MMP: The Blink of an Eye

Monday Morning Post: The Blink of an Eye

Do you ever lose track of time, or do you always know what time it is? Are you a clock watcher constantly checking in on your phone or watch?

God blessed us with a sense of time and it can be our friend, or it can be our enemy. Ever rush through a job at home, or worse at work? Have you ever had to rush to get somewhere on time?

Have you ever asked, what time is it? Do you have the time? Am I on time? What time do I need to be there? Did you know sometimes time runs out.

What if I don't get this done in time? What kind of time frame do I have? What's the timeline? I need more time. I need some down time. I feel like a time bomb. Now that would be a time killer.

We need some quality time. We need some alone time. I've asked time and time again, is there a time difference here? Is it time to pretend, or time to take a leap? I'm having the time of my life, but it's time to say goodbye. 

We use a time clock, we can own a timeshare, buy a Time Magazine, visit Times Square, we can watch Time Bandits, and travel through time zones, but we can't time travel.

All that to say that our life is but a moment of time in God's sight. Psalm 90:1-6 contrasts man's frailty to God's eternity.

For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past or as a watch in the night (Psalm 90:4 ESV)

Because this, our life, can be over in the blink of an eye, and because it is just a moment in God's sight, mindfulness becomes more valuable. What if we were more mindful of our opportunities to serve, of special moments with friends and family, and of all our blessings.

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day my bring. (Proverbs 27:1 ESV)

Let's use our sense of time as a friend, as a reality tool, a tool to help focus us, strengthen us, and motivate us, to be the likeness of Jesus to all that we meet. In the blink of an eye, let's reveal God's love to someone, tonight, tomorrow ...and each and everyday.

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: A Sense of Balance

Monday Morning Post: A Sense of Balance

As I wake this morning I'm disappointed by the thought of missing my appointed walk. The current high temperatures and humidity have curbed my outdoor activity for the past few days, and I'm noticing the lack of exercise along with the meditative solitude that comes with it.

What I'm sensing is an absence of balance. I'm sensing that something is missing, something's wrong, and that something needs to be corrected.

My physical, mental and spiritual self need to be in balance for me to walk as designed. All of God's creation was designed to be in balance. It was perfect, it was in harmony, and it was good.

And God saw everything he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31a ESV)

And then came the fall, and just like in the Garden we're falling again. If we aren't taking the steps to be humbly and gratefully disciplined and aware of ourselves and our environment, then yes, we're falling short of our Maker's plan for us. We were formed in balance with everything. In doing so we need to live physically, mentally and spiritually balanced lives to fulfill our purpose.

The Lord had made everything for it's purpose, (Proverbs16:4a ESV)

Being aware of our brokenness is a great first step, but it's only the first step. I've heard Andy Stanley say that there are three laws of physical balance -

1. Having a reference point
2. Making constant corrections
3. Having a clear objective

I'd like to suggest that one, our reference point be God's design for us. That two, by being aware of our personal brokeness we make constant corrections to our faltering life style. And that three, we have a clear objective in living to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

As for me, I'm going to finish my coffee and listen to myself, or in this case the Spirit that's leading me on this journey.

Stay healthy, stay balanced!

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: Blockages

Monday Morning Post: Blockages

Are there times when we aren't aware that there's a blockage between us and God? It certainly isn't on His end, but can we amidst our busyness have a spiritual ailment and not know it?

This past week a blockage in our home plumbing was made apparent almost immediately. Grandchildren are quite good at creating such blockages, and then indeed in our case, reporting them. It was an immediate problem that needed immediate attention. It wasn't the most pleasant of jobs, but one that was quickly remedied once it was made known.

My father just recently discovered a blockage, or two, or three, in his heart. This required a little more intricate work than I was capable of, but was once again an immediate problem that needed immediate attention.

Recently a neighbor of ours lost his life to a blockage of sorts. As he was dinning out, a piece of food lodged in his throat, and the blockage of air cost him his life before it could be removed. Witness another immediate problem that needed to be attended to immediately.

As I ruminate on Luke 8:43-48 and the healing of a woman of faith. I can't help but wonder about our sense of touch and how we might often fall short of reaching out to God in faith to receive his healing, comforting, clarifying, and powerful love. On this occasion Jesus speaks, without seeing, of the power that has been released from him by a faithful touching hand.

Can a lack of knowledge, lack of trust, lack of faith, or lack of relationship with God cause a blockage of that power? Could it be that we're unaware of an immediate blockage that needs our immediate attention?

Sure the plumbing was just messy, but my father's blockage was life threatening, and my neighbor's life ending. Our five recognized senses are used to relate to each other, and more importantly to our Father in heaven. I'm thinking He created and designed us with those senses to help us to be in relationship with Him. That being the case, we would be well reminded to check all those connections out and to make sure that we're spiritually healthy.

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: Hearty Work

Monday Morning Post: Hearty Work

As this week unfolds I'll be busier than I have been for quite some time, and that's a good thing. I'm ready, and really looking forward to the increased activity.

The past month's lighter calendar enabled me to tidy up some domestic and creative scraps. Now with that behind me I can move onward with a clear palette on which to create.

Along with leading three worship events, a speaking event, and a Worship Circle gathering, the studio will be humming with a guest or two making an appearance all of which has been orchestrated by a greater power.

It looks to be a blessed week both spiritually and creatively. Now I ask you, who wouldn't be up for that? It's a modest schedule from a worldly position, but my standards have been modified greatly as my journey has brought me to this point in life.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

So it's hearty work I'm undertaking this week; it's work that stirs my passion and that feeds my soul. And once again I'm a blessed Mann!

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: A Breath of Fresh Air

Monday Morning Post: A Breath of Fresh Air

In my darkest hour lies a breath of fresh air, a whisper of peace, and all I have to do is allow it in.

It's there for the taking; a cool breeze of unconditional love wafting over my heavy ladened prayers.

An overwhelming flurry of redemption; a great awakening of my tattered soul.

The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life (Job 33:4 ESV)

Now, take a moment, and breathe!

Repeat as necessary.

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: Prayer Vines

Monday Morning Post: Prayer Vines

This past Wednesday, at roughly the same moment as the Charlestown S.C. shootings, we ended our time of worship in prayer. More specifically, the brother who was leading our time of prayer, was thanking God for the ability to gather safely.

That prayer has been weighing heavily on my heart ever since. There's this feeling of personal connection even though we're miles away and related only in our faith. I'm not sure exactly where it stems from, only that it exists and continues hovering about.

As I'm preparing to speak this week on hearing God, my mind wanders in and around the vines of prayer. I haven't spoken to my friend yet, but plan to this week. I'm interested in what might have been happening within him at the time he felt the spirit (if it was the spirit?) move him to speak such words.

Knowing how all things are connected, knowing how we sometimes can sense a deeper connection, knowing that we always have the invitation to be nearer to Him, were there cries, whispers, or just a still voice that vibrated through our worship that night?

I won't pretend to be able to discern that, but I will share that I'm not closing my mind to it. My understanding always has, and will continue, to fall short of His miraculous ways. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5 ESV)  Knowing my limitations can sometimes be quite freeing ...and yet sometimes quite frustrating.

My quest for a prayerful life, and the passion to share it with others, continues hourly, daily and weekly. As I dig into our recognized senses, and their ability to grow our relationship with God, I'm humbly reminded how delicate and unsure our tomorrows are.

While those suffering from the violence and hatred in the world continue to search for healing, we all have the opportunity to search for answers in love.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7 ESV)

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: The Sea of Serenity

Monday Morning Post: The Sea of Serenity

As a follow up to last Monday's post, life lately seems to be moving at a very quick pace. Ideas, opportunities, inspiration, are just flying at me from all directions. My expectations are over the top, I'm running whenever I check my email or when I get a text or phone call. In a deeper sense I've found myself running towards God.

It was early last week that I found some clarity and was able to hand over the remaining concerns I had about my immediate future, and almost instantly the windfall began.

There remains no doubt, no distress, no disquietude. I'm almost experiencing a little guilt about my joyful appearance. I can just hear those around me saying, "How can he not be bothered, or worried about his family's future?"

But then I'm reminded they have their own desert situations, and that in time, if they learn to discern God's ways, they too will experience a sense of the Father's comfort. As the old spiritual sings, I've found my river of peace, my ocean of love, and my fountain of joy. 

What has this experience taught me? Well it's heightened the awareness of my recognized senses, and how I might be able to elevate their ability to better discern God's interaction in the future. Can I see, hear, smell, taste and touch God at another level? What would that look and sound like? How might that expand our relationship.

So as I drift in my sea of serenity this week, my prayer will be one of thankfulness and gratitude ...oh, and definitely wisdom ...common senses wisdom.

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: A Greater Grace

Monday Morning Post: A Greater Grace

Twice this past weekend I was blessed to be in the company of some amazingly spiritual people. No, make that amazingly spiritual friends. Both instances left me breathless with joy and genuinely inspired.

As I'm wading through an ocean of uncertainty and change it does my heart good to be on the minds and in the prayers of others. And so it was late Friday when I received a call from two amazing brothers in Christ.

I was deep in the midst of lawn work late Friday afternoon when the call came in, and fortunately I dropped the garden tools I was holding, took off my work gloves, and decided to entertain the idea of a short moment of prayer and fellowship.

If you're like me too often we can get caught up in the day's agenda and find ourselves squeezing God out. In essence brushing off the Spirit's moment of intervening so we can continue with our own scheduled plans.

But for whatever reason I felt the need to drop what I was doing and invited my callers to come visit. What followed was seven hours of prayer, worship, conversation, fellowship, laughter, tears and food.

Their plans were to lift me up in prayer, but as God would have it, I did most of the early lifting. I say early because as the night grew late the work of the spirit kind of evened out the blessings. What had started out as an hour meeting in the early evening eventually came to a close seven hours later in the early morning hours. We had no intention of this being a full evening event, but we were operating on God's time.

Now it was only eighteen hours later, as I was finishing up a performance, that I accepted the second invitation. This time it was to grab diner with a husband and wife ministry team. Earlier in the week I had inquired about the possibility of us expanding our ministry relationship, and as they attended the event I was performing at, it seemed a perfect time to continue our conversation.

Once again the breaking of bread was at the center of an invigorating and inspiring meeting. A meeting that led us into a new working dynamic and the anticipated opportunities that are expected to develop from it.

Hours later our time together only came to an end because the establishment we were in was closing. Like the night before the spiritual energy was powerful. We shared and we listened, and as the hours passed our stories became as one going forward.

As I mentioned earlier, this season, this ocean of uncertainty, can at times become overwhelming. So I've been purposefully following James 4:8 and drawing near to God and humbly in real time sensing and experiencing Him drawing nearer to me.

I've certainly made my share of mistakes along the way, but His grace, His greater grace (James 4:6), has been astonishing as small but strategic things have been happening to shape my future ministry life. The fallout of these gatherings was felt immediately and my prayerful thankfulness will be never-ending.

So I want to invite you to allow His greater grace to work in your life. Don't squeeze God out, draw near to him and allow the love to unfold.

You give a greater grace then I ever could imagine
Humbled I surrender my pride
You give a greater grace then I ever could imagine
Now I'm awash in heaven's tide
                                                                                 from a new song "A Greater Grace"

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: A Praying Life

Monday Morning Post: A Praying Life

Last week I attended a conference where I experienced two workshops on prayer. To be specific, they were developed from a book written by Paul E. Miller called "A Praying Life."

Now my prayer life is generally quite active, but like most I'm told, often distracted. Life has a way of reaching out and shaking your tree when all you want to do is sit quietly underneath it.

What I was hoping for was a fresh new prayer life. Maybe an avenue I hadn't traveled before. A path that would inspire and energize me.

What's the take-away? Well it's only been ten days or so, and the book still smells brand new, but I can reveal that my prayer life has been renewed. Renewed in a way I was ironically praying for.

The realization that praying exposes how self-preoccupied we are and that it uncovers our doubts was reassuring. There's comfort in knowing you're normal. Learning to pray doesn't offer us a less busy life; it offers us a less busy heart. Now there's a place I want to hang out.

Again, I'm only just touching on a bit of what this book has to offer, but I need to share my overwhelming joy in finding it. Though I'm not big on book reviews, I suppose in the future this might be the exception.

'Pray without ceasing,' (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV)

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: A Wash of Grace

Monday Morning Post: A Wash of Grace

Today marks another birthday, and with that, the battle of the annual life in review. Amazing how we seem to always want to be looking back as if to measure some sort of success.

I decided last year that my focus would be on the future which I was genuinely excited about. And that's where I sit once again today. There seems to be no ceiling on the creative spiritual ventures that have been made available to me.

Blessings upon blessings, ...it isn't about what I've achieved, it's about what I've been graced with.

And from His fullness we have received, grace upon grace (John 1:16 ESV)

Because without our spiritual gifts we have little to nothing to offer. If it's a song that touches someone's heart at that perfect moment, it's only the spirit that has led me to have created it and then offered it at that time.

Over the years I've learned that blessings can be counted in many ways, that they exist where we notice them and also where we turn a blind eye. And because of that I've become increasingly aware of the fact that I need to work on not missing those blessed moments of life. There's nothing worse than realizing all too late that what happened last week, or yesterday, was special. I want to learn to bask in the everyday moments, to enjoy the less then obvious blessings, and to live in those blessed moments as they occur.

So again this year I wear a smile, a contented peaceful smile, a thankfully blessed smile. For tomorrow I'll be creating in a wash of grace, ever aware that I should be taking note of the inspired touches of my God and offering heartfelt thanks for His unmatched love.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, ... (1 Corinthians 15:10a)

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: You, Them and Others

Monday Morning Post: You, Them and Others


This week provided an opportunity to see myself in a not so very proud posture. I recognized myself in a rather less than becoming pose. I found myself grazing in a self-serving meadow.

What set this up was any number of events that curtailed any plans or schedule I had created for myself. In other words, all MY plans were ruined by the needs of others.

While I focused on MY loss of time, MY plans falling by the wayside, MY angst and frustration began to show it's ugly side. I was so filled with SELF worth, that I allowed my vision to be blinded by it.

It's not the first time I've visited here, I know the route very well. No need for a GPS. In fact I have a standing invitation at the 'I, Me, Mine' bed and breakfast. A very quaint little place that serves only me. If there's any positive here, it's that I don't visit much any more, and when I do it's usually a very short stay. And that was the case this week. Though it was a momentary layover, it still left a smudge on my week. 

I'd love to tell you that a voice came thundering out of the wilderness and spoke what I deserved. But it was a much less dramatic scene that brought me back to my senses. As I sat quietly praying I was overcome with the humble act of serving.

'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." ...(Mark 10:45 ESV)

What occurred was my focus shifting to YOU, THEM and OTHERS instead of ME, MYSELF and I. It's was simple, childlike, and so freeing.

The mindset was one of I'm a servant with no needs, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want..." (Psalm 23:1 ESV). That anything I NEEDED to get done would get done by the provision of God. I know this, I found this out before. I know it to be truth. Yet I stray.

What a God that would have the patience to love one as I; to continue to mold and strengthen me to be all that I am made for, and to do it unconditionally. A God that wipes that smudge away.

So friends, take the precautions to keep your vision clear. Stay on His path, stay by His side, and by all means stay in His word. It was through prayer that I came to see myself and my situation clearly.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)

No value can be put on the peace that I felt by that clarity, the joy I experience by serving, or the love that I felt by His compassionate understanding.

Pray on,
Eddy

...and somehow all that needed to get done, DID.

MMP: Gently Nudging

Monday Morning Post: Gently Nudging


This past month I've been the recipient of a number of gentle nudges from a work related friend. These nudges were to keep me abreast of changes regarding an upcoming engagement that I had. They also were to remind me of things I needed to get done.

I found the first one to be a loving gesture. One that was genuinely concerned about my feelings. I was really taken by it, almost embarrassingly grateful by the loving and considerate heart behind it.

Each proceeding one immediately brought a smile to my face, and once even lifted me up from a troubling morning. I almost found myself disappointed when a few days would roll by without one.

It's occurred to me that this simple phrase incorporates elements of all nine fruits of the spirit ...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23).

Is there any doubt why it affected me that way? Why it lifted me up? Why it brought a smile to my face? Why I started to look for that email, the one that included it each day?

As my quest to share love, spread love, and be love continues I'll be gently nudging those of you who find your gifts supporting me. I can only pray that you are blessed as I have been by their intention.

On a personal note, thanks Jenn for the joy, love and blessing of being gently nudged.

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: Broken, But Not Separated

Monday Morning Post: Broken, But Not Separated

Not everyday is a trophy day, I know, I just had one, but that doesn't mean the end of the world. It just may mean that the flesh wasn't aligned with the spirit.

My plans, or design for the day aren't always in tune with what God has in mind. When this happens it's my plans that are gonna fall short not God's. It's probably safe to say that I spend more time getting out of God's way then I should.

I pray for wisdom and guidance everyday knowing broken as I am that I may not get it right. But I strive to keep my faith sound, and rest in the fact that God knows my heart.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10 ESV)

See I know that when I'm broken, I'm not separated from Him. Regardless of how I fail, he reaches out to lay a comforting and forgiving hand on me. A hand of compassion that wants nothing more than to give me hope, peace, joy and a feeling of being loved.

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: Healing

Monday Morning Post: Healing


I'm sitting here this morning amazed at how our bodies can heal. I'm currently journying alongside my father as he recovers from triple bypass surgery. Mind you, he's a month shy of his eight-eighth birthday, and he's doing remarkably well. The improvement every twenty-four hours is astonishing.

This is not to diminish the importance of the medical staff that has prepared, performed, and now administers to his health, but only to recognize the body's unbelievable ability to bounce back. Our creator has designed a magnificent temple for us to dwell in; and one that is capable of achieving results beyond our colorful imagination.

When nourished and cared for around the clock our body can heal as it was created to do. My point here is that it flourishes when nourished and attended to ...and here is where I start to get excited. What does that say about our ability to heal our heart, mind and soul?

If we nourished and attended to our spiritual needs what would our ability to heal be like. If we fed ourselves and cared for our soul's betterment how much would that change our perception of our problems. 

Our ability to heal both body and mind begins and ends with our loving attention to detail, our catering to their needs, and our disciplined approach to nurturing their requirements. 

When we eat well this week let's remember His blessings. When we walk this week, let's walk in His word. When we run let it be in fields of grace. When we laugh, let our smile be His light. When we hurt, let our comfort be His love. And when we sleep let us rest in His arms.

Pray on,

Eddy

MMP: The Road to Please

The road to please can be filled with hidden dangers. There any number of exits, detours and blind spots that can lead us astray.

Some are small and harmless but others will rip your heart out. Don't be fooled into thinking you're the exception, you'll only be disappointed.

Let's start with the fact that each one of us though strikingly alike in some ways will always be different in others. No two people will ever think and feel exactly the same. We just weren't created that way.

We're wired to be individuals, to think for ourselves and we have the freewill to make many decisions every minute of everyday.

This being the case it's faulty thinking to imagine that any act or comment that we offer will please everyone. It's just not going to happen.

So who do we set out to please, what is the purpose, where is the incentive, why should we even try?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God_this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1 (NIV)

The pleasing we need to do should be focused towards God not the ever changing and judgemental whims of society. Anytime we're aligned with God, we're good and the world at large shouldn't be of consequence.

The road to please has one path, just staying on it is hard enough.

Pray on,
Eddy

MMP: Easter Monday

Monday Morning Post: 'Easter Monday'

Easter Monday, and how do you feel? 

Did you recognize it, or not?

If you recognize it, did it make a mark, or not?

If it made a mark, will it last, or not?

If it'll last, will it make a difference, or not?

If it'll make a difference, will it change you, or not?

If it'll change you, will it make a difference, or not?

If it'll make a difference, will it last or not?

If it'll last, will it leave a mark, or not?

If it leaves a mark, will you recognized it, or not?

If you recognize it, how do you feel?

How do you feel, it's Easter Monday?


Pray on,
Eddy