Merry Christmas from the Chowdhury’s
Love you all! Taking a little break (as should you!) Enjoy the eggnog and happy fun times.
This just hurts to watch…
Want to know something messed up? Whenever I get sick I tend to imagine God sitting on His throne scoffing at me saying, “He made his bed, now he can lie in it.” as though He takes pleasure when we suffer. Theologically, sickness is a byproduct of sin. That said, God has every right to kick us when we’re down or make an example of us when we are ill or reaping the consequences of our life choices (or someone elses). Yet, this week, as I’ve wished I could be the sick one instead of my little guy I’ve learned what God is really like.
Samuel has been sick for the last three days. Monday, he threw up everywhere. Tuesday, it seemed to subside – no throw ups – he seemed more like his fun little self. Today, throwing up and exhausted again. He’s falling asleep pretty much everywhere and his tummy hurts. *sigh* And I think I just heard a sigh from heaven, too.
God does not enjoy this. It’s true – He loves us too much, He would rather be the sick one and this is exactly what He became for us. In Christ, we are healed from our sickness (all sickness and all sin). He is always redeeming what doesn’t deserve redemption. That’s His work – not looking away from us in our sin and sickness or sweeping it under the rug (which would be the opposite of redemption). He looks right at us and, as I’ve heard it said, “He doesn’t blush.” His mind is made up that He will make us well again.
We become more like God when we do the things to prevent sickness (more rest, wear a coat, eat well, exercise, repentance, keep praying…) and join Him in finding the sick and helping them become well.
- Are you sick with sin?
- Do you trust God to make you well again?
- How do you stay well?
- Can the sick around you become well or do they just receive pity?
Quote: Tim Kizziar
“Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that dont matter.”
- What kind of successes don’t matter? Personally? And in work/ministry?
- What does matter?
Quote: Andrew Jump
If you want to start something you have approach the starting line. God help us for the people who in their “maturity” don’t need to begin at the beginning! Think of one who enters a movie after the protagonist has already entered the rising action and is nearing the climax. The climax is then experienced as one who would experience life out of focus. It’s the exposition that brings the striking clarity and meaning. We must begin at the beginning! Why don’t we want the exposition, the rising action? The small, true beginning. The intense struggle before the victory. The people who become involved along the way. We want the victory but then have no idea why it matters or where to go next. Certainly not to a beginning. God wake us from lying to ourselves and humbly walk with you beginning to end.
Communication Supernova or Twitter is Dead?
I just thought I’d play with the title to this post and try to 1) coin a new catch phrase and 2) claim something as being dead. It was fun. Now I know why everybody does it.
In the constantly-connected subculture we call America it is easier than ever to engage in the lives of others at any moment of the day. Twitter lets me respond to the thoughts of someone else across the globe in almost real-time as though we were conversing face to face – if I’m following them. Facebook unpacks the pertinent details of my life for all who would connect with me by some degree in a way small talk seems inefficient at performing. I can transfer a large amount of money to someone I’ve never met without currency or a bank account number with PayPal. Instead of phoning my wife, I’ll probably just send her a text message.
In the spirit of household-appliance-reductionism-sociology, our Microwave Society has become the TiVo Society. We are interacting more than ever and with more than ever but rarely meet face-to-face. I no longer must tune in to your life, I’ll just tag it for later and drop you a reply. And you can do the same. In fact, I’d probably prefer you do just that. Don’t call me. Don’t come to my house. Because if you do I’ll have to respond to you and engage in fullness rather than fragment. It’s true, I know what you think about life because I follow you or we’re friends and I can piece it all together on my time. But knowing what you think or find worthy of a tweet does not truly clue me in to how you really live or who you are. It’s not enough.
I still need you. Not just your status as of 20 seconds ago…
So, please, let’s have coffee. Let’s talk. I’ll probably help you move someday. Let’s be friends. Real ones.
I’m just very happy these days…
If you’ve seen me over the last few days you’ll notice this really awkward, cheesy, and kind of creepy smile on my face at the most random times. I am really happy. This weekend, Ruth and I joined the most amazing team! We are honored to serve at REAL Church and know we are here to be a part of what God is doing in Detroit. Yes, ministry is stressful and stretching and all those other adjectives, but we are here to serve Jesus and those He is seeking. There is NOTHING else we would rather do! So yeah, I’m happy!
Running On Fumes
Yeah. This is what my fuel gauge looked like as I rolled into the parking garage this morning for work. I was running a little late and had no time to stop (that’s what happens when you try to download podcasts and sync your iPod when you should already be on the road). My initial thought when this happens is “How could this happen?” but in reality I let this happen.
When we don’t take the time to fill up with the good things God has for us, we will often just barely make it to our destination or through a test. That is, if we make it there at all. I do this WAY too much.
2 Timothy 4:2 | Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
In season we are facing trials or troubles or attempting great projects for the Kingdom of God and refueling comes easier in this time for many people (like me) because they thrive on the tension and it gives them a strong focus on God. During a time of incredible stress for us, a mentor of mine warned my wife and I not to become so accustomed with trouble and excessive stress in life but to remember good times are coming.
Good times are out of season times – when there isn’t a pressing crisis and when routine becomes more important. This is where I suck! I don’t think I really heeded the good advice I received and am working now to seek God in prayer and study when I don’t have to. Life is very pleasant most of the time right now and neglecting my relationship with God is easy. But if I will take advantage of this good time and dwell deeper with God out of my love for Him and not just my need for Him I will really know Him.
Plus, you never know when you’ll have to get back on the road in a hurry. Time to fill up.
- When is easier/harder for you: in season or out of season?
- How do you refuel?
Incredible insight from my wife…
My wife Ruth just blew me away with this insight about God and the season He has us in.
God’s been talking to me… basically, telling me to sit back and enjoy the ride, to let go of control. It may turn into a rollercoaster, but even when I get scared on a rollercoaster I don’t try to take over. I finish the ride and in hindsight see how awesome it was.
