Bridging the gap. It’s an idiom used to connect two things, making the difference between them smaller.

Sometimes in life there is a gap. It may be the difference between something we learn and applying it. Or, it may have something to do with the future or uncertainty.

There are many examples.

For instance, when we walk across the street we bridge the gap with trust by believing the drivers are going to act in a certain way. Hopefully, in a manner so they will not run us over! On the road, we trust that drivers will stay in their lanes. We believe the airline pilot will be sober and alert.

To trust is to believe that someone is going to act in a particular manner.

“To maintain the relational integrity necessary to operate as a team, we must choose to trust and to be trustworthy as a team.” Andy Stanley

Andy describes how we use this concept to connect work teams with trust. Relational integrity… I like that!

The same is true in our interpersonal relationships outside of work. When we choose to trust, we bridge the gap of uncertainty for future actions. We believe the person who is trusted in going to do what is expected. When that doesn’t happen, we lose the relational integrity. The gap widens.

Conversely, when people do behave in a trustworthy manner, the gap closes in. It becomes smaller, and we move forward a step.

“Trust involves the juxtaposition of people’s loftiest hopes and aspirations with their deepest worries and fears.” Jeffry A. Simpson

There are trust and the gap again. This time, the gap is fear and worry.

Why do people have trouble trusting? For some, the benefits of closeness and intimacy are overshadowed by the possibility of pain and betrayal. Past experiences are often in play here.

Remember, bridges are built on piers or pillars. These foundational structures help the bridge handle the structural load. For us, in life, the pillars that hold up the bridge are often the positive, small baby steps we take in moving forward.

With God, we know we can trust Him to keep His promises. How does the Lord help us bridge the gap?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

God’s got your back. Establish safe boundaries. Taking the next step in life is easier with this assurance. I think that helps people of faith bridge the gap. With trust.

Image courtesy of John Spooner on flickr

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Is there intelligent life elsewhere? What does the Bible say about that? Did God create life on other planets?

Well, here goes my take on it:

An interesting concept of creation is that God created earth on the first day. Does that infer the earth is the center of all creation? He also created light on the first but didn’t work up the sun until the 4th day. While we currently revolve around the sun, that apparently wasn’t the case on days 1, 2 or 3. And where did the light come from before the sun?

Why did God create such a massive universe? Maybe to show us how omnipotent He is and to glorify Him. When I think about all that, He created it certainly focuses my attention to how awesome and great He is.

Do I believe there is intelligent life other than man and the animals? Yes. Why? Well, first off I believe in God. Ok, I know, no brainer. Other than the trinity? Yes. The Bible describes the angels, Seraphim, and Cherubim, right? I think they must all be intelligent.

The Angels are mentioned throughout the Bible. We all know what they are about. Wikipedia describes the angels as “often depicted as benevolent celestial beings who act as intermediaries between God or Heaven and Earth, or as guardian spirits or a guiding influence. Other roles of angels include protecting and guiding human beings and carrying out God’s tasks.

Next up, the Seraphim. Considered like an angel, they are only mentioned once in Isaiah. They are described as the “burning ones,” nobles, and the “ones of love.” They hover OVER the throne of God and are considered His personal attendants, continually glorifying and praising God. Their eternal song “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Again, we’re centering in on the earth.

Now, the Cherubim. These are the throne angels as they are seen AROUND God’s throne. Their role is to guard God’s holy domain and presence from any sin and corruption. Thus, they protect the Garden of Eden (Is it still here today?).

Hey what what about “The Four Living Creatures?” Hmmm. Well, the way I understand it this tetramorph  doesn’t come about until the apocalyptic end of this world and the universe as we know it. It’s described in the book of Revelation. It is said to be like a Cherubim with eyes all around, so we can assume this is an intelligent life as well. Or will be, when we get to the times described in Revelation Chapter 4. References to The Four Living Creatures are also found in the books of Ezekiel and Daniel. These seem to be visions of the same thing.

Scripture doesn’t say these intelligent life forms are just hanging around our planet. I’m confident if the Lord told an angel to head out to the Andromeda Galaxy the angel would have no problem making that journey.

What about Carl Sagan? Didn’t he prove there is extraterrestrial life? Well not exactly. Here’s a famous Sagan quote:

“I’m frequently asked, “Do you believe there’s extraterrestrial intelligence?” I give the standard arguments- there are a lot of places out there, the molecules of life are everywhere, I use the word billions, and so on. Then I say it would be astonishing to me if there weren’t extraterrestrial intelligence, but of course there is as yet no compelling evidence for it.
Often, I’m asked next, “What do you really think?”
I say, “I just told you what I really think.”
“Yes, but what’s your gut feeling?”
But I try not to think with my gut. If I’m serious about understanding the world, thinking with anything besides my brain, as tempting as that might be, is likely to get me into trouble. Really, it’s okay to reserve judgment until the evidence is in.”

Indeed, despite the years of research and a life dedicated to trying to find the answers, Sagan ended up saying we don’t know. Or do we? I guess Sagan came to that conclusion as he must have never accepted the presence of the Lord. I know, that’s not how we usually thing about “artificial intelligence” or the ET. If we think of an extraterrestrial being as one from outside the planet Earth, then we can list God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Seraphim, Cherubims, and the angels. Just saying. Perhaps Sagan was just looking in the wrong place?

With all that said it begs the question: Are we alone in the universe? No, we are not. However, I’m not looking for a bunch or space aliens, Martians or little green men to arrive. I don’t expect that will happen.

Is there intelligent life on other planets? The Bible doesn’t say. However, it is inferred that the earth and all of other planets and stars in the solar system will one day be destroyed, and a new earth and heaven will be created.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10.

I believe we are the sole beneficiaries of fellowship with God. While God certainly could have created other life forms, His timetable for the existence of the earth and our universe is directly tied to His itinerary for humanity. The Bible teaches that we were created in His image. When He did so, He gave us dominion over all things on earth. God created us out of His great love and to fulfill His eternal plan. We play a part in His plan, including defeating satan. Through the freedom of choice, we have an opportunity for eternal life through His “ministry of reconciliation.” How refreshing to know and to be a part of His plot with an eternal result.

Image courtesy of Adrian Senn on flickr.com

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Questions. A major turning point for me in my faith journey was when my faith grew more substantial than the issues I had. Questions? Yes, some of them I still have. Here’s one: Is there intelligent life elsewhere? That’s a pretty big concept to wrap my mind around. Are we alone in the plot with an eternal result? Let’s think this through and we’ll be coming back to that shortly.

Forging ahead to plot. It’s not super complicated. We have to think cause and effect here. It’s a series of events that make up a story and lead us to “and so.” You got it, babe, the climax of the tale. Many a novel follow the same general plot. The circumstances change, but the plot remains the same. There are even templates for Fiction plots. Many start off with character development; the conflict is introduced; rising action leading up to the climax, and then winding up the story. All the loose ends are tied up. Incomplete thoughts? Well, sometimes we do encounter them in a novel or movie, but we want to know how the story ends.

The power of story – so let’s take this notion and apply it to humanity. You know, the plot with an eternal result. Really? Yep, just wait. One cool aspect that I love about my church is that it is Gospel centered. We keep it simple. We learn how events that occur in the Old Testament will relate or point to the Gospel, and to Jesus. For example, many a Prophet offered the foreshadowing of Jesus’ arrival, ministry, and resurrection.

“The Old Testament is in the New revealed and the New is in the Old concealed.” Augustine

Jesus clearly says in Matthew 5:17 that He came to fulfill the foreshadowing through the Law and the Prophets.

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” Jesus, in Matthew 5:17

Moses is the clearest Old Testament person whom we can look to as one of the greatest types of Jesus. Time and again, Moses’ life story pointed us to Jesus through his faith and leadership. And where was the conflict introduced for humanity? Hmm, pretty early on right? Like in the Garden of Eden? Yes! The cross was the climax? Yes, the cross was the point from the very beginning. It was the fulfillment mentioned in Matthew 5:17. So now we’re just tying up the loose ends.

The power of truth…

So all that leads us back to this question: Is there intelligent life elsewhere? What does the Bible say about that? Did God create life on other planets?

This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Please check back next week for part 2.

Image courtesy of Adrian Senn on flickr.com

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Stromatolites at Shark Bay Australia

Next time you take a breath of fresh air thank a Stromatolite. And God. Why? The cauliflower-looking “rocks” are responsible for the development of our atmosphere and bio-diversity. So are they rocks, or not? Well, yes. And no. Let me explain… these layered rocks are formed by cyanobacteria, also called the blue-green algae. The microscopic cyanobacteria form colonies under favorable conditions. They trap sediment with their sticky surface coatings and the sediment reacts with calcium carbonate in the ocean water to form limestone. So, to answer the question rock or not, the Stromatolites are rocks that form as a by-product of the organism’s activity.

These slimy creatures produced oxygen. That’s the stuff that created our atmosphere. Now listen here I don’t care if you believe creation or evolution there is a certain amount of science in God. It’s just a fact. God showed up and what He created in our Planet Earth is amazing. One of a kind.

Way back in the olden days (Precambrian), bacteria such as the Cyanobacteria that form Stromatolites were the only game in town. These critters are photosynthetic – they take energy from light and convert it into chemical energy (sugars)  synthesized with carbon dioxide and water. Interestingly, oxygen is released as a “waste product!” So the Cyanobacteria are the agent responsible for converting our atmosphere from a reducing one to an oxidizing breath of fresh air. And the stuff we dig on breathing is a waste product. Get out… but it’s a true story.

“Stromatolites are bizarre fossils whose biological origins were debated until only a few decades ago. Today, scientists generally agree that Stromatolites are layered colonial structures predominately formed by cyanobacteria. Stromatolites are the oldest fossils on earth, dating back to more than three billion years ago. They were the dominant life form on earth for over 2 billion years and are thought to be primarily responsible for the oxygenation of the atmosphere,” says the National Park Service. On their page discussing the occurrence of Stromatolites in the Navajo Sandstone, the NPS

The creation of our atmosphere is something that just fascinates me. So the next time you get an itch to take a breath of fresh air remember the Stromatolites, the Cyanobacteria, and especially God. Thank God for the Stromatolites.

And breathe on…

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Busy. Great! What does that really say? We’re all busy doing something, right?

We all want to be busy doing good things. However, we miss the point of interaction when we say “I’m busy!” Next time you’re tempted to say it consider what exactly are you so busy doing?

Being busy… I usually get caught up working on or trying to figure out something or another. Or cooking some awesome food. Exercise. Hanging out with friends or family. All good things, right? Watching TV? Not a habit of mine, but maybe that one is ok in moderation. Playing video games or the like? It’s entertainment, right? Reading God’s word? How many of us have good intentions here but when something else comes up we’re putting the Bible on the back burner, so to speak? If you’re so busy that you need a daytime and nighttime nanny to take care of your kids are you too busy? I’m just thinkin’ the answer could be affirmative… you’re too busy doing something other than savoring the moments with your family.

How about this one – have you ever told someone or even yourself “I’m too busy for ____!” Well, you just defined your priorities.

“Success ultimately comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” Henry David Thoreau

Ha! Great quote! This sounds like doing something one might enjoy to me because how do we define success anyway? So when it’s all said and done, will you be looking back and say you were successful in achieving your goals? Can you say that about last week or last year? If you watch ants move about they stay pretty busy building and carrying around breadcrumbs. They’ve reached their self-actualization or maximum level of achievement. It’s pretty basic for an ant, but how about me and you? The reality for us is a bit more complex.

Here’s something to consider: We live in an age of having vast information at fingertips. How many times a day do you Google? I Google’d this query (LOL) and found that the average person Googles 780 times a year. So more than a couple of times a day. Google’d what? Sure, I Google “Panama Geology” because I’m going there #onmission in a couple of weeks. In contrast, have you ever started looking something up and a couple of hours later realized that you just burned a bunch of time? Since I’m sometimes indecisive, I can look at shoes, sailboats, or even the best bug spray online for way too long. Is this a trap.. the evil lure of being busy? Hmmm…

If we consciously think about how we would choose to spend our time, and about those pesky distractions that draw us away, we can feel better about how we approach and execute in our day to day life.

“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” John Maxwell

It’s all a matter of perspective. And priorities.

Next time someone asks how are you and you’re busy doing good things with margin just say you’re awesome. And then take the time to interact…

Image courtesy of arbyreed on flickr

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I think it’s the most important activity here on earth. Think about the “one anothers” in the Bible: love one another, be at peace with each other, be devoted to each other, honor one another, live in harmony with one another, stop passing judgment on one another, accept one another, serve one another, forgive each other… the list goes on.

So who are we going to ___ one another?

Other people silly!

Here’s why:

– We’re created in God’s image. How we treat one another is a direct reflection of the presence of Jesus in our lives. Our relationships with one another are as important to God as our bond to Him. That’s why He said go and make amends with your brother before coming to the altar. We’re impoverished without good, solid relationships with other people. We can’t assemble in a manner pleasing to God unless there’s unity. That’s built on the foundation of one-on-one interaction.

– Relationships with other people often define our best circle of influence. Think about it: from our interaction with our closest, most intimate compadre, to that brief encounter a complete stranger in a foreign country, we’re leaving an impression when we interact with other people. That warm smile in the grocery store several years ago may seem a little fuzzy than the high school sweetheart who’s fond memory is so sharp as if etched in stone.

– Relationships define our presence. They matter more than policies and procedures. Think not? Think again! You’re on an island without other people. Plus, we can accomplish orders of magnitude more when we combine our gifts and talents. God made us that way, to compliment each other.

Introvert? It’s all good, you still need presence. And relationships. Introverts are relationship people too. They just prefer perspective to bubbly socialization. They socialize easily but prefer not to. At least at the same frequency as their extroverted counterparts.

“God is not just looking for performance but is looking for presence.” Joby Martin

This is pretty huge because we can never live by the law. We can fulfill it only by acting in accordance with God’s love.That’s going to involve some other people. Relationships are important. Do all you can to make and nurture the good ones. Start by being likable. That requires transparency. Be genuine and open-minded. Show an interest in one another. Ask questions. Be consistently passionate and at the same time fun. Relationships matter. People matter. Smile, and you’ll go far!

“All Sorts And Conditions Of People: The 7 Essentials To Extraordinary Relationships” is my book about people and relationships. You can pick it up by clicking this link to Amazon.com.

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Bilbo B. wasn’t exactly gifted for an adventure… he simply went along with a game-changing calling.

Here’s my go at the Gospel:

God created the world. He also created man in his image. When he created man, he gave us a gift: free will, or the freedom to make choices. “The fall of man” occurred in the Garden of Eden shortly thereafter when Adam and Eve exercised their free will and sinned, following the instruction of satan disguised as a snake, and disobeying God. Therein lies the problem – the wage for disobedience or sin is death and eternal separation from God. We, as humanity, have royally messed up. Since Adam and Eve, all of humanity has fallen short… we’re all sinners in need of a Savior… there is no other way.

Fortunately, our God is a loving God. So, he sent his son, Jesus, to live a perfect, sinless life on earth in the flesh as a man and to die on a cross as a substitute for our sin, thus providing an opportunity for us. Again, there is no other way. Jesus didn’t come into our world to make bad men good. He came into our world so that dead men can live. Thankful.

Jesus reigns in heaven at this time called the church age and offers us forgiveness for our sins. When we repent from our sins and believe in him we all can have eternal life… If that is our choice. Here’s another cool part of the story: when we belong to God and are a part of His family the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Our human body actually becomes a temple where our living God dwells.

Can you dig it? Or maybe I should say can you feel Him within?

How would you explain the Gospel?

Image courtesy of Jim Pennucci on creativecommons.org

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For me personally, writing 4 books was something I never would have dreamed to be a goal in life… then suddenly God placed it in my heart. I took the initiative, overcame adversity and stayed true to the path. Writing for me has been an extremely rewarding experience, combining strengths in teaching and encouragement with the pursuit of wisdom, it just seemed to be a natural dream to follow…

“Turning your passion into your job is easier than finding a job that matches your passion.” Seth Godin

I admire younger generations that place greater importance on following their dreams as a key factor to leading a fulfilling life. That rocks!

So we all have more than just one dream, right? How do we know which ones to chase? Maybe you’ve chased a dream and it went nowhere. Maybe that just wasn’t the right dream. How do we know?

Chasing the dream is fun when we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Sure, there will be challenges or obstacles to achieving anything worthy of our passion, or a dream. However, chasing a dream should be fun – a realization that provides gratification right along with the sweat-equity we are devoting to this endeavor at hand. I think part of the gratification that comes with fulfillment of the dream comes by virtue of the effort required to reach the desired result. But it should be fun. When we get busy we lose the margin in our schedule that allows us to catch our breath and to do fun stuff on a  whim. I miss that when I’m crazy busy. Just don’t take yourself too seriously. If it’s a chore read the writing on the walls, you’re most likely chasing the wrong dream, or taking yourself too seriously. (Click To Tweet)

What dream are you chasing or feeling God has laid on your heart? Is it an endeavor that you truly enjoy?

Image courtesy of RF Designs on flickr.com

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Happy Trails…

I had lunch with an old friend recently who shared with me a heartbreaking story of how she had her heart broken. Apparently letting a man in close proximity to her before really getting to know him, she got burned. Pretty crazy, right? Not really, it happens quite often. I shared with her some of my similar experiences. She had texted me earlier in the week, reeling from the pain of finding out who this individual actually was, so I sort of already had an idea of what to expect at the lunch. She didn’t want to talk about it but when I reminded her about Proverbs 4:23 and guarding your heart I think she realized I had already noticed what was going on…

My friend is no spring chicken. She’s been around the block a time or two… but it is interesting how we often keep making the same mistakes in life. Maybe it’s our vulnerabilities that continually draw us in I don’t know… but I do know now more so than ever the power of having a decided heart. I also continually see example after example of how powerful this verse is:

Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.

I have also noticed something about grief – that response or feeling when we lose something to which a bond is formed. This all centers around a re-kindled friendship with an old college buddy. She’s a grief guru, you can check out her website here. It’s sort of funny every time I think of the word “grief” Charlie Brown comes to mind. The gang always heckled Charlie Brown and his antics with the phrase, “Good grief Charlie Brown!!” And so I came to the conclusion that grief is indeed good… when we heal and recover from it. If you visit my friend Kelly’s website you will see she is a proponent of the full recovery from grief and the loses in life. I like that.

Back to the decided heart… and my other friend’s predicament…  the “ghosts of girlfriends past” – those gremlins that seem to sneak into our minds. I’m not referring to the sociopath who can’t let go – they’re dangerous and need help… 50 shades of creepy.

Remember, it’s about how we approach the end of the story. God breathes life into us daily through His word and the power of the Holy Spirit. With every breath is He deeper into you? (Click To Tweet)

This is like addictions, this grief thing – once you admit to yourself there’s an issue, you have hope. Only then can you celebrate and click the button like Desmond, resetting the clock every 108 minutes… Cheerios!!

Hopefully my friend will be a little more conservative about letting strangers have a part of her heart. The power of a decided heart would help her from having more weeks like the doozy.

With vulnerability we should demand authenticity. Then we can open up and things start to get real…

Image courtesy of OakleyOriginals on flickr.com

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Are you living out the dream?

Recently I got super busy. This is a good thing, but it leaves me feeling down in a way as I don’t feel as close to the Lord. Whenever I get really busy I have to be more intentional about deciding how I’m going to spend my time. Sometimes, that makes me feel bad… like I’m neglecting some things or some people.

At the same time, the exercise of going through my activities is a grounding experience – I learn from it. Like some of the stuff that doesn’t make “The A List” didn’t really belong in my world anyway. While it may have served a purpose for a season, it’s simply not a part of my calling or long-term agenda. I can see those to-do’s more clearly now, particularly when I’m hopping on it.

My writing has taken more of a back seat right now. I’m good with that, having chalked up 4 books in the past 4 years. Intentionally taking a break from writing daily last summer was a good decision, while this time I expect my long-term plan for writing more books will prosper through the experiences that I’m sure I’ll go through on the immediate horizon. I’m ok with all of that. Just a part of living the dream…

Are you living out your dream too? There are some fairly common stumbling blocks to living out the dream… I’m bringing all this up as I want to encourage you to live your passions, and to go forth and prosper. No regrets, remember?

If you have a dream that is super important don’t make excuses about WHY you can’t achieve it – instead, figure out how to get from point A to point B and make it happen. Sure, there may be setbacks along the way, but these obstacles will make achieving your dream all the more savory. There are times we need to stop making excuses and stay focused on the most relevant.

Many of the barriers to achieving your dream are imaginary. They’re excuses that we use to justify not crossing the boundary to the uncomfortable arena of vulnerability, or the land of fear or the possibility of failure. At the same time we miss the impelling opportunity to live out the dream…

Our passion comes alive because our soul is into it. God ignited a flame inside us that shines brightest when we are obedient. (Click To Tweet)

So what’s holding you back?

A vast majority of this illogical reasoning has to do with what other people might think. Should we really care? As one who has battled adversity on many occasions let me assure you the pundits are there for only one reason: jealousy. Pay no attention…

What is your penchant? Maybe you should be chasing that, without delay. Do you charge into Happy Monday? Maybe it’s time to make that change…

Image courtesy of katmary on flickr.com

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