care on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

I need a hand.

God's Promises - Rescue Mission

"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Colossians 1:14





What better to promise to look at after an earthquake than a rescue mission.

The "religious"word used in most translations is redemption. The Message uses, "to get us out of a dark alley"

I like the domain of darkness since it encompasses all around me not just in front of me, but surrounding me. In the computer world, domains are all the things contained in an environment to take to control and operate all processes and activities.

So, being rescued from the domain of darkness is a big deal.

Just think of everything dark:

front,

center,

left,

right,

up,

down.

God moves me from dark to light and transfers me to the kingdom of his son.

I like this image too. When I have been transferred to a new department, as soon as I am in that department, I have all the privileges of a person in the department. I also have all the responsibilities as a member in the new department.

In the same way, God moved me from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of light. I now have all the privileges of the heavenly kingdom where Christ is the king.

I also have the responsibilities as a remember of the kingdom to live like a member of light, not dark.

God wants me to be obedient as a member of this community and has paid a big price for my redemption. The death of his son, Jesus. He loves me so much that he no longer wants me to be in the domain of darkness and provides Jesus as the intermediary between me and Him.

He allows me to go before him since Jesus already paid the price for MY sin and MY judgment. He frees me from the bondage of sin and darkness and leads me in to the light of a kingdom that will never fade or disappear. He leads me to a place where I can be face to face with God and ask him to forgive me for my sins.

Why did he rescue me?

Because he loves me and cares for me and reached down in to the darkest of dark and rescued me from an eternal life of fear and brought me to his kingdom of love in the light only illuminated by Him.

The responsibility is not scary because of the love of God and the connection he provided to Jesus, for me.

Lord, today as the darkness of night still holds a grip on the snow covered fields, let your light shine on me as the Adventure in Middle Grove is rescued by your loving hands .

Let your light shine!

God's Promises - Earthquake Proof Structures

Isaiah 54:10:


Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you



Buildings fail in earthquakes because joints and connections cannot resist the tremendous stresses imposed by many tons of pressure concentrated on bolts, welds and other fixings.

So buildings are shook to the very things that hold them together cannot stand the stress and fail until the building falls.

This is what God is talking about in Isaiah. The very mountains are shaken and the hills removed.

Now that is an earthquake!

To remove the hills would be a cataclysmic event like we have never seen. The fabric of the earth would be removed and changed, forever!

Contrast this to God's promises

(His) Love will not be shaken

(His) Peace cannot be removed


What a promise!

Pictures of the earthquakes in China, Mt. St. Helens and the old pictures of the San Francisco earthquakes are only a small reminder of the devastation and destruction earthquakes can cause.

God's care for me is more powerful than the most powerful earthquake because he has compassion for me!


What a promise !


Lord, as this day begins, the compassion you have for me is far greater than any event on earth, far greater than the power of any earthquake. Lord, let your compassion be felt today by the people around me and the people I love as the Adventure in Middle Grove stands firm as the earthquakes of life surround me,

BUT I AM NOT SHAKEN.

God's Promises - Getting a Good Grip

Hebrews 10:22-23 (New International Version)

²²let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful


One of the greatest hopes I have on this side of heaven is God is a faithful God. I really like this verse since it shows the dichotomy between mankind and God.

Me- Losing my grip

God- Faithful

Life is full of turns and twists and rides I did not expect.

Hold on to HOPE

It is full of unmet expectations and disappointments.

Hold on to HOPE

It is full of personal failures and and lost loves.

Hold on to HOPE

It is full of personal tragedies and sorrows

Hold on to HOPE


Life is full of the promises God offers to his people.

God is Faithful

It is full of he joy of my salvation

God is Faithful

It is full of the Love of God

God is Faithful

It is full of the assurance I have in him

God is Faithful

Lord, Hold me so I do not lose my grip. Let me look to you for guidance and wisdom and help me find the way to you. You are all I want and all I ever needed. You're all I want , help me to know you are near as my grip is tighter today. I know you will never let me go while on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Draw me close to you - Michael W. Smith

God's Promises - Environmental Safety

Isaiah 43:2 (New International Version)

² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

As a Citizen of God's nation, he promises to protect me from many things. He promised the nations of Israel he would deliver them from their condition. The Old Testament is full of impossible situations where the impossible became possible because of the work of God in his people. He promises to protect me, from myself!

God was faithful in times when it appeared there could be no way out, no probable good outcome, or no way would his greatness be seen.

He was faithful and still is faithful in honoring his promises as he sees me through the journey of life.

I have the gift of history showing me the situation of God's people and how He took situations and used them to show his people he really did care about them. The key element is it was His timing according to His purpose.

Here I go again... patience. Waiting on God...

God still is working and has not forsaking me. He is active in my life and I can see his work in situations where the outcome was not probable or possible.

He is here!

Thank you for your presence and your faithfulness as you continue to mold me and make me, your way

Today, Lord, your promises are not a thing of history but a look towards the future as you protect me on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

God's Promises - Immigration

Ephesians 2:19-22 (New International Version)

¹⁹Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, ²⁰built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. ²¹In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. ²²And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Yesterday, I talked about the Bill of Rights and what I have as a connected person with God.

Well, I can only be part of God's nation if I am part of it, but I can't without Christ.

Immigration is an interesting word. Here is a simple definition of immigration.

"To enter and settle in a country or region to which one is not native"

In today's world, immigration is a hot topic. The just of what is important is summed up in the verse above. I am NO LONGER an alien in a foreign country.

In the spiritual case, "The Land of the Lost"

I was a foreigner in God's kingdom, but I am no longer a stranger in a strange land. I have all the rights and privileges of one of God's people and he accepts me as one of his own.

I am no longer separated from him but joined with him in a community of believers where the promises of God are given to me as I sit at God's feet.

I also have the responsibility as a "new citizen" in God's nation.

I mean new every day as I come before God and seek his will and his wisdom.

The responsibility is to show God's love and care to others and to honor him in all I do. I can not longer have the old ideas of the "Land of the Lost" I need to continue to embrace the privileges and responsibilities of God's nation.

It is a a huge responsibility to be part of God's nation but it is a place like no other place in the universe! I am fellow citizens with others who embrace the love of God and have accepted the gift of Jesus Christ.

Lord, today, I thank you for calling me to your nation. For embracing me with your love, care and concern. Thank you for Jesus who is the path to your nation and the example of the responsibility of what you desire me to do while walking on this side of heaven.

Thank you for putting me together to become a dwelling place in which God lives by his Spirit.

One of your citizens is thankful for your love today as the Adventure in Middle Grove starts a new week.

God's Promises- The Bill of Rights

"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name."

John 1:12


Talk about a promise!



God, who is a God of Grace and Mercy, is also a God of compassion or I would not be reading this verse.


Why should God give me, a sinner, the right to be a child of God


Why should God give me, a fallen person, the right to be a child of God


Why should God give me, an unlovable person, the right to be a child of God

Only one reason...


Because he loves me and cares for me, as an individual.

I need to continually go before him and ask forgiveness.


He meets me face to face and forgives me , not because of who I am or what I do.

Only for one reason...

I am a child of God

Today, as I worship you, your child of God sits as a person forgiven and loved as you are here as the Adventure in Middle Grove takes a deep breath of love.

God's Promises- Stalked by God

Genesis 28:12-15 (New International Version)

^{... 15} I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. God has been making promises to his people for a long time. Here is a good example from Genesis.

Television shows people who are famous being watch over wherever they go. They are photographed and asked questions until it becomes unbearable.

Well, I am not famous not do I have anything great to say but God wants to follow me and watch over me wherever I go.

He promised the Israelite nation he would deliver them to the land. He also said one of the greatest promises in the Bible that covers alot of territory.

He said He will never leave me until He completes what he promises me.

What a great promise!


A promise of Comfort

A promise of Love

A promise of Mercy

A promise of Grace

A promise of Faithfulness

A promise for all Time


Today God's promises rest on the hill as the Adventure in Middle Grove works its way through life.

God's Promises- Don't be an Ass

Psalm 32:8-9 (New International Version)

⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

⁹ Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

Wow!, never read this verse quite that way!

On the adventure of life, many times I was an ass.What do I mean?

Not really understanding the heart felt promises God had for me

And

having the bit bit in mouth and God trying to pull me to Him.

Quite a funny picture!

Contrast this to:

Be instructed and taught on the way I should go...

One method-being dragged

Another method- being lead

I get this picture of me with a bit in my mouth with my feet dug in the ground with God dragging me along.

I like the second picture much better.

God teaching me and leading me in the way I should go. As God worked on me this past year, He took the bit out and waited to see if I would follow Him, HIS WAY.

HE is teaching me and leading me as:

I follow Him and look to his leading, not mine.

I look to His guidance, not mine.

I look through his heart, not mine.

So, what does this all mean as God's promises are worked out in action on my part and on the part of God.

He tells me right here

"I will counsel and watch over you"

What a promise!

The God who create the universe will counsel and watch over me. He will guide me in the ways that are right.

He can only do this because HE LOVES ME.

Today, Lord, I thank you for your promises.

There are not something old and stuffy.

They are alive an new!

Thank you for taking the bit out of my mouth and leading me down the path, YOUR WAY, as the Adventure in Middle Grove continues.

God's Promises

( Late today. We got about 10 inches of wet snow and when I woke up at 3:30, I had no internet!)

Romans 8:25 (New International Version)

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

I was looking back over the 200 posts in this series about the Adventure in Middle Grove and noticed I talk a great deal about God's promises. I thought I needed to spend some time looking at some specific promises of God for me in this life and how I am to carry them in an active way.


God has many promises for me and I need to daily look at how I am to live this out. I guess the place to start is where I have the most trouble! I have mentioned before I am not areal patient person. I have improved greatly and have learned to lean on the Lord as I wait patiently for what he has in store for me.


I have learned that going ahead of God is not a good plan and I need to have God leading the way and be patient for his direction. So, This first promise is the underlying fabric for how I need to examine myself as I look at the other promises God has revealed in scripture.


Lord as I look to you and your promises give me an extra measure of patience as God's promises are examined for action as the path maintains on the Adventure in Middle Grove

You will NEVER forsake me

Isaiah 42:16 (New International Version)

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

As I continue to walk on the path of life, God continues to remind me the path is not always the path that is familiar or the path I can see. This verse really sums up what God can do for me, if I let him.

I think the structure is strange in this verse. God will lead the blind along unfamiliar paths. I think this is significant. If someone was blind back in day of the Old Testament, they probably had very limited paths to get to food and water. They had to travel the same way every time because this was the familiar path and one with safety. Any other paths were dangerous since they did not know what was ahead. He also says he will turn darkness in to light. They are blind! Why do they need light? God will also make the path level in front of them.

Well, again, God is talking to me... Rick the blind person.

I think blind is not only a physical condition but also describes in a metaphorical sense the human condition and where I have been at times in my life.

I have been blind to God's leading, not because he wasn't trying to lead me but due to my sense of self and how I ignored God's leading. I was blind to the vision He wanted to give me and the guidance He was offering. I was not looking for the hand to guide me along unfamiliar places and to illuminate the path so I could "see" the best way to go. I was not open to the leveling of the path to make the journey better, Notice that God is leveling the path, not me!

God opened my eyes so in my blindness I could see what he wanted to do for me and how he was going ahead to unfamiliar territory to make the path clear before I even got there.

What a comfort in knowing the God of the universe is ahead of me leveling the paths of life and getting me ready for the unfamiliarity of what lies ahead. God is placing people in my path to help guide me too. People who care about me! Many always with me in spirit!

Lord, Help me to reach out and take your hand every day as you lead me in places I have not experienced or paths I have not walked. Thank you for friends near and far who are with me along the path of life that love you and care for me. Thank you for guiding me to people on the path who are willing to walk along side of me. They are a blessing in life that will never be forgotten.

Thank you for doing things for me and you will not forsake me as the path of life takes another turn while on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

The Checkered Flag

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.





Yesterday the race was run but what is the prize?



I have already won the race.


The prize is eternal life and the promises of God through His son Jesus Christ. One of the important elements of my life is to continue to have faith in the promises God is offering. Also, to know that he is true to his promises!


Keeping the faith is something I cannot do alone. I need to be surrounded by those who care for me and love me. I need to been thoroughly embedded in the Word so I look for wisdom in the right places. I need to be saturated in the Holy Spirit so I can be lead by God and not be on a self adventure.


Most importantly, my faith must sustain me in this life as I await the prize in heaven. I know the prize is waiting and I can see the checkered flag for me when God takes me to be with him.

You will be there when I take the victory lap in eternity.



Lord, Thank you for the race. Thank you for the struggles in winning the race. Most importantly, thank you for your Spirit who sustains my faith while on this earth. I know your promises are secure as my faith is stronger today while on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

The COBELLO 500

Hebrews 12:1 (New International Version)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Living in the Northeast is a long process during the winter. About this time of the winter, I am looking for signs that it may actually get warm some time for the future. Maybe I am weird.. OK don't answer that! One of the events I always look forward to is the Daytona 500 in Florida. First of all I am not a race fan but I look at this as a time where the warm weather is not too far away.

"with not too way a relative term!"

I am interested in the race of life and looking at the highlights from the Daytona 500 yesterday, it became evident to me that my life has been alot like the Daytona 500.


The race starts with a large pack of cars that are really excited and the racers all ready to go.

It doesn't take long for some of the cars to have mechanical failures

It doesn't take long for cars to spin out...some make it back in...some are out of the race

It doesn't take long for a wreck to happened because someone is careless or a car has a mechanical failure

It doesn't take long for a car for a car to get caught behind someone and they just can't get ahead.


Wow! The story of my life!

Spinouts!

Wrecks!

Mechanical Failures !

Getting Stuck!


But there is somone who wins the race.

The person who is patient and takes care of all the things in life is the one who eventually wins the race.

This person can be me!

Paul talks about getting stuck and getting rid of all those things that hinder me to complete the race.

He talks about throwing all those things off that entangle me to look ahead to finish the race.

He talks about running the race that is specifically marked out for me.


I can win the race since God has already marked out the path and the way to victory needs to go through Him.

Lord, this day I know the race of life is filled with wrecks, spinouts and mechanical failures.

I also know you have the race already marked out for me and victory is waiting.

Keep me focused as the race continues and runs right though the Adventure of Middle Grove today.

The Weekend of Love

John 15:9 (New International Version)

⁹"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love...



The love God shows me was evident yesterday in the passages in scripture talking about real love.

The real love that can only be experienced by having an intimate relationship with God.

The real love that can only be felt by having a connection to the person of Jesus.

The real love that can only be given if I have the power of the Holy Spirit within me.

One of the things I am learning the most on this journey in life is the power of love. It is not some junior high school love, but a deep love for others not based on emotion. Emotion is very important in a relationship but it is only one of the components of real love. Real love transcends emotion. Emotion can only be sustained for short periods of time and fades quickly. Real love needs to transect the time between emotion and lack of emotion. This is the place where God will fill my heart with his love. It is always there but in my humanness, the emotional part of love is strong and I might miss the real love of God and his spirit. I have been more on the lookout for real love. The love that can only come from God...every thing else will fade. I do see the love of God in people and I see the Spirit of God when I look people in the eyes. But the real love I need has to come from God and the rest will be filled by the people who are important to me and really care about me. The people near and far who have experienced the real love of God will be there when times are good AND when the depths of my soul needs filling. They are an encouragement to me to look for the real love and not the temporal love I always seek.

Today I seek my true love.

The love that God has for me regardless of the circumstances or issues.


I seek the true love Jesus showed for me by saving me on the cross.


I seek the true love I can only give if the Holy Spirit is in me.


Lord , your love is amazing. It is even move amazing that you give me your love even though I don't deserve it some times.


Your love is the real love I seek and the real love I seek to give.


God is seeking me on this day of worship to show me his AMAZING LOVE while the Adventure in Middle Grove continues...







Amazing Love- How can it be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rPvrXoIVl0

More from the 5th Grader- How far is the East from the West

Psalm 103:12

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us

A little late today... I am taking 5 days off for some some of prayer and reflection

God's greatness is sometimes unfathomable and near understandable. When I read a verse like this, it is amazing to see how much God does love and forgives me. As far as from the East is from the West, his love is for me. Casting Crowns says it much better than I can.

Lord, Help me to forgive as far as the East is from the West and know each day how much your love is for me.

East to West

By: Casting Crowns

Here I am Lord and I’m drowning
In your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don’t want to end up where you found me
And it echoes in my mind
Keeps me awake tonight

I know you’ve cast my sins as far
As the East is from the West
And I stand before you now
As though I’ve never sinned but today
I feel like I’m just one mistake away
From you leaving me this way

Jesus can you show me
Just how far the East is from the West
Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day the war begins
And less reminding of my sin
Time and time again
Your truth Is drowned out by the storm I’m in
Today I feel like I’m just one mistake away
From you leaving me this way

Jesus can you show me
Just how far the East is from the West
Cause I can’t bear to see the man I’ve been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other

I know you’ve washed me white
Turned my darkness into light
I need your peace to get me through
To get me through this night
I can’t live by what I feel
But by the truth your word reveals
I’m not holding on to you
But you’re holding on to me
You’re holding on to me

Jesus, you know just how far
The East is from the West
I don’t have to see the man I’ve been
Come rising up in me again
In the arms of your mercy I find rest
(The arms of your mercy I find rest)
Cause you know just how far the East is from the West
From one scarred hand to the other (x2)

(Just how far, the East is from the West) (x3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoVJfADlwo

Am I smarter than a 5th Grader?

I don't think I am smarter than anyone at this point... See if you agree...

Isaiah 55:8-9 (New International Version)

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.

9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

This declaration is the kind of statement that comes after I think I am so smart.

I do trust in God

I do know Christ as my savior

I know the holy spirit live in me

I know, I know, not much!

I call this the "So you think you are so smart" verse.

This is good! God's thoughts are higher and greater than mine. How high is higher than the heavens?

Dear God, put that on my list to ask you some day.

God is leading me down the path of righteousness and he is shining the light as he leads me where he wants me to go. Once in awhile I realized that:

My thoughts,

My ways

Do not really mean alot apart from my dependence on God and on:

His Thoughts

His Ways

Lord, some times I feel so insignificant in life and relationships. But then,

I think of you thinking of me with, Your Thoughts and Your Ways...

As you look down today guide me with your ways and your thoughts as life is better today on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

A Standing Ovation

[Jesus said] "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
  -- Mark 11:25
   


As God shows me his path to righteousness and lights my way, this is one of the most challenging reminders of God's will in Scripture.  The path may be  illuminated by the light of God but my sin certainly darkens the picture. I need to continually keep my gaze on Christ and seek his will on the path.

I must forgive others!

When I refuse, it cuts me off the stream of forgiveness that God so longs to give to me. While forgiving others is never easy, God has not only commanded me to do it; he has also given me his Son as an example of forgiveness. In addition, he has promised to empower me to be able to do his will by the power of the Holy Spirit. The real issue: Will I let go of my  hurt toward those who have wounded me and truly forgive them? If I can't do that, then what is the point of all this.


Dear God, I want to forgive those people who committed sin  against me. Please block cynicism and bitterness from my heart. Please empower me to forgive as Jesus did. In addition, dear Father, please teach me what my commitment to forgive actually means in terms of the life changes I need to make.

Continue to make your path clear as the changes of life are  taking place. I see and feel your power, Lord, and continue to work in me as the path on the Adventure in Middle Grove got a little lighter today.

Lighting the Path

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path.


When I feel afraid, And think I've lost my way.
Still, you're there right beside me.
Nothing will I fear As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path.

I will not forget Your love for me and yet,
My heart forever is wandering. Jesus by my guide,
And hold me to your side,
And I will love you to the end.

Nothing will I fear As long as you are near;
Please be near me to the end.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
And a light unto my path.

You're the light unto my path.

Sometimes life is discouraging but as someone who has their hope in the eternal promise offered by Jesus, the discouragement is only a fleeting fragment as I live in a fallen world. My eyes continue to gaze on you as they are fixed on the direction you are leading me. Help me see more clearly by lighting the path that is hidden by the darkness of all the trash in my mind and by the incomplete comprehension of the direction you are taking me. Light my path with your righteousness and help me not to wander. Guide my heart as you show me the way you want me to go and the people you want me to meet. Lord, I am listening to your still voice as you show me the way this day on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Stoned with Friends

Exodus 17

10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.


I bet that got your attention.

I will admit... Today I am weary and the Amalekites are gaining advantage.They have taken their toll on my psyche. We moved over 200 people in to a new building where I was on the design and implementation team and introduced some new technologies that had some problems. All this in spite of budget cuts and continuing bad economic times and keeping my group energized and positive. My arms have been held high while I stand looking over the valley by great friends and family. In the past week, my arms are getting tired and my spirit is like that of the drooping arms of Moses.

My dependence is on the God who created Heaven and Earth but like Moses sometimes the battle is longer than expected and new strategies need to be developed. I think of Aaron and Hur too! They were tired too but they saw the direct action of letting go of their leader. Every time Moses dropped his staff, the enemy gained ground. They did not have to go too far to see this. They were right next to him! I always wonder who was more tired, Moses or his friends!

Well, being the resourceful Israelites found a rock, or did they. I am not a biblical scholar but is this the same rock that Moses struck and water came out. Did Aaron and Hur put him on this rock because they just witnessed a miracle of water coming out of a rock at Mt. Sinai?

I really do not know. What I do know is when Moses got in to trouble, his friends found a solution not only for the sake of Moses but I believe they were getting tired too.

Whether or not it is the same rock Moses struck for water, he needed a place to sit down so he could have his arms held high to defeat the enemy.

I know you are with me today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNRl3xI8Jts
(sorry about the commercial at the end, nothing is without cost!)

Lord, on this day of worship hold my hands high and help me defeat the enemy of doubt, lack of hope and hurt and let me gaze at the path ahead as I fix my eyes on you as my friends look for a rock to help me keep my arms in the air. I am grateful for friends near and far and for their prayer and support. I know you have a plan and I eagerly await your leading as I look out this morning from the hill on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

On the level

Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

Proverbs 4:25-26, New International Version

I think the only we can live vicariously through Christ if we do the three things mentioned above

Look

Fix

Make

Look straight ahead helps me keep my eyes on Christ and not be diverted on a path of diversion. This does not mean other paths are closed. It means my gaze needs to be on Christ and the right path will open at the right time according to God's plan.


Fix and gaze is something I need to do as I am on the path waiting for God's leading. When I fix my eyes it is like looking for someone in the distance and trying to identify them. I already know who is in front of me but I need to seek Christ in a clearer way every day as I fix my eyes on him.

Make Level paths that are firm as I continue my walk. I have hiked on many trails in the Northeast and most of them are bumping, rocky and everything but level. If I make the paths level, I need to continually keep the paths level. Try to fix your eyes on something while you are walking on a bumpy path.It is very difficult! Fixing my eyes on Christ is much easier while on a level path.

Sounds pretty easy! Wish it was!

Lord, As the walk on your path continues this day, keep my path level as I fix my eyes on you from the hill while on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Vicarious Living

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
-- 1 John 4:9

I have a friend who works for a company called "Vicarious Visions" If you know video games, you know them. Tony Hawk, Spiderman, etc are all creations of VV. Their job is to vicariously put the gamer in a place so it seems real as if they are "in the game". Living vicariously is living through someone elses experiences so I do not have to do things on my own. This is not a good thing in life, but in faith, this is our charge... To live vicariously through Jesus Christ.

Showing love is about sharing life with someone else. No one quite epitomizes this principle like Jesus! His sacrifice, however, is what saved us and brought us to our new life in him. Now God
wants me to show his love to others by sharing it in ways people can understand and appreciate and live vicariously through him too.

Living vicariously in the world is an escape,
Living vicariously through Jesus Christ is life

LORD, and Father, thank you for today!

Help me share my life with someone else who needs to experience your grace -- not just today, but everyday. Please help me notice those who are wounded and please give me wisdom on the best way to lead them to you. Help me live vicariously through you as you reveal yourself on the Adventure in Middle Grove.

Does Always, always mean, Always?

 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
-- Psalm 105:4

Looking at yesterday was an emotional release and joy in the knowledge that God has a resting place for me. How do I get there? What do I need to do?

God is not big on instructions

Look
Seek

Look to the lord and HIS strength

Seek his face ALWAYS

I really hate simple instructions. I cannot say I really do not understand!


When I honestly evaluate where I use my time, how I spend my money, what I think about most often, and where we put forth my best efforts, what do I find?

Is God my consuming passion?

Is he my first love?

If not, get out the instruction book again!


Lord, it is hard not to be able to see your face, yet I know my imperfection makes that impossible in light of your awesome holiness. Lord, you are beautiful and your face is all I seek.

Until that day I see you face to face in heaven, please make your presence known in my life as I seek you with all of my heart as you look down on the Adventure in Middle Grove today.