Winter started yesterday in North America, but it certainly did not feel like it here in Richmond. It was over 70 degrees. People had on shorts and some were even running the air condition. Today, the forecast is for almost 80 degrees. This is certainly odd and this imbalance in the atmosphere will certainly spawn stormy weather.
I am not a fan of storms. I have only met a few people that like storms. For the majority of us, even if we stand in awe of the power of nature demonstrated during storms, we would rather not be in the midst of a storm.
As I mature, both biologically and spiritually, I am learning to have a new appreciation for stormy weather. Storms are unsettling. Storms are demonstrative and sometimes destructive. No matter what, a storm will get your attention. I am learning to appreciate the rainy days just as much if not more than the days of sunshine. The stormy days serve for me as a real reminder of two things. One, God is in control. Two, trouble will not last always.
Just as quickly as a storm rolls in, it can roll back out. Although man has advanced to a place that we can forecast and predict weather, we are powerless to control it. Only God has control of the weather and in reality God has control of my life. Troubles may bubble up but they will not last.
Weather the storm, sunny days are coming.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Home Church
Today, church was cancelled because bad weather was anticipated. This is interesting to me on so many levels.
This is the second Sunday in the Advent season. Advent is a season that is all about anticipation. As we prepare for the arrival of the Christmas season, we renew our hope in the beauty of God's love for the world, that He sent His Son Jesus not simply to be born, but to live and die that we would be reconciled back to God.
So today, we prepared and responded to the worst case scenario. The forecast predicted that the weather would be unfavorable and we elected to play it safe, to not venture out beyond a place of safety because the perceived risk was greater than any hope that we had to encounter in the worship experience.
Living hope dictates that its always worth the risk. Living hope is more than anticipating a best case scenario. Living hope is confidence that the outcome is going to be good based on past experiences. With God, our hope is never brought to shame. With God as the guarantor on the promissory note, there is no doubt that the best outcome will be our destined end.
So, one a day when church services cancelled due to the anticipation of inclement weather, I refocus myself on a place called hope. I renew my commitment to chase after the light of God that is shine even in the dark places. I renew my mind to glory in my struggles, knowing that the struggles brings perseverance, and perseverance, character and character, hope. And with this hope, not in man, my own abilities, the weather, or anything of this world, but in God alone, will not be put to shame.
This is the second Sunday in the Advent season. Advent is a season that is all about anticipation. As we prepare for the arrival of the Christmas season, we renew our hope in the beauty of God's love for the world, that He sent His Son Jesus not simply to be born, but to live and die that we would be reconciled back to God.
So today, we prepared and responded to the worst case scenario. The forecast predicted that the weather would be unfavorable and we elected to play it safe, to not venture out beyond a place of safety because the perceived risk was greater than any hope that we had to encounter in the worship experience.
Living hope dictates that its always worth the risk. Living hope is more than anticipating a best case scenario. Living hope is confidence that the outcome is going to be good based on past experiences. With God, our hope is never brought to shame. With God as the guarantor on the promissory note, there is no doubt that the best outcome will be our destined end.
So, one a day when church services cancelled due to the anticipation of inclement weather, I refocus myself on a place called hope. I renew my commitment to chase after the light of God that is shine even in the dark places. I renew my mind to glory in my struggles, knowing that the struggles brings perseverance, and perseverance, character and character, hope. And with this hope, not in man, my own abilities, the weather, or anything of this world, but in God alone, will not be put to shame.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
New Dawn, New Day!?!
Today is the last 1st Sunday in 2013!
So much has happened in this year. Much of it a blur now. Isn't it funny how, when looking back, the obstacles that you thought would totally overtake you, look so small and so far, far away.
It was so great to be in worship for the final 1st Sunday of the year with my family. I love those misfits. I mean, lets be clear, that when we get together there is always a 50/50 chance that things can go terribly wrong and the gathering could end with bickering and misunderstandings. But God is truly faithful and this was an excellent time together.
Perhaps this is the beginning of a new chapter for us. A chapter filled with loving exchanges, fun and laughter, peace and harmony. I certainly believe so, but I am prepared for just about anything. One thing that I know for sure is that if I have to walk through the fire or weather the storms of life, I will be more than happy to do so with these guys by my side and in my corner.
So much has happened in this year. Much of it a blur now. Isn't it funny how, when looking back, the obstacles that you thought would totally overtake you, look so small and so far, far away.
It was so great to be in worship for the final 1st Sunday of the year with my family. I love those misfits. I mean, lets be clear, that when we get together there is always a 50/50 chance that things can go terribly wrong and the gathering could end with bickering and misunderstandings. But God is truly faithful and this was an excellent time together.
Perhaps this is the beginning of a new chapter for us. A chapter filled with loving exchanges, fun and laughter, peace and harmony. I certainly believe so, but I am prepared for just about anything. One thing that I know for sure is that if I have to walk through the fire or weather the storms of life, I will be more than happy to do so with these guys by my side and in my corner.
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