Tuesday, June 10, 2008
39...When?
I can't stinkn' believe I am going to be 39 in two more days. 39--What a HUGE number! I remember when my mom turned 40--it seemed so old, was it? Is it just as old as it was? Or is it younger than I thought it was? I've got 12 more months to ponder the 40 mark, for now, I just can't believe I'm going to be 39.
But, for this moment, rather than getting depressed about my inability to dunk a basketball on a 10' hoop, or feeling sorry for myself that I could use some Rogaine, or staring at the wrinkles around my eyes, I 'm going to take this moment to be thankful.
I have an amazing wife, two fantastic daughters, good parents, in-laws, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and some very dear friends. I'm a blessed guy. If every 39 year old guy was as rich in relationships as I am, well, let's just say that there would be a lot happier people in the world.
Today, though, I got a card from one of my favorite people, my 89 year old grandfather. Let me share a portion of what it said with you:
"Looking back on all that we've shared as the years have flown by, I couldn't feel luckier. And looking at you now, grandson, I simply couldn't love you more. Happy Birthday Brad. Love you Grandpa Ed."
I love that man!
I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to live to be a 39 year old man and still have the privilege of having my grandpa Riley in my life. What a heritage he has given to me--a man of prayer, a man who loves God's word, a man who loves his family, a man who demonstrates loyalty in every area of his life.
You are right grandpa--the years have flown by! I can't believe I'm turning 39, but you are still 50 years up on me! Thanks for giving me such a great example to follow into my future. And, thanks for laying such a wonderful foundation for my past.
Okay, enough mushy stuff...if I'm going to dunk a basketball again, I'd better go and start working out.
Peace
But, for this moment, rather than getting depressed about my inability to dunk a basketball on a 10' hoop, or feeling sorry for myself that I could use some Rogaine, or staring at the wrinkles around my eyes, I 'm going to take this moment to be thankful.
I have an amazing wife, two fantastic daughters, good parents, in-laws, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and some very dear friends. I'm a blessed guy. If every 39 year old guy was as rich in relationships as I am, well, let's just say that there would be a lot happier people in the world.
Today, though, I got a card from one of my favorite people, my 89 year old grandfather. Let me share a portion of what it said with you:
"Looking back on all that we've shared as the years have flown by, I couldn't feel luckier. And looking at you now, grandson, I simply couldn't love you more. Happy Birthday Brad. Love you Grandpa Ed."
I love that man!
I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to live to be a 39 year old man and still have the privilege of having my grandpa Riley in my life. What a heritage he has given to me--a man of prayer, a man who loves God's word, a man who loves his family, a man who demonstrates loyalty in every area of his life.
You are right grandpa--the years have flown by! I can't believe I'm turning 39, but you are still 50 years up on me! Thanks for giving me such a great example to follow into my future. And, thanks for laying such a wonderful foundation for my past.
Okay, enough mushy stuff...if I'm going to dunk a basketball again, I'd better go and start working out.
Peace
Labels: Age, birthdays, Brad, God, Life, Pastor
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Thinking About Miracles...
I've been doing a lot of thinking about miracles lately.
You see, my oldest daughter Emma, has had horrible milk allergies since she was born--she's seven now. Early last week, she told Beth and me that she really wanted to be healed of her milk allergies, so that she could eat the foods we eat.
She told us that she "knew" God would heal her. What is a parent, who believes in the power of God, to do in this situation? Beth and I placed are hands on her head and we prayed. We asked God to take the allergies away and make her whole.
As soon as we were done praying, she asked if she could have a small bowl of ice cream! You have to love the "faith of a child."
Beth and I have faith as well, but we are also aware of the Division of Family Services! You know what I'm saying? So, we told her that we would continue to pray for a couple of days and then, we would let her try a couple of bites of ice cream.
Two days later she promptly asked to try the two bites. We said one more prayer and we let her. In the past, she would break out in a rash within one hour of having one bite of ice cream. Well, guess what? She didn't!
We tested with different milk products on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and yes, even on Tuesday. Our girl has not had one allergic reaction! She is healed...absolutely healed! I'm sure of it. Beth believes it, and Emma has NEVER doubted it! God has touched her.
Here's my point--when Jesus gave instructions to his disciples He told them several things. They were to share the good news! (His love is the good news.) And, they were to "heal the sick, raise the dead, drive out demons and cure those with leprosy." Being a disciple wasn't just about "being." It wasn't just about "preaching." It was also about "doing." They were to do the work of healing the sick.
It was never doubted. It was simply done. It was part of their ministry. It is supposed to be a part of our ministry as well.
I want to see more miracles. I want to see incredible miracles. I've probably preached more than enough sermons...but I know "I" haven't ministered enough physical healing. It is a huge part of my calling as a disciple...as a Christian.
So, I've been doing a lot of thinking about miracles lately--I'm ready to see them. I'm ready to be used to "do" them. How 'bout you? Do you want more? Do you want to attend an impotent church with powerless prayers and pointless messages? Or like me, have you been thinking about miracles.
According to what Jesus taught--they should be a normal happening. It is supposed to be normal to experience the supra-normal. Oh, Jesus we are ready. We want so much more of you and your power...your miracle working power!
Peace
You see, my oldest daughter Emma, has had horrible milk allergies since she was born--she's seven now. Early last week, she told Beth and me that she really wanted to be healed of her milk allergies, so that she could eat the foods we eat.
She told us that she "knew" God would heal her. What is a parent, who believes in the power of God, to do in this situation? Beth and I placed are hands on her head and we prayed. We asked God to take the allergies away and make her whole.
As soon as we were done praying, she asked if she could have a small bowl of ice cream! You have to love the "faith of a child."
Beth and I have faith as well, but we are also aware of the Division of Family Services! You know what I'm saying? So, we told her that we would continue to pray for a couple of days and then, we would let her try a couple of bites of ice cream.
Two days later she promptly asked to try the two bites. We said one more prayer and we let her. In the past, she would break out in a rash within one hour of having one bite of ice cream. Well, guess what? She didn't!
We tested with different milk products on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and yes, even on Tuesday. Our girl has not had one allergic reaction! She is healed...absolutely healed! I'm sure of it. Beth believes it, and Emma has NEVER doubted it! God has touched her.
Here's my point--when Jesus gave instructions to his disciples He told them several things. They were to share the good news! (His love is the good news.) And, they were to "heal the sick, raise the dead, drive out demons and cure those with leprosy." Being a disciple wasn't just about "being." It wasn't just about "preaching." It was also about "doing." They were to do the work of healing the sick.
It was never doubted. It was simply done. It was part of their ministry. It is supposed to be a part of our ministry as well.
I want to see more miracles. I want to see incredible miracles. I've probably preached more than enough sermons...but I know "I" haven't ministered enough physical healing. It is a huge part of my calling as a disciple...as a Christian.
So, I've been doing a lot of thinking about miracles lately--I'm ready to see them. I'm ready to be used to "do" them. How 'bout you? Do you want more? Do you want to attend an impotent church with powerless prayers and pointless messages? Or like me, have you been thinking about miracles.
According to what Jesus taught--they should be a normal happening. It is supposed to be normal to experience the supra-normal. Oh, Jesus we are ready. We want so much more of you and your power...your miracle working power!
Peace
Labels: Brad, Chapel, Faith, God, miracles, Pastor
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