Thursday, February 25, 2010

COMPANY IS COMING!

From the view from the backporch things are happening because "company is coming!" New mulch was spread in the flower beds. Bushes were trimmed. Directional signs for parking, food, and restrooms are being placed. Who is the company? Thousands of bikers for the annual Daytona Beach Bike Week! The backporch is being transformed into a food court and a great viewing place for watching hundreds of bikers park...($2 a tire!) in the church parking lot.
Company is coming and we are getting the place looking great!

When you know company is coming to visit you at your house you do your best to get the place looking good. Pick up dirty clothes, vacuum, dust, clean and get groceries for a fine meal for your guests.

I am trying to learn that each day "company is coming!" His name is Jesus. How am I getting ready for Him each day? What am I offering Him?

Moses told Aaron that they were to offer the "best and holiest" sacrifices to God. (Numbers 18:29) That was to be God's portion!

What portion of my daily livng am I offering to God? Am I offering my "best and holiest" to God? Or is God getting mediocre,leftovers and half-heartedness? Company is coming! Jesus is coming!
Will He find me daily offering my "best and holiest?"
Till the next cup of java from the backporch...

Monday, February 22, 2010

Monday Morning Blues

I was only an hour into my Monday when I was told there was a man outside who wanted to end his life! I walked out of my office to meet a 62 year old man who was ready to call it quits. No family who wanted him. He had no place to live and wouldn't get his ssi check for another week and a half. He had walked around all night and at one point was walking over the highrise bridge and came close to jumping. I listened. He poured out his heart as I poured him a cup of coffee. I was able to get him to go and seek help. I gave him the name of the crisis service and address and phone number. I gave him a bus pass. I then gave him my cross necklace as a reminder that the One who gave his life for you will not leave you or walk out on you. His face had changed from one of blues to one of hope.

Monday Morning blues come around any day of the week. When you have them or someone comes knocking on the door of your life...find someone who will listen, listen to someone...pour a cup of coffee and sacrifice some of your time with them and offer them your source of hope...Jesus!
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18NIV

My friends you and I are the ears, eyes, hands and vessels of the hope which is ours in Jesus to those who are experiencing the Monday Morning Blues!

Till the next cup of java from the backporch...

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Holy Ground

I have discovered that you don't need a burning bush, a sea splitting in two, or even a mountain top moment to find "holy ground." The backporch of Community UMC in Daytona Beach has become "holy ground." Lives have been welcomed from all alleys and avenues of life. Lives have been challenged and changed. God has been present on such a common ground. Isn't that what really makes ground holy? Not you or me but God. No matter where you are standing or sitting or living life it can be "holy ground." This backporch on a back parking lot leading to a back alley, across from a police substation is "holy ground." I want to share with you from this "holy ground" and other common grounds; God meeting people and showing His love to them. I, like Moses, am amazed that I get to be in the presence of such an awesome God and to learn from His people who stop by and share a cup of coffee or lunch with me on this "holy ground." Oh, by the way, this holy ground is not "inside" the walls of the church!
Till the next cup of java from the backporch...