“We judge others by their behavior. We judge ourselves by our intentions.”
-Ian Percy
"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
-Gamaliel (a wise Pharisee)
What an interesting quote from Ian Percy...I find it deep, simple, and very true. We have a tendency to to judge inspite of our strong conviction or proclomation that we are indeed a Christian. For example: I know for a fact that I get upset whenever I get cut off in traffic-or when someone pulls out onto a busy street crawling way below the speed limit. I have called such people an idiot-out loud I might add, many times. The interesting thing is...I have been 'that guy'. I have been the person who has made the poor decision to pull out against my better judgement. Like, I knew I could make it, but forgot I had something rather valuable or important in the seat next to me-which in turn, made me rethink after I had already committed to pulling out.
Can you relate? Have you ever done that? Do you find yourself 'judging others on their behavior' and rationalizing your 'good intentions'?
Our friend Gamaliel had a different reaction to the infuriating words of Peter. To fully understand this you have to read Acts 5:25-42 *The 'snap-shot' is that Peter and the apostles said they were obeying God and the religious leaders in Jerusalem thought they 'knew better' than God and deemd their actions punishable by death...of course, that's until Gamaliel, whom I would considered the wisest Pharaisee ever...steps in and changes their mind with a different perspective. Basically, if it's of a man-made movement, it will fail, but if it's of God...you dare not fight against Him-you can't stop God. He took the wait and see approach.
So lets unpack this a bit...there's an element that crucial to point out here-are we living as we should or are we fighting against God. While we sit and judge others on their behavior-for what they've done to us or others close to us, God judges us on ours...right? I mean if we take it upon ourselves to do our own thing...'knowing' what the right things that should be done...then our lives should be 'hunky-dori'! Right? I mean we know God and what He wants...right? Afterall, we've all read Micah 6:8.
So why is it that we always feel so empty, lost, confused, and irritated? I think it's because we actually neglect the discipline of prayer in our lives...I mean how many of us are actually keeping God in the loop concerning our needs and wants? There is a difference you know. But, I think when we're honest with ourselves we find that we've neglected prayerful consideration and dialog with God. We assumed we could do it on our own-which leaves us broken and lost. I think Gamaliel hit the nail on the head here: 'Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown.' In other words, they will fail...just like we fail to see our own 'short-sightedness' in the 'heat of the moment'.
I would like to say that I'm a 'good' Christian...but who can be considered 'good' when Jesus even said He didn't consider himself 'good'.
You and I need to stop fighting against God and stop doing our own thing...it's only in great times of need or stress that we find ourselves on our knees asking for his help-forgetting we walked away from him thinking we had a better idea as to what we needed. And even then, we find ourselves 'making deals' with him-given our sense of urgency and desparateness...thinking we will actually fulfill our end of the 'bargain'.
Does any of the above sound familiar to you? Does any of it 'ring' true for you? Are you tired of fighting against God? Then I invite you, just as God does...to join him in communication and fellowship of the heart. Re-read Micah 6:8 and get down to the basics of living. Relationships are important and we need to work on mending some fences-not just with others, but with our past, ourselves, and with our creator.
Monday, April 26, 2010
PUNCTUATION: COMMA
'Jesus doesn't identify you by your past...so why do you?'
-Perry Noble
I normally don't like to 'pass off' a lesson or message by simply adding a link, but I feel compelled to. I have set aside my pride to just share with you a message-straight up from Perry Noble. Unfiltered and unedited by me-there are no additions here.
Please set aside a good 45 minutes to this...so if you don't have time, come back when you do. This requires you're attention. *Skip through the worship aspect and go straight to the sermon by Perry (look for the guy in the glasses standing on stage with a Bible in his hand).
*Don't be shy either. Please leave comments with your thoughts...
CLICK HERE TO VIEW/LISTEN TO SERMON
-Perry Noble
I normally don't like to 'pass off' a lesson or message by simply adding a link, but I feel compelled to. I have set aside my pride to just share with you a message-straight up from Perry Noble. Unfiltered and unedited by me-there are no additions here.
Please set aside a good 45 minutes to this...so if you don't have time, come back when you do. This requires you're attention. *Skip through the worship aspect and go straight to the sermon by Perry (look for the guy in the glasses standing on stage with a Bible in his hand).
*Don't be shy either. Please leave comments with your thoughts...
CLICK HERE TO VIEW/LISTEN TO SERMON
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A DOCTOR OR SELF-DIAGNOSE?
"No action is more fascinating than the action of self-transformation. Nothing on earth can compare with its drama or its value."
-Vernon Howard
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
-Jesus of Nazareth (Mark 2:17)
This whole blog/article is born out of a deep questioning of God's people who are in leadership. Of course, I could say that if you claim to be a Christian you-yourself are in fact a leader or an ambassador for Christ here on Earth. However, I won't drift too far away from something I feel convicted about (Acts 5:17-42). *Source of conviction: 'UnChristian', 'Velvet Elvis', and 'Forgotten God'.
First things first: The truth is that we all need Jesus in our lives. Not just on Sundays when it's convienent to look your best, while shaking hands with those around you, or while you resight lines of confession, you need Him to sit in the passenger seat of your vehicle after someone just cut in front of you, you need Him when you just got done arguing with your spouse about something totally dumb or assumed. You and I...we need Jesus beyond Sundays.
You and I are sick. We are chronically sick with worry, self-pity, and even self-interest...we are so sick that we feel we don't need to take what we learn or hear on Sundays into the rest of our week-it's okay, we have next Sunday's 'fix' to look forward to...right? Many pastors I know, say they preach as though it's their last sermon...we are not garunteed another day or another moment, yet we live, expect, and demand as if we do.
So has leadership failed us or have we failed ourselves?
In God's house of worship-which should really be everywhere, people who have been elected to positions of leadership, who have accepted their appointment, that represent both God and His church (God's people), meet to prayerfully consider God's direction and vision for His family. These people are Christians but are also people, they too have nasty tendencies-as you and I do, they behave irratioanlly and react or cling to things out of fear. I know I am a sinner and I know I'm not perfect, but they are held to the same standards as all Christians (Matthew 7:3).
For me, character is defined as who you are when no one is looking. Those who can't see you don't know of the deeds you've done outside of their presence, but God knows all that you've done, said, and even thought. And if Jesus is present in our lives, it should show right?
Francis Chan (author of 'Crazy Love' and 'Forgotten God') gave a great example: If I claim to have the skills of Michael Jordan, get on the basketball court and aren't able to driblle or shoot like MJ...then my words are empty. In the book of James (1:19-26) there is scripture that talks about being more than just hearers of God's word, but doers.
So the question becomes what are we doing on a daily basis to help curb our sickness...our addiction to self focus-we're always right, everyone else is wrong, or even self victimization? I know that I've mentioned prayer and reading God's word (the Bible), but I think there's more to it too...when was the last time you journaled your thoughts and concerns? We all need a healthy way of venting our frustrations-whether it's a friend, hobby, or sport...if we keep it all inside it will eat away at us.
In closing, I would like to encourage you to take a step back-take a break from whatever it is that has you so busy that God isn't present, Christ-like character is absent, and you feel empty. If you have too much on your plate-learn to say no and know when to say no, this is about healthy boundaries. It's okay to be active in the church, it's okay to volunteer, but be sure to set aside enough time to care for yourself and work on your relationship with Christ.
Let me leave you with this: When you say yes to something, you're also saying no to something else...just make sure you're not saying no to God (Acts 5:17-31).
-Vernon Howard
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
-Jesus of Nazareth (Mark 2:17)
This whole blog/article is born out of a deep questioning of God's people who are in leadership. Of course, I could say that if you claim to be a Christian you-yourself are in fact a leader or an ambassador for Christ here on Earth. However, I won't drift too far away from something I feel convicted about (Acts 5:17-42). *Source of conviction: 'UnChristian', 'Velvet Elvis', and 'Forgotten God'.
First things first: The truth is that we all need Jesus in our lives. Not just on Sundays when it's convienent to look your best, while shaking hands with those around you, or while you resight lines of confession, you need Him to sit in the passenger seat of your vehicle after someone just cut in front of you, you need Him when you just got done arguing with your spouse about something totally dumb or assumed. You and I...we need Jesus beyond Sundays.
You and I are sick. We are chronically sick with worry, self-pity, and even self-interest...we are so sick that we feel we don't need to take what we learn or hear on Sundays into the rest of our week-it's okay, we have next Sunday's 'fix' to look forward to...right? Many pastors I know, say they preach as though it's their last sermon...we are not garunteed another day or another moment, yet we live, expect, and demand as if we do.
So has leadership failed us or have we failed ourselves?
In God's house of worship-which should really be everywhere, people who have been elected to positions of leadership, who have accepted their appointment, that represent both God and His church (God's people), meet to prayerfully consider God's direction and vision for His family. These people are Christians but are also people, they too have nasty tendencies-as you and I do, they behave irratioanlly and react or cling to things out of fear. I know I am a sinner and I know I'm not perfect, but they are held to the same standards as all Christians (Matthew 7:3).
For me, character is defined as who you are when no one is looking. Those who can't see you don't know of the deeds you've done outside of their presence, but God knows all that you've done, said, and even thought. And if Jesus is present in our lives, it should show right?
Francis Chan (author of 'Crazy Love' and 'Forgotten God') gave a great example: If I claim to have the skills of Michael Jordan, get on the basketball court and aren't able to driblle or shoot like MJ...then my words are empty. In the book of James (1:19-26) there is scripture that talks about being more than just hearers of God's word, but doers.
So the question becomes what are we doing on a daily basis to help curb our sickness...our addiction to self focus-we're always right, everyone else is wrong, or even self victimization? I know that I've mentioned prayer and reading God's word (the Bible), but I think there's more to it too...when was the last time you journaled your thoughts and concerns? We all need a healthy way of venting our frustrations-whether it's a friend, hobby, or sport...if we keep it all inside it will eat away at us.
In closing, I would like to encourage you to take a step back-take a break from whatever it is that has you so busy that God isn't present, Christ-like character is absent, and you feel empty. If you have too much on your plate-learn to say no and know when to say no, this is about healthy boundaries. It's okay to be active in the church, it's okay to volunteer, but be sure to set aside enough time to care for yourself and work on your relationship with Christ.
Let me leave you with this: When you say yes to something, you're also saying no to something else...just make sure you're not saying no to God (Acts 5:17-31).
Friday, March 26, 2010
IN THE MIDST
“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”
-James Arthur Baldwin
“Be still, and know that I am God”
-God (Psalm 46:10)
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
-Elijah and God (1 King 19: 11-13)
So lets unpack this a bit...'love takes off the masks'-even the ones we all love to wear on a day to day basis? Can it be true? I hope so...because love doesn't leave a person unchanged, it leaves them transformed (of course, sometimes it happens after eating a big slice of 'humble pie'). I could've choosen a number of passages-like the Prodigical Son, but decided not to. Instead, I decided to take an old testament approach. Afterall, Jesus wasn't preaching anything new-he was merely calling people out on their level of commitment and true love.
Take for example the story of the woman who was caught in adultery...the religious leaders brought a woman to Him demanding an answer concerning what the 'law of Moses' says about adultery. Of course, they knew well and good what it says and they were trying to 'trap' Jesus-confound Him to the extent He might say something that was against the law and use His own words against Him. However, their one-tracked minds forgot their true calling...to feed God's sheep. What Jesus actually says really calls them out...'let he who is without sin throw the first stone'.
I think the interesting thing here to point out is that this happens still today. Maybe not in the same dramatic fashion for all to see, but we've nipped at our friends and family members-quick to point out their mistakes, even if they're just trying to hold you accountable. I think today we have lost our focus...for many reasons, but I'll just throw this 'bone' out there to chew on: are you so unhappy with yourself that you would rather ruin or sabatoge a relationship?
In previous blogs I have mentioned the fact that we're too busy-not just for others, but for God and our relationships have suffered-especially our relationship with our creator. If we truly love God, our family, and our friends...we wouldn't wear a mask at all. We wouldn't feel the need to wear one at all-not in the work place, at school, and especially at home or when we gather for worship.
We try too hard to convince everyone we're on the 'right track' often sacrificing our own integrety to gain that which isn't really all that attainable anyway-acceptance, true acceptance. Not acceptance for who we claim to be, but for who we really are at our core without any shame or 'front'. The typical teenager is in constant denial about 'self'-pushing the envelope between what they know is right and what is cool-and what will help them attain a certain level of security.
But honestly, when was the last time you were still? When was the last time you slowed down enough to appreciate what you have and appreciate those around you? I think too many people are addicted to the 'drug' of busyness-I mean that way we don't have to deal with disappoint or failure for too long, we can sweep it under the rug and just press on. The unfortunate thing about that line of thinking is that it always manages to catch up to you.
So I ask you again...are you that unhappy? Do you know that God has your back? Wait...is there a difference between knowing and believing? I think there is and I also think it has become way too easy to say that we know God and that it has become much harder to actually say or mean that we believe in God.
I mean do you and I honestly believe that God is bigger than our struggles of acceptance concerning ourselves and others? Are we only interested in having a clear conscience-where God forgives our sin, but were not really interested in working on cutting that sin-whatever that is, out of your life? *It could be sex, alcohol, drugs, video games, pornography, and sometimes...ego.
In a book called 'A Love Worth Giving' by Max Lucado, there's a story or a 'scenerio' given about God wanting us to slow down. Max suggests that perhaps the reason you're sick at home with the flu is so that you can pick up your Bible and read or maybe even talk to Him. Perhaps God trys to get our attention through minor set backs to really help us reassess and realign our lives. I mean most people can only think about getting better so that they can go back to work, school, or practice-reconnection with our creator is usually the last thing on our minds.
I think it's possible...I mean look at Elijah. He was totally missing it-he was missing God. Most of us would think God is in the midst of the big and great things in our lives-which isn't to suggest He isn't, but I do think that most of us look for Him in the wrong places from time to time (whether it be at work, at school, or even among family). God might be in a whisper and you and I need to be careful not to miss Him.
So here's the challenge: Identify your 'false sense of securities'-are they rooted in insecurities? Once you've done that, prayerfully and honestly ask God to help you work through this. It won't be easy, you might need some help-prayerfully consider who you might ask to help you with your burden(s) or secrets that have been keeping God and other's at bay.
And consider this: Jesus said 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' (John 10:1-21) and in Matthew He said 'For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' (Matthew 11:30)
-James Arthur Baldwin
“Be still, and know that I am God”
-God (Psalm 46:10)
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
-Elijah and God (1 King 19: 11-13)
So lets unpack this a bit...'love takes off the masks'-even the ones we all love to wear on a day to day basis? Can it be true? I hope so...because love doesn't leave a person unchanged, it leaves them transformed (of course, sometimes it happens after eating a big slice of 'humble pie'). I could've choosen a number of passages-like the Prodigical Son, but decided not to. Instead, I decided to take an old testament approach. Afterall, Jesus wasn't preaching anything new-he was merely calling people out on their level of commitment and true love.
Take for example the story of the woman who was caught in adultery...the religious leaders brought a woman to Him demanding an answer concerning what the 'law of Moses' says about adultery. Of course, they knew well and good what it says and they were trying to 'trap' Jesus-confound Him to the extent He might say something that was against the law and use His own words against Him. However, their one-tracked minds forgot their true calling...to feed God's sheep. What Jesus actually says really calls them out...'let he who is without sin throw the first stone'.
I think the interesting thing here to point out is that this happens still today. Maybe not in the same dramatic fashion for all to see, but we've nipped at our friends and family members-quick to point out their mistakes, even if they're just trying to hold you accountable. I think today we have lost our focus...for many reasons, but I'll just throw this 'bone' out there to chew on: are you so unhappy with yourself that you would rather ruin or sabatoge a relationship?
In previous blogs I have mentioned the fact that we're too busy-not just for others, but for God and our relationships have suffered-especially our relationship with our creator. If we truly love God, our family, and our friends...we wouldn't wear a mask at all. We wouldn't feel the need to wear one at all-not in the work place, at school, and especially at home or when we gather for worship.
We try too hard to convince everyone we're on the 'right track' often sacrificing our own integrety to gain that which isn't really all that attainable anyway-acceptance, true acceptance. Not acceptance for who we claim to be, but for who we really are at our core without any shame or 'front'. The typical teenager is in constant denial about 'self'-pushing the envelope between what they know is right and what is cool-and what will help them attain a certain level of security.
But honestly, when was the last time you were still? When was the last time you slowed down enough to appreciate what you have and appreciate those around you? I think too many people are addicted to the 'drug' of busyness-I mean that way we don't have to deal with disappoint or failure for too long, we can sweep it under the rug and just press on. The unfortunate thing about that line of thinking is that it always manages to catch up to you.
So I ask you again...are you that unhappy? Do you know that God has your back? Wait...is there a difference between knowing and believing? I think there is and I also think it has become way too easy to say that we know God and that it has become much harder to actually say or mean that we believe in God.
I mean do you and I honestly believe that God is bigger than our struggles of acceptance concerning ourselves and others? Are we only interested in having a clear conscience-where God forgives our sin, but were not really interested in working on cutting that sin-whatever that is, out of your life? *It could be sex, alcohol, drugs, video games, pornography, and sometimes...ego.
In a book called 'A Love Worth Giving' by Max Lucado, there's a story or a 'scenerio' given about God wanting us to slow down. Max suggests that perhaps the reason you're sick at home with the flu is so that you can pick up your Bible and read or maybe even talk to Him. Perhaps God trys to get our attention through minor set backs to really help us reassess and realign our lives. I mean most people can only think about getting better so that they can go back to work, school, or practice-reconnection with our creator is usually the last thing on our minds.
I think it's possible...I mean look at Elijah. He was totally missing it-he was missing God. Most of us would think God is in the midst of the big and great things in our lives-which isn't to suggest He isn't, but I do think that most of us look for Him in the wrong places from time to time (whether it be at work, at school, or even among family). God might be in a whisper and you and I need to be careful not to miss Him.
So here's the challenge: Identify your 'false sense of securities'-are they rooted in insecurities? Once you've done that, prayerfully and honestly ask God to help you work through this. It won't be easy, you might need some help-prayerfully consider who you might ask to help you with your burden(s) or secrets that have been keeping God and other's at bay.
And consider this: Jesus said 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' (John 10:1-21) and in Matthew He said 'For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' (Matthew 11:30)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
CREATIVITY AND SCHOOLS
Friday, March 5, 2010
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
'If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.' -John Quincy Adams
'Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.' -The Message (1st Timothy 4:12-14)
Did you know that you have a ministry? As a Christian you do. And did you know that by what you do and what you don't do you are 'labled' here on by those around you? *No, you're not back in Jr. High-it's just how it is. Whether you like it or not, people take notice of you. Even your friends notice the good and the bad days.
Now, I know I have good and bad days and that there are times when my lips don't bring honor to God. I also know that I fall short in following through sometimes-my actions don't back up my words. I also know that I'm not alone and that sometimes I still choose to go it alone-even making more of a mess while I'm at it. What about you? How often do you find yourself doing that?
I think the biggest thing here the distinction between knowing and believing. There's a difference you know. Take for example the leaders of Jesus' time: the Pharisees knew God's commandments like the back of their hand and could easily resite scripture, but they didn't really believe. Instead, they let pride and their egos take over-they did more condemning and judging than anything else. Does any of this sound familiar? Yeah, I know...it's not a shocker, but it should be.
In today's culture egos rule, it's not about what you believe, it's about what you can prove-what you can control, something tangable and more believable. *Which kind of makes this whole 'faith' thing kind of crazy really and even harder to believe. I mean is it even shocking anymore...to find that living the life is harder than just saying it? It is too easy. And there isn't any great mystery behind why those on the outside looking in think we are hypocrites.
So...what does a Chrstian look like? Or better yet...what should a Christian look like? What are the things that come to mind when you think about the attributes and qualities of a Christian? Do you think of someone who doesn't swear or gossip about or at others? Take a moment and think about that...
Check out this passage from the book of Galatians 3:2-5 'I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?'
I would venture to guess that like me, you struggle with doing things on your own-trying to 'attain your goal by human effort'. And I would go further and say that nearly 9 times out of 10 trying 'our way' resulted in suffering for little or nothing. Now, my next question might take sometime on your part...are you who you want to be and ought to be or are you someone who everyone else expects or wants you to be? Paul gives us a challenge in Romans: 'Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'
This blog isn't to make you feel bad, it's to get the wheels turning in your spiritual life. It's about reflecting on Christ and His ministry. Lent is a special time for Christians not because we give up something, but because we change something in our lives for the betterment of our faith journey. Last month during the Ash Wednesday service my message was more of a challenge...urging others not to let Lent-traditionally a 40 day period in which we are to 'refocus' ourselves spiritually, become simply another 'New Year's Resolution'.
So here's the challenge and this goes for me as well...let us focus on being a better ambassador for Christ-not just in what we say, but in what we do. And I leave you with this from James 1:22-'...don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.'
'Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.' -The Message (1st Timothy 4:12-14)
Did you know that you have a ministry? As a Christian you do. And did you know that by what you do and what you don't do you are 'labled' here on by those around you? *No, you're not back in Jr. High-it's just how it is. Whether you like it or not, people take notice of you. Even your friends notice the good and the bad days.
Now, I know I have good and bad days and that there are times when my lips don't bring honor to God. I also know that I fall short in following through sometimes-my actions don't back up my words. I also know that I'm not alone and that sometimes I still choose to go it alone-even making more of a mess while I'm at it. What about you? How often do you find yourself doing that?
I think the biggest thing here the distinction between knowing and believing. There's a difference you know. Take for example the leaders of Jesus' time: the Pharisees knew God's commandments like the back of their hand and could easily resite scripture, but they didn't really believe. Instead, they let pride and their egos take over-they did more condemning and judging than anything else. Does any of this sound familiar? Yeah, I know...it's not a shocker, but it should be.
In today's culture egos rule, it's not about what you believe, it's about what you can prove-what you can control, something tangable and more believable. *Which kind of makes this whole 'faith' thing kind of crazy really and even harder to believe. I mean is it even shocking anymore...to find that living the life is harder than just saying it? It is too easy. And there isn't any great mystery behind why those on the outside looking in think we are hypocrites.
So...what does a Chrstian look like? Or better yet...what should a Christian look like? What are the things that come to mind when you think about the attributes and qualities of a Christian? Do you think of someone who doesn't swear or gossip about or at others? Take a moment and think about that...
Check out this passage from the book of Galatians 3:2-5 'I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?'
I would venture to guess that like me, you struggle with doing things on your own-trying to 'attain your goal by human effort'. And I would go further and say that nearly 9 times out of 10 trying 'our way' resulted in suffering for little or nothing. Now, my next question might take sometime on your part...are you who you want to be and ought to be or are you someone who everyone else expects or wants you to be? Paul gives us a challenge in Romans: 'Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'
This blog isn't to make you feel bad, it's to get the wheels turning in your spiritual life. It's about reflecting on Christ and His ministry. Lent is a special time for Christians not because we give up something, but because we change something in our lives for the betterment of our faith journey. Last month during the Ash Wednesday service my message was more of a challenge...urging others not to let Lent-traditionally a 40 day period in which we are to 'refocus' ourselves spiritually, become simply another 'New Year's Resolution'.
So here's the challenge and this goes for me as well...let us focus on being a better ambassador for Christ-not just in what we say, but in what we do. And I leave you with this from James 1:22-'...don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.'
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
NOT WHO I WAS
'PEOPLE HURT US AND HARM US, AND WE END UP CARRYING AROUND THESE DEBTS THEY OWE US WHEREVER WE GO. TO FORGIVE IS TO REFUSE TO CARRY THOSE DEBTS ANYMORE.'
-ROB BELL (VELVET ELVIS)
"You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
-Jesus of Nazareth
Forgiveness is a hard subject to write on and even talk about...but should it? I mean if we are all followers of Christ then we are a 'new creation'...right? I know this isn't the first time that I've written on the subject, but I really do think that pride is the real reason behind many of our struggles. Pride often prevents us from admitting we were wrong, pride projects the fault unto others and gives a false sense of security to the person who's projecting and not admitting. Pride also makes it hard to reach out for help...I mean once we realize we have done wrong, we don't like to speak of it.
I personally think that this whole 'new creation' thing is hard. I mean forgiveness is letting go of the past, the burden of lies we have built up to protect ourselves, and letting the healing begin. It truly is a process. But I think there's another truth we dare not speak of: a dark truth about ourselves-that God can't possibly fix our mistakes. It's a recognition or thought that God isn't bigger than our issues and that we're all alone. I think that's our ball and chain in life...the thing we struggle with. I mean isn't it true? Society pushes this on us-this independent way of thinking that we can do it on our own. I mean, it's the attitude we gave our parents every time we wanted to assert our independence-I don't need you anymore, I can do it on my own! We have truly become stubborn.
The irony is that we end up surrounding ourselves with like-minded people who only think of self and very little of others. This group is considered a 'click' in the 90's and early 00's and it still exists today. But we have been warned about this before. Paul, in his letter to the people of Corinth warns that we shouldn't be decieved. In Romans, Paul also writes about how we aren't supposed to be like others and that we are to seek God.
It shouldn't be surprising that we struggle. Not only do we not read much, but we don't listen very well either. Isn't it interesting that God gave us one mouth and two ears? I think we overlook that too much-we're too quick to speak.
In closing, I'd like to just say that you're not alone in your struggle to forgive or seek forgiveness. It takes a lot of 'unlearning' to give up and let God in. My hope is that you will enjoy the video below...listen to the words and let it speak to your heart. Don't let the great 'influence peddler' (Satan) keep you separated from God, friends and family.
-ROB BELL (VELVET ELVIS)
"You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
-Jesus of Nazareth
Forgiveness is a hard subject to write on and even talk about...but should it? I mean if we are all followers of Christ then we are a 'new creation'...right? I know this isn't the first time that I've written on the subject, but I really do think that pride is the real reason behind many of our struggles. Pride often prevents us from admitting we were wrong, pride projects the fault unto others and gives a false sense of security to the person who's projecting and not admitting. Pride also makes it hard to reach out for help...I mean once we realize we have done wrong, we don't like to speak of it.
I personally think that this whole 'new creation' thing is hard. I mean forgiveness is letting go of the past, the burden of lies we have built up to protect ourselves, and letting the healing begin. It truly is a process. But I think there's another truth we dare not speak of: a dark truth about ourselves-that God can't possibly fix our mistakes. It's a recognition or thought that God isn't bigger than our issues and that we're all alone. I think that's our ball and chain in life...the thing we struggle with. I mean isn't it true? Society pushes this on us-this independent way of thinking that we can do it on our own. I mean, it's the attitude we gave our parents every time we wanted to assert our independence-I don't need you anymore, I can do it on my own! We have truly become stubborn.
The irony is that we end up surrounding ourselves with like-minded people who only think of self and very little of others. This group is considered a 'click' in the 90's and early 00's and it still exists today. But we have been warned about this before. Paul, in his letter to the people of Corinth warns that we shouldn't be decieved. In Romans, Paul also writes about how we aren't supposed to be like others and that we are to seek God.
It shouldn't be surprising that we struggle. Not only do we not read much, but we don't listen very well either. Isn't it interesting that God gave us one mouth and two ears? I think we overlook that too much-we're too quick to speak.
In closing, I'd like to just say that you're not alone in your struggle to forgive or seek forgiveness. It takes a lot of 'unlearning' to give up and let God in. My hope is that you will enjoy the video below...listen to the words and let it speak to your heart. Don't let the great 'influence peddler' (Satan) keep you separated from God, friends and family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)