Big God

A few weeks ago I read the lyrics to a contemporary Christians song where the theme and question was "God, can you be small? For me?"

I understand the writer's heart. We all have those moments when we wonder if the amazing, all knowing, All Mighty is anywhere near the vicinity of our pain and grief. He feels so foreign, so far away. So silent.

I've been around the where-are-you-God mountain a few too many times. My circumstance held me captive, chained me to fear and unbelief.

The lyrics struck me, challenged me. I'm not saying the writer is wrong, it's truly an artistic expression of a sincere heart.

But, for me, I pondered. Is asking God if He can be small the real question? What if the question posed is more like "God, can you lift me up out of my despair or circumstance so I can stand on your large stage and see beyond myself?"

"God, how much of your vastness and glory can I see to help me through my pain?"

Comfort comes when I grasp God's enormity. When I grasp His ability to love me even when I fail, when I don't deserve His love.

Comfort comes when we know a big God walks among the caged girls in India and touches the sick and wounded lying in the street.

We already know God can be small. He came as a Man two thousand years ago, died on a Cross and rose from the grave. The God-Man Jesus sits at the Father's right hand interceding for us.

By this, we have access to the very emerald throne John saw in Revelation 4. We are invited in, given privilege, adopted as sons and daughters of the Most High.

If I see "larger" and "wider" my day-to-day is expanded. The mundane is not so mun or dane. If I'm dissed or over looked, so what? If I'm hurting, well, so is He. If I've e gone UP there to where He is, if I understand the "smallness" of God already dwells within me.

Colossians 1:27 says it's the mystery of the ages. Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Crazy. He's big, He's small. He's in heaven, He's in us by the Spirit! God is all over the place. Now, if I could only remember when shadows fall over my soul.

In our human condition, it's so natural to be concerned about ourselves and being earthly bound. But God is wanting us to engage Him in a more intimate and eternal way, in a grand, loving faith.

Jesus says to John in Revelation 4, "Come up here!" And a door opened in heaven. It's not poetic language, an analogy or symbol, it was real! A door opened in heaven and John was beckoned.

Paul encourages us in Philippians 3 to "Forget the things which are behind and press onward to the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

God is with us always, even to the end of the age. Our challenged is to be filled with faith, hope and love, no matter what is going on around us.

My prayer is to be like John, see the open door and ask Jesus, "Help me come up there."

My Book Therapy "From the Inside Out" Book

My Book Therapy is releasing it's first writing book based on our craft blog from last year. I got my copy in the mail today. It's awesome.

Susan May Warren, My Book Therapy's founder and fearless leader put together a GREAT project. I'm so honored to be associated with her and this business.

And, best of all, I get to help others along the way.

Check out this video on You Tube.

Want to win a copy of From the Inside. . .Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You for your very own? Leave a comment here and tell us what kind of novel you have in YOU.

Do you already have your novel down on the page? Does it need a little THERAPY? Enter to win 10% off a Book Therapy Session by leaving a comment here telling us a brief synopsis of your story!

All winners will be chosen at random. Contest ends 2/28 and the winners will be announced on March 2nd!

Join the fun!

Terri Blackstock's Double Minds is here!

Please welcome my friend, the lovely and gracious Terri Blackstock. (applause, cheers.) She's written another fabulous book!

DOUBLE MINDS

By Terri Blackstock

Were the bullets intended for her?

As talented singer/songwriter Parker James struggles to make her mark on the Nashville music scene, she finds the competition can be fierce - even deadly.

When a young woman is murdered at the recording studio where Parker works, Parker is drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems.

Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith. Does stardom even matter anymore?

What others are saying:
"Blackstock's superior writing will keep readers turning pages late into the night to discover the identity of the culprit in this amazing mystery. The unique setting and peek into the Nashville music scene are fascinating. Suspense lovers are in for a delightful treat." Romantic Times, February 2009.

About Terri:

Terri Blackstock's books have sold six million copies worldwide. Known for her "Up All Night Fiction," Terri has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Terri makes her home in Mississippi, where she and her husband Ken are enjoying their empty nest after raising three children.

See the Video Trailer for Double Minds at www.terriblackstock.com

Available now at Amazon, www.christianbook.com, www.bn.com, and your favorite bookstores everywhere.

Visit Terri on Facebook.

A political lesson from my ice cream

For Valentine's Day, hubby and I went to Outback Steakhouse. We had a gift certificate so I saved some of my Weight Watcher's points for the evening. Not enough, but I went moderate on the bread and ate a small steak.

On the way home, Husband suggested ice cream. Before I knew it, I was in Baskin Robbins ordering a small Heath  Bar Crunch milk shake. I figured, Ah, it'll be a few points too many, but I'll dip into my weekly bonus points.

I didn't stand by the counter to see how many scoops of ice cream the kid ladled into the shake cup. I really only wanted one scoop, but did I order ONE scoop? No. Did I want to know how many went into a small shake? Not really. If I did, I'd have stood there and watched.

Arriving home, I decided to log my points online. Guess how many that small shake consumed? Twenty-two points. TWENTY-TWO. That's a whole day's worth for me.

And I wonder why the weight loss is going so slow.

I think many of us view politics, especially those in the main stream press, like I did that Heath Bar Crunch shake. We don't really look beyond our emotions and desires to see what is really going on.

If I'd have asked, "How many calories is that shake?" Or, "How many scoops of ice cream are you using, and what kind of milk?" I'd have changed my mind.

But deep down, I wanted the shake. It was Valentine's Day. I wanted to feel good, indulge in a little ice cream pleasure.

I listen to what's going on in Washington and I wonder why no one is asking the hard questions. "How are we going to make up the money spent in this stimulus package?"

Or "Why does Acorn or Sexually Transmitted Diseases deserve millions of dollars in an economic stimulus package?"

Joe the Plumber was eviscerated by the press. Does anyone know the story behind Henrietta Hughes, or Julio the McDonald's malcontent?

No, because people don't want to know. The press is afraid to ask. I've found out interesting tidbits on them.

Tom Brokaw said about Obama, "We don't really know much about him." YET, he advocated the man being president. Really? Tom? NBC Nightly News Anchor for umpteen years. You admit gladly you're voting for a man you know nothing about?

Why? Because Obama made Tom feel good and he didn't want to know our country really couldn't afford the "calories."

Obama, the Heath Bar Crunch milk shake of American Weight Watcher's politics. He makes people feel good. He was what we wanted because we just decided. We didn't want to know what or who was behind the man. So, we just didn't ask.

Then, when it's too late, we discover he's going to cost us more than we wanted and take us farther than we intended, down a road with possibly no return. And, like my Heath Bar shake, he won't have been worth it. Wasn't that good.

Not just Obama, or other politicians. We do the same with abortion. Advocates don't want to know that at eight weeks there's a heartbeat. At twelve, there are hands and feet. They don't want to call it a baby unless it's "wanted." They don't tell the stories about counting body parts.

What about socialized medicine. Have you dealt with a government agency? Stood in line at the DMV? Dealt with taxes? The same government who bankrupted Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac, and are on the verge of robbing social security want to be in charge of health care?

Think? Look deep? What's it going to cost you? Right now, if a company took government bail out money, their CEO's have a salary cap.

Do you want your doctor being a man or woman who can't earn what he's/she's worth? Do you want him being capped and restrained by the government? What short cuts do you think he'll take on sanitization or equipment in order to save money? Do you want your Lasik surgery done by a five year old machine because the doc can't afford a new one. Worse, the government won't let him buy one?

What happens when the Feds do to health care what they did to Fannie and Freddie? WE will be out cold. WE will be left holding the bag.

I heard a woman on a talk show describe her ordeal with Medicare. By government standards, she could not receive the health treatment the doctor prescribed for her condition. That will be the norm for all of us if this government has his way.

Come on. Aren't we the America that is built on the notion of the free and the brave. Let's get brave. Value our freedoms. Take care of yourself and your family. Washington is arrogant and woefully out of touch.

Look, I don't mean to bash Mr. Obama. While he seems genuine about his beliefs and politics, I adamently disagree. His plans and socialist ideas are not where I want this country to go. I don't believe makes for a strong country.

I only write this because I believe many are going along, just like I did in the Baskin Robbins shop. Not really wanting to know the truth. Ask questions. Then, if you still agree with this administration, then you do so for good cause. You know the score.

I've asked the hard questions. I've looked into the stimulus package. I've researched gov'ts with nationalized heath care. I understand socialism and communism. Outside of being run by a benevolent leader, they don't work.

I know what this administrations policies will cost us. So, I speak out. No more Heath Bar shakes for me!

Evidence of Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

A good book is hard to find!

Please welcome author and friend Jill Elizabeth Nelson to tell us about her new release from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Great cover by the way, Jill.

About the book:

The photographs Samantha Reid uncovers in her new store are shocking. Horrifying. And dangerous. This new evidence could reopen a decade-old multiple homicide case that someone wants desperately to keep closed. And when the evidence comes out, a reluctant Samantha is drawn straight into the spotlight. Then she meets Ryan Davidson, the last surviving member of the murdered family. In spite of herself, she's drawn in by his need to find the truth. Together, they work to unravel the mystery, while the killer works to keep the secrets buried - forever.

About Jill:

By day, I'm a manager at my local health care complex. By night, I morph into a wild and crazy writer, itching to share with my readers stories full of adventure seasoned with humor, romance, and faith. My husband and I have been married for over 27 years now and we enjoy life in rural Minnesota where we raised four children and now have a grandbaby due any day.

Loving Facebook

I am loving Facebook these days. 

The design and layout is simple, easy to read. It's the same for every member so I don't get lost in a bunch of whacky designs.

The best part? Connecting with family. Siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. The other night I came home to find a friend request from a cousin I hadn't talk to or seen in years. He's a few days older than my oldest brother - they're like twin cousins - and it's been great to catch up with his life. And with all the cousins.

Because that cousin joined, I was able to get my big brother to join. Mom and middle brother, we need you now! You're our last hold outs.

Facebook, for all the cyber communities out there, is the best, friendliest and least likely to assault me with half naked ladies asking if I want to go out with them. Girls, have some respect for yourself.

Otherwise, I'm writing. Working on book two in a series. I'm having fun with it because I already know the characters and their back story so I'm right into the writing and working toward my plot points.

More later...

God is kind

Recently, I recalled my commitment to not grumble or complain this year. I'm doing so-so, but I'm glad the resolution popped into my head.

Think it might have had some help? (wink)

Anyway, I'm not happy with our new government. Our new president has said some things the press would've skewered our former president for saying or doing but have said nothing about the new president.

I was reading in Luke 6 and Jesus says this, "Love your enemies. Lend and do good, expecting nothing in return and your reward will be great. You'll be the sons of the Most High. For He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men."

Let's stew on that a moment. God is kind to ungrateful and evil men? Like who? Stalin? Hitler? Obama? Is he even evil? Bush? Some considered him evil?

What about that Jones guy who made his followers drink the Kool Aid?

Pharaoh? Saddam Hussein? Osama Bin Laden?

Me?

I qualify and quantify gratefulness and evil to fit my values and standards. But it's God's standards that matter. Not mine. Not yours. His.

We are to be conformed to His image, His ways, His thoughts.

The truth is, despite our personal experience with church, Christians, or whatever, God is kind. He is love. He is good.

Eph 1

1 John 4

Book Clubs and me

What a blast I had this week. Sorry to have been quiet in the blog world -I know y'all missed me, now - but I was in Atlanta visiting 3 book clubs.

Monday and Tuesday I visited a book club in Buford, just north of Atlanta. Nora, you are such a great book club coordinator and host. Thank you for having me.

Wednesday, I drove down to Buckhead to check out the area for a book setting. Paid $6.00 plus tip for a medium size chocolate milk shake. Kid you not.

Thursday night I spoke at the North Metro church book club. Thank you Sheryl and Crystie. I felt very welcomed. You all are a great group of readers.

All three book clubs were thriving and vibrant and I thought, "Hey, why not start one of my own?" So, I just might.

On Thursday, I also visited my aunt and uncle in Duhlanega. They have a great little place there and it was my first visit. My uncle recounted his salvation experience with such heart he had my aunt and I in tears. God is so tender, patient and good.

Special thanks to fellow writers and ACFW friends Ane Mulligan and Amy Wallace, and their families, for hosting me this week. I so appreciate you ladies!

Final word on "Love Starts With Elle?" Fabulous. Of course, of course.

Thoughts on Writing a Book

I've been helping my friend and author extraordinaire Susan May Warren plot a new book.

She calls with, "What's the lie she believes?" No "hello, how are you?" but straight to the point. This is why we get along so well.

We discuss the lie the character believes and why. It's so important to figure out why. And it doesn't always have to be because something horrible happened in the heroine's past. As far as I'm concerned, we have too much fiction depicting the broken, abusive family that make the character do bad stuff. Sometimes people just make bad choices all by themselves.

For example, she has a character who gets mixed up with a bad group of people. Why? Because she is a gentle, passionate person who wants harmony and peace in the world. When a group of like minded folk draw her in, it's too late when she discovers they are really subversives.

Next Susie will ask, "What's her epiphany?" So we figure out, based on the lie, what she learns throughout the course of the story. That lesson of course if facilitated by the plot.

We talk about the black moment - when all is lost. We talk about the greatest fears and desires. And all the why's.

We figure out why the heroine needs the hero and vice versa. And answer the question, "Why?"

Let's do an exercise. What if you say to someone, "Rachel Hauck is a great worship leader." (Hey, this is my blog, let me pretend.)

The person might say, "Why?"

You answer, "She has a nice voice." Or, "She seems to love worship."

There we go. No more need for why's but we have a layer of depth to why Rachel Hauck might be a good worship leader.

Some character questions have several layers of why. Keep asking until the "why" has no more answers. For example, there's no answer to "Why does Rachel have a nice voice."

"She bought it on the black market. Duh, why do you think she has a nice voice? What's the matter with you?" ;)

Writing Tip

I've been reading a lovely book and while I'm enjoying the story a lot, there's one thing I'd wished the author had done differently. All the good lines from the heart of the characters, like how they feel about someone or some situation, are said as internal thought or in prose rather than dialog. 

It would really pop the dialog if they were said out loud instead of "off to the side." Instead the characters say things like, "Oh, okay."

Here's an example of what I mean:

"Come on in Shawn. How are you?" Carter stood aside to let him pass.

"Fine thanks." Except his nurse walked out on him today and he had to manage his patients and the schedule alone.

"Would you care for something to drink?"

"Yeah, thanks." A beer with a shot, double shot if you don't mind.

"The rest of the guys will be here soon. So, you're surviving the hospital after the divorce?"

He took the offered drink. "As best I can." Hospitals were notorious for their gossip and he'd not escaped unscathed. 

Okay. A pretty boring scene right? Let's redo it to take all the "off to the side" information and put it in dialog.

"Come in, Shawn, how are you?" Carter stood aside to let him pass.

"My nurse walked out on me today and I had to handle all the patients and schedule's myself."

Carter looked at him. "Walked out? Why?"

"Hospital gossip." He sighed, heading for the bar. "The nurses are convinced the rumors are true."

"The divorce was pretty nasty, Shawn." Carter stood behind the bar. "You need something to drink, don't you?"

"A boilermaker. Make it a double."

"What happened with your nurse?" Carter slid a beer bottle toward him with a shot glass of bourbon.

"I yelled at her. Hey, when are the rest of the guys going to be here? I'm ready to play and take their hard earned money."

Much stronger scene, no? It gave Carter more to react to and we see the tension with Shawn. Plus, it hints of conflict and we know there is something not right about this divorce - besides the obvious.

If you're writing, put the story in the mouths of your characters. How they feel about things and people unless it's part of the plot for their ideas and feelings to be cloaked.

Use narrative for description, setting, action tags, quiet moments alone with the character (though not too many.)

Okay, my desire to write about writing is over.

Psalm 2

Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples?
Earth-leaders push for position,
Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks,
The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers:
"Let's get free of God!
Cast loose from Messiah!"
Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing.
At first he's amused at their presumption;
Then he gets good and angry.
Furiously, he shuts them up:
"Don't you know there's a King in Zion? A coronation banquet
Is spread for him on the holy summit."

Let me tell you what God said next.
He said, "You're my son,
And today is your birthday.
What do you want? Name it:
Nations as a present? continents as a prize?
You can command them all to dance for you,
Or throw them out with tomorrow's trash."

So, rebel-kings, use your heads;
Upstart-judges, learn your lesson:
Worship God in adoring embrace,
Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah!
Your very lives are in danger, you know;
His anger is about to explode,
But if you make a run for God—you won't regret it!

How do George and Laura Bush feel now?

I'm teary-eyed thinking about them, getting on the plane that flew them to Dallas, taking them from Washington D.C., ending eight hard fought years.

George W. is leaving an office and job that still teams with the issues and work he faced. He knows what we face as Americans, as a nation.

I wonder what he feels. Relief? Sadness? Can you believe there were people at the inauguration who snubbed him and jeered. Talk about rude and hateful!

Does he feel confident he did the job he was called to do? Is he ready to fade into private life? How do you go from fighting for freedom and safety for eight years to putting your feet up on the recliner and reaching for the remote?

He doesn't, I suppose.

But, you know how you feel when you have to leave a party early? Or when you left a job but Monday morning, everyone would be there like always but without you? It's kind of a weird, sad feeling.

Does he wish he'd accomplished more, or have done more?

He's lost sleep, I know, worrying over our nation. While I didn't agree with him on everything, George W. Bush was a great president. I can't think of a better man to be in office on 9/11.

It takes a man of character to be willing to be the most hated president in order to do what needed to be done to make and keep us safe.

Thank you, President Bush. We will miss your leadership and steadfastness. May God bless you and reward your faithfulness if not in this life, the one to come.

Our government

Tell me this. How come our government is asking every one to sacrifice but themselves?

They get an automatic raise every year while the constituents are being laid-off.

They are spending our money bailing out irresponsible companies.

They are covering their poor laws and poor oversight on gov't programs like Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac with OUR tax dollars.

The man or woman making $17 an hour is being asked to bail out the man or woman making $30 an hour. (Thank you auto industry.)

Our new president is spending $150 million on his inauguration while asking us to hold on for the ride.

Our government wants us to believe they are needed to watch over the "evil" corporations. But from what I see, they are way more corrupt and evil. Who watches over them? The media? That's arm of society is SUPPOSED to watch over government and expose all crime and fraud.

But after this last election, their bias is clear. They cover up for "their" politicians and hound the ones they hate.

I read a 2008 book review where the characters were supposed to be like W and Laura Bush. Publishers Weekly said the W-like character bungled his off-the-cuff speech like the real W.

This after we clearly witnessed a very bungling "uh-um" ridden Barack Obama who ever after his blunders spoke off-the-cuff with a teleprompter.

Sure W blundered. Sure Obama blundered. So SAY that. Even PW's biased was blatant.

So who is watching over our government. God. Us, the believers, who bend the knee daily to pray for America.

This is my prayer out of Revelation 11:15. "The kingdom of (America) has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, forever and ever."

Hi, my name is Rachel Hauck and I. . .

. . . am a rule bender.

Yes, I bend rules. Not major ones now. I'm a stickler for integrity and honesty, but yeah, I bend a few rules. Mostly personal ones.

But I've bent universal rules like, "no drinks in the sanctuary but water." I mean, my Diet Coke isn't going to hurt anything, is it?

Yes, I plan on getting up for exercise. . . bend, bend.

I did put down for two hours of prayer today. . . bend, bend.

But the truth is, bending rules can go too far. And, if someone were to confront me, "what are doing in here with a soda?" I'd back out of the room with an apology.

Most of us are rule benders in some way. Though I know a few of you who are not. You're my friends and I love you. You remind us all rules have a purpose.

How does this apply to our faith? We start bending God's rules. Is homosexuality a sin? Is God's Word really true? "I mean, do I have to do all it says?"

We've started to let people bend the spiritual rules. There's a church movement doing this. They're questioning if it matters Jesus was born of the virgin, Mary, of the line of David. They ask, "Why does it matter?"

It matter's a lot. If he's not born of a virgin in the line of David, then He's not God. Prophesy is not fulfill and we are without hope.

We have to confront the rule benders. Not in a harsh or judgmental way, but in love and truth. "You many struggle with homosexuality, but God calls it sin. We are to turn from sin, hate what He hates. Let me help you walk through this toward truth."

To say your sin is okay is to call God a liar.

For some, sin isn't call out sin anymore. They're trying to fold lies into the gospel. The good news is God is able to redeem His name and reputation. I just don't want it to be because of me, my action, my sin. I don't want to sully His name.

The "church" does need to reach out to the poor and hurting. I agree we've let doctrine hinder our methodology. We're so comfortable in our churches, with our preaching and fellowshipping among ourselves. (It's the way of most sects of society.)

Getting outside the church walls is messy. It's not always successful. It's hard work. But we can't lower the bar to make it easy for ourselves. Sin is sin and we have to call it. Otherwise, how will the world know to repent and change. We leave them in worse bondage by not speaking out the truth.

My name is Rachel Hauck, a recovering rule bender.

Isn't prostitution illegal in the U.S.?

A San Diego student is selling her virginity on the internet to raise money for her graduate degree.

What is the world coming to? Her soul, spirit and body is worth the price of a graduate degree? Degrees most of us never use?

The story, running in a UK paper,said her highest bid is 2.5 million pounds/3.7 million U.S.

How does she get away with this? Isn't selling your body for money illegal? No matter how neat and tidy the offer? Even call girls in fancy hotels who charge thousands of dollars are doing illegal activity. It's not just the street walkers.

This is really super sad and what a horrible example to set for young women. Your virginity is a commodity?

What's the old adage? "We've established what you are, now we're just determining price."

Wouldn't we be disgusted if she were to sell herself for a $1? How does it change because millions of dollars are involved?

Human trafficking and sex slave trades are becoming rampant. What we don't need is a woman behaving so casually about her body and soul. When we accept this type of behavior, we weaken the fabric of society, the value and treasure of women.

Remember that at the high end of activity there is always a low end. High price call girls and strung out street walkers. It's still the same thing.

To think, all this for a master's degree in marriage and family counseling. Do you want THIS woman counseling you and your family?

Women who did this to save themselves from the Nazis were vilified by their communities.

This is where we are as a country. Look around the world. What is the economic and social condition of countries who leave morality behind? Is that the America you want to live in?

Where is the National Organization of Women? This action and attitude degrades all women. It makes our worth no more than the price of virginity. Got to say, I'm outraged at this.

Speak up. Blog about this. Email friends. Pray.

A writer friend of mine has also voiced her sadness over this situation.

Maybe this is just me, but. . .

. . . aren't Christian "self-help" books an oxymoron?

For years, the "self help" section of Christian bookstores has always struck me as odd, even humorous.

I can understand those without Jesus searching for ways to help themselves, but Christians? Christ followers? The King of the universe, the Creator loves us. He's our friend! What more do we need?

As for helping ourselves, the concept is not found in Scripture. First of all, we're are commanded to die to ourselves. If the self help book is about how to kill our flesh and desires so we can surrender wholeheartedly to Him, then go for it.

Jesus tells us to take up our cross and follow Him.  Mark 8:35, "Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospels will save it."

We need not to help ourselves, but cry out for Him to help us. To heal us. To teach us to die to ourselves. When pain or hurt strikes us, that's when we lean into Him. His leadership over us is full of love and mercy, of grace and it is perfect!

Why do we need more of man's wisdom? Self help books are just theories concluded from man studying man. It's a network of information.

But Jesus brings to us revelation. He is the Tree of Life. He knows us perfectly. There are no theories with Him. He has perfect understanding and knowledge.

Psalm 62 tells us He is willing and able to answer our cry. Romans 8:11 reminds us the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us.

John 16, Jesus tells us He'll give us the Spirit, the Comforter who will teach and lead us.

Man's wisdom or God's? I choose His. What most of us need is not ways to help ourselves, but ways to get outside and away from ourselves. We're too "me" focused.

Let's not look inward to our own souls when we hurt, but look to the indwelling Christ for wisdom and knowledge that surpasses understanding. Let's lean into Him. He will do exceeding, abundantly more than we could ask or think. Eph 3.

"Lord, we pray, give to us a spirit of wisdom, revelation and the knowledge of You. Root and ground us in Your love."

I don't want Rachel help, I want Jesus help. I've seen what man can do, I prefer to see what God can do.

Passion, Intensity, Wisdom

Last night, my beloved Buckeyes almost won the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. Texas scored a touch down in the last sixteen seconds.

The Buckeye's played hard. It was a well matched game. I was proud of them. But sometimes it's the extra effort, the passion of players that makes the difference between win or lose.

Football is four quarters. Players have to give their heart and soul for the entire hour of play.

In the 2003 BCS Championship game against Miami, Ohio State was on the verge of scoring when Craig Krenzel threw an interception to Miami safety Sean Taylor. OSU phenom, Maurice Clarett, CHASED HIM DOWN and stripped the ball.

It change the game.

How often do we see players chase down their oppenent after a bad play or turn over. Clarett had a passion. He loved to play. He wanted to win. And when the turnover happened, he didn't give up.

Yet, off the field, Clarett's passion and intensity lacked wisdom. A star college career, possibly professional career was lost because he was full of misguided, uncontrolled passion.

He got in trouble. His ego caused him to listen to the wrong voices. And in the end, all is passion and talent was wasted.

Could a bit of Clarett passion made the difference in last night's game? Maybe.

The apostle Paul writes to us, "Run the race with endurance. Run to the end so as not to lose the prize."

Too often, we lose intensity and passion in life. We stop fighting the things that entangle us. We compromise, make excuses. Even at times, let misguided "wisdom" steer us wrong.

Jesus said in Matt 24, "due to lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold."

Don't know about you, but I don't want my love to grow cold. We have to be passionate, intense, and disciplined. It's a day-to-day commitment.

I grow weary as much as the next person. But I want to live with my eye on the prize. I don't want to get to the fourth quarter and ease up in the last 16 seconds only to find that I've lost.

I've had a few battles in my life. In the '80s, I got hit with out-of-the-blue fear and panic. I fought. I prayed. I used the Word of God to change my emotional chemistry.

It was scary at times. I remember once saying to God, "Look, if this is the life you have for me, go ahead and take me home now cause I can't live like this."

It wasn't an every day, all day battle, but enough to really annoy me. I chose to be passionate, intense and believe God more than fear. His perfect love cast out all fear, John wrote.

I'm happy to report. No fear. God's Word and prayer works. But it's intense and hard and I had to stay steady.

Stay steady. Seek wisdom and grace. Fight the good fight. Play all four quarters!