42 Chapters

I’m sure if you’re anything like me, you’ve found yourself in a moment or maybe even a season where everything feels like it’s going wrong. Those seasons where it seems like it’s just one thing after another after another coming against you and you’re not sure how much more you can take. Often in these times our tendency is to compare our experience with Job’s, and maybe for good reason at times. However, often times in doing this, we skip over so much of the story of Job, and therefore miss some important things God may be trying to teach us.

Do you know how many chapters there are in the book of Job? As I’m sure you can gather by my title, the answer is 42. This is the thought that’s been weighing on my heart as I’ve been studying the book of Job in my devotions. You see, often times when we talk about Job we focus on the first few chapters which details the events of Job’s loss and then we skip to the end of chapter 42 where God blesses him with more than he ever had. All the while missing so many ways God reveals himself between the two places. You see we tend to do the same thing with the battle we face. We tend to have the attitude of “okay God, I’ve stayed true as it all went wrong, now when are you gonna bless me?”. Again by doing this, we miss out on so much in between. As we study the book of Job, we find throughout the book different places where God reveals his sovereignty, wisdom, omnipotence, and his love. We also see different character developments in Job himself. I believe the same can be true in our lives if we let it. God has a much bigger plan in each and every one of our trials than we often see.

Study the book of Job and ask yourself this question. Would the story be the same if God had restored Job in only chapter 3, 4, or 5? Obviously most would answer no. We can see from our perspective what God was trying to teach not only Job, but all of us as well. Now let me pose a harder question. Would you really be where God wants you to be if he stopped your trial when you felt like he should? A hard question, but one I have recently had to wrestle with myself and can honestly say my answer would be a resounding no. To be transparent, there have been a lot of things I’ve had to go through this year that I don’t have answers for. There have been times that I have found myself face down on the floor asking God what his plan was in all of this. However, looking back over the last few months, I can say without a doubt I have seen Gods sovereignty shown in my life. I’ve experienced those moments where there was nothing I could do but trust him, and I’ve seen him provide every time. I’ve experienced the day to day where even though the problem may still be there, I can feel him drawing me closer through it. Looking back over the last few months I can honestly say I’m closer to him now than I was only a few months ago. The trial may be far from over, but every day I see just a little bit more of the God who is walking through it with me.

You see in the story of Job, a lot of things happened between the first few chapters and Job’s blessing in chapter 42. He became closer to God. He got to truly know his friends, both the good and bad. We see conversations that God had about Job. We see God show his sovereignty again and again. We see Job’s desire for wisdom, and God’s answer of his request. Sometimes we can’t see what God is doing in the middle of our trial, but there is never a day that goes by in which he’s not working for us. Maybe God is still trying to draw you closer through this. Maybe he’s proving your faith. Maybe he’s using your trial to reveal himself to others around you.

I realize trials can be hard, and it’s uncomfortable when you’re still looking for God to make a way out. I’m also thankful for the promise that we have that God will make a way out. My prayer is however, instead of simply looking for the way out, that I would seek after Him through every chapter in between. I may not know how many chapters my trial may contain, but I know the author and I pray that he would reveal himself in each chapter. Not only to me, but to any of those around me that may be reading it as well.

Our Plans Have Changed, His Haven't

I've been hesitant to write this out as I know there have been many people sharing similar encouraging thoughts and devotions in this time, and probably all of them can do a better job of sharing this than I can, but I want to use the tools God has given me and let Him take care of the results.

It seems as though our world today has been turned upside down by this "pandemic" known as COVID-19. Unfortunate as it may seem, we have all been affected by this virus in one way or another. As we look around we see schools closed for the remainder of the semester, churches having to adapt to online or drive-in services but unable to open their doors, businesses being forced to close their doors, many people are out of work or having to adapt to working from home, while some are called to the "front lines" to help in the fight against this terrible virus. We've seen revivals, special services, concerts, weddings, funerals, birthday parties, vacations, the list could go on seemingly forever, all cancelled. In all of this it's easy for us to look around and wonder what good can come from all of this. It's easy for us to question why God would allow such a seemingly terrible thing to happen among us. It is easy to feel like our whole world is crumbling around us, with our plans and hopes for the year disappearing day by day.

However, if we are truly practicing what we preach, our plans are not where our faith lies to begin with. We still serve an almighty God who sits on the throne, and nothing catches Him by surprise. A God whose word stands throughout every storm, and will continue to remain unchanged through all of eternity. A God with a plan for His church, and for each and every one of our lives. We have a living God who remains sovereign even when the world around us seems to shake.

None of these things we see in our world today come as a surprise to God. He is not sitting around trying to figure out a plan for Easter Sunday when the churches will be empty. He is not struggling to come up with some other way to move since our event was cancelled. He is still reaching, moving, ministering, reaching, transforming even in this time. He still has a plan even in this time for our nation, our communities, our churches, our homes, and each and every one of our lives. God's plan will not fail.

Over the past couple of weeks as I have been thinking on this I have noticed a number of ways God is still working in this time, and I believe if we will open our eyes and be sensitive to the Spirit, we will find that God is doing things in this time that we never would have imagined. I have personally seen a number of people watch the live-stream of a church that they might not have otherwise attended if they hadn't seen someone share it  on social media. I've seen a number of people step outside their comfort zone and find new ways to present the ministry God had laid on their hearts. There is prayer in our homes and communities, the likes of which we haven't seen in quite some time. There are still many opportunities for the church to be a light in our world today, and show the way to the one true answer our world needs today.

No, God's plans have not been cancelled. He still cries out to a lost and dying world. He still longs to save anyone that will come and receive Him. The question is, will we choose to be a part of this plan? Will we choose to use this time to show the world what the church is all about? Will we choose to point others to the one who gives  peace, rather than living in fear? Will we choose to use the resources we have to encourage one another, and reach the world around us? Let us choose today to not only open our eyes and seek to see God's plan in all of this, but to also pray that he would use us to be a part of it in any way we can.

What More Can I Do?

One of the last memories I have of grandpa is a conversation I overheard he and my dad having a short time before he passed away. What I heard my grandpa say in this conversation has often echoed in my mind for the last 15 years, and still continues to challenge me on a daily basis.

"What more could I have done?" This is the question I remember my grandpa asking as he laid there in a hospital bed in his living room. After all the years of ministry, preaching, teaching, pastoring, mentoring, and countless hours spent working at the church and campground, now laying here knowing that he is near the end, he asks "What more could I have done?" Of all the things he could have been focused on in that moment (and I'm sure there were a lot of things on his mind) this was the most important. What one more thing could I have done to advance the Kingdom of Heaven? What one more soul could I have reached? What one more person could I have disciple?  I truly believe this was the most important question on his heart at that moment.

That question still echoes in my heart today. In that moment, though he didn't even realize it, my grandpa was painting me a picture of what real servanthood looks like. He could have been worried about any number of things going on around him, he could have been satisfied with a successful ministry, but that just wasn't him. His greatest desire was to be a servant to the Master, and to please Him. This to me is true servanthood. No matter what circumstances are, no matter how tired you are, no matter how much success or failure you've had, continually asking "What more can I do?"

Now, nearly 15 years later as we are faced with a world that says "Do what's convenient for you.", "Take care of yourself first.", and "I'll only help if I get something out of it too.", grandpa's words still ring in my ears. They challenge me as I wake up in the morning, to take time to meet with the Master and ask "What more can I do?". Not just when it's convenient, not just when I'm bored or feel I have nothing better to do, but in every day no matter how I feel about it. What more can I give? Is there something I'm holding back? What more can I do now to serve my Master?

I am so thankful for the great example my grandpa was, but it means nothing if I only look at his example and do nothing to follow it. I pray that in a world that chooses to do what's convenient, God would use me to be a servant, to reach souls for Him,  to follow the examples set before me. That no matter my situation, my feelings, my successes, my failures, my setbacks, the continual cry of my heart would now and forever be "What more can I do?"

I'm Praying for You...Or Am I?

"I'm praying for you." No doubt this is a phrase all of us have exchanged with various people in a variety of circumstances in our lives. But how often do we really take time to really follow through with, or even understand that statement? This statement has caught my attention lately with a few specific questions and observations that I thought I would share.

1. What if right now, I was held accountable for every time I made this statement and was insincere or simply failed to follow through?

This is a phrase that we are often so quick to throw out in many situation to make both parties feel better. However, what good is it to tell someone you have the single most powerful tool at your disposal to meet their need if you never take the time to use it? Often we are not intentionally being dishonest or deceitful when we say this, but in our society today where we don't place a priority on prayer as we should, we simply walk away and forget the conversation or our statement ever happened. I understand none of us is perfect, and I certainly would not encourage anyone to stop using this phrase,  but we must understand the importance of our words.

2. What would happen if we said this phrase in all sincerity and followed through with it more often?

Think about how different your life would be if you didn't have people praying for you. That friend that sends a text on a busy Monday morning just to let you know they've had you on their heart , that parent that you've overheard mention your name countless times even when you never asked for it. We've seen both in scripture and in our personal lives, how one seemingly small prayer can have an impact beyond our wildest imagination. Relationships are strengthened, homes are restored, lives are encouraged, souls are saved, and churches are revived when we begin to truly live these words and intercede for those around us.

 My prayer is not to shy away from these words, but that God would teach me to be one that people around can depend on to be on my knees in that secret place of prayer and intercession, knowing that the God I serve is able to do above and beyond what I could ask or think.

The Greatest Times I've Had With Dad

Yes I know, I’m a little late on the Father’s Day blog. Better late than never right?

When I think about Father’s Day, my mind always reflects on all of the great memories I have with my dad, and how blessed I am to have such a godly example for a father. 

Like any other young man, I reflect on all my dad has taught me through the years such as how to ride a bike, how to tie a tie, how to drive, how to work hard, how to pull a trailer, how to shoot a gun, and started me into music and audio.

I also think of all the great experiences Dad and I have had such as all the road trips with just the two of us, all of the times as a teenager when he let me drive his truck (eventually telling me to quit asking, I knew where the keys were), the great ping-pong battles we have every holiday, the Christmas Eves we’ve spent playing music in his living room, and even all of the time we’ve spent working together on different projects over the years.

However, the greatest experiences, the moments I learned the most from, my favorite moments, were moments of prayer. Such a sweet familiar feeling. Times I would be in an altar, hands lifted, worshipping, or crying out to God, and then suddenly I would feel his arm fall across my shoulders, his embrace tighten, and then begin to hear as he would be there right beside me, praying with me. Nothing could replace these moments! Moments when I could hear my dad praying in the spirit, and feel his strong embrace, and know he was praying, he was fighting for me! I have known these moments throughout the years, and even recently, yet every time it brings great joy and thankfulness to my heart. 

I’m so grateful for a father who not only prayed for me, but taught me how to pray for myself. He didn’t just stand in the background or pray from afar, but he was right there with me. Showing me, teaching me, including me. 

Now as a 22 year old young man I have no doubt I can pray on my own, and even look forward to a day when I’ll have my own son to wrap my arm around and pray with. But I will never be too old, too mature, or too embarrassed, that I am not anything but humbled and grateful when I feel that arm reach around my shoulders, and hear that voice that to me, no matter what it’s saying seems to say “I’m with you, we can make it”. 

I know I don’t express it enough, but I want to say how much I love and appreciate my dad. He truly is the best I could ever ask for.

Three Things Mom Taught Me

I realize this is a bit late, but I wanted to take time to stop and thank God for the wonderful mom he’s given me and all she has meant to me over the years. When thinking of all the things my mom has taught me in my short 22 years, there’s a lot I could say. She taught me to be independent, how to stand up for myself, the importance of great friendships, that ministry goes much farther than a platform or pulpit, and those of you that know her can see where my sarcastic personality comes from. But as I began to think about all she has meant to me over the years and all the things she has taught me, three things in particular stand out as the most important things she ever wanted me to learn.

 Several years ago, my mom, my sister and I were riding in the car one day after youth camp, we began discussing all  kinds of different things from how great the services had been to people that we missed seeing from our earlier teen years who are no longer serving the Lord, etc. During the conversation, Mom began to tell us as all parents do how proud she was of us and how much we meant to her. But what really sticks out in my mind was when she told us “All I ever want from my kids is three things.”, those have never left my mind and I want to share them today as the most important thing my Mom ever taught me. 

1. Pray Hard

Put God first in everything you do. Give him everything you have, and serve him in any way possible. Understand that ministry goes far beyond what happens on a platform or behind a pulpit and serve him in any way you can whether it be on a bus route, in a Sunday school class, in a prayer closet, or wherever you feel Him leading, give your all and no matter where God takes you I’ll be there to support you and I’ll always be proud of you.

2. Work Hard

Give it all you have. Whether it be in an office, on the campground, helping a friend move, or just being willing to help someone out, always be willing to work. Never be afraid of hard work, it will always pay off in the end. Be someone that is willing to work when no one else will. Be the one people can count on when they need someone to help. I will always be proud of the hard work you put in.

3. Play Hard

Do what you enjoy. Have fun with friends. Be a person others enjoy being around. Whether it’s music, sports, games, or anything else, give it your best. Don’t be afraid to try new things, you never know what you might be good at. Always keep a smile on your face whether you’re winning or losing, and have fun no matter what the score. Win or lose, you can always be proud when you know you’ve done your best.

Thank you, Mom, for all you have taught me! These words have meant so much to me over the years, and still echo in my mind today. But I don’t just want to leave some words on a page and stop there. I want to live each day by these lessons. I want to give all I have everyday, and make the most of whatever time I’m given. I want to use any ability I have to better those around me. I’ll always remember these words, and I pray that when people see me they can say that indeed I have learned to Pray Hard, Work Hard and Play Hard.

There's No Delete Button

We’ve all been there. Rather it be a text, work document, school assignment, or some other form of written text, we’ve all found ourselves using the delete button at one time or another. As a Documentation Specialist by occupation, I will be the first to admit I find myself using this probably more often than I should. Why? It gives us that chance to start over, to explain something better, correct spelling or grammar, or perhaps leave something now seemingly unnecessary out altogether. Whatever our reason, there’s no doubt we’ve been here many times before. But have you ever wished there was a “delete” button on the words you spoke? Maybe it’s something said out of context, something hurtful, wrong, or just poorly timed. The fact is as humans we’ve all been there. I find myself at times almost trying to catch the words as they’ve just left my mouth, only to realize the damage has been done. I recall a time recently when standing in line talking to some friend, during the course of the conversation I made a joke, and immediately knew it was a big mistake. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with the joke itself necessarily, and at most times it would have been funny. However, I immediately realized this was not the time, place, or person for that to be funny, but instead could have caused a lot of harm and damage. I stood there wondering “Why did I just say that”, yet only managing a passing apology hoping it would go away. I went on about my business for a couple of days hoping there was nothing to this, but yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had messed up big time and had to do whatever it took to make it right. Ultimately I found myself going back to this person and apologizing for my comments sincerely hoping I hadn’t damaged a friendship. Fortunately for me I have some pretty great friends and my apology was accepted. However, it got me thinking about how differently that moment could have turned out and how much power is in just a few words. Proverbs 12:18 says “Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword,”. Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue:” When I think about this it puts it in a completely different light. That comment that is made in anger, that joke that you know shouldn’t be said, that gossip you know shouldn’t be spread suddenly becomes more than just a few words we didn't even realize were heard. We must be careful, there is no “delete” button for our words. Once they are spoken, often there is damage done that may never be seen, wounds that cut deeper than we’ll ever know, and things spoken into place that we’ll no doubt wish there was just something we could do to make things go back to the way they were. We must be careful, there is no “delete” button. The only thing to do in these instances is ask for forgiveness, and pray that the God who spoke the world into existence can speak the the healing to the hearts of the hurting. But that’s now where this ends, we don’t have to be defeated! The tongue also holds the power of life! An encouraging word, an “I’m praying for you”, a simple “how was your day” can bring a smile, strengthen a relationship, and build up what cannot be destroyed. Just over a year ago this really sunk into my heart like never before. Anyone who know me know one of the greatest joys in my life is being uncle to 3 beautiful nieces and soon to be an amazing nephew. It’s never been lost on me that these girls pay attention to uncle Lee, but one particular night I began to realize what that could really mean. Just over a year ago on a Wednesday night our Sanctuary was being remodeled, so we had service that night in our fellowship hall. Realizing I wasn’t going to play music that night, my nieces very anxiously asked to sit with me, and of course I was happy to let them. The service went on like any other service and then came the altar call. My brother-in-law took the oldest with him but the younger girl who was 3 years old at the time wanted to stay with me. As I went to the altar I picked her up and carried her with me and began to pray. All of the sudden I feel her head pressed against my face. I looked down to see what on earth this little 3 year old was doing ticking her head in my face, and was suddenly challenged to my core. My little niece had her ear pressed to my mouth trying to hear uncle Lee pray. That stirred my heart like you would not believe. Knowing what I say right now could have an effect on this child for the rest of her life. I truly count it a blessing. Knowing there are things that can be spoken, prayers that can be prayed that this girl will never be able to forget. No doubt there are people that we come in contact with on a daily basis who’s world can change just by the few words we say. Those things that we speak, the encouragement, the appreciation, the love, the friendship, are also things that have no “delete” button. Sometimes we may now see the lasting affect these words have, but they are often felt, and held dear by those around us. So I challenge you today, let your words speak life, encouragement, joy, peace, and love. Because once they leave your lips you can’t bring them back and there is no “delete” button.

Lessons from a Scarred Guitar

Just over a year ago I decided as I frequently do, that I would take one of my guitars home from our church and try to get a little extra practice in that week. A day or so later, I discovered when I opened the case to play my beautiful Martin acoustic, IT WAS CRACKED. Yes indeed, on the back of my prized Martin were not one but two significant cracks. That was nearly enough to bring me to tears. The lack of humidity had proven too much for the guitar to handle, even though it had been in its case the entire time (a lesson in and of itself). So, I took it into a repair shop and that was going to be that I thought. In the mean time I used this experience to teach my Sunday School class of 9-12-year-old boys the danger of becoming too comfortable relying on just going to church and being in the right place while the whole time we are not getting the water that we need spiritually. I also explained to them that these cracks that form are not something that we can fix on our own and that just as my guitar needed a luthier to repair it, there is only one Jesus Christ that can help us heal those “cracks” we’ve allowed into our lives. I promised the boys I would bring the guitar in when it had been repaired stating that it would look brand new, just as their lives could. Time went on and I heard nothing back from the repair shop. Finally, I called to find out what was being done with my prized Martin. The luthier stated that he had trouble getting the guitar to bond properly, and in fact at one point thought it was fixed and the crack re-opened. He then told me he thought he had got the repair to stick this time and it should be ready in a couple of days, but there were still some cosmetic flaws that may not be completely removed. I went in a few days later to pick up my guitar, and immediately noticed you could still see where the cracks had been and the finish on the back was no longer perfect. However, I hadn’t spent a huge amount on the repair, it wasn’t going to open up again if taken care of, and at least I was able to play this amazing guitar again. Soon enough though, it came time for me to give another lesson to my Sunday School class. How on earth was I going to show these boys this clearly scarred and imperfect guitar and try to use it as an example for the work God wanted to do in their lives? That’s where God stepped in. As I was struggling with what my lesson would be that Sunday, I felt God speak to me and tell me to take my guitar with me to show them what had been done (after all I should be held accountable to the promise I had made). “But how can I show them this? It’s imperfect, it’s scarred, it’s not like it used to be.” That’s when God really brought it home. “You’re not perfect either. Nor are the young men in that class. You all have scars. Things that even when you’ve prayed about still have left that mark on your life that may never go away. Things that may not even be their fault. Divorce, abuse, self-consciousness, past sins etc. That doesn’t mean I don’t still desire to use you. I have repaired those “cracks” the moment you asked for forgiveness, but sometimes there are still remaining consequences for your actions. Look at where those scars are. Has anyone ever asked you about the scars while you were playing the guitar? Would anyone ask if you didn’t point them out? No, if the guitar is being used for its intended purpose and being played well, the scars go unnoticed and it becomes the beauty of the sound produced that is noticed by those that look on.” This is true in every one of our lives, if we chose to let God repair those things and then allow him to use us again in the way that he so desires. Sure, there may be scars, and maybe even necessary precautions to prevent repeating these “cracks”. I now always make sure to keep a humidifier and a humidity tracker in my case to prevent this from happening again. However, this guitar is definitely one of my favorites! Hearing the classic tone that only a Martin guitar can give, realizing how blessed I am to even possess such an instrument, and even looking at the beauty of it are all reasons why I love to pick up this guitar on a Sunday morning and play the best that I possibly can songs like “Amazing Grace”. Remembering that God has such love for me to look beyond all my past scars and still has a deep desire to use me in a greater way than I could imagine.