A New Day
Another Day Along the Way
Friday, July 21, 2006
Another day,
Waking early as I often do, I prayed and thought this morning. I thought about prayer. Birds sang their morning melodies. Trucks sounded close, then far, then gone as they offered stubborn rhythm for the not-yet-lit day. I wondered what Mama thought forty-six years ago when she gave birth to me on this day. My mind-packed with noisy thoughts-enjoyed the silence of a new day.
And, "new" is the word for today. Living in a new house in a city which reminds me of my early years of younger life in north Georgia. Serving in a new job, meeting new friends, bringing newness to old friendships, speaking in new places, writing new nouns and verbs. All with hope that my love of the Ancient God is new every morning, new every morning, new every morning.
A friend emailed me this question: "What do you want for your birthday if you could have anything?" I wrote a list, read it again, and hit send. Normally I would have just said, "I'm thankful for what I have so I'm not asking for anything else." I decided to be new. I asked.
Writing specific wishes, I ended the note with poetry, concluding with these phrases: "Isn't it odd, this method of God? The One who knows all, and possesses the power to do all, has chosen to often wait for a call. Want and receive was not the plan. Ask and receive was. And still is. God's instructions welcome us to include Him as the Giver, the Provider, the Source. So, I shall-even when my faith is tiny like a seed-ask Him. Then, I shall-however and whenever the gifts arrive-trust His decisions, His response, His action. By His face, living in His grace: Is there any better place to be me?"
So, what do I want from you on this day when my age number rises one more step upward? Give God a chance to give you something. Take time to think and ask. Risk believing. Write a note on this blog to offer your prayers and hopes. Then smile and laugh and trust, telling yourself He is making you new.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Prayer Surrendered: Father, guide me into a new season. Lure me there with Your love, Your joy, Your peace. Do not let me stop short of entering the fresh experience and knowing You better. I ask it. I plan to receive it with gladness. Thank You for You. Amen.
And…
Read Chris Maxwell's article in Ministry Today, "Runaway Shepherds":
http://www.ministrytodaymag.com/display.php?id=13326
Watch Chris Maxwell's video clips on One Accord’s "Jump Start" (click on the dates):
http://cem.iphc.org/jmpst.html
Friday, July 21, 2006
Another day,
Waking early as I often do, I prayed and thought this morning. I thought about prayer. Birds sang their morning melodies. Trucks sounded close, then far, then gone as they offered stubborn rhythm for the not-yet-lit day. I wondered what Mama thought forty-six years ago when she gave birth to me on this day. My mind-packed with noisy thoughts-enjoyed the silence of a new day.
And, "new" is the word for today. Living in a new house in a city which reminds me of my early years of younger life in north Georgia. Serving in a new job, meeting new friends, bringing newness to old friendships, speaking in new places, writing new nouns and verbs. All with hope that my love of the Ancient God is new every morning, new every morning, new every morning.
A friend emailed me this question: "What do you want for your birthday if you could have anything?" I wrote a list, read it again, and hit send. Normally I would have just said, "I'm thankful for what I have so I'm not asking for anything else." I decided to be new. I asked.
Writing specific wishes, I ended the note with poetry, concluding with these phrases: "Isn't it odd, this method of God? The One who knows all, and possesses the power to do all, has chosen to often wait for a call. Want and receive was not the plan. Ask and receive was. And still is. God's instructions welcome us to include Him as the Giver, the Provider, the Source. So, I shall-even when my faith is tiny like a seed-ask Him. Then, I shall-however and whenever the gifts arrive-trust His decisions, His response, His action. By His face, living in His grace: Is there any better place to be me?"
So, what do I want from you on this day when my age number rises one more step upward? Give God a chance to give you something. Take time to think and ask. Risk believing. Write a note on this blog to offer your prayers and hopes. Then smile and laugh and trust, telling yourself He is making you new.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Prayer Surrendered: Father, guide me into a new season. Lure me there with Your love, Your joy, Your peace. Do not let me stop short of entering the fresh experience and knowing You better. I ask it. I plan to receive it with gladness. Thank You for You. Amen.
And…
Read Chris Maxwell's article in Ministry Today, "Runaway Shepherds":
http://www.ministrytodaymag.com/display.php?id=13326
Watch Chris Maxwell's video clips on One Accord’s "Jump Start" (click on the dates):
http://cem.iphc.org/jmpst.html
4 Comments:
Hey Pastor Chris, hope you have a great birthday! It is so refreshing to read your emails.I wanted to thank you again for coming to New Hope and sharing a timely message. I look forward to the times we can hook-up and talk... God bless you on this special day. Pastor Dave, New Hope Worship Center
Happy Birthday, Chris!! God gave all who know you, and will come to know you, a wonderful gift, those some odd years ago when he gave us you.
May God grant you your birthday wishes. May God grant you health, happiness, and a closer and closer walk with Him, which we should all desire to have, as well.
May the peace of God be with you today, and every day,
CJ
Happy Birthday Pastor Chris!
You have been and are a gift to so many and I hope you get all the gifts you are wishing for.
Your Mama would be very proud of you and is smiling now just as she did that special day 46 years ago.
Happy Birthday New Friend! What a blessing it is to move into a new season in your life. I am honored God allowed our paths to cross. May He place a new song in your heart and a new dance in your step. My His peace and joy overflow from within in this new day.
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