Surrender All

One moment she was quietly playing, and the next, she was suddenly asserting, "I am God." I looked at John, and he looked at me. Where did that come from? I think we were wondering. But we didn't wonder for long. Hadn't our two-year-old hit at the reality of all of our hearts? Hadn't she said what we all struggle not to say with the way we live our lives? Oh, Lord, the battle for control begins so early. From the very beginning. By your grace, may we fully surrender and not deceive ourselves with the dangerous dream that we are God.

March Madness

We've been watching basketball. Big men with big dreams for a big win. I have no allegiance to any of these schools, so you would think that I could watch without any concern for who comes out on top. But every single time, I sense a sadness for whichever team loses. I watch the sullen faces of the players as they slowly walk back to the locker room, sometimes even sinking to their knees in tears. I think a friend pinpointed my problem when she remarked that she prays for these young athletes, that they will find a greater passion than a passion for points. Yes, that's it. My sorrow comes from seeing such misplaced emotion. Would it not be wonderful if the players of a losing team could rejoice with those who have won, knowing that their hope is not in the outcome of a game, but in a Great God who satisfies way beyond the buzzer?

God's Pursuits

I hadn't been to this particular park in quite a while. Maybe a year ago? And even though it's within walking distance, I decided to drive so as to avoid continually having to reel in the two walking wanderers. The girls and I were sitting in the sandbox playing when we saw a young man coming along the path with his two dogs and, yes, a cat. He greeted us with a friendly "hello," and a conversation began. "Oh, you bought the house at the top of the hill? Have you found a church yet? We go to a wonderful church right near here on Coalfield Road called Grace Bible Church." "No, we haven't found a church, but I think a man I met with recently also recommended that church to me." Now, in my mind, I'm doubting it's the same church, but then he asked, "Do you know Jack Dove?" Well, Jack is an elder at our church, so my next statement just jumped right out of me: "God is working on you!" He didn't seem surprised or offended by my assertion, but rather, curious. After all, what are the odds that he'd have two invitations to the same church in one week's time? Unlikely. Unless you know the way the Hound of Heaven works. Keep working on him, Lord. Keep working.