A Chat With God

A couple weeks ago, our weekly Bible study group got into a lengthy discussion about prayer. While we all agreed that we believe that prayer should be a two-way communication with God that involves both talking to and listening to God, we also came to the conclusion that many feel that prayer is a one-way street. I have a hunch that more often than not, individuals only approach God when they feel they have no one else to turn to...sort of a last resort. Others see God as a kind of Genie in a bottle that exists only to grant our wishes and desires.

My personal belief is that God is no different than anyone else we would comminicate with. His desire is that we approach Him in all situations and at all times. In 1st Thessalonians, Paul advises us, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Since I spend a lot of time driving, I often "talk" to God as the miles drift by. Further, I have found my motorcycle time to be an excellent time to spend with God...after all, with no radio on my bike, my conversations with God reverberate inside of my helmet as I ride.

One other thing... in Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." What child doesn't desire to spend time with and talk to their parent? We are to place our trust and faith in God...to be obedient to His Will. That requires communication.

And so, in the spirit of communicating with God, I offer this poem for your consideration. It is entitled, "A Chat With God..."

A Chat With God

I had a chat with God last night, a talk long overdue.
About my needs and wants and thoughts; some things I thought He knew.

My presentation eloquent, my list short and concise.
Some things I’d thought He’d overlooked; I gave Him this advice.

I lamented ‘ore my schedule, my precious time so fleet,
And asked if He could meet my needs, then started to my feet.

He listened to me patiently, never said a word;
Then gently, softly, cleared His throat, and this is what I heard.

“My child,” he said, “I’ve given you much more than you can use;
Food and shelter, warmth and life, and things for you to choose.

But two things that I gave you, most important these…
A heart to love, and be loved back, and choice of will, you see.

It’s not my fault you love so wrong, the things that I detest.
Your will is yours to pick and choose; you’ve simply failed the test.

Don’t feel so bad, you’re not alone, for Mankind’s by your side.
I love you child, and I’ll be here, whenever you decide.

I promise I will give you the things I know you need.
So have no fear, I’ll be right here; My Son your case will plead.

He died for you, His choice, you see, because He loves you so.
And I love you too, even more, you see, because I let Him go.

No greater love hath any man, these words should comfort give
My choice, my will, for you, my child is eternal life to live.


Talk to God today. Spend some quality time in conversation with Jesus. But be prepared to listen. He has all the time in the world to listen to you...give Him the same courtesy and be willing to listen to Him. It just might change your life! :-)

Let the Children come...

I enjoyed a rare experience recently as I was honored to baptize my youngest grandaughter in church in front of family, friends, and God. On Sunday September 20th, (which was also my birthday - talk about blessings piled upon blessings!) my family gathered in our church, St. John's United Methodist Church in Columbus Grove, Ohio, as I baptized 5-month old Jillian Christine Saris. It was a beautifal fall day as my daughter Bethany, husband Matt, and eldest grandaughter Alexa (Lexi) presented the newest member of their family to the family of God.

I wanted to do something a bit different to commemorate the occasion, so during my sermon I presented three perspectives of baptism. The first was from the perspective of the church, or the pastor's point of view. Dressed in my robe, I talked about how baptism is a command of God. "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19 It is where God forgives us of our sins. It is where we are "buried with Christ and raised with Him." It represents our death to our old self and to sin, and our rising to new life in Christ.


Then I removed my robe and put my suit jacket back on, and talked about baptism from the perspective of a Christian. I shared how baptism is a public act of obedience to the Will of God...how baptism washes away the old and prepares us for a new life in God. It is a sign of repentence for us, and a symbol of forgiveness from God.


Finally, I took off my jacket, loosened my tie and rolled up my shirtsleeves...I wanted to share my thoughts on baptism from the perspective of a grandfather. I talked about how giving your children to God is a confirmation of our love for God and for the child. I explained that giving our children to God is a clarification of ownership, declaring that our children, and our grandchildren are truly gifts from God. I shared that giving our children to God is a commitment to raise our children in the knowledge and with the help of God. And finally, I shared how giving our children to God is a claiming of God's plan and promises for that child.

Allow me to close this post with this observation...God truly blesses those who put their trust and faith in him. Nola and I consider ourselves to be blessed beyond measure. We love our children (Bethany, Ben, and Brittany) dearly and would do most anything for them. We have embraced our sons-in-law (Matt and Matt) and have found them to be caring, thoughtful men who demonstrate love and devoted attention to their families. And we deeply love our granddaughters (Alexa, Kaitlyn, Jillian, and a player to be named in March!) Knowing that as grandparents we are an integral part of their lives and development is both humbling and joyous.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14