Wanderings

Author Archive: joe

Where Is It?

This morning, I was doing some work for the computer class I teach, and could not find my binder with some information I needed. Looked in all the usual places – desk, car, garage, bedroom, etc. but no where to be found. Since what was needed was the class schedule/outline, I was ready to print out another copy, just so I’d know what needed to be moved around because of the holiday. Then it struck me (memory came back) – it was beside the computer behind it’s own door.Reminded me of just plain living – if we don’t work at it, or use something everyday, we tend to forget all the little things about using or doing that. When we put our clothes in the same place after doing the laundry, we don’t have a problem finding them when needed. But just let someone else put our clothes away, and we can spend a lot of time looking for the ordinary. The binder was not in the usual places I normally put binders – it did not even have anything to do with the computer. Misplaced items cost us time and temper.It was like that in the early church – Peter seriously reminded the believers that the “proof” of how to live was the “Word”, not the false teachers who were more interested in themselves. He was saying “remember the Word you have heard and compare it to what they are saying.” 2 Peter 2 is filled with admonition to avoid going the wrong way. It is also a statement on what will become of those who decide that their way is better than God’s way. There’s a lot in this chapter, and I’ll leave it to you to read it over and over – that’s what I had to do to get it to make sense. Sometimes, a quick reading leaves us with more questions – it’s kind of like driving when your window is fogged up – you see, but not clearly. Reading it again and looking up other references is like turning on the defogger full blast and so you can see the rocks in front of you.

Monday, Monday

Forgot to mention yesterday’s message on the “Supernatural”. This was about the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives. David pointed out that He guides, empowers and transforms us. Never had thought that much about how long the disciples waited for the “Comforter”. When Pastor David said “three weeks,” it brought new meaning. They went and waited – no air conditioning or cold drinks. No fancy hotel or restaurant – just waiting for the “one” Jesus said would come to help them. Maybe that’s where the phrase “waiting on the Lord” needs to point us. Wait expectantly for what He will deliver, not what you can produce. “It’s not about me getting more of the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit getting more of me.

Not Enough Hours

It’s here again. Bright and clear (well, almost) signaling the start of something new. Every week it seems that it starts over. A fresh opportunity to get something right or wrong. For everyone of us, we have that before us. It is not a weekly or monthly thing – it is minute-by-minute and hour-by-hour. How I live is measured by the minutes my life has touched other people. Have I healed or harmed? Have I built up (supported) or torn down?Not only how what I have done, but what has been the impact of the people around me on me. If I/we are surrounded by people who follow the mandate to love and support one another, we become stronger. If the Word is what my life is based upon, then there is strength to go on. It’s when we let people tell us how to live, rather than looking deeply in the Word.This is exactly where Peter was in 2 Peter 2 (vs 1-4). These are more like a continuation of the last three verses of chapter 1. We need to let God speak through His Word, and then decide how we ought to live. Beware those who do not speak the truth – measure what they say against the Word. Take time to read His Word everyday and let His light shine through you!