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)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Today's Everyday
Sorry for the sporadic posts as of late. My goal has always been to do at least five a week unless its a holiday. This past month has just been difficult though. I'd like to blame some of it on the weather- The kids have had 5 snow days and one holiday in the last two weeks of school. In the midst of that I've also began a new Thursday study, and am preparing for a new Tuesday evening/ Wednesday morning study, I've been in a lot of physical pain, and my mind has been heavily on other "future events" as well. All this to say....I've not been as inspired to make sense of what God has been teaching me enough to write it down.
As I was chiding myself for that this morning, I realized something. Even in the midst of these roadblocks - also called, LIFE- I've been able to keep up my daily reading through the Bible, my studying of His Word, and have had many great conversations with people about how God is working in their lives. Not that this blog isn't important to me, but I feel I've gotten my priorities straightened out a bit. I've even taken time to rest and relax some. I know it sounds odd, but I have a hard time doing that. It has always made me feel like I wasn't using my time wisely and I was being lazy, but it hasn't been so bad this time. I know that God wants us to rest. (Remember what God did the 7th day of creation and the Sabbath?) Perhaps I've just always felt I have too much time to make up for!
This morning, (Um, afternoon. God let me sleep in till almost 10!), God has comforted me in all this. That is part, He reminded me, of living everyday with Him too.
As I was chiding myself for that this morning, I realized something. Even in the midst of these roadblocks - also called, LIFE- I've been able to keep up my daily reading through the Bible, my studying of His Word, and have had many great conversations with people about how God is working in their lives. Not that this blog isn't important to me, but I feel I've gotten my priorities straightened out a bit. I've even taken time to rest and relax some. I know it sounds odd, but I have a hard time doing that. It has always made me feel like I wasn't using my time wisely and I was being lazy, but it hasn't been so bad this time. I know that God wants us to rest. (Remember what God did the 7th day of creation and the Sabbath?) Perhaps I've just always felt I have too much time to make up for!
This morning, (Um, afternoon. God let me sleep in till almost 10!), God has comforted me in all this. That is part, He reminded me, of living everyday with Him too.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
A Humbling Reminder
As soon as my son got in the van yesterday when picking him up from school, he exclaimed in a very loud voice, "Joshua* was being very rude in gym today!"
"What was he doing?" I asked.
"He said he was going to fart up to heaven!!" cried the distraught little voice.
"What?!?"
"I don't really know what he meant by it," my son fumed, "but that is very rude!"
"Did you say anything back to him?"
"No. But I couldn't wait to leave the gym. That is disrespectful to God."
This amazed me. Gym is my active little man's favorite thing at school. That he wanted to leave early said a lot about his frustration.
"Well........," I began "I guess he doesn't know any better. Now we know what to pray for him about."
"I know!" My daughter chimed in. "You can give him a Bible. Here." she said pulling a new Bible out of her backpack.
Oh, Lord. May we all have this passion and devotion to defending Your holy Name and the sharing of Your Word.
I am humbled by my children.
*The child's real name has been changed to a different Biblical name.
"What was he doing?" I asked.
"He said he was going to fart up to heaven!!" cried the distraught little voice.
"What?!?"
"I don't really know what he meant by it," my son fumed, "but that is very rude!"
"Did you say anything back to him?"
"No. But I couldn't wait to leave the gym. That is disrespectful to God."
This amazed me. Gym is my active little man's favorite thing at school. That he wanted to leave early said a lot about his frustration.
"Well........," I began "I guess he doesn't know any better. Now we know what to pray for him about."
"I know!" My daughter chimed in. "You can give him a Bible. Here." she said pulling a new Bible out of her backpack.
Oh, Lord. May we all have this passion and devotion to defending Your holy Name and the sharing of Your Word.
I am humbled by my children.
*The child's real name has been changed to a different Biblical name.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Is Your Ear Pierced?
There is an ordinance the Lord gave Moses when they first came out of the land of Egypt that intrigues me....
Slavery was not condemned in the Old Testament and was considered a natural part of life. One of the reasons this can be good, is that whether you want to admit it or not, we are to be slaves to Christ. Paul and the other apostles often refers to themselves as "a slave of Christ" (Click here for reference list). Slaves do not have control over the major aspects of their life - that is for the Master to decide. This is how we are to live for Christ Jesus.
This is what is intrigued me:
“But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.
Exodus 21:5-6
There was a conscious choice and physical mark for those who chose to serve their master for life. Judges were to witness it as well. Baptism reflects this in that it is an outward symbolism and declaration before others of the choice we have made to follow Christ. Yet the pierced ear - once visible for all the world to see - is now only declared by our actions and love for one another.
So here's the question I ask of myself, and you, today:
Is it obvious to the world your ear is pierced for Christ?
Slavery was not condemned in the Old Testament and was considered a natural part of life. One of the reasons this can be good, is that whether you want to admit it or not, we are to be slaves to Christ. Paul and the other apostles often refers to themselves as "a slave of Christ" (Click here for reference list). Slaves do not have control over the major aspects of their life - that is for the Master to decide. This is how we are to live for Christ Jesus.
This is what is intrigued me:
“But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.
Exodus 21:5-6
There was a conscious choice and physical mark for those who chose to serve their master for life. Judges were to witness it as well. Baptism reflects this in that it is an outward symbolism and declaration before others of the choice we have made to follow Christ. Yet the pierced ear - once visible for all the world to see - is now only declared by our actions and love for one another.
So here's the question I ask of myself, and you, today:
Is it obvious to the world your ear is pierced for Christ?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Excited
I'm so excited today- and I don't know why!
Today the Lord has blessed me with a sense of anticipation, hope, and love for humanity that has in all honesty blind-sided me. Trust me- I'm not complaining! I wish this came more often :)
One thing I have noticed is a sense of community with this. We tend to get so bogged down in our own lives, friends, goals and ambitions that we forget every one of us in this world is really in the same boat. All humans struggle to survive and find a purpose. I am a human, you are a human, and the guy half way around the world is human too. And think about this- all of us were even created for the same reason!
We are here to be given a chance to glorify God.
That is something I know I need help with at times as I sink back into the selfishness of "Me-ism" that plagues the world today. But, that is also something I know you need help with, and so does that guy I'll never meet in some distant land. We can not do it alone. That means we need each other. So why wouldn't I love "him" and everyone else worldwide?
So, we love. We pray for and reach out to one another. I pray for salvation, hope, and purpose in the lives of all. I pray that they may come to know the blessed, personal relationship we can have with Jesus Christ so that they can continue to glorify God for all eternity. I pray they know don't know of Jesus, but know Him in a way that completely transforms their lives. And as I pray.... I'm excited for what I know He will do!
Today the Lord has blessed me with a sense of anticipation, hope, and love for humanity that has in all honesty blind-sided me. Trust me- I'm not complaining! I wish this came more often :)
One thing I have noticed is a sense of community with this. We tend to get so bogged down in our own lives, friends, goals and ambitions that we forget every one of us in this world is really in the same boat. All humans struggle to survive and find a purpose. I am a human, you are a human, and the guy half way around the world is human too. And think about this- all of us were even created for the same reason!
We are here to be given a chance to glorify God.
That is something I know I need help with at times as I sink back into the selfishness of "Me-ism" that plagues the world today. But, that is also something I know you need help with, and so does that guy I'll never meet in some distant land. We can not do it alone. That means we need each other. So why wouldn't I love "him" and everyone else worldwide?
So, we love. We pray for and reach out to one another. I pray for salvation, hope, and purpose in the lives of all. I pray that they may come to know the blessed, personal relationship we can have with Jesus Christ so that they can continue to glorify God for all eternity. I pray they know don't know of Jesus, but know Him in a way that completely transforms their lives. And as I pray.... I'm excited for what I know He will do!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Tidbits
One great reason to read the Bible all the way through is to gather the tasty tidbits you will find scattered throughout. These are Scriptures that never make their way into typical devotionals, but offer us deep insight and clues that help bring these ancient stories to life. Often, they stand out as a side note, or afterthought by the writer of that passage, but they are certainly a gift from God to remind us these were real people in real situations.
My daily Scripture reading brought me to one of these tidbits today in the Exodus story of the plagues on Egypt as the Israelites tried to leave. Seventh of the ten plagues was hail- Immense hail. In between the warnings from God and threats from Pharaoh, is Exodus 9:31-32:
This gives us a few interesting details. First, it gives us a time frame. This plague occurred around the end of February or first of March. (See multiple commentaries here.) We do know that the Passover was established with the last plague and the Jewish year told to begin then with the month of Nisan (Exodus 12), but having this verse about the crops shows us that the plagues were in fairly quick succession. Second, we are told just what crops were important and were grown almost four thousand years ago! As people have excavated throughout the last few hundred years, they have time and again proven the validity of the Bible by matching up what it says by what they have "uncovered". Proof and comfort once again that God really does know what He's doing, and the Bible really is His Word.
As you read your Bible be on the look out for these tasty nuggets of seemingly random information. They give us greater clues into God's Word, His character, and His concern for us to know certain details. Who knows? Perhaps finding them in Scripture is good practice for those He plants in our daily lives!
My daily Scripture reading brought me to one of these tidbits today in the Exodus story of the plagues on Egypt as the Israelites tried to leave. Seventh of the ten plagues was hail- Immense hail. In between the warnings from God and threats from Pharaoh, is Exodus 9:31-32:
The flax and barley were destroyed
because the barley was ripe and the flax was budding,
but the wheat and spelt were not destroyed
because they are later crops.
This gives us a few interesting details. First, it gives us a time frame. This plague occurred around the end of February or first of March. (See multiple commentaries here.) We do know that the Passover was established with the last plague and the Jewish year told to begin then with the month of Nisan (Exodus 12), but having this verse about the crops shows us that the plagues were in fairly quick succession. Second, we are told just what crops were important and were grown almost four thousand years ago! As people have excavated throughout the last few hundred years, they have time and again proven the validity of the Bible by matching up what it says by what they have "uncovered". Proof and comfort once again that God really does know what He's doing, and the Bible really is His Word.
As you read your Bible be on the look out for these tasty nuggets of seemingly random information. They give us greater clues into God's Word, His character, and His concern for us to know certain details. Who knows? Perhaps finding them in Scripture is good practice for those He plants in our daily lives!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Examples
Trust and obey.
I wonder if perhaps Abram (later renamed Abraham) wasn't privy to this old American hymn as he wandered around from Mesopotamia through Canaan to Egypt. Here he was, called out of his homeland who worshiped multiple gods as his family did (Joshua 24:2), to wander through a distant land following the "Start walking " command of a single God. That takes a lot of Trust and Obey.
This has made me start wondering why we think that all of the sudden God is going to start telling us only to do things that are reasonable and, in the end, entail very little trust in Him. Actually, the more I read the Bible the more I realize He asks us to do very little that is reasonable or logical by human standards. How often in Scripture do you see someone respond with, "Oh, yes Lord. That makes perfect sense!" Most the time they are scared to death and completely confused.
I like that... It helps to know I'm in good company.
I wonder if perhaps Abram (later renamed Abraham) wasn't privy to this old American hymn as he wandered around from Mesopotamia through Canaan to Egypt. Here he was, called out of his homeland who worshiped multiple gods as his family did (Joshua 24:2), to wander through a distant land following the "Start walking " command of a single God. That takes a lot of Trust and Obey.
This has made me start wondering why we think that all of the sudden God is going to start telling us only to do things that are reasonable and, in the end, entail very little trust in Him. Actually, the more I read the Bible the more I realize He asks us to do very little that is reasonable or logical by human standards. How often in Scripture do you see someone respond with, "Oh, yes Lord. That makes perfect sense!" Most the time they are scared to death and completely confused.
I like that... It helps to know I'm in good company.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Doldrums
You are not going to be passionate for God everyday.
Yes, I really did say that. Does it mean you don't love Him? No. Does it mean you need to question your salvation? No. It means you are human, and are still fighting the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12). It means you are still alive and have work still to do for His glory!
How do I handle days of spiritual doldrums? I'm honest with God about them and I read His Word - the Bible - whether I want to or not: Especially if NOT. I ask God to help me draw closer to Him, and for a mindset that would bring Him glory. Then, I'm honest with those around me - like you, right now - and ask for mercy and grace from you to remember I'm still human as well. There are days I pray you can now come to me when you experience the same. Then, knowing we have all been in the same boat, we can pray for one another and help to keep accountable.
That's how I handle it. I fight the good fight whether I want to or not. It's not the "good fight" for nothing. I take time to remember it's not the "passion fight", "happy fight", or "enthusiastic fight". It's GOOD: True, righteous, genuine, and sound whether I feel like it or not.
Remembering that, and dwelling on it is often the little spark that gets the fire going....
Yes, I really did say that. Does it mean you don't love Him? No. Does it mean you need to question your salvation? No. It means you are human, and are still fighting the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12). It means you are still alive and have work still to do for His glory!
How do I handle days of spiritual doldrums? I'm honest with God about them and I read His Word - the Bible - whether I want to or not: Especially if NOT. I ask God to help me draw closer to Him, and for a mindset that would bring Him glory. Then, I'm honest with those around me - like you, right now - and ask for mercy and grace from you to remember I'm still human as well. There are days I pray you can now come to me when you experience the same. Then, knowing we have all been in the same boat, we can pray for one another and help to keep accountable.
That's how I handle it. I fight the good fight whether I want to or not. It's not the "good fight" for nothing. I take time to remember it's not the "passion fight", "happy fight", or "enthusiastic fight". It's GOOD: True, righteous, genuine, and sound whether I feel like it or not.
Remembering that, and dwelling on it is often the little spark that gets the fire going....
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Favorite Books of the Bible
My Pastor is soon going to begin a lecture series through one of my 3 favorite books of the Bible: 1 John. I have to say 3, because I just can pick between them as to my absolute favorite. It really depends on what I am learning and experiencing at the time.
One of the reasons I adore this book so much is that it shows such a beautiful balance in truth and love. In fact, I would subtitle it, 1 John: Truth and Tough Love. How delighting it is that this book teaches me to have a healthy, tough love from "the disciple whom Jesus loved". You know something interesting about that? It was John himself that wrote that down- 5 times (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20) . No one else did. I imagine he found comfort and the security to be bold for Christ in that knowledge. This is a trait I deeply desire.
What are some of your favorite books of the Bible?
One of the reasons I adore this book so much is that it shows such a beautiful balance in truth and love. In fact, I would subtitle it, 1 John: Truth and Tough Love. How delighting it is that this book teaches me to have a healthy, tough love from "the disciple whom Jesus loved". You know something interesting about that? It was John himself that wrote that down- 5 times (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20) . No one else did. I imagine he found comfort and the security to be bold for Christ in that knowledge. This is a trait I deeply desire.
What are some of your favorite books of the Bible?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Lessons From a Monk
My family have begun to love the T.V. show Monk over the last few months. Thanks to instant streaming on Netflix, we can watch all the episodes over the last 9 seasons whenever we have an hour to spare- which I admit we make in order to watch it. The show is about a former detective who is afraid of everything and has an extreme obsessive-compulsive disorder to name but a few of his issues. It's funny to watch him having to deal with life while at the same time being driven by the same issues in order to solve crimes.
We are watching the show in order from the beginning, and last night we found we had made it to Episode 1 of Season 5: Mr. Monk and the Actor. In this episode, an actor begins following Monk around in order to play him in a movie that was being written about a famous case which he had recently solved. Over time, this method actor becomes so engrossed in the personality of Monk that he can no longer separate his own past and personality from those of the man he was sent to imitate, and has a mental breakdown.
It's interesting that I have noticed that about myself. In the past I use to act just like whomever I was hanging around at the time. It got so bad that for a season of my life I didn't even know who I was apart from these different groups. I just so desperately longed to fit in as a teen and young adult that I automatically assumed the personality of those I was near in order to have something in common. It's only been in the last 10 years that I have grown out of that, but it was a real challenge and something I had to watch closely. I still do it to some degree with speech patterns- I pick up accents and dialects very easy. My husband loves to laugh that he can often tell who I'm on the phone with just by the way I'm speaking and with which dialect!
As I thought about this today I realized that this was not a curse, but a gift- when used in the right way. In the Bible, Paul tells us we should be imitators!
We are watching the show in order from the beginning, and last night we found we had made it to Episode 1 of Season 5: Mr. Monk and the Actor. In this episode, an actor begins following Monk around in order to play him in a movie that was being written about a famous case which he had recently solved. Over time, this method actor becomes so engrossed in the personality of Monk that he can no longer separate his own past and personality from those of the man he was sent to imitate, and has a mental breakdown.
It's interesting that I have noticed that about myself. In the past I use to act just like whomever I was hanging around at the time. It got so bad that for a season of my life I didn't even know who I was apart from these different groups. I just so desperately longed to fit in as a teen and young adult that I automatically assumed the personality of those I was near in order to have something in common. It's only been in the last 10 years that I have grown out of that, but it was a real challenge and something I had to watch closely. I still do it to some degree with speech patterns- I pick up accents and dialects very easy. My husband loves to laugh that he can often tell who I'm on the phone with just by the way I'm speaking and with which dialect!
As I thought about this today I realized that this was not a curse, but a gift- when used in the right way. In the Bible, Paul tells us we should be imitators!
Be imitators of me,
as I also am of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1
We are to pattern our attitudes and lives after Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:5, 1 Peter 2:21) The more I started thinking about it, the more I realized how wonderful it would be to become so close to Christ that I loose myself in Him.
Imagine the glory we could bring Him if we were that dedicated!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Believe
I had an "Ah-ha! CLICK!" moment just now.
For the last few months, we have been waiting on an email from someone. Both my husband and I knew that with the busyness of the holiday season, it would most likely be very long in coming, but that doesn't always help make it any easier. I'm always caught between "Send another email to let them know I'm still interested", and "Don't send anything else to bug them to death."
Patience and Passion don't easily mix together.
This morning, however, I was in Genesis when the Spirit threw some highlighter on a verse I was reading. I had just been talking with Him about knowing I had heard Him about this issue before and believing that He would bring it to pass, but I was beginning to need a little reassurance that I wasn't in the wrong somehow.
Not 10 minutes later I read Genesis 15:6.
For the last few months, we have been waiting on an email from someone. Both my husband and I knew that with the busyness of the holiday season, it would most likely be very long in coming, but that doesn't always help make it any easier. I'm always caught between "Send another email to let them know I'm still interested", and "Don't send anything else to bug them to death."
Patience and Passion don't easily mix together.
This morning, however, I was in Genesis when the Spirit threw some highlighter on a verse I was reading. I had just been talking with Him about knowing I had heard Him about this issue before and believing that He would bring it to pass, but I was beginning to need a little reassurance that I wasn't in the wrong somehow.
Not 10 minutes later I read Genesis 15:6.
Abraham believed the Lord,
and He credited it to him as righteousness.
"Alright," I told Him after pondering the consequences, "I believe. You said it- You'll do it."
When I got home hours later I realized something: The email came less than a hour later.
My God is an amazing weaver of our lives!
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