God's Waiting

A particularly pressing issue was dropped on me yesterday.  It dealt primarily with something that I've been ever conscious of since graduating college: money.  In the past, when something of this magnitude comes along, I would thrust my hands in the air, stare at the ceiling, and say (in my heart), "Why, God, is this happening???"  The tone I heard in my heart when I would say these things was one of frustration and anger.  "Why, again?", “What did I do to deserve this?”.   Things like this would pass through the lips of my heart.  I couldn't understand why.  I just couldn't.  Here I thought I was doing everything right.  Living by all the rules (as I understood and understand them), not being too upset at the really crummy drivers in Colorado, things like that.  "I'm a good boy!" would be my mantra.

Yet, yesterday, I let go.  I just said to God, again in my heart, "It's on you, God."  I yielded my worry to Him.  Gave it up.  Let it go.  I followed what I felt God would have me do, notified the appropriate people, and let it go.  All morning, I would feel the panic feeling rising in my spirit like heartburn in the throat.  I would drop the hammer of Prayer to God to remove the feeling, and it would dissipate.  Wow!  This stuff is cool, I thought.  Soon, I got very positive word from folks that all was well, things would happen as it should.  God be praised!  What a wonderful exercise for me! 

There are those that may read this and say, "Well, yeah, dopey, that's how it works."  Excuse me, but I feel like some young infant pulling themselves up by grappling with furniture, all the while looking into the eyes of my Father, and learning to trust.  Can anyone else remember that feeling?

On a similar vein, one of the things my mind has done over the years is latch onto something, and then pursue that thought thread to an end, most of the time, being somewhat negative or dark.  I used to justify this thought pattern as a means for me dealing with things as they occur.  I would figure out as many scenarios as possible, and feel like I could handle that issue.  As soon as I got to that point, I would have another in the chamber. 

But, this has become too consuming, too damaging to my spirit.  So, in the Czech, when a thought like this would start its normal pattern, I would pray "God, remove these thoughts from me!  Take them away!  They are evil and damaging and I don't want them anymore!"  And, you guessed it, they would dissipate.  Sure, they'd start edging in again, but I'd pray again, and they'd go away.  Glory to God, He does rule over thoughts and patterns!  He can save me from this darkness! 

Again, I can hear the "Duh's!"   They are out there.  But, again, my walk with God has improved in just the last three or four weeks.  I realize more and more every day that he can pervade every aspect of my life, and improve my walk and my spirit.  The darkness leaves when I ask God to turn up His brightness in my life. 

Yielding my existence to God has become a daily thing.  Every day, I have to look to my God and say, “It’s all yours, God, not mine.  All of it.  Everything.”  Does this mean I don’t periodically pull things back?  No, it doesn’t.  Unfortunately, I’m still way too human and this happens too often for my liking, and I’m sure God see’s it and can’t help but perhaps shake his head a little and let me trudge through the mud again, only to say to myself, “Man, Rich, what a dope you are!”  Then, the cycle repeats as I yield it to God...again.  The really cool thing, though, is that these mud-trudging events are getting shorter.  They still happen, but I’m learning quicker.  And, my heavenly Father has patience with me.  He doesn’t say, “Rich, you’re just so stupid!  I’m going to crush you!”  No, he waits for me.  He is there when I ask for Him.

I’m beginning to understand...

Be the People – Carol M. Swain, PhD

This book covers a myriad of issues that are affecting the future of the United States. While I am diametrically opposed to any semblance of Christendom in America (or any other country, by the way), she does have some valid arguments. I find her discussion regarding the religious roots of America compelling. While many people talk of America being a Christian nation, I would disagree. There have been (and continues to be) serious reasons for having this opinion. The first would be our being a country of slavery during our fight for independence from England. It seems quite hypocritical for that fledgling group to be fighting for their freedom, while many were holding and owning slaves. In reality, this fact has had something of an influence on the country throughout its history, including today. This idea is addressed in this book by the chapters that refer to interracial relationships and the reduction or elimination of racism in our society.

I found the book, at times, to be difficult to read. There seemed to be a little more repetitiveness than what was needed, but this did not hamper the overall story at all.

I felt this was a good book to help illuminate the real and perceived issues in the United States. I would recommend it, despite my listed reservations, to anyone who has an interest in seeing a viewpoint of our issues as a country from someone who lived them and has lifted themselves above their circumstances.

Sabbath - Dan B. Allender

I selected this book to read in the hopes that it would provide a means of understanding the biblical foundations for the Sabbath. I have always had an interest on what guidelines the Israelites were under for the day of rest. I have also had a growing feeling that I should begin practicing a day of Sabbath in my life to provide the rest my body and soul needs for continued existence.

I have to say that I was disappointed, given my hopes for the book as previously outlined. I got the distinct feeling that the author of this book, Dan Allender, interprets the Sabbath as a day of feasting, playing, and pretending. He talks at length about preparing wonderful meals to enjoy along with wine and other beverages, as well as playing. The pretending aspect was brought into the discussion as a means of starting the week off right by acting as if things were just fine, no issues to consider.

I find several times in Exodus commentary regarding the Sabbath as a day of rest. It does not sound like to me that feasting is part of the Sabbath. Perhaps I do not know all the iterations of the translation of the Hebrew word used here for rest, but I have to say that this book cuts across the grain with respect to the historical understanding of the Sabbath and rest.

I would not recommend this book due to my disappointment. I feel as if it does not do the understanding of Sabbath justice. Another consideration for me regarding a lack of recommendation is the language used as well as some references to sexual activities within the context of Sabbath. The language aspect left the distinct feeling that some words were used to impress rather than explain. Regarding the sexual references, it was unnecessary and added absolutely nothing to the overall story.

Overall, this book was very disappointing.

Czech Republic Missions - Fusion 2011: So You Think You Can (Learn How to) Dance?

Czech Republic Missions - Fusion 2011: So You Think You Can (Learn How to) Dance?: "Invite your friends and neighbors to our 'Evening of Ballroom Dance Instruction' fundraiser! It will be June 12th from 6pm to 8pm at Littlet..."

The Grace of God – Andy Stanley

I chose this book, thinking it would be different that it was. Overall, it was a quick read, even though it took me about a month to finish. My strongest point against it is that it lacks any real depth. It seemed to be a book that could have (and perhaps should have) been much shorter.

It is also too lopsided with respect to grace. I fully understand the concept and criticality of grace vis-à-vis Christianity. But, that is not the only thing one has to realize when pondering their position with respect to God. I would say that coupled with grace is mercy. Most of the stores divulged within the book from the Bible could just as easily reflected God’s (or Jesus’) mercy on humanity in addition to, or in lieu of, grace.

After about 3 chapters (my “grace” period for books), I was wishing for a different book. I cannot enumerate the number of times I picked up the book, and put it back down NOT wanting to read it. I am sorry, but I would not spend your money on this book.

Seeds of Turmoil - Bryant Wright

This is an interesting book, that describes what the author believes to be the beginnings of the Middle Eastern conflict. I personally agree with him on this matter. Without being too preachy, the author calmly describes the relationship between the Jews and their Arab brothers and neighbors, and accurately describes the relationship's beginning. This is accomplished by using scripture out of the Old Testament in the Bible. Keep in mind that the Old Testament is essentially the Hebrew Bible.

For a person that is professing to be a Christian, you should read this book. Even if you feel you know the basis of the relationship, read this book. It provides a step-by-step description of the beginnings and how man, outside of the divine leadership of God, really messes things up. It also gives insight into God displaying grace to human decisions that occur outside of His will.

Since this book strictly uses the Bible as proof, some may say that it is not accurate. However, if one delves into the myriad of research that has been and is being done regarding the Ancient Near East, and relates that to the Bible, one can see that the Bible is a very accurate historical book.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It reads easy and fast. It also gives opportunity to dive into the scriptures and read for oneself the histories and facts outlined therein.

William F. Buckley by Jeremy Lott

At first, I felt that this book would quite do justice to William Buckley. However, once I started reading, I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style, and the accuracy of the topic by the author. What a pleasant, easy-reading book!

The author relates, in a well-rounded manner, the life of William Buckley, as well as his activities as a conservative thinker. There are stories within this little book that enlighten one to the substantial contribution that William Buckley had towards the conservative movement in the United States. It also is very truthful about areas within which William fell short, or perhaps stumbled a bit verbally for various topics.

I was especially surprised by some of the early life antics of William as he grew up and attended college at Yale. It was very interesting to find out where perhaps some of his understanding and direction came from: his father. I was completely unaware of his father's activities south of the United States' borders.

Overall, this is a pleasant book to read, and, as mentioned, enlightens the reader to the life and times of William Buckley. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone: Conservative or Liberal. There is learning to be had regardless of political affiliation or stance.