This morning I returned to the impound to clean out my Jeep. I am told that it is being towed to the crusher today. As I stood before the heap of mangled steel with camera in hand my thoughts went to the numerous times in scripture when God's people built an altar unto to Lord after a season of testing or blessing as a remembrance.
From this day forward when I think of my first Wrangler I will refer to it as "Jireh Jeep." When the word "Jehovah" is attached to "Jireh" in the Bible it means "the Lord who provides." Truly the Lord is my provider-my sufficiency.
Lisa and Adrian experienced many fun times in "big green" over the past 21 months. But, more importantly, we both have discovered deeper intimacy with Jesus and with one another as a result of the crash. I did not realize I could have deeper feelings and appreciation for the love of my life until I almost lost her last week. I also sense that I would not have experienced a greater level of intimacy and appreciation for Christ without last week's crash.
I aggree with the Apostle Paul, "All things work for the good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose" - Romans 8:28 Farewell Jeep. Hello JESUS! What's our next adventure?
Thanks for stopping by...
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Adrian
Showing posts with label Grateful to God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grateful to God. Show all posts
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Real Time
Yesterday I shared thoughts on adversity from the life experience of Habakkuk. I wonder how you would paraphrase his passage based upon your current events?
Habakkuk 3:17-19
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flocks may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, He will make my feet like the deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”
Here is my rendition:
Though the economy is in the tank, and it seems hard to save a dime; though our 401k is now 201b, and the cost of living is trending up while our wages in decline; though the Jeep is now gone and the Kawasaki is in need of repair; yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. He has given me a dear wife, three wonderful sons, a gorgeous “pregnant” daughter-in-law (wahoo!) and four parents who are still alive! Jesus Christ is my sufficiency. He will provide my every need and I will exalt His name forever.
What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Habakkuk 3:17-19
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flocks may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, He will make my feet like the deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”
Here is my rendition:
Though the economy is in the tank, and it seems hard to save a dime; though our 401k is now 201b, and the cost of living is trending up while our wages in decline; though the Jeep is now gone and the Kawasaki is in need of repair; yet I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. He has given me a dear wife, three wonderful sons, a gorgeous “pregnant” daughter-in-law (wahoo!) and four parents who are still alive! Jesus Christ is my sufficiency. He will provide my every need and I will exalt His name forever.
What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Monday, February 23, 2009
Adversity
Habakkuk 3:17-19
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flocks may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, He will make my feet like the deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”
This morning as I was reading God’s word, praying and thinking about the past few days my thoughts went to the passage above. The message from Habakkuk is very simple. God is telling Judah that difficult day are on the horizon and they must cling to Him for their strength.
Here are my thoughts on Habakkuk. One, we all need a “Habakkuk” in our life. His name in Hebrew means “cling.” In times of adversity or pending doom we need people reminding us to “cling to Jesus.”
Two, clinging to Jesus is our security. The prophet states, “He will make my feet like deer’s feet.” I have viewed deer in different context over the past 20 years or so. First as a hunter walking through the woods and second as a resident of Eastlake, Ohio. We have deer everywhere in Eastlake!
The times I have chased deer down the street on my cycle I have noticed their hooves do not perform so well on concrete. However, in the woods their traction is impeccable. Likewise, when we cling to Jesus in times of adversity we are in our natural element and we have no need to fear faltering or stumbling. Our life is secure.
Three, clinging to Jesus is the road to victory. Habakkuk says, “He … makes me walk on my high places.” I have two thoughts on this phrase. One, as we cling to Jesus He will lead us onward and upward until we rise above the circumstances of life. He may choose to calm the storm, or not, but for sure He will calm His servant and speak peace to the troubled soul.
Two, in Habakkuk’s day the victorious military leader would climb to a high place and parade before his troops as they cheer his successful victory. The message to me in this is clear, “Jesus is my high place.” During adversity we must cling to Him and exalt Him to His rightful place … high and lifted up!
I hope these words encouraged you as they did me. Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flocks may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, He will make my feet like the deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.”
This morning as I was reading God’s word, praying and thinking about the past few days my thoughts went to the passage above. The message from Habakkuk is very simple. God is telling Judah that difficult day are on the horizon and they must cling to Him for their strength.
Here are my thoughts on Habakkuk. One, we all need a “Habakkuk” in our life. His name in Hebrew means “cling.” In times of adversity or pending doom we need people reminding us to “cling to Jesus.”
Two, clinging to Jesus is our security. The prophet states, “He will make my feet like deer’s feet.” I have viewed deer in different context over the past 20 years or so. First as a hunter walking through the woods and second as a resident of Eastlake, Ohio. We have deer everywhere in Eastlake!
The times I have chased deer down the street on my cycle I have noticed their hooves do not perform so well on concrete. However, in the woods their traction is impeccable. Likewise, when we cling to Jesus in times of adversity we are in our natural element and we have no need to fear faltering or stumbling. Our life is secure.
Three, clinging to Jesus is the road to victory. Habakkuk says, “He … makes me walk on my high places.” I have two thoughts on this phrase. One, as we cling to Jesus He will lead us onward and upward until we rise above the circumstances of life. He may choose to calm the storm, or not, but for sure He will calm His servant and speak peace to the troubled soul.
Two, in Habakkuk’s day the victorious military leader would climb to a high place and parade before his troops as they cheer his successful victory. The message to me in this is clear, “Jesus is my high place.” During adversity we must cling to Him and exalt Him to His rightful place … high and lifted up!
I hope these words encouraged you as they did me. Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Adversity
I believe God cares about how adverse circumstances affect our lives. The circumstances may be intense and painful at times but they do not have to overwhelm us or steal our peace and joy. In fact, anything that makes us need God is a blessing. Crisis can also provide an opportunity for us to deepen our intimacy with Christ.
To deepen intimacy with Christ during times of adversity I think we need to do the following: One, connect with the eyes of Jesus. We need to focus on Christ rather than the circumstances. During adversity the natural tendency is to fix our glaze on the outward circumstances- “the problem” and inwardly on self –“how can I fix it?” The best initial response to adversity is to find the eyes of Jesus.
Two, we need to connect with the heart of Jesus. Tell Him how it hurts and what you feel emotionally. Is there fear or uncertainty, depression or despair? Tell it to Jesus. The goal of relationship is intimacy. It is defined as “in-to-me-see.” Two hearts beating as one. Do not miss the opportunity to connect at this level with your Savior.
Three, connect with the hand of Jesus. Contentment flows out of knowing that God has provided everything we need for the present moment. That He is able to fulfill His purposes regardless of the circumstances and that you can trust His heart.
Four, connect with others. Just as we are called to be Christ for others so we must permit others to be the personification of Christ to us. Greater intimacy with Christ can be gained in relationship with one another and times of adversity can provide a unique opportunity for this to occur. Those are my thoughts. What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
--------
Adrian
To deepen intimacy with Christ during times of adversity I think we need to do the following: One, connect with the eyes of Jesus. We need to focus on Christ rather than the circumstances. During adversity the natural tendency is to fix our glaze on the outward circumstances- “the problem” and inwardly on self –“how can I fix it?” The best initial response to adversity is to find the eyes of Jesus.
Two, we need to connect with the heart of Jesus. Tell Him how it hurts and what you feel emotionally. Is there fear or uncertainty, depression or despair? Tell it to Jesus. The goal of relationship is intimacy. It is defined as “in-to-me-see.” Two hearts beating as one. Do not miss the opportunity to connect at this level with your Savior.
Three, connect with the hand of Jesus. Contentment flows out of knowing that God has provided everything we need for the present moment. That He is able to fulfill His purposes regardless of the circumstances and that you can trust His heart.
Four, connect with others. Just as we are called to be Christ for others so we must permit others to be the personification of Christ to us. Greater intimacy with Christ can be gained in relationship with one another and times of adversity can provide a unique opportunity for this to occur. Those are my thoughts. What say you?
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Saturday, February 21, 2009
What if?
I must confess the question “what if?” has popped into my head a few times over the past two days. What if circumstances from the accident that totaled my Jeep on the nineteenth of February, 2009 also ended Lisa’s life on earth? How would today be different? How would I and others view God?
It is easy for me to attribute the joy I have regarding the outcome of the accident to God. I sense from viewing the mangled Wrangler yesterday that it was more than a fate, coincidence or simply a well made vehicle that preserved my wife from serious injury or death. It is easy to wrap my thoughts around God’s control, protection and love when I reflect on the events of that day. However, “what if things had been different?”
What if Lisa had not walked away without serious injury and I was posting this blog from the intensive care unit of the Cleveland Clinic or in between calling hours at the local funeral home? What if the picture below was the last to be taken of us as a married couple? Would the feelings I have for God today be different? Would the words used to describe the outcome of the accident change? Would we still say, “God was in control at that moment? That His love for Lisa led to her earthly demise? The event and circumstances were divinely orchestrated?
How should we view God when things seem to go wrong? What role does He play when bad things happen to good people? I would like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by!
--------
Adrian
It is easy for me to attribute the joy I have regarding the outcome of the accident to God. I sense from viewing the mangled Wrangler yesterday that it was more than a fate, coincidence or simply a well made vehicle that preserved my wife from serious injury or death. It is easy to wrap my thoughts around God’s control, protection and love when I reflect on the events of that day. However, “what if things had been different?”
What if Lisa had not walked away without serious injury and I was posting this blog from the intensive care unit of the Cleveland Clinic or in between calling hours at the local funeral home? What if the picture below was the last to be taken of us as a married couple? Would the feelings I have for God today be different? Would the words used to describe the outcome of the accident change? Would we still say, “God was in control at that moment? That His love for Lisa led to her earthly demise? The event and circumstances were divinely orchestrated?
How should we view God when things seem to go wrong? What role does He play when bad things happen to good people? I would like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by!
--------
Adrian
Friday, February 20, 2009
Pictures from Lisa's accident
Today I took Lisa to the impound where the Jeep was towed after her accident. Here are a few of the pictures we took. It is nothing short of a miracle that she was not injured. "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!"
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Grateful
I have really enjoyed owning a Jeep. It is the next best thing to riding my motorcycle for the “open air” feel. Lisa and I have had a lot of good times striping off the top and doors and running through the mountains of North Carolina or the valleys of eastern Ohio.
Unfortunately today around 1 PM my 07 Wrangler was totaled and is headed for the junk yard. My wife Lisa was the first in a 30 car pile up on I- 480 near Twinsburg, Ohio. She was traveling to Salem, Ohio to visit with her parents at the time. When she slowed “Big Green” to navigate through "white-out" conditions and icy roads the cars and semis behind her could not. She was hit and spun around by multiple vehicles, was pinned in the Jeep for over 45 minutes, and eventually rescued by firemen through the roof! (Not bad for a woman who just found out she is going to be a grandma in September!)
We praise the Lord she was able to climb out of the vehicle and walked away with only a few minor bruises. We returned home from getting her checked out at the hospital with a bag of pain pills in hand just in time to see pictures of the Jeep on Fox 8 news. Unfortunately, several other drivers were seriously injured in the crash.
Tonight I give thanks to my God with a grateful heart. Life is fragile and each day we must submit ourselves into His care and keeping. My merciful Heavenly Father saved me from the destruction of my sin many years ago and today saved my precious wife from serious physical harm. He is my God and with great honor I choose to be His humble servant forever.
Thanks for stopping by!
---------
Adrian
Unfortunately today around 1 PM my 07 Wrangler was totaled and is headed for the junk yard. My wife Lisa was the first in a 30 car pile up on I- 480 near Twinsburg, Ohio. She was traveling to Salem, Ohio to visit with her parents at the time. When she slowed “Big Green” to navigate through "white-out" conditions and icy roads the cars and semis behind her could not. She was hit and spun around by multiple vehicles, was pinned in the Jeep for over 45 minutes, and eventually rescued by firemen through the roof! (Not bad for a woman who just found out she is going to be a grandma in September!)
We praise the Lord she was able to climb out of the vehicle and walked away with only a few minor bruises. We returned home from getting her checked out at the hospital with a bag of pain pills in hand just in time to see pictures of the Jeep on Fox 8 news. Unfortunately, several other drivers were seriously injured in the crash.
Tonight I give thanks to my God with a grateful heart. Life is fragile and each day we must submit ourselves into His care and keeping. My merciful Heavenly Father saved me from the destruction of my sin many years ago and today saved my precious wife from serious physical harm. He is my God and with great honor I choose to be His humble servant forever.
Thanks for stopping by!
---------
Adrian
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