Time. It travels extremely fast. The more distractions that we have available the quicker it seems to go and the harder it gets to leverage it. Time is precious.
I heard about a product for busy people. For people with a lot on their agenda, Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company creates 25-inch-by-30-inch Post-It Easel Pads.
Will post-it's keep getting bigger and bigger? Possibly. We keep adding more and more to our already busy life. What's incredible is thinking that God has given you all of the time that you need to accomplish His plan for you. When you are planning or doing an activity, begin asking, "What would happen if I stopped doing this?" If the answer is nothing, you might want to cut that out of the agenda. Don't take this to the extreme. You need to sleep, eat, learn, worship, work, and relax. These, along with others, are all important areas of life. I'm just saying, don't run yourself into the ground doing activities that won't matter if you eliminate them. Instead, redeem the time.
"redeeming the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:16
Father, teach us to have an eternal perspective on time.
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Get Going!
Game time. We've been called by Jesus into a relationship with Him, and He doesn't want us sitting around reading our Bible all the time. Sure, reading your Bible is great, but don't forget why you read it. Not for information, but for transformation. Then, after we are transformed, we are called to get moving. Influence others and as the Holy Spirit works in their hearts, lead them to Jesus.
Easier said than done? Not really. It's easy to make this complicated, but refuse to do so. Simply love people. What do you do for a living? Are you a business person? Then work hard and master your craft while loving and influencing the people you come in contact with. Are you a teacher? Then teach with all of your heart as if you are teaching for the Lord (here's a secret: you are!) while influencing kids and their families. Are you a sports fanatic? Then keep improving your game and rubbing elbows with people who need the hope that you have. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord. Start by preparing your mind for action.
"prepare your minds for action" - 1 Peter 1:13a
Emotions come and emotions go. That is why we should prepare our minds for action. Get up!! Get moving!! Each day that goes by you are one day closer to death. That shouldn't scare you if you are in a relationship with Jesus (believe in Him with everything you've got and ask Him to forgive you and change you). Time is running out. Get going!
Easier said than done? Not really. It's easy to make this complicated, but refuse to do so. Simply love people. What do you do for a living? Are you a business person? Then work hard and master your craft while loving and influencing the people you come in contact with. Are you a teacher? Then teach with all of your heart as if you are teaching for the Lord (here's a secret: you are!) while influencing kids and their families. Are you a sports fanatic? Then keep improving your game and rubbing elbows with people who need the hope that you have. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord. Start by preparing your mind for action.
"prepare your minds for action" - 1 Peter 1:13a
Emotions come and emotions go. That is why we should prepare our minds for action. Get up!! Get moving!! Each day that goes by you are one day closer to death. That shouldn't scare you if you are in a relationship with Jesus (believe in Him with everything you've got and ask Him to forgive you and change you). Time is running out. Get going!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Eternalize That
"This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17
Forever is a long time. We were made for eternity. It is written on our hearts. We are made to last forever. There is more to life than just here and now.
Take the iceberg for example. You may see an iceberg and say, "That thing is huge." I would agree, until the part under the water is revealed. Then, the part above water just seems to be small.
This life seems huge. When we think about eternity, life seems so small. It passes in the blink of an eye. It is definitely an important blink though. Even though time moves quickly, we still forget how important it is at times. When you think about it, our life on earth is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, it is way less than that. This life is simply preparation for what is to come.
"Set your mind on things above, not earthly things." Colossians 3:2
It goes quickly. Don't forget that. The only way to prevent forgetting this is to eternalize your mind. Keep situations that you go through in an eternal perspective. In other words, remember to "eternalize that!"
Forever is a long time. We were made for eternity. It is written on our hearts. We are made to last forever. There is more to life than just here and now.
Take the iceberg for example. You may see an iceberg and say, "That thing is huge." I would agree, until the part under the water is revealed. Then, the part above water just seems to be small.
This life seems huge. When we think about eternity, life seems so small. It passes in the blink of an eye. It is definitely an important blink though. Even though time moves quickly, we still forget how important it is at times. When you think about it, our life on earth is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, it is way less than that. This life is simply preparation for what is to come.
"Set your mind on things above, not earthly things." Colossians 3:2
It goes quickly. Don't forget that. The only way to prevent forgetting this is to eternalize your mind. Keep situations that you go through in an eternal perspective. In other words, remember to "eternalize that!"
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Heartless
Have you heard this song by Kanye West? He sings about a woman that is heartless. Sometimes I feel like I'm heartless in my relationship with God. He knows that I love Him more than anything else, but I still sin. I can read the Bible as much as I want, but I still sin. I can read Christian books and listen to Christian music as much as I want, but I still sin.
What a frustrating experience. Everything inside of me wants to be the real deal. Authentic. Sometimes, I confuse this with being perfect though. This can be dangerous.
What a frustrating experience. Everything inside of me wants to be the real deal. Authentic. Sometimes, I confuse this with being perfect though. This can be dangerous.
Romans 3:22-24 (New International Version)
22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
All have sinned. We all do it. You might say, "What a hypocrite!" but I don't preach myself or claim to be perfect. Instead, I preach that Jesus was perfect, He died for us, and arose. It's Jesus. God is still in the process of transforming me to become more like Him.
1 John 1:9 (New International Version)
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
So what do I do when I sin and miss the mark? Do you see the words above in blue? "We confess - He will forgive and purify."
Are you and I heartless? We were all given a heart and a conscience. I would call us normal and in need of a Savior. Jesus.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Imperfections
If you could change anything about your body, personality, gifts, abilities, etc, what would you change? For me, I would change my height. I'm 5' 9", not really short and not really tall. I'm average. It is nice when buying clothes, but, still, I wouldn't mind growing taller.
Is there anything you would change? I've never met a person who didn't want to change at least one thing.
In the Bible, God says, "I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born" (Isaiah 44:2a). We are His - both before and after we were born. Our tastes for looks, fashion, food, language, attitudes, behaviors, and sports often spring from the culture that we are (or were) a part of. Have you ever wondered if God looks at what we call an imperfection and disagrees? He might say, "I like that about you." God prescribed every single detail of your body. He chose your race, hair, and every other feature. That's definitely a paradigm shift. It means that you are special and unique just the way that you are right now.
Is there anything you would change? I've never met a person who didn't want to change at least one thing.
In the Bible, God says, "I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born" (Isaiah 44:2a). We are His - both before and after we were born. Our tastes for looks, fashion, food, language, attitudes, behaviors, and sports often spring from the culture that we are (or were) a part of. Have you ever wondered if God looks at what we call an imperfection and disagrees? He might say, "I like that about you." God prescribed every single detail of your body. He chose your race, hair, and every other feature. That's definitely a paradigm shift. It means that you are special and unique just the way that you are right now.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
It All Starts With God
"Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." Colossians 1:16b
It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about Him. Life makes no sense without God.
It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about Him. Life makes no sense without God.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Beautiful Feet: Salvation
Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things,Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “ Your God reigns!”
Salvation is not something that God is afraid to talk about. This verse mentions that the feet that bring good, proclaim peace, bring glad tidings of good things, proclaim salvation and say "Your God reigns," are beautiful.
From what do we need to be saved? God. Think about it. In essence, we need to be saved from God's wrath. Each time someone dies, as a culture we often assume that person is in a "better place." We assume that everyone is saved.
1 Peter 1:8-10
How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things,Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “ Your God reigns!”
Salvation is not something that God is afraid to talk about. This verse mentions that the feet that bring good, proclaim peace, bring glad tidings of good things, proclaim salvation and say "Your God reigns," are beautiful.
From what do we need to be saved? God. Think about it. In essence, we need to be saved from God's wrath. Each time someone dies, as a culture we often assume that person is in a "better place." We assume that everyone is saved.
1 Peter 1:8-10
8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE | God |
| God |
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has NOTHING I DESIRE BESIDES YOU. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 (My emphasis added)
Earth has nothing I desire apart from God. Nothing. Without God everything else becomes meaningless.
| God |
Simply irresistible...
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has NOTHING I DESIRE BESIDES YOU. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26 (My emphasis added)
Earth has nothing I desire apart from God. Nothing. Without God everything else becomes meaningless.
| God |
Simply irresistible...
Saturday, February 28, 2009
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE | patience |
| patience |
Sometimes, it is hard to be patient. It seems like suffering, and who enjoys that. In Galatians, Paul writes that the fruit of the Spirit is "love, joy, peace, LONGSUFFERING, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galations 5:22-23). When I read this verse, I think, "Okay, love - great, joy - great, peace - great, longsuffering - wait a minute. God, why did you put that one in there?"
Another translation simply says patience. What does patience mean? It means "able to wait without becoming annoyed or anxious" (Oxford American Dictionary). That really does not sound fun to me.
| patience |
I'm not naturally patient. Within a couple of years I've had kidney stones, an eternal i mean internal infection, a couple of sinus infections, wisdom tooth surgery, and now, possibly, a hernia. Each time that I go to the doctor now, I brace myself. I'm just waiting for the day when the doctor says, "Okay, we're gonna have to remove everything but your head." "What??!?" No, I'm not really waiting for that at all. I just thought it was funny.
Talk about a rough few years though. I'm sure some have it worse than me, but for a guy who has been healthy his whole life this is new to me. Honestly, sometimes it's difficult to wait for the medicine to work, or the surgery to heal, or the infection to leave, or the pain to stop. I don't want to whine or complain though. I refuse to feel sorry for myself.
I am still incredibly blessed. I'm forgiven for my sins even though I don't deserve it. I eat three meals a day (and sometimes more). I live in a nice apartment complex. I have the most incredible woman in my life. I have a great family, great friends, and a mission in life that I'm passionate about.
So, what am I trying to say? There is hope in the midst of your patience.
Sometimes, it is hard to be patient. It seems like suffering, and who enjoys that. In Galatians, Paul writes that the fruit of the Spirit is "love, joy, peace, LONGSUFFERING, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galations 5:22-23). When I read this verse, I think, "Okay, love - great, joy - great, peace - great, longsuffering - wait a minute. God, why did you put that one in there?"
Another translation simply says patience. What does patience mean? It means "able to wait without becoming annoyed or anxious" (Oxford American Dictionary). That really does not sound fun to me.
| patience |
I'm not naturally patient. Within a couple of years I've had kidney stones, an eternal i mean internal infection, a couple of sinus infections, wisdom tooth surgery, and now, possibly, a hernia. Each time that I go to the doctor now, I brace myself. I'm just waiting for the day when the doctor says, "Okay, we're gonna have to remove everything but your head." "What??!?" No, I'm not really waiting for that at all. I just thought it was funny.
Talk about a rough few years though. I'm sure some have it worse than me, but for a guy who has been healthy his whole life this is new to me. Honestly, sometimes it's difficult to wait for the medicine to work, or the surgery to heal, or the infection to leave, or the pain to stop. I don't want to whine or complain though. I refuse to feel sorry for myself.
I am still incredibly blessed. I'm forgiven for my sins even though I don't deserve it. I eat three meals a day (and sometimes more). I live in a nice apartment complex. I have the most incredible woman in my life. I have a great family, great friends, and a mission in life that I'm passionate about.
So, what am I trying to say? There is hope in the midst of your patience.
Friday, February 27, 2009
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE | omnipresence |
| omnipresence |
When you laugh, God is with you. When you cry, God is with you. When you are angry, God is with you. When you are happy, God is with you. When you act like a fool, God is with you. When you are excited, God is with you. When you are suffering, God is with you. When you need healing, God is with you. When you are questioning God, God is with you. When you are studying the Bible, God is with you. When you need confidence, God is with you. When you sin, God is with you. When you are insecure, God is with you. Truthfully, God is always with you.
| omnipresence |
Omnipresence - present everywhere at the same time.
It is very comforting knowing that God is always with you. Sometimes you may not feel an emotion, but that does not mean that God is not with you. The emotion may have left but God hasn't. The ancient king David said in Psalm 23:4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." David was talking about the comfort of knowing that God is with him, no matter what and no matter where he finds himself.
When you laugh, God is with you. When you cry, God is with you. When you are angry, God is with you. When you are happy, God is with you. When you act like a fool, God is with you. When you are excited, God is with you. When you are suffering, God is with you. When you need healing, God is with you. When you are questioning God, God is with you. When you are studying the Bible, God is with you. When you need confidence, God is with you. When you sin, God is with you. When you are insecure, God is with you. Truthfully, God is always with you.
| omnipresence |
Omnipresence - present everywhere at the same time.
It is very comforting knowing that God is always with you. Sometimes you may not feel an emotion, but that does not mean that God is not with you. The emotion may have left but God hasn't. The ancient king David said in Psalm 23:4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." David was talking about the comfort of knowing that God is with him, no matter what and no matter where he finds himself.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE | manifest |
| manifest |
Some people are into drugs. Some people are into money. Some people are into partying. Some people are into lying. Some people are into worrying. Some people are into fear. Some people are into pride. Some people are into sinful anger. Some people are into lust. Some people are into coveting. Some people are into judging. Some people are into their image. I'm into Jesus.
Is Jesus manifesting Himself to you? Is He displaying Himself? Do you see Him working in your life? Is there evidence that the same power that conquered the grave lives in you??
********************************************************************************************
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and | manifest | Myself to him” (John 14:21).
********************************************************************************************
Some people are into drugs. Some people are into money. Some people are into partying. Some people are into lying. Some people are into worrying. Some people are into fear. Some people are into pride. Some people are into sinful anger. Some people are into lust. Some people are into coveting. Some people are into judging. Some people are into their image. I'm into Jesus.
Is Jesus manifesting Himself to you? Is He displaying Himself? Do you see Him working in your life? Is there evidence that the same power that conquered the grave lives in you??
********************************************************************************************
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and | manifest | Myself to him” (John 14:21).
********************************************************************************************
I still love basketball. It used to be unhealthy though. I would play about 4 hours a day. I'm talking morning, noon, and night. I used to breathe, sleep (literally - I slept with it), and live basketball. Finally, the unthinkable happened. I was cut from the team. I couldn't understand it. I was like, "Y'all are missing out on my 5 foot 9 inch self (speaking of pride)." Hmmm, what a humbling experience. I was offered the enviable, outrageous, incredible job of...drum roll please...Mr. video boy. That seemed like a slap in the face.
Praise God that He used this crucial part of my life to show me that He had so much more planned. I went on to become closer and closer to Jesus. I'm continually growing closer. Honestly, I never considered what I would do when my basketball days were over until I got cut from the team. When I'm into something, I'm 1000 percent. Finally, what I was giving 1000 percent into was complete. I was free. I felt it.
| manifest |
Jesus can set you free of your sins, addictions, attitudes, worries, fears, and insecurities. You can be more free than I ever was in my basketball story. You can be forgiven, free, and enjoy a relationship with Jesus.
Whether you know Him or not, my prayer for you today is that you will experience His powerful presence within you.
Why do you resist Him? You can resist Him until the day that you die, but then what? You see. He is simply irresistible. Today is the day my friend, Jesus wants to manifest Himself to you. Maybe you already have a relationship with Him or maybe you don't. Either way, He wants to show you that He is real.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Public Enemy | Private Enemy
We all have enemies. How are we supposed to treat them?
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, LOVE your enemies, BLESS those who curse you, DO GOOD to those who hate you, and PRAY for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” –Matthew 5:43-45
LOVE them:
We are to welcome, entertain, be fond of, and love our enemies deeply without expecting them to return the favor.
BLESS them:
We are to speak positively of our enemies without compromising on the Truth.
DO GOOD to them:
We are to treat our enemies well without expecting them to be thankful.
PRAY for them:
We are to offer up prayers for enemies without the motive of selfishness.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, LOVE your enemies, BLESS those who curse you, DO GOOD to those who hate you, and PRAY for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” –Matthew 5:43-45
LOVE them:
We are to welcome, entertain, be fond of, and love our enemies deeply without expecting them to return the favor.
BLESS them:
We are to speak positively of our enemies without compromising on the Truth.
DO GOOD to them:
We are to treat our enemies well without expecting them to be thankful.
PRAY for them:
We are to offer up prayers for enemies without the motive of selfishness.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Age of Tolerance
If we try to be all things to all people, we essentially become nothing to nobody.
Although this is a marketing principle, think about this - moral relativism is quickly becoming a dominant theme every where we go.
What in the world am I talking about??? I'll explain.
COEXIST
Relativism is "the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute" (Oxford American Dictionary). From this viewpoint, truth is relative to culture. In other words, under this belief there is no definite truth.
It sounds nice and fluffy...everyone gets along, gives each other hugs, pats each other on the back, and we all prance through wheat fields together living happily ever after. What a weird concept. Yeah, the prancing is really weird too, but I'm talking about mutually exclusive religions all being...truth? The Bible makes the claim that "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27), while some Eastern religions teach reincarnation. So, do we die once, or many times? Both teachings cannot be true.
If I told you that the answer to the equation 1+1 was 2 in my opinion what would you say? What if you answered that it was 7 billion in your opinion? What if we both agreed that the answer to the equation was both 2 and 7 billion? You might say that is ridiculous. I would agree.
If I told you that Texas was deciding to become its own planet and you disagreed, could we both say that we were correct? If we did, you might say that is ridiculous. I would definitely agree (and then move to the new planet - Texas!! Ha!).
A relativist basically redefines truth in order to create a paradoxical world where multiple, contradictory "truths" can coexist.
WHY IS THIS RELEVANT?
This is relevant because, to expand on yesterday, this is one of the ways that we allow the feelings of people to supersede the feelings of God. To rephrase, we are more focused on what other people feel about the situation than what God feels.
It's time to stand for something. Or better yet...Someone.
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). A fully devoted follower of Jesus has publicly acknowledged that Jesus rose from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). For a follower of Christ to deny the clear teaching of God's Word would be betrayal. Now, the Bible is also very clear that minor disagreements are open for debate, but not core biblical Truth (i.e. the death and resurrection of Jesus for our salvation). It is a good idea to keep in mind that the Bible also is clear about avoiding stupid and foolish arguments.
"But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife."
2 Timothy 2:23
"But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless."
Titus 3:9
Stand strong. If you're a follower of Jesus, I'm going to encourage you, live like it. May your focus be on pleasing God. Don't get caught in the trap of "foolish and ignorant disputes." Instead, serve Him with confidence and humility.
Although this is a marketing principle, think about this - moral relativism is quickly becoming a dominant theme every where we go.
What in the world am I talking about??? I'll explain.
COEXIST
Relativism is "the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute" (Oxford American Dictionary). From this viewpoint, truth is relative to culture. In other words, under this belief there is no definite truth.
It sounds nice and fluffy...everyone gets along, gives each other hugs, pats each other on the back, and we all prance through wheat fields together living happily ever after. What a weird concept. Yeah, the prancing is really weird too, but I'm talking about mutually exclusive religions all being...truth? The Bible makes the claim that "man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27), while some Eastern religions teach reincarnation. So, do we die once, or many times? Both teachings cannot be true.
If I told you that the answer to the equation 1+1 was 2 in my opinion what would you say? What if you answered that it was 7 billion in your opinion? What if we both agreed that the answer to the equation was both 2 and 7 billion? You might say that is ridiculous. I would agree.
If I told you that Texas was deciding to become its own planet and you disagreed, could we both say that we were correct? If we did, you might say that is ridiculous. I would definitely agree (and then move to the new planet - Texas!! Ha!).
A relativist basically redefines truth in order to create a paradoxical world where multiple, contradictory "truths" can coexist.
WHY IS THIS RELEVANT?
This is relevant because, to expand on yesterday, this is one of the ways that we allow the feelings of people to supersede the feelings of God. To rephrase, we are more focused on what other people feel about the situation than what God feels.
It's time to stand for something. Or better yet...Someone.
Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). A fully devoted follower of Jesus has publicly acknowledged that Jesus rose from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). For a follower of Christ to deny the clear teaching of God's Word would be betrayal. Now, the Bible is also very clear that minor disagreements are open for debate, but not core biblical Truth (i.e. the death and resurrection of Jesus for our salvation). It is a good idea to keep in mind that the Bible also is clear about avoiding stupid and foolish arguments.
"But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife."
2 Timothy 2:23
"But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless."
Titus 3:9
Stand strong. If you're a follower of Jesus, I'm going to encourage you, live like it. May your focus be on pleasing God. Don't get caught in the trap of "foolish and ignorant disputes." Instead, serve Him with confidence and humility.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Anger Is Wrong???
To be concise, nope. Anger is not wrong.
MISUNDERSTOOD
A common belief among followers of Christ is that anger is wrong. I don't know that I've heard it preached before, but we do live by this belief. I really don't like this belief. In fact, it makes me extremely angry (oops, broke the "rule"). It is completely unbiblical.
Many followers of Christ are passive and afraid of opposition. Many followers of Christ care more about what other people think rather than what God thinks. Many followers of Christ allow the feelings of people to supersede the feelings of God. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! This makes me want to punch a wall.
Now, I'll be the first to tell you that I'm imperfect and I make mistakes. I have been guilty of this at times. Father please forgive me. I've finally just got fed up, and I think that it is biblical. Think about this, Jesus was definitely loving, kind, and approachable, but He also got angry. Really angry.
If you look into most churches, you see a bunch of sweetie pies. This bothers me deeply. This also is unbiblical. Of course we should be filled with "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22). But, we are also commanded to be angry in the scripture, "In your anger do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).
RIGHTEOUS ANGER
The Bible says that God is angry (Psalm 7:11; Mark 3:5), and we are made in His image (Genesis 1:7). Biblically, anger is God-given energy intended to help us solve problems. Examples include:
* Paul confronting Peter because of his wrong example (Galatians 2:11-14).
* David being upset over hearing the prophet Nathan sharing a story of injustice (2 Samuel 12).
* Jesus getting angry over how some of the Jews had defiled worship at God's temple in Jerusalem (John 2:13-18).
Anger turns to sin when it is selfishly motivated (James 1:20), God's goal is distorted (1 Corinthians 10:31), or when anger is allowed to linger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Instead of channeling the anger to accomplish the goal at hand, it is used to attack a person instead. We all make mistakes at times, but God is in the business of salvation and transformation. If we let Him enter, He will unload His passionate, consuming, and undying fire into our hearts.
Ask God to infiltrate your life with His passion. Ask Him to make you passionate about what He loves and angry about what He hates.
MISUNDERSTOOD
A common belief among followers of Christ is that anger is wrong. I don't know that I've heard it preached before, but we do live by this belief. I really don't like this belief. In fact, it makes me extremely angry (oops, broke the "rule"). It is completely unbiblical.
Many followers of Christ are passive and afraid of opposition. Many followers of Christ care more about what other people think rather than what God thinks. Many followers of Christ allow the feelings of people to supersede the feelings of God. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! This makes me want to punch a wall.
Now, I'll be the first to tell you that I'm imperfect and I make mistakes. I have been guilty of this at times. Father please forgive me. I've finally just got fed up, and I think that it is biblical. Think about this, Jesus was definitely loving, kind, and approachable, but He also got angry. Really angry.
If you look into most churches, you see a bunch of sweetie pies. This bothers me deeply. This also is unbiblical. Of course we should be filled with "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22). But, we are also commanded to be angry in the scripture, "In your anger do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26).
RIGHTEOUS ANGER
The Bible says that God is angry (Psalm 7:11; Mark 3:5), and we are made in His image (Genesis 1:7). Biblically, anger is God-given energy intended to help us solve problems. Examples include:
* Paul confronting Peter because of his wrong example (Galatians 2:11-14).
* David being upset over hearing the prophet Nathan sharing a story of injustice (2 Samuel 12).
* Jesus getting angry over how some of the Jews had defiled worship at God's temple in Jerusalem (John 2:13-18).
Anger turns to sin when it is selfishly motivated (James 1:20), God's goal is distorted (1 Corinthians 10:31), or when anger is allowed to linger (Ephesians 4:26-27). Instead of channeling the anger to accomplish the goal at hand, it is used to attack a person instead. We all make mistakes at times, but God is in the business of salvation and transformation. If we let Him enter, He will unload His passionate, consuming, and undying fire into our hearts.
Ask God to infiltrate your life with His passion. Ask Him to make you passionate about what He loves and angry about what He hates.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Urgent Emergency
FLASHING LIGHTS
When you see flashing lights behind you what do you do? What if they are from an ambulance? Most of us yield and allow the emergency vehicles to go by. At first, it was a shock to me how often they went by. Then, unfortunately, I got used to it. Life happened. I got busy, and they begun to seem like a normal part of life.
The flashing red and blue lights signal an urgent need. That need could be a fire, a crime, or a person in physical duress.
URGENCY
Sometimes we make reaching out to others so difficult. There is definitely an urgency to reach out, but sometimes we try to put it into a formula. As humans, we are always trying to put God into a formula so we can understand Him.
According to Matthew 10:7, "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'" By this, Jesus was giving the disciples their mission and saying to preach "as you go" through your journey. This is what we've been called to do. Whether we work for a church, business, school, or any other organization, we are all ambassadors for Jesus. Often times, the best way to preach Christ is without words. At times words are necessary, but your words weigh so much more when people see your life.
You might be called a hypocrite. You might be called judgmental. You might be called close-minded. You might be called crazy. For this let me remind you to maintain perseverance. Remember you are not perfect. You are preaching Jesus and not yourself. That being said, pursue obedience to Him.
You are the 911 operator introducing hurting people to the Paramedic. Jesus. Remember that.
When you see flashing lights behind you what do you do? What if they are from an ambulance? Most of us yield and allow the emergency vehicles to go by. At first, it was a shock to me how often they went by. Then, unfortunately, I got used to it. Life happened. I got busy, and they begun to seem like a normal part of life.
The flashing red and blue lights signal an urgent need. That need could be a fire, a crime, or a person in physical duress.
URGENCY
Sometimes we make reaching out to others so difficult. There is definitely an urgency to reach out, but sometimes we try to put it into a formula. As humans, we are always trying to put God into a formula so we can understand Him.
According to Matthew 10:7, "As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'" By this, Jesus was giving the disciples their mission and saying to preach "as you go" through your journey. This is what we've been called to do. Whether we work for a church, business, school, or any other organization, we are all ambassadors for Jesus. Often times, the best way to preach Christ is without words. At times words are necessary, but your words weigh so much more when people see your life.
You might be called a hypocrite. You might be called judgmental. You might be called close-minded. You might be called crazy. For this let me remind you to maintain perseverance. Remember you are not perfect. You are preaching Jesus and not yourself. That being said, pursue obedience to Him.
You are the 911 operator introducing hurting people to the Paramedic. Jesus. Remember that.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Gleam
ASHAMED
I was in a Starbucks yesterday, and something interesting happened. I was minding my own business when all of a sudden...BOOM! A shattering sound echoed throughout the whole Starbucks.
"That's weird," I thought. Until I looked down on the ground and discovered that it was my elbow that hit one of the new promo coffee cups from Portugal. Talk about frustrating. Talk about shame.
For a split second, I had one of those moments where I considered taking off running. But that wouldn't have been right. Instead, I went up to the counter and offered to pay for it. The guy behind the counter said not to worry about it. I went back to my chair wading through broken glass and decided to pick up the big pieces for them.
GLEAMIN'
Isn't that like our relationship with God at times? We do something we're ashamed of. We consider running for a split second. We decide not to run. We choose to go to Him instead to compensate for our crazy decision. Then, He releases us from our sin and shame.
What's next though? This is where people all over the world in the Church get crazy sometimes. We either live legalistically following rules to earn grace or go crazy sinning left and right trampling over the grace that has been given to us as a gift. I'm guilty of both. I thank God that, although I'm not where I want to be, I'm also not where I used to be.
Back to the question, "What's next after God forgives us?" In the book of Matthew it says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Do you know what the word gleam means? It means to "shine brightly, especially with reflected light" (Oxford American Dictionary). This is precisely the next step. We are transformed, set free, and commanded to live the rest of our life gleamin'. We are not going to be perfect, but, instead, we will live life gleamin'. We ask for forgiveness when we fail, and we get up better, wiser, stronger, and full of humility; somehow (by God's grace and power), we're still gleamin'.
Keep in mind that everywhere you go, you reflect the Light that you have found in Jesus. Just as the scripture suggests, then "they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
I was in a Starbucks yesterday, and something interesting happened. I was minding my own business when all of a sudden...BOOM! A shattering sound echoed throughout the whole Starbucks.
"That's weird," I thought. Until I looked down on the ground and discovered that it was my elbow that hit one of the new promo coffee cups from Portugal. Talk about frustrating. Talk about shame.
For a split second, I had one of those moments where I considered taking off running. But that wouldn't have been right. Instead, I went up to the counter and offered to pay for it. The guy behind the counter said not to worry about it. I went back to my chair wading through broken glass and decided to pick up the big pieces for them.
GLEAMIN'
Isn't that like our relationship with God at times? We do something we're ashamed of. We consider running for a split second. We decide not to run. We choose to go to Him instead to compensate for our crazy decision. Then, He releases us from our sin and shame.
What's next though? This is where people all over the world in the Church get crazy sometimes. We either live legalistically following rules to earn grace or go crazy sinning left and right trampling over the grace that has been given to us as a gift. I'm guilty of both. I thank God that, although I'm not where I want to be, I'm also not where I used to be.
Back to the question, "What's next after God forgives us?" In the book of Matthew it says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
Do you know what the word gleam means? It means to "shine brightly, especially with reflected light" (Oxford American Dictionary). This is precisely the next step. We are transformed, set free, and commanded to live the rest of our life gleamin'. We are not going to be perfect, but, instead, we will live life gleamin'. We ask for forgiveness when we fail, and we get up better, wiser, stronger, and full of humility; somehow (by God's grace and power), we're still gleamin'.
Keep in mind that everywhere you go, you reflect the Light that you have found in Jesus. Just as the scripture suggests, then "they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Friday, February 20, 2009
Good For Nothing
YOU GOT THE FLAVA
Growing up, I remember watching a show called "Flava TV." We didn't have cable at the time and it was a good substitute for MTV and BET. On the show were music videos and a catchy promo line that said, "You got the flava...TV."
GOOD FOR NOTHING
I like salt. It is nice. Until I discovered this stuff (from my friend from Puerto Rico) called Adobo. Talk about flavor. There are so many flavors in that yellow stuff. Check it out and your life will be changed. Promise.
In Matthew, we are described as being the salt of the earth. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men" (Matthew 5:13). Salt is good for nothing, but to make things savory and to preserve from putrefaction (the process of decay or rotting in a body or other organic matter). This means that our conversations, zeal, gifts, teaching, and lives should be an effort to preserve the world from putrefaction and destruction.
We don't want to lose our usefulness and become unprofitable to God. This would, in essence, make us good for nothing to the kingdom. We want to be full of "flava!" Remember everywhere that you go today, to be open to reflecting Jesus in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Growing up, I remember watching a show called "Flava TV." We didn't have cable at the time and it was a good substitute for MTV and BET. On the show were music videos and a catchy promo line that said, "You got the flava...TV."
GOOD FOR NOTHING
I like salt. It is nice. Until I discovered this stuff (from my friend from Puerto Rico) called Adobo. Talk about flavor. There are so many flavors in that yellow stuff. Check it out and your life will be changed. Promise.
In Matthew, we are described as being the salt of the earth. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men" (Matthew 5:13). Salt is good for nothing, but to make things savory and to preserve from putrefaction (the process of decay or rotting in a body or other organic matter). This means that our conversations, zeal, gifts, teaching, and lives should be an effort to preserve the world from putrefaction and destruction.
We don't want to lose our usefulness and become unprofitable to God. This would, in essence, make us good for nothing to the kingdom. We want to be full of "flava!" Remember everywhere that you go today, to be open to reflecting Jesus in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Hot Pursuit
ON THE RUN
True story. A young man was driving and minding his own business when all of a sudden an 88 year old woman caused a wreck from behind. They both got out of the car to exchange insurance, sure enough part of the lady's front bumper fell on the pavement. Then the elderly lady looked at the car and did something unusual. She mentioned that it didn't seem like that big of a deal, so she got back in her car and took off. The young man quickly got back in his car and started to chase her to get her information and involve the insurance. The young man calls his dad and explains the situation describing it as a low-speed pursuit (25 miles per hour to be exact). Two miles later, the lady reaches her home and so does the young man. He calls the police and everything is resolved.
OFTEN QUOTED, OFTEN CONFUSED
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24).
This scripture is quoted all of the time. I started thinking the other day..."it sounds great, but what in the world does "pick up your cross" even mean???" The Greek word for "deny" means "to forget one's self, lose sight of one's self and one's own interests." This scripture is the exact opposite of the story above. Instead of being a low-speed pursuit to seek his own interests (insurance), with Jesus we should be in a hot-speed pursuit to deny our own self and interests. I'm not saying that what the young man did in the story was wrong, I'm only saying that our pursuit of Jesus should be the opposite - a hot pursuit.
Why would you want to deny yourself, your interests, and your desires? I won't be able to fully explain this intelligibly. Watch someone in hot-pursuit and you'll see why. They have been introduced to someone they enjoy more than anyone or anything else...Jesus. Sound corny? Wait until you experience it.
Your "cross" is God's will for you, regardless of what it might cost you. As you grow closer in your relationship to Jesus, He'll start developing you to look more like Him. Therefore, your passions start reflecting His. Your desires start reflecting His. Your hunger is repositioned and redirected to Him.
Taking up your cross is a choice. It is not beyond your control. You may be experiencing health problems, a rebellious child, career concerns, relational turbulence, financial pressures, fear, worry, but don't mistake these as your "cross to bear." Yes, God will be present with you in the midst of these situations, but your cross is God's will for you.
First, take up your cross, then you can follow Him.
True story. A young man was driving and minding his own business when all of a sudden an 88 year old woman caused a wreck from behind. They both got out of the car to exchange insurance, sure enough part of the lady's front bumper fell on the pavement. Then the elderly lady looked at the car and did something unusual. She mentioned that it didn't seem like that big of a deal, so she got back in her car and took off. The young man quickly got back in his car and started to chase her to get her information and involve the insurance. The young man calls his dad and explains the situation describing it as a low-speed pursuit (25 miles per hour to be exact). Two miles later, the lady reaches her home and so does the young man. He calls the police and everything is resolved.
OFTEN QUOTED, OFTEN CONFUSED
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24).
This scripture is quoted all of the time. I started thinking the other day..."it sounds great, but what in the world does "pick up your cross" even mean???" The Greek word for "deny" means "to forget one's self, lose sight of one's self and one's own interests." This scripture is the exact opposite of the story above. Instead of being a low-speed pursuit to seek his own interests (insurance), with Jesus we should be in a hot-speed pursuit to deny our own self and interests. I'm not saying that what the young man did in the story was wrong, I'm only saying that our pursuit of Jesus should be the opposite - a hot pursuit.
Why would you want to deny yourself, your interests, and your desires? I won't be able to fully explain this intelligibly. Watch someone in hot-pursuit and you'll see why. They have been introduced to someone they enjoy more than anyone or anything else...Jesus. Sound corny? Wait until you experience it.
Your "cross" is God's will for you, regardless of what it might cost you. As you grow closer in your relationship to Jesus, He'll start developing you to look more like Him. Therefore, your passions start reflecting His. Your desires start reflecting His. Your hunger is repositioned and redirected to Him.
Taking up your cross is a choice. It is not beyond your control. You may be experiencing health problems, a rebellious child, career concerns, relational turbulence, financial pressures, fear, worry, but don't mistake these as your "cross to bear." Yes, God will be present with you in the midst of these situations, but your cross is God's will for you.
First, take up your cross, then you can follow Him.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Traction
SLIPPERY SURFACE
When I was in my Junior year of college, we had a HUGE ice storm. With my school being predominantly a commuter school, classes usually are canceled quickly. This time that did not happen. So, since I lived close, I thought it would be a good idea to walk. I stopped on the way at Starbucks and picked up some coffee. I was pumped. Cold weather and hot coffee, what else did I need? I soon found out that it is harder to walk on ice than it is to drive on it. I was on my way to class, when all of a sudden...BOOM! I lost it. There was no hope. The coffee went flying for what seemed like 20 minutes while I hit the ground. The scorching, lava hot coffee then landed on top of me. Face down. My tail bone felt like it was broken in a couple thousand places and I was covered in a mountain of hot coffee. Now, that's a slippery surface.
SECURITY
Many of us are traveling on a slippery surface everyday of our life. We are unable to gain ground, because we lack the traction that is necessary to persevere. We keep falling and sitting where we fall without getting up to move on and try again. We feel insecure with ourselves and fear sabotages our life and leads us to drift from our mission.
In 2 Samuel 12:1-14, Nathan confronts David (the king) and did so when it would have been easy to back down. David placed a man, named Uriah, at the front of the army in battle to be killed. He did this in order to marry Uriah's wife. This displeased God. Nathan was moved to confront, and David was repentant. If he was not secure he may have decided not to confront. Think about how Nathan's act affected the king (David) which affected the whole nation.
Do you feel insecure? According to John Maxwell, there are some common symptoms of insecurity:
1. Comparison - We compare ourselves with others and keep score.
2. Compensation - We feel like a victim and must compensate for our losses.
3. Competiton - We become self-consumed and try to outdo others for attention.
4. Compulsion - We feel driven to perform in order to gain other's approval.
5. Condemnation - We judge others or ourselves, resulting in self-pity or conceit.
6. Control - We feel we must take charge, protect our interests, and manipulate.
Ring a bell? My guess would be that many of us fall into at least one of these categories from time to time. I could name multiple situations where these symptoms have been present in my life. What should we do?
Mr. Maxwell then names four keys to security:
1. Identity: Establish your identity in Christ, not in performance.
2. Brokenness: Allow God to break you of self-sufficiency and self-promotion.
3. Purpose: Discover and practice your God-given purpose in life, not someone else's.
4. Give and receive the blessing: Learn to affirm others and receive affirmation.
Remember today to find your identity in Christ, allow God to break you from selfishness, practice your purpose, affirm others, and learn how to receive affirmation to gain traction in your God-given mission.
When I was in my Junior year of college, we had a HUGE ice storm. With my school being predominantly a commuter school, classes usually are canceled quickly. This time that did not happen. So, since I lived close, I thought it would be a good idea to walk. I stopped on the way at Starbucks and picked up some coffee. I was pumped. Cold weather and hot coffee, what else did I need? I soon found out that it is harder to walk on ice than it is to drive on it. I was on my way to class, when all of a sudden...BOOM! I lost it. There was no hope. The coffee went flying for what seemed like 20 minutes while I hit the ground. The scorching, lava hot coffee then landed on top of me. Face down. My tail bone felt like it was broken in a couple thousand places and I was covered in a mountain of hot coffee. Now, that's a slippery surface.
SECURITY
Many of us are traveling on a slippery surface everyday of our life. We are unable to gain ground, because we lack the traction that is necessary to persevere. We keep falling and sitting where we fall without getting up to move on and try again. We feel insecure with ourselves and fear sabotages our life and leads us to drift from our mission.
In 2 Samuel 12:1-14, Nathan confronts David (the king) and did so when it would have been easy to back down. David placed a man, named Uriah, at the front of the army in battle to be killed. He did this in order to marry Uriah's wife. This displeased God. Nathan was moved to confront, and David was repentant. If he was not secure he may have decided not to confront. Think about how Nathan's act affected the king (David) which affected the whole nation.
Do you feel insecure? According to John Maxwell, there are some common symptoms of insecurity:
1. Comparison - We compare ourselves with others and keep score.
2. Compensation - We feel like a victim and must compensate for our losses.
3. Competiton - We become self-consumed and try to outdo others for attention.
4. Compulsion - We feel driven to perform in order to gain other's approval.
5. Condemnation - We judge others or ourselves, resulting in self-pity or conceit.
6. Control - We feel we must take charge, protect our interests, and manipulate.
Ring a bell? My guess would be that many of us fall into at least one of these categories from time to time. I could name multiple situations where these symptoms have been present in my life. What should we do?
Mr. Maxwell then names four keys to security:
1. Identity: Establish your identity in Christ, not in performance.
2. Brokenness: Allow God to break you of self-sufficiency and self-promotion.
3. Purpose: Discover and practice your God-given purpose in life, not someone else's.
4. Give and receive the blessing: Learn to affirm others and receive affirmation.
Remember today to find your identity in Christ, allow God to break you from selfishness, practice your purpose, affirm others, and learn how to receive affirmation to gain traction in your God-given mission.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Daily, Not in a Day
Perfection is a journey. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of perfectionism as followers of Jesus.
COMPLETE
"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4).
I fall into the trap of perfectionism quite often. Even though my mind can comprehend that I will never be able to earn God's grace, my heart still wants to. Even if I could earn it (which my crazy self can't) then it would not be a gift anyway. The biblical word that is translated "perfect" means to become "complete." I'm not perfect yet. "Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you" (2 Corinthians 13:11). This is what our aim should be - to become complete.
JUST DO IT
Just as Paul says in Philippians, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). In other words, just keep on doing it. And do it with fear and trembling.
1) Work it Out - The Greek word for "(work) out" means to "perform, accomplish, achieve." So, this is an active verb. This is something we have to do.
2) With Fear & Trembling - The Greek word for "trembling" means "to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty." So, we should work it out with reverence, and in doing this remember that we don't have the ability to meet the requirements.
Therefore, we simply accept Jesus and live based on His empowerment. He alone is why we live, who we live for, and where we find our identity. Do you feel discouraged? Don't forget that you develop step-by-step (daily), but not in a day.
COMPLETE
"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4).
I fall into the trap of perfectionism quite often. Even though my mind can comprehend that I will never be able to earn God's grace, my heart still wants to. Even if I could earn it (which my crazy self can't) then it would not be a gift anyway. The biblical word that is translated "perfect" means to become "complete." I'm not perfect yet. "Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you" (2 Corinthians 13:11). This is what our aim should be - to become complete.
JUST DO IT
Just as Paul says in Philippians, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). In other words, just keep on doing it. And do it with fear and trembling.
1) Work it Out - The Greek word for "(work) out" means to "perform, accomplish, achieve." So, this is an active verb. This is something we have to do.
2) With Fear & Trembling - The Greek word for "trembling" means "to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty." So, we should work it out with reverence, and in doing this remember that we don't have the ability to meet the requirements.
Therefore, we simply accept Jesus and live based on His empowerment. He alone is why we live, who we live for, and where we find our identity. Do you feel discouraged? Don't forget that you develop step-by-step (daily), but not in a day.
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