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hm.. This is one of those mornings when I wish this were my thought:

“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” Psalm 119:14 NIV

Instead, I am not sure that I have even thought about any of those things this morning as the house was busy with preparations for another day.  Interestingly enough rejoicing, great riches nor following his statutes has entered the vast emptiness that sits between my two sound catching devices.

So today here is a simple yet somewhat complex reminder of the pleasure and satisfaction that awaits us when we are joyful because we have surrendered to the teachings of the Christ.  It’s quite a paradox, but one I plan on dwelling on today.  Think about this. Sometimes, when I see the 220 million dollar Power Ball sign I imagine what I could do with that money – and the projected happiness it would bring him.  Well, I know I have never sat and imagined what it would be like if I actually followed the Lord’s statutes and the various rewards that come from that.  Ones that actually have long term value.  Try that little exercise today.

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What’s In A Name

Last week, as I spent several hours in the car driving and one thing I noticed was the name of car dealerships on the back of other vehicles and on the side of the road.  And the thing I noticed about them was that some names are perfect for car dealerships and others, well they don’t work.

For instance, the one that I saw that really got me thinking about this was “Jacky Jones Ford”. Can you think of a better name for a car dealership.  That name works, it sounds goods and immediately make you think of a place you want to go.  Whereas ‘Jason Butcher Ford” just doesn’t have the same ring.  Somethings just go together, and some things just don’t.

It’s sort of like, peanut butter and chocolate, or maybe like a follow of Christ and righteous living!

Yeah, as I looked at the license plate for Jack Jones Ford, I was thinking, man that is so perfect, so expected, so right.  I don’t live near a Jacky Jones dealership, but I think I would go there if I did just because the name fits so well with a car dealership.  His name make me want what he is selling.  And that let me down the path of how our names are always associated with something.  And I think as a follow of the Christ, we need to make sure that our names ‘just fit’ with the direction he gave us – things like:

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15 New International Version (NIV)

and

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

So, think about it today, if you had to put your name of a license plate, would it draw people to what you are trying to sell?

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It’s 2011 – Happy New Year

Oh its a new year, and a new fresh start. For many of you it’s the first day of work in the new year – new policies, new insurance, new tax rates, new calendars and hopefully for many – new ways.

Of course that means there are old ways – the things that you want to leave behind in 2010 – the old practices and standards. Just like the big file I have of receipts, statements and tax forms, we want to file away those old practices and standards.

But lets make sure that there is one thing that we don’t leave behind, in fact we should pick it up with more earnest. In 2011, let us follow the example set by Peter and his fellow followers of the Christ just weeks after the death of that same Christ. The leaders of the day told Peter and his posse to stop talking about this Christ and this was his reply:

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5 NIV

In 2011, let us take that stand – “We must obey God rather than human beings!”. . As you mark off each new day on that new calendar let us confirm anew our desire for obedience.

Happy New Year!