crossing the line

(I swore I would never tell anyone this happened... but it's just a good illustration!)

Crossing the line

Earlier this year, I spent several days in Vancouver, British Columbia helping represent our company at a large gathering of YMCA professionals from around the globe. It was a wonderful and invigorating experience, but by the end of the week I was just plain tired.  This fact no doubt contributed to the misfortune I experienced after landing in Los Angeles to change planes.  I exited the plane, misunderstood how close to the end of the terminal I was, misread the directional signs and too late realized I had left the secure zone.  There was no bright line on the floor, no flashing light to get my attention…just a subtle sign sitting on the edge of the walkway. At some point I crossed the line…and had to start all over again.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—“ John 14:16

We rightly hear a lot about slippery slopes, domino effects and dangerous precedents.  Not every life situation has a red line that delineates acceptable behavior from sinful behavior.  Sometimes the only way to know for certain that the line existed is to be on the far side of it.  Other times, as you walk toward it, you get a sense that something is wrong… that there is a “sign” just out of your line of vision that could help guide your way. The Holy Spirit is indeed there, is your advocate and will make you aware if you are listening!

Thankfully I had time to enjoy the fresh air of LAX, and go through security screening a second time.  Thankfully God allows us to get back on the right path anytime we’re ready!

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 7, Number 22

I'm on the list

(being on the right kind of list is cool) 

I’m on the list

A friend recently opened a new burger franchise in our area.  Now, this isn’t a prefabricated, heat lamp, mystery meat place.  No, this is organic grass fed beef...ground on-site daily…cooked to order…fresh cut fries…and very, very good.  We were blessed, along with the rest of our small group from church, to be among the test customers during the week prior to opening.  We were able to come to the store, order the meal, eat the meal and be presented with a bill we did not have to pay.  All in exchange for the staff being able to practice their craft.  What a deal!  There were lots of people enjoying themselves…so much so that others walking by tried to come in for a bite. But to get in you had to “be on the list”. 

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

As Christians we believe that the gap between a perfect God and a sinful mankind is bridged only through faith in Christ; who paid a debt we could never pay.  If it feels exclusive that’s because it is.  Jesus himself made the truth very clear… to truly believe he is the answer is to believe he is the only answer.  Being on the list is simple… and his invitation never ends.

Put your name in Book of Life and come on in…

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 7, Number 21