I am moving my blog to my new website.
www.rudegraffiti.com
All the archives have been moved over there as well.
Enjoy!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A story that will either challenge or enrage you
I recently finished reading Chris Tomlin's book The Way I Was Made a second time and thought I would share one story he writes about that really struck a chord with me.
"Neil is one of those guys that can read your mail, if you know what I mean. He sees through to the truth about people and situations and seems to know what to do. All in a very unnoticed kind of way. I could tell you four or five stories that would blow you away, but I'll keep it to one.
Neil was having lunch at the Kettle (yep, the same landmark of Brownwood cuisine I already mentioned). He was in the area for a speaking engagement. Neil loves places like the Kettle and Waffle House. He says that's where Jesus would eat.
Well, the waitress had walked up to take his order when Neil noticed she seemed worn out. Their conversation went something like this:
Neil: 'How are ya?'
Waitress: 'I'm really tired. Been working two jobs to make ends meet. And I'm just waiting for my fifteen-minute break.'
Neil: 'What are you going to do on your break?'
Waitress: 'Oh, grab a smoke. I can't wait.'
Neil: 'What kind of cigarettes you smoke?'
Waitress, looking a little surprised: 'Ah, the generic ones. Can't afford the expensive ones. What would you like to eat?'
Neil ordered.
Neil ate.
Neil paid.
Then Neil went straight to the nearest Wal-Mart. 'Say,' he said to the first employee he met, 'I'm here to buy your most expensive cigarettes. Can you help me?' (He didn't have a lot of experience in this particular kind of shopping.)
As soon as he made his purchase, Neil headed back to the Kettle. His timing couldn't have been more perfect. When he pulled up, a cluster of waitresses were out back on break, his waitress among them. They stood near the trash bin, passing one lit cigarette around for all to share.
Neil headed toward them with the expensive stuff. (He told me later they looked at him like he was Ed McMahon driving up in the Publishers Clearing House van.) He handed the cigarettes to the woman who had waited on him. 'I just want you to know that God cares about you just the way you are,' he said. 'Enjoy these.'
He was starting back to his car when the waitress said, 'Sir?'
'Yeah?'
'Are you a preacher in this town?'
'No,' Neil replied. 'Just speaking at a church here for a few nights. Then I'm moving on.'
'That's too bad,' said the waitress. She was still holding the cigarettes like some kind of grand prize. Neil noticed she was tearing up.
'Too bad,' she repeated, her voice trembling, 'cause I would like to go to your church.'
I love that story! The waitress never knew Neil's name, but when he left, she knew that God cared about her. That's what an unnoticed life looks like, I think. A person who humbly makes God's fame great to others in a language they understand.
And what an accomplishment! Why wouldn't that be worth the finest pack of smokes a guy could buy?"
There are two ways to respond to this story, and most of us will have that response one way or the other immediately. If you are one who loved this story, take a moment and ask yourself why? Do you love the part where Neil bought the cigarettes (that was me)? If so, prayerfully consider that what you loved was the rebellious nature of the story and not the fact that Neil worked to find a point of connection, a way of tangibly showing the waitress that God loved her in a way that SHE would understand.
If you really hated this story, it's probably because Neil bought her cigarettes. Take a few moments in prayer and talk to God about this. What's more important, Neil's strategy or the fact that what he did obviously made an impression on the waitress, who has tears in her eyes by the end of the story. She knew at that point that God indeed loved her. And then ask yourself when was the last time you attempted to make that kind of impression to anyone in public.
"Neil is one of those guys that can read your mail, if you know what I mean. He sees through to the truth about people and situations and seems to know what to do. All in a very unnoticed kind of way. I could tell you four or five stories that would blow you away, but I'll keep it to one.
Neil was having lunch at the Kettle (yep, the same landmark of Brownwood cuisine I already mentioned). He was in the area for a speaking engagement. Neil loves places like the Kettle and Waffle House. He says that's where Jesus would eat.
Well, the waitress had walked up to take his order when Neil noticed she seemed worn out. Their conversation went something like this:
Neil: 'How are ya?'
Waitress: 'I'm really tired. Been working two jobs to make ends meet. And I'm just waiting for my fifteen-minute break.'
Neil: 'What are you going to do on your break?'
Waitress: 'Oh, grab a smoke. I can't wait.'
Neil: 'What kind of cigarettes you smoke?'
Waitress, looking a little surprised: 'Ah, the generic ones. Can't afford the expensive ones. What would you like to eat?'
Neil ordered.
Neil ate.
Neil paid.
Then Neil went straight to the nearest Wal-Mart. 'Say,' he said to the first employee he met, 'I'm here to buy your most expensive cigarettes. Can you help me?' (He didn't have a lot of experience in this particular kind of shopping.)
As soon as he made his purchase, Neil headed back to the Kettle. His timing couldn't have been more perfect. When he pulled up, a cluster of waitresses were out back on break, his waitress among them. They stood near the trash bin, passing one lit cigarette around for all to share.
Neil headed toward them with the expensive stuff. (He told me later they looked at him like he was Ed McMahon driving up in the Publishers Clearing House van.) He handed the cigarettes to the woman who had waited on him. 'I just want you to know that God cares about you just the way you are,' he said. 'Enjoy these.'
He was starting back to his car when the waitress said, 'Sir?'
'Yeah?'
'Are you a preacher in this town?'
'No,' Neil replied. 'Just speaking at a church here for a few nights. Then I'm moving on.'
'That's too bad,' said the waitress. She was still holding the cigarettes like some kind of grand prize. Neil noticed she was tearing up.
'Too bad,' she repeated, her voice trembling, 'cause I would like to go to your church.'
I love that story! The waitress never knew Neil's name, but when he left, she knew that God cared about her. That's what an unnoticed life looks like, I think. A person who humbly makes God's fame great to others in a language they understand.
And what an accomplishment! Why wouldn't that be worth the finest pack of smokes a guy could buy?"
There are two ways to respond to this story, and most of us will have that response one way or the other immediately. If you are one who loved this story, take a moment and ask yourself why? Do you love the part where Neil bought the cigarettes (that was me)? If so, prayerfully consider that what you loved was the rebellious nature of the story and not the fact that Neil worked to find a point of connection, a way of tangibly showing the waitress that God loved her in a way that SHE would understand.
If you really hated this story, it's probably because Neil bought her cigarettes. Take a few moments in prayer and talk to God about this. What's more important, Neil's strategy or the fact that what he did obviously made an impression on the waitress, who has tears in her eyes by the end of the story. She knew at that point that God indeed loved her. And then ask yourself when was the last time you attempted to make that kind of impression to anyone in public.
Monday, May 4, 2009
MOVED
Moved.
That's how I feel.
Moved.
When is the last time you felt this way?
What made you feel that way?
What did you do about it?
I have felt moved all weekend, actually since last Thursday. I was reading Luke 6 (The Message) and just could not move on from there. I have read that every day since, some days multiple times. There is so much good stuff packed away in this chapter. Moved. That's the only way I can describe how I feel.
Moved.
You might be wondering when I am going to write about what specifically moved me in this chapter.........
I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU.
Not today.
Today, what moved me stays with me. The point is not what moved me. My point is getting you to think about the last time something moved you.
I mean that gut-wrenching, life-changing, purpose-fulfilling, new-direction kind of moved.
When is the last time you were moved?
When was the last time you allowed God to move you?
Go ahead, give it a try. Ask God to move you today. Read the Bible. Pray. Listen.
LISTEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Be moved.
That's how I feel.
Moved.
When is the last time you felt this way?
What made you feel that way?
What did you do about it?
I have felt moved all weekend, actually since last Thursday. I was reading Luke 6 (The Message) and just could not move on from there. I have read that every day since, some days multiple times. There is so much good stuff packed away in this chapter. Moved. That's the only way I can describe how I feel.
Moved.
You might be wondering when I am going to write about what specifically moved me in this chapter.........
I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU.
Not today.
Today, what moved me stays with me. The point is not what moved me. My point is getting you to think about the last time something moved you.
I mean that gut-wrenching, life-changing, purpose-fulfilling, new-direction kind of moved.
When is the last time you were moved?
When was the last time you allowed God to move you?
Go ahead, give it a try. Ask God to move you today. Read the Bible. Pray. Listen.
LISTEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Be moved.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Invisible Children
Nothing really earthshattering to share tonight. Just a cause that has grabbed my attention. One of my best friends told me about this organization last week that was doing something called "The Rescue", and the organization's name was Invisible Children. That's pretty much all he told me, and I have spent the following week looking up everything I can find on the internet. One of my friends had access to some dvd's, and I was off and running!
This organization exists to bring awareness of and an end to the longest running war in Africa. The setting is Uganda, and the atrocities that have occured are appalling. I want to encourage you with everything that I have in me to check out the website.
www.invisiblechildren.com
This will be tough for you to see. I want to ask yourself why it is tough. Why is it tough for us to see others suffering? For me, it all goes back to a quote I wrote last week, "To be SAVED costs us nothing. To be a DISCIPLE, costs us everything!" If I truly want to be a DISCIPLE of Christ, then I will care about those that he cared about. I will care about the poor, downcast, outcast, sick, needy people of this world. Actually, I will go a step further than caring. If I am truly a DISCIPLE of Christ, I will do something to alleviate their suffering.
We all have seen that bumpersticker which reads "He who dies with the most toys, still dies." I am not saying to put your family at risk. However, I am asking you to question what your purpose is in life. Is your main goal to live a safe, trouble free life? Is that the kind of life that Jesus lived?????? Now, before you begin to tell me some things you will regret later, think on this:
Jesus promised us that He came to give us life to the full.
If we are true DISCIPLES of His, we will love God and love people.
Do you trust Jesus that life to the full is found in loving God and loving people?
No, you can't possibly help everyone. But I'll bet we can all do more than what we are currently doing.
I came across an interesting, yet sobering website tonight. Check out www.globalrichlist.com and see where you rank. My family's annual earnings put us in the top 1% in the world as far as monetary wealth on an annual basis! I mean, that shatters all the excuses that I don't have much to give. If I, who is in the top 1% in the world, don't give, who will? If I don't help, who will? Yes, my standard of living is higher, but whose fault is that? My family certainly doesn't have to life the lifestyle that we do. Just because it falls within our financial means, doesn't necessarily mean that we should.
A good friend of mine, the same that told me about Invisible Children, counseled me with something that was told to him. "You can't give answers to questions that people are not asking." I realize that for many of you, this may be the farthest thing on your minds right now. You may not care or even think about what goes on in Africa. You may not think or care that 1,000 people die in displacement camps in Uganda every week because of a lack of basic necessities. You may not care that over 20,000 children have been abducted and forced to be child soldiers in Uganda over the past 20+ years. You may not care that countless thousands die every day for lack of food.
However, at this time in my life, I am beginning to care. And while I can't help everyone, I can help to create more awareness. I can encourage people to join me, and to pray with me.
There's a quote in Spiderman that goes something like this. "With great power comes great responsibility." I'd say that being in the top 1% of the world in wealth equals great power. And we all must answer to Christ some day as to what we did with that power, that influence, that ability to make the world a little better. YOU hold the key to changing life for a person TODAY!
DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
I guess this was earthshattering, who knew?
www.invisiblechildren.com
This organization exists to bring awareness of and an end to the longest running war in Africa. The setting is Uganda, and the atrocities that have occured are appalling. I want to encourage you with everything that I have in me to check out the website.
www.invisiblechildren.com
This will be tough for you to see. I want to ask yourself why it is tough. Why is it tough for us to see others suffering? For me, it all goes back to a quote I wrote last week, "To be SAVED costs us nothing. To be a DISCIPLE, costs us everything!" If I truly want to be a DISCIPLE of Christ, then I will care about those that he cared about. I will care about the poor, downcast, outcast, sick, needy people of this world. Actually, I will go a step further than caring. If I am truly a DISCIPLE of Christ, I will do something to alleviate their suffering.
We all have seen that bumpersticker which reads "He who dies with the most toys, still dies." I am not saying to put your family at risk. However, I am asking you to question what your purpose is in life. Is your main goal to live a safe, trouble free life? Is that the kind of life that Jesus lived?????? Now, before you begin to tell me some things you will regret later, think on this:
Jesus promised us that He came to give us life to the full.
If we are true DISCIPLES of His, we will love God and love people.
Do you trust Jesus that life to the full is found in loving God and loving people?
No, you can't possibly help everyone. But I'll bet we can all do more than what we are currently doing.
I came across an interesting, yet sobering website tonight. Check out www.globalrichlist.com and see where you rank. My family's annual earnings put us in the top 1% in the world as far as monetary wealth on an annual basis! I mean, that shatters all the excuses that I don't have much to give. If I, who is in the top 1% in the world, don't give, who will? If I don't help, who will? Yes, my standard of living is higher, but whose fault is that? My family certainly doesn't have to life the lifestyle that we do. Just because it falls within our financial means, doesn't necessarily mean that we should.
A good friend of mine, the same that told me about Invisible Children, counseled me with something that was told to him. "You can't give answers to questions that people are not asking." I realize that for many of you, this may be the farthest thing on your minds right now. You may not care or even think about what goes on in Africa. You may not think or care that 1,000 people die in displacement camps in Uganda every week because of a lack of basic necessities. You may not care that over 20,000 children have been abducted and forced to be child soldiers in Uganda over the past 20+ years. You may not care that countless thousands die every day for lack of food.
However, at this time in my life, I am beginning to care. And while I can't help everyone, I can help to create more awareness. I can encourage people to join me, and to pray with me.
There's a quote in Spiderman that goes something like this. "With great power comes great responsibility." I'd say that being in the top 1% of the world in wealth equals great power. And we all must answer to Christ some day as to what we did with that power, that influence, that ability to make the world a little better. YOU hold the key to changing life for a person TODAY!
DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
I guess this was earthshattering, who knew?
www.invisiblechildren.com
Friday, April 24, 2009
PRAYER
Ok, so for those of you who don't know, I raise money as a missionary to provide for my family. It's a tough thing, especially in these times of people worrying about the economy. HOWEVER, it also provides a great opportunity for us to develop our trust and faith in God. Never have we gone without, never have we not had our needs, and many of our desires met. Yes, it gets tough we I haven't received a paycheck for a month, or month and a half. And yet, the faith that we've developed as we've watched God meet our needs time and time again has been huge!
What I really hate, is when people get defensive towards me and their first response is that money is not the only way people can help.
Um, thank you for very plainly and openly saying that you don't care. Thank you for your bluntness! Thank you for your concern and caring spirit.
CONFESSION TIME. I've had many daydreams of punching people in the face. I know, I know, money is a touchy subject with people. Sorry, got off track there.
The point is, prayer is a huge weapon that most of us fail to utilize..............EVER (unless we personally need something). We cannot each of us individually conquer the worlds issues on our own. I do not have enough money to end world hunger. However, I love a quote I came across by Robert Kennedy where he says "Few will have the greatness to bend history; but each of us can work to change a small portion of the events, and in the total of all these acts will be written the history of this generation.....Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.......But we also know that only those who dare to fail greatly, can ever achieve greatly."
The past few months my eyes have been opened in an extreme way to the plight of people across the world in need. While I can't meet every need financially, I do what God moves me to do. With the rest of the need that moves my heart, I have decided to dedicate each day of the week to praying for a ministry or organization that is working around the world. So, here is that schedule....
Sunday>24-7 Prayer (www.24-7prayer.com)
Monday>XXX Church (www.xxxchurch.com)
Tuesday>Team World Vision (www.worldvision.org/team)
Wednesday>Blood:Water Mission (www.bloodwatermission.com)
Thursday>One (www.one.org)
Friday>Invisible Children (www.invisiblechildren.com)
Saturday>Compassion (www.compassion.com)
I encourage you to get involved in ministries and organizations around the world. Do your homework, read up, watch videos, and then prayerfully get involved. Give money. Give money. Give money. (You can do without one coffee a week, one meal out a week, etc. I promise you will survive!) With the rest, seriously devote time to prayer. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. (You can do without that extra hour of sleep every morning. I promise you will survive!) Get involved. DO SOMETHING!
What I really hate, is when people get defensive towards me and their first response is that money is not the only way people can help.
Um, thank you for very plainly and openly saying that you don't care. Thank you for your bluntness! Thank you for your concern and caring spirit.
CONFESSION TIME. I've had many daydreams of punching people in the face. I know, I know, money is a touchy subject with people. Sorry, got off track there.
The point is, prayer is a huge weapon that most of us fail to utilize..............EVER (unless we personally need something). We cannot each of us individually conquer the worlds issues on our own. I do not have enough money to end world hunger. However, I love a quote I came across by Robert Kennedy where he says "Few will have the greatness to bend history; but each of us can work to change a small portion of the events, and in the total of all these acts will be written the history of this generation.....Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.......But we also know that only those who dare to fail greatly, can ever achieve greatly."
The past few months my eyes have been opened in an extreme way to the plight of people across the world in need. While I can't meet every need financially, I do what God moves me to do. With the rest of the need that moves my heart, I have decided to dedicate each day of the week to praying for a ministry or organization that is working around the world. So, here is that schedule....
Sunday>24-7 Prayer (www.24-7prayer.com)
Monday>XXX Church (www.xxxchurch.com)
Tuesday>Team World Vision (www.worldvision.org/team)
Wednesday>Blood:Water Mission (www.bloodwatermission.com)
Thursday>One (www.one.org)
Friday>Invisible Children (www.invisiblechildren.com)
Saturday>Compassion (www.compassion.com)
I encourage you to get involved in ministries and organizations around the world. Do your homework, read up, watch videos, and then prayerfully get involved. Give money. Give money. Give money. (You can do without one coffee a week, one meal out a week, etc. I promise you will survive!) With the rest, seriously devote time to prayer. PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. (You can do without that extra hour of sleep every morning. I promise you will survive!) Get involved. DO SOMETHING!
Rich Mullins
"Jesus said whatever you do to the least of these my brothers you've done it to me. And this is what I've come to think. That if I want to identify fully with Jesus Christ, who I claim to be my savior and Lord, the best way that I can do that is to identify with the poor. This I know will go against the teachings of all the popular evangelical preachers. But they're just wrong. They're not bad, they're just wrong. Christianity is not about building an absolutely secure little niche in the world where you can live with your perfect little wife and your perfect little children in a beautiful little house where you have no gays or minority groups anywhere near you. Christianity is about learning to love like Jesus loved and Jesus loved the poor and Jesus loved the broken..."
--Taken from www.wikipedia.org
I've lots to say about this quote, but am choosing to go another direction than I thought I would this morning. As I was typing this quote out, the sentence "They're not bad, they're just wrong." really stood out for me. I have had some pretty serious disagreements the past few weeks with some people, and constantly felt prodded by God to make sure I don't treat them as enemies. I realized how many times I pray against other Christians that I simply disagree with, and that's just wrong. Fellow believers that we disagree with on non-essentials should never be treated as an enemy! How foolish I've been all these years. While I may disagree with someone, we are all still on the same team (those of us that profess Christ as our Lord and strive to live like Him every day). The Bible says that the world will know us by our LOVE for each other, not by our bickering back and forth. Open, honest, respectful dialogue is good and beneficial. Degrading, hateful arguments........not so much. I need to be better about how I express frustration with people, good people who may just think a little differently on some topics.
"They're not bad, they're just wrong."
Definitely not a P.C. statement. But I love the perspective.
So, how many of us actually love like Jesus loved? How many of us even try? Why is that do you think? Is it because of fear, because it will cost you something?
NEWSFLASH!!!!
Giving your life over to Christ does cost you something! I recently came across a quote that says "To be SAVED costs us nothing. To be a DISCIPLE costs us everything." When you become a Christian, your life is no longer your own (we hear this all the time). What that means is, we now strive to do what Christ did. We strive to follow the guidelines God has clearly marked out for us in Scripture. WHY? Not because God is a jerk, but because He knows the best way to live this life that He created.
Why do we second guess God so much? We can't follow him and live life by our own selfish ways. The ironic thing is, that if we follow God with our entire lives, the life we get in return will so far surpass anything we could achieve on our own power.
Let's love like Jesus loved today. Let's live like Jesus lived!
--Taken from www.wikipedia.org
I've lots to say about this quote, but am choosing to go another direction than I thought I would this morning. As I was typing this quote out, the sentence "They're not bad, they're just wrong." really stood out for me. I have had some pretty serious disagreements the past few weeks with some people, and constantly felt prodded by God to make sure I don't treat them as enemies. I realized how many times I pray against other Christians that I simply disagree with, and that's just wrong. Fellow believers that we disagree with on non-essentials should never be treated as an enemy! How foolish I've been all these years. While I may disagree with someone, we are all still on the same team (those of us that profess Christ as our Lord and strive to live like Him every day). The Bible says that the world will know us by our LOVE for each other, not by our bickering back and forth. Open, honest, respectful dialogue is good and beneficial. Degrading, hateful arguments........not so much. I need to be better about how I express frustration with people, good people who may just think a little differently on some topics.
"They're not bad, they're just wrong."
Definitely not a P.C. statement. But I love the perspective.
So, how many of us actually love like Jesus loved? How many of us even try? Why is that do you think? Is it because of fear, because it will cost you something?
NEWSFLASH!!!!
Giving your life over to Christ does cost you something! I recently came across a quote that says "To be SAVED costs us nothing. To be a DISCIPLE costs us everything." When you become a Christian, your life is no longer your own (we hear this all the time). What that means is, we now strive to do what Christ did. We strive to follow the guidelines God has clearly marked out for us in Scripture. WHY? Not because God is a jerk, but because He knows the best way to live this life that He created.
Why do we second guess God so much? We can't follow him and live life by our own selfish ways. The ironic thing is, that if we follow God with our entire lives, the life we get in return will so far surpass anything we could achieve on our own power.
Let's love like Jesus loved today. Let's live like Jesus lived!
Monday, April 20, 2009
More Mark Batterson Brilliance
Here's another quote from In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day.
"Maybe prayer is much more than a combination of the twenty-six letters of the English alphabet into words? I love Ted Loder's perspective in Guerillas of Grace:
"Maybe prayer is much more than a combination of the twenty-six letters of the English alphabet into words? I love Ted Loder's perspective in Guerillas of Grace:
'How shall I pray?
Are tears prayers, Lord?
Are screams prayers,
or groans
or sighs
or curses?
Can trembling hands be lifted to you,
or clenched fists
or the cold sweat that trickles down my back
or the cramps that knot my stomach?
Will you accept my prayers, Lord,
my real prayers,
rooted in the muck and mud and rock of my life,
and not just the pretty, cut-flower, gracefully arranged
bouqet of words?
Will you accept me, Lord,
as I really am,
messed up mixture of glory and grime?"
SIMPLE
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT.
ENJOY.
Who's The Boss?
I am loving how Mark Batterson's books have been challenging me these days. Today I was reading from In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day and came across this quote on page 82.
"Here is one of the biggest mistakes many of us make in our relationship with God: We focus our energies on telling God exactly what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. In fact, we repeat ourselves over and over again just to make sure God didn't miss any of the important details. But what if, instead of spending all of our energy making plans for God, we spent that energy seeking God?"
We all do this don't we? I mean, I can see this in almost every decision I've ever made. I see a house we want, so I pray for favor in getting that house. I find a car that I would love to have, so I pray for favor in getting that car. I see this, and I see that. I want something to happen a certain way, so what do I do? I pray that God would make things happen that way. I ASSUME that my ways are His ways.
DANGEROUS!
SIRENS SHOULD BE GLARING, RED LIGHTS TURNING ON AND OFF ALL OVER THE PLACE!
So many times we relate to God as if He is following us around, holding on for dear life. Friends, it should be the other way around. First off, God doesn't follow us around like that. Second, when we try to tell God what's best, it's like the blind leading those who have 20/20 vision.
It's a slap in the face.
When is the last time you SOUGHT God on anything? This is how the Christian life ought to be lived. After all, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart right? God's ways are not man's ways. We have no idea what God may be up to in our lives, where He would love to take us, which stops He wishes us to bypass, etc. Let's start purposing to seek after God, and what He has in store for us instead of telling him what we have in store for ourselves!
Maybe then, our lives will begin to turn out for the better, will begin to make sense, will be worth living.
"Here is one of the biggest mistakes many of us make in our relationship with God: We focus our energies on telling God exactly what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. In fact, we repeat ourselves over and over again just to make sure God didn't miss any of the important details. But what if, instead of spending all of our energy making plans for God, we spent that energy seeking God?"
We all do this don't we? I mean, I can see this in almost every decision I've ever made. I see a house we want, so I pray for favor in getting that house. I find a car that I would love to have, so I pray for favor in getting that car. I see this, and I see that. I want something to happen a certain way, so what do I do? I pray that God would make things happen that way. I ASSUME that my ways are His ways.
DANGEROUS!
SIRENS SHOULD BE GLARING, RED LIGHTS TURNING ON AND OFF ALL OVER THE PLACE!
So many times we relate to God as if He is following us around, holding on for dear life. Friends, it should be the other way around. First off, God doesn't follow us around like that. Second, when we try to tell God what's best, it's like the blind leading those who have 20/20 vision.
It's a slap in the face.
When is the last time you SOUGHT God on anything? This is how the Christian life ought to be lived. After all, man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart right? God's ways are not man's ways. We have no idea what God may be up to in our lives, where He would love to take us, which stops He wishes us to bypass, etc. Let's start purposing to seek after God, and what He has in store for us instead of telling him what we have in store for ourselves!
Maybe then, our lives will begin to turn out for the better, will begin to make sense, will be worth living.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
DISAPPOINTMENT
Ok, so it's Easter Sunday. Many Christians recently have enjoyed calling this day Resurrection Sunday. Whatever title you chose to give it, the fact remains that this is a special day.
A day to celebrate Christ rising from the dead.
A day to show appreciation and thanksgiving for the awful torture Christ went through for us.
A day to remember all Christ has done for us, in spite of all our shortcomings.
I had a difficult time with all of this today. I am frustrated. I am angry. No, I am pissed! I am tired of people living in fear. I am tired of people making decisions based on what ifs! I am tired of people backing down from decisions they've already made. I am tired of people who are wishy-washy.
Phew. My blood is still boiling. I could go on and on, and have done so in my head all day. However, the simple fact is that this accomplishes nothing. It doesn't matter that I think I've been wronged. It doesn't matter that I think people are going to miss out on huge opportunities because of decisions that have been reversed. It doesn't matter why I am pissed, angry, frustrated, and upset. All of this pales in comparison to how I have treated Christ throughout my life, and yet he still suffered horrendously for me. He endured evil itself, unnecessarily, to save me from an eternity apart from Him, knowing that I might very well reject this gift.
I wasted an entire day today, stewing over things that are out of my control. I could have spent this day worshipping my Lord, my Savior, my Friend. And yet, I didn't. I acted selfishly. I acted like someone who does not know or follow Jesus.
Are my frustrations valid? I think so. But I let them get in between me and my Friend, me and my Savior, me and my Lord, me and my God! THAT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN!
Father,
For that I am sorry.
A day to celebrate Christ rising from the dead.
A day to show appreciation and thanksgiving for the awful torture Christ went through for us.
A day to remember all Christ has done for us, in spite of all our shortcomings.
I had a difficult time with all of this today. I am frustrated. I am angry. No, I am pissed! I am tired of people living in fear. I am tired of people making decisions based on what ifs! I am tired of people backing down from decisions they've already made. I am tired of people who are wishy-washy.
Phew. My blood is still boiling. I could go on and on, and have done so in my head all day. However, the simple fact is that this accomplishes nothing. It doesn't matter that I think I've been wronged. It doesn't matter that I think people are going to miss out on huge opportunities because of decisions that have been reversed. It doesn't matter why I am pissed, angry, frustrated, and upset. All of this pales in comparison to how I have treated Christ throughout my life, and yet he still suffered horrendously for me. He endured evil itself, unnecessarily, to save me from an eternity apart from Him, knowing that I might very well reject this gift.
I wasted an entire day today, stewing over things that are out of my control. I could have spent this day worshipping my Lord, my Savior, my Friend. And yet, I didn't. I acted selfishly. I acted like someone who does not know or follow Jesus.
Are my frustrations valid? I think so. But I let them get in between me and my Friend, me and my Savior, me and my Lord, me and my God! THAT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN!
Father,
For that I am sorry.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Dangerous Questions/Prayers
Do you ever find yourself getting into one of those ruts in life, you just do the same thing, have the same routine, etc? This happens to me from time to time, and I have learned over time some helpful ways to get out of this rut.
One of those ways is to begin asking God some dangerous questions. What do I mean by dangerous? By dangerous I mean something that will drastically change your current way of living.
A dangerous question is one that will break that status quo you are in.
A dangerous question is one that will propel you closer to God, provided you are open to however God wants to answer that question.
A dangerous question fights to get below the surface level, to the heart of what God wants to do in your life.
Almost a month ago now, I came across a phrase in a song by Hillsong that I have turned into a prayer for my life. In the song Hosanna, I found the phrase, "Break my heart for what breaks Yours" and it completely captured my attention. I began praying this dangerous prayer and have had my life completely wrecked by God in the process.
My heart has been captured by the plight of people in third world countries who are experiencing extreme poverty. Now, I work with people who are less fortunate than most in this country. However, if you look at the rest of the world, even our poor in the U.S. often times are much better off than most of the rest of the world. Most people in our country have no idea about true poverty, life ending poverty. It's an outrageous disgrace that there are literally thousands of people dying every day simply because they lack access to clean water! In this country we cry and moan if we can't have the latest style of clothing or newest electronic gadget when they first come out. Honestly, we are spoiled brats! Is that harsh? Tell that to the child who's parent just died from a HIV/Aids. Tell that to the parent who just lost their child because of a disease picked up from a contaminated water source.
I am as materialistic as they come. I have fought this most of my life. The last thing on my mind is to make people feel bad for having more things (toys) than they need. I certainly fall into that category. I simply want to challenge the way we think here in America. We don't have to take on a vow of poverty to change the world we live in. If each of us were to perform one small act of kindness (child sponsorship, donate towards clean water initiatives, etc.) this world would see a drastic change. Statistics show that in villages where clean water is introduced the mortality rate is cut in half! Simply from adding clean water!
As professing Christians, something must change in us. We cannot continue along this path, where we hoard all the wealth while people starve to death, die from preventable illnesses, die from things that could easily be prevented. How can we as Christians continue to find this acceptable when God clearly cares for the poor, and has a heart for them as we see in His word? The Amplified Bible states in Deuteronomy 15:11 "For the poor will never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hands to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in your land." How many of us can say our hands are open wide to the needy? How many of us can simply say that our hands are even open a little bit to the needy?
As you can tell, my dangerous question/prayer did some major damage in my life. I am not yet sure exactly what purpose God has on this journey He is taking me, but I do know that I am walking closer and closer to Him every single day because of this. I have gained a new weapon against my sinful struggle with materialism, and that's remembering, praying for, and doing whatever I can to help those in need.
What dangerous questions have you been asking lately? Have you been asking any? Take this leap of faith, and watch your passion for God explode in the process!
One of those ways is to begin asking God some dangerous questions. What do I mean by dangerous? By dangerous I mean something that will drastically change your current way of living.
A dangerous question is one that will break that status quo you are in.
A dangerous question is one that will propel you closer to God, provided you are open to however God wants to answer that question.
A dangerous question fights to get below the surface level, to the heart of what God wants to do in your life.
Almost a month ago now, I came across a phrase in a song by Hillsong that I have turned into a prayer for my life. In the song Hosanna, I found the phrase, "Break my heart for what breaks Yours" and it completely captured my attention. I began praying this dangerous prayer and have had my life completely wrecked by God in the process.
My heart has been captured by the plight of people in third world countries who are experiencing extreme poverty. Now, I work with people who are less fortunate than most in this country. However, if you look at the rest of the world, even our poor in the U.S. often times are much better off than most of the rest of the world. Most people in our country have no idea about true poverty, life ending poverty. It's an outrageous disgrace that there are literally thousands of people dying every day simply because they lack access to clean water! In this country we cry and moan if we can't have the latest style of clothing or newest electronic gadget when they first come out. Honestly, we are spoiled brats! Is that harsh? Tell that to the child who's parent just died from a HIV/Aids. Tell that to the parent who just lost their child because of a disease picked up from a contaminated water source.
I am as materialistic as they come. I have fought this most of my life. The last thing on my mind is to make people feel bad for having more things (toys) than they need. I certainly fall into that category. I simply want to challenge the way we think here in America. We don't have to take on a vow of poverty to change the world we live in. If each of us were to perform one small act of kindness (child sponsorship, donate towards clean water initiatives, etc.) this world would see a drastic change. Statistics show that in villages where clean water is introduced the mortality rate is cut in half! Simply from adding clean water!
As professing Christians, something must change in us. We cannot continue along this path, where we hoard all the wealth while people starve to death, die from preventable illnesses, die from things that could easily be prevented. How can we as Christians continue to find this acceptable when God clearly cares for the poor, and has a heart for them as we see in His word? The Amplified Bible states in Deuteronomy 15:11 "For the poor will never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, You shall open wide your hands to your brother, to your needy, and to your poor in your land." How many of us can say our hands are open wide to the needy? How many of us can simply say that our hands are even open a little bit to the needy?
As you can tell, my dangerous question/prayer did some major damage in my life. I am not yet sure exactly what purpose God has on this journey He is taking me, but I do know that I am walking closer and closer to Him every single day because of this. I have gained a new weapon against my sinful struggle with materialism, and that's remembering, praying for, and doing whatever I can to help those in need.
What dangerous questions have you been asking lately? Have you been asking any? Take this leap of faith, and watch your passion for God explode in the process!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Relax and enjoy My Presence
More than anything, I've needed this lately.
More than anything, this has been so difficult lately.
Do you find that to be true in your life very often? The very thing you need, or the very thing you feel God asking you to do, is the very thing that the enemy attempts to thwart with everything in his power. I am rereading John Eldredge's book Walking With God, mainly because I know I need to spend more time sitting quietly and listening for God. I love how Eldredge inspires me to do exactly that through his book. So, I am reading it again.
Early this week, as I sat quietly before God, I simply asked what He wanted to say to me. What I've heard all week is "RELAX AND ENJOY MY PRESENCE." I have yet to be able to do this. Wednesday in particular was a really tough day, and I knew that more than anything, I needed to do this. However, it just never happened. I was so distracted with what was going wrong, what needed to get done, who was counting on me for help, etc. Nothing should ever get in the way when God is prompting us. Now, I didn't feel like I had to get away for half a day or anything, just needed a few minutes in His presence, relaxing, so that He could rejuvenate me, and then get back to work. I failed to follow His leading. Do you know what happened next?
God kept pursuing me. I love that about God! He doesn't give up on us because we screw up. He keeps chasing us no matter how many times we hurt or disappoint Him. So, as I decided to sit and take a bath last night, I felt Him calling once again, whispering "RELAX AND ENJOY MY PRESENCE". I tried and tried and tried. It was such a struggle to turn my brain off. A Hillsong United song kept pouring out of my brain, and I couldn't find the off switch. The breakthrough was that I tried, however the time was not quite what I needed.
This morning I went out to run in winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of up to 35 mph. I quit after a little more than a mile and came back inside. And you know what, I feel God calling to me again, chasing after me with "RELAX AND ENJOY MY PRESENCE". I think I am going to go work on this some more.......
More than anything, this has been so difficult lately.
Do you find that to be true in your life very often? The very thing you need, or the very thing you feel God asking you to do, is the very thing that the enemy attempts to thwart with everything in his power. I am rereading John Eldredge's book Walking With God, mainly because I know I need to spend more time sitting quietly and listening for God. I love how Eldredge inspires me to do exactly that through his book. So, I am reading it again.
Early this week, as I sat quietly before God, I simply asked what He wanted to say to me. What I've heard all week is "RELAX AND ENJOY MY PRESENCE." I have yet to be able to do this. Wednesday in particular was a really tough day, and I knew that more than anything, I needed to do this. However, it just never happened. I was so distracted with what was going wrong, what needed to get done, who was counting on me for help, etc. Nothing should ever get in the way when God is prompting us. Now, I didn't feel like I had to get away for half a day or anything, just needed a few minutes in His presence, relaxing, so that He could rejuvenate me, and then get back to work. I failed to follow His leading. Do you know what happened next?
God kept pursuing me. I love that about God! He doesn't give up on us because we screw up. He keeps chasing us no matter how many times we hurt or disappoint Him. So, as I decided to sit and take a bath last night, I felt Him calling once again, whispering "RELAX AND ENJOY MY PRESENCE". I tried and tried and tried. It was such a struggle to turn my brain off. A Hillsong United song kept pouring out of my brain, and I couldn't find the off switch. The breakthrough was that I tried, however the time was not quite what I needed.
This morning I went out to run in winds of 20-30 mph with gusts of up to 35 mph. I quit after a little more than a mile and came back inside. And you know what, I feel God calling to me again, chasing after me with "RELAX AND ENJOY MY PRESENCE". I think I am going to go work on this some more.......
Monday, March 30, 2009
Journey or Destination
Disclaimer: You will probably find this post to be quite vague.
I am in the middle of this debate with myself right now. God's really pulling on the heart strings in me about some stuff, and I am finding it difficult to not rush the process. For many years I have subscribed to the belief that the journey is more important and fulfilling than the destination. However, there have been very few times where I have had to live this out, and is currently proving to be quite difficult.
I am not a patient man.
Instant gratification describes me much better.
It's a battle I've fought most of my life.
Thankfully, God has been patient with me. I am learning more and more how fulfilling focusing on the journey is. It's still hard, because I want to be where God desires me to be in the end more than anything. In that desire, I think sometimes we all fail to realize that maybe for the moment, God wants us right where we are on this journey. I think maybe God is enjoying the process of watching me grow as much as I am enjoying the process of growing.
In my quiet times I feel a constant persistence from God to slow down, a gentle prodding to stop rushing. It feels that God understands my desire to get to the end, but that's not where He wants me RIGHT NOW. He wants me right where I am on this journey. There are some things that we can only learn on the journey.
I just want to thank God today for being patient, for being my Guide, for being a Teacher, for being my Savior, and for being my best friend. I love you Abba!
I am in the middle of this debate with myself right now. God's really pulling on the heart strings in me about some stuff, and I am finding it difficult to not rush the process. For many years I have subscribed to the belief that the journey is more important and fulfilling than the destination. However, there have been very few times where I have had to live this out, and is currently proving to be quite difficult.
I am not a patient man.
Instant gratification describes me much better.
It's a battle I've fought most of my life.
Thankfully, God has been patient with me. I am learning more and more how fulfilling focusing on the journey is. It's still hard, because I want to be where God desires me to be in the end more than anything. In that desire, I think sometimes we all fail to realize that maybe for the moment, God wants us right where we are on this journey. I think maybe God is enjoying the process of watching me grow as much as I am enjoying the process of growing.
In my quiet times I feel a constant persistence from God to slow down, a gentle prodding to stop rushing. It feels that God understands my desire to get to the end, but that's not where He wants me RIGHT NOW. He wants me right where I am on this journey. There are some things that we can only learn on the journey.
I just want to thank God today for being patient, for being my Guide, for being a Teacher, for being my Savior, and for being my best friend. I love you Abba!
Monday, March 23, 2009
FORGIVENESS-NOT AS EASY AS IT SOUNDS
Matthew 6:14-15
The Amplified Bible
"For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses."
This is positioned direcly after the Lord's prayer, where Jesus directs his followers to pray to God simply and honestly, while spending time quietly with Him. These two verses are huge, especially if you are one to take this sort of thing literally!
ADMISSION.
Last night, my wife and 11 month old daughter narrowly escaped injury when a gentleman drove his trailer into the side of our van while my wife was buckling our daughter into her car seat. God's protection is the only reason my wife did not get hit. Seriously. When inspecting the damage done, we were just completely shocked. Humanly speaking, we cannot understand how he did not hit her. However, we serve a God who watches over us, protects us, and there frankly is no other explanation. One of the first things this gentleman did upon getting out of his pickup was to start yelling at my wife that she was parked in the street. No apology. No questions as to if anyone was hurt. Just blame. Just rudeness. Just lack of respect. Just lack of concern for the wellbeing of others.
I was inside calling the Sheriff when this conversation went down. Upon arrival of the Sheriff he started in again, at which point I went off. The Sheriff quickly separated us and sent us inside to our friend's house while she filled out the report. The good news is that nobody did get hurt. The bad news............
I am having a difficult time forgiving him. I have struggled with it all last night and all day today. I am ashamed to admit that I am more worked up about his attitude and actions than I have been grateful to God for protecting my wife and daughter.
It's easy to talk about forgiveness until something really strikes close to home. These times leave me thinking and pondering about how much room I still have for growth. I want vindication. I want justice. I want him to feel bad for nearly hitting my wife with his pick up and trailer. However, I am also starting to want him to know that Christ loves him. I want to forgive him. I want to be free of this prison that I've put myself in. I want to be thankful to God for protecting my family. I want to forgive and let go.
The Amplified Bible
"For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses."
This is positioned direcly after the Lord's prayer, where Jesus directs his followers to pray to God simply and honestly, while spending time quietly with Him. These two verses are huge, especially if you are one to take this sort of thing literally!
ADMISSION.
Last night, my wife and 11 month old daughter narrowly escaped injury when a gentleman drove his trailer into the side of our van while my wife was buckling our daughter into her car seat. God's protection is the only reason my wife did not get hit. Seriously. When inspecting the damage done, we were just completely shocked. Humanly speaking, we cannot understand how he did not hit her. However, we serve a God who watches over us, protects us, and there frankly is no other explanation. One of the first things this gentleman did upon getting out of his pickup was to start yelling at my wife that she was parked in the street. No apology. No questions as to if anyone was hurt. Just blame. Just rudeness. Just lack of respect. Just lack of concern for the wellbeing of others.
I was inside calling the Sheriff when this conversation went down. Upon arrival of the Sheriff he started in again, at which point I went off. The Sheriff quickly separated us and sent us inside to our friend's house while she filled out the report. The good news is that nobody did get hurt. The bad news............
I am having a difficult time forgiving him. I have struggled with it all last night and all day today. I am ashamed to admit that I am more worked up about his attitude and actions than I have been grateful to God for protecting my wife and daughter.
It's easy to talk about forgiveness until something really strikes close to home. These times leave me thinking and pondering about how much room I still have for growth. I want vindication. I want justice. I want him to feel bad for nearly hitting my wife with his pick up and trailer. However, I am also starting to want him to know that Christ loves him. I want to forgive him. I want to be free of this prison that I've put myself in. I want to be thankful to God for protecting my family. I want to forgive and let go.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
TRUST IN WHAT?
TRUST.
POLITICS.
ECONOMY.
GAS PRICES.
GOD.
This is what went through my mind as I took my post-run shower this morning. Deep I know. However, remember in grade school how you were taught not to judge a book by it's cover.........
With the exception of the first and last items in this list, these topics rarely cross my mind. I don't care to debate it with you, that's just the reality for me. So, it is with a heavy heart that these terms even receive thought, let alone mention from me this morning.
My question throughout this post is: Who do YOU trust?
ROMANS 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." What a POWERFUL verse! If we trust in God, He promises to fill us with all joy and peace, and promises us that we will overflow with hope because of the Holy Spirit! This seems like a no-brainer, trust God and you will receive joy, peace, and hope! Who couldn't use some more of that, especially these days?
POLITICS. Every 4 years rolls around and I begin to get amused at how people's lives begin to change. Yes, it's important to take this seriously. What a wonderful privilege to be able to have our own say in how things turn out........sort of. Unless your say doesn't jive with the majority of voters that is. But it is a privilege, because so many people in the world don't have that right. Yes, it's important to vote. However, what a shame it is to feel that the choice available is between the lesser of two evils. Every 4 years, and sometimes this carries on for awhile, people's mood rises and falls on politics. If their choice wins, then they are riding high! If their choice doesn't win, then apparently the world is coming to an end. Doesn't sound like they have true joy, peace, and hope to me. Where's the trust?
ECONOMY. It's tough right now. Truly, for some it is tough. For those who have lost their jobs, or are about to within the next 12 months, life is tough. However, for most of us, the economy is still simply an inconvenience. Disagree? Tell that to the rest of the world. We are STILL the most blessed nation in the world, by far. I was speaking with a dear friend the other night about this. How unfair it seems that while I sit typing this, I am in my own house, with 2 vehicles, with so much stuff my garage is used for storage, on my computer with high speed internet, after having run using my GPS watch, listening to music on my iPhone, in my brand name pajamas, while many people, countless millions are going hungry right this very minute, starving for just one bite of food, or so desperate for access to clean water, or any water, that they have to walk 40km a day for it! Does God want me blessed, sure! But at what point does blessed become excess???????? I mean, this question could cause you to pull your hair out! Trust me, I've thought about the ramifications of the present economy. I raise money for a living, so if people have less or no money coming in, guess what, so do I. I know if affects us all. However, maybe we in America have moved from the realm of blessed living to excessive living! I mean, what can you do with a $250,000 that you can't do with a $150,000 house, except have more room to roam?
JOHN 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." I know the context here. Jesus was reassuring his disciples that while he had to leave for awhile, he would be returning someday. He also filled them in a little on why he was leaving and what he would be doing. What's the point? This world is TEMPORARY! This life on earth is TEMPORARY! Gas prices are TEMPORARY! This has been another one of those issues that just make me laugh sometimes. When the price of gas can cause you to either be depressed or sing for joy, you KNOW there is a problem here! When gas was just short of $4 a gallon, I thought many people might fall off the face of the earth. The reality is that not much changed because of it. Most people did not change their standard of living one bit. The only thing that changed is the topic of what to complain about. However, there were plenty of troubled hearts to go around, proving once again that complete trust in God was rare.
I mean, when in this country have we had to TRUST God for very much. We have so much beyond more than enough. Maybe the current problem is an economic downfall, maybe the true problem is that we live excessive lifestyles, and need to learn to live with less. I wonder how many Christians around the rest of the world, especially in third world countries are upset with God over their current economy? How many of them are mad at God because they don't have a third car, can't go on that cruise this year, maybe need to cut back on the number of times that they eat out. They don't even curse God for the lack of clean water, lack of basic necessities!
We live excessive lifestyles in this country. And that has been our downfall. We have fallen away from trusting in God to be our supply, to meet our needs. These days, we feel like WE meet our needs. Everything we have came from the hard work that WE did. The thought that I EARNED this and that is outrageous. God has blessed us beyond measure, but now has left us to ourselves. We have taken His blessings and perverted them until they have become strongholds in our lives. A little inconvenience in our own lives has become an outrage, while many many millions still lack access to clean water, let alone other basic necessities needed to sustain life. I wonder at the outrage God must feel because of this.
The good news is that God is a God of mercy. His love endures forever. Do not let your hearts be troubled during this time. Trust in God. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. What's the point of overflowing, to bless others! BE A BLESSING TODAY!
POLITICS.
ECONOMY.
GAS PRICES.
GOD.
This is what went through my mind as I took my post-run shower this morning. Deep I know. However, remember in grade school how you were taught not to judge a book by it's cover.........
With the exception of the first and last items in this list, these topics rarely cross my mind. I don't care to debate it with you, that's just the reality for me. So, it is with a heavy heart that these terms even receive thought, let alone mention from me this morning.
My question throughout this post is: Who do YOU trust?
ROMANS 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." What a POWERFUL verse! If we trust in God, He promises to fill us with all joy and peace, and promises us that we will overflow with hope because of the Holy Spirit! This seems like a no-brainer, trust God and you will receive joy, peace, and hope! Who couldn't use some more of that, especially these days?
POLITICS. Every 4 years rolls around and I begin to get amused at how people's lives begin to change. Yes, it's important to take this seriously. What a wonderful privilege to be able to have our own say in how things turn out........sort of. Unless your say doesn't jive with the majority of voters that is. But it is a privilege, because so many people in the world don't have that right. Yes, it's important to vote. However, what a shame it is to feel that the choice available is between the lesser of two evils. Every 4 years, and sometimes this carries on for awhile, people's mood rises and falls on politics. If their choice wins, then they are riding high! If their choice doesn't win, then apparently the world is coming to an end. Doesn't sound like they have true joy, peace, and hope to me. Where's the trust?
ECONOMY. It's tough right now. Truly, for some it is tough. For those who have lost their jobs, or are about to within the next 12 months, life is tough. However, for most of us, the economy is still simply an inconvenience. Disagree? Tell that to the rest of the world. We are STILL the most blessed nation in the world, by far. I was speaking with a dear friend the other night about this. How unfair it seems that while I sit typing this, I am in my own house, with 2 vehicles, with so much stuff my garage is used for storage, on my computer with high speed internet, after having run using my GPS watch, listening to music on my iPhone, in my brand name pajamas, while many people, countless millions are going hungry right this very minute, starving for just one bite of food, or so desperate for access to clean water, or any water, that they have to walk 40km a day for it! Does God want me blessed, sure! But at what point does blessed become excess???????? I mean, this question could cause you to pull your hair out! Trust me, I've thought about the ramifications of the present economy. I raise money for a living, so if people have less or no money coming in, guess what, so do I. I know if affects us all. However, maybe we in America have moved from the realm of blessed living to excessive living! I mean, what can you do with a $250,000 that you can't do with a $150,000 house, except have more room to roam?
JOHN 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." I know the context here. Jesus was reassuring his disciples that while he had to leave for awhile, he would be returning someday. He also filled them in a little on why he was leaving and what he would be doing. What's the point? This world is TEMPORARY! This life on earth is TEMPORARY! Gas prices are TEMPORARY! This has been another one of those issues that just make me laugh sometimes. When the price of gas can cause you to either be depressed or sing for joy, you KNOW there is a problem here! When gas was just short of $4 a gallon, I thought many people might fall off the face of the earth. The reality is that not much changed because of it. Most people did not change their standard of living one bit. The only thing that changed is the topic of what to complain about. However, there were plenty of troubled hearts to go around, proving once again that complete trust in God was rare.
I mean, when in this country have we had to TRUST God for very much. We have so much beyond more than enough. Maybe the current problem is an economic downfall, maybe the true problem is that we live excessive lifestyles, and need to learn to live with less. I wonder how many Christians around the rest of the world, especially in third world countries are upset with God over their current economy? How many of them are mad at God because they don't have a third car, can't go on that cruise this year, maybe need to cut back on the number of times that they eat out. They don't even curse God for the lack of clean water, lack of basic necessities!
We live excessive lifestyles in this country. And that has been our downfall. We have fallen away from trusting in God to be our supply, to meet our needs. These days, we feel like WE meet our needs. Everything we have came from the hard work that WE did. The thought that I EARNED this and that is outrageous. God has blessed us beyond measure, but now has left us to ourselves. We have taken His blessings and perverted them until they have become strongholds in our lives. A little inconvenience in our own lives has become an outrage, while many many millions still lack access to clean water, let alone other basic necessities needed to sustain life. I wonder at the outrage God must feel because of this.
The good news is that God is a God of mercy. His love endures forever. Do not let your hearts be troubled during this time. Trust in God. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. What's the point of overflowing, to bless others! BE A BLESSING TODAY!
Friday, March 13, 2009
INTIMACY or God the character
It's almost 1am, and I can't sleep. I was laying on the couch, just allowing my mind to wander, and landed on this thought of God as the main character of a book. Sometimes I think we struggle with the whole "relationship with God" thing because treat God as just another character in another book. Think about it for a moment. The most interaction that many Christians get is limited to their treatment of Him as a character in the Bible. There is little to no effort in developing a "conversational intimacy" as Dallas Willard puts it. Many of us keep Him at that distance of character, thereby forfeiting the very thing he created us to have.......INTIMACY with Him! Let's all purpose to never treat God as if He is just a character in some book.......let's never fall into that trap of Satan. Intimacy with God takes a lot of work, but also fulfills down to our very core what we were created for! God is living and breathing! Get to know Him today!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Relationship or Do's and Don'ts
This has been on my mind for some time now. My relationship with God has always been extremely important to me. I feel like that's one of my strengths as a Christian, and person in general. I've really been putting a lot of thought into this over the past few weeks, mainly because I have found myself getting caught up in the do's and don'ts of religion. Now, when I focus on do's and don'ts, the tendancy is to get all caught up in myself. My Christianity becomes all about works, having nothing to do with relationship. These are the times when I begin to become succeptible to feelings of despair and depression, because let's face it, none of us can ever "do" enough to measure up to God's standards. On the flip side, when I focus simply on my relationship with Christ, everything seems to flow a lot smoother. The issue is no longer about whether I am doing this right or that wrong, but knowing and believing that God loves me the way I am! Now, being a mature follower of Christ is many times about self evaluation, finding out where we are at, and what areas we may need to focus and work on a little bit. We do that because we love God, and want to follow Him as closely as we possibly can. That desire ALWAYS stems out of relationship with Him. I think the key to what we are talking about here is balance. We need to have a healthy level of balance between treating God as the sovereign king, creator, Lord, God that He is with reverance and awe, and allowing ourselves the opportunity to crawl up onto His lap and tell him all about our day, desires, and dreams. My guess is that most of us either fall almost completely to one side of this fence or the other. The is one fence that I think we need to straddle. Recently, my convictions have led me to this thought. Sure I spend time every day with God. However, would I pick hanging out with him over watching a movie late at night after my family has gone to bed? There is nothing wrong with watching a movie here and there, but my point is this. We all have room to grow, and this is where I am at right now. I have done this a few times in the past couple of weeks, turning off the tv late at night and just reading my Bible, or opening up my journal. I've gotta be honest with you, I want more of it! I truly desire God to be the #1 priority in my life! And while that is not the case yet on a consistent level, I am happy to feel as if I am growing more towards that each and every day. Life is not just about do's and don'ts. Life is about a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, where your love for Him grows more and more on a consistent basis. That's the legacy I want to leave to my children and to the next generation. What about you?
Friday, March 6, 2009
CAGED
Safe. Tame. Predictable. Caged. These words describe how I have felt much of my adult Christian life. The pressure is always there, you know, the whole "Don't rock the boat" mentality. When a person does that they upset the natural order of things, the way things are supposed to be, or so we are told. Yet, is this the legacy that Christ left for us? What example did He set for us? Mark Batterson, in his book Wild Goose Chase compares the "rich young ruler with the twelve undomesticated disciples". The rich young ruler turned down Christ's offer because he didn't want to part with all his stuff. He wanted to stay in his cage, where it was safe, tame, and predictable. Batterson notes that the disciples "heard the parables with their own two ears. They drank the water Jesus turned into wine. They filleted the miraculous catch of fish. And they were there when Jesus turned the temple upside down, walked on water, and ascended into heaven." Again, I ask the question, "What legacy did Christ leave us with?" Following Christ wholeheartedly is an adventure! It is unpredictable! It is dangerous! If this does not describe your life, then I propose that something may be off. In the rest of the world, people are dying because they have given their lives to Christ! Yes, it is dangerous to follow Christ! Batterson, who pastors a large church in Washington D.C., profoundly states "I wonder if churches do to people what zoos do to animals." Let's get back to the rich young ruler for a moment. Batterson comments that "I think there was a deep-seated longing within him for something more than simply not doing anything wrong." I think many of us could place ourselves in that category today. Here's the deal then, where do we move from here? We can't play the blame game, because each of us is responsible and answer for the way OUR lives played out. We make the final decisions in our lives. Change is hard; always is and always will be. However, maybe you have just felt over the years that something has been lacking in your relationship with Jesus. I submit to you that what was lacking was ADVENTURE! Release yourself from the cage, allow yourself to roam free once again, untamed, unpredictable, fully submissive to CHRIST!!!!!!!!!! Follow Christ's example and legacy, allow his power and Spirit to work through to do miraculous things! Love people well, change lives, show people Jesus! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
