Musings of an ADHD mind.
15 years… It has been 15 years since the unthinkable, or least for those in the United States. Nearly 3,000 people killed on September 11, 2001. Including 400 first responders and 134 military.
Take a moment today to pray.
The Kapsiki people of Cameroon where so eager to have a copy of the Bible in their own language that 5,000 willingly risked possible attacks from Boka Haram to get a copy of the newly published Bibles. They Kapsiki believers were excited to finally have a Bible in their own language. As the convoy carrying the Bibles passed through villages people lined the road and cheered. The day of the official presentations thousands of Kapsiki dressed in their finest clothes packed a stadium for the presentation ceremonies.
In the U.S. most of us are fortunate to have at least one if not multiple copies of the Bible. We also have apps like YouVerision for our smart phones and tablets. Do we show the same excitement for the privilege of reading God’s Word or is it just another task to check off our daily to do list? What risks are you or I willing to take for God’s word? What risks are we willing to take to share His Gospel? Are we just going to do what is easy but are we willing to do the hard stuff?
15 I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:15-16
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
It seems that our entire country is falling apart. Yet another ambush on police officers happened today. It appears this too was sparked by earlier events.
We are in the midst of a messy and contested presidential election time. It seems that both candidates and political parties only want to cause more divisions in our country.
In times like this I am reminded that true peace and hope only comes through Christ. It is because of His promises, I’m able to say it is well.
It is Well by Horatio Spafford and Philip Bliss
performed by Audrey Assad
Things are very wrong in our country. We have a lot of serious problems that need to be addressed in a civilized manner and prayerful manner. Hate, violence and more division will not solve the problems.
Thursday nights in Dallas 12 police officers and 2 civilians were shot and 5 officers killed at a peaceful protest against police violence. Think about that. Police officers were ambushed while protecting a peaceful protest. The event was sparked by incidents in other states. The majority of law enforcement officers in this country are good hardworking officers who willing take risks to protect others. Ironically, the alleged shooter targeted white police officers because he was angry about the police shootings of black men.
The police shootings of Alton Stallings and Philando Castile have sparked more violence and protests. Peaceful protest can change social injustice. However more violence does not.
Social media has exploded with post about Black Lives Matter. Some are in support, while others oppose the movement. Truth is that black lives do matter. Racism does exist. It is an issue that needs to be addressed with open dialogue, respect and prayer.
In response/reaction to Black Lives Matter social media has also exploded with all lives matter. This too has become controversial because some believe it is making light of the issue that Black Lives Matter is addressing.
The truth is that all lives do matter. Not because of skin color but because of the Creator. When an events like the past occur we should be upset because of the loss of life and the injustice.
It is time to stop the madness. Stop the name calling. Stop the violence.
It is time to take a serious look at the problem. To stand up for what is right. Start with making changes we need to make in our own lives.
As I was pursuing Twitter I found an article by Ann Voskamp about where is God when life seems to fall apart and bad things happen. One thing I’ve wondered myself sometimes and here from others is why is God letting this happen to me. Why isn’t God just fixing the problem so I don’t have to suffer or have pain. Truth is that pain is part of life, life isn’t always going to be perfect and being a Christian certainly doesn’t mean life is going to be easy. As much as I might not like it God might just have a purpose for the hard times in my life.
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, Romans 5:3-4 English Standard Version
Oh and back to the article that you really must read it. Here is one of my favorite quotes:
Faith is this unwavering trust in the heart of God in the hurt of here. Ann Voskamp
Ironing is a task I absolutely hate. I’m more of a T shirt and jeans kind of person. Like a true child of the 80s I believe a polo shirt is a dress shirt. I mean it has buttons and a collar. We take the Big Guys dress (work) shirts to the cleaners. So there isn’t much need for ironing. Since we moved I still haven’t replaced a lot of things. Months ago I needed somewhere to put the trash bag in the laundry room that was out of the way. The ironing board behind the door works — best use of the ironing board.
It seems that every time I turned on any form of music this song came up this week. As I was thinking about the lyrics I was thinking about God as a Father and Fathers Day. I know for some people Fathers Day is tough because they do not have a father, don’t have a good relationship or like me their dad has passed away.
The concept of God as Father was easy for me to understand. My dad wasn’t perfect but he was a good dad. One of the best things he taught me was that God was the perfect Father. Unlike my Dad, God always knew the best way to handle anything. God knew what I needed even when I might want something else or not like the what I needed. Like my Dad, I know I can always go to God in good and bad times.
Good Good Father written by Pat Barrett and Tony Brown of Housefires
Performed by Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett
Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories
Of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper
Of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I’m never alone
You’re a good good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
Oh, and I’ve seen many searching
For answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only You provide
‘Cause You know just what we need
Before we say a word
You’re a good good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
Cause You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
You are perfect in all of Your ways
Oh, You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
Oh, it’s love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love, love, love
You’re a good good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
You’re a good good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
You’re a good good Father
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
Publishing: ©2014 WorshipTogether.com Songs / sixsteps Music / Vamos Publishing / Housefires Sounds (ASCAP) / Capitol CMG Paragon / Common Hymnal Digital / Tony Brown BMI Designee (BMI) (admin. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com)
