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Smoking weed in San Diego

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I’m in San Diego for a conference this week.  I’ve enjoyed the city- especially the weather.

Yesterday I went for a run from the conference hotel.  I walked down to an intersection to cross over into a park- and was met by a strange odor in the air.  It was sharp, distinctive and permeated the air around me.  I looked sideways at two young men standing next to me and quickly determined the source.

These guys were smoking marijuana.  In broad daylight. At the corner of a busy intersection.

I was stunned, but it obviously wasn’t a rare occurrence for these two.  Isn’t this illegal? They causally talked and laughed while they waited for their bus.

The light turned green and I ran across the street into the park.  But I couldn’t get the thought out of my head.  It was just a strange sight.

I later found out that this wasn’t illegal at all.  If you are 21 and follow certain rules, public usage of marijuana is perfectly legal in California.  It wasn’t agains the law at all.

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:9

It made me think of my own life…and how my behavior and attitude might shock others.

The times that I show greed or envy.  The opportunities to show mercy- but I don’t.  When anger takes over my thoughts and I secretly harbor ill feelings toward others.

Thoughts of anger, greed or envy aren’t illegal, but they are unproductive.  When I display those tendencies, I can hurt others or diminish my influence as one who loves Jesus.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Philippians 3:17

Pray for me to be a better example to others.  I want to show Jesus in my life- even when  I think that no one is watching.

And let me know how to pray for you.

God bless.

 

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Outside


I went outside to pray this morning. 

It was just before daybreak. There were no signs of the sun or stirring animals. The only other presence I felt was the rustling sound of leaves from a cool breeze. 

As I worked through my prayer list I slowly noticed the emerging signs of a new day. Birds began to chirp. Crickets started to call out in a pleasant rhythm. The deer and squirrels made faint noises as they began to stir around deep in the woods. 

On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. Psalm 145:5

And then the sunrise. 

The light quickly chased the darkness away. Colors of grey, blue and orange pushed back remnants of the nighttime sky. 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

I didn’t go outside this morning to intentionally take in God’s handiwork. But it became an overwhelming experience for me. It brought me peace. It let me focus. It warmed my heart.  It calmed my broken spirit. 

I challenge all of us to change up our prayer routine this week. Get outside and go to a different spot. Read from God’s word and meditate on His love for you. And then meditate and pray while surrounded by God’s creation. 

And remember that you are the greatest example of God’s handiwork. 

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Please let me know how I may pray for you this week. 

God bless you. 

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