The Home Stretch

Well, I really wanted to watch the Bulls last night and was very tempted to break my fast. Although I have been fasting from all forms of media, I cannot escape the TV while here at work so generally know what's going on in the world. I escaped my temptation by going to sleep early (although this meant neglecting time with my wife - not the best choice I could have made). Otherwsie, the last couple days have been great spiritually. I feel that my understanding and comprehension of scripture are at above normal levels. I have particularly enjoyed reading Colossians. So much guidance and instruction succinctly packed this brief letter. I particularly like this passage from The Message translation of Colossians 3: 15 as it relates to us as men in the church: "Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing." At times, it seem that guys love hangin' around with one another everywhere except within the church. I know Paul is talking about fractions and disagreements in the early church but I think it applies to us in the sense that we tend to keep to ourselves when it comes to spiritual matters.
Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.

On the train this morning...

Crazy experience on the train this morning.

As soon as I sat down I noticed a rather large man talking to a small and meek woman who must have been at least 70 years old. They both had suitcases proportionate to their size. He was speaking loudly, semi-slurring, reaching out and touching her shoulder with his hulkish hands, telling her he would take care of her and rambling on. Initially I thought they might know each other but from my vantage point I could see that she was uncomfortable. The whole thing made me nervous. I said a quick prayer for discernment, strength and courage. I also prayed for the man that he be freed from his affliction. Shortly after this the man got up and verbally accosted another passenger in Spanish, waving and accusatory and threatening finger as he spoke. He then celebrated this tirade by pulling a half-full bottle of Vodka out of his suitcase, confirming my suspicions. This is when God answered my prayers and gave me the strength to act. I walked into the situation and asked the woman if she knew this man. She did not. Now closer to her, I noticed a fresh and swollen bruise along with some small cuts on her forehead. Verbally fending off the man, I then took her by the hand and led her to another seat, thanking God that he didn't try and attack me. He kept coming over trying to plead his case, finally getting the notice of the other riders who called the conductor. He was removed form the train at the next stop. Sadly, it turns out the old woman was apparently homeless. When we asked were she was going, she said "home" but couldn't even tell us where she wanted to get off.

What is my point? I'm not sure. I don't know if it was sadness for them or the stress of the situation but I just wanted to cry when I got off the train. I'm just glad that I listened to God's voice urging me to act. Had I not been fasting and seeking God, would I have been so quick to act? I hope so.

Stop and Pray

Hey guys - found this image on flickr today (something I will not be able to do next week). I think it speaks to our fasting efforts quite succinctly. The simple message proposes a challenge to me. What will I do with the "stop" time normally spent reading or listening to music? Will I sleep, daydream or just zone out? My goal will be to spend time in prayer.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameragirl/491226409/

We'll Start This Sunday at 6:00 pm...

We had originally planned to start at 1:00 pm, just after the conclusion of the 11:00 service until we realized it was... Mother's Day. So, if you are planning a food related fast, you can enjoy one last feast in the celebration of motherhood. I personally haven't nailed down what I plan to do yet but I'm leaning towards my usual media related fast plus a partial food fast. I be sure to post the final details here. I'm looking forward to the week and hoping to hear from some of you in this space. I pray that God meets us in ways unexpected, ways that strengthen our faith and confidence in who we are in Christ.