There is nothing more encouraging to me than understanding and truly knowing that God owns me and has intentionally placed his powerful Holy Spirit in me to guarantee my eternal life with him.  Our Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, cares about me so much that he claims me as his possession. 

Oh what confidence that gives me each morning to live out my day with him.  Oh what peace fills my inner being knowing that there is no tribulation that can happen, no suffering so grand that God won’t care for my soul and lead me to him in the heavenly realms.  A verse like, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6,7 and Hebrews 13:6) has so much more significance to me when I realize God considers me his temple, his sanctuary, his possession and child. 

God fortifies me “with power through his Spirit in [my] inner being” (Ephesians 3:16).  When I weaken in faith, God can make me stronger.  God’s Spirit can encourage me and build my faith in Christ, and together, with all who are in Christ and who share the Holy Spirit, God can do through us more than we can even imagine possible! 

Yes, his dwelling in me should also convict me to live more holy knowing he inhabits my being.  “And [I should] not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom [I was] sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30).  An unholy and unloving heart pains the Spirit who desires to transform me from the inside out. 

I must make every effort to imitate God in all I do so his possession, his child that he loves, reflects him.

In my opinion, one of the most important texts found in the New Testament regarding the unity of believers is found toward the end of Romans. In a setting where Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians are together trying to find their unity in Christ, Paul helps them understand some extremely important principles that must speak loudly and clearly so the church can not only survive, but thrive. How well do you do with these principles?
Accept each other in love. (14:1; 15:7)

Don’t quarrel over disputable matters. (14:1)

Don’t judge your brother or look down on him because of what he believes about a disputable matter. (14:1,10,13)

Make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a spiritually weaker brother or sister. (14:13,21)

You must listen to your conscience. (14:14,23)

Stay mainly focused on what really matters. (14:17)

Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (14:19)

Whatever you believe about a disputable matter, keep between you and God. (14:22)

It’s not what we believe about disputable matters that enables our unity, but Christ himself and our mutual desire to follow him. Let’s keep our unity in Christ through love.

7:15am: “Oh yea! Mom, I need you to pack me a lunch today.”

Patience.

7:59am: “Of course the slowest driver in town had to be in front of me when I was running late for work.”

Patience.

9:30am: “The copier jammed on me and I got ink all over my hands when I tried to un-jam the stupid thing!”

Patience.

11:15am: “You have got to be kidding! Who does my boss think she is telling me to do that today. Doesn’t she know how overloaded I am already? I don’t get paid for that!”

Patience.

2:00pm: “I will not tell you again to lay down in your bed for your nap or else!”

Patience.

3:00pm: “My teacher gave me so much homework for tonight!”

Patience.

4:45pm: “Honey, I need to stay a little later at the office than I anticipated. Go ahead and start dinner without me.”

Patience.

6:55pm: “I want to watch this show!” “No! I want to watch that one!”

Patience.

9:15pm: “Lights were turned off fifteen minutes ago! Go to sleep!”

Patience.

Every year the earth goes through an incredible cycle, one that I admittedly know very little about, but by observation am continually amazed. The dormancy and peace of wintertime, to the birth and freshness of springtime, to the flourishing and fun of summertime, to the amazing colors and changes of autumn, all of these times have their place and reason. God certainly knew what he was doing when he created the earth…as he always knows what he’s doing.

It is a wonder to consider God’s creation of the earth and then consider his creation of man. To think that thousands of years ago Adam was made from the dust of the earth and God literally breathed life into his nostrils is mind-blowing. I can imagine God’s mighty hand somehow reaching down and molding Adam like a sculpture, then sitting back and looking at his creation knowing his sculpture was sculpted exactly has he desired. Then, in a twinkling and with a deap breathe he makes his sculpture come alive!

Yes, that is my imagination at work, I know, it’s just my mind’s picture. But I love the idea because I believe God made you exactly the way he desired. He didn’t mess up even once when creating you. He didn’t have to go back and fix anything. No, you were made perfectly and unique, just as planned and with good reason.

Please know you are specially made by God and he loves you more than you can imagine.

It is important to consider how you choose your friends, especially your closest friends. Your friends influence you a lot, maybe more than you can tell. Based on the proverb above I’d say people have known about the influence of friends for quite some time!

Many times people learn from each other and imitate each other without even realizing it. Have you ever hung around someone for a while and started to say certain things they like to say, or do little things they do? I have a very close friend from Australia who has been my very close friend for a long time. I have noticed on various occasions that when we hang out together I start to use Australian phrases! That seems somewhat silly when I think about it but I can’t help it, it’s natural. I do it without even noticing.  However, despite what you may have heard, learning from or imitating others is not a sign of weak leadership or a weak personality. The greatest kings and presidents learn from those around them, that’s why they always have a panel of advisers close by. The fact is we are all influenced by those around us, in small ways and in big ways. Become wise and accept this fact.

So, a good question to ask yourself at this point is not: “Am I being influenced by others?” No, the question to ask yourself now is: “Who am I allowing to influence me?”

I love what Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthian Christians when he talked about the influence of people who aren’t trying to live out a faith-full and righteous life for God: 

“And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I die every day–I mean that, brothers–just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reason, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.’ Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’  Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning…”  (1 Corinthians 15:30-34)

Does this mean we shouldn’t have any friends who have not already given their lives to God?  I don’t think it means that.  However, in my opinion, you may really want to have your closest friends the ones that encourage you to continually live your life for God. 

Think of the best kind of friendship as two people helping each other be better people, sharpening each other.

You are being influenced by those around you, so choose your friends carefully. 

I’m so sorry for the loss of your newborn son. I can only imagine what pain you and your beautiful bride must be enduring right now. I have heard that you are being attended to well and that you are finally eating again. I must admit I am glad to hear of that news. Fasting was understandable, but you need your strength my friend.

Hey listen, I’m just going to come right out and say it: what’s done is done brother. You can’t go back now. I know you already know that but I want you to understand that I know it too. Yes, you messed up big time; you allowed one seemingly innocent lustful sin lead to other “darker” sins, which in turn hurt some very special people in your life. You know the consequences, I don’t need to rehash all of that.

But David, you know that could have been any one of us! If I had seen her bathing outside naked I probably would have fallen into the same trap. I’m not trying to justify or diminish anything here, I’m just trying to say that I understand what happened. You’re a man and your erotic passions took over. I know there is more to it than that, but even on that level alone it’s understandable.

God said he has “taken away your sin” and that you aren’t going to die. That is such good news! He loves you David, he really does. You have to let him love you and forgive you. It’s in his nature to love like that and I’m quite sure it’s in your nature as well. I often see you love others when I don’t think they deserve your love. So, let God love you even though you feel like you don’t deserve it (but I know you do deserve it). Hey, you were chosen for your high office, and for good reason. God knows your heart David, your innermost everything…and HE chose YOU! That’s got to mean something, right?

(Ok. This is going to be tough, but please hear me as a close friend who loves you and is trying to comfort you.)

I heard your song today. It was beautiful because I could hear your passionate heart through the lyrics. Your heart is so broken David. But, I’m so proud of your repentence and remorse. I know that sounds weird but I think you know what I mean. I guess I’m just so glad you didn’t run from God in this difficult time, but that you ran back to him. I was afraid that the loss of your son would create some sort of deep chasm between you and him and that you would never try to cross back. My only comfort is that YOU KNOW your son is with our Father now and that YOU KNOW someday we will join him.

Listen to me…your faith is WONDERFUL. Yea, you are probably thinking right now, “How can you say that with all that I have done?” But I can David! You have shown me an amazing example of great faith in God through through this time. I wish I could have fasted and prayed with you while your son was ill, to have heard your words as you prayed and anguished with God. I heard that baffled your staff a little by your actions, but surely God wasn’t confused at all. YOU KNEW ONLY HE could remedy all of this business by his mercy and grace and healing, and you begged for it. Your desire to fully and constantly trust in God is a great testimony to all of the world, it always has been! You never give up on God, and surely God agrees with me.

David, would you please do yourself (and me) a favor? When you mess up again (and I know you will because we all do sometimes) would you please let me in on your secret earlier so I can be with you? I dont know, maybe I couldn’t have stopped you last time and encouraged you away from those tough temptations, but maybe next time will be different. I want to be there with you when you are weak and tempted so I can help hold you up. And hey, if you don’t mind, I might call you for help and support as well.

My prayer for you is that our Father’s Spirit will renew your spirit again just as you have asked. Accept his cleansing and forgiveness and be strong in heart once again.

Ok. I guess that’s all for now. I love you.

Lee

P.S. Send my love to your bride!

When my brothers and I were younger and talked about making new friends somewhere my dad used to chime in with: “Don’t forget, you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your friend’s nose!”  Although I’ve never actually tested this theory, I believe this proverb to be undeniably true.  My dad had many more words of wisdom for us as we lived under his roof, some jovial, but mostly serious and forthright.

There is a desire in most parents to pass on wisdom of every kind to their children so a legacy of living a good life (or a life better then they have experienced) can live on. 

Yes, let’s admit, it is hard to hear parental advice sometimes.  Hey, all parents have been children once before and can recall how difficult it was to take “good advice” from their parents at times when they thought their parents didn’t understand their situation.  That’s natural.  Children are constantly learning how to be more independent of their parents and to think on their own, so there is a natural inclination to want to learn the road their own way.  No one would argue—that is important too, and you will certainly learn from your own many mistakes just as your parents did.  However, like it or not, most parents have gained wisdom along the way that can help you.  Listen to them…at least…listen.  You may find your parents to be wiser than you thought.  I mean, I never let any one of my friends pick my nose…and I’m doing just fine!  (Thanks Dad!)

This was my son’s idea, to sleep out in the tent in the backyard. We thought more would join us but they didn’t, and I must admit I’m glad they didn’t. I would have missed out on something big tonight.

We climbed into the tent around 10:30pm. The late entry was due partly because of his desire to finish his level on Force Unleashed (a Star Wars game on Wii) and partly because I needed to do something online that required a bit of time. All that to say, he was tired when we finally laid down.

We made shadow puppets for a while, and you know, he was pretty good. He made a great man face. I struggled with all my efforts except for my mighty eagle.

We looked up at the stars through the net in the top of the tent and pointed out some of the big ones. We realized fairly quickly that we should put our heads at the other end so we would have a better angle to see more stars. We moved, and we were right.

When star-gazing came to silence, knowing he desires to be an inventor when he grows up, I asked him if he had any good ideas yet. To my surprise and delight he said, “Yeah!”

“Oh yeah!”, I said with enthusiasm. “What are they? Can you tell me?”

“Um, a Mommy-Bot. You know, a robot to do Mom’s work for her. He could cook and clean…and…do laundry.”

“Sweet Buddy! What else?”

“Um, a Shrinkinator, so…like…when things are high up and I can’t reach them, I can shrink the thing they are sitting on and they will come closer to me…then I could reach them.”

“Wow Buddy, you’ve really put some thought into this.”

“Yeah.”

Then he asked me what my favorite movie was and I told him “Family Man”. That was a tough question and I appeased him with my answer, even though, truth be told, I actually needed more time to really make the best decision. Of course I had to ask him the same in return and he said, “Star Wars or Lord of the Rings”. I was proud of his answer because both are worthy of favorite status.

Then he said something about a part in Star Wars he liked…and that was it.

He was out cold.

We probably only hung out for about twenty minutes before he went off to dreamland…but it was a great twenty minutes. No, it was an awesome twenty minutes! One of these days I won’t get anymore of these twenty-minute special campouts so I’ll cherish this one.

Okay. So now, I stay awake to the sounds of chirping beasts and the neighbor’s air-conditioner compressor at 1:49am (says my phone). I guess I’ll just stare some more at the stars and think about what it will be like when my son is a famous inventor who can shrink whatever he wants.

I love you Buddy.

God, because of his great love and compassion for us, showed mercy to us all when he sent Jesus to die for our sins (Romans 11:32; Ephesians 2:3-10).  He reconciled our relationship with him by taking away our sin so we can be pure and holy again (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). 

The bible clearly states that all people are found guilty of sin; there is no one who can claim to be without sin (Romans 3:9,23; 1 John 1:8).  This is a tough thing to hear, to be accused of doing something wrong.  But God is God, the divine, mighty, perfect, and completely pure being, and he sets the standard of what is righteous and unrighteous.  Next to him no one compares.  That is what is so incredible!  The God of the bible, the One that we worship who is those things listed and so much more, desires to have a restored relationship with us…with you…and only because of his grace and mercy do we have the opportunity to have that relationship restored and pure again. 

The opportunity comes through Jesus.  If we believe Jesus is God’s true son, the savior of the world (Matthew 1:20-23) and Lord of the universe (Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6), then we should pledge our hearts and lives to him through baptism (1 Peter 3:21-22) and then daily offer our lives to him as a living sacrifice, constantly being transformed in our minds and actions as we live to please God (Romans 12:1-2) . 

Jesus is the way for a new and great life with God.  Please don’t miss this divine opportunity!

John 3:16-17

I’m not sure what it is that makes me love camp so much.  I guess because it could be so many things it’s hard to nail down what drives my passion.  I love the athletics, the singing and music, the lessons, the focus, the friends and reunions, the swim time, the nap time, the heat (yeah, even the heat!), the time away from stuff; there are so many reasons I love camp as much as I do.

Maybe the most profound would be the impact it has on me.  This year specifically our theme is “Be Transformed”, taken from Romans 12:2.  This theme and verse (and surrounding verses) naturally draw us into a deeper and more committed relationship with Jesus Christ.  Is there anything better than, while keeping God’s mercy in full view, offering your life to God and recommitting to him everything you are, and pledging to be holy and pleasing to him? 

God has been amazing to us with his grace and mercy, I can’t help but sacrifice my life for him today.  And so I commit again and continue my life with him.

Two more days!  I will survive this 116 degree weather!!

Lee