Lets be honest: NO ONE IS THE SAME
There are only 3 views:
1. God’s View
2. Everyone Else’s View
3. Your View
So lets talk about some of these ‘vantage points’…
Start with God’s:
1 Samuel 16:7 says: ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’
The author of 1 Kings 8:39 says: ‘Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart.’
The prophet Samuel wrote in 1 Samuel 2:3: ‘Stop acting so proud and haughty! Don’t speak with such arrogance! For the LORD is a God who knows what you have done; he will judge your actions.’
John 2:23-25
‘Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. 24 But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. 25 No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.’
Everyone Else’s View…
There will always be labels associated with you that have been given or said about you by your peers. Such assessments are partially accurate and some opinions of us are greatly exaggerated.
Those in the ‘public eye’ and considered popular are sometimes idolized or envied and others are publicly given grief and made an ‘example’ of…and there are some who are somewhere in between. I mean even Jesus was given grief by the ‘know it alls’ of their day-those religious leaders (Pharisees). And even Jesus’ disciples, Paul, and the early founders got a lot of grief-even death threats!
Character assassination has been prevalent throughout history…
Your View:
Last, but certainly not least…is the appraisal one makes of themselves. Its no secret that we all struggle with honesty. Because honesty demands that we concede that our self-perception may be grossly inflated.
Romans 12:3 & 12:16
‘Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us’
‘Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.’
The struggle is not to be ‘high minded’ or think of ourselves as ‘wise’ when there is still much to learn. We also need to balance what is said of us and not take it to heart when it comes to things other than constructive criticism. Truth is, what other say, sometimes dictates what we do.
It is important, though, that we have a healthy view of ourselves.
Matthew 22:36-39
‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself’
The scripture implies having a good sound judgment and view of self. Now, sometimes the lines get blurred and we harbor the wrong kind of appreciation of ourselves-so much that it actually hinders our lives-sometimes even tormenting ourselves with unhappiness.
As mentioned before ‘BEHAVIOR FOLLOWS BELIEF’ and sometimes we have a nasty tendency not to believe-what God thinks about us, what our parents think about us or what we think about ourselves...instead believe too much of what others say about us. The scriptures are truth and God’s Word addresses our problems and offers hope to all who are in need-who seek knowledge and truth, support and confidence.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."
Remember that He has plans for good and not for disaster…
Challenge: Give yourself an honest evaluation!
Remember ‘behavior follows belief’…you need to take some time, maybe starting tonight-ask some tough questions of yourself. Have you given yourself an honest assessment lately? Are you too hard on yourself? Do you live to impress your friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, or your parents? Are you following their plans for your life and have you lost your own identity and dreams? Are you pouring too much time and energy into things that don’t matter? Are you too materialistic or ego-driven that other things have suffered? Do you feel alone and lost?
This is life and it’s time that you challenge yourself in ways that make you smile-not cringe!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
You, Me, and Marley!
Have you seen the movie 'Marley and Me'? It's a movie that I knew would be a 'tear-jerker' and I wasn't wrong. I don't plan to ruin the movie, however, I do plan to give you a snapshot about the movie: it's about a dog and his name is Marley, but it's not just about the dog, it's about the family in which Marley is a part of-it catalogs their journey as a family.
Interestingly enough, it's the ending I'd like to share with you...and I think it transcends the owners words about dogs...I think it has a lot to do with us. Here's the quote: 'A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes, a water-logged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb, givem' your heart and they'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare or pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?'
There's a portion of scripture that talks about how we are all 'LIKE GRASS' and will wither away-meaning our time here on Earth isn't very long.
So I think it's time that we chewed on the above quote...think about how God doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever, dull, smart or dumb and that if you give Him your heart, He will give you His. I mean yeah, there are those in our lives that have made us feel rare, pure, special, and even extraordinary, but even those very people have made us feel disappointment, hurt, angry, lost, and uncertain. While we cannot protect ourselves, just know that all things come to an end-even good things.
I'm just curious as to whether or not we have an appreciation for the time we have been given...are we truly doing enough-our part when it comes to truly 'loving one another' as God instructed us to do or are we still in denial and going through the motions?
So the challenge is...write a list of those who have made you feel like you're on top of the world and then cross out their name if they've ever let you down. Because friends come and go and trust can be broken, but God will give His heart to you if you're willing to give Him yours...
Interestingly enough, it's the ending I'd like to share with you...and I think it transcends the owners words about dogs...I think it has a lot to do with us. Here's the quote: 'A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes, a water-logged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb, givem' your heart and they'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare or pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?'
There's a portion of scripture that talks about how we are all 'LIKE GRASS' and will wither away-meaning our time here on Earth isn't very long.
So I think it's time that we chewed on the above quote...think about how God doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever, dull, smart or dumb and that if you give Him your heart, He will give you His. I mean yeah, there are those in our lives that have made us feel rare, pure, special, and even extraordinary, but even those very people have made us feel disappointment, hurt, angry, lost, and uncertain. While we cannot protect ourselves, just know that all things come to an end-even good things.
I'm just curious as to whether or not we have an appreciation for the time we have been given...are we truly doing enough-our part when it comes to truly 'loving one another' as God instructed us to do or are we still in denial and going through the motions?
So the challenge is...write a list of those who have made you feel like you're on top of the world and then cross out their name if they've ever let you down. Because friends come and go and trust can be broken, but God will give His heart to you if you're willing to give Him yours...
Friday, May 8, 2009
GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS...
I apologize for the lack of consistency on my end...it's not fair to you the reader who's genuine thirst is halted because of my inability to make time for something I told myself I would commit to...which brings me to a song that I've been stuck on for the past few days. It's a song by Matthew West-someone I got to meet and chat with before he made it big, I was his bodyguard during a performance at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD-I even got a free autographed cd!
Anyway, off his new album is 'The Motions' which I think hits the nail on the head for all of us who claim to be Christians. If you click on 'The Motions' you will be taken to his website that is dedicated to explaining his motivation for the song- which also doubles as a place for anyone to 'recommit' or make a resolution not to continue down the path of 'going through the motions'. I think everyone should google search the lyrics to his song and listen carefully to his message...while it may not resonate with everyone, I know it will touch everyone who is in deed committed to their Christian walk.
I don't want to ruin the song for anyone, but I do plan to break down portions of his song and use it as a reference for this blog to get the ball rolling...
Right off the bat, he opens the song up with this: 'This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change'...the interesting thing here is that 'this might hurt' indicates that there has been time and thought given to this decision and that 'I've gotta make a change' means they've dedicated themselves to this tough decision-they have the resolve and intend to see it through.
Now, we all have this thing about pain...we don't like it. We tend to build up protective barriers to pain-to shield us from the bi-products of pain: confusion, indecision, emotional hurt, and vulnerability. The crazy part is, we convince ourselves we can prevent such things from happening...when in fact, it's not natural and it's not a part of life. You can a hint or two from scripture: Genesis 3 and The Parable of the Talents.
If we don't seek Him and thirst after Him then we're more or less bland and loose our saltiness as indicated in Matthew 5:13-16.
Too often we forget His promises to us and His plans for us...we sometimes choose to do things our own way. And in our brokenness when we pray, we don't really mean it and give it up to Him...we're merely going through the motions. And sometimes we do things because 'that's what a Christian would do' rather than because we actually adopted it as a way of life. You see, Jesus came to teach us how to think, not what to think and we have a tendency to get them confused.
The truth is, we've done it the easy way-our way has always been the path of least resistance, but I think in the tough times we're supposed to learn something, we're supposed to grow and take note of God's lesson. There's a reason why nearly 80% of teenagers leave the church after graduating high school or why over 50% of marriages end in divorce...because when it gets tough...we quit. And if you think the disciples had it easy...you might want to re-read your Bible. On the night of His betrayal His followers fled as He foretold and they were lost sheep...we sometimes get lost and if you're 'going through the motions'...it's time to make a decision. While it won't be easy you know it's the right thing to do. Remember, you've done easy and now it's time to stop going through the motions.
By the way, I made my resolution-to do a better job of digging into His Word and putting down my reflections on this blog which I believe is a tool for many besides me.
Anyway, off his new album is 'The Motions' which I think hits the nail on the head for all of us who claim to be Christians. If you click on 'The Motions' you will be taken to his website that is dedicated to explaining his motivation for the song- which also doubles as a place for anyone to 'recommit' or make a resolution not to continue down the path of 'going through the motions'. I think everyone should google search the lyrics to his song and listen carefully to his message...while it may not resonate with everyone, I know it will touch everyone who is in deed committed to their Christian walk.
I don't want to ruin the song for anyone, but I do plan to break down portions of his song and use it as a reference for this blog to get the ball rolling...
Right off the bat, he opens the song up with this: 'This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change'...the interesting thing here is that 'this might hurt' indicates that there has been time and thought given to this decision and that 'I've gotta make a change' means they've dedicated themselves to this tough decision-they have the resolve and intend to see it through.
Now, we all have this thing about pain...we don't like it. We tend to build up protective barriers to pain-to shield us from the bi-products of pain: confusion, indecision, emotional hurt, and vulnerability. The crazy part is, we convince ourselves we can prevent such things from happening...when in fact, it's not natural and it's not a part of life. You can a hint or two from scripture: Genesis 3 and The Parable of the Talents.
If we don't seek Him and thirst after Him then we're more or less bland and loose our saltiness as indicated in Matthew 5:13-16.
Too often we forget His promises to us and His plans for us...we sometimes choose to do things our own way. And in our brokenness when we pray, we don't really mean it and give it up to Him...we're merely going through the motions. And sometimes we do things because 'that's what a Christian would do' rather than because we actually adopted it as a way of life. You see, Jesus came to teach us how to think, not what to think and we have a tendency to get them confused.
The truth is, we've done it the easy way-our way has always been the path of least resistance, but I think in the tough times we're supposed to learn something, we're supposed to grow and take note of God's lesson. There's a reason why nearly 80% of teenagers leave the church after graduating high school or why over 50% of marriages end in divorce...because when it gets tough...we quit. And if you think the disciples had it easy...you might want to re-read your Bible. On the night of His betrayal His followers fled as He foretold and they were lost sheep...we sometimes get lost and if you're 'going through the motions'...it's time to make a decision. While it won't be easy you know it's the right thing to do. Remember, you've done easy and now it's time to stop going through the motions.
By the way, I made my resolution-to do a better job of digging into His Word and putting down my reflections on this blog which I believe is a tool for many besides me.
Monday, April 6, 2009
HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST
It is Holy Week this week and it's a time of reflection and careful consideration in regards to our daily lives. As I re-read of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, I began to think about a blog Marko wrote called 'The Grace Of Palm Sunday' and a sermon I heard yesterday. My hope is that you will read Marko's blog and read Matthew 12:1-17 and Matthew 27:11-31.
In Marko's blog he talks about how Jesus in spite of the fact He knew the very people who were praising Him now and giving thanks to God saying 'Praise God for the Son of David' would be the very same people who would later condemn Him and let a murder go free.
As I sat in the pew yesterday, I was blown away by a new concept-there were two crowds! In Maroko's blog he talks about one crowd appearing twice-at Jesus' entry and trial.
Since then I've been thinking about how I never thought of it in those terms before: that there were two different crowds. After some reflection I can see it now and you don't have to believe me, it's my two cents...
The crowd who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem were thirsting for God to deliver them which is why they said 'Praise God for the Son of David'-they were hoping for Jesus to throw out the corrupt religious rulers (as He did in the Temple-verse 12-17 of Chapter 21) and the Roman Empire. What I find interesting is that in the scriptures in the old testament, particularly Zechariah 9:9 it does state that He would be have a humble entry as He was riding the donkey. Jesus' ministry was about serving others and that's a major aspect of Christianity-having a 'servants heart' as Jesus did. As a matter of fact He commanded that we did in Mark 12:28-33.
Now, as I understand it the religious leaders were trying to corner Jesus and trick Him into saying something 'foolish' or blasphemous concerning the Law as they knew it. They weren't too happy with the things Jesus did that flew in the face of 'tradition'-like healing on the Sabbath and not doing things the 'proper' way according the 'Jewish custom'.
Once you take into account the various scripture passages provided perhaps you too will have a different view of Jesus' time in Jerusalem. While I'm not saying Marko has it wrong or that anyone else has it wrong...I merely think it's time to consider digging deeper and thinking outside the box when it comes to our current understanding of Jesus and His ministry. Grace is something we take for granted in today's culture and perhaps we can use both lines of thinking for growth as we enter Holy Week with a greater thirst and seek His will for our lives.
May God bless you all...
*Special Note: I apologize to those who have been waiting for a new message/blog from me for a long time. I will do my best this month to crank out more for your hearts to chew on. I thank you for your dedication and thirst for knowledge and truth as it is revealed to you.
In Marko's blog he talks about how Jesus in spite of the fact He knew the very people who were praising Him now and giving thanks to God saying 'Praise God for the Son of David' would be the very same people who would later condemn Him and let a murder go free.
As I sat in the pew yesterday, I was blown away by a new concept-there were two crowds! In Maroko's blog he talks about one crowd appearing twice-at Jesus' entry and trial.
Since then I've been thinking about how I never thought of it in those terms before: that there were two different crowds. After some reflection I can see it now and you don't have to believe me, it's my two cents...
The crowd who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem were thirsting for God to deliver them which is why they said 'Praise God for the Son of David'-they were hoping for Jesus to throw out the corrupt religious rulers (as He did in the Temple-verse 12-17 of Chapter 21) and the Roman Empire. What I find interesting is that in the scriptures in the old testament, particularly Zechariah 9:9 it does state that He would be have a humble entry as He was riding the donkey. Jesus' ministry was about serving others and that's a major aspect of Christianity-having a 'servants heart' as Jesus did. As a matter of fact He commanded that we did in Mark 12:28-33.
Now, as I understand it the religious leaders were trying to corner Jesus and trick Him into saying something 'foolish' or blasphemous concerning the Law as they knew it. They weren't too happy with the things Jesus did that flew in the face of 'tradition'-like healing on the Sabbath and not doing things the 'proper' way according the 'Jewish custom'.
Once you take into account the various scripture passages provided perhaps you too will have a different view of Jesus' time in Jerusalem. While I'm not saying Marko has it wrong or that anyone else has it wrong...I merely think it's time to consider digging deeper and thinking outside the box when it comes to our current understanding of Jesus and His ministry. Grace is something we take for granted in today's culture and perhaps we can use both lines of thinking for growth as we enter Holy Week with a greater thirst and seek His will for our lives.
May God bless you all...
*Special Note: I apologize to those who have been waiting for a new message/blog from me for a long time. I will do my best this month to crank out more for your hearts to chew on. I thank you for your dedication and thirst for knowledge and truth as it is revealed to you.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Crazy Love Revisted: Some Inconvenient Truths II
Before we get into what Francis Chan has to say concerning us 'Lukewarm People' please read some scripture: Matthew 13:1-23.
Now, the reason I had you read this was to put into perspective how we are to approach all that's been said concerning seeds and soil. How we need to look at our situation at hand and take an honest and hard look at where we're at spiritually. In his book, 'Crazy Love,' Francis Chan says multiple times: 'Do not assume you are good soil'. Wow, how true indeed. I mean, we're all distracted by the thorns of this life and it takes away from what God offers us-true life and true happiness. We have a nasty tendency to mess it up. Too often when we're broken, empty, and feel lost...it's because of our own doing. David Goetz writes, 'too much of a the good life ends up being toxic, deforming spirituality.' Good things by themselves are fine, but all of it together keeps us from being truly happy and filled.
The questions becomes...has your relationship changed the way you live? Or are you choking it out by spending too much time, energy, and money on things that don't matter? (Francis Chan)
It's just something to think about...now onto 'The Profile of the Lukewarm':
Lukewarm People say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives. Luke 9:57-62.
Lukewarm People love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors, missionaries, and radicals. Matt. 22:37-38.
Lukewarm People love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is especially focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back...their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached. Matt. 5:43-47.
Lukewarm People will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give. Luke 18:21-25.
I think that's enough for today. There's plenty more where that came from. Again, if you're interested in the book it's called: Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I was able to see him in person two years in a row at the National Youth Workers Convention. He's an amazing speaker with amazing insight.
He essentially called out over 6,200 youth workers to get serious about Jesus and to do our part in re-energizing the churches for God! So, I hope you get a lot out of this mini-blog series because there are plenty more scripture based truths out there for your to chew on...until next time: READ UP and PRAY UP!
Now, the reason I had you read this was to put into perspective how we are to approach all that's been said concerning seeds and soil. How we need to look at our situation at hand and take an honest and hard look at where we're at spiritually. In his book, 'Crazy Love,' Francis Chan says multiple times: 'Do not assume you are good soil'. Wow, how true indeed. I mean, we're all distracted by the thorns of this life and it takes away from what God offers us-true life and true happiness. We have a nasty tendency to mess it up. Too often when we're broken, empty, and feel lost...it's because of our own doing. David Goetz writes, 'too much of a the good life ends up being toxic, deforming spirituality.' Good things by themselves are fine, but all of it together keeps us from being truly happy and filled.
The questions becomes...has your relationship changed the way you live? Or are you choking it out by spending too much time, energy, and money on things that don't matter? (Francis Chan)
It's just something to think about...now onto 'The Profile of the Lukewarm':
Lukewarm People say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed, a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives. Luke 9:57-62.
Lukewarm People love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors, missionaries, and radicals. Matt. 22:37-38.
Lukewarm People love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is especially focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back...their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached. Matt. 5:43-47.
Lukewarm People will serve God and others, but there are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give. Luke 18:21-25.
I think that's enough for today. There's plenty more where that came from. Again, if you're interested in the book it's called: Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I was able to see him in person two years in a row at the National Youth Workers Convention. He's an amazing speaker with amazing insight.
He essentially called out over 6,200 youth workers to get serious about Jesus and to do our part in re-energizing the churches for God! So, I hope you get a lot out of this mini-blog series because there are plenty more scripture based truths out there for your to chew on...until next time: READ UP and PRAY UP!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Crazy Love Revisted: Some Inconvenient Truths
I've been re-reading books as of late and last night I was reading Francis Chan's book: Crazy Love, more specifically, the chapter which is called: 'Profile of the Lukewarm'. Of course, there's way too much information to share in one day, so I estimate that the next couple of blogs will contain 'Crazy Love' information.
So here's what you'll get: Francis Chan snippets for you to chew on. After his description he provides scripture, click on the scripture to be redirected to Biblegateway.com to read it-there will be no additions from me. Enjoy!
'Profile of the Lukewarm':
Lukewarm People attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe 'good Christians' do, so they go. Isaiah 29:13.
Lukewarm People give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a 'cheerful giver,' right? Luke 21:1-4.
Lukewarm People tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) rather than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. Luke 6:26, Revelation 3:1, and Matthew 23:5-7.
Lukewarm People don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm People don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful life. John 10:10 and Romans 6:1-2.
Lukewarm People are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for 'extreme' Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm People call 'radical' what Jesus expected of all His followers. James 1:22, James 4:17, and Matthew 21:28-31.
Lukewarm People rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. Matthew 10:32-33
Lukewarm People gauge their morality or 'goodness' by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as 'hard-core' for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. Luke 18:11-12.
In closing, I'd just like to say that our Christian journey to become more Christ-like is just that...a journey, a process of change, but we cannot and should not be so quick to give God the backseat when things get rough.
Hopefully, I'll have more for you this weekend. Until then, please meditate and pray on what Francis described...is that you? I think it's all of us because we all struggle, but if it is you, chew on God's Word in relationship to where you are currently at. There's always room to grow and if you buy the line about 'you can't teach old dogs new tricks'...then you've lost focus of what God can do.
So here's what you'll get: Francis Chan snippets for you to chew on. After his description he provides scripture, click on the scripture to be redirected to Biblegateway.com to read it-there will be no additions from me. Enjoy!
'Profile of the Lukewarm':
Lukewarm People attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe 'good Christians' do, so they go. Isaiah 29:13.
Lukewarm People give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a 'cheerful giver,' right? Luke 21:1-4.
Lukewarm People tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) rather than what God thinks of their hearts and lives. Luke 6:26, Revelation 3:1, and Matthew 23:5-7.
Lukewarm People don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm People don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful life. John 10:10 and Romans 6:1-2.
Lukewarm People are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for 'extreme' Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm People call 'radical' what Jesus expected of all His followers. James 1:22, James 4:17, and Matthew 21:28-31.
Lukewarm People rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion. Matthew 10:32-33
Lukewarm People gauge their morality or 'goodness' by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as 'hard-core' for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street. Luke 18:11-12.
In closing, I'd just like to say that our Christian journey to become more Christ-like is just that...a journey, a process of change, but we cannot and should not be so quick to give God the backseat when things get rough.
Hopefully, I'll have more for you this weekend. Until then, please meditate and pray on what Francis described...is that you? I think it's all of us because we all struggle, but if it is you, chew on God's Word in relationship to where you are currently at. There's always room to grow and if you buy the line about 'you can't teach old dogs new tricks'...then you've lost focus of what God can do.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
CONSIDER THIS:
Please read 1st Timothy 6:17-19
and Luke 9:58. Now, I prefer this translation: 'Teach those who are rich...' (NLT) because in today's culture anything that has any 'authority' behind it is often translated as 'blah, blah, blah,' but to teach requires more than just 'demands must be met' it's about walking along side that person and actually helping them to understand.
The assumption is that the scripture from Timothy is for ‘rich’ people-when in fact we are all rich and that’s it’s a matter of perspective. We are blessed by God in all that we have. Consider this: The US is only 6% of the world’s population but consumes 40% of the world’s resources. If you have a vehicle to drive: 92% of the world’s population doesn’t drive, which means you and I are a part of the 8% of the world’s population that has the luxury of personal transportation.
So the question becomes…what do we do with what God has given us? All that we have is God given. In Genesis He commanded us to be good stewards. He doesn’t condemn us for having any amount of wealth, but we should not forget all that He provides.
Each new day is a gift, the very roof over your head is a gift, the very clothes you wear is a gift...nothing you have should be considered 'mine' and done with the understanding/conviction of 'it was all me'.
Here's what Deuteronomy 8:17-19 has to say: ‘You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.'
So what other 'gods' do you worship? Well if you wake up every morning looking for your phone and the first thing you think about is who you text...then you're not thinking about God. If during the rest of your day, while at school or at work your phone is literally 'attached' to you...then you're worshiping the conversation machine-not a one-on-one experience. While I'm not knocking technology, I know for a fact it gets in the way of our continued growth as Christians.
I would be lying if I said I don't play video games...I do, but not nearly as much as I used to. In a way, I grew up and realized what was more important-doing chores around the house, doing my part instead of consuming and having someone clean up after me when it's my mess. Yeah, I did a lot of that when I was a teenager-I left a mess for my mom to clean up after...you know, when other friends call to go play some basketball.
Ahhh, friends...do they distract? Yeah, they can, but they can also help you in your journey too. What kind of friends you ask? The kind of friends that care about you as a person-who cares about you genuinely, not the kind that leave you when things get 'dicey' or hard and you actually need their time to talk about real issues you're struggling with. Yeah, you have friends like that...
SO CONSIDER THIS:There is more to this life than empty dreams, thoughts of 'what if' and 'why me'...you have a potential inside you that God said was worthy of saving and protecting. You see, you've done it the easy way, the lazy way and all that's brought you is pain and a sense of unfulfilledness.
You see, God knows your hopes and your dreams and he provides all that you need, it's just that you haven't been listening. When was the last time you prayed and honestly gave Him your heart and your commitment? In Jeremiah 29:11 we find out that God has plans for us and sometimes His plans are exactly what we wanted in the first place...we just never realized. So if you feel lost and life has you down...CONSIDER THIS: God has a plan for you...it's time to listen...because you are blessed and able to do more than you realize.
and Luke 9:58. Now, I prefer this translation: 'Teach those who are rich...' (NLT) because in today's culture anything that has any 'authority' behind it is often translated as 'blah, blah, blah,' but to teach requires more than just 'demands must be met' it's about walking along side that person and actually helping them to understand.
The assumption is that the scripture from Timothy is for ‘rich’ people-when in fact we are all rich and that’s it’s a matter of perspective. We are blessed by God in all that we have. Consider this: The US is only 6% of the world’s population but consumes 40% of the world’s resources. If you have a vehicle to drive: 92% of the world’s population doesn’t drive, which means you and I are a part of the 8% of the world’s population that has the luxury of personal transportation.
So the question becomes…what do we do with what God has given us? All that we have is God given. In Genesis He commanded us to be good stewards. He doesn’t condemn us for having any amount of wealth, but we should not forget all that He provides.
Each new day is a gift, the very roof over your head is a gift, the very clothes you wear is a gift...nothing you have should be considered 'mine' and done with the understanding/conviction of 'it was all me'.
Here's what Deuteronomy 8:17-19 has to say: ‘You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed.'
So what other 'gods' do you worship? Well if you wake up every morning looking for your phone and the first thing you think about is who you text...then you're not thinking about God. If during the rest of your day, while at school or at work your phone is literally 'attached' to you...then you're worshiping the conversation machine-not a one-on-one experience. While I'm not knocking technology, I know for a fact it gets in the way of our continued growth as Christians.
I would be lying if I said I don't play video games...I do, but not nearly as much as I used to. In a way, I grew up and realized what was more important-doing chores around the house, doing my part instead of consuming and having someone clean up after me when it's my mess. Yeah, I did a lot of that when I was a teenager-I left a mess for my mom to clean up after...you know, when other friends call to go play some basketball.
Ahhh, friends...do they distract? Yeah, they can, but they can also help you in your journey too. What kind of friends you ask? The kind of friends that care about you as a person-who cares about you genuinely, not the kind that leave you when things get 'dicey' or hard and you actually need their time to talk about real issues you're struggling with. Yeah, you have friends like that...
SO CONSIDER THIS:There is more to this life than empty dreams, thoughts of 'what if' and 'why me'...you have a potential inside you that God said was worthy of saving and protecting. You see, you've done it the easy way, the lazy way and all that's brought you is pain and a sense of unfulfilledness.
You see, God knows your hopes and your dreams and he provides all that you need, it's just that you haven't been listening. When was the last time you prayed and honestly gave Him your heart and your commitment? In Jeremiah 29:11 we find out that God has plans for us and sometimes His plans are exactly what we wanted in the first place...we just never realized. So if you feel lost and life has you down...CONSIDER THIS: God has a plan for you...it's time to listen...because you are blessed and able to do more than you realize.
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