Recycling Revisited

When our family lived in Germany, recycling ruled society. In the early 1980’s, this nation took the lead and established itself on the cutting edge of the global recycling movement. Successfully, they trained an entire nation in the nuances of recycling. Red bins for this, yellow bins for that, and green bins for the other. In schools, in malls, in villages, on autobahns, on ski slopes, on hiking trails, recycling controlled the environment.

As domestic-in-chief, I bought in. Our household cooperated, and we learned to march to the recycling beat.

But not all recycling is profitable. Follow me here.

“But not all recycling is profitable.”

Spiritually speaking, when a disproportionate portion of our spiritual diet comes to us recycled through another, we marginalize our growth. Seminars, devotional books, and online courses meet a valid need in our spiritual formation. But genuine life transformation occurs in our ongoing one-on-one times alone with Jesus. Here we find relational intimacy and life-giving Words.

Granted, the recycling approach for spiritual nutrition is tempting since it serves up fast and convenient. But our souls are starving for fresh, for the set apart time when we sit still and listen firsthand to God and learn firsthand from God. (Psalm 46:10)

 Aspects of Fresh

·      Fresh requires time and planning: a time, a plan, a place, be it a desk, a table, a coffee shop, or a library.

·      Fresh brings real life, a Bible, a hot cup of coffee, and a warm muffin.

·      Fresh keeps showing up.

·      Fresh expects Jesus to be there.

·      And He always is.

Fresh from The Word, we read in Psalm 1: 1-3:

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers,

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Living with eternal Intentionality®

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ

whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

What is your best suggestion for keeping your relationship with God fresh?

Why do you think fresh is such a desirable quality in one’s time alone with Jesus?

“Eternity is in your heart because God wanted you to live with that perspective. Step into His Story in every area of your life and live as though everything has meaning. Because it does.” - Chris Tiegreen

The Hill, a Movie Review

Friday night changed on a dime when our generous daughter phoned to say that she was treating us to a night out at the movies. After making our way to seats one and two on row J, Larry and I settled back with popcorn and drinks for a heartwarming, gut-wrenching film of sports world drama. Two hours later, we left those seats overwhelmed with the timeless power of a dream and the supernatural impact of perseverance to pursue it.

The Hill portrays the true story of a young Texas boy, Rickey Hill, who desperately wants to play baseball. His most formidable enemies are not just the cruel bullies on the baseball diamond, but also the cruel ideas of his legalistic pastor father.

The talent of Colin Ford, Dennis Quaid, Joelle Carter, Bonnie Bedelia, and Randy Houser bring to life the narrative which takes place in the 1960’s. Dilapidated houses and broken-down cars stand aside to make way for a boy who has God on his side and fire in his bones.

“In his perfection He handed me two gifts — preaching with fire and playing by the power of his hand. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Rickey Hill

Thank you, Rickey Hill.

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ

whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

“God has put eternity in the human heart — not just the thought of the everlasting, but the things of eternity. Our truest desires are deep and lasting. Our purpose is centered in the eternal King. Our future is integrally tied into the story He is writing. And our hearts are constantly looking for connections with that story.” - Chris Tiegreen

Commitment, Character, and Comfort Soar in Isaiah

Bible, journal, and coffee set the stage for my morning devotions. Expectancy for spiritual nourishment permeates the atmosphere. Fellowship with Jesus never disappoints.

Recently, God’s Commitment, Character, and Comfort emerged afresh as I read through The Book of Isaiah. Consider these riches lifted from the bounty of 66 chapters.

9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

26:3 Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.

28:16 A precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.

Isaiah 33:2b O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning our salvation in time of distress.

33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom

40:31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

63:7 I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us

65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

55: 2 Listen, listen to me and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

And this one just blows me away:

Isaiah 26:8b Your glory and renown are the desire of our hearts.

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ

whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

Where do you observe either God’s commitment or character or comfort revealed in each verse?

Which is your favorite and why?

From Isaiah, which verse is a personal favorite to you?

Isaiah means Jehovah Saves; comment on this meaning in your own life.