I come across wisdom in the strangest places, and today's bit of wisdom is no different. It comes from a comic book of sorts, anywho the quote says, "he who does not fear the sword he wields, does not deserve to wield it at all." Now today the application of this quote hit me like a brick.
I was talking to a friend and by simply speaking my mind she changed hers. I realized that I had actually affected somebody and there is power in that. I'm not going to lie, I became scared of that. What if I am actually an agent of change, what if God has given me this ability to work for His good and I misuse it. Either by using it for my own good, using it too often, or not using it enough. If you think if it, it truly is a scary thought, to be able to wield this power any way you choose.
I find power in words, my ability to speak and convince others has served me more than once, and I have never though about it twice. However like a child I played with a dangerous tool I was not yet able to understand or control. I discovered one use and used my words to my advantage. But now I see the awesome power that lies behind my ability, and I am truly afraid, for myself (in using my gift correctly), and for others (against being manipulated). I'm not speaking arrogantly, I am not the most persuasive person in the world, and actually far from it, however when I want to I can be change minds, and that is scary.
People in power who do not fear their power, are bound to abuse it. Leaders, of every part of society are susceptible to abusing their power once they become accustom to it, and begin to cherish it. True leaders are the reluctant ones that are raised up as opposed to those who step up. They are the ones that fear the power to the point of not using it unless it is necessary. They are the ones that enable those most capable of a task to use their gifts as opposed to abusing power or rank to get a task done.
So I leave you with this, what gift or ability has God gifted you? Are you afraid of the power behind this gift, and the ability it has to change the world? God has given you the power to be an agent of change, however you have to use it correctly and only when necessary. If you are one of those people who cherishes their power, or you simply have become accustom to it, surround yourself with those who do have a healthy fear of the power you wield, let them be your guide until you can restore your own fear for the power you wield.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Where are you looking
Lift up your eyes, from where you are and look to the north, to the south, to the east and to the west. This is the world God has given us, we are caretakers of this beautiful world but for some reason we keep ignoring our divine task. We must look around and take an active part in the world around us. But how can we do that when our eyes stare at the ground.
So many years I spent my life staring at the ground. I knew every part of my shoe, but nothing of the happenings of the world around me. With downcast eyes, my world was me. With downcast eyes, I shut out the world around me, others problems, troubles, experiences, joys and achievements. With downcast eyes, I moved through the world but never saw it. With downcast eyes I ignored my calling because I was scared. However God woke me from my selfish slumber and made me realize that I was not called to have downcast eyes. God assigned me to take care of more than just myself, so I lifted my eyes and began to look ahead.
When I looked ahead I discovered a whole new world around me. A world that I have moved though but never existed in. Looking ahead I could now see the road before me. Looking ahead I saw a beautiful world surrounding me. Looking ahead I began to gain perspective on what happened to me. However that was not enough for Yahweh for I still had no purpose. I had not yet seen my destination. So I looked up.
Gone was the meaning I created for the world around me. For in that world I could be king and nobody ruled over me. Gone was the pride of all my achievements. For now I knew all that I had achieved had not been on my own but with the help of God. Gone was the way I looked ahead for Yahweh is in everything. Looking up I lost who I was because now I know whose I am. Looking up my eyes were opened for the first time. Looking up I saw my destination. Looking up I discovered an unparalleled fear and joy in my life. However God did not want my eyes to stay in the sky, He has work for me to do here and now. So again I looked ahead.
When I looked ahead again I saw a world of beauty and hurt, I saw those staring at the ground, wandering aimlessly, searching for something to follow. I saw those looking ahead, creating fortunes for themselves because they thought they were their own king. I saw those with their eyes to the sky, stumbling and falling because they knew their destination but refused to look at the road ahead to walk the narrow road towards their home. Then I saw a select few looking ahead with open eyes, working not for themselves but for Yahweh. They gave all they had because they knew they had nothing that was their own. This last, small group shined brighter in a world of hurt than every light in the city.
Where are you looking. I'm not talking just metaphorically but also literally. If you are looking down, then today look ahead. If you are looking ahead, do you know where you are headed? If you don't look up and discover a all loving and all powerful God. And if you have looked up, are your eyes stuck in the heavens or are you looking ahead, walking the narrow path that God has set before you.
So many years I spent my life staring at the ground. I knew every part of my shoe, but nothing of the happenings of the world around me. With downcast eyes, my world was me. With downcast eyes, I shut out the world around me, others problems, troubles, experiences, joys and achievements. With downcast eyes, I moved through the world but never saw it. With downcast eyes I ignored my calling because I was scared. However God woke me from my selfish slumber and made me realize that I was not called to have downcast eyes. God assigned me to take care of more than just myself, so I lifted my eyes and began to look ahead.
When I looked ahead I discovered a whole new world around me. A world that I have moved though but never existed in. Looking ahead I could now see the road before me. Looking ahead I saw a beautiful world surrounding me. Looking ahead I began to gain perspective on what happened to me. However that was not enough for Yahweh for I still had no purpose. I had not yet seen my destination. So I looked up.
Gone was the meaning I created for the world around me. For in that world I could be king and nobody ruled over me. Gone was the pride of all my achievements. For now I knew all that I had achieved had not been on my own but with the help of God. Gone was the way I looked ahead for Yahweh is in everything. Looking up I lost who I was because now I know whose I am. Looking up my eyes were opened for the first time. Looking up I saw my destination. Looking up I discovered an unparalleled fear and joy in my life. However God did not want my eyes to stay in the sky, He has work for me to do here and now. So again I looked ahead.
When I looked ahead again I saw a world of beauty and hurt, I saw those staring at the ground, wandering aimlessly, searching for something to follow. I saw those looking ahead, creating fortunes for themselves because they thought they were their own king. I saw those with their eyes to the sky, stumbling and falling because they knew their destination but refused to look at the road ahead to walk the narrow road towards their home. Then I saw a select few looking ahead with open eyes, working not for themselves but for Yahweh. They gave all they had because they knew they had nothing that was their own. This last, small group shined brighter in a world of hurt than every light in the city.
Where are you looking. I'm not talking just metaphorically but also literally. If you are looking down, then today look ahead. If you are looking ahead, do you know where you are headed? If you don't look up and discover a all loving and all powerful God. And if you have looked up, are your eyes stuck in the heavens or are you looking ahead, walking the narrow path that God has set before you.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
In the world but not part of it
Last week I was at worship and the message prompted me to look at myself and my life. Really to look at my life and evaluate what I do in my life and does it reflect Christ and Christianity. As I look at my life I see that there are some things that I do that don't reflect Christ, and in fact hides Christ from others in some instances. Also it is not necessarily what I do but what I am watching and listening to.
Here begins my quagmire. Does watching things and listening to things that are contrary to what I believe hurt me in my Christian walk with Christ or by not watching these shows am I isolating myself from the world at large. I know that I am called to be in the world but not part of it. I also know that what goes into me does not defile me but it is what comes out of me. However what goes into me, what I see and hear, effects what I say and do, even if I don't realize it. With this being said does watching shows that shows casual sex and drunkenness as a norm hurt me by simply watching it, or does watching these shows allow me to see a glimpse into the world, albeit a dramatized and exaggerated glimpse.
Where do you draw the line. Here is my current conclusion, that is that if you can watch these shows and be sad for the people and revolted by their actions then the actions here are not blinding you. However if you become desensitized by what happens then it is time to let that thing go. We are able to be in the world, to see what is going on, and we are able to separate our actions and discern what is right and wrong in our hearts for only so long before we have to retreat, and regroup. When a group of Christians go on a retreat one goal should be accomplished always, that is a refocusing on what matters. Jesus Christ. As long as that goal is accomplished then the retreat was a success and as newly refocused Christians we can go back out and be in the world and work for Christ.
The world pulls us in, says come be a part of this wheel that is grinding away at life and towards death. We are called to jump on this wheel and show people who are stuck on the wheel how to step off. However sometimes we become stuck ourselves and need others to help us off again as well.
We cannot do this on our own, Christianity is community, a community of people who believe that Christ died for their sins, a community that struggles together, a community that loves together, and a community that rejoices in the glory of Yahweh. This community is in the world but not part of it, do not think you are alone... ever... for when you are stuck on that grinding wheel of the world you can always call on your most powerful God for help because he is there ready to help, all you have to do is ask. You never know salvation can come from the most peculiar direction.
***UPDATE***
I have been thinking more and more about this and really the question that I think we should all be asking ourselves is are we setting a good example for others. Do our actions reflect what Christ had in mind for our lives. My solution to this question is: Judge yourself, truly judge yourself. Have you become part of the world and become accustom to its ways or are you simply living in the world trying to act as an agent of change for the better. And even more so are your actions leading others (and believe me people are following you) towards Christ? If you have become part of the world retreat and find some accountability. If you are simply living in the world also find some accountability so as not to fall into the trappings of the world. Continue to work for change and lead others to Christ by the way you live your life.
Here begins my quagmire. Does watching things and listening to things that are contrary to what I believe hurt me in my Christian walk with Christ or by not watching these shows am I isolating myself from the world at large. I know that I am called to be in the world but not part of it. I also know that what goes into me does not defile me but it is what comes out of me. However what goes into me, what I see and hear, effects what I say and do, even if I don't realize it. With this being said does watching shows that shows casual sex and drunkenness as a norm hurt me by simply watching it, or does watching these shows allow me to see a glimpse into the world, albeit a dramatized and exaggerated glimpse.
Where do you draw the line. Here is my current conclusion, that is that if you can watch these shows and be sad for the people and revolted by their actions then the actions here are not blinding you. However if you become desensitized by what happens then it is time to let that thing go. We are able to be in the world, to see what is going on, and we are able to separate our actions and discern what is right and wrong in our hearts for only so long before we have to retreat, and regroup. When a group of Christians go on a retreat one goal should be accomplished always, that is a refocusing on what matters. Jesus Christ. As long as that goal is accomplished then the retreat was a success and as newly refocused Christians we can go back out and be in the world and work for Christ.
The world pulls us in, says come be a part of this wheel that is grinding away at life and towards death. We are called to jump on this wheel and show people who are stuck on the wheel how to step off. However sometimes we become stuck ourselves and need others to help us off again as well.
We cannot do this on our own, Christianity is community, a community of people who believe that Christ died for their sins, a community that struggles together, a community that loves together, and a community that rejoices in the glory of Yahweh. This community is in the world but not part of it, do not think you are alone... ever... for when you are stuck on that grinding wheel of the world you can always call on your most powerful God for help because he is there ready to help, all you have to do is ask. You never know salvation can come from the most peculiar direction.
***UPDATE***
I have been thinking more and more about this and really the question that I think we should all be asking ourselves is are we setting a good example for others. Do our actions reflect what Christ had in mind for our lives. My solution to this question is: Judge yourself, truly judge yourself. Have you become part of the world and become accustom to its ways or are you simply living in the world trying to act as an agent of change for the better. And even more so are your actions leading others (and believe me people are following you) towards Christ? If you have become part of the world retreat and find some accountability. If you are simply living in the world also find some accountability so as not to fall into the trappings of the world. Continue to work for change and lead others to Christ by the way you live your life.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Church
The word church is charged word for many people. For some it is an institution of hypocrites who have a "holier than thou" complex. For others it is a building to come to on Sunday mornings and sometimes during the week. For a few bright individuals it is a community of believers living and struggling together in Christ.
It is this last group of people I want to talk about. I have a hard time focusing during sermons at church, and I know I'm not the only one with this problem. It is not normally because I am tired, or that I disagree with what is being said, but it tends to be more that what is being presented is nothing new and nothing that challenges me. I am a thinker, and I am pretty quick to get an idea, assimilate it and then move on. So often I've moved through a sermon in the first five or so minutes and zone out. I've become convinced that many churches have become like our schools, (teaching to the slowest person). I won't go into how much that upsets me but it does, and it bores those who need more. With this being said, I can get the message and zone out and not really miss much... But that isn't the point of worship is it? The church is not something that you go through the motions, learn a little bit each Sunday and go home until the next spoon-fed-Sunday. That is what many worship services seem like to me.
However recently I have been attending Austin Stone Community Church. This church gets it. They don't have their own building, nor do they need one (though they are looking at moving to one, but that is a different story for a different time). This group of Christians are living the Church in such a way we all should be living. Now you could make the argument that they have Chris Tomlin as a worship leader, or they have a great pastor, but you would be wrong. Chris Tomlin is leaving to plant a new church, and while the pastor is good he would be the first to admit that he is not the best. So why is this church so special, and why has it exploded to the point that they need to hold four full services on Sunday to accommodate everybody who comes. Simply put the community reflects Christ every single day of the week. These people are different and it only takes one service to understand what I mean. When the pastor gets up to preach, it is like an idol you didn't ever know you had just got up to teach you something. The sermon is real, and challenging, and applies to your daily life. I have no problem paying attention when the pastor at Austin Stone speaks because I know I am being challenged to greatness, and that is a rare challenge these days.
With this challenge to greatness the community has become great in itself without realizing it. Their love of Christ is shown through their actions and community. I have probably said it before but people are attracted to greatness. If you look at other churches that have become gigantic it is not that they have the best music or the best pastor or the best building but because the people see greatness, and they want to be a part of that greatness. The power of Christ is great and when people are held to that expectation, encouraged to strive for that greatness, they will reflect the greatness for which they strive. When Christ's greatness is reflected amazing things happen. And when a community reflects Christ's greatness as one the world changes.
It is this last group of people I want to talk about. I have a hard time focusing during sermons at church, and I know I'm not the only one with this problem. It is not normally because I am tired, or that I disagree with what is being said, but it tends to be more that what is being presented is nothing new and nothing that challenges me. I am a thinker, and I am pretty quick to get an idea, assimilate it and then move on. So often I've moved through a sermon in the first five or so minutes and zone out. I've become convinced that many churches have become like our schools, (teaching to the slowest person). I won't go into how much that upsets me but it does, and it bores those who need more. With this being said, I can get the message and zone out and not really miss much... But that isn't the point of worship is it? The church is not something that you go through the motions, learn a little bit each Sunday and go home until the next spoon-fed-Sunday. That is what many worship services seem like to me.
However recently I have been attending Austin Stone Community Church. This church gets it. They don't have their own building, nor do they need one (though they are looking at moving to one, but that is a different story for a different time). This group of Christians are living the Church in such a way we all should be living. Now you could make the argument that they have Chris Tomlin as a worship leader, or they have a great pastor, but you would be wrong. Chris Tomlin is leaving to plant a new church, and while the pastor is good he would be the first to admit that he is not the best. So why is this church so special, and why has it exploded to the point that they need to hold four full services on Sunday to accommodate everybody who comes. Simply put the community reflects Christ every single day of the week. These people are different and it only takes one service to understand what I mean. When the pastor gets up to preach, it is like an idol you didn't ever know you had just got up to teach you something. The sermon is real, and challenging, and applies to your daily life. I have no problem paying attention when the pastor at Austin Stone speaks because I know I am being challenged to greatness, and that is a rare challenge these days.
With this challenge to greatness the community has become great in itself without realizing it. Their love of Christ is shown through their actions and community. I have probably said it before but people are attracted to greatness. If you look at other churches that have become gigantic it is not that they have the best music or the best pastor or the best building but because the people see greatness, and they want to be a part of that greatness. The power of Christ is great and when people are held to that expectation, encouraged to strive for that greatness, they will reflect the greatness for which they strive. When Christ's greatness is reflected amazing things happen. And when a community reflects Christ's greatness as one the world changes.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Next to Greatness
This is a topic that I have been rolling around in my head for a week or so. Greatness. What is greatness? Can I be great? Do I want to be great? Is it enough to not seek greatness on my own but instead be the carrier of another's greatness? And if so how do I carry another's greatness.
Greatness is a quality that can be obtained through many means but ultimately the result is being revered by others. Do I have the power or want to be revered by others? No and yes. I want to be great, I know that sounds conceited, but then again thats who I am, an imperfect human being. Moving onward... So I want to be great... but can I truly be great? Simple answer, yes, I can be great. However there is a catch, I cannot be great by myself. I cannot do anything without the help of somebody else. Sure I can walk and talk today, but who taught me how to do those things? I only am who I am because of another.
This begs the question then, who is truly great on their own, every great person has stepped on the great person before them to accomplish something new or better. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing but at the same time this fact must be duly noted and respected. I am great because other great people lifted me up. With this line of logic nobody is truly great on their own.
So then if I cannot be truly great on my own then can I be the bearer of another's greatness? And if so am I great by association? The answer to both questions is yes. I think of the servant of a great king. The servant is not great on his own, this person could work elsewhere and work for their own fortune. However a servant devotes his life to his master, his greatness is his master's greatness. Alone he is nothing but as the servant of a great king he is in turn great. The servant stands up for his master when his master is slandered. He lives his life to be a positive reflection on his master. He is in turn shown great respect for the greatness he represents. The servant stands next to greatness. That is enough for him.
The great master cares for his servants in turn for he realizes that his servants are extensions of himself and his greatness. The great master realizes that if his servants are cared for and able to reflect his greatness to the outside world then the master is in turn glorified. The great master extends his greatness to his servants because he realizes the simple truth that his greatness is not something purchased but something given by others through excellence in character.
(Now to tie this all in)
God is our master, he is a great master and takes care of his servants. We stand in his greatness and what we do with it is up to us. We can claim it as our own fall into our own folly, and be humiliated. We can ignore God's greatness and wander around searching for another master to stand with, ultimately ending the day tired and exhausted. Or... We can take this greatness and use it to further the glory and greatness of our master, Yahweh. God sends us out to show the world his greatness all we have to do is use the talents and abilities that he has gifted us to their fullest extent and never forget the source that our power flows from.
I stand next to greatness and because I stand next to greatness I am great as well. I do not forget where my greatness comes from, I am reminded of my own faults daily but the greatness of my master, my God is shown to me daily as well. I do not need to worry because my master is master of all things on Heaven and on Earth. I am provided for because when I am provided for my master's greatness is shown through my life.
Greatness is a quality that can be obtained through many means but ultimately the result is being revered by others. Do I have the power or want to be revered by others? No and yes. I want to be great, I know that sounds conceited, but then again thats who I am, an imperfect human being. Moving onward... So I want to be great... but can I truly be great? Simple answer, yes, I can be great. However there is a catch, I cannot be great by myself. I cannot do anything without the help of somebody else. Sure I can walk and talk today, but who taught me how to do those things? I only am who I am because of another.
This begs the question then, who is truly great on their own, every great person has stepped on the great person before them to accomplish something new or better. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing but at the same time this fact must be duly noted and respected. I am great because other great people lifted me up. With this line of logic nobody is truly great on their own.
So then if I cannot be truly great on my own then can I be the bearer of another's greatness? And if so am I great by association? The answer to both questions is yes. I think of the servant of a great king. The servant is not great on his own, this person could work elsewhere and work for their own fortune. However a servant devotes his life to his master, his greatness is his master's greatness. Alone he is nothing but as the servant of a great king he is in turn great. The servant stands up for his master when his master is slandered. He lives his life to be a positive reflection on his master. He is in turn shown great respect for the greatness he represents. The servant stands next to greatness. That is enough for him.
The great master cares for his servants in turn for he realizes that his servants are extensions of himself and his greatness. The great master realizes that if his servants are cared for and able to reflect his greatness to the outside world then the master is in turn glorified. The great master extends his greatness to his servants because he realizes the simple truth that his greatness is not something purchased but something given by others through excellence in character.
(Now to tie this all in)
God is our master, he is a great master and takes care of his servants. We stand in his greatness and what we do with it is up to us. We can claim it as our own fall into our own folly, and be humiliated. We can ignore God's greatness and wander around searching for another master to stand with, ultimately ending the day tired and exhausted. Or... We can take this greatness and use it to further the glory and greatness of our master, Yahweh. God sends us out to show the world his greatness all we have to do is use the talents and abilities that he has gifted us to their fullest extent and never forget the source that our power flows from.
I stand next to greatness and because I stand next to greatness I am great as well. I do not forget where my greatness comes from, I am reminded of my own faults daily but the greatness of my master, my God is shown to me daily as well. I do not need to worry because my master is master of all things on Heaven and on Earth. I am provided for because when I am provided for my master's greatness is shown through my life.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Purpose
Why do anything without purpose. What is the point of doing anything without a purpose. I've noticed that when things are done with a purpose in mind people tend to take notice. There is a purpose for our life. Do we see it? Do we wake up in the morning acknowledging that purpose and work towards those ends or do we just get up and go about our daily activities day in and day out with no end in sight because we have no clue where the end lies.
People take notice of purpose because most don't realize that they have a purpose of their own. When you have a purpose you are working towards an end, and the important things are important and the unimportant things are unimportant. Most people will get these two confused. The small unimportant things become priority and the vision is lost.
The hard question is what are you working towards, and is what you are doing right now in line with your purpose or is it just filling or distracting you? Move towards something, do not stand still or else life will pass you by.
God has a purpose for you, and God is working in your life so that this purpose can be realized. If you look for His purpose in your life you will find it. Probably in your passions, and your loves. Do your best to work towards these ends, that is the most anybody could ask of you. When you fall, when you fail, and fail you shall, rely on the grace of God to pick you back up, to turn your failure into success.
If you are working towards a purpose in everything, every part of you will reflect this purpose, from the way you walk to the joy in your life of the daily grind, that is no longer meaningless but instead is a purposeful means to an end.
People take notice of purpose because most don't realize that they have a purpose of their own. When you have a purpose you are working towards an end, and the important things are important and the unimportant things are unimportant. Most people will get these two confused. The small unimportant things become priority and the vision is lost.
The hard question is what are you working towards, and is what you are doing right now in line with your purpose or is it just filling or distracting you? Move towards something, do not stand still or else life will pass you by.
God has a purpose for you, and God is working in your life so that this purpose can be realized. If you look for His purpose in your life you will find it. Probably in your passions, and your loves. Do your best to work towards these ends, that is the most anybody could ask of you. When you fall, when you fail, and fail you shall, rely on the grace of God to pick you back up, to turn your failure into success.
If you are working towards a purpose in everything, every part of you will reflect this purpose, from the way you walk to the joy in your life of the daily grind, that is no longer meaningless but instead is a purposeful means to an end.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Games
An esteemed professor of mine gave a sermon on Monday that made me think. His assertion was God plays games with us, not mean games like a bully would play but games that have no real meaning, it is just for the pure enjoyment of life. His example was a game he called Pennies, a game where when he would go jogging he would normally find pennies on the ground, not all the time but most of the time and pick them up. There is no real purpose of this game but still God plays it with him. He is neither better nor worse for this game but it is fun.
So my question has been: what game does God play with me? Well I figured it out today, God and I play Red Light Green Light. This little revelation made me smile. There are days where I will hit every stoplight green, and days I'll hit every stoplight red (normally when I think I need to get somewhere in a hurry). There is not real point to this game, in the long run I wont be any more ahead of the rest of the world because I hit lights green, or behind because the traffic light was red.
It is nice to know that I have a God that likes playing games. It is comforting in a sense because when God plays Red Light Green Light with me it shows me that God genuinely enjoys spending time with me. Wow, that is a lighter side to God than I have ever though about. God isn't always serious, I mean look around yourself, God has a sense of humor. No doubt.
So the question I am forwarding to you is what game(s) does go play with you? You may be like me and it may not come to mind right away but think about it. God genuinely enjoys the time he spends with you, so enjoy your playful God back.
So my question has been: what game does God play with me? Well I figured it out today, God and I play Red Light Green Light. This little revelation made me smile. There are days where I will hit every stoplight green, and days I'll hit every stoplight red (normally when I think I need to get somewhere in a hurry). There is not real point to this game, in the long run I wont be any more ahead of the rest of the world because I hit lights green, or behind because the traffic light was red.
It is nice to know that I have a God that likes playing games. It is comforting in a sense because when God plays Red Light Green Light with me it shows me that God genuinely enjoys spending time with me. Wow, that is a lighter side to God than I have ever though about. God isn't always serious, I mean look around yourself, God has a sense of humor. No doubt.
So the question I am forwarding to you is what game(s) does go play with you? You may be like me and it may not come to mind right away but think about it. God genuinely enjoys the time he spends with you, so enjoy your playful God back.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Living in the Ressurection
Are you living in the resurrection? What does it mean to live in the resurrection? How do you live in the resurrection?
In light of Easter and the resurrection of Christ, the defeat of death, and the promise we have in him, it is so easy to forget that we live in the wake of an all powerful God. It is sad but true, we go to easter service at church and as we leave we quickly realize that we have the same problems as we did before we went to Easter service. We feel burdened, that the world is weighing us down with work and worries and all too quickly we forget what we just celebrated, that Jesus has conquered the grave and wants us to bring our burdens to him.
What does it mean to live in the resurrection? It means to have faith that Jesus has gone ahead of us to prepare our place and that the problems of this world mean nothing because our salvation is secured. So in the mean while, here on Earth, we can lift our burdens, our hurts, our struggles to God because if Jesus can conquer the grave he can most certainly conquer our problems. Living in the resurrection means living a new life of joy and confidence in Yahweh.
How do you live in the resurrection? I can't tell you, but what I can tell you that it looks different than how the rest of the world lives. There is a quality that will draw people to you, they won't know why and maybe you won't either but by being yourself in the resurrection of Christ you will be doing more than you could ever believe.
In light of Easter and the resurrection of Christ, the defeat of death, and the promise we have in him, it is so easy to forget that we live in the wake of an all powerful God. It is sad but true, we go to easter service at church and as we leave we quickly realize that we have the same problems as we did before we went to Easter service. We feel burdened, that the world is weighing us down with work and worries and all too quickly we forget what we just celebrated, that Jesus has conquered the grave and wants us to bring our burdens to him.
What does it mean to live in the resurrection? It means to have faith that Jesus has gone ahead of us to prepare our place and that the problems of this world mean nothing because our salvation is secured. So in the mean while, here on Earth, we can lift our burdens, our hurts, our struggles to God because if Jesus can conquer the grave he can most certainly conquer our problems. Living in the resurrection means living a new life of joy and confidence in Yahweh.
How do you live in the resurrection? I can't tell you, but what I can tell you that it looks different than how the rest of the world lives. There is a quality that will draw people to you, they won't know why and maybe you won't either but by being yourself in the resurrection of Christ you will be doing more than you could ever believe.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Be joyful in your temptation
Ok today was one of those days where I finally truly understood what Paul was saying about being joyful in your sufferings. I'm going to change sufferings to temptations for the purpose of this story.
I've been in a weird place for a while. Because of who I am and how I am I don't think anybody has been fully aware of me not being normal. To begin I must start with yesterday. Yesterday I went on a hike. During this hike I had a little one on one time with God and I had a realization, that made me realize that I need to get life back together and priorities straight. So I made a promise to God and to myself to do this.
Fast forward to today. Today I had an offer to to back on my promise to God. The offer was oh so tempting however I abstained by the grace of God. In not going back on my promise I reflected on this challenge. I realized that this offer was not a coincidence in fact it was a test. God was testing me to see if I was for real with my promise.
In my temptation I found some character that I have been missing for such a long time. It gave me hope for the future and getting my priorities straight. Because of this I have reason to be joyful, not only did I pass God's test but I came out stronger, and better for it. I am joyful because in that moment I showed God my heart and desire to be committed to him.
Today I understood scripture and it gives me joy that I have an all loving and gracious God that cares for me, knows my heart, and believes in me, even when I do not.
I've been in a weird place for a while. Because of who I am and how I am I don't think anybody has been fully aware of me not being normal. To begin I must start with yesterday. Yesterday I went on a hike. During this hike I had a little one on one time with God and I had a realization, that made me realize that I need to get life back together and priorities straight. So I made a promise to God and to myself to do this.
Fast forward to today. Today I had an offer to to back on my promise to God. The offer was oh so tempting however I abstained by the grace of God. In not going back on my promise I reflected on this challenge. I realized that this offer was not a coincidence in fact it was a test. God was testing me to see if I was for real with my promise.
In my temptation I found some character that I have been missing for such a long time. It gave me hope for the future and getting my priorities straight. Because of this I have reason to be joyful, not only did I pass God's test but I came out stronger, and better for it. I am joyful because in that moment I showed God my heart and desire to be committed to him.
Today I understood scripture and it gives me joy that I have an all loving and gracious God that cares for me, knows my heart, and believes in me, even when I do not.
Monday, March 3, 2008
God: the master artist
Ok so have you ever found yourself thinking, God now your just showing off. Well I found myself saying that this evening when I was driving home. The scene in the sky was amazing, the clouds were covering most of the sky, the sun was shining through it in such a way you can see the beams of light breaking through, and the sun colored the clouds in neat shades of blue and orange. And I thought, God, now your just showing off.
That got me thinking. What would it be like to paint with the clouds, or to watercolor with rain or I don't know, craziness like that. I'm pretty sure God does, and it is amazing what he can come up with. Also what would it be like to have your art change throughout the day. To have it be cold and rainy and just basically nasty outside but to know that in just a few hours something beautiful will form.
Can you imagine? How exciting would it be to know something amazing is on its way. To be able to say, "just wait you'll see." I think God tells us this all the time, he is painting this masterpiece in our lives and we are in the rain he is saying, "just wait and you'll see... just wait and you'll see."
Monday, February 18, 2008
Unselective hearing
Ok so the new nooma is out, it is called open and it is about prayer. How often do we feel like we are banging out heads against a brick wall when we pray. I keep praying and praying and praying and I am not getting my answer. Key word, "My Answer," I keep asking God to answer my prayer or to do this or change that, but it isn't happening. Then what is the point. God is listening, even when we are so completely desperate for our answer we forget God is giving us his answer.
So why then if God is going to do his own thing, should we pray. Well that isn't exactly true, look at Moses pleading to God to not kill his chosen people after they turned away from him, look at Abraham pleading for Sodom's salvation if only a few righteous men are found. God listens, God's mind isn't made up, but we must be completely honest to God, not that we are going to change God's mind, but maybe when we are truly honest with God he will change our mind.
Listen to what you are praying about, are you a part of your own prayer? I'm not asking are you asking God to give you something, but are you asking to be involved in God's answer to your prayer. Prayer is not just words, prayer is our whole life, prayer is being aware of God acting in the here and now.
So if God is working in the here and now, and if God can do anything, then why does God let so much hurt and pain happen. God doesn't let it happen, sure it happens, but what are you doing to stop the hurt and pain. Did God make you so that you can see this hurt and pain but you are helpless to do anything about it? NO! I don't know how else to say this, other than stop sitting back and asking God why but not asking God to show you how.
Rob Bell says something so completely magnificent, "don't ask God to feed somebody if you have plenty of food." Be a part of the solution, instead of asking God to feed the hungry, ask God to give you the strength to share your plenty. Let me ask you this. Which is harder, talking the talk or walking the walk. God does not just listen from some far away place, God listens as he holds you close and walks with you on your journey through life.
So if God, our maker, and savior, can walk with us through our entire life, and can handle everything that happens in our life, what is stopping us from walking two steps towards our neighbor to pick them up, and take two more steps in their shoes back home. May you be honest with God about yourself, and may you ask God to enable you to be part of his plan. Because God wants you to be a part of the world he has made.
Rob Bell references Psalm 13... I want to leave you with that Psalm.
Psalm 13
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
So why then if God is going to do his own thing, should we pray. Well that isn't exactly true, look at Moses pleading to God to not kill his chosen people after they turned away from him, look at Abraham pleading for Sodom's salvation if only a few righteous men are found. God listens, God's mind isn't made up, but we must be completely honest to God, not that we are going to change God's mind, but maybe when we are truly honest with God he will change our mind.
Listen to what you are praying about, are you a part of your own prayer? I'm not asking are you asking God to give you something, but are you asking to be involved in God's answer to your prayer. Prayer is not just words, prayer is our whole life, prayer is being aware of God acting in the here and now.
So if God is working in the here and now, and if God can do anything, then why does God let so much hurt and pain happen. God doesn't let it happen, sure it happens, but what are you doing to stop the hurt and pain. Did God make you so that you can see this hurt and pain but you are helpless to do anything about it? NO! I don't know how else to say this, other than stop sitting back and asking God why but not asking God to show you how.
Rob Bell says something so completely magnificent, "don't ask God to feed somebody if you have plenty of food." Be a part of the solution, instead of asking God to feed the hungry, ask God to give you the strength to share your plenty. Let me ask you this. Which is harder, talking the talk or walking the walk. God does not just listen from some far away place, God listens as he holds you close and walks with you on your journey through life.
So if God, our maker, and savior, can walk with us through our entire life, and can handle everything that happens in our life, what is stopping us from walking two steps towards our neighbor to pick them up, and take two more steps in their shoes back home. May you be honest with God about yourself, and may you ask God to enable you to be part of his plan. Because God wants you to be a part of the world he has made.
Rob Bell references Psalm 13... I want to leave you with that Psalm.
Psalm 13
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
You are stronger than you know
I'm tired. Tired of people thinking that they are unable to fix themselves. When people it may be just me but whenever I give out advice I'm not saying anything revolutionary. I simply state what is obvious to me and normally that is what what people need to hear. But ultimately what I say or do does not fix a person.
People have this sense of helplessness about them, and I don't understand how they can think this way. People think because they are a certain way, or they are in a bad position that they are helpless and there is nothing they can do to change what is happening. We control how we feel, we control our situations, we are anything but helpless, but for some reason we convince ourselves we are weak.
God has empowered us to be the agent of change in our own lives. I often find myself saying if it is important to you, you will do it. If you want to change you need to find that well of strength that is deep within you, that place that you are afraid to go because you can see your true potential and power. That place is scary because there you cannot hide behind your conceived weakness. You are stronger than you know, you just have to get out of your own way.
Now I know I am walking a thin line sounding like all you need to do is rely on yourself. However I want you to look a little deeper into the source of your strength. I'm not saying that you are the source of your strength, God is the source of your strength. He gave it to you, he enabled you to use this strength, you just have to choose to use it.
God has given human beings a scary power. He gave us the ability to change ourselves and make choices. But how often do we forget that we have this power. We are stronger than we can imagine but we choose to be weak because that is easier. Heroes don't have more strength than us they just use what God has given them to the fullest. YOU are a hero. YOU are strong. YOU can fix yourself. YOU just have to want to.
Change is not easy, but if we are to better ourselves we must cast our fear of the unknown and take a step of faith on that narrow path that is so hard to walk on. We must rely on Christ to pick us up when we stumble and continue to walk forward, away from our weakness and toward God's strength.
People have this sense of helplessness about them, and I don't understand how they can think this way. People think because they are a certain way, or they are in a bad position that they are helpless and there is nothing they can do to change what is happening. We control how we feel, we control our situations, we are anything but helpless, but for some reason we convince ourselves we are weak.
God has empowered us to be the agent of change in our own lives. I often find myself saying if it is important to you, you will do it. If you want to change you need to find that well of strength that is deep within you, that place that you are afraid to go because you can see your true potential and power. That place is scary because there you cannot hide behind your conceived weakness. You are stronger than you know, you just have to get out of your own way.
Now I know I am walking a thin line sounding like all you need to do is rely on yourself. However I want you to look a little deeper into the source of your strength. I'm not saying that you are the source of your strength, God is the source of your strength. He gave it to you, he enabled you to use this strength, you just have to choose to use it.
God has given human beings a scary power. He gave us the ability to change ourselves and make choices. But how often do we forget that we have this power. We are stronger than we can imagine but we choose to be weak because that is easier. Heroes don't have more strength than us they just use what God has given them to the fullest. YOU are a hero. YOU are strong. YOU can fix yourself. YOU just have to want to.
Change is not easy, but if we are to better ourselves we must cast our fear of the unknown and take a step of faith on that narrow path that is so hard to walk on. We must rely on Christ to pick us up when we stumble and continue to walk forward, away from our weakness and toward God's strength.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Living Word
Have you ever had that experience where you just open up the Bible to a random page, read a random passage, and for some reason it applies so completely to your situation? I have had this happen a few times in my life. This last weekend was one of these times. I was on a retreat for the DCE club and I did not want to be there. I was trying to make the best of it, but I wanted to leave and be with other friends back in Austin. I saw the whole ordeal as an inconvenience. Well I opened up my bible and it happened to be Philippians 2:14, which says, " Do everything without complaining or arguing." At this point I'm thinking... "I hate you God" (In that humorous kind of way), you know when you read something that convicts you to your soul. Well while I was not happy with what I read I was convicted. That blasted verse resonated with me throughout the rest of the retreat. While it did not change how I felt about the retreat it did change the way I acted, not that I complained but that I tried a bit harder to have a good time instead of just wondering around and feeling displaced.
The word of God is alive and has relevance today. It is a double edged sword, cleaving the spirit with truth. I felt the cleaving of God's word this last weekend for sure, but in my every day life the word of God guides my life, not restricting me from having fun or enjoying myself but in keeping me within the boundaries God has laid down for my safety. It is truly a miracle that something written thousands of years ago can still relate such a sharp truth today.
Truly God still speaks through the Bible today. God's word is alive and just as powerful as it was in ages past. All we have to do open ourselves up and listen to what God is telling us and remember that what God says goes.
The word of God is alive and has relevance today. It is a double edged sword, cleaving the spirit with truth. I felt the cleaving of God's word this last weekend for sure, but in my every day life the word of God guides my life, not restricting me from having fun or enjoying myself but in keeping me within the boundaries God has laid down for my safety. It is truly a miracle that something written thousands of years ago can still relate such a sharp truth today.
Truly God still speaks through the Bible today. God's word is alive and just as powerful as it was in ages past. All we have to do open ourselves up and listen to what God is telling us and remember that what God says goes.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
A seemingly set of random events
Well I've caught myself thinking lately about the seemingly set of random events that have placed me where I am today. Looking back two years I am a completely different person than I was then. And even more so looking back five years from when I graduated from High School.
Going from being a Computer Science major to studying to be a Director of Christian Education (DCE) has been a huge change in itself. The change was not expected but happened, and I know I made the right choice to change but the choice didn't seem to have a logical explanation behind it. Just that I know that God wants me to do this. So I am.
Next just the way I am living my life and what I do and who I hang out with... Completely different people than I have grown up with and with different likes than what I was used to. Before I began to hang out with my current friends I did not dance, nor did I like country music. Now I'm a dancing machine and can't get enough country music. Random. For some reason these people and I have formed a camaraderie that I would have not expected. God is great and brings great things in unexpected ways.
I am reminded of what the LORD says in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I know that God has my best interests in mind, and even though my plans may not succeed that God's purpose is being served and his plans for my good are being brought about. It is comforting to know that I am being looked after and cared for by a God who is all loving and all caring. I may only be on this earth a short time but God thinks I'm worth it and that is enough for me.
Though things may seem random and all wily-nilly like they have a purpose, just have faith that God is working towards your best interest, because He is.
Going from being a Computer Science major to studying to be a Director of Christian Education (DCE) has been a huge change in itself. The change was not expected but happened, and I know I made the right choice to change but the choice didn't seem to have a logical explanation behind it. Just that I know that God wants me to do this. So I am.
Next just the way I am living my life and what I do and who I hang out with... Completely different people than I have grown up with and with different likes than what I was used to. Before I began to hang out with my current friends I did not dance, nor did I like country music. Now I'm a dancing machine and can't get enough country music. Random. For some reason these people and I have formed a camaraderie that I would have not expected. God is great and brings great things in unexpected ways.
I am reminded of what the LORD says in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I know that God has my best interests in mind, and even though my plans may not succeed that God's purpose is being served and his plans for my good are being brought about. It is comforting to know that I am being looked after and cared for by a God who is all loving and all caring. I may only be on this earth a short time but God thinks I'm worth it and that is enough for me.
Though things may seem random and all wily-nilly like they have a purpose, just have faith that God is working towards your best interest, because He is.
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