Senior Texting Codes -

ATD..At The Doctors.
BFF..Best Friend Fell.
BTW..Bring the Wheelchair.
BYOT..Bring Your Own Teeth.
FWIW..Forgot Where I Was.
GGPBL..Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low.
GHA..Got Heartburn Again.
IMHO..Is My Hearing-Aid On.
LMDO..Laughing My Dentures Out.
OMMR..On My Massage Recliner.
OMSG ..Oh My! Sorry, Gas.
ROFLACGU....Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can't Get Up.
TTYL..Talk To You Louder --
TGNTS - Too Good Not To Share

 

A Response to today's Devotional by R. T. Kendall

1 John 3:21

Father, thank you for a fresh reminder of my need to forgive. And it can’t be a forgiveness of my lips; it must be of my heart by your grace. I’m certain I’ve wounded others, without knowing it or meaning too. I am not a perfect person. I would like to be, but understand, as long as I am in this body in this world I won’t be perfect; yet you are perfecting me in your love, that I might demonstrate your love for others.

There are a few relationships that seem hopeless and without to ability to repair. I can’t fix them, but I can give them over to you and ask you to forgive me for my part in the breakdown. I can confuse people, (you did), which causes a withdrawal, anger and frustration. Others forget that I too am a forgiven sinner, with the power to “go off half cocked,” and go in the wrong direction. But where I have the power, I can repent, trust you, obey your correcting command, and walk with you in the light of your love and teaching.

Jesus, that I might have an experience with you that goes beyond knowledge and/or information, an experience of your love and forgiveness, that enables me to do the same for others.

Here Lord, is my wounded heart, broken in a million pieces, by acts and the words of others, who believe they were right in or about a situation; and here is my sin against them as well. You who has died for us both, and all; I present myself to you. I thank you for your Spirit which forgives, saves and restores me with the Father; I thank you for your forgiving spirit, poured over and into me. I may never be forgiven by them, but when we meet again before your throne, we will embrace each other and weep because of the grace and forgiveness we both where shown.  

For someone in pain and hurting today . . .

Job 14 (The Message)

Job 14

If We Die, Will We Live Again?

 ^1-17"We're all adrift in the same boat:
   too few days, too many troubles.
We spring up like wildflowers in the desert and then wilt,
   transient as the shadow of a cloud.
Do you occupy your time with such fragile wisps?
   Why even bother hauling me into court?
There's nothing much to us to start with;
   how do you expect us to amount to anything?
Mortals have a limited life span.
   You've already decided how long we'll live—
   you set the boundary and no one can cross it.
So why not give us a break? Ease up!
   Even ditchdiggers get occasional days off.
For a tree there is always hope.
   Chop it down and it still has a chance—
   its roots can put out fresh sprouts.
Even if its roots are old and gnarled,
   its stump long dormant,
At the first whiff of water it comes to life,
   buds and grows like a sapling.
But men and women? They die and stay dead.
   They breathe their last, and that's it.
Like lakes and rivers that have dried up,
   parched reminders of what once was,
So mortals lie down and never get up,
   never wake up again—never.
Why don't you just bury me alive,
   get me out of the way until your anger cools?
But don't leave me there!
   Set a date when you'll see me again.
If we humans die, will we live again? That's my question.
   All through these difficult days I keep hoping,
   waiting for the final change—for resurrection!
Homesick with longing for the creature you made,
   you'll call—and I'll answer!
You'll watch over every step I take,
   but you won't keep track of my missteps.
My sins will be stuffed in a sack
   and thrown into the sea—sunk in deep ocean.

 ^18-22 "Meanwhile, mountains wear down
   and boulders break up,
Stones wear smooth
   and soil erodes,
   as you relentlessly grind down our hope.
You're too much for us.
   As always, you get the last word.
We don't like it and our faces show it,
   but you send us off anyway.
If our children do well for themselves, we never know it;
   if they do badly, we're spared the hurt.
Body and soul, that's it for us—
   a lifetime of pain, a lifetime of sorrow."

God Loves Failures - R. T. Kendall

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. —1 Corinthians 1:25

Jacob is one of the most important characters in the Old Testament. He was the grandson of Abraham, the son of Isaac, and the third of the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If we look at Jacob's life, we soon recognize that the Bible does not cover up the weaknesses and frailty of its heroes. Jacob, whose name was later changed to Israel, was not a particularly attractive person.

If ever there was anyone who knew the guilt of failure, then Jacob is your man. The name Jacob means "heel" (or possibly "deceiver"). Jacob was the world's greatest manipulator. He wanted to control people. He was a terrible parent and brother. He stole his twin brother Esau's blessing, and, by cunning, he tricked him into selling his birthright.

Jacob may have been a complainer, a controller, but God loved him. "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated" (Rom. 9:13). Jacob, though not a very nice guy and not a very attractive person, was loved by God. When it came to the end of Jacob's life, the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews chose one event, which says that "Jacob . . .worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff" (Heb. 11:21). It shows him in his old age before he died, looking back on his life, a life riddled with guilt, but a life that, when it was all over, turned out as if it were perfect. He got his son back. He learned to appreciate Leah and the things God had done for him.

The "Jacobs" of this world aren't very pleasant, but God loves them.

God loves failures. Do you know why? It's because He wants to take your life, turn it into a trophy of grace, and bring you to the place where you see that His hand has always been on you. He wants to turn that failure into a blessing.

Excerpted from All's Well That Ends Well (Authentic Media, 2005).

How often have I felt like a failure, truthfully, very often. I am one He loves, and so are you. Love ya, T.A.B.

Praying with you on Monday . . .

Father I thank you today for burdens that come with your calling. For the struggle that draws me closer to you; yes, and even the pain that comes with it. Lord, when you walked among us, you did not avoid the difficult, the unpleasant, you faced them by seeking the Father’s help and direction, help me as learn this lesson as well.

What I’m faced with is no different than yourself. You had to find the money to pay your taxes, why should I be different? You had nowhere to call your own home, but you did have a small group around you who loved you, even while they didn’t always (or often) understand you. Did you ever ask, why me, why now, why here? Perhaps you did in those mornings alone in prayer, but even then, when you came to us, you faced what had to be, with the strength of the Holy Spirit to do what must be done.

So now as we face a another week, may I (and we) sit alone in our office or room be comforted with your real presence; even when there is noise and rushing around outside our door or window, let your peace abide with us; or the gentle sound of the water fountain that often sound like laughter or tears; remind me, you’re saying to me, “I’m here, I’m near.” May someone stop by that will place their arm around these your sons and daughters and say, “I love you, He loves you.”

You called us to yourself that you might sent us out; now that we’re out, tell me again, that you are my shepherd, how does your rod and staff work again; thank you for that table, it must be just around the next corner; and those footsteps I hear behind me, must be goodness and mercy. Lord, there are moments when frankly, I’m unsure of myself, (Okay, Jesus, I’m SCARIED!) There I’ve said it! Grant grace for the sheep bites, and wounds from last week, and beyond. So, if you don’t mind, a little light for the cave, I’m hiding in, Thank you.

This prayer Lord, isn’t meant to sound pretty, and theologically correct, but from a real heart and real man. Trying to understand what you’re doing now, but being willing to follow your lead. I love you Jesus, but I know you love me more, a Lot more. Thanks for holding me tight. With thanksgiving for your abiding presence, in the STRONG Name of Jesus, Amen!

Love ya, T

Praying with you on Monday . . .

Father, as we begin another week, I ask for your help as we face the difficult and the unknown. We who love you and feel called to serve you and your people too often find ourselves feeling alone, empty and yes, abandoned. We work alone, pray alone, study alone, and sometimes wonder where is your voice in the silence.

What’s that you say, “. . . fear not, I Am with you.” I didn’t hear those words this morning at 3 A.M. when sleep ran from me like a sprinter. I didn’t ‘feel’ your presence as I struggled to find rest  and could not. Yet, you speak even now, “I Am with you.” Then why am I so lonely at times? I thanks you for your reassurance now as I pray, comfort the hearts of these dear ones, who trust only in your merit. The words of one of my dear fathers in the Gospel, ring again in my ears as if he sang these words only yesterday, “In shady green pastures so rich and so sweet, God leads his dear children along. . . . Some through the waters, some through the floods, some through fire, but all through the blood.” Thank you for being here, now in this moment, you hold my hand when I could not see it or even feel it. You hold my heart and life in your hand as precious to you as they are to me.

Loving you is worshipping you and worshipping you is loving you, Each moment, each step I take, you are there; you go before me, but stay with me in this troubling present. And even in the days, when I see blue skies and gentle breezes you remind me, “I’m here, ever near you. Thank you!

So bless this week ahead, each new minute, and hour, until the hands of clock stand still for me and I meet you face to face, and remind me, I was there all the time. There is no challenge I face alone, not hatred thrown my way, no denial of your gifting in my life, that you won’t right, just at that correct moment. You reward is certain, and absolute, you cannot lie or fail, not for me or anyone of us. You are God alone, and I love you for yourself, not just what you do for me but for who you are. I love you Jesus. Thank you for your caring presence, back there, right here and wherever I am forever.

Strengthen by your abiding presence In the strong Name of Jesus, Amen.

Relationships in ministry. Well here goes . . .

What I'm about to share with you may be one of the most difficult I've shared to date. I hope you can hear my heart. I was catching up on my reading and a copy of Charisma J. Lee Grady wrote the following:

I'M TIRED OF THE PHONY STUFF

For three years I've wanted to gather a group of friends for a time of encouragement and personal ministry. I couldn't afford to host a fancy event, and I didn't think these guys wanted a big hoopla with expensive hotels and high-priced speakers.

So we went with a simple format that involved a donated church facility, totally informal dress code, sub sandwiches, North Carolina barbecue and cheap rooms at a Hampton Inn. What surprised me was that 91 men from 20 states and four foreign countries showed up for three days of worship, small-group interaction and inspiring messages from 32 of the guys. (don't worry, they kept comments brief.)

What happened in that small window of time amazed me. Weary pastors met new friends. Younger guys bonded with new mentors. men opened their hearts about their deepest struggles. And best of all God showed up and spoke to many of the guys about their insecurities and fears.

On the second day a panel of six young men shared about their need for godly role models. some admitted that they have dysfunctional relationships with their dads. Others said they found it difficult to connect with spiritual fathers.

One man Charles, said that in his church, young men were never allowed to develop real friendships with pastors and leaders. They were expected to be "armor bears" who acted like personal valets - by shining the pastor's shoes, carrying his water bottle and escorting him to the pulpit.

The young men who came to our Bold Venture discipleship weekend were crying out for authentic relationships. They aren't going to receive the mentoring or the spiritual nurture they need by carrying a preacher's Bible or serving as his bodyguard. True discipleship only happens in a loving, relational context.
This was the apostle Paul's method of discipleship. Though he did speak in church meetings, his ministry wasn't focused on events, sermons or a flashy delivery style. And it certainly wasn't about high-pressure offerings, pulpit showmanship or grand entrances. There was nothing fake or phony about New Testament Christianity.

Paul told the Thessalonians that he was "well-pleased to impart to you not only the Gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us." (1 Thess. 2:8, NASB). he knew ministry was all about investing in people. he did not live for applause, silk suits or swooning crowds.

The reason he could endure beatings, shipwrecks, betrayal, riots, hunger and imprisonments is that he loved the men and women on his ministry team. Everything he did was about pouring the life of Jesus into Timothy, Silvanus, mark, Phoebe, Priscilla, Euodia and all the other New Testament heroes who called Paul a spiritual father.

How would Paul react if he were alive to see the warped version of 'ministry' we've created? I imagine he would tear his robe and call us all back to raw humility.

Robert , a Ugandan pastor, wrote me a week after our retreat to share with me his plan for disciplining men. he said, "Next week I will meet about 24 guys to deposit what I experienced. We are going to do life together, laugh, cry, be vulnerable and open with each other. This is not and African thing, but I know it is the way to go."

Like Robert, I don't want an armor bearer, a bodyguard or an entourage. But I do want to spend the rest of my life mentoring and empowering young people. It was Paul's style. And it's the Jesus way.

Discipleship is a simple concept - too simple for some of us who have become addicted to the fancy bells and whistles of American religion. But if you listen carefully, amid the noise of the crowd, you'll hear the Holy Spirit calling us back to new Testament basics.

This is where my heart is, and I will be spending the rest of my life and ministry investing in the lives of those pastors, ministers and those who hunger to be in relationship Jesus and 'a brother' in Christ. I'd love to walk together with you on the journey.