A New Direction

Today the Lord has provided Sewickley with some varying weather.  The skies have dropped hail, sleet, rain, and snow and all before early afternoon.  Some of the snowflakes that came floating down were the largest I have ever seen, almost the size of golf balls.  So as I arrived home after work I decided to shovel the sidewalk (a Sewickley law) before the slush turned to ice.  After finishing ours, I thought that I could help the neighbors out a little bit by doing theirs.  As I was began to clean out the first path the mother and her daughter showed their faces as they were leaving to walk downtown.  The mother thanked me as she explained that her husband is on crutches while the little girl chimed in, "Daddy broke his leg."  As they made their way down the sidewalk I began to think of how incredibly detailed God is in directing us in ways we don't even know.  God works out the intricacies of life to allow us to bring fame to His name in even the smallest ways.  How great is our God!

None like Him,
Lane

Tonight the Pittsburgh Fellows and their significant others were invited to Prof. Peter Moore's home for dinner and a night of Charades.  After some chatting and intense foosball we gathered around the dinner table to ask the Lord's blessing on our meal.  As I looked at the friends surrounding and the meal before us I was blindsided by an unexpected revelation: I was supposed to be thankful for this opportunity to enjoy food and fellowship.  Now you're probably thinking, "Duh Lane, we're supposed to be thankful for what we have.  You know this."  But the thoughts of my heart wouldn't agree.  It was supposed to be different.  We're supposed to be giving our life to Jesus who gave us His.  We should be spending all of our time, heart, energy and resources to do the work of Him who entrusted us with His kingdom.  Right now the poor, sick, and lost go unhelped while we enjoy warmth, abundance, and interaction.  How selfishly wasteful can we be?  This is how I would normally approach tonight's situation.  This would be the attitude of my spirit.  Though I would receive the gifts outwardly, I would reject what was given in my heart.  It's no wonder that I always feel like the most ungrateful person I know.  I am.  While sometimes our "gifts" can be more of a curse, that which is good can still be received in thankfulness.  And tonight I was thankful. 

Ever learning,
Lane

He didn't call a teacher of the law, an old man of wisdom, or even a faithful disciple to Himself when He wanted to answer who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus called a child by His side right before His disciples to illustrate who would be considered the greatest.  At this moment, out of genuine trust, a humble child came to Him with sincere obedience.

Doesn't one always beckon the other?

Matthew 18:1-6

Getting younger,
Lane

It's been a really long day but it ended with a very fun night.  I had the opportunity to experience another Sewickley tradition, Light Up Night.  "The Village," as the locals call downtown, was filled with tons of vendors, bright lights, and people from all over to celebrate the holiday season.  The Henning House (youth house) was an attraction for many as we served hot chocolate in a warm place to the very cold sojourners.  There were a couple hundred, if not a thousand who came through our doors.  The best part about the night was being able to hang out with the many kids I've met since I've been here, and meet many more.  In particular, I'd like to give a shout out to my 6th grade "Bible Boys."

Something sweet I saw in Scripture today: Jesus sent the 70 out into the towns in which He would later visit.  I believe as I am sent as a lamb among wolves He will also come to this place.  He has not brought me to a place in which He will not also come.  Come, Lord Jesus, come.

Luke 10:1

Bring the King back,
Lane

More precious than the decorations around my room, all the pictures from my life, my various collections, the gifts I've received from others and the huge box filled with my life's memorabilia is the priceless faith that Christ has worked in me.  No possession, even gold, could compare to the costly gift of faith that I've received through the grace of God.  And how precious a gift it is!  Peter goes on to say that the result of this faith is "the salvation of your souls."

My hope is that this post, as it is an expression of my faith, will be the first of many that "result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" when He comes.

1 Peter 1:6-9

Welcome to my blog.

Lane