Category: Thoughts (page 10 of 15)

I’ve long been fascinated with the story of the Plague of the Frogs in Exodus 8:1-15. You remember it, don’t you? God sent the second of several plagues on the land of Egypt in order to get Pharaoh’s attention so that he would free the Israelites. There were frogs everywhere! And Moses asked Pharaoh to name the time when the frogs would be gone.

His answer? “Tomorrow.”

In the words of a famous sermon from a bygone era, when Pharaoh had it within his power to effect real change, he opted instead to spend “one more night with the frogs.”

And that’s kind of where I am tonight. I know there are some changes I need to make. I know there is a better way to do a lot of the things I need to do. I know there are some different directions I need to take. But I can’t seem to pull the trigger. I’m always waiting for the conditions to be right. I’m waiting for “something to happen.” I’m waiting for, well, tomorrow.

And in the words of one of my long-distance heroes, Chris Elrod…

…as of today, tomorrow has never come.

Interesting day today. Here are some thoughts making their way from my heart and mind, through the Mirado Black Warrior, into the Moleskine, and wherever else…

• It’s not a good thing – even though it seems like a prudent or easy thing – to shortchange the people who show up, by claiming you’re going to “cut it short” because “we’re few in number,” or “a slim crowd,” or whatever terminology you’re tempted to use. It’s actually a disservice and an insult to those people. Oh, and it’s a disservice and an insult to the One Who Matters Most.
• To be unprepared under the guise (excuse?) of “not laying it on too heavy” to the “few” is not acceptable.
• Our people – no matter how many or how few – deserve the very best we can offer. It doesn’t have to be flashy or spectacular. But it has to be our best. Every time. More importantly, the One Who Matters Most expects our best.
• Having said all that, I’m reminded that even when we don’t offer our very best, God can and often does use it for His glory and for the challenging and encouraging of our people.
• Sometimes a simple little exercise in encouragement does a lot of good for people.
• 1 Corinthians is already rocking my world!
• Oh, and right now,  “God He Reigns/All I Need Is You” is, too!
• Do I see “people in the park” or “countless souls who will one day spend eternity in hell if they don’t find their Savior”?
• That “Disturb us, Lord” prayer Craig Groeschel quotes is slapping me up side the head, too.

I can tell it’s “officially” summer…

• The hot green tea went “on the rocks” tonight!
• My new favorite coffee, Ethiopia Sidamo did, too!
• The Sunday walks in the park with the lovely and gracious “Mrs. Just Charlie” started this evening.
• Outdoor pool at the Y? Open!

This quote is now on my office door note-holder/whiteboard thingy…

I am unable to make a difference if I am unwilling to make a change.

What’s on my mind, in my heart, and in my notebook tonight…

• New book: Journeys: Transitioning Churches to Relevance by Todd Wright and Marty Duren
• New book #2: The Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
• New book #3: Eat This, Not That by David Zinczenko
• When the “convenience charge” to pay a bill online is more than the bill itself, something is way out of whack!
• Coming next week at The ‘Crest: “The Church of the People Who Play It Safe.” (I’m their leader, BTW!)
• The Sunday morning “events” just keep piling up in our family. Two weeks ago, it was “The Boy’s” unfortunate little handgun incident. This morning, it was the lovely and gracious “Mrs. Just Charlie’s” twin sister’s husband’s office – and the speeding car in the front door. Yikes!
• Tax refund deposited. And spent. Life is good…one extra large insanely stupid debt gone, along with a couple of other not quite as large and not nearly as stupid ones.
• The song “God of This City” is rocking my world these days!
• My neighbors are a microcosm of our culture. And a reminder of our strategic placement in it for divine appointments to happen.
• Indigenous worship means a worship style that is inborn – but not inbred.
• If prayer, a clear and compelling vision, indigenous worship, small group opportunities, meaningful membership, and the people in ministry are levers for moving our church to new relevance and all that means, I’ve got to live out and model those values in my own life.
• Don’t tell her, but I’ve really enjoyed spending this week with the lovely and gracious “Mrs. Just Charlie.” A little yard work is good for your soul – and your marriage. Back to the grind for her tomorrow.
• It’s winter again here for a couple of days! Brrrrrrr!
• I’m tired…but I need to finish up some reading. See y’all later!