Real World Theology

I wonder what it's like to be the rainmaker?
I wonder what it's like to know that I make the rain?

I would store it in boxes and be completely selfish, letting it out only to show off.  Rain storms would truly be storms, meant to push my authority onto the world.  See how big I am would ya!

God, the rainmaker, has a different purpose; that purpose much greater than I can understand completely.  Because of his great love, he sends the rains to nourish the earth; growing the new and purging the spent.  The beauty in every space is from God who is a creative creator.

I wonder what it's like to be a superhero?
I wonder where I'd go if I could fly around downtown?

I would get a high off impressing people with my powers.  Helping others in peril wold be about me, not them.  My friends would be pissed at me for being a showoff stuck on myself.

Jesus, my superhero, was about using his power; healing and forgiving those who approached him seeking relief.  Instead of these miracles propelling him to mass popularity, his actions of grace and mercy lead him to his death.  For God's glory, Jesus did these things; feeling the hurt of rejection and the weight of sin.

I wonder what it's like to be the head honcho?
I wonder what I'd do if they all did just what I said?

I would shout out orders, demanding I be served.  My interests would be first, not considering how my demands would change everything.  Being the boss does not inspire relationships but produces loneliness.

The Holy Spirit, the head honcho, is a still voice speaking into my life the things of God.  Everyday, the Spirit is hanging around because he lives within me.  Shaping my thoughts, moving my heart, directing my steps; the Spirit does not force himself upon me.  He gently asks me to follow God.

This is the real world.  This life is a hassle and daily grind.  God is in control.  Nothing is beyond his power.  Jesus came to demonstrate his Father's great love for us and to give us hope for his kingdom that is coming.  The Holy Spirit is motivating and moving us to that bright future when all the hassle will be gone.

Hang in.  The real-real world will be glorious!

Something Big

This is a big week.  Something important is happening and I am experiencing conflicting emotions.

Some of you know that there was a period in my life where I was just going through the motions.  This was a dark time.  I do not want to re-tell this story here, but suffice it to say, I was in a bad place emotionally, which effected me adversely in all areas of my life.  What I am announcing here, the reason this is a big week, was born from this bad time.  My journey through despair lasted about 2 years, and the path I am on now is about a year and a half in the making.

Drum roll please.  (Unofficially) I am a small business owner.  This becomes official with confirmation of processed paperwork already in the works.  The business is private youth baseball instruction and character development.  When confirmation comes I will be able to give more details.  My purpose now is to declare that God has cared for me beyond my wildest dreams.  The last 3 and a half years have been foundational toward the sense of accomplishment that I am experiencing now.  My heart has been re calibrated and my mind cleared and focused.  I can dream again.

One of the tools I have learned to use to transfer dreams to reality is affirmation.  I have always enjoyed inspirational quotes.  Now I do more with them than enjoy; I use these to motivate and inspire.  These quotes are used to affirm my desires and movement toward success.  One that I have used as I developed a business plan is, "If you build it, he will come." (famously from the film "Field of Dreams").  More significantly, I have been affirmed by God himself.  There have been few times I have believed God has spoken directly to me.  Last Sunday is one of those times.  Experiencing anxiety about the process of starting a business while considering all that could go wrong, I sensed God telling me to do this and shortly after that impression, I was thinking about everything that could go right.  I remembered again all the reasons this is important and why I am going for it.

So, yes, this is a Big week.  Bigger things are still to come.  I am feeling great ambition but also fear.  Strangely, I think these two emotions can work well together.  I suppose I will find out soon enough. 

Here is an affirmation for you:  "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."  (James 1:5)