Monday, March 8, 2010

Street Light Along the Way

Life brings its own far share of challenges, for some it may be dealing with the loss of a loved one, another an addiction. For me it is my tendency to be prideful and want to think of myself more highly than I ought. Tonight I was with a group of men who on most accounts are completely different then me. These men are older with kids that are older and they are outdoors men, meaning in their spare time they hunt or fish. As I sat in the living room with these men we watched videos of deer hunting, then we shared in a brief message> As the host lead us in our study I was going in my mind that is nowhere near how I would go about this. What I mean by that is some of the references this man chose I did not see where he was tying everything together, but it doesn’t mean he was wrong.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped  for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17 ESV)

The Lord showed me not to long ago that he speaks to us all in different ways. And maybe just maybe the way he spoke to these men this evening was through that simple discussion. Those of you who know me know that I am a theology junky, so this conversation was a little on the light side. I have decided however to continue with this group of men for a while, so that I may expand my horizons and be more effective in my own ministry one day. 

Another way to look at life is to think about walking even through your own house in the middle of the night while its pitch black. If you have no way of seeing what could hurt you how do you avoid it? In the life of a Christian we have his word.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.” (PS 119:105 ESV)

”Jesus answered,  “Are there not twelve hours in the day?  If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.” (Jn 11:9 ESV)

So if you are walking around feeling as though you are in a fog, out of place, or don’t belong. Look closer there may be more than what you see. In this group I was in the greatest common factor was we all are Christian men. So for me I know my life was a huge unclear, dazed and confused mess. After accepting Jesus for who he is not for what I wanted him to be my life came into focus. Because I left my world of darkness behind and started walking in light. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,  “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Jn 8:12 ESV)

I am not making any claims or promises that life will be easy, easier yes because you can live with a confidence in something bigger than yourself. You may still stumble and fall but not because you couldn’t see, but because your human and will make mistakes. (Rom 3:23) Please know that it is so much more comfortable knowing how to walk and what to avoid then running into everything that gets in the way.

The first step is to chose the Light. Jesus Christ.

Live Long, Pray Hard, Die Well !
Preach