God’s Plan Is Better Than Mine

I’m pretty forgetful, just ask my wife.  A while back I said I was going to make a list of the most popular excuses contractors give when it comes to them not following a project’s plans and specifications.  I forgot to make the list, but remembered later that I said that I was going to make it.  Don’t judge me, it got done; it just took a couple of months.

Why Did Peter Deny That He Knew Jesus?

While in a class at church, we read through the part of the Gospel where Peter denied three times that he knew Jesus.  I know for a fact that I’ve denied Him way more than that and yet He still loves me. 

But why do we deny that we know Jesus?

I’m not entirely sure, but Peter’s experience on the night Jesus was arrested might give us some insight.

Here’s my take on it:

I Had A Talk With God, But He Didn't Say Much

I read a blog post the other day about how God speaks to us.  The author talked about how sometimes we want long dissertations from God, giving us full details about the next step we should take in our lives.  He pointed out that sometimes, God will say only a few words to us rather than give us detailed instructions.  The point is that God does speak to us, we just don’t always listen.

That’s what happened to me.  I was doing all of the talking and when I did decide to listen; I was listening for the wrong thing.  I finally decided to give up on listening FOR God and start listening TO God.

A Fresh, New Perspective

Back when my wife and I got married, her great uncle gave us an antique table.  That was almost 10 years ago.  To this day, I don’t know if it’s better suited as firewood or if it’s actually worth something more.  What I do know is this:  It’s been broken since day 1.  It’s not so far gone that it needs to be hauled to the end of the driveway, but it can’t remain the way it is either.

Church Invitation

We got invited to church, specifically, a couples group at church.

While we were out having dinner at a classy barbecue restaurant, we were approached by a couple and they gave us a pamphlet about their church.  They eagerly invited us to join them in their couples group that was held at their church.  We of course were polite to them, listened to their invitation, and told them thank you. 

Oceans

Lately, my favorite song has been “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong United.  Even though I really like the song, it scares the crap out of me.

The Other 5 Commandments

A few days ago, I saw a video posted online from the movie “History of the World Part I”.  The clip was of the scene when Moses (Mel Brooks) was carrying what was supposed to be the 15 Commandments down to the people.  In the process of walking down the mountain to deliver the commandments, he dropped the tablet with commandments 11-15.

The clip got me thinking about what those other 5 commandments could possibly be.  So with doing no research whatsoever, but having keen observational skills, here are the other 5 commandments:

We Want To Be Celebrities

When I’m feeling down and I need a boost of self confidence, I go to my daughters’ school.

I feel like a rock star when I walk through those doors.  People screaming your name, giving high-fives, just wanting the chance to talk to you; it’s great!  

The Lent Challenge

Lent started today and so now is the time of year when everyone gives something up or does more of something. 

Lent is very important to me because I see the importance of the time leading up to Easter.  I don’t do New Year’s resolutions, but I will definitely participate in Lent. 

Time, Talent, & Treasure

I often struggle with understanding why I'm here.  

What's God’s plan for me? 

How can I use the knowledge and skills that I have to honor Him?  

Some people have it figured out.  They sing in the choir. They help with the children.  They become missionaries in Africa.

We talk a lot in church about using our time, talent, and treasure to serve and honor God.  This past week we hosted several missionaries at church and Wednesday night we went to listen to some of our mission partners speak.  Even though I am not called to be a missionary and I’ll most likely never go on a mission trip, I still want to help and be a part of God’s work and mission throughout the world.

The question is, how? 

How can I use my time, talent, and treasure to help our mission partners around the world?