The more I study about people's lives prior to this last century, the more I believe we are WAY too busy. We desperately need to remember that just because we can doesn't mean we should.
Our priorities seem focused on "the best possible thing" at all times: The best organization to support. The best sporting event, college choice, T.V. show, electronic gadget, route to the best restaurant, and web site for what we need/want right then. The best teacher for our children, church for us, Bible study to inspire us, Bible translation, way to clean our house, Pandora station for our mood, and the best meal for our family that factors in the amount of time we have to make it vs. nutritional value.
The best use of our time.
What I've slowly begun to realize is that the best use of my time is not by filling it with the best "stuff". What is best, is relationship. Find the best movie you and you child can have a great discussion over. Visit the coffee house with the best area to have a comfortable conversation with your friend- even if you hate coffee. Find the best route to somewhere that allows you more time to talk with your family in the vehicle. Frequent the restaurant or other establishment where you have the best dialog with those who work there. Attend a Bible study you've already done to enjoy the sweet fellowship with those in your group as you encourage them. Join the church where you see a need that you most want filled- You just may be the best one for the job....
Striving for the best is not wrong. Just make sure it's the best best. The next time you are tempted into "keeping up with the Joneses", try instead to keep up with the Johns...
Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world— the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God's will remains forever.....
....what we have seen and heard
we also declare to you,
so that you may have fellowship along with us;
and indeed our fellowship is with the Father
and with His Son Jesus Christ.
We are writing these things
so that our joy may be complete.
1 John 2:15-17, 1:3-4
*Emphasis mine
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad
I don't usually just provide links to other blogs, but this one words well what I've been trying to get across: We need to be real with one another. Take some time to reflect and what Dr. Moore is saying, and what you can do about it.
Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad
Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day, or like [pouring] vinegar on soda.
Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day, or like [pouring] vinegar on soda.
Proverbs 25:20
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Life's Snow Bumps
Difficulties in life are a lot like snow.
Living in the middle Tennessee area is unique. We usually get at least a dusting of snow every year, but every few years will get 3-4 inches at a time. It's warm enough here though that within a few days it's gone- sometimes even by that afternoon.
It's the way in which people react that "intrigues" me. For anyone who has lived in a northern place where the snow not only comes down more regularly, but doesn't melt in between and ends up layering for a few months, the folks around here completely over react.
Yes, I know that we don't have the same equipment for snow removal and that people aren't use to driving in it thus don't know how to drive in it, but it still gets frustrating at times. It cracks me up to see the grocery stores being cleaned out of eggs, milk, toilet paper, and bottled water (I really don't get the last one) when 6 inches of snow in a single night are predicted. Once, I started sliding on the road and was amazed that it was that slick. Then I realized it wasn't ice, but a pile of salt that was dumped to save me from the ice! On the other hand, I remember growing up in Florida and having "cold" days where we got out of school with no snow just because it was freezing outside. (Once again it was an equipment problem as well. Our schools use to not have heat. No reason in sunny Florida!)
That why when school was canceled this morning due to about an inch of snow, it clicked to me that the snow here is a lot like the difficulties one faces in life. If you are use to a lot of problems and they seem to pile up - death in the family, major illness, your only car broke down, in debt, family problems/abuse - something like a rude comment made to you is not going to throw you for that big a loop. On the other hand, if your life has been smooth sailing, a rude comment might become the only thing you can think about for a while. Some even start obsessing over it.
While those may not be the best examples, it should give you a good idea of the point I'm trying to make: While trials in life are never enjoyed, the benefit can be a strong character. You know what needs to be done and which things are truly important. You learn not to sweat the small stuff and how to plow ahead when there are just no other options. And most importantly, you can come along side those who are just beginning to experience it and can help encourage and guide them. Think of it this way: The more you have to deal with personally, the more God equips you to help bring Him glory. You can be a light in their darkness which leads them to the Father.
"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16
Living in the middle Tennessee area is unique. We usually get at least a dusting of snow every year, but every few years will get 3-4 inches at a time. It's warm enough here though that within a few days it's gone- sometimes even by that afternoon.
It's the way in which people react that "intrigues" me. For anyone who has lived in a northern place where the snow not only comes down more regularly, but doesn't melt in between and ends up layering for a few months, the folks around here completely over react.
Yes, I know that we don't have the same equipment for snow removal and that people aren't use to driving in it thus don't know how to drive in it, but it still gets frustrating at times. It cracks me up to see the grocery stores being cleaned out of eggs, milk, toilet paper, and bottled water (I really don't get the last one) when 6 inches of snow in a single night are predicted. Once, I started sliding on the road and was amazed that it was that slick. Then I realized it wasn't ice, but a pile of salt that was dumped to save me from the ice! On the other hand, I remember growing up in Florida and having "cold" days where we got out of school with no snow just because it was freezing outside. (Once again it was an equipment problem as well. Our schools use to not have heat. No reason in sunny Florida!)
That why when school was canceled this morning due to about an inch of snow, it clicked to me that the snow here is a lot like the difficulties one faces in life. If you are use to a lot of problems and they seem to pile up - death in the family, major illness, your only car broke down, in debt, family problems/abuse - something like a rude comment made to you is not going to throw you for that big a loop. On the other hand, if your life has been smooth sailing, a rude comment might become the only thing you can think about for a while. Some even start obsessing over it.
While those may not be the best examples, it should give you a good idea of the point I'm trying to make: While trials in life are never enjoyed, the benefit can be a strong character. You know what needs to be done and which things are truly important. You learn not to sweat the small stuff and how to plow ahead when there are just no other options. And most importantly, you can come along side those who are just beginning to experience it and can help encourage and guide them. Think of it this way: The more you have to deal with personally, the more God equips you to help bring Him glory. You can be a light in their darkness which leads them to the Father.
"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
"The Day My God Died"
The following video is almost an hour long. Please though, take the time to watch it.
I warn you, that while there are no obscene images or language, this video is disturbing. There is no Christian content here and the only god ever mentioned is the one who is said to have died. Yet there is a very important lesson to learn from this:
First- God loves these women - and yes, these men. Jesus Christ died for each one of them no more or less than He died for you. Pray. Pray that they will hear this gospel and believe it.
Second- This is proof yet again that humans are sinful creatures and desperately need to be covered in the righteous blood of Jesus Christ. Now, before you get self-righteous, remember: Sin is sin. Yes, we give degrees to them here on earth, and they seem right to us, but that is not the measure by which we will all be held. We are measured next to God's holiness. And we are all dirty on our own accord.
Third- How can we complain? We are so blessed to live lives relatively free from atrocities. Bad things do happen to us and we are rightly concerned about the circumstances of our lives, but how dare we wallow in self pity when we claim to follow the One who has His hand over us blessing us so?
So, please take the time to view this PBS special.
And pray that the day their god died(s), they realize the Savior has His arms open wide.
Pray they hear.
I warn you, that while there are no obscene images or language, this video is disturbing. There is no Christian content here and the only god ever mentioned is the one who is said to have died. Yet there is a very important lesson to learn from this:
First- God loves these women - and yes, these men. Jesus Christ died for each one of them no more or less than He died for you. Pray. Pray that they will hear this gospel and believe it.
Second- This is proof yet again that humans are sinful creatures and desperately need to be covered in the righteous blood of Jesus Christ. Now, before you get self-righteous, remember: Sin is sin. Yes, we give degrees to them here on earth, and they seem right to us, but that is not the measure by which we will all be held. We are measured next to God's holiness. And we are all dirty on our own accord.
Third- How can we complain? We are so blessed to live lives relatively free from atrocities. Bad things do happen to us and we are rightly concerned about the circumstances of our lives, but how dare we wallow in self pity when we claim to follow the One who has His hand over us blessing us so?
So, please take the time to view this PBS special.
And pray that the day their god died(s), they realize the Savior has His arms open wide.
Pray they hear.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Healthy Fear?
Isn't it funny that when we see people who are really good at doing something - whether it be a talent, job, or an amazing ability - we tend to feel "less". Especially if we share a passion or are in the same field.
While we desperately long to be near in order learn something new, or desire for them to acknowledge some of our work, there is that other nagging fear that they are going to look upon our effort as a child's finger painting. It's a push/pull feeling: Like standing in a riptide while bing hit by a wave.
That sensation's a'kin to a healthy fear of God.
"The fear" of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
The phrase "Fear" confuses most. MyStudyBible.com gives us a hint as to what this word truly conveys: "No single English word conveys every aspect of the word fear in this phrase. The meaning includes worshipful submission, reverential awe, and obedient respect to the covenant-keeping God of Israel."
We desperately long to draw near to Him, but are afraid of what He might say. We want Him to be pleased with our efforts, yet know how flawed we are and that He can do so much more. We are pulled to God, knowing we need Christ more than anything, but often are terrified of something: Whether it be His Holiness, confronting our own sin nature through Him, having to possible give up what we love, or any number of sacrificial things.
Proverbs 9:10 tells us that when we have this healthy "fear", it is the beginning of wisdom. The next phrase says that "knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Guess what? There is a sure-fire way to gain this knowledge: Read the Bible. In fact, let me guide you to a great passage to start with- Matthew 6:25-34
.... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (vs 33-34)
While we desperately long to be near in order learn something new, or desire for them to acknowledge some of our work, there is that other nagging fear that they are going to look upon our effort as a child's finger painting. It's a push/pull feeling: Like standing in a riptide while bing hit by a wave.
That sensation's a'kin to a healthy fear of God.
"The fear" of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
The phrase "Fear" confuses most. MyStudyBible.com gives us a hint as to what this word truly conveys: "No single English word conveys every aspect of the word fear in this phrase. The meaning includes worshipful submission, reverential awe, and obedient respect to the covenant-keeping God of Israel."
We desperately long to draw near to Him, but are afraid of what He might say. We want Him to be pleased with our efforts, yet know how flawed we are and that He can do so much more. We are pulled to God, knowing we need Christ more than anything, but often are terrified of something: Whether it be His Holiness, confronting our own sin nature through Him, having to possible give up what we love, or any number of sacrificial things.
Proverbs 9:10 tells us that when we have this healthy "fear", it is the beginning of wisdom. The next phrase says that "knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Guess what? There is a sure-fire way to gain this knowledge: Read the Bible. In fact, let me guide you to a great passage to start with- Matthew 6:25-34
.... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (vs 33-34)
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