So I'm supposed to be having "focused" sermon prep time right now, but I find myself somewhat distracted. (who's surprised?)
Our family cat (Misty) is not a fan of the family dog (Hunter). Hunter is a Yellow Lab, and still a puppy. Hunter approaches Misty like he approaches all things -aka "play toys." Normally, when Hunter is in the house, Misty retreats to the safety of my daughter's room.
Not tonight. Appearantly Misty feels safest nestled against the wall on a bench under the kitchen table. The table I happen to be "working" on. Her defenses against the curious and playful advances of the dog consist of jab like punches with her clawless paws. Of course, this is (mis)interpreted by Hunter as indicitive of "I want to play with you!"
In light of the unsuccessful physical defense, Misty turns to a verbal one. If I could record her sounds I'm pretty sure it would make a great soundtrack for a haunted house. A really low "mmmrrrrrrrraaaaaaarrr" that is kinda creepy to come out of such a small (and hopefully non-demon possessed) animal.
OK, so to the point . . .
Some things that are just natural, mortal enemies. Like our sin and God's holiness. Galatians 5:17 says, "The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions."
Flesh and Spirit, Dogs & Cats. The best way to control our household pet situation is to keep them separated. Each has it's own territory. Sometimes we try to control our flesh/spirit problem the same way. Church and family is the Spirit's territory, work, Friday and Saturday night belong to the flesh.
I don't think that's how God intends it to be. He doesn't want us to strike a deal, negotiate a peace treaty, or try to get them to get along. Romans 8:12-13 says, "Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live."
Will Hunter and Misty ever be friends? I doubt it, and neither will my sin nature (flesh) and the Spirit. I need to quit making room for the flesh and giving it any place in my life. What about you?
Friday, January 13, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Hide and Seek? or Seek and Find?
The thing in my family to do in the car is to make up weird games to play. Actually, this really only applies to my daughters as my older son is now in the phase of life where he simply wants to turn up the radio, or even better zone out on his ipod.
So, the other day my 6 year old Emma says to me, "Daddy, let's play a game. I say a number and you have to say if it's a boy or a girl." Now, I know in some languagues pretty much every word is either masculine or feminine, but I've never heard of numbers having gender! But what the heck, I'm game.
"1" I say "boy". "No, it's a girl." she says. "2" I say "Boy?" "No, it's a girl." "3" I say "Girl???" "No Dad, it's a boy!" she says, sounding rather annoyed at my ineptness.
Basically, I didn't get one right until I think number 11. I have a sneaky suspicion there was no formula involved, simply a matter of how much she wanted Daddy to suffer. Fun game.
If the game is not understood, it's pretty hard to enjoy the game.
Isaiah 45:19 says,
I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.
Sometimes we think our relationship with God is a game like Emma's, where we really don't know the rules or how to play. We go along, trying as hard as we can to figure God out, only to be frustrated. There's been times I've felt that way.
Isaiah 45 gives us some assurance - there is a point, it is possible, keep seeking!
James 4:8 Says . . . Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
There was no magical formula to figure out Emma's game, and there's no magic formula to get close to God, just keep moving His direction, and believe me, He'll meet you way more than half way!
So, the other day my 6 year old Emma says to me, "Daddy, let's play a game. I say a number and you have to say if it's a boy or a girl." Now, I know in some languagues pretty much every word is either masculine or feminine, but I've never heard of numbers having gender! But what the heck, I'm game.
"1" I say "boy". "No, it's a girl." she says. "2" I say "Boy?" "No, it's a girl." "3" I say "Girl???" "No Dad, it's a boy!" she says, sounding rather annoyed at my ineptness.
Basically, I didn't get one right until I think number 11. I have a sneaky suspicion there was no formula involved, simply a matter of how much she wanted Daddy to suffer. Fun game.
If the game is not understood, it's pretty hard to enjoy the game.
Isaiah 45:19 says,
I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.
Sometimes we think our relationship with God is a game like Emma's, where we really don't know the rules or how to play. We go along, trying as hard as we can to figure God out, only to be frustrated. There's been times I've felt that way.
Isaiah 45 gives us some assurance - there is a point, it is possible, keep seeking!
James 4:8 Says . . . Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
There was no magical formula to figure out Emma's game, and there's no magic formula to get close to God, just keep moving His direction, and believe me, He'll meet you way more than half way!
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