Good Morning Everyone!
What a beautiful July rain soaked morning it is! The run in the rain was absolutely refreshing! As you know or have figured out from last week's emails we had a crazy week in the Ruckman household. Challenging might be an understatement, but I can't think of a much better word to use. The good news is that it brought us closer together as a family and strengthened our resolve. Its amazing how God can do his work in the hardest of times. The goodness kind of hit a pinnacle for me last night at bedtime when Will decided he wanted to sing his bedtime song instead of having me sing it to him. Usually his bedtime routine entails me reading him a book, helping him through his prayers (he usually says the Lord's prayer on his own and doesn't want Dad's help), and then I usually sing him a song which is often a contemporary Christian song. Lately he has wanted me to sing "Our God is Greater" by Chris Tomlin. Last night he wanted to do it himself and he did... he hit the entire song perfectly on pitch and it flowed as if I was listening to it on the radio. Needless to say this Dad was a little choked up with joy and found strength of the spirit through a 5 year old. Raising children is certainly the hardest thing I've ever done, but moments like last night make it all worth it! There is a simple beauty in their souls that I think as adults we tend to guard and keep away from the world. Thanks be to God for allowing me to see it!
Last week, during what I will call a battle, my prayer partner Scott shared Psalm 33 with me. I found a verse that kind of carried me and really describes the way I felt last night...
Psalm 33:21
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
The rough stretch last week was about trust and faith and I found that if you want to truly rejoice, God has to be present. If you want to truly get through pain, God has to be present as well. Without God we just muddle through. Don't fall into that trap if you can avoid it. Allow true peace to enter your lives this week. Allow the Risen King to refresh you, renew you, and let you experience joy. And, may you have that moment of beauty like I did last night. The kind that resets the playing field... Praise be to God!
Love in Christ,
Steve
Monday, July 12, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
How much do I Love them?
During the past 12 years I've finished 7 marathons. At some point during each one of them (usually around mile 20)... I've hit a wall. Didn't think I would see that wall again until the Fall, but I was wrong. A wall of life hit me last week. This wall was different and I wasn't running a marathon ... As I type this I ask for prayers. I ask for prayers of strength, prayers of forgiveness, and prayers of discernment. Not only for me, but for anyone that has been beaten down. I won't go into details, but will tell you that in the past week I've faced many challenges. All of them relate to being a good Christian in the wake of adversity. As Christians, we are challenged to live our lives on Biblical principals while being surrounded by those that would easily cast the hurting aside or absolve themselves of the challenges that come with living and loving together as true believers of Christ. Some of these individuals call themselves friends, some neighbors, and some just acquaintances, but all in all I've had the distinct displeasure of experiencing what it feels like to live among pretenders, gossipers, and slanderers this past week. I not only felt their vile spit, but became engrossed in it, tortured by it, and beaten down by it. But, during it all I was able to remain somewhat centered. Why? Hebrews 11. That simple, that easy ... FAITH
In the past I would have probably went off the handle, but I think I've finally reached a point in my walk where I've been able to reach down into my toolbox and pray rather than judge, distance rather confront, and love rather than hate.
Its curious how hard times present us with choices. I once heard a quote that said its not the setbacks that define us, its how we respond to those setbacks. How very true that is. I would also add that when facing adversity, its our faith that truly defines us and our actions.
Back to choices and back to the reason for this email other than just my weekly thoughts on life. I made a choice and it wasn't an easy one. I made a choice to not judge, but also not to try to understand those that don't show God's love. How much love do I have for them? A whole lot, but I have to resist the urge to be a Man and to "fix it now". Time to let God do some work. If he needs me to be a vehicle, he will let me know in his time. Until then... I'll run on... it is marathon training season after all.
Finally, I know I've rambled some today and it was intentional. You see I wanted you to know a couple of things:
1. I'm far from perfect and struggle just like everyone. I believe we learn from each other and I am an open book to be learned from. Use me if you need to as a good example... shoot, use me as a bad example, but see me as I am ... broken and only saved through the Grace of our Perfect God!
2. Next time something happens to rock your world and question your impression of the world I encourage you to open your Bible, read Hebrews 11 and tell me what it says to you about Faith. Let that be a tool for you as its been for me.
Next week is going to be a better week. I don't think it, I know it. Live by Faith my Brothers and Sisters and Run On!
Love in Christ,
Steve
In the past I would have probably went off the handle, but I think I've finally reached a point in my walk where I've been able to reach down into my toolbox and pray rather than judge, distance rather confront, and love rather than hate.
Its curious how hard times present us with choices. I once heard a quote that said its not the setbacks that define us, its how we respond to those setbacks. How very true that is. I would also add that when facing adversity, its our faith that truly defines us and our actions.
Back to choices and back to the reason for this email other than just my weekly thoughts on life. I made a choice and it wasn't an easy one. I made a choice to not judge, but also not to try to understand those that don't show God's love. How much love do I have for them? A whole lot, but I have to resist the urge to be a Man and to "fix it now". Time to let God do some work. If he needs me to be a vehicle, he will let me know in his time. Until then... I'll run on... it is marathon training season after all.
Finally, I know I've rambled some today and it was intentional. You see I wanted you to know a couple of things:
1. I'm far from perfect and struggle just like everyone. I believe we learn from each other and I am an open book to be learned from. Use me if you need to as a good example... shoot, use me as a bad example, but see me as I am ... broken and only saved through the Grace of our Perfect God!
2. Next time something happens to rock your world and question your impression of the world I encourage you to open your Bible, read Hebrews 11 and tell me what it says to you about Faith. Let that be a tool for you as its been for me.
Next week is going to be a better week. I don't think it, I know it. Live by Faith my Brothers and Sisters and Run On!
Love in Christ,
Steve
Monday, June 28, 2010
Shout Louder
Good Morning Everyone!
This morning as I type I'm reflecting on the past couple of months in my life and those that surround me and I hold dear. It has not been the smoothest of times for any of us, but we still seem to persevere. We do this not because we want to, we do this because we can by the power of the Holy Spirit.
There is nothing more painful than watching someone you love struggling. There is nothing more joyful than watching them rise again. Today while reading through my Bible briefly during a break I came upon Psalm 27. I've probably read it numerous times, but today it seemed to carry more weight. It was like God was using these words to convince me that I could not only be there for those I love, but also share the words so others could gain strength from them.
Here's a couple of verses from Psalm 27... I encourage you to read it all:
Love in Christ,
Steve
This morning as I type I'm reflecting on the past couple of months in my life and those that surround me and I hold dear. It has not been the smoothest of times for any of us, but we still seem to persevere. We do this not because we want to, we do this because we can by the power of the Holy Spirit.
There is nothing more painful than watching someone you love struggling. There is nothing more joyful than watching them rise again. Today while reading through my Bible briefly during a break I came upon Psalm 27. I've probably read it numerous times, but today it seemed to carry more weight. It was like God was using these words to convince me that I could not only be there for those I love, but also share the words so others could gain strength from them.
Here's a couple of verses from Psalm 27... I encourage you to read it all:
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
Love in Christ,
Steve
Monday, June 14, 2010
Meaning of a Friend
What a wild and strange week this past week has been. I've been and experienced so much in the past 7 days that I can't even begin to put everything into words. Perhaps I should just start with a verse that has been extremely heavy on my heart ... its Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity"
As I type this I'm not sure exactly where to start, but will take a stab at what occurred last Wednesday. I was blessed with the experience of watching a friend discovery the power of Christ firsthand. As I watched the tears roll down her cheeks I was reminded of the Grace of God and how he could heal anything said or done... how he can transform us, renew us, and love us when we don't have the ability to love ourselves. I hope I had a small part in the transformation that occurred in her, but we all know that anything that I said or did was from our Risen Savior and he just used me to help her find her way to the truth. God's power is awesome to watch when you allow yourself to be his vehicle and allow him to speak through you. I have to say this was one of the most humbling experiences of my life and changed my outlook and perspective greatly. It made me realize that even though we are small ... we can be BIG through Jesus. We can do anything through him!
Next, I will share what happened Saturday. The family and I were part of a three car accident on I-270 in Columbus. We were basically T boned at 70 mph on the drivers side, hit another vehicle, and God helped me not only keep our truck from flipping, but wrapped his arms around everyone involved and no injuries occurred. The truck may be a total loss, but that is so secondary. My lovely wife reminded me of this and helped me regain my focus in spite of it all. I choked back the tears as I thought about what could have been, but was truly blessed to have the angel I married next to me to remind me of what was important.
Finally, I will give you my observation of other things that occurred and continue to occur in the context of the verse above. It never seems to fail that when I face adversity someone is there to pick me up. And, apparently I was there at the precise moment I needed to be there for my friend last Wednesday. When I think of Proverbs 17:17 I often think of the healing power of friendship through forgiveness (i.e. A friend loves at all times...) I guess the past week, God has shown me the second part and perhaps the most important (and a Brother is born for adversity).
Praise be to our incredible God my friends! I can't wait until the day we are all dancing and worshiping in Heaven together without pain, without struggle, without everything that binds us! Let's continue to let God's Love, Agape Love fuel our hearts and fill our minds.
Thank you for the honor of being your Brother... Thank you for the honor of being your friend!
Love in Christ,
Steve
"A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity"
As I type this I'm not sure exactly where to start, but will take a stab at what occurred last Wednesday. I was blessed with the experience of watching a friend discovery the power of Christ firsthand. As I watched the tears roll down her cheeks I was reminded of the Grace of God and how he could heal anything said or done... how he can transform us, renew us, and love us when we don't have the ability to love ourselves. I hope I had a small part in the transformation that occurred in her, but we all know that anything that I said or did was from our Risen Savior and he just used me to help her find her way to the truth. God's power is awesome to watch when you allow yourself to be his vehicle and allow him to speak through you. I have to say this was one of the most humbling experiences of my life and changed my outlook and perspective greatly. It made me realize that even though we are small ... we can be BIG through Jesus. We can do anything through him!
Next, I will share what happened Saturday. The family and I were part of a three car accident on I-270 in Columbus. We were basically T boned at 70 mph on the drivers side, hit another vehicle, and God helped me not only keep our truck from flipping, but wrapped his arms around everyone involved and no injuries occurred. The truck may be a total loss, but that is so secondary. My lovely wife reminded me of this and helped me regain my focus in spite of it all. I choked back the tears as I thought about what could have been, but was truly blessed to have the angel I married next to me to remind me of what was important.
Finally, I will give you my observation of other things that occurred and continue to occur in the context of the verse above. It never seems to fail that when I face adversity someone is there to pick me up. And, apparently I was there at the precise moment I needed to be there for my friend last Wednesday. When I think of Proverbs 17:17 I often think of the healing power of friendship through forgiveness (i.e. A friend loves at all times...) I guess the past week, God has shown me the second part and perhaps the most important (and a Brother is born for adversity).
Praise be to our incredible God my friends! I can't wait until the day we are all dancing and worshiping in Heaven together without pain, without struggle, without everything that binds us! Let's continue to let God's Love, Agape Love fuel our hearts and fill our minds.
Thank you for the honor of being your Brother... Thank you for the honor of being your friend!
Love in Christ,
Steve
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
A Brotherhood of Believers
Good Afternoon Everyone,
Today I want to talk about Family. And, not worldly family ... I want to talk about the family of believers that we all are a part of. This came to me the other day when I casually referred to one of my Renewal Brothers as Brother. Someone said "They aren't really your Brother, why do you call them that?" ... OH BOY, what a question? Thanks God for putting that one on me :o) Well, I simply explained the bond that we all share in Christ and how although we may not be related by who are Fathers and Mothers are, but by the Body and Blood of our Risen King.
Praise to God that this recognition of who my Brothers and Sisters are exists in my mind and that I'm not afraid to show it or speak of it!
Why do I bring this up to all of you? Well that answer is simple as well. Because at the end of a very long day when you may feel beaten and battered by the world you need to always remember that you have Family to embrace you, love you, and pray for you. We are a brotherhood of believers. And together with our Heavenly Father, nothing can stop us, and nothing can overcome us.
And, yes... This Brother is always here for you!
1 Peter 2:17
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Love In Christ,
Steve
Today I want to talk about Family. And, not worldly family ... I want to talk about the family of believers that we all are a part of. This came to me the other day when I casually referred to one of my Renewal Brothers as Brother. Someone said "They aren't really your Brother, why do you call them that?" ... OH BOY, what a question? Thanks God for putting that one on me :o) Well, I simply explained the bond that we all share in Christ and how although we may not be related by who are Fathers and Mothers are, but by the Body and Blood of our Risen King.
Praise to God that this recognition of who my Brothers and Sisters are exists in my mind and that I'm not afraid to show it or speak of it!
Why do I bring this up to all of you? Well that answer is simple as well. Because at the end of a very long day when you may feel beaten and battered by the world you need to always remember that you have Family to embrace you, love you, and pray for you. We are a brotherhood of believers. And together with our Heavenly Father, nothing can stop us, and nothing can overcome us.
And, yes... This Brother is always here for you!
1 Peter 2:17
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Love In Christ,
Steve
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Almost Heaven
Good Afternoon All!
Well I'm heading to Snowshoe WV this weekend for some golf with the guys and started thinking about the saying "Almost Heaven, West Virginia". Well, I've traveled many places in this world and I would guess that West Virginia fits just as well as any other in my mind. The reason is because I don't think Heaven for me is as much about a place, but rather about experiences that God places in our lives.
When I was going through Men's Renewal at our Church a couple of years ago some of the men talked about Mountain Top Experiences and how they equated those to heaven. I guess I've had several of those. Here are just a few: sitting on the front porch with Grandpa Hank, coming home growing up to a warm cup of Mam's homemade vegetable soup on a bitter day, fishing on the Ohio River with my Dad, the moment I knew Michelle was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, the birth of both of our boys, and watching Henry do what is unexpected of a child with Cerebral Palsy over and over again. These are just some of the big ones for me and the larger glimpses at Heaven. Others are as simple as a smile from a stranger walking down the street, the laughter of a child, a hug from a friend, watching a baby sleep, or looking at someone you love and being able to communicate what you are feeling without saying a word.
God has such an incredible way of giving us those snapshots if we are open enough to consider them for the value that they bring. All too often I think we are lost in the craziness of life and fail to recognize these simple gifts. Today for just a moment I encourage you to look back on your life and remember all those life moments God has given you that would be called "Almost Heaven". And, what's even better is those can't even compare to the reality that it will be!
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. ~ Philippians 3:20-21
Get ready to be called home some day by recognizing the preview God is giving you and enjoy every breath your have while you are here.
Love in Christ,
Steve
Well I'm heading to Snowshoe WV this weekend for some golf with the guys and started thinking about the saying "Almost Heaven, West Virginia". Well, I've traveled many places in this world and I would guess that West Virginia fits just as well as any other in my mind. The reason is because I don't think Heaven for me is as much about a place, but rather about experiences that God places in our lives.
When I was going through Men's Renewal at our Church a couple of years ago some of the men talked about Mountain Top Experiences and how they equated those to heaven. I guess I've had several of those. Here are just a few: sitting on the front porch with Grandpa Hank, coming home growing up to a warm cup of Mam's homemade vegetable soup on a bitter day, fishing on the Ohio River with my Dad, the moment I knew Michelle was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, the birth of both of our boys, and watching Henry do what is unexpected of a child with Cerebral Palsy over and over again. These are just some of the big ones for me and the larger glimpses at Heaven. Others are as simple as a smile from a stranger walking down the street, the laughter of a child, a hug from a friend, watching a baby sleep, or looking at someone you love and being able to communicate what you are feeling without saying a word.
God has such an incredible way of giving us those snapshots if we are open enough to consider them for the value that they bring. All too often I think we are lost in the craziness of life and fail to recognize these simple gifts. Today for just a moment I encourage you to look back on your life and remember all those life moments God has given you that would be called "Almost Heaven". And, what's even better is those can't even compare to the reality that it will be!
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. ~ Philippians 3:20-21
Get ready to be called home some day by recognizing the preview God is giving you and enjoy every breath your have while you are here.
Love in Christ,
Steve
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Our God is Greater
Yep... You caught me I'm sneaking one in on you on a Saturday Night. Couldn't quite help myself. It was quite the day today. I feel very accomplished by all that we were able to get done and also very blessed by something that happened this morning. While traveling to Tim Horton's for Dad's breakfast with his boys the most amazing thing happened. A Chris Tomlin song came on the radio and Will started singing to it in the back seat. Believe it or not that's not the amazing thing. Will is extremely gifted when it comes to music (Must get it from his Mams ;o), but the amazing part was that he heard the chorus a couple times and then sang it perfectly by himself after the song was over. Tell me that's not a God thing ... just incredible! It inspired me and for that reason I have to get this out tonight.
The words to the Chorus are:
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God…
As I reflect on these I almost can see a flashback, flash forward, and flash sideways of my life. And in every instance there is one constant... God ... specifically ... God's Love. The kind of Love described in 1 Corinthians 13. He truly is greater than any struggle we face, stronger than any demon, held above everything that is or will be, and his power can heal even the most broken. How can you not want to shout with all that is in you "Praise Be To God" when you hear of this good news!
Harness this energy and use it for good! God is good all the time! I want to close tonight with an exercise that I learned from a sermon when I was a child at Thoburn United Methodist Church by Rev. Bush. Its really simple. Read 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 and wherever you see the word "love" or "it" replace it with "I". If you can live with God's love in your heart you will never ever fail! You sort of have to play with the language, but you will get the drift once you start reading it. Take out your Bible and look it up and here is the way you could say it if you let God's love be the driver in your life:
"I am patient, I am kind. I do not envy, I do not boast, I am not proud. I am not rude, not self seeking, not easily angered, I keep no record of wrongs. I do not delight in evil, but rejoice with the truth. I always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. I never fail.
Pretty cool isn't it? I've used this to help me regain focus many times and I hope it will help just one of you. I also hope you are enjoying your weekend as much as I'm enjoying mine.
Love in Christ,
Steve
The words to the Chorus are:
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God…
As I reflect on these I almost can see a flashback, flash forward, and flash sideways of my life. And in every instance there is one constant... God ... specifically ... God's Love. The kind of Love described in 1 Corinthians 13. He truly is greater than any struggle we face, stronger than any demon, held above everything that is or will be, and his power can heal even the most broken. How can you not want to shout with all that is in you "Praise Be To God" when you hear of this good news!
Harness this energy and use it for good! God is good all the time! I want to close tonight with an exercise that I learned from a sermon when I was a child at Thoburn United Methodist Church by Rev. Bush. Its really simple. Read 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 and wherever you see the word "love" or "it" replace it with "I". If you can live with God's love in your heart you will never ever fail! You sort of have to play with the language, but you will get the drift once you start reading it. Take out your Bible and look it up and here is the way you could say it if you let God's love be the driver in your life:
"I am patient, I am kind. I do not envy, I do not boast, I am not proud. I am not rude, not self seeking, not easily angered, I keep no record of wrongs. I do not delight in evil, but rejoice with the truth. I always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. I never fail.
Pretty cool isn't it? I've used this to help me regain focus many times and I hope it will help just one of you. I also hope you are enjoying your weekend as much as I'm enjoying mine.
Love in Christ,
Steve
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