The Story of our Life….

Good Morning! I hope you had a terrific weekend! Our weekend was event filled and full of memories.

This morning, I am sitting with the kids while Clare has her 2 hour post-delivery sugar test.  Please pray for her and that this test will come back with no issues.  Thus far, I have rocked Joseph to sleep, the kids are set and doing their school work, and Ally and I have played Barbie dolls.  And its not even 9:30 am!  The work of a mother should never be underestimated!  And she does this all day.  Whew!

Let me safe a word about our Church Community Groups this past Sunday.  We were able to have 6 plus families per home spread in several homes.  And yes that includes children!  The food was great, but the time of fellowship and community was even better.  If you weren’t able to attend this month’s community group, you will have an opportunity next Month on Sunday, March 18th.  Typically, Community Groups will be held on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

This past Sunday evening, the Lord allowed Jordan and I to travel to Kittery, Maine and visit my cousin and his wife.  Phillip is a chaplain in the military and is currently stationed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.  My son Jordan came along and we were able to spend some time with family.  Yesterday, we were able to tour the base and see the chapel where Phillip preaches and leads Bible studies.  He is a fine young man and our family is proud of the work that he is doing.

Chaplaincy in the military is misunderstood by many.  Although I have a number of friends who serve as “chaps” in the service, I was not familiar with the daily routine or the ins and outs.  Phillip gave us a great tour and shared his burden for military personnel.  Our mission and goal are the same as his. I will be asking Phillip to write an e-votion soon and share with you what God is doing in their life.

Now, let me leave you with one thought from Ravi Zacharias entitled the Stories We Tell…

Have you ever had the feeling that an experience you had, whether good or bad, was like a scene from a novel or a movie—like you were a part of at least a small story? With the ubiquitous presence of Facebook pages and blogging platforms, I suspect this phenomenon grows all the more common an experience (and likely one that increasingly communicates we are the leading characters of these stories).

If the answer is yes, it’s probably because our lives, after all, do tell a story—and perhaps the increasing presence of such outlets to tell these stories affirms it. Every human being has a unique story unfolding as they live out their lives. Just think of it: literally billions of different stories going on all at once, intertwining, overlapping, as we love each other, hate each other, struggle together, and laugh together. Every minute new human stories are beginning in birth and old ones are concluding in death.

Listen to what author Brent Curtis has to say about the stories of our lives:

“The deepest convictions of our heart are formed by stories and reside there in the images and emotions of [a] story….Life is not a list of propositions, it is a series of dramatic scenes. As Eugene Peterson said, ‘We live in a narrative, we live in a story. We have a beginning and an end, we have a plot, we have character.’ Story is the language of the heart. Our souls speak not in the naked facts of mathematics or the abstract propositions of systematic theology; they speak the images and emotions of story.”

We love stories because life itself is a story. We each have a story that takes place in a particular context, culture, and time in history. Depending on how we grew up, the dynamics of our families, and a million other factors, our stories are going to come out differently.

But is there any common element that runs through all of our stories, an element that we see in every life?

You may have never thought about it this way, but the Christian message really introduces a story of its own; and if it is indeed true, it’s a story that explains the “plot” of each and every human life story. What is this lot? It’s a love story. It’s the story of God’s love for us individually and collectively, God’s seeking to win our hearts again and again, and our responses to this movement toward us.

We see this in the well known text of John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. I would challenge you to look at your life, look at where you are now and where you’ve been, and see if you do not find evidence of God drawing you closer to who God truly is. See if you can find God calling to you in the circumstances of your life, even in hard or painful times, whispering to you in joy, in mystery, in fear, in pain.

God is the ultimate author, God’s story the account that makes sense of our lives and brings beauty into our own stories. As one human author put it, your life could be the very poetry of God.

What does your story say?

Courage- the Cowardly Lion and Barney Fife

Good Morning!  I pray that your weekend will be fulfilled.

Please plan on being with us for the Men of Iron Bible study tomorrow morning at 8:00 am.  So far, we have no one bringing the bagels/doughnuts, so if you choose to bring them, you will be the most popular guy for that one hour.  :)

Also, plan on joining us after service on Sunday morning for lunch.  Everyone is invited, BUT- we need to know if you are planning to be in attendance.  We have several homes ready to go, but each family is bringing a dish and knows where they are headed.  Let me know today.

Also, I ask that you pray for my son Jordan today.  He is having a “minor” surgery to remove an extra tooth.  The dentist had said that over time his front tooth would come down, but it has been too long and it never dropped down.  They discovered a tiny extra tooth and need to remove it.  He will be there at 10:00 am in Avon, CT.  The oral surgeon said it would be 20 minutes or less.  Please pray for his heart, he’s  a tad bit nervous.  Thank you.

It reminds me of a past evotion I wrote about fear and courage, and both are contagious….

One of the most memorable characters from the Wizard of Oz was the Cowardly Lion.  And just the mention of his name brings a smile to my face.  “Put ‘em up, Put ‘em up!”

And I look at Barney Fife in the same way.  He is one of my all time favorite characters in Television.  One bullet in his pocket and he uses it to almost shoot himself in the foot.  Lovable characters, but definitely lacking in the courage department.

Winston Churchill once said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; and courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”  I love that definition.

Today, I want to touch on two words: Fear and Courage.  Fear can cripple us.  Fear can keep us from accomplishing God’s work.  Fear can make mountains out of molehills.  Fear can also be interpreted as a lack of faith or trust in God.  So, what does “fear” look like in your life?  What are you most afraid of?

Our verse today comes from Joshua 1:7-10.  In this passage God speaks directly to Joshua and says, “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.  This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Joshua knew that he had some large shoes to fill.  I can only imagine what he was thinking before the big day…. ((Forty years of wandering aimlessly in the wilderness are over.  Tomorrow we march to the Promised Land.  Moses our leader, my mentor and friend is dead.  Now, I am in charge…..I am in charge?! Lord, I need Your help!))

We like to attribute “super-human” qualities to our favorite Bible characters but we seem to forget that they were just like us.  Joshua needed a heavenly reminder about courage and who was in charge.  Perhaps he had knots or butterflies in his stomach, or for a moment the gravity of the task overwhelmed him.   But whatever the case, when we are faced with seemingly insurmountable circumstances, we too, must remember that God is right there.

When things get scary the instinct of most (church) leaders is to circle the wagons, cut back, and wait out the difficult times.  I have to say that I have been guilty of that mentality.  But we can’t charge the Gates of Hell in Reverse!  I know that there is a fine line between faith and foolishness but I must admit that circling the wagons doesn’t seem to advance the kingdom.  In our passage we see that Joshua had the wisdom and patience to wait and hear what God said first.  Then…and only then he would command the people.  So often we get ahead of God and that is when we get into trouble!

Going in a new direction!  Having a new way of life and living!  Great opportunities and unlimited potential!  What opportunities we could have but our fear keeps us far from our reach.  Prosperity preachers today foolishly think that “success” is within your reach by simply speaking it into existence.  ”Poof” and you have your “blessed reality.”  But the reality was that “the leader”, Joshua needed an encouraging nudge from the Lord.  He seemed scared.  He recognized the gravity of the situation.  He had seen God work for many years.  Moses dealt with complainers, whiners and the wicked for 40 years.  Sounds like many churches today?

I believe that God deals in reality.  Our Father never sugar-coats the truth.  Our Lord always spoke the truth in love…and even then it would sting.  Do you want to follow Jesus?  Then it “will” cost you something! And you will need to be strong!  We are living in difficult times.  Many in our nation are financially bankrupt, while many more are morally and spiritually bankrupt.  Today, people are living like there is no God.  Fear has gripped many in our nation and simply put, people are afraid.

Some are afraid of dying and some are just plain afraid to live.  Some are afraid of tomorrow while some live in constant fear the past.  Some are afraid of their family and some are afraid of themselves.  When fear grips a person they are crippled and paralyzed.  When fear grips a Christian they lose their effectiveness for the Lord and His work.  Imagine the next morning that Joshua would not come out of his tent and said, “The task is too great!  I might fail!  People may not like me because I will not do it like Moses! “  May God deliver us from fear and excuses!

My friends both fear and courage are contagious.  When we stand and courageously lead- people will follow.  I would rather follow someone with courage enough to stand up and take a risk for God!  It’s time to head out!  Today is a new day!  The Promised Land is in sight and I have no intention of looking back at the wilderness of the past!

Now, put ‘em up, get your bullet and let’s go with God!

Speaking to a High School today about Bullying….

Good Morning!  I took yesterday off from writing to get to some work around the house.  Praise the Lord, I am almost done with it.  Let me encourage you to visit our church’s website and listen to the sermons.  Today, we will be uploading sermons from the last 2 weeks.

This morning, I ask that you pray for me.  I am planning to speak at a High school on the topic of bullying.  I know that this can be a sensitive subject and that many young people who are bullied never say anything.

Most of the readers here are out of high school.  Do you remember those days?  I’m sure you haven’t forgotten what it was like to be a teenager in the 10th grade, walking the halls and carrying your books, have you?

As much as we remember our teenage years in high school, most, if not all, of us would not go back.  We are in a different season of life.  We know more now and understand our past mistakes.  We may have regrets about what we did or it may be one of the hardest times of our lives.

Before we write off “bullying” today, let’s recall recent events in our nation.  Teens who feel bullied and have reached the end have taken matters into their own hands. Whether they choose to take their own life or the lives of others, young people who feel trapped and past the point of no return, lash out and cause unbelievable pain.

Of course, not everyone who is bullied goes to such extremes.  Some carry the private pain of feeling worthless, and de-valued as a result of the taunts, cut-downs and jokes.

We live in a different world today.  Whereas, when we attended high school, bullying could be on one front: at school/at work/at play.  But it was there- one dimensional.  Today, with the virtual world and social media- the internet and Facebook, bullying has received a shot in the arm.  And both young and old alike have been affected by it.

Recently, there was the story of the young lady who took her own life, because the mother of her classmate was bullying her online and pushed her too far.  How sad, that their some adults have never grown up and continue to inflict pain.

This note is short, and I may return to it later today, but what are your thoughts?  How would you deal with bullying?  What would you say if you stood before a group of young people?  Do you have regrets about this?  Do you have advice?

I ask that you pray for me today.  I will keep you informed.

My Papa and the Chick-a/wimp-i-fication of Pastors

Good Morning and Happy Weekend! I trust that your weekend plans include the Lord, going to church with the family and having a great time!  And in that order.  :)

Tomorrow, plan to attend the Men of Iron Bible study @ 8:00 am.  After our study, we will be breaking out into our smaller groups.  Also, here are 2 announcements- Budget Approval on Sunday after the morning service and Next Sunday- Community Groups.  This is where families in the church go to homes and eat together, sharing fellowship and having a Bible study.  Sign-up on Sunday!

Today, marks 9 years since my Papa went home to be with Jesus.  He was one of the greatest men I have ever known.  I love him and I really miss him.  I wish that he could see what his children, grandchildren (and greats) have done with their lives. There have been many times I wanted to ask him about things in our church and how he would handle it.  Growing up, my cousin, Torrey and I would spend days at Papa and Grandma’s house.  We never thought then that they would one day be gone.  I really miss him.  But as the song says, we have “Precious Memories” and a Lasting Legacy that we should follow him as he followed Jesus.

“This town ain’t big enough for the two of us, so I’m giving you till sundown to get out of dodge….Let’s me and you step outside!….Over my dead body!….You can have my gun when you pry it from my dead lifeless fingers.”  I love those lines from the old western movies!  They are awesome and I could sit and watch them for hours!

In fact, I am very proud that I have gotten my wife to watch some of the old spaghetti westerns with me.  (But I didn’t say that she liked them.)  But by the time the credits roll all was right in the old west.  No doubt there are some today who feel that things would be different if men could just take it outside like they did in the old west.  Gun duels, beating up the bad dudes and the good guy rides off into the sunset with the girl.  It makes a great movie!  Reality however….quite different.

My grandfather was that guy.  Granted, he wasn’t a cowboy, he was an “old time- Baptist preacher!”  But make no mistake, he was that guy.  To my knowledge, he didn’t fight anyone in the church, but there was no question that he was very serious about serving the Lord and protecting the flock of God.  He was always ready to stand up to the doubters, deniers, uncommitted and apathetic.  He not only stood up to compromise in the church but to those in the world as well.

One pastor friend from Raleigh, NC put it this way, “Somehow a subtle wimpification-heresy has infiltrated today’s American pastor… as in, when people really start to criticize you, or rebel, or try and take over the church, you should just quietly absorb it, take it on the chin, not fight back, and see what happens. Or, if some power brokers in the church really attack you, it may be best just to not defend yourself and humbly quit since real Christians don’t fight.

Total lies.

A good shepherd takes on the wolves that threaten to damage his flock. He fights. It’s never in self-defense, of course… but, quite often, what is being most threatened is not the reputation of the pastor but the health of the church… Someone is trying to harm the flock that Jesus purchased with His blood! The local church is Jesus’ most expensive investment–so how can we not fight to protect it?

Paul provides a great example for us. Paul’s decision on whether or not to fight, as demonstrated in some of his epistles, was based on what was best for the flock, not for him personally. In certain places he does not defend himself because, as he sees it, defending his reputation will provide no immediate benefit to the local church (see Philippians 1:13). In others, however, he goes to great ends to defend himself and his work, because to do so helps the local church (see the whole book of 2 Corinthians!).

In other words, we should never fight to protect our reputation, but we should be willing to fight to protect the body. It may superficially appear “humble” and “Christ-like” to obsequiously walk away and surrender when you are being attacked, but you may be doing the flock a great disservice in doing so. You may be turning over your flock to wolves. No shepherd worthy of Jesus’ name should ever do that. You need to say “only over my dead body.”

We must, of course, always remain sweet-spirited and forgiving, and never take the wounds personally. God will vindicate and defend us. We should be as gracious with others as we expect God to be with us. And by “fighting,” of course, I do not mean fighting in the way the world fights… as in trying to wound others either emotionally or physically. By “fighting” I mean striving to keep the Gospel clear and the mission central.

Furthermore, we should always remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but Satan himself.  We ourselves were once prisoners of Satan, so we must be gracious to those who are currently under his snare just as we once were. But we must also, graciously and lovingly, rebuke the works of darkness.

The church is Jesus’ most expensive investment. As Jesus demonstrated, she is worth fighting for, even dying, to protect.

Now, get on your horse and ride in Jesus name!

The Power of Three Words.

Good morning!  Our verse today comes from Proverbs 18:21.  It reads, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”  I believe we all understand that words have consequences….both good and bad.  Over the years we subconsciously collect various phrases.  Each of us can recall those words that motivated, challenged, angered or depressed us and our words are so vitally important.

The article below reminds us of the power of three word phrases.  As we go through our day, we do not know what a co-worker, spouse, child, parent or friend may be really going through.  Our words, led by the Holy Spirit, can bring life, hope and  to others.

“Three-Word” Phrases to Enrich Your Relationships:

Some of the most significant messages come in “three word” packages. These loving statements contain the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones, and restore broken ones.

Use these “three-word phrases” to enrich your relationships with spouse, parent, child, or colleague:

The Blessings of Walking through the Valley

Good Morning!  I trust that you are on the downside to your “hump-day” and picking up some speed. :)  Plan to be in prayer meeting and Bible study tonight at 7:00 pm and bring your kids out for Awana.  Tomorrow, the Ladies Bible study will meet on Thursday morning at 10:00 am.  This is for those who cannot make an evening study and Clare will lead the group.

Last night, we kicked off our first “official” Bible study.  It seems like we have been kicking off for the last 3 weeks, but this is how we planned our group’s pre-season.  We met for 3 weeks and planned, prayed and discussed what was ahead.  Today, I have already heard the wonderful reports of what happened last night.  Praise God!  We are very excited to see what God “is” doing and what we are planning to “receive” from Him as He works in our midst.  This Saturday, the men of Iron will meet and be able to have our first official study at 8:00 am.  There is no doubt that God is working in our church- the question is can you see it, feel it and are you a part of it?

Today’s passage comes from Psalms 23.  In this awesome passage David said, Yea, though I walk through the valley…”  First, he said Yea…Yes, this is happening!  Yes, this is real!  Yes, I can’t believe it nor control it!…Yea.  Second he said, Yea, though I “walk”….I can’t run, sprint, not even crawl (though we feel like it at times). The idea of walking is consistency, patience and perseverance.  Third, he said- I walk “through”….There is an end in sight.  You and I may not see it but we are going through.  We will make it out!  Finally, he said…I walk through the “valley”….the hard place, the difficult times, the darkness.  It will come, we will have to walk in it but we will go through it!

Not long ago I was re-reading books about the great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor.  I feel so small and insignificant when I see that he was consumed with the fire and passion to do God’s will.  Hudson’s life was full of disappointment and pain.  Yet he served the Lord despite his situation.  He once said, “I am so weak that I can hardly write, I cannot read my Bible, I cannot even pray, I can only lie still in God’s arms like a little child, and trust.”  That thought reminds me of the old hymn that says, “…I am weak, but Thou art strong…”

We know that some days are just plain difficult to be spiritual.  As we battle our flesh and stubborn will move it becomes difficult to read the Word and even more difficult to pray.  When those days come how do we respond?  What do the valleys teach us?  Do we become bitter, hardened and cynical as a result of the circumstances in our life?

Let me encourage you to find the lily in the valley.  The beauty in the thorn that is only found as you walk through the deep valleys.  We find that God is awesome, His strength is preeminent and His hand is hand is evident as we walk “alone” in the valley.  Let me close with the words of another great hymn that says, I come to the garden alone….and He walks with me and He talks with me…”  We may feel that we enter the valley alone, apart from the eye and knowledge of our Father, yet He sees us.

In closing analyze David’s words once again, Yea, though I walk through the valley…”

A Word about the Word-of-Faith Movement.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5).

Good Morning!  I trust that your day and your week has been blessed so far.  Today, Joseph is officially 2 months old!  Yep- soon, he’ll be driving.  :) I took yesterday off from writing and was able to spend time with the family doing what every man “loves” to do!….Shopping.  Oh yeah, you heard it right- shopping.  Honestly, any time spent with the family is good- whether it’s shopping, messing around or just chill-axing (as they say) things are always better when it’s done with family.

Also, this past Saturday morning, my phone went “ker-plunk” in our toilet.  If you have been trying to get ahold of me, or have received a random call from me- today, things should be back to normal.  I have a replacement phone arriving today, or as the lady at the store said, “a comparable phone.”  And about the “ker-plunk”, you don’t want to know.  Long weekend.  :)

Please be in prayer for our Growth Groups this week.  Tonight, and Thursday morning, the ladies meet and will discuss chapter one (Every Bite Counts) of their book- The Resolution for Women.  The same goes for the men’s group on Saturday morning at 8:00 am.  Read Chapter one (Why we need Men of Resolution) in our book- the Resolution for Men.

This week, the larger group of both men and women will be broken up into smaller groups, as we have discussed.  This will allow for closer fellowship, deeper friendship and greater accountability. Make sure that you are present in your group meeting to discover your band of brothers or your circle of friends.

Today, I am going to do what many preachers do but often fail to say….I’m going to borrow someone else’s brain/thoughts.  As I have often heard, “There is no original thought.”  As Solomon said, “There is NO new thing under the sun.”  Yet, when referring to another man’s work under the sun, I do want to at least give him credit.

I happened upon today’s note while studying a passage in reference to the Prosperity Gospel.  As you recall last week, Tim Tebow declined to speak at a conference sponsored by a “prosperity” preacher, so I began my own study.  Today’s note is written by John MaCarthur’s assistant pastor- Phil Johnson.  Very interesting.  I pray it will bless you.

Here is his full title:  “A Word about the Word-of-Faith Doctrine: A False Religion Full of Greed and Discontent.”

In 1 Timothy 6:6-11, the apostle Paul writes: ”6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

Paul’s own testimony gives us a vivid picture of true faithfulness and blessedness: 11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (Philippians 4:11-12).

Clearly, contentment is a great virtue, especially in times of suffering and poverty. In fact, this is the consistent teaching of Scripture from beginning to end: God’s blessing is not measurable by a person’s material prosperity. True biblical prosperity is about spiritual health, joy in the Lord, rewards in heaven, and grace in the midst of earthly sufferings. True prosperity has nothing whatsoever to do with material wealth or an abundance of worldly riches. In fact, those things are often hindrances to spiritual blessings.

The wicked often prosper materially, while truly godly people suffer. “12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:12-13). Christ himself suffered, 21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Peter 2:21).

All of that flatly contradicts the message of the Prosperity Gospel—the so-called “Word of Faith” movement. Word-of-Faith teachers insist that worldly wealth, physical health, and material prosperity are the ultimate gauge of how blessed you are by God.

Furthermore, they say, you yourself are the one who ultimately determines how much or how little of God’s blessings you enjoy. You can manipulate God with your words. You have it within the power of your own heart to summon enough faith to claim whatever blessing you want. And if you are not materially prosperous; if you are sick; if you suffer in any way, you are the one to blame because you didn’t have enough “faith” in your own ability to create a new reality by making a positive confession. You didn’t claim your own dream by faith.

That is a lie from the pit of hell. InJohn MacArthur’s words, the prosperity gospel “is no different from the lowest human religions—a form of voodoo where God can be coerced, cajoled, manipulated, controlled, and exploited for the Christian’s own ends.” It is rooted in greed. It glorifies the sinner at the expense of Christ. It fosters unbelief and spiritual defeat rather than genuine trust in God and triumph in Christ. It makes faith into a formula for manipulating God, rather than a humble, repentant trust in him.

In fact, Word-of-Faith doctrine flatly contradicts everything Scripture says about faith and the promises of God; about suffering and prosperity; about contentment and covetousness; about the work of Christ and the depravity of fallen humanity. It is the religion of mammon-worship; it is not the way of the cross. In short, it is a false gospel—meaning it is no gospel at all. It is a damning and damnable lie, and those who follow such a false and materialistic religion are on the broad road that leads to destruction.

Think on these things.

Bridges: Cross them- Build them or Burn them?

Good Morning!  It’s already Friday?!  Time is flying.  Grace church family, please remember that we are having Soup and Sandwiches on Sunday.  If you haven’t signed up bring something with you.  Drink, dessert, bread, meat or soup.  Also, Men of Iron don’t forget about our meeting tomorrow @ 8 am.  We will be taking the next step together in this great spiritual adventure!

Last night, I had the joy of speaking to yet another person from my past.  This “young” person (now “old”…early 20’s) was a junior high teen in our former youth group.  This long conversation left an impression upon me. I was reminded as to why we haven’t burned bridges.  I’m sure that you understand the analogy.  It can mean the point of no return, no means of retreat, no going back- burn the bridge behind you.

As I continued to reflect on this thought, I began searching for the meaning behind this interesting expression.  Before jumping into this note, let me ask you a question- Are you a Bridge Builder or Bridge Burner?  Obviously, one is easier than the other, and one is permanent.  Think about it.  Now, here’s the meaning…..

To Burn one’s bridges- This expression is derived from the idea of burning down a bridge after crossing it during a military campaign, leaving no choice but to continue the march. Figuratively, it means to commit oneself to a particular course of action by making an alternative course impossible. It is most often used in reference to deliberately alienating persons or institutions whose cooperation is required for some action. For instance,”On my last day at my old job, I told my boss what I really think about the company. I guess I burned my bridges.”

Wow.  In life, we get burned and often burn others.  But burning down the entire bridge?  As I continued my research last night, I found a few interesting quotes and stories that I want to share with you.  And I found one article below very insightful.  Remember, are you a builder or burner?  There are risks in both ventures.

“We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered.” ― Tom Stoppard

I found this quote on Google the other day and was arrested by it. I’m not sure exactly why, but it had the ring of truth to it, the ring of other favorite quotes that I’ve ended up absorbing into my vocabulary.  [I discovered that the quote is from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. The following is based on not knowing that, and is not intended to be any sort of commentary or interpretation of that work. Any (mis)representations made here are entirely mine.]

It seems to me that this quote can be taken two ways. Optimistically, the mindset described here is a sort of carefree, guilt-free, worry-free existence, almost childlike, the very essence of carpe diem. “Burning our bridges” is a severing of connections to the past, a sort of “forgive and forget” (remember, we’re being optimistic here). No guilt follows us out of the past, no ghosts can sneak up behind us. Our rear is secure, so to speak. The closets have been purged of skeletons.

Furthermore, still speaking optimistically, we “cross our bridges when we come to them” ― that is, and not before we come to them. No worries. No dread of an unknown future. We are well-fed, clothed, and happy right now, and we’ll worry about tomorrow…tomorrow. What an appealing mindset in a world concerned so much about the next plague, war, recession, CSI episode, or sports upset.

It’s good to be optimistic. Living life free from guilt is one of the greatest blessings of Christianity. “There is now no condemnation,” and all that. Our past sins do not condemn us; “the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1). Likewise, living free from worry is a great blessing as well. Our heavenly Father provides all that we need and then some. “Give us this day our daily bread” we pray, not asking for a week’s supply all at once. Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount remind us that every day has plenty of trouble of its own.  (Matthew 6:34). In Christ, we are free from worry over the future (crossing our bridges) and guilt over the past (burning them behind us), and free to live in the “day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2)

I’m not sure this quote is really all that positive, however. I don’t think the chord it struck in me was blind optimism; rather, I’m afraid it was the opposite.

“We cross our bridges when we come to them.” We don’t plan ahead or give any thought to the future, until the future is today. We refuse to make connections between current actions (or inactions) and future repercussions. We live for the moment, eating, drinking, making merry, until the cold winter comes and we, like the grasshopper, are dependent on the goodwill of others. It’s fine to cross your bridges when you come to them, but what if we arrive at the toll booth with no money to make the crossing? There is a line between worry and preparedness; sometimes at the risk of doing the former, we fail to make even the smallest effort at the latter.

“And burn them behind us.” Living free from guilt is one thing. Refusing to learn from (or even admit to) your mistakes is completely another. A person who has burnt all his bridges has nothing to fall back on, no line of retreat, no foundation on which to build except the dangerously shifty subjectivity of his present circumstances. And we therefore “have nothing to show for our progress.”

“Once our eyes watered.” We vaguely remember that our actions caused us discomfort, but as long as that’s only a vague memory, we think we’re good–to–go. How many times must we cry the same tears before we learn our lessons?

Most haunting of all is the imagery built on the sense of smell. “A memory of the smell of smoke.” As we blindly grope our way thorough each day’s problems without the trustworthy wisdom of past lessons learned, a lingering olfactory memory silently suggests to us that our current problems are all our fault.

What bridges have you torched?  What bridges are you thinking are impassable?  Is this because of what you have done, or what someone else has done to you?  Are you a bridge builder or bridge burner?

When it comes to bridges- do you cross it, build it or burn it?  My friends, let’s be careful how we treat others today and every day.  You will bump into them again one day.  And when you do, what will happen?