Have you prayed about it? About what?

Whatever you’re worried about? Whatever you’re talking about? Whatever you’re gossiping about? Whatever you’re ranting on Facebook about?

Have you ever stopped to think that maybe there are things in your life that you don’t have, things that haven’t happened or things that aren’t working the way you wish they would simply because you haven’t asked God?

Maybe your day is not going as well as you hoped it would. Have you prayed about it?  Perhaps you are sick and longing to be healed. Have you pleaded to God for a cure? It’s possible your marriage is starting to unravel and you don’t know what to do. Have you asked God to intervene? Maybe you have a financial need and you’ve exhausted every resource to meet it. Have you asked God to meet your need?

I’m not advocating that God is some kind of cosmic Santa Claus waiting to deliver the things on our wish list if we sugarcoat our prayers with cookies and milk. But I am suggesting that we often “do not have because we do not ask” (James 4:2). It doesn’t mean that God will always answer our prayers the way we ask them. But it does remind us that when we have a need the first thing we should do is pray about it.

Have you prayed about it?

Think about that moment you hear a new song for the very first time. It’s a melody that immediately catches your attention. The music, the tune, the words, the meaning have you captivated.  Something about the song grabs you.  You develop an insatiable appetite for that song so you relentlessly scan the radio looking for it.  You set your play list where it repeats over and over.  You memorize the words and find yourself singing it everywhere – in the shower, in the car, at work.  And then the day comes – you’re sick of the song.  You’re tired of hearing it, singing it, of others singing it, of the radio playing it. You’ve had that experience right?

Why? Because every new song eventually becomes an old song. Initially the newness, the freshness has your full devotion. But after a while it’s no longer novel and original. It becomes old and stale. It’s time for a new song.

Now there are certain songs (think 80’s) that span any decade and are worth listening to anytime. They arbitrarily play on a throwback radio station or randomly pop up on your playlist. When the unforgettable tune hits your ears, it’s like being transported back in time to that moment, that girlfriend, that summer, that vacation. But you don’t hold on to that song like an infant who won’t give up his pacifier. You’ve moved on to new songs.

Sing a new song to the Lord…Psalm 98:1

God loves for us to relish old songs – unforgettable experiences, remarkable encounters and spellbinding awakenings. But not at the risk of missing out on new songs – novel stirrings, unfamiliar happenstances and blooming revivals. How do we sing a new song?

Find the New by Giving Thanks

It’s easiest for us to focus on what we don’t have. Taking time each day to give thanks reminds us of what we do have. When we start recognizing things we often take for granted, our perspective changes. We find new (old) things to be grateful for.  Take a few minutes to offer up thanks to God for the things you see around you and see the new God parades in front of you.

Be thankful in all circumstances…1 Thessalonians 5:18

Find the New in the Everyday

We are often guilty of wanting the burning bush encounter or the Red Sea experience. No doubt those are breathtaking moments. But they are not necessarily everyday happenings.  There are everyday occurrences (like the rising and setting of the sun) that are just as jaw dropping but because we take them for granted we fail to find the new in the them.  Today, pause to marvel at God’s brilliant exhibition in the commonplace.

I am making all things new…Revelation 21:5

Find the New in the Small Things

It’s true what they say: good things come in small packages. God can surprise us with the new in just about anything – a scrumptious appetizer, a gentle breeze, or a timely visit from a good friend. Just this morning I received and email that was signed off by the tag line “Hope your day is filled with God surprises!” Me, too. Will I see them? Look for God’s surprises in the small things today.

For I am about to do something new. See I have already begun. Do you not see it?  Isaiah 43:19

 Sing a new song!

 

A couple weeks ago I wrote a blog (https://jryansmallwood.com/2016/06/30/is-it-dangerous/) about sending a prison inmate a Bible that he had requested. Just this past week I received a letter back from him that contained these words, “I want to thank you for the Bible. When mail call came I was sure it was a mistake since I never really get mail but it was God answering. God heard my call and provided me with the food I was truly needing.”

“…provided me with the food I was truly needing.” That declaration hung in the air like a balloon in the Macy’s Day Parade. I was scanning those words the day after the ambush on the Dallas police officers and the other tragedies that had taken place that week.  Struggling to make sense of the world we now live in, the hostility that divide us and how we find reconciliation, I understood the answer I was searching for was in the Bible laid out before me.  God is supplying the food we are truly needing.

Jesus Said Love is the Answer

One day when asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus’ response was simple: love God and love people (Matthew 22:37-40). Of all the commandments, Jesus said love rules supreme.  There are a lot of good commandments out there: don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t murder.  But Jesus said everything hinges on love. Love is the answer. Gun control is not the answer. A turnover on Capitol Hill or in the White House is not the answer. A new supreme court justice that will tilt rulings this way or that way is not the answer. Love is the answer.

Jesus Said Love Your Enemies

On another occasion, Jesus instructed us to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us (Matthew 5:43-44). Love our enemies? To hold dear those that we perceive to stand on the opposite side of the fence? To like those who believe differently than we do? Those who behave differently than we do? Those who vote differently than we do?  This means Republicans must love Democrats. Cowboy fans must love Eagle enthusiasts. Methodists must love Baptists. Whoa! I don’t necessarily have to believe what they believe; applaud for the team they applaud for or vote the way they vote.  I am just called to love them.

Jesus Said Love is How Others Will Know We Belong to Him

Read any poll of those who identify as not being connected to the church and their perception of Christians is that we are judgmental, condemning and hypocritical. Jesus said we should be known for our love but instead we are known for our puffed-up opinions. Does it mean that we are not called to share truth with a world that so desperately needs it?  Of course not! But the truth is best received in love.  We throw the word love around like candy at a small town parade yet when it comes right down to it we over promise and under deliver.

Jesus said, “Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another” (John 13:34-35, The Message). Thank goodness Jesus doesn’t wait for us to have it all together, believe the way we should or behave the way he instructed. Perhaps that’s the way He calls us to love?

The celebration of America’s independence has come and gone once again. Another year of family picnics complete with all American burgers, ballpark hot dogs and juicy watermelon.  Another year of fun in the blistering sun while in the backyard, at the lake or the park.  Another year of dazzling pyrotechnics displays that light up the night sky like a smart phone in a dark movie theater.

My family doesn’t have a set tradition on the Fourth of July – except for fireworks. Somehow, someway in someplace we always find fireworks. We’ve done different things throughout the years including gathering together out in the country with friends and blowing up our own explosives (and money).  We have taken in a fireworks show at the end of a major league baseball game on several occasions. From time to time we have congregated in a particular neighborhood to watch some of the best exhibitions there will ever be.  And we’ve assembled with the multitudes to watch public performances. That’s what we did this year. Well, sort of. It was a public display that we watched a distance from the masses!

All of that got me to thinking – fireworks demonstrations and church have a lot in common (I know, but this is what I do so stay with me). Over the years I have taken in fireworks in several different ways.  This year for example, I was merely an observer.  I didn’t purchase any of the fireworks. I didn’t have to give anything for the show.  I just showed up and watched from a distance – a long distance.  Other years I have been part of a more limited group – a neighborhood party, a baseball game that I bought a ticket for, or a country club party I was invited to (and pretended to be a member).  I was there for the show and I expected it to be worthwhile. And then there have been times where I actually purchased the fireworks myself.  I owned them. I was all in. I was fully invested.  I was going to do whatever it took to make it the most breathtaking display of pyrotechnical magic ever!

Likewise, in the church we have three different groups: observers, members and owners. Observers have no real investment in the church. They simply show up and watch from a distance – sometimes, a long distance.  They position themselves close to an exit where they can make a quick get-away and not get caught up in all the traffic.  They want the benefit of the experience without the sacrifice of the connection. Members, on the other hand, are more connected. But often times, intentionally or unintentionally, members tend to morph into an exclusive group.  They have certain expectations because they have “paid their dues” to be part of something.  They are there for the show and expect it to be worthwhile.  Owners, however, are all in. They are fully invested. They don’t demand privileges but see themselves as having responsibilities.  They will do whatever it takes to make it the most breathtaking delivery of gospel power ever!

Observer? Member? Owner? How can you take your next step?