Sabbath
The Corley family is headed to the mountains for some rest, relaxation, hiking, visiting with family, and reading (for me anyway). We’ll be in the Ozarks for a week for our first vacation since Hurricane Katrina. Here’s some pictures of our accomodations (with no gloating intended):
Tired
Lord, I’m tired…
…of hindrances to Your kingdom coming.
…of our grieving of Your Holy Spirit.
…of selective obedience. Those who pick and choose what parts of the Bible they will obey.
…of being the bad guy for seeking to help someone through decisions made in the world’s wisdom.
…of small mindedness in people serving the Biggest and only God there is.
…of rocky ground and weeds.
…of irresponsible words from supposedly mature Christians. Words that tear down what You are trying to build.
…of people that expect a level of commitment from others that they are not willing to expect of themselves.
…of people that hurt Your reputation.
…of people that allow personal preference to get in the way of Your work in the world.
…of sleepless nights.
…of stress related pain.
…of feeling guilty for the decisions that others make.
…of hearing yes but seeing no.
…of false accusations.
…of misleading insinuations.
…of manipulation.
…of dishonesty and deception.
…of excuses.
…of pride.
…of heart heaviness from caring about people that care little about me.
…of seeing the faithful discouraged.
…of people that withhold good when it is due. Especially to You.
…of fair weather friends.
…of deferred hope.
…of thinking of what could be if Your people would be Your people.
…of my own ignorance and lack of wisdom.
…of my inability to discern character.
…of my lack of faith in Your ability.
…of allowing foolishness and worldliness to make me tired.
However, You’re will, You’re reputation, You’re Word are worth my all. So, I will not give up or give in to my heart’s tiredness. Strengthen me, Father. Help me see You, instead of the waves of uncertainty, ignorance, and selfishness. Energize me to finish this race.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (English Standard Version) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Worth Reading: Safe People
They are known for their Boundaries books, but a lesser known book has helped me in recognizing relationships that could have a negative impact on my life. Safe People: How to Find Relationships That Are Good For You and Avoid Those That Aren’t by Henry Cloud and John Townsend, will help you discern character and recognize manipulative harmful people before it’s too late. Here is there list of what to look for in people that are unsafe:
How Deep the Father’s Love For Us
I have a new favorite song. The lyrics bring the meaning of the cross to the surface for me. We’ll be singing this one this Sunday! It’s written like an old hymn, so I was surprised to find the author still alive! (Sorry Mr. Townsend, but thanks for the great song). You can read the story behind the song on his blog.
How Deep the Father’s Love for UsWritten by: Stuart Townend
How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr’s, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
© 1995 Kingsway’s Thankyou Music
CCLI# 1558110
In the News: A Skeleton in God’s Closet
Don’t fret over James Cameron’s claims to have found Jesus. Here’s some links to some helpful info about this “Breaking News.”
A brief and concise argument from Paul Meier, noted scholar of Ancient Archaeology and professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He actually authored a fictional book about this scenario called “A Skeleton in God’s Closet.” Those of you at Hope Church who went through our DaVinci Code Small Group study may remember Dr. Meier. Click here for a link to his concise and helpful comments.
For extended reading see James White’s site, www.aomin.org. Updated regularly.
I’m sure we’ll be celebrating on Easter Sunday.
Why I Love My Wife
Heather and I finally got to go out for Valentine’s Day last night, thanks to my wonderful Mother-in-law (Nelda), Sister-in-law (Beth), and brother-in-law(Zach). Here is an excert from my 2007 Valentine’s Letter to my wife. I couldn’t post it all – much to hot for your eyes – but you’ll get the drift.
Why do I love my wife?
1) She’s the best friend I could ever have. Always listening. Always caring.
2) She’s the best mother I’ve ever known. Always knows just what to say. Always thinking about what’s best for the family.
3) She’s the best wife I could dream of. Making me look better than I am. Helping me along life’s journey. Forgiving me for my wrongs. Satisfying my needs.
4) She’s sincere. Never shying away from criticism. Always striving to get to the bottom of her shortcomings. Ready to learn and grow.
5) She’s merciful. When I think I’m ready to give up on me, she’s not. She understands my weakness and listens to my problems.
6) She’s tough. She has no patience for my pity. She doesn’t let me get by with saying nothing is wrong. She moves me closer to God and to maturity.
I could go on, but I’ve got to leave something to write next year. Thank You Heather Noelle Corley for being my wife.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Lane
Love and Respect
“Help me understand the opposite sex.” I’ve been teaching through Ephesians 5, looking at what God’s commands to wives say about their husbands and vice versa. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs has a great book on this subject called Love and Respect. Here are the acrostics I’ve shared the last two weeks. The say a lot about what she needs and what he needs. Copies of the sermons are available through the church office.
How to Spell Love to Your Wife:
C – Closeness – She wants you to be close.
O – Openness – She wants you to open up to her
U – Understanding – Don’t try to “Fix” Her; just listen
P – Peacemaking – She wants you to say, “I’m sorry”
L – Loyalty – She needs to know you’re committed
E – Esteem – She wants you to Honor and Cherish Her
How to Spell Respect to Your Husband:
C – Conquest – Appreciate His Desire to Work and Achieve
H – Hierarchy – Appreciate His Desire to Protect and Provide
A – Authority – Appreciate His Desire to Serve and to Lead
I – Insight – Appreciate His Desire to Analyze and Counsel
R – Relationship – Appreciate His Desire for Shoulder to Shoulder Friendship
S. – Sexuality – Appreciate His Desire for Sexual Intimacy
Also, check out the author’s website, www.loveandrespect.com.
“…doing it the Lord’s way.” – Tony Dungy
Check out this article. Wow! What an unbelievable guy. I’m praying that I can be as bold and solide in my faith as the men at the top of the NFL world right now. What would success do to your faith? What would you say your most proud of when commended? Thank God for men like Tony Dungy! May all of us follow his lead.
Get this book: Living the Cross Centered Life
Living the Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney. This one moved my heart closer to Christ. Well worth reading. Here are a few key things that moved me along:
– Mahaney says that there are three main tendencies/temptations we face that move us away from the gospel:
1. Subjectivism – basing our view of God on our changing feelings and emotions.
2. Legalism – basing our relationship with God on our own performance.
3. Condemnation – being more focused on our sin than on God’s grace.
That covers about all of us. Getting beyond feelings, performance, and our failure is what the cross helps us do, but these keep us from the blessing of the cross if we choose them over Jesus.
Lane Corley 