At the End of the Day...

Sunset, originally uploaded by GavinZ.

At the end of the day, today's post is all about "at the end of the day."

At the end of the day, has become one of the most annoyingly over-used phrases in our society.

At the end of the day tops the list of irritating expressions compiled by the intelligentsia at Oxford University.

At the end of the day, does anybody really know what it means?

At the end of the day, I looked it up.

At the end of the day, I'm still not really sure I know what it means.

At the end of the day, you probably don't know either.

At the end of the day, I'll do my best and try and explain it to you.

At the end of the day, it probably won't help that much.

At the end of the day, see if I really care what you think.

At the end of the day, this post will still be just as annoying.

At the end of the day, here's my best shot.

At the end of the day, it means "after all is said and done."

At the end of the day, it has recently become indispensable to conversation about football in England, particularly when addressing something unpleasant to contemplate. It apparently means something similar to "after all is said and done."

At the end of the day, I rest my case.

At the end of the day, there's no doubt that it's widely used.

At the end of the day, there were 408 instances of this phrase in the New York Times over the past year.

At the end of the day, it can be used in the metaphorical sense of "in the final analysis."

At the end of the day, has 14,452 hits on Google News this morning, compared to 539 for "in the final analysis", 28 for "in the last analysis", and 1,376 for "when all is said and done".

At the end of the day, God does indeed join in the discussion.

At the end of the day, God says don't let the sun go down on your anger.

At the end of the day, that's found in Ephesians 4:26,27.

At the end of the day, I'm glad I wrote this post.

At the end of the day, do what God says.

At the end of the day, don't be mad at me about it.

At the end of the day, get over it.

At the end of the day...Live the Red,

Mark

Wave Wednesday

Before The Calm, originally uploaded by William Dalton.

"More than the sounds of many waters, than the mighty breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty."
Psalm 93:4

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.
~Willa Cather

Today's post is all about waves. Not just the waves that hit the beach, but the more important ones--the waves that crash into your life. My thoughts on the theology & psychology of waves. Think of it as "Wave Wednesday." Grab your surfboard and let's go.

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Watch the waves and learn the lessons that only they can teach. The waves crash into the beach in a never-ending invasion at the edge of the ocean.

Don't ever underestimate the power of the surf. I can remember the enjoyable days of my youth when I would energetically wade out to do battle with the waves. I'd fight the breakers. I would stand firm against the cresting walls of water and attempt to hold my position against their persistent deluge. Time after teeth-rattling time, I would learn my lesson over and over again. In the midst of my stubborn inflexibility, the waves would always win.

As I've grown older and maybe a little more discerning, I'm beginning to understand the surf strategy given to me by a wise and weathered wave warrior. His strategy was simple. "Don't try to fight the waves, you'll never win. Ride the waves instead."

His advice was right on the mark. Though I've never considered myself much of a surfer, but his counsel has created a new paradigm in my mind on how to face the things that impact my life. I have a new perspective on the circumstances that reshape my life. Why hadn't I thought of it before?

Ride the waves; don't fight them. The art of riding waves has become a new way of looking at the world. I am now a world-class surfer at work, with my family, and with the people I encounter in everyday life.

Waves happen. The waves are always coming. Life is a never-ending series of sudden changes and altered landscapes. You can despise these vicissitudes of life or you can learn to ride the waves as they wash ashore.

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What waves are headed toward you today? Are you fighting them or riding them? How does it feel?

Surf's Up!

Live the Red,

Mark

Two...

I will never let you fall, originally uploaded by bárbara reis.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil." Ecclesiastes 4:9

I am indeed, a very blessed man.

Me and my girl have been together for 30 years now. I like to think of it as a three-decade long honeymoon. The countdown has already begun for our 30th anniversary in late December.

When I conduct a wedding, I include this statement in the ceremony. The words are not original with me, but they are poignant none the less...

"God wants marriage to give people a taste of heaven here on earth. The Lord has intended marriage to be the most elegant and satisfying expression of all possible relationships between people! And if marriage ever becomes less than that, we have diminished God’s glory and shortchanged our own pleasure and delight that God has intended for us."

I like the way God says it...

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

If you're in a marriage relationship, whether you've been together 30 days, 30 months, or 30 years...take time out of your hectic day today and express your love to your mate. No marriage is perfect. There are always things that can improve. And that's what makes growing old together such a wonderful thing.

Covenant marriage between a man and a woman. It's a little taste of heaven. Right here. Right now.

Live the Red,

Mark

Knocking on Heaven's Door

Knocking on Heaven's Door Ed 1, originally uploaded by john smythe.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7-8

Someone's knocking at the door
Somebody's ringing the bell
Paul McCartney

Are you knocking on Heaven's Door today?

As followers of Christ, our intercession often lacks the Biblical persistence that was taught by Jesus. In Luke 18, Jesus told a parable to teach us that we, “…ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1) In other words, if you're standing at the door, keep knocking. Don't give up.

The story goes like this. There was a widow who made an appeal to a judge who didn’t fear God nor respect man. At first, the widow was rebuffed by this stern judge. Her request was not answered. But then this widow did an amazing thing—she didn’t give up! She persisted. She kept knocking.

There’s a happy ending to this story. Finally, the judge gave in to the woman’s petition. He said, “Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.” (verses 4 & 5)

Jesus concluded the story with a question. “And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night?” (verse 7) Is there any door that you're so passionate about seeing God open that you're willing to keep knocking?

Are you asking God for anything right now that would require “crying to Him day and night” for a week? A month? Six-months? A year? Ten years? A lifetime?

This Sunday, November 8th, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Will you be found praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are facing unimaginable horrors simply because they love Jesus?

There's never been a better time to knock on Heaven's door.

Live the Red,

Mark

Sweet Coffee

A Sweet Coffee, originally uploaded by ©Pacifist.

"Thought today would make a fine time to have a little coffee chat."
Mark Jordan, as quoted in Harper's Bizarre.

I didn't start drinking coffee until about age 25. I started the java habit post-college.

What got me started? Well, I was pastoring an "end of the dirt road" Baptist Church in north central Texas. The drive from the parsonage to the seminary was 100 miles, about a two hour drive. My first class began promptly at 8 a.m. so I had to be on the road no later than about 6:05 a.m. An ungodly hour.

A giant mug of strong coffee was my daily commuting companion. Only problem was, I really didn't like the taste of coffee. So you might say I "doctored it up" a bit. A bit, indeed. The line I use with the barristas in my life, "I'll have a little coffee with my sugar, please."

And then comes the CoffeeMate. Don't even get me started. Why would anyone drink a cup of dark roast without a healthy helping of the marvelous cream-colored powder? It's the angel dust of a great cup of Joe. But I digress.

The best commentary on my coffee drinking habits coming from another bridger belongs to my dear departed friend, Ed Guthmann. Ed once saw me "fixing" a cup of coffee and exclaimed, "Are you baking a cake or having coffee?" Uh, both.

I know. I know. There are many of you who joyously take your java jolt absolutely black! No additives at all. Black. I am in awe of you. I humbly bow in your presence. I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy.

Somewhere in this mad rush called life, I hope you'll slow down just a bit with a nice cup of Joe, some soft music playing, and a friend nearby. That would be nice. (A bright summer's day with a light breeze blowing--optional)

Come to think of it, now would be an appropriate time. I believe in now. When they came to my front doorstep, I signed the petition. I'm voting for "NOW."

I think I'll stop blogging now and brew a fresh pot.

Have a nice day. Have a nice cup.

Live the Red...with CoffeeMate please.

Mark

On the Border of Belief...

Atardecer en farellones, originally uploaded by Gualo.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5, 6

As God’s people, the nation of Israel stood on the border of the Land of Canaan in Numbers 13, twelve spies spent 40 days checking out the situation. When they reported back to Moses, ten of the twelve spies responded in unbelief and brought back a negative report, “we are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” (Numbers 13:31)

In stark contrast, Caleb and Joshua responded in unwavering faith, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” (v.30) Two important things happened as a result of this split decision from the twelve spies. The ten unbelieving spies died immediately. (Numbers 14:37) And God blessed Joshua & Caleb with long life. They were the only adults of that entire generation that were allowed to live through the 40 years of wandering in the desert and actually go and live in the Land of Canaan.

When we doubt God, it has a deadly effect on our lives. When we put our faith and trust in God, it rejuvenates us spiritually, physically, and emotionally. If you don't believe me, then ask Joshua & Caleb. They'll tell you. The benefits of belief are beyond measure.

You are standing on the border line of the next big thing that God wants to do in your life. You can see the mountains in the distance. The border line of belief is a place of decision. You've got to decide right now. "Now" is all you've got. Are you going to believe God right now? Don't waste your time asking God for a detailed, step by step overview of His plan for your life. Trust me, He won't give it. Why? Because He wants to train you to trust Him completely. And that involves mystery and a certain degree of not knowing.

Do the right thing. Do the only thing that pleases the heart of God. Believe Him. Trust Him. Put your full confidence in Him. And step across the boundary line into the destiny He has crafted for you.

Live the Red,

Mark

Not About You...Doll, Baby!

Butterfly Princess, originally uploaded by spifbv.

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3


Thank God for dedicated teachers! Whether it's in a public school, a private school, or committed parents teaching their young ones at home, teachers are the backbone of our society.

Day in and day out, teachers are the unsung heroes used by God to mold the next generation. Teachers and parents encourage when encouragement is needed, and more importantly, they speak the truth when it needs to be heard. The following exchange unfolded in a real-life classroom in a school near you.

The teacher leaned over the bashful yet bright young student. Words of encouragement brightened the heart of this very shy child. “You are doing so well with your work. You are so smart,” the teacher said. The child beamed. The teacher continued, “You’re an excellent reader.”

The precocious little princess sitting in the next seat didn’t want to miss a chance to soak up some of these superlatives for herself. With the panache of a Scarlett O’Hara, this outgoing little doll asked quizzically, “What about me, teacher?”

Without missing a beat, the teacher put her hands on her hips and sweetly told young Scarlett, “Not everything’s about you, Doll, Baby!” I’m sure these are not the words that this outgoing little cutie wanted to hear, but very true, none the less.

How tempting it is to go through life always asking, “What about me, Lord?” It’s difficult to shed the vestiges of our culture that always asks, “What’s in it for me?” If we’re not careful, this infectious, arrogant self-centeredness can infiltrate our lives and the church. James 4:6 tells us, “God is opposed to the proud, but give grace to the humble.”

So the next time you’re tempted to think the world revolves around you, just remember the playful words of a wise teacher.

“It’s not always about you, Doll, Baby!”

Live the Red,

Mark