Chris Maxwell's Newsletter

Another Day Along the Way
Friday, July 28, 2006

Another day,
My name is Chris. I am an addict. Sometimes I resist the temptation, but eventually it comes back. It always comes back. And, I must admit. I enjoy what I do. It actually seems to make me a better person. So maybe the addiction is actually a healthy habit. Maybe it is even a healing process.

What is my addiction? Though I might have many - washing hands, watching a ball game, reading a book, chewing gum, listening to music, writing, asking questions - there is only one on my mind here. It is the Psalms. Reading them, praying them, singing them, studying them; my name is Chris and I'm addicted to the Psalms.

Those honest journals in the middle of the Bible cover many pages. They reflect many moods, situations, decisions. They offer us a chance to glance into the inner thoughts of David and other writers as they confess their hearts to God. They also allow us to join in the singing, the asking, the confessing.

I've taught lessons about many of the Psalmistic poems. I've written about the writing and I’ve enjoyed singing along with the ancient Jewish hymns. I've personalized many, turning David’s anger into my own.

Sorry if I've said too much about it. But, I'm in love with the Psalms. Knowing I have a Shepherd caring for me, a God of Mercy hearing my cries, a Therapist listening to my inner hurts, a Forgiver receiving my confessions, a Caregiver sitting beside me, a Mighty God vindicating me, a Father correcting me, a Listener enjoying my singing: the world offers nothing so therapeutic, so real, so healing.

Join me in the reading, in the writing. Enter into the experience of Psalmistic addiction. Not only as a ritualistic habit, but as a reality check, as a prayer, as a time for silence or shouting or surrender. As a time with God. Alone or in a group, away from the hurry of our schedules or right in the middle of our rush, let us enter the experience.

God waits. In Him, let us take refuge. For Him, let us live.

Along the way,
Chris Maxwell

Prayer Surrendered: Psalm 71:1-2 (NIV)
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.


And…
Read Chris Maxwell's article in Ministry Today, "Runaway Shepherds":

http://www.ministrytodaymag.com/display.php?id=13326

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