Chris Maxwell's Newsletter

Another Day Along the Way
Friday, January 27, 2006

Another day,
Eyes see more when viewing from above.

I remembered and experienced that again last week. Typing while flying, I saw from under clouds and among clouds and above clouds. Afternoon darkness and brilliant light. Storms and beauty. A sun shining. A world of cities below. My son Aaron nodded and smiled as we saw so much while viewing together from above.

Eyes see more when viewing from above.

Aaron and I glanced from above while riding through Georgia hills. We observed Georgia Tech while glancing out of windows and eating Chili Dawgs at the Varsity. We sat tall, watching a basketball game from seats up high. We talked about past and future, about plans and goals, about life as we see it from the best perspectives.

Eyes see more when viewing from above.

Last night Debbie, Taylor and I sat with friends while watching a high school basketball game back home in Orlando. Our son Graham played: we cheered. Our son Aaron walked as part of the sweetheart court: Deb took pictures. Higher seats proved distance, angle and view that the best seats in the house fail to offer. From above, fans can see a better glance of defensive changes, offensive moves, and in-bound tricks.

Eyes see more when viewing from above.

Since that is true, I wonder why I doubt God so much. I often desire to live in a “my way or the highway” mentality. I fail to remember how God’s glance actually sees reality from the High Way. He sees all. He knows all. Today, I want to trust Him. Trust His view, His glance, His perspective.

I pray to trust God’s view from above.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement: Listen to your life. All moments are key moments.
(Frederick Buechner: Now & Then)

Another Day Along the Way
Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Another day,
I've written many words the last few weeks. Most of them are just honest prayers for Our Father's eyes. But part of an ancient prayer is what all of us need today.

Read it. Pray it. Believe it.

Psalm 66:1-4 (NIV) For the director of music. A song. A psalm.

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name." Selah

And, go ahead. Sing it for Our Father’s ears.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Prayer Spoken: Psalm 66:20 (NIV) Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

Another Day Along the Way
Thursday, January 5, 2006

Another day,
The two words interested me. Two words I knew, though rarely linking them together alone.

When I first heard the phrase, I didn't understand its meaning. The elderly lady mentioned the two words while not explaining or elaborating. She only confessed an action: it was something she did. Often. And with meaning. My young mind knew she was worried, so I asked what she planned to do. She said, "Pray through."

During the decades since, I've heard others talk about "praying through." A man who served in ministry long before I was born assured me that true success for me would only come as I "pray through." A couple informed a young-Chris-Maxwell-with-long-hair to deal with problems, needs, and struggles by "praying through." A lady told me of her experience of staying after church one night, all night, to "pray through" a serious struggle in life.

Pray through. What does it mean? "Pray until you're through," a friend said. "Hide away with God and cry your hurt to Him," someone else said. Desperate intercession. Intense, honest, uninterrupted dialogue with God. Listening and crying and pleading.

"Praying through" is an ancient task for those who preceded us. "Praying through" is a strange waste of time for modern self-pleasers who can't dare risk important hours of busy schedules to hide with an Invisible Listener. "Praying through" might be even better than strategizing a new "how to."

"Pray through." The two words interest me. Will I let that be all?

I hope not. There are times when we aren't through praying until we've "prayed through."

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Powerful Statement:
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. (1 Timothy 2:1, NIV)