Praise the Lord - WE ARE DONE!

Other than the small tasks to clean up the house we are finished our renovation on our home. We began the work one month ago today with the first swing of the flat bar into the tile around our bathtub. It came to an end with the last bit of silicone around the new tub.

In between we have tiled the floor in three rooms, painted all the cupboards and the numerous parts of hinges and handles, towel racks and light fixtures. Add to that we have done some visitation and conducted two funerals. It has been a busy one month to say the least.

I have been reflecting on the completed work that we have done.

First – we have done all of this together – Alida and I have worked side by side. We have had long days and some great challenges that we have worked through.

Second – the sense of satisfaction and the rewards of getting the work done has been wonderful. Each day we progressed to a new stage and accomplished something new together.

Third – we rested each night with a deep satisfaction – but mixed with many thoughts of how we needed to solve the next step that faced us tomorrow.

Fourth – I have never been so sore some mornings when getting up. The body God gave me is tired and has found new mussels that I didn’t know I had. I think often of my friends who do this every day for their calling in life… and I have prayed for them as I begin to move.

As I was working the other day I thought a lot about God creating this world and all that is in it. What a marvellous thing this creation was. Last week we took one day away and just enjoyed the rocks and trees north of our city. I saw the creation in a new way.

I also thought of the Bible’s statement about God resting on the seventh day – a Sabbath. I now understand what that means. God was tired as well. I know that feeling as well.

Some one asked me what we are going to do when we are done this job. My simple answer was, “Stay home and enjoy it.” That thought came when I thought about what God did… walking in the beautiful garden every day and simply enjoying it with Adam and Eve.

This vacation has been the best that we have ever had.

Pastor Murray Lincoln
murray.lincoln@gmail.com

The Book of Comfort

Wow what a week it has been! We have lots done physically on the house. Many odd problems solved and it appears that an end is in sight. Yesterday the cupboards are complete and look great - but the old counter top looks like the most ugly thing you have ever seen. The new one that we have ordered is in now and will be in place next Tuesday.

Today

• The Bathroom Tile grout goes in...
• The Kitchen, Laundry Room and Bathroom will begin to receive their new plywood floor covering in preparation for the new floor tile - appliances will be moved.
• I conduct a funeral at 1:00 PM

This has been an interesting vacation to say the least.

• Spiritually new growth has taken place within me.
• God has also kept me in touch with a world that is in need.
• I haven't watched TV for two weeks and the interest to do so has almost been lost.
• Last evening a young man called for help. A long "coffee time" together helped to sort out some problems. We met near Home Depot and shared some tears together.
• I met with two other hurting people this week and listened to more deep needs.

In all - if I had been in a tourist resort area on a far away island - I would have missed the blessing of being here for these folk. Each of these are outside my Christian world. What a blessing.

Finally - here is a great thought that I came across this week. It has shown me again how important the Bible is to me.

Pastor Murray

The Book of Comfort
The word "comfort" means "with" (com) "strength" (fort[e]). In other words, comfort is not a matter of simply making someone feel better; it is a matter of giving a person the courage to go on--to face the future even though he or she may be in the midst of difficulties right now.

No book is able to do this better than the Bible. The God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3) has written a book that's brought comfort to millions. Let's take a look at some of the places where this is especially true.

What Does God Say?
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10, NLT).

• What promises in this verse could be seen as comforting? Rephrase these promises in your own words.

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28, NLT).

• What does God cause to work together for our good?
• What kind of a person does God make this promise to?

My Thoughts
Think about a difficulty that you're currently going through. What do you find comforting from the verses above as it applies to your situation? Explain.My Part

Take some time to memorize Isaiah 41:10 and Romans 8:28. Prepare a short story where you share how these verses (or verse) comforted you in a time of need. Be prepared to share not only the verse but your short story with someone who also needs comfort.

Additional Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3

Daily Benefits

Today is a slower day... too much yesterday and a day of rest or change is needed for the old body! It even hurst to type today! In a few days the day of rest will happen. Yet through it all God has been refreshing in wonderful ways. This morning I was doing some reading and came across this devotional... I hope you enjoy it as well.

Project Update..

• Bathroom Tiling is almost done - just need the grouting. Looks great.
• Kitchen cupboards are will be done today.
• Flooring starts today as well.

Daily Benefits
Jul 7, 2006Topic(s): Bible Study/TheoriesScripture: Psalm 119, Psalm 19:7-11

Many of us take a multivitamin each day to get the nutrients and minerals we need for a healthy body. The benefits come from daily intake, putting in what we need and restoring what we've used. We don't wait until we're sick, then pop a handful of vitamins. Sadly, we often treat God's Word that way. We take it on an emergency basis and forget that a daily dose is far better for our spiritual health than a quick bite when we're facing a crisis.

What Does God Say?
Throughout the Scripture, we see how God's Word has value for our lives. Psalm 19:7-11 describes the law or word of the Lord and its benefits: "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul...trustworthy, making wise the simple...right, bringing joy to the heart...clear, giving insight to life...pure, lasting forever...true, each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold. ...They are sweeter than honey. ...They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who obey them" (NLT).

Wisdom, insight, refreshment--these are things we need each day, but we'll only find them if we tap into God's Word.

What other benefits will you discover? Start with your A-B-Cs.

• A is for Anxiety. Look up these verses for help in coping with it: Psalm 94:19; Matthew 6:25-33; 1 Peter 5:6-7 and Philippians 4:6.
• B is for Blessing. God offers us both material blessings (Ezekiel 34:26, Psalm 21:3-6) and spiritual blessings (Psalm 5:12, Psalm 32:1-2, Psalm 29:11; see also Ephesians 1:3-14 where verse 3 describes the source and verses 4-14 list them).
• C is for Comfort and Compassion: Isaiah 57:18, Isaiah 66:13, Psalm 23:4, John 14:26-27, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and Lamentations 3:22-23.

That's just a quick start--use a concordance or on-line Bible word search to find more verses.

My Thoughts
As you read these verses, did you see something new? Something you need?

• Do you look to God for these things on a regular basis? Or do you just call Him in an emergency?
• If we're in the Word on a daily basis and familiar with all that God offers, then we'll be prepared in a crisis. We'll be familiar with God's promises and character; we won't flounder about looking for help. But it will take commitment to His Word and making it part of our lives.

My Part
Take a look at your calendar, and plan to make a focused effort on finding daily benefit in God's Word. Set a goal, work with a plan and stick to a time or "appointment" if that will help. Here's an idea to try:
Goal: 22 days (long enough to get a good habit established).
Plan: Psalm 119 is divided into 22 sections (NIV, ESV and NLT Bibles split them according to the Hebrew alphabet). Read one section a day, and review it with questions like:

• What do I know about God or His Word from these verses?
• What does God and His Word do for me (the daily benefit)?
• What is or should be my response?

Jot a few notes, keep track of what you discover and ask God to make these benefits part of your words, actions, attitudes and thoughts.

Diversions - TWO VERY FAT MEN in a Restaurant

Focus has been a problem ever since starting the renovations on this house of ours. It is easy to veer to the left or right at times - and get a way from the target of getting the job done. But then it is good to have some focus change at times. I want to tell you about one of those changes today.

We have a number of restaurants not far from our home that are always busy. One of the restaurants that have just been opened requires that you give your name to the host as you come through the front door. The person attending will give you a waiting time when a table will be available. I am sure that you all have heard of Montana’s. It is wonderful to have their “Chester’s Deep Fried Cheese Cake”!

Well this was the case in a restaurant near our home yesterday. When I looked in there were many guests excited about the food and there was much chatter. It was full but there was room for more guests. Everyone was talking and eating at the same time. From my vantage point there were at least twelve guests I could see all enjoying the establishment at the time I walked in.

To help you better understand the restaurant let me describe it for you. It is lit only by natural light. The ceiling is completely covered with foliage. There are three buffet areas where the food is served. The surrounding walls are decorated by antiques and items collected by the owners from across Canada. Music provided for the guests is played on special instruments hanging from the ceiling. They play when the nimble fingers of unseen musicians feel like playing. No it is not a recorded background music that some restaurants have playing all the time – it is heavenly music provided by heavenly musicians. The carpeting throughout the restaurant is a rich green that is soft and cool. Each patron is encouraged to take their shoes off and enjoy the feel of the flooring on their feet while they eat. The sensations produced by the lighting, the colour, the music and the chatter, while everyone eats is amazing. The feeling is peaceful.

Does it sound like a restaurant that you would like to visit? I love it!

Now yesterday, as I walked into the restaurant, there were two new guests sitting at the best table – actually the largest of the buffet bars. These guests were two VERY FAT MEN that filled the one eating space entirely. They were not talking but rather busy eating directly out of the portions at the buffet counter where the food is served for everyone.

I was in another restaurant lately where another “over weight” person came in and planted his body on two chairs that were sitting side by side – one cheek on each seat surface. He was big. But THESE TWO FAT MEN WERE BIGGER! They entirely covered all the buffet area and were busy filling their faces. Others looked on waiting for their turn in the line up – if there was to be any food left at all!

It was too funny to see. I happened to have my camera in my pocket and shot the following photos for you to see. Here they are…


By the way I forgot to tell you that the restaurant is in our back yard. The buffet counters are three bird feeders that are usually filled to capacity.

Yesterday the largest one was filled with two of the fattest pigeons I have seen in a long time. They are pictured in the photos. The bird feeder is about twelve inches square to help you see their size.

The music is provided by the breeze playing on our three different wind chimes. The grass and tree are the flooring and the ceiling.

It is a wonderful diversion on a busy day.

Leader's Insight: Overhaulin'

This is a slow morning - but a great one to read something of inspiration - FROM SOMEONE ELSE. While doing my devotions today and preparing for the next steps of renovation I came across this great article from Gordon Macdonald. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Today's schedule - second coat of paint on the cupboards, beginning tiling of the shower and speak at a Senior's Luncheon.

PML

Leader's Insight: Overhaulin'
Gordon MacDonald on rest for the high mileage believer.
by Gordon MacDonald, Leadership editor at large

From my journal:
My first automobile, purchased as a college student for $200, was a 1949 Ford with a ten-year history and 100,000 miles on its odometer (in those years odometer mileage could be quite unreliable).

I would soon learn that the car had a way of presenting me with fresh problems every day … on a random basis. It seemed to taunt me like a fickle horse.

Starting the car was not dissimilar to rolling dice. Every sixth or seventh time, the starting motor yielded a series of clicks but no action. This tended to happen more frequently when I was in a desperate hurry. My solution was to park the car at the top of a hill near where I lived each evening so that, the next morning, I could push the car down the hill, getting it rolling fast enough to pop the clutch and coax the engine into motion. (Does anyone know what popping the clutch means today?)

The Ford's radiator was a slow leaker, meaning that I had to fill it with fresh water each morning and follow up with subsequent refills every forty miles. Because I could not use anti-freeze during cold weather months, I wedged pieces of cardboard in front of the radiator to keep the car from freezing up. Differing temperatures, of course, meant assorted sizes of cardboard.

The electrical system was quirky, and the headlights tended to blink on and off even when it wasn't Christmas. You don't want to hear about the brakes (required pumping), the dysfunctional gas gauge, the weak battery, and the radio, which only played if you hit the dashboard in the right place.

The old Ford returned to my memory recently when I began to brood on the nature of human brokenness, a word we use sometimes to describe the sinful condition of people. I had several individuals in mind, of course, whose behavior seemed as random and as unreliable as that cursed car. But my reverie was interrupted, as usual, by an inner Voice suggesting that a more profitable meditation might be a bit of self-examination.

There must have been a day when a thrilled car-buyer drove that brand new Ford away from a dealership. Imagine a family enjoying that first ride, the new car smell, the purr of the engine, the brilliance of the shiny paint job. But then jump to the days when it came into my possession.

What happened? What had the years done? Who had failed to care for that now-pathetic piece of machinery?

Let's face the facts. I am that '49 Ford with lots of mileage. If I ever had a new-car smell to me, it had to be the day my mother birthed me (but let's not take this analogy too far). Today, however, I possess all the dents, noises, and idiosyncrasies of a vehicle deserving of the junk yard.

You never know which one of my systems is going to be a non-starter. Each day I require fresh maintenance, new parts, and a driver who understands my peculiarities. Absent such care, I will in fact be sold for parts before long. But with a reasonable amount of attention, I still have a few miles left in me yet.

This is the point our Lord is making when he says, "Come to me, you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He might have said, "Come to me, you who are leaking oil, rusting out, and in need of new bearings. I'll give you an overhaul."

Current reading: My friend, Larry Crabb, has a new book out, The Pressure's Off. I know some people who can profit from a book that talks about weariness—not me, of course. Some good other summer time reading is Jonathan Alter's The Defining Moment, which describes President Roosevelt's first 100 days in the Presidency way back in 1933. Good leadership commentary here.

A Provocative Line or Two:
But trained men's minds are spread so thin,They let all sorts of darkness in;Whatever light man finds, they doubt it;They love not light, just talk about it.
John Masefield (The Everlasting Mercy)

From the biography of John Henry Jowett
"We leave our places of worship, and no deep and inexpressible wonder sits upon our faces. We can sing these lilting melodies, and when we go out into the street our faces are one with the faces of those who have left the theater and the music halls. There is nothing about us to suggest that we have been looking at anything stupendous and overwhelming. Far back in my boyhood I remember an old saint telling me that after some services he liked to make his way home alone, by quiet by-ways, so that the hush of the Almighty might remain on his awed and prostrate soul. That is the element we are losing, and its loss is one of the measure of our poverty, and the primary secret of inefficient life and service." (This said—give or take—a hundred years ago. How might the man have expressed himself if he had lived today?)

Pastor and author Gordon MacDonald is chair of World Relief and editor at large for Leadership.

Doctors Seuss and Blue-Green Hands - Yikes

If you have ever read a Doctors Seuss book to your kids about "green eggs and ham"... you may understand the predicament that I faced the other day.

I was in a humbling position for any man. Please picture the tight area beside the bathtub and the toilet. I was lying on my side for a close inspection of the fitting below the toilet where the water enters the flush tank. It was leaking badly.

Now remember I am a convert to the “shrine of Home Depot”… and they have made huge promises that I can do… and they will help me. I love their holy places at the local shrine.

Very early on Sunday I had purchased the new “flushing tower” for the toilet tank. All the parts I needed were in the box… the associate working in the store had promised me that it would indeed work.

Late on Sunday evening I returned from a day trip to Toronto and headed to the needy bathroom to lay hands on the ailing toilet. This job should be simple and straight forward. I have done this many times before. Confidence was full and free!

Now for some stupid reason it was leaking – even with the new parts in place.

Please add to this scene the fact that it is about 95 F in the bathroom and the air is not fresh.

With each drop of water my feelings are changing rapidly. Grrrrrr! Stupid things that are new don’t work and they frustrate me!

Now add one more factor to the mix… there is a beautiful, round, dissolving disinfecting puck in the toilet tank. It is blue greenish. As I have flushed a number of times and have lowered the water level to install the part the puck is rapidly dissolving. The water is not just water like – it is now the consistency of tempura paint from my school days. And guess what my hands were growing a bright green and blue colour by the moment. The colour has worked its way up to my mid forearm. The only white that can be seen is my finger nails.

This must be what the person looked like that cooked the green eggs and ham! As I lay there trying to get the leak stopped, my hands growing greener by the moment and water going everywhere – I thought of Dr. Seuss.

HOME DEPOT WAS CLOSED AT 10 PM!

I left the house that scene that evening with a plastic Tupper Ware container catching the green – blue water. My hands were Martian colour and I was hot and tired and …..!

Conclusions

• The rubber washer in the kit was the wrong shape and size for the toilet tank.
• My Home Depot store did open on Monday AM at 7:00 AM… and they had the part I needed.
• My hands came back to their normal colour this AM… not sure what colour my hair is now – but my hands are CLEAN!
• The Moral to this story is – Sunday night is not a good time to take a toilet tank apart – no matter how many times you have done the job before!!!

The D & F Brothers

I am amazed at how God sends his “angels” at the right time. Let me explain.

When you are doing a big job lie we have taken on, renovating, there are moments when you come against the “brick wall” so to speak. Something goes wrong or something unexpected happens. You know only one thing – and that is YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO! Well over this past week that has happened a few times.

Home Depot didn’t tell me that would happen. They just said, “You can do it. We can help.” I have discovered that this promise only goes as far as the edge of their parking lot. Well no – no that isn’t total true – they will come home with you for a price.

God has another plan however. It is bigger than BIG and it includes some wonderful people.

There are two things I didn’t count on when I launched this project with the first blow of my hammer into the bathroom tiles to remove them. These are…

• Discouragement
• Frustration

The “D & F Brothers” come calling often. For some reason they come to every job I have ever done. This past week they have shown up two or three times when I am not expecting them

I know that they are there when it is very hot and I need a cool glass of ice tea. They are there when the stupid contractor that built this house didn’t square up a wall and used some really “wonky” studs in the wall. They come in when my muscles are too sore to move in the morning. They come when ever they really want to. They slow the task at hand down – BIG TIME.

I’ve also noticed that it is about that time when God provides one of his “angels” to step into my life. They are not really the feathered wing type but rather people that come to the door to inspect the job done so far. They are people that call and ask how it is going.

I met a man like this in an old letter entitled Acts. His name was Barnabas. His very name means encouragement. His role was to come alongside and be there for the people that needed him. The first one that he helped was a young man called Saul – who later would get a name change to Paul. The other was John Mark who Barnabas would travel the world with.

As a result of Barnabas believing in these men both went on to be great writers and leaders.
Paul wrote most of the New Testament letters to the churches through out the world of his days. His fiery words would guide the church even until today.

John Mark would then write the Gospel of Mark, telling the story of Jesus through the eyes of his disciples that had walked closely with the master. His ability was that of a gifted writer being able to put to words the story about a man he had only heard about.

It couldn’t have happened with Barnabas.

Well as I mudded the walls again yesterday trying to get the wall level and straight for the tile application the F & D Brother had dropped in for a visit. And go figure with Home Depot’s wonderful promise that they would help… they closed for the July 1st holiday. Oh well there was nothing more that they could do – other than sell me a new Bath Tub 3 Piece Unit for another $950 to cover this mess of a wall. ( I know why people buy that kind now – and why $950 looks cheap).

It was at my hottest moment and stickiest feeling that “Barnabas” stopped by to give me some hope. This brother Barnabas had not been feeling well, so his willingness to drop in and take a look was even more important to me. After he left our home a feeling a Confidence flooded my life again. I can do this!

Thanks “Barnabas”!

That has happened two or three time this week. Each time I am left saying Wow! God is so good when he knows what is going on. What a manager! What a Boss! Of sorry… I didn’t tell you that part… I am on his payroll. He calls often to ask how it is going and give a few suggestions himself.

Today is muscle relaxing day and grandkid hugging time! See you tomorrow.

Tools and a Helping Hand

Tools – I need Tools!

I met another minister in Home Depot the other day. We were both in the tool section of the store looking for special tools to get our jobs done. After we had talked for a long time, his wife came around the corner. I asked her if she had lost her husband. Her reply was comical… “No I just drop him off in the tool department and he stays put until I get back.”

What an understanding wife! First, she knows that he loves tools. Second, she trusts him not to buy the whole store out. I am afraid that my love for tools makes me rush in a get the things that I need and then get out before I am tempted to buy something I really don’t need.

But it is amazing the number of tools that are made now. In my years of doing the handy man around the house thing, it has certainly changed. We can do almost anything now with what is available.

Remember, “You can do it. We can help.”

In actual fact we could not do what we do to repair or replace or rebuild if it was not for the tools that are out there. This was the simple thought that I mulled over yesterday as I mudded the bathroom above the tub preparing for the tile that goes on next.

In my life it is similar, I have been given “tools” that help me get the job done. Physically, emotionally and spiritually I have been given wonderful tools that are used daily.

Some of them are as simple as

• My thumbs… I couldn’t grip a hammer without them.
• A well balanced thinking process that needs rest – or I get muddled mudding and make a mess – a good sleep each night restores this tool.
• The different gifts of Holy Spirit that are used each time I am involved with people – or even in private preparation. When different ones have stopped by to talk or called on the phone this week – this has been one that is needed often.

Home Depot promises me that they will help. God has provided even more than the HD store. But then he takes one more further step – that HD Store folk can’t offer. He comes home with me and shows me how to use the “tools”.

He made an amazing promise that I discovered almost 38 years ago. That promise is for you and me both. Not only does he provide the tools – he pitches in personal help!

Here it is … and may you have a great week with his help.

Hebrews 13:5
5 Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never, never fail you nor forsake you."
(TLB)