And this is after other crazy incidents in the Sumo world. From mad crashing of dishes and beatings with bamboo swords , I think someone needs to step in and bring some control here.
Have you ever been in a waiting room? Maybe in a doctor’s office, at the dentist, for a job interview? You sit back and read the magazines (predictably out of date!) or thumb through the books (most of them you would never read anyhere else!).
Most of us don’t like to wait. We have instant oatmeal, and microwave popcorn. Text messaging on our cell phones and high speed internet on our computers. We despise the ‘Slowskys’ and love speed and quickness. Faster is so much better.
Somehow, God didn’t get that memo. He doesn’t see things or do things the way that we think He should. When we want to go fast and expedite the process, He pushes pause and slows everything down.
He makes us wait.
And wait.
And wait.
And wait.
So what do you do when God has you in the waiting room?
During one of the most agonizing waiting rooms of my life I worked at a dental laboratory cleaning and delivering teeth and other icky stuff(it was really gross). I was a part-time youth pastor waiting for the big moment when I was a ‘full-time’ minister. I planned to be at the laboratory for 6 months or less. But God wasn’t so concerned with MY plan. He had another one.
I worked there for over 2 years.
When I did finally leave, it wasn’t because God opened the door. It was because I was impatient and crawled out an open window. I paid for for my impatience (and my family did too) through a year of challenge and hardship. God eventually got me to where I was supposed to go, but I incurred some battle scars that weren’t truly neccessary. All because I couldn’t find the strength to wait any longer.
So I exchanged one waiting room for another.
But during my stay in the waiting rooms of that season, I did learn a few things.
I learned:
1. We are all ‘full-time’ ministers
2. Every moment with God and every person He brings across our path is significant.
3. Waiting rooms, though momentarily unpleasant bring texture and richness to our lives
4. Waiting room worship is something that God really loves.
Do you have a secret history with God? Are there things that you do, prayers that you pray, gifts that you give, and things that you do, that no one knows about but you and God?
So much of what we do (especially as leaders) has to do with instructing others. Being an example, inspiring people to follow Jesus. But we also need to be people who follow Jesus and are obedient ourselves. Do something this week (or maybe today!) that builds your secret history with God.
Hey Dreamers. You had 48 hours to notice something that would bring a level of insight and awareness into your world. What did you notice? I will be posting about my experience I had with my oldest daughter at her junior high pre-summer orientation (Can you believe that?).
Man, it seemed just like yesterday we were just taking her home from the hospital.
Sometimes people e mail me or ask me where my ideas come from for the blog, when I speak, etc. Aside from the inspiration that comes from God, much of it comes from everyday stuff that is easy to overlook. But over the years I have been able to develop an ability to ‘notice’ and look at common things in an uncommon way. The cool thing is, anyone can do it.
Now I would like you to practice:
Over the course of the next 48 hours, try to ‘notice’ a common something and derive an uncommon meaning or insight to it.
About 6 months ago I was in my car at a stoplight when I noticed someone standing on the side of the road. He appeared to be homeless and very hungry. I do not remember if he was holding a sign asking for food or not, but I do remember that his face was dirty and he had what seemed to be a large goiter on the side of his neck. He looked like he needed some help, or at least a late afternoon lunch.
As I sat there I pondered and thought about what I should do next. Do I yell out the window? Do I give him some money? Do I pray for his neck? Do I tell him about Jesus? What should I do?
I went through the various options and when the light turned green I decided to utilize one that I didn’t put in the above list:
I drove away.
As I drove away I couldn’t get the guy out of my head. My heart began to ache for this guy. I needed to do something. I needed to help. If nothing else, I could at least buy him something to eat. I turned around, making a quick u-turn to go back in the other direction. A few minutes had passed since I had initially noticed this homeless man (sometimes it takes me awhile!), and I hoped he hadn’t grabbed his backpack and went up the road.
I made it back to the earlier intersection when I saw the man swing his belongings over his shoulder and start walking toward the corner store. Instead of yelling out the window, I scooted into the parking lot and jumped out of the car. I reached into my pocket for my wallet and checked to see if I had any cash. I decided that instead of giving him a dollar or two, I would go above and beyond the call of duty. I would buy him an entire meal.
I followed him into the store.
I was so excited.
I just wanted to be a blessing in the name of Jesus.
Right when I was ready to tap him on the shoulder and tell him to get whatever meal he wanted (as much as you can at a corner store), my homeless friend walked over to the beverage area.
He opened up the cold glass case and reached in.
He took out a large gleaming 40 ounce bottle of beer.
I pulled my hand back.
I watched him as he trudged up the aisle and to the store register. I grabbed a candy bar and followed. I looked on as he put his few quarters and change together to make his purchase.
I was right behind him, next in line.
As I paid for my candy, my homeless friend walked out into the afternoon, scraggly beard blowing in the breeze.
He never knew I was there.
I was ready to bless him as big as I was able, but he never even noticed I was on the premises because he was preoccupied with his beer.
And so he missed his blessing.
(I wasn’t going to pay for his beer!)
Now before you tell me that I should have said something or done something different…..
Before you get righteously indignant over the man and his beer bottle….
Think for a second.
Think of how many times has God been there for us…..
Right behind us…..
When we were hungry….
wanting to bless us….
But because we were so preoccupied with our substitutes and our counterfeits that we didn’t even know He was there?
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:11
Though I am not in danger of being arrested, I think of this verse often on Sundays as I am getting ready to speak. Whether it is speaking to a church or answering your supervisor or boss in a time of crisis, the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them.
“Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.”
1 Kings 17:7-9
Has God ever given you an eviction notice? Told you to leave somewhere that you had become comfortable staying at? Commanded you to move from your place of predictability and place of ease? We weren’t the first, and are certainly not alone. Many years ago, the prophet Elijah received one. God told him to vacate the premises of an area that He had initially led him to.
But when the season changed, the brook dried up, and God told him to move.
Told him to move to a new community and form new relationships with people that were not like him. This widow that he was to befriend lived in the same region that produced Jezebel, the most prominently evil woman in the recorded biblical narrative. In fact, it was her marriage with the King of Israel and her influence over him and his decisions, that had caused great pain and even death to many of God’s people.
Elijah had to live in the wilderness and risk his life time and again because of Jezebel’s evil impact.
But in verse 10 of the same chapter it says, “So he went to Zarephath.”
No delay.
No complaints.
No rationalization.
He went.
How many times has God spoken to you or I about moving to a new place, whether a physical location, or otherwise and we didn’t do it.
Times where He was leading us into a fresh relationship or partnership and we didn’t go.
We didn’t go because we were too comfortable. Because we couldn’t forgive. Because we didn’t want to be in close proximity of “those people” or “that person”.
Because we were too afraid.
And because of our fear, lack of faith, among other things, we stayed in our comfort zones.
Stayed near the dried brook that God was no longer blessing waiting for God’s breakthrough.
Still hungry.
Still thirsty.
Still waiting.
But the breakthrough isn’t at the brook, it is where God is pointing.
As most of you know there has been a terrible eathquake in China where there are estimated 12,000 dead and many thousands more that are missing. I have included in this post an account from some friends of mine (Craig and Sharon Metzner) who are currently serving as missionaries in China. They are in the middle of great need right now. We need to be praying for them and others like them that are giving their lives to reach China for Jesus. Here are their words:
Craig:
We want to thank our family, friends, and communities for your concern. As mentioned yesterday, our family is safe and sound. Your many words of love, encouragement, and motivation were all very timely. Thank-you again for everything.
It’s hard to believe that 1-3 minutes can change your life forever. For the families of 12,000 deceased loved ones and at least double that injured, a few moments altered their lives forever. Our heart aches when we realize that the vast majority of the people that died ‘passed over’ without hope.
Sharon:
I don’t think I have experienced anything so horrifying in my life. We originally thought what we felt here was a magnitude of 3 but now reports are that we experienced a magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale here in (our city) … just short of what can cause immense damage. The reason we felt it so bad here is because of the fault line along the mountains that the earthquake followed……right in our direction. Our building had some damage and we weren’t allowed back in until 8:00 at night. I don’t want to live on the 20th floor anymore.
Yesterday, someone had went to the girls school to pick up their kids, and he told the girls that we had damage to our building. They were petrified that something had happened to us. They were late getting home, and I thought something had happened to them. Craig wasn’t at home, so it was just me and Fuchsia. At first I just felt a really faint rumbling….I thought it was my heart! But then I started to get a little dizzy, and then the entire building starting swaying back and forth. Some metal was falling off the building, our curtains were swaying, and I heard crashing. Every window in our apartment slid open and several of our drawers and cabinet doors opened Fuchsia was sleeping on the couch, and I couldn’t even walk over to her to pick her up. We had a couple seconds where it slowed down and I was able to get to her and pick her up. We sat down and it was going full force again.
I just kept saying Jesus help us, Jesus help us. Keep my children safe, keep Craig safe. I put a pillow on us, and said I don’t want this to hurt. I was sure we were going to Heaven in a moment. It lasted for two minutes. Immediately afterwards I grabbed my purse and our shoes and went out the door. Our neighbors were such a blessing, they held the elevator door open for us, saying kuai le, kuai le (hurry, hurry). I was so stupid to get in an elevator. In the building next to ours, the elevator crashed from the sixth floor.
It was mass chaos outside. None of our cells worked. I couldn’t get a hold of Craig or school or anyone. I finally found Craig out side about a half hour later. The school had been evacuated during the quake, and the kids went in a field. Gracie and Hannah were a mess.
So far there are 12,000 known deaths. and more than 18,000 known injuries, with many more of both expected. Our hearts ache. There have been 313 aftershocks. We had one here last night around 4:00 am. The Chinese here and in many many cities are camped outside in little tents or in blankets. So scared of more to come. They are deathly afraid of going back inside their apartments. SEE OUR FLICKR PAGE FOR SOME PICS.
They were taken in the park today, one block from our home. They certainly are not as devastating as the pictures down south; but, it captures the ‘fear’ that people are living in today. I understand we had one building come down in our city. 5 people were injured and one young girl was crushed.
When Fuchsia and I got outside, she said “I want to go back to the condo.” Gracie was in tears most of the nite. I’m experiencing some post trauma myself. Please remember us.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the e-mails from home and communities. We’ve heard from communities in Florida, Kentucky, and of course many in MI. Thank-you family, thank-you friends, thank-you communities, thank-you, thank-you, thank-you …..
“ Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
Ephesians 5:14
The enemy of our souls, if he can’t take us down straight away; will try another more subtle tactic.
He will lull us to sleep.
Lead and lull us into apathy, complacency, indifference, and sloth. Passion, enthusiasm, and energy wil be gone from our God connection.
And before we know it, we will be fast asleep.
I think this is one of the foremost challenges that we face.
Wake Up.
Posted in Prayer, The Church, Leadership | No Comments »
Crazy story about one Sumo wrestler attacking another (his apprentice) with a ladle. I love the quote, “I asked him to do something, which I don’t remember exactly, but he couldn’t do it”.
Then he went on the attack.
Be thankful that they don’t do that at your job.
And this is after other crazy incidents in the Sumo world. From mad crashing of dishes and beatings with bamboo swords , I think someone needs to step in and bring some control here.
Don’t become a Sumo Wrestler.
Yeesh.
Posted in Uncategorized, Media/Culture | 1 Comment »
Have you ever been in a waiting room? Maybe in a doctor’s office, at the dentist, for a job interview? You sit back and read the magazines (predictably out of date!) or thumb through the books (most of them you would never read anyhere else!).
Most of us don’t like to wait. We have instant oatmeal, and microwave popcorn. Text messaging on our cell phones and high speed internet on our computers. We despise the ‘Slowskys’ and love speed and quickness. Faster is so much better.
Somehow, God didn’t get that memo. He doesn’t see things or do things the way that we think He should. When we want to go fast and expedite the process, He pushes pause and slows everything down.
He makes us wait.
And wait.
And wait.
And wait.
So what do you do when God has you in the waiting room?
During one of the most agonizing waiting rooms of my life I worked at a dental laboratory cleaning and delivering teeth and other icky stuff(it was really gross). I was a part-time youth pastor waiting for the big moment when I was a ‘full-time’ minister. I planned to be at the laboratory for 6 months or less. But God wasn’t so concerned with MY plan. He had another one.
I worked there for over 2 years.
When I did finally leave, it wasn’t because God opened the door. It was because I was impatient and crawled out an open window. I paid for for my impatience (and my family did too) through a year of challenge and hardship. God eventually got me to where I was supposed to go, but I incurred some battle scars that weren’t truly neccessary. All because I couldn’t find the strength to wait any longer.
So I exchanged one waiting room for another.
But during my stay in the waiting rooms of that season, I did learn a few things.
I learned:
1. We are all ‘full-time’ ministers
2. Every moment with God and every person He brings across our path is significant.
3. Waiting rooms, though momentarily unpleasant bring texture and richness to our lives
4. Waiting room worship is something that God really loves.
If God has you waiting, don’t rush it.
He has a plan.
He will call you out.
And you will thank Him for the delay.
Posted in Prayer, The Future, Leadership, Transformation, Family | No Comments »
Do you have a secret history with God? Are there things that you do, prayers that you pray, gifts that you give, and things that you do, that no one knows about but you and God?
So much of what we do (especially as leaders) has to do with instructing others. Being an example, inspiring people to follow Jesus. But we also need to be people who follow Jesus and are obedient ourselves. Do something this week (or maybe today!) that builds your secret history with God.
Posted in Leadership, Transformation | No Comments »
Hey Dreamers. You had 48 hours to notice something that would bring a level of insight and awareness into your world. What did you notice? I will be posting about my experience I had with my oldest daughter at her junior high pre-summer orientation (Can you believe that?).
Man, it seemed just like yesterday we were just taking her home from the hospital.
Posted in Relationships | No Comments »
Check this out. Article on great performers in pressure situations (Like Tiger Woods).
Posted in Media/Culture, Leadership | No Comments »
Sometimes people e mail me or ask me where my ideas come from for the blog, when I speak, etc. Aside from the inspiration that comes from God, much of it comes from everyday stuff that is easy to overlook. But over the years I have been able to develop an ability to ‘notice’ and look at common things in an uncommon way. The cool thing is, anyone can do it.
Now I would like you to practice:
Over the course of the next 48 hours, try to ‘notice’ a common something and derive an uncommon meaning or insight to it.
You will be surprised at what you come up with.
Posted in Media/Culture, Creativity/Innovation, Dream Awake | No Comments »
About 6 months ago I was in my car at a stoplight when I noticed someone standing on the side of the road. He appeared to be homeless and very hungry. I do not remember if he was holding a sign asking for food or not, but I do remember that his face was dirty and he had what seemed to be a large goiter on the side of his neck. He looked like he needed some help, or at least a late afternoon lunch.
As I sat there I pondered and thought about what I should do next. Do I yell out the window? Do I give him some money? Do I pray for his neck? Do I tell him about Jesus? What should I do?
I went through the various options and when the light turned green I decided to utilize one that I didn’t put in the above list:
I drove away.
As I drove away I couldn’t get the guy out of my head. My heart began to ache for this guy. I needed to do something. I needed to help. If nothing else, I could at least buy him something to eat. I turned around, making a quick u-turn to go back in the other direction. A few minutes had passed since I had initially noticed this homeless man (sometimes it takes me awhile!), and I hoped he hadn’t grabbed his backpack and went up the road.
I made it back to the earlier intersection when I saw the man swing his belongings over his shoulder and start walking toward the corner store. Instead of yelling out the window, I scooted into the parking lot and jumped out of the car. I reached into my pocket for my wallet and checked to see if I had any cash. I decided that instead of giving him a dollar or two, I would go above and beyond the call of duty. I would buy him an entire meal.
I followed him into the store.
I was so excited.
I just wanted to be a blessing in the name of Jesus.
Right when I was ready to tap him on the shoulder and tell him to get whatever meal he wanted (as much as you can at a corner store), my homeless friend walked over to the beverage area.
He opened up the cold glass case and reached in.
He took out a large gleaming 40 ounce bottle of beer.
I pulled my hand back.
I watched him as he trudged up the aisle and to the store register. I grabbed a candy bar and followed. I looked on as he put his few quarters and change together to make his purchase.
I was right behind him, next in line.
As I paid for my candy, my homeless friend walked out into the afternoon, scraggly beard blowing in the breeze.
He never knew I was there.
I was ready to bless him as big as I was able, but he never even noticed I was on the premises because he was preoccupied with his beer.
And so he missed his blessing.
(I wasn’t going to pay for his beer!)
Now before you tell me that I should have said something or done something different…..
Before you get righteously indignant over the man and his beer bottle….
Think for a second.
Think of how many times has God been there for us…..
Right behind us…..
When we were hungry….
wanting to bless us….
But because we were so preoccupied with our substitutes and our counterfeits that we didn’t even know He was there?
And we missed His blessing?
Let’s choose HIS blessings over OUR beer bottles.
Posted in Uncategorized, Relationships, Leadership | 1 Comment »
Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:11
Though I am not in danger of being arrested, I think of this verse often on Sundays as I am getting ready to speak. Whether it is speaking to a church or answering your supervisor or boss in a time of crisis, the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them.
No matter what the circumstance is.
Posted in Uncategorized, Transformation | No Comments »
“Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food.”
1 Kings 17:7-9
Has God ever given you an eviction notice? Told you to leave somewhere that you had become comfortable staying at? Commanded you to move from your place of predictability and place of ease? We weren’t the first, and are certainly not alone. Many years ago, the prophet Elijah received one. God told him to vacate the premises of an area that He had initially led him to.
But when the season changed, the brook dried up, and God told him to move.
Told him to move to a new community and form new relationships with people that were not like him. This widow that he was to befriend lived in the same region that produced Jezebel, the most prominently evil woman in the recorded biblical narrative. In fact, it was her marriage with the King of Israel and her influence over him and his decisions, that had caused great pain and even death to many of God’s people.
Elijah had to live in the wilderness and risk his life time and again because of Jezebel’s evil impact.
But in verse 10 of the same chapter it says, “So he went to Zarephath.”
No delay.
No complaints.
No rationalization.
He went.
How many times has God spoken to you or I about moving to a new place, whether a physical location, or otherwise and we didn’t do it.
Times where He was leading us into a fresh relationship or partnership and we didn’t go.
We didn’t go because we were too comfortable. Because we couldn’t forgive. Because we didn’t want to be in close proximity of “those people” or “that person”.
Because we were too afraid.
And because of our fear, lack of faith, among other things, we stayed in our comfort zones.
Stayed near the dried brook that God was no longer blessing waiting for God’s breakthrough.
Still hungry.
Still thirsty.
Still waiting.
But the breakthrough isn’t at the brook, it is where God is pointing.
When God brings an eviction notice to your door.
Get out.
And go.
Breakthrough is down the road.
Posted in Relationships, The Future, Leadership | No Comments »
As most of you know there has been a terrible eathquake in China where there are estimated 12,000 dead and many thousands more that are missing. I have included in this post an account from some friends of mine (Craig and Sharon Metzner) who are currently serving as missionaries in China. They are in the middle of great need right now. We need to be praying for them and others like them that are giving their lives to reach China for Jesus. Here are their words:
Craig:
We want to thank our family, friends, and communities for your concern. As mentioned yesterday, our family is safe and sound. Your many words of love, encouragement, and motivation were all very timely. Thank-you again for everything.
It’s hard to believe that 1-3 minutes can change your life forever. For the families of 12,000 deceased loved ones and at least double that injured, a few moments altered their lives forever. Our heart aches when we realize that the vast majority of the people that died ‘passed over’ without hope.
Sharon:
I don’t think I have experienced anything so horrifying in my life. We originally thought what we felt here was a magnitude of 3 but now reports are that we experienced a magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale here in (our city) … just short of what can cause immense damage. The reason we felt it so bad here is because of the fault line along the mountains that the earthquake followed……right in our direction. Our building had some damage and we weren’t allowed back in until 8:00 at night. I don’t want to live on the 20th floor anymore.
Yesterday, someone had went to the girls school to pick up their kids, and he told the girls that we had damage to our building. They were petrified that something had happened to us. They were late getting home, and I thought something had happened to them. Craig wasn’t at home, so it was just me and Fuchsia. At first I just felt a really faint rumbling….I thought it was my heart! But then I started to get a little dizzy, and then the entire building starting swaying back and forth. Some metal was falling off the building, our curtains were swaying, and I heard crashing. Every window in our apartment slid open and several of our drawers and cabinet doors opened Fuchsia was sleeping on the couch, and I couldn’t even walk over to her to pick her up. We had a couple seconds where it slowed down and I was able to get to her and pick her up. We sat down and it was going full force again.
I just kept saying Jesus help us, Jesus help us. Keep my children safe, keep Craig safe. I put a pillow on us, and said I don’t want this to hurt. I was sure we were going to Heaven in a moment. It lasted for two minutes. Immediately afterwards I grabbed my purse and our shoes and went out the door. Our neighbors were such a blessing, they held the elevator door open for us, saying kuai le, kuai le (hurry, hurry). I was so stupid to get in an elevator. In the building next to ours, the elevator crashed from the sixth floor.
It was mass chaos outside. None of our cells worked. I couldn’t get a hold of Craig or school or anyone. I finally found Craig out side about a half hour later. The school had been evacuated during the quake, and the kids went in a field. Gracie and Hannah were a mess.
So far there are 12,000 known deaths. and more than 18,000 known injuries, with many more of both expected. Our hearts ache. There have been 313 aftershocks. We had one here last night around 4:00 am. The Chinese here and in many many cities are camped outside in little tents or in blankets. So scared of more to come. They are deathly afraid of going back inside their apartments. SEE OUR FLICKR PAGE FOR SOME PICS.
They were taken in the park today, one block from our home. They certainly are not as devastating as the pictures down south; but, it captures the ‘fear’ that people are living in today. I understand we had one building come down in our city. 5 people were injured and one young girl was crushed.
When Fuchsia and I got outside, she said “I want to go back to the condo.” Gracie was in tears most of the nite. I’m experiencing some post trauma myself. Please remember us.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the e-mails from home and communities. We’ve heard from communities in Florida, Kentucky, and of course many in MI. Thank-you family, thank-you friends, thank-you communities, thank-you, thank-you, thank-you …..
We Love You, The Metzner family
Pray for China.
You can visit the Metzner’s blog at hopeforchina.com
Posted in Prayer, Relationships, The Church | 3 Comments »