I just got back from being on holidays - my wife and I and two friends spent some time in Mexico. While we were there we met and chatted with a really likeable guy named Ellio. Ellio worked at the place where we stayed selling massages on the beach and every day he would wander around trying to convince people that their vacation was incomplete unless they had a 50 minute massage.
For a lot of years I went on record as being somebody who hated Christmas. Hated is probably too strong a word (but then again I like to get reactions out of people, so I probably used it for that reason alone) because I really do love Christmas - at least with regards to what it really is all about. I don’t even really dislike all of the cultural trappings of Christmas (even though most of them we could definitely do without) - I like spending time with family, I like giving gifts and even though publicly I will deny this, I don’t even mind singing Christmas carols from time to time.
At the church where I work, we have been walking through the Gospels (in as chronological a way as we can) in an effort to just spend some time watching and listening to Jesus. As people who call ourselves followers of Jesus, the things He taught and the things that were (and are) close to His heart also ought to be close to ours.
(not actually Printer Dude)
Meet Printer Dude.
He installs printers and cartridges for me and my office.
He’s a raging alcoholic in complete denial.
He’s a soon-to-be twice divorcee.
His kids live between two worlds. “They’re okay with it though, they know dad loves them.”
Sure.
His first divorce cost him over $500,000, including the house in Oakville. He expects the secord divorce will cost roughly the same. He’s cheated on both wives, many times. Of course, he isn’t to blame.
“I can’t control myself. I’m different. It’s hard in sales, you know?”
And besides, his wife IS 29- she’s getting a little old for his liking.
“You see Jay, women are like carpets- you need to throw them out when they get old and worn out.”
And so, for Printer Dude, it’s time for a new carpet. I also think it’s time for a new heart.
Pray for his wife, his ex-wife, and his future wife. Pray for his kids, that they’d see Jesus despite the selfishness of their father. Pray for Printer Dude’s life, that he’s allow God to take control and give him a new life of love in Jesus.
And become a better man, one who can bear witness to the thing of Christ.
For that is our calling, men.
Jay
About 10 years ago I heard a song by the Newsboys (I think?) and the chorus said “when we don’t get what we deserve, it’s a real good thing.” I told my dad I totally disagreed and that it was a stupid song. He asked me to explain. I educated him in the fact that I should always get what I deserved. He then reminded me what I actually deserved, in light of my life and my sin. I’ll never forget it- it hit me like a ton o’ bricks.
Read this out loud…
I don’t deserve love.
I don’t deserve a girl.
I don’t deserve sex.
I don’t deserve intimacy.
These things aren’t rights.
I deserve nothing.
Scratch that.
I deserve death.
I deserve hell.
I deserve punishment for my sins.
But wait.
There is one who loves me.
There is one who can save me.
There is one who can wash away my sin.
There is one that can heal me.
There is one who can forgive me.
He name is Jesus.
And He offers a second chance.
A new life.
A chance at love, fulfillment, and intimacy.
It’s not a right.
I don’t deserve it.
It’s a gift.
And I humbly accept.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no man can boast.” -Ephesians 2:8-9-
