Puddles

We have been a little lacking of rain here in the Carolinas for some time now. It's not much, but we have at least been a little wet lately. Enough to remind us what rain is, anyway. Well, today when I got to work, I actually had to navigate a puddle or two in the parking lot. My shoes were wet! Praise God!

Christmas 2007

Sorry it's been a while. No reasons, just excuses.

Every year at this time, a song strikes me as capturing all that Christmas is to me. This year, it is the following:

Certain elements of Christmas allow us to focus on things that we normally wouldn't otherwise. Sleigh rides, your favorite Christmas carol, candy canes, and seasonal traditions might be among them. And tucked away in the greatest story known to mankind is a non-human character who plays a major role in all the festivities. And this morning at church we sang about them.

It's actually the message that they proclaim that brings them to center stage. Our song reminds us to pay attention to those tidings of joy. Filled with exaltation ("Glory to the new born King!"), unbelievable truth ("Peace on earth and mercy mild"), and the good news of salvation ("God and sinner reconciled"), it sets the stage of expectancy for the treasures to come. Within a song or two, we were then immersed in another musical reminder of God's goodness. While not typically associated with the advent season or Christmas caroling, it's message shouts the timeless blessing that is currently on display.

The chorus reminds us that we only play a small part in the performance of life. We simply join with the angels as they sing "Holy, holy, holy!". We indeed stand with all of creation as it cries "Worthy is the Lord!". Knees bowing and tongues confessing before this great God just adds to the imagery of believers across the eras corporately worshipping the one who is worthy. The verses of this great song reflect the abundance of God-glorifying opportunities all around us:
* we look to your word > and see Your awesome faithfulness
* we look to the earth > and glimpse Your beauty
* we look to the stars > and see Your majesty displayed
* we look to Your Son > and find a love that never fails
* we look to the cross > and see Your mercy
* we look to the grave > empty because You rose again!

As we march on through the days and weeks of late December, many traditions, food, and music will most likely greet us. As we do, let's remember that the first Christmas included the heralding of tremendous jubilation by unique heavenly beings. It is our privilege and joy to join with them again to proclaim the fruit of God's holiness. He is the glorious One who reigns in power!

Stupid Dog

With slightly more manageable temperatures during the recent Carolina mornings, I have taken up the habit of taking a good walk when I first wake up. I make my way through the neighborhood with an iPod full of great worship music and inspiring messages, a hopefully healthier set of veins and arteries, and a sense of befuddlement as to why I see school buses driving around at 5:30 AM. And then there's the stupid dog.

I pity the poor neighbors who are located near this barker. He (this dog just has to be male as much as he just doesn't get it...)is just far enough away from our house that I don't hear him all the time, but now I have indeed found the source of that yelping that I experience from afar. I have taken to tip-toeing by this area of my walk hoping that he doesn't hear me and start with his endless woofing.

Most of the time, however, he hears me and gets cranked up. Just about the time it started to amuse me how stupid, backward, and unrefined this canine motor-mouth is, it hit me that I am just like him when it comes to prayer. I enjoy my life in my comfortable little fenced pen mostly oblivious to all that is going on around me. Every so often, something happens to catch my attention (maybe it's God walking by, but I'm not sure that works well in my illustration here) and I let my voice be heard. "Oh, hey, there goes God coming by this way again, maybe I ought to say something". Once out of my sight, I go back to life as usual in my own little kingdom. If I happen to notice Him again as He strolls by, maybe I'll engage again, but no big deal if I don't. And who knows what I'm saying if I do respond. Maybe it's just annoying and mindless and tends to tick off others who are nearby.

Mind you, I'm not moping around with a "I'm a terrible person" mentality. I just wish I didn't pray like a stupid dog. Who knows, maybe tomorrow morning, the dog will be waiting for me and eagerly anticipating my presence and instructions.

Forgiveness 3

So when exactly does one seek forgiveness? When you 'get caught'? When somebody is noticeably hurt or affected? When you are told to? While all of these are correct, true forgiveness certainly goes far beyond.

When we tell our children about being obedient, we stress the three-fold definition of that characteristic that we have held for years. True obedience is when something is done (or in some cases NOT done) completely, right away, and without complaint.

Obedience is not something that is done half way or just enough to escape negative notice. Taking the trash out is making sure it is in the trash bin outside with a new bag as a replacement. Just making the appearance and smell of the source leave the kitchen does not suffice.

Also, it is not something that is done 'when you have the chance' or merely 'at your convenience' (unless a special request to that end has been made and granted). It is done right away, showing that it is understood that it is more important than my agenda.

Finally, true obedience is done with a happy heart and something close to a happy face. Muttering under one's breath does not answer the call to obey biblically. Just ask any number of Israelites who dutifully followed Moses with their feet alone.

So with these helpful aspects in mind, it would appear to me that forgiveness is necessary when any of these areas are lacking. Doing what your spouse has asked, but with a complaining spirit? Start fessin' up. Have you affirmed that something will be done and tended to, and then put it down on the list of things to do after all of YOUR agenda items are complete? You may need to consider who exactly is the center of that equation. Have you in fact started the process and are safe from accusatory remarks, but in your heart and mind have left much undone? Complete the job with an eye to seeking forgiveness along the way.

Keeping this simple definition of true obedience in our view will remind us of how much forgiveness we are in need of.

Forgiveness 2

A second thought regarding forgiveness comes from my seven year old daughter. She captures the simplicity of the matter that we so often overlook. She mentioned at our family discussion of the matter, "Well, when it comes to forgiveness, YOU have to be the one to ask for it." That's exactly right, YOU have to do it. It can't come from another. You can not ask for it on my behalf. Nor can I represent you when it comes to seeking it.

Now certainly a leader can speak for those they lead. For example, as a father, I can offer words that speak for the whole of the family. But if I mis-speak to one of my children, it will not suffice for my wife to mention to them that I am sorry and indeed wish to be forgiven. I must go myself.

Confronting sin and asking for forgiveness from others is a personal thing. As we pursue living with no regrets, let us remember that. May heaven's joy be ours as we take on this task one with another.

The Joy on None

In an effort to drive me to this blog more frequently to allow for more posting and to help create the habit I seek of putting thoughts down in writing, I am embarking tonight on a Pilgrim Thoughts first. It's word study time!

Recently I experienced again the wonderful God-given and commanded practice of confessing sin. I rationalized to myself that I had confessed it to God and that was probably sufficient. But then I knew that I had to confess to my wife, for she was the one who felt the brunt by my selfishness and pride. My stubborn soul held out for a while longer before I finally availed myself to the full elation of living with no regrets. I can't tell you how rewarding this gift of grace from God is.

I thought I would therefore spend some time over the coming days reflecting on confessing sin. There's not a better place to start than one of the first verses I ever memorized. The apostle John writes, "If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9). Take note that this tells us much more about God than it does about us. The practice of confession starts with a gracious God who IS faithful and IS just. And He IS able to forgive and cleanse us due to all that He has done to provide these benefits to us from the cross. Appropriately, the only 'if' part is ours. God is faithful even when we are far from it.

Tonight my children were asking about whether God gives second chances. With a smirk on my face, I told them not only second chances, but also four million two hundred seventy-five thousand four hundred and sixty-ninth chances! I know this because once again I sinned, but God was faithful to forgive and cleanse. Oh, the joy of living with no regrets!

E-News

For those of you who prefer to find out the latest and greatest from the Bower household via this blog (of which I am pretty sure there are none of you), behold the following:

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!!! Yes, God is blessing us with another child...number four is currently growing and is about seven weeks old. Let the fun begin!

We are delighted by God's abundant goodness to us. Praise His name!