(Deep breath...okay...I've got this...here we go...)
I have avoided participating in the blogosphere, at least as a blogger, for several reasons. One, I know me. To blog with any consistency requires discipline and some degree of planning, neither of which are necessarily native to my nature. Two, blogging runs the risk of appearing with a blush, if not a downright luminescent paint job, of arrogance. Do my thoughts really merit space on someones server sealed with a permalink? And third, blogging invites criticism and I am fragile to a fault. The idea of tossing up an idea like a sunny yellow balloon only to have cold-hearted cynics with pellet guns trying to bring it down is not appealing.
That said, I'm taking the plunge for a specific reason. I do a daily (well, almost) devotional at breakfast. Eating a bowl of something that looks more like coarse mulch than cereal I peruse some Scripture and try to spend a few minutes thinking about what difference the ancient words might have on my present situation. Rarely does the sun set without some degree of scriptural relevance finding experiential residence somewhere in my day. Sometimes I wonder if other people might make similar connections that could cast a beam of light into a darkened corner.
So here's what I'm thinking. I could toss out a Scripture and an angle for reflection and then anyone who wants to could beam back a reflection that we could all see. Think of it as an informal Bible study at Starbuck's only you can make our own coffee and save $5 and stay in your pajamas.
To get started I thought we would play off our Lenten sermon series "On the Way to the Cross" and take a series of daily "Detours." (clever, right?) We will use Luke's gospel because it has that wonderfully profound moment in Chapter Nine when it says, "...Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." It was the beginning of his last journey to Jerusalem and includes some dramatic detours that hold rich treasures for those willing to stop and check out the scenery.
For easy access I'll post links on Facebook and Twitter that will take you directly to the blog. All you need to do is sign into the blog and you can post your reflections and questions which we'll consider as a group. Of course, you can also just read the blog and comments without posting. It's up to you.
The first post will be tomorrow morning. I hope this will be enriching for all of us as we consider Jesus' love and sacrifice, and all the implications they have for our world.
Blessings,
Larry
Isn't it funny how Satan uses our pasts and present short comings to keep us from boldly declaring truths that we have learned from our walk with God. You have often been very open with your wayward journey early in life Larry and yet, I am amazed by what God has done in your life. As for me and my family, we have been so blessed by your regular teachings through your sermons. And I was blessed by participating in a Bible study with you a year or so ago. I like Joshua 24:15 but find it a daunting task. Wouldn't it be easier if it ended in , "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord on good days." I know that my life would never inspire anyone to follow Jesus on my worst days but on my good days, OK, my good parts of days, I might be a decent witness of God's loving service to others. I too had a life of wandering through the wilderness like God's chosen people being led by Moses and I would have probably longed for a somewhat more varied menu way before they did. On bad days I still wander in the wilderness. On good days I seek God's face and his answers for the problems of my life. I once went to visit my grandfather as he lay dying in a hospital bed and told him of my admiration for him and how I had always seen him as a role model of Christianity and an example of God's love to us. He looked at me very humbly and said, "Son, you just don't know me then." But I did know him and was inspired by him. His good days far outshone his bad days and he always tried to shepherd all of his family and many of his wayward friends towards God's word. Like my Grandfather, your good days have been inspiring to me and they far exceed any bad things that I have ever experienced in your attempts to shepherd my walk with God. So blog on, I'll watch and listen as time allows and comment when I have something to say. Don't ever let Satan use any past or even current shortcomings against you. As a matter of fact, all of that has made you uniquely prepared to inspire and instruct a man like me. I have always been inspired by you and your storied walk with God. Thank you for that and thank you for daring to Blog as Lenten season is upon us.
ReplyDeleteYour preaching of God's word is a lamp unto my feet and even a shining beacon down the path as I try to more consistently walk with God.
Sincerely,
Keith