When It Rains it Pours

Wow another post.

Just another quote that has been rolling around in my head.

"Most believers spend more time praying to keep other believers out of heaven than nonbelievers out of hell."

Sad but often true. I think it's time we spent a little less time praying for hangnails, and our neighbors cats.

Greater Things Have Yet To Come

I was just hit with one of those moments.
You know the kind that you have every now and then that seemingly sneak up on you out of nowhere and yet they are so glaringly obvious you can't help but be embarrassed.
Do you know what I am talking about?
Well, I have been listening to talk shows for the last few weeks as I have driven around, been hit with mail, commercials and the topic of every fifth conversation I am a part of.
The election.
It has been an interesting one. And I have to say that there are things that I like about both candidates.
Can I say that?
Is it a rule that you have to hate one and love the other?
Now there are also things that I disagree with with both candidates too.

So I'm sitting here tonight working and I catch myself thinking about which candidate is best for the country and which candidate will make a positive difference in this country and who would be best to lead this nation. I am reminded of a book that just came out "Jesus For President", and a barage of thoughts were flooding my mind.

Then it hit me...
You know what I was talking about before. I don't mean to keep you waiting, but you have to understand that some times the most obvious things are often the most overlooked.
...Have you prayed about who you should vote for?

What?
Isn't it obvious?
Aren't we supposed to use the brain God gave us?
Doesn't he give us principles to govern our lives by?
What would you need to pray about?

None the less I realized that even when I think I've got it all figured out, God still wants to hear from me. I am like that so much. I think that is one of the things* that often lures me from my dependence on Him. From leaning solely on Him. Waiting on Him. Anyways I decided to do just that. Pray. But my prayer turned from praying about these candidates to praying for them. It lead to praying for this nation. For these people that I love that are fellow Americans. It lead to me praying for the people and not so much the politics. And from there I began to pray again for the county and cities where God has placed me to share His hope.

Thanks for being sovereign.

Thanks for wanting me to talk to You.

Thanks God for simple reminders that are so obvious!

*me

...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

God Of This City - Chris Tomlin
Youre the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You Are
For there is no one like our God
There is no one like our God
Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here

Sweet Dreams

It's 1:15 am and I have been laying in bed for the last 2 hours trying to get to sleep. I don't typically have this problem. In fact I am usually out before my head even hits the pillow. I believe my wife races unsuccessfully to beat me to sleep each night so she doesn't have to deal with my snoring or worse my grinding teeth. At least that's what she says. Although I have yet to hear these sounds. But tonight is different I lay here awake. Could have been the free "monster" energy drink I had at 9, or could be God wants me to pray for the people that continue to race through my thoughts, or it could be a chance to catch one of the moments that pass by all to quickly.

I decided to go into my sons room and just watch him. He is not really doing a whole lot. He is just laying there softly breathing, tucked into his warm blankets. It probably wouldn't be all that exciting to anyone else but to me it means the world. I found myself thinking back to the day we first learned that he was coming. Soon our family would grow, soon our lives would be forever changed, and soon a brand new life would enter this world. Asher Aaron Luse. Asher=Happy and Blessed. We thought that name fit the day he was born, but he continues to bring more meaning and depth to the name he carries with each new day. If you knew him you would say his name has to be happy or joy, because thats what he is. Whether beaming through his eyes, shining through his smile, or coming out of his laughter, you can't help but smile. Happy, blessed, I understand those words so much better. I thank God everyday for this blessing.

This little man has taught me so much about myself, my parents, and God my Father. My prayer each night is that this little guy would grow to love and serve God our Father so passionately with all of his heart. But for now I'll enjoy the moment, and treasure this gift. Sweet dreams.
I love you son.
Your Daddy