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FRIDAY THOUGHT 1/28/11

PERFORMANCE ANXIETY 

(Now, that title got the guys’ attention, eh?)  I’m reading this terrific book, Awakenings, by Stoval Weems.  One of the things he talks about is how, too often, our faith is “performance based”:  when we do things right, God is happy with us and we can feel good; when we perform badly (or bad), God is unhappy and we feel lousy. 

Weems points out that this attitude is us-centered, whereas we should be God-centered.  It’s not about whether we’re good or bad on a given day, but about the love of God, which is constant, unchanging.

My point:  All I know is that, for me, I’m starting more and more to see faith less as adhering to a set of rules (aka The Law) and more as the love  of and relationship with God and His Man/God son, Jesus.  I’m still puzzling it all through, so any and all thoughts and additions are welcome. – jri

It took me decades to conclude that there is “A GOD!” and decades more to arrive at the cautious semi-conclusion that He really cares about me personally.  Not an overly trusting soul, I’m still working on that.  An interesting journey, to say the least.  God bless and have a joy-filled weekend.    

John Ingrisano

Daily Connections

209 Church Street

Algoma, WI 54201

(920) 559-3722

January 28, 2011

THURSDAY THOUGHT 1/27/11

FORGIVENESS 

I know lots of folks who are overwhelmed by the darkness in their souls.  They’ve either done (and continue to do) bad things or have had bad things done to them in the past.  Either way, they are convinced they are beyond forgiveness, hopeless beyond hope.  As a result they live in sadness, in spiritual darkness, outside the walls of joy, locked up in a self-imposed prison of self-defeat.  

The saddest part is that they do not understand the whole point of Christianity, which is about forgiveness.  No sin too dark.  No crime too big.  Forgiveness for all who ask.  That’s why Christ allowed Himself to be the blood sacrifice, humiliated and hung on the cross.    

My point:  We are a faith of sinners.  Just say, “Lord, forgive me,” and you are forgiven.  Poof!  (But try to mean it, okay?)  Darkness into light.  Blindness into sight.  Prison into freedom.  Sorrow into wondrous joy.  That’s it.  Oh, and even when we fail and sin again (and, yes, we will), that same forgiveness is waiting for us.  Incredible, but true. – jri 

I think what bothers me the most about seeing people who embrace their supposed unforgiveableness is not just the weight and sorrow and defensive walls they build up around themselves, but my knowing that they are one simple step from lightening their load and experiencing a life of wondrous joy. I know because I’ve been there (and am still prone to jump the fence into darkness from time to time, clay-footed soul that I am).  But even when I do, I know that I am forgiven, and all I have to do is accept that forgiveness to re-enter the joyful sunlight.  God bless.

TUESDAY THOUGHT 1/25/11

A REFORMED HEATHEN 

I confess that, as a younger man, I thoroughly enjoyed loping across the landscape and enjoying the pleasures of this world.  I was not an evil person by any means; just self-absorbed and willful, sort of like a large, friendly, untrained sheepdog in search of a good scratch behind the ears.  At the same time, I fiercely valued my freedom above all else.  No leash on me!  If I’d had a theme song, it would have been Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”

But God had other plans for me.  (Besides, after a while, being self-absorbed gets a tad self-destructive, and all that supposed freedom can become a high-walled prison.)  No, it wasn’t like He put a leash on me or forced me to my knees.  Far from it.  He opened my eyes, turned me loose, showed me a much, much, much better, more freeing way to live.  Most of all, He showed me the incredible difference between pleasure and joy … and I’ll take joy every time now, thank you.  

My point:  If God could have plans for a self-absorbed heathen like me, there’s hope for everyone.  Just say, “Lord, here I am,” and you will have taken the first step on a wild and wondrous journey of true freedom and amazing joy.  Woof! – jri

MONDAY THOUGHT 1/24/11

ANSWERING OBJECTIONS 

In business, a key part of the selling process involves responding to objections.  Sometimes, people simply are not interested.  When they are, however, they may need more information and a bit of convincing. The more comments they make, the more questions they ask, even the more criticism they offer – these are often signs of genuine interest.  

I’ve found that it can be the same with faith in non-believers.  Some just do not care; these ask no questions, raise no issues, have nothing to say on the topic.  Just put their food bowl in front of them and leave them alone.  Others, however, keep poking and probing and prodding at the issue of faith.  The ones I know tease me about my faith or (either playfully or seriously) make comments.  Then they always watch my reaction.  

Over the years I have found that this really means that they are either puzzled or confused by this faith I profess to believe.  As for my response?  Sometimes I ignore the objection, or reply with a smile.  At other times, I offer a few serious  words of faith, just trying to plant the seed and wait for it to germinate.  My words, unfortunately, are too often paltry and bland, but I do the best I can.  As for the outcome, well, that part is in God’s hands.  I do not worry about it. 

My point: It’s not about my response, but the reason for their objections.  It seems to me that people criticize our faith mostly because they’re looking for answers.  Also, they’re puzzled by this belief stuff that keeps us going.  (Sure, some will think we’re just idiots; however, those who know, love and appreciate us often want to know how to get what we have.)  That’s why it is so important that we talk the talk, walk the walk, and just let them see what it means to be a Christian.  – jri

What do you say when people challenge your faith?  Arguing a point rarely, if ever works.  Intellectual gymnastics is nothing more than a way to kill time on a lazy day in the café.  How about just a smile, a shrug and a simple invitation:  “Why not join me on Sunday morning and see for yourself?”  God bless.

John Ingrisano
DailyConnections
209 Church Street
Algoma, WI 54201
(920) 559-3722

January 24, 2011

MONDAY THOUGHT 1/17/11

A BRAVE MOMENT OF FAITH, TAUGHT BY CHILDREN 

I dined out with a group of friends Saturday night.  We noticed a number of young people, dressed up, scattered about the surrounding tables.  (We had no idea what the event was.)  One teen couple sat at a table near us.  

As we were leaving – and Julie saw this; I missed it – they briefly held hands across the table and bowed their heads, giving thanks.  For Julie – and later for me, when we discussed it – it was one of those brief-but- powerful, faith-reassuring moments, a glimpse that spoke volumes about the young man and woman, about their backgrounds, and about hope for the future.

My point:  Those kids were brave, much braver than most adults, who can be prone to trot out their faith on Sunday mornings only, if then.  (And no, Julie and I had not given thanks in public before we ate … but I plan to do so in the future, having been “schooled” by these children.) – jri    

THURSDAY THOUGHT 1/13/11

FAITH BY PROXY

Two things:  First, when someone asks me to pray for him or her, I actually do, as well as for a lot of people who do not ask.  I have a prayer list that I try to go through each morning.  Second, I believe in the power of prayer, that God hears my prayers and those of others. 

That’s why the story of the friends who lowered the paralyzed man through the roof to be healed by Jesus tickles me.  There is no reference to the paralyzed man’s faith, but to that of his companions.  Because of their faith (as well as their incredible persistence and ingenuity to take apart of the roof to get their friend in front of the Lord), Jesus healed the man.  He refers to their faith, but He must have also been taken by their love for their friend.

My point:  I do believe that our faith and prayers can help others, even/especially those who cannot/will not pray for themselves.  – jri

MONDAY THOUGHT 1/10/11

CASHING IN YOUR WINNING TICKET

One of America’s hobbies is buying lottery tickets and then waiting to see who won.  I know a guy who, every Saturday night, fantasizes about what he will do with the money.  And then there is always someone who does not show up to redeem a winning ticket.    

Gee, I think there’s a God-and-us analogy in here somewhere.  See, as I understand it – and as I believe – Jesus came to this world to redeem it and us (hence the titles “Redeemer” and  “Savior”), to free us from sin and sorrow.  So, we all got a winning lottery ticket … yes, each and every one of us.  Congratulations! Jesus bought them for us.  All we have to do is cash them in and accept the winnings.  Seriously, that’s it. 

My point:  Jesus did it all for us.  All we have to do is say, “Yes, I accept this gift of salvation, of love beyond imagination and joy beyond our wildest dreams.”  That’s it.  No games, no gimmicks, no tax on the winnings.  You might want to throw in a thank you, but that’s pretty much it.  So, let go and let God … and cash in the biggest lottery ticket in the history of the world.  – jri 

THURSDAY THOUGHT 1/6/11

THE JESUS ANGLE 

I’m in business and I enjoy selling.  And just for the record, true selling is not manipulation, but the art of persuasively showing how what one person has to offer can genuinely benefit another.  We all do it.  We all sell something: the parent who tries to persuade the child to eat his veggies; the boy who tries to convince the girl to go out on a date; anybody who has ever interviewed for a job.  We all sell, and we do it to gain something … and that’s not bad.

Oh, yes, there is one exception:  Jesus.  He didn’t have an angle, and He didn’t sell or persuade for personal gain … though He did work awfully hard to convince people to “buy” his message.  However, He didn’t ask for anything in return.  With all His powers of persuasion, He could have truly been king, or at least the wealthiest man on earth.  He asked for nothing in return, at least for Himself.  As a salesman, I say, He blew it.  As a Christian, I say, “Thank you, Jesus.”  

My point:  There is no Jesus angle.  He offered and He gave … and He gave the ultimate gift.  There is no fine print, so power-grabbing surprise.  He gave.  We win.  What a deal!  Pass it on! – jri 

MONDAY THOUGHT 1/3/11

MY PRAYER 

Years ago, when I first began to recognize that I could not bend life to my ego-based will, and I was forced to my knees, I began to explore this idea of God’s will.  At first, I resented it.  “I will never submit to a god who expects me to bow down and submit to you!  Kill me and destroy me if you want, but I will never submit!”  Finally, I got so beaten down that, desperate and lost, I surrendered and whispered, “I accept your will.”  However, I admit, I resented this conquering god. 

Funny how things come to be, though.  This door through which He dragged me (yes, kicking and screaming, stiff-necked and reluctant) opened into a world, more a journey, filled with challenges and wonder, awe and spiritual awakening.  Over the last 45 years – traveling a road that is sometimes a sweet and gentle country lane of joys, and at other times a steep and rocky path through an unpleasant land of rain and sleet and wind – my prayer has grown from “I accept your will” to the simple lines below. 

My point:  It took a sledge hammer and a God who knew how to reach me (stiff necked and stubborn as a mule, though I was) to bring me to a place of faith and trust.  And, yes, I know the journey is far from over, and that in all likelihood I will encounter many more sweet joys and less-than-desired blessings.  Nonetheless, I have found that the will of God is well worth following.  So, may this day and this year be filled with a closeness to God and a willingness to accept, to embrace and to do His will.  – jri