When will we figure this out?

It has not been too long ago that I wrote about a discovery in my preparation for a message involving Noah and the flood. The discovery was of Noah’s obedience. It is stated three times (6:22; 7:5, 9), “He did everything that God had commanded him.” Gen 6:22.

What would happen if we just did what we were told? Children on my bus would not be in trouble. People can’t be hit in the eye if hands stay in laps. It just doesn’t happen. You are not a liar if you don’t lie. You are not a thief if you don’t steal. When will we figure that out?

You won’t get a ticket if you don’t speed. It seems so simple and common sense yet…Just this week we saw a media frenzy where following directions from authorities early on would have de-energized a situation and the consequences. But no, we can’t do that. We haven’t figured that out yet.

Yes, this is a box I’m on. Recently the former chief Supreme Court justice for Georgia spoke in Savannah. In her interview on a local station she said if a child completes high school, marries before having babies there is a 95% likely hood that they will never experience poverty. How about that it is not just a moral issue but one of economics. Simple it seems yet how many do just that? When will we figure that out?

In faith circles we have the same problems. Sure we want the blessings of God, the wisdom of God and the presence of God but we fail to be grateful, we fail to read His word and everything else is more important than spending time with him. Then we wonder why our religion seems so shallow? We didn’t follow God’s direction before but we want him to clean up the mess now! The history of Israel is one where they did as God commanded and then they did not as God commanded. They were always surprised at what happened to them when they disobeyed God. Just like us when we do wrong. It happens when we skip some of the steps in the directions as we are assembling an item. We end up with twice the work taking it apart and reassembling it correctly.

It is so funny when I realize I could have prevented the problem I have by doing what I knew to do earlier. I chose not to for what seemed like very good reasons yet they were all excuses to do what I wanted and not what needed to be done. When will I figure this out? Paul writes of the nature of this struggle.

21 So I discover this principle: When I want to do what is good, evil is with me. 22 For in my inner self I joyfully agree with God’s law. 23 But I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this dying body? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:21-25 HCSB

Paul always makes me feel better because he always points me to Jesus. Jesus did everything God commanded him. I should too.

Bro G

It's done!

The wedding that has occupied conversation since dirt was new (not really) is over. Well…at least my part of that is over. Just in case you did not know, my oldest Elizabeth got married last Saturday in Rome, GA. It was tiring, stressful and delightful all at the same time. Locating facilities and supplies, decorating, keeping schedules can wear you out in a short order. Not to mention…people…people can make you crazy. Even when you are crazy people can make you crazy and logistics. Getting stuff and people to the right location at the right time is a difficult task. Made more so by lack of attention to directions on their part and forces beyond any ones control. But it happened and is done.

The whole weekend I was continually surprised by friends and family who came and helped and enjoyed. At the Chapel before the ceremony some unexpected faces, people I have not seen in decades. You know keeping up on facebook and the like but not in-the-same-room-seeing-their-face-listening-to-their-voice kind of contact. That is different and better than facebook or skype or Google hangouts. It is way more delightful. Nothing surpassed our surprise for Elizabeth.

What Lizzy did not know was that my Father was coming. Since he came home from the hospital under hospice care it did not look good for him to be able to go or maybe even survive to the date. As time approached we began to think it was possible but did not want to get her hopes up. Then he spiked a fever, ugh. However, that was short lived and he was bound and determined to go and dance with his oldest granddaughter on her wedding day. Nevertheless he did we did not tell her at all. We thought we would surprise her at the wedding rehearsal but they arrived too late. So they went on to the rehearsal dinner spot and waited for us there. That is where she was surprised. Oh what a surprise. Not many dry eyes at that moment.

The wedding was lovely and the reception was indeed too short to get to and speak with our guests old and new. Many who came from some distance to be with us. That amazed me and still does. My Dad got up and danced with my daughter on her wedding day. It was spectacularly delightful.  

Sunday we ate breakfast with three families. It was after the meal Barbara and I realized those three families represented three phases of our married life. Mark and Mary from our high school years and early marriage. Danny and Lisa from middle Tennessee and the birth of Elizabeth and then Keith and Sheryl from 1992 on when we moved to Bloomingdale. God has blessed us with people and places as we have followed his lead to serve him. It was once again proof of God at work in our lives.  

“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” Luke 6:38 The Message            

Bro G

I should have done what I was taught!

 When I was a boy it was a thing I just knew. When you went in a store you did NOT pick up anything, touch anything etc. unless you had money to buy it. You just did not do it. I tried to teach that to my children as well. Why, I don’t really know why it just always seemed to keep me out of trouble and them as well.

Saturday evening Barbara and I were completing some tasks for the wedding (just a touch over a week away). Wedding you say? What wedding? Elizabeth our oldest is getting married in Rome, GA Saturday, Oct. 17. That wedding. Back to my story…we were looking for some fall decorations and were in the Savannah Mall. We went to A.C. Moore and Barbara went crazy. She needs a harness when we go in those stores. They are a crafters delight. So many project ideas and so little time or money.  Well I was along for the ride.

George's CRASH

We had been in there for a while when Barbara went down this one isle and I thought I would rest my hand on this shelf basket, one of several on the end cap. I put my left hand on the side and suddenly all four shelves were laying on the floor having made a thunderous noise as the product (plastic plates) hit the ground. My wife who loves me so (yea right) took a picture (to the right) to save the experience. I guess I am fortunate that my face is not seen in the picture so I have plausible deniability.     

It made such racket that other customers came out in the isle to see what had happened and all I could do was stand there as Barbara laughed. Did I mention she loves me so? Honestly, there was not much to do but take it all in. After a moment or two an employee came over and began to pick up the pieces of shelving, product and pieces scattered about on the floor. I was stunned.

Here I had made it almost 54 years without that happening. I knew better. I should have kept my hands in my pockets. Mom and Dad you were right. I should have done what you told me.

Recently I was speaking about Noah and the Ark experience. There is in scripture a repeated phrase speaking of

 [Noah] He did everything that God had commanded him. Genesis 6:22 HCSB (Gen. 7:5,9,16).

Noah’s obedience saved his families lives and the lives of the land animals. How many of us do what we are told? It’s the simple things that we think we don’t have to do. Somehow we think we know better don’t we? We don’t know better. Love God with all that you are and Love your neighbor as yourself is still the golden standard. Maybe keep your hands in your pockets needs to be added to that list!         

     

Bro G