Make Me Happy

In the video game store, my son was angry. There were shelves full of games he could not but for one reason or another. Either we didn't have that particular gaming system, the game cost too much, or the game itself was unacceptable. However, after much digging, we found a game well within his price range. And then we found an accessory for the very same game. The total of the two items was less than he had to spend.
But there was a moment where he saw only everything he could not have. Understand, there was one game and accessory that were completely in his grasp, but there was an entire store full of games and accessories that were out of reach.
It occurred to me in that moment how often I have done the very same thing with what God puts before me. There is a world around me full of things that, as a child of God, I should not take part in. There is a very narrow path that God lays out before me that is full of more than I could ever possibly run through. How many times do I- do you look past the immeasurable blessing of God toward the world and long for something?
Suddenly, Jesus' words take on a new meaning, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6:33 NLT)
In the Potter's Hand,
JW

Follow- The Truth

"Jesus said to him, 'I am... the truth...' " John 14:6 NIV



"You can't handle the truth!" That iconic line from "A Few Good Men" resounds through the house. You can't watch that movie with the volume turned down. And when that line is coming, you find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat- maybe you even say the line with Jack. I do- and then I chuckle.

The preceding story to that line is a twisted tale of deceit and governmental style cover-up. But looking at the words of Jesus, well now, that's a different story.

See, unlike Colonel Jessup, Jesus not only had nothing to hide, but He spoke blatantly about the Truth, over and over again. He didn't candy-coat the circumstances or try to hide what was coming. To put it another way, Jesus was not a "spoonful of sugar" kind of guy.

But the Truth Jeaus spoke of was more than information; more than a few sayings and how-to's to be memorized.

"I Am the Truth"

Let there be no mistake- the words of Jesus; the actions of Jesus; the promises of Jesus are Truth because they are part of Him. There is no truth apart from Him. Jesus isn't just one answer in a multiple-choice test- Jesus is the answer.

Following Jesus is the way of Truth. And when we walk in Truth, we just can't go wrong.

In the Potter's Hand,
JW

Follow- The Way

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way...' " John 14:6 NIV


When we follow signs we get where we are going. Its a simple concept. Personally, I am not a fan of the GPS on the dashboard. I would rather have the directions and watch for the signs about which I was told- a street sign, a business, an oak tree, that cow in the pasture with the large brown spot, etc. (If you've ever lived in the country, you know what I mean.)


Jesus very simply said, "I am the way." Right before this, Jesus is letting His disciples know that He is going to return to heaven to get ready for them (and us) to be there with Him. He says, "You know the way to the place where I am going."


Thomas answers, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"


This is what prompted Jesus' reply, "I am the way..." In effect, Jesus is saying, "I am the road- walk this way." or "I am the direction you should take- follow me." or "I am the manner in which you should walk- do what I do." Any of these is a good way to think of what Jesus said. 


The truth is, if I follow Jesus, I can't go the wrong way. If I walk the path He lays out, I won't get off at the wrong exit. If I do what He does, I'll never make a wrong turn. And the best way to see where and how Jesus moves is to get to know Him more. Grab your Bible and read about Jesus. A really cool tool is a Harmony of the Gospels. I found a couple of good ones for my personal study by searching Google. Click here to download a PDF you can put on your computer, iPod, or whatever. 


God, I thank You for Your Son and the way He shows how to get to you. Open my eyes to see more of Jesus. Give me the desire to read your Word and see who Jesus really is. Bless those who read this with the same desire, for Your Name's sake.


In the Potter's Hand,
JW

Follow

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' " John 14:6 NIV

So many times we come to decisions and we don't know which way to turn. How can we know? What if we go the wrong way? How can I know that I'm right if everyone around me says I'm wrong?

Jesus was pretty specific about Who He was (is). And over the next few days we will look at John 14:6 and how we can apply to every decision in our lives.

For now, let's pray that God will open our eyes as we seek His Son.

In the Potter's Hand,
JW

On the Road Again

Waking early is not the forte of my family. Truthfully, I don't get up as early as I used to. And yet, going to Centrifuge demands an extra early rising since we are traveling from the bottom end of Florida (no jokes, please) to North Carolina. A long trip that we make enjoyable by spending an extra night together at the beginning and end of the trip. It's always fun when 17 teenagers and 10 adults take over a hotel.

But we DO have a lot of fun. And camp is incredible, especially watching what God does in the lives of the youth. It really is something when the Holy Spirit moves in the life of someone for the first time, or when another gets a fresh dose and lights up like lightning.

So pray for us, if I can be so bold. Pray that we get out of the way long enough to let God do His thing. Pray for the kids and the counsellors. And we'll pray for you in return. Deal?

Deal.


In the Potter's Hand,
JW

Follow The Call... No Matter What

"[Jesus is] not calling you to the same life everyone else will live. He's not even calling you to the same path that every follower of Christ will walk. Your life is unique before God, and your path is yours alone... Some barbarians survive the night in the lion's den; others experience their darkest night and wake in eternity." -Erwin McManus, The Barbarian Way

I Miss My Friend

Today I stood in the hospital room of a friend recovering from triple bypass surgery. He had a heart attack last week. He was on a ventilator and under anesthesia for almost a week following, and continuous dialysis for a day or two, since his kidneys had shut down due to lack of oxygen in the blood.

We spoke about his plans to be released in a day or two, continue dialysis at a local hospital and do his video editing work from home.

We laughed as he poked fun at the "food" (his words) and the super strict diet they had him on, since he is also diabetic. he spoke the words "Mrs. Dash" with contempt, and spoke of a local spice blend he preferred, but could not have.

We prayed together- Russ, Donna, Pastor Charles, and myself- thanking God for His obvious care and provision. I hugged him, told him I loved him, and off we went, so he could get ready for dialysis.

Less than two hours later I was told he had thrown a blood clot in dialysis and had passed away.

...

I miss my friend.

I will miss the look on his face as he praised his God.

I will miss the joy he showed as he sang with his wife and daughter.

I will miss that look he gave when he thought I was full of crap, and then laugh.

I miss Russ.

...

But Russ knows that, doesn't he? Even now he's with his Jesus, singing and praising in a way he NEVER experienced on earth. I can actually visualize him, a pure, white robe, standing in the choir, singing for his King. (He wore robes for Christmas and Easter program. He was a very convincing Jesus, Joseph, or Peter.)

I want to stand by Russ one day.

Thank you, God for the time I had with your son, Russ. Thank you for his heart for worship, and his head for sound. Enjoy my friend- I know I'll see him again.