The Tension

There is a very real strain that happens daily inside of us. People have an inner war that is not much different to "the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other shoulder" often illustrated in cartoons. When we want to do what is right there is always a competing temptation to do wrong. The key mechanism is our ability to make a choice. If you are waiting for some sort of spiritual territory where there is no more temptation, you are looking for a state that does not exist on this planet. No matter how much you love the Lord, how long you have been in church, what type of title you have in the church, or how many people respect you and your reputation, you will still be tempted to do the wrong thing. As long as we are in human skin we will be drawn to wrong, improper behavior. We must choose to do what is right in the midst of those wrong feelings and it is not always easy. Winning and losing is based upon what we choose. That is just the real deal. What are you going to choose?

Shelter

When it is blazing hot we want the shelter of the shade. When the rain is coming down we look for shelter from the wetness. When it's snowing we need shelter from the cold. Bunkers and cellars even provide shelter from tornadoes and hurricanes. We also need to know we have shelter available in the midst of traumatic life events. We cannot avoid all of the painful things that life brings. We will encounter different types of loss. We run into some awful effects from relationships. We must deal with difficult circumstances in general. These things do not have to burn us up, soak us, or blow us away. "God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble." Our Lord is a shelter from the trauma we will encounter in life. Why stay in the elements when they occur? Go to Him for shelter.

Find It

There is a rhythm. There is a groove that is restorative. It could be as simple as a change of pace. It could be an intentional, temporary change of scenery. It could be getting out in God's nature, or feeling the pulse of a different city. It may even mean two completely different things for two different people. Whatever it is to you, every once in a while you have to find it. Rutsville is not a fun place, nor is it a good place to be for too long. Creative juices dry up there. The ability to keep yourself challenged begins to diminish. The way the people in your life get treated by you even starts to suffer. When you get into that type of a hole you have to do something to get out of it. There are pathways that can be taken to renew yourself. If you have to and you can, get on up and get away. David prayed "create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me." Being renewed is a real thing. When your inner self is getting old and stale, make renewal a priority. Put in the work!

The Michael Jackson Affect

How has your life been touched by Michael Jackson?

The impact goes all the way back to childhood. The songs connect to nearly every significant milestone. The first crush I ever had, "I'll Be There." The first school dance, "ABC." My love for basketball, "The Jackson Five Don't Take No Jive." My first serious girlfriend, "Rock With You." Coming back to the city of Pittsburgh, the base line from "Billy Jean" was boomin all over the city. Watching my son dance at the family reunion, "Jam." There are too many memories to list on this venue, but I would love to hear some of yours.