“To listen well, is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation.”
-Chinese Proverb
"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires...don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says...If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless."
-James 1:19-27
You know, I think that we have a tough time listening these days. Too often while someone is talking we're formulating a rebuttal or something of substance to say...and even then, we have a nasty tendency to interject-interrupting the person who is talking. I know I've done it and I catch myself doing it too. The sad thing is, I know it isn't just me and that it's something we all have been struggling with and against-the ever changing culture.
We live in a do as I say, not as I do type of world. And in a previous blog article I mentioned how we're good at judging others on their behavior and ourselves by those good intentions deep within. The winds have changed! When I was growing up...children or youth didn't speak unless they were spoken to or asked their opinion...but today...it's hard to get a teenager or pre-teen to keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves.
It's not that they don't have a 'shut-up' filter, it's just that they don't know how to use it.
In today's culture, the reason we're so geared or wired to firing back a line or two-whether it's of substance or not, isn't because we forgot how to listen, but because of what we've been taught or have learned-whether intentionally or unintentionally from family, friends, or the media (tv or movies). It's perception vs. reality really...I mean somehow it has become-if you're unable to speak your mind, you don't have a mind or anything to contribute.
Now I realize that I'm generalizing here...I mean, we all know that we're not trying to think of consoling words for our friends and family members who are spilling their guts about cheating, self-esteem issues, break-ups with so and so, or the loss of someone close. I mean come on...we listen 100% of the time! We've all heard this before: 'God gave you one mouth and two ears'...and I wonder which we should use less of.
There are two types of listening really: Active and Passive Listening. Passive Listening is listening without reacting: Allowing someone to speak, without interrupting and not doing anything else at the same time. Active listening is reacting or doing something that demonstrates you are listening and have understood.
Giving non-verbal cues to demonstrate you are paying attention (nodding, making eye contact, making facial expressions appropriate to what is being said) or eflecting back the main points and summarising what has been said. Now, here's the kicker: Non-verbal cues happen naturally, providing you really are listening. If you concentrate on making the non-verbal cues, then you probably aren't listening.
The fundamental question we have to ask here is this: are we really listening?
Of course we have to take it a step further...not just when it comes to our friends and family members, but to God's will for our lives. I believe God speaks to us through those around us-including our friends and family members. Part of discerning God's will is listening to what others have to say concerning their observations of God's work in your life...can you see His hand in your life? Or have you done it all on your own? Remember, 'if you claim to be righteous and don't tame your own tongue you're only fooling yourself and your religion is worthless.'
The challenge is to re-read the above quote and marinade on the scripture passage. Start to think and reflect on how well you listen to others and to God. How is your marriage? How is your relationship with God? If it's suffering and there's too much 'reaction' taking place...it's time to take a step back and hold that tongue.
How can you better your current situation? Are you praying?
I pray that you might stop fooling yourself...as I know I have fooled myself too many times. Pray for me as well.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
ANXIETY PLAGUES
'The anxiety that has plagued me during the last week shows that a great part of me is not yet 'abiding' in Jesus. My mind and heart keep running away from my true dwelling place, and they explore strange lands where I end up in anger, resentment, lust, fear, and anguish. I know that living a spiritual life means bringing every part of myself home to where it belongs.'
-Henri Nouwen
'I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'
-Jesus of Nazereth
The word 'abundance' comes from the greek word perissos which means beyond measure, surplus, or excess. Currently, I am at Princeton Seminary's Institution for Youth Ministry Certificate Forum in Princeton, NJ. I just got done attending my last class called: 'Soul Tending: Refilling the well'. This class was a two day/two part class which helped me journey inwardly-I like to think I spend enough time with God, but in truth...I know I don't. I wonder...can you relate?
Becky, the one teaching the class had Pastor Dan sit down for an interview concerning his walk with God. When asked 'what are some of the red flags or flares that indicate you're running on empty' he shared about how his wife is upset with him, his kids ask 'where's dad', he just wants to flee to his shop to organize nails or goes straight to his 'man cave'. It's an indication he works too much he admitted. Now, if you're in ministry-which we all are, you can probably relate. Now, he took it a step further by sharing how it really effects his relationships-specifically his kids. One of his son's has autism and how he doesn't like to look into his eyes (it's when you can tell he's upset or dislikes something) when he hasn't been around for a while. He said the greatest thing for him as a father is when his son looks him in the eye. It's when they really connect and bond.
The interesting thing here is...he took it even further...he said, when 'I retreat from everyone around me, it's me not wanting to look God in the eyes-yet I know he longs for me to do so.'
Now, if that's not touching...I don't know what is. But let me ask you this: when was the last time you looked God in the eye? How vain are your expectations on relationships and productivity? What is keeping you from seeking him more? What needs to be stripped away from the 'life' you prop up as more important?
Marinade on that...
The next thing I would like to share comes from Isaiah 55:1-2, 12. Lets unpack this a bit. What do you think it means to 'spend money on what is not bread, and your wages on what does not satisfy'? I think it means we're doing too much looking (and for some, doing/working) in the wrong places. I think it goes back to what was mentioned earlier concerning the definition of abundance...God offers us so much more, but we keep doing it our own way-wasting our time, money, and energies.
I think it's time that you and I peal away the layers that we claim we are and really give to God what we try to cover up-the insecure, selfish, condemning, arrogant, know-it-all, judgemental-the real dirty and unclean people who struggle with self-doubt and brokenness.
In closing, look up Isaiah 44:3 and re-read Isaiah 55:1-2, 12. What is God revealing to you through his word? What is it that you need to do on your end? It's time for some 'Soul Tending'...we've been running on empty for far too long.
-Henri Nouwen
'I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'
-Jesus of Nazereth
The word 'abundance' comes from the greek word perissos which means beyond measure, surplus, or excess. Currently, I am at Princeton Seminary's Institution for Youth Ministry Certificate Forum in Princeton, NJ. I just got done attending my last class called: 'Soul Tending: Refilling the well'. This class was a two day/two part class which helped me journey inwardly-I like to think I spend enough time with God, but in truth...I know I don't. I wonder...can you relate?
Becky, the one teaching the class had Pastor Dan sit down for an interview concerning his walk with God. When asked 'what are some of the red flags or flares that indicate you're running on empty' he shared about how his wife is upset with him, his kids ask 'where's dad', he just wants to flee to his shop to organize nails or goes straight to his 'man cave'. It's an indication he works too much he admitted. Now, if you're in ministry-which we all are, you can probably relate. Now, he took it a step further by sharing how it really effects his relationships-specifically his kids. One of his son's has autism and how he doesn't like to look into his eyes (it's when you can tell he's upset or dislikes something) when he hasn't been around for a while. He said the greatest thing for him as a father is when his son looks him in the eye. It's when they really connect and bond.
The interesting thing here is...he took it even further...he said, when 'I retreat from everyone around me, it's me not wanting to look God in the eyes-yet I know he longs for me to do so.'
Now, if that's not touching...I don't know what is. But let me ask you this: when was the last time you looked God in the eye? How vain are your expectations on relationships and productivity? What is keeping you from seeking him more? What needs to be stripped away from the 'life' you prop up as more important?
Marinade on that...
The next thing I would like to share comes from Isaiah 55:1-2, 12. Lets unpack this a bit. What do you think it means to 'spend money on what is not bread, and your wages on what does not satisfy'? I think it means we're doing too much looking (and for some, doing/working) in the wrong places. I think it goes back to what was mentioned earlier concerning the definition of abundance...God offers us so much more, but we keep doing it our own way-wasting our time, money, and energies.
I think it's time that you and I peal away the layers that we claim we are and really give to God what we try to cover up-the insecure, selfish, condemning, arrogant, know-it-all, judgemental-the real dirty and unclean people who struggle with self-doubt and brokenness.
In closing, look up Isaiah 44:3 and re-read Isaiah 55:1-2, 12. What is God revealing to you through his word? What is it that you need to do on your end? It's time for some 'Soul Tending'...we've been running on empty for far too long.
Monday, April 26, 2010
TIRED OF FIGHTING GOD
“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.
-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.
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
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