Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Friday, November 30, 2007
A debt forgiven…
So today I had a debt forgiven. I did something wrong and had to pay a fine for it. Prepared to pay the fine, I handed the DA the paper that would at least take the ticket off my record. Instead of the words "That will be $120" he said simply, "You can go". That's it. I could go. No fine. No court costs. Nothing.
Immediately I was struck with the obvious comparison of how Jesus paid for our sins. As I write however, I see another comparison. As a Christian I often feel like I have that "paper" that takes the sin off my record, but there's still some "fine" I have to pay.
There's not though!
In the words of the old hymn, "Jesus paid it ALL"!
Immediately I was struck with the obvious comparison of how Jesus paid for our sins. As I write however, I see another comparison. As a Christian I often feel like I have that "paper" that takes the sin off my record, but there's still some "fine" I have to pay.
There's not though!
In the words of the old hymn, "Jesus paid it ALL"!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
As heard at the David Crowder Band concert…
On social justice:
Surely we can change something...
"What is the difference between compassion and justice? Compassion is us going down to the river where people are drowning and pulling them out of the water. Justice is us saying, 'I'm going to go up the river and do something about the reason all these people are ending up in the water.'
Are you willing to go up the river?"
Surely we can change something...
Friday, August 10, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Midland Represent!
Well, after living in the South for almost 15 years I can now safely say that it hasn't corrupted...err...changed my accent.
| What American accent do you have? (Best version so far)Midland ("Midland" is not necessarily the same thing as "Midwest") The default, lowest-common-denominator American accent that newscasters try to imitate. Since it's a neutral accent, just because you have a Midland accent doesn't mean you're from the Midland.  |
| Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests. |
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Take a bow…
Just wanted to take a moment to thank my wonderful wife for an amazing weekend. Thanks for everything you did to make my birthday weekend so special. Thanks for making me feel loved and cared for.
Oh, and thanks for taking me to the place where I got to eat like a king :).
Oh, and thanks for taking me to the place where I got to eat like a king :).
Monday, March 26, 2007
Who knew?
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
-Hebrews 11:1
Today was one of those days where I got to see God do for us something that we had only hoped for by faith.
Who knew that the solution for our problem had already been worked out for us and was waiting for us Monday morning?
God is SOO good.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Fight! Fight! Fight!
I knew I had a fight on my hands, and I knew it was the worst kind possible.
A fight with the insurance company.
You see, fighting with the insurance company feels like stepping into the ring to fight Ali with your hands tied behind your back just hoping he feels like a nice guy today and doesn't decide pummel you to death. I mean, they set the rules, they're the ref, and they get to decide the winner.
As you can tell, I wasn't looking forward to the call I had to make, but I also don't have $1,485 .76 laying around the house.
So it was time to man up and make the call.
I picked up the phone, dialed, and after screaming at the little voice automated software guy for saying "Did I hear you correctly" when he CLERALY dd NOT hear me correctly, I got what sounded like a very nice lady.
Ding! That was it, we'd touched gloves and the fight was on.
I explained the situation to her. She came out swinging, saying those dreaded words, "Can I put you on hold?"
Oh man, that's like a sucker punch to the gut. Your vision is blurry, you don't know where they're gonna come from next.
About this time, something strange happened...I heard that still, small voice in me saying, "Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world."
It hit me then, I'm not fighting alone. I have the Creator of the Universe on my side.
I started praying. I asked for favor in this woman's eyes. I asked for justice. I asked for fairness. I asked for grace.
Not longer after she came back and gave me the best message possible, "I'll take care of it for you. It'll be covered at 100%."
With that, the final bell rang and God was announced as the victor.
A fight with the insurance company.
You see, fighting with the insurance company feels like stepping into the ring to fight Ali with your hands tied behind your back just hoping he feels like a nice guy today and doesn't decide pummel you to death. I mean, they set the rules, they're the ref, and they get to decide the winner.
As you can tell, I wasn't looking forward to the call I had to make, but I also don't have $1,485 .76 laying around the house.
So it was time to man up and make the call.
I picked up the phone, dialed, and after screaming at the little voice automated software guy for saying "Did I hear you correctly" when he CLERALY dd NOT hear me correctly, I got what sounded like a very nice lady.
Ding! That was it, we'd touched gloves and the fight was on.
I explained the situation to her. She came out swinging, saying those dreaded words, "Can I put you on hold?"
Oh man, that's like a sucker punch to the gut. Your vision is blurry, you don't know where they're gonna come from next.
About this time, something strange happened...I heard that still, small voice in me saying, "Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world."
It hit me then, I'm not fighting alone. I have the Creator of the Universe on my side.
I started praying. I asked for favor in this woman's eyes. I asked for justice. I asked for fairness. I asked for grace.
Not longer after she came back and gave me the best message possible, "I'll take care of it for you. It'll be covered at 100%."
With that, the final bell rang and God was announced as the victor.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Why we love…
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us...We love because He first loved us."-- 1 John 7-12, 19
On this day that we celebrate love, I think it's important to remember where true love comes from, and what true love is. Only in the sacrifices of God sending us his Son and Jesus' willingness to die for our sins do we see a picture of what true love actually looks like. How would we even know what real love looks like, how would I even be able to fathom what it might mean to love my wife "to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach," how could I even THINK about love if it weren't for God?
Truly, "we love because He first loved us."
I love you my beautiful valentine...
Friday, February 09, 2007
Keep on keeping on…
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
-Galatians 6:9
Sometimes I just need a reminder...
Friday, December 22, 2006
Songs that Matter…Christmas edition Part 3
Today's entry is probably the most surprising. It's called Shepard is the Lamp by the O.C. Supertones on their album Revenge of the O.C. Supertones.
This song is about what I've talked about in my previous two entries - The Incarnation. Jesus is "the friend of the suffering" because He Himself suffered. He came and humbled Himself so that we could relate to Him and so that ultimately the Shepard could become the Lamb.
If you have a chance, you should really give this song a listen.
So what becomes of those small unwanted souls
Who spend their lives breaking their backs?
Those who dig the gold for the rich and powerful
Who place their feet upon their necks?
The shepherd is the lamb
Do you understand
That god became a man?
The shepherd is the lamb
Where can the junkies go when high has laid them low?
Are they truly on their own?
It seems we've lost our way
Like sheep we have gone astray
Can anybody lead us home?
The shepherd is the lamb
Do you understand
That god became a man?
The shepherd is the lamb
Who is the champion?
The friend of the suffering?
Of those who were never born?
The king with the crown of thorns
And I'll consecrate a verse
To the kingdom in reverse
Where the least are most
And the last will be the first
The shepherd is the lamb
Do you understand
That god became a man?
The shepherd is the lamb
This song is about what I've talked about in my previous two entries - The Incarnation. Jesus is "the friend of the suffering" because He Himself suffered. He came and humbled Himself so that we could relate to Him and so that ultimately the Shepard could become the Lamb.
If you have a chance, you should really give this song a listen.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Songs that Matter…Christmas Edition Part 2
Today's entry is Adoration by the Newsboys on their album with the same name.
I’m here with the others
Who saw the heavens testify
Now I hang back in the shadows
I want to come close
I want to know
She sees me shivering here
She smiles and with a nod
I walk through the mud and straw
To the newborn Son of God
Come, let us adore Him
He has come down to this barren land
Where we live
And all I have to give Him
Is adoration
He raises a wrinkled hand
Through the dust and the flies
Wrapped in rags like we are
And with barely open eyes
He takes my finger
And He won’t let go
And He won’t let go
It’s nothing like I knew before
And it’s all I need to know
Come, let us adore Him
He has come down to the world we live in
And all I have to give Him
Is adoration
God is with us here
Our Immanuel
God is with us here
Our Immanuel
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Jesus, our Immanuel
Is with us here and He won’t let go
The other day Susan and I watched the old Rankin and Bass movie, "The Little Drummer Boy". This song reminds me of that song and movie. In the movie, the little drummer boy is filled with hate and anger. Once he sees Jesus, that all melts away. It's the same with us when we see Jesus in our lives for the first time. "It’s nothing like [we] knew before
And it’s all [we] need to know." I love the image of Jesus not letting go of the persons finger and then how they relate that to Jesus not letting go of us.
This song also reminds us again of how Jesus was Immanuel, God with us. When He was born as a man, he experienced what is was to be " wrapped in rags like we are." He left all the splendor of Heaven to take on rags and to come to "this barren land where we live."
What do we have to give and what can we say to thank Him besides simply offering our adoration.
I’m here with the others
Who saw the heavens testify
Now I hang back in the shadows
I want to come close
I want to know
She sees me shivering here
She smiles and with a nod
I walk through the mud and straw
To the newborn Son of God
Come, let us adore Him
He has come down to this barren land
Where we live
And all I have to give Him
Is adoration
He raises a wrinkled hand
Through the dust and the flies
Wrapped in rags like we are
And with barely open eyes
He takes my finger
And He won’t let go
And He won’t let go
It’s nothing like I knew before
And it’s all I need to know
Come, let us adore Him
He has come down to the world we live in
And all I have to give Him
Is adoration
God is with us here
Our Immanuel
God is with us here
Our Immanuel
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Jesus, our Immanuel
Is with us here and He won’t let go
The other day Susan and I watched the old Rankin and Bass movie, "The Little Drummer Boy". This song reminds me of that song and movie. In the movie, the little drummer boy is filled with hate and anger. Once he sees Jesus, that all melts away. It's the same with us when we see Jesus in our lives for the first time. "It’s nothing like [we] knew before
And it’s all [we] need to know." I love the image of Jesus not letting go of the persons finger and then how they relate that to Jesus not letting go of us.
This song also reminds us again of how Jesus was Immanuel, God with us. When He was born as a man, he experienced what is was to be " wrapped in rags like we are." He left all the splendor of Heaven to take on rags and to come to "this barren land where we live."
What do we have to give and what can we say to thank Him besides simply offering our adoration.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Songs that Matter…Christmas Edition part 1
There are a lot of really good and...well...really bad Christmas songs out there. Some are traditional, some are new, some you've heard of, some you haven't, some are written specifically for Christmas, and some aren't, but equally capture the message and spirit of what we're celebrating at Christmas - God becoming man in His great pursuit of us.
Today's song is one we've all heard, but maybe not all of it...
This is a song that calls it to worship the Lord and to proclaim his glory.
I love that it shows that "In all our trials" Jesus was "born to be our friend". What an awesome reminder.
It also reminds those of us living in the time after His coming that "Long lay the world in sin and error pining". So many times we just wish God would show up big and perform miracles like He did in the Old Testament. What we forget and is really hard for us to grasp is that before Jesus came and then gave us the Holy Spirit, people experienced God totally differently. It wasn't until He came and gave us a "thrill of hope" - the way to have our sins forgiven once and for all - that "the soul felt its worth". He gave us a "new and glorious morn" - the Holy Spirit and the New Covenant where God will put his laws on our hearts and minds and that we can truly KNOW GOD! (Jeremiah 31:30-34) Somehow, I think the people in the Old Testament would have given anything for the chance to know God like we do...
Today's song is one we've all heard, but maybe not all of it...
Oh Holy Night
1. O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;Chorus
Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night, when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine.
2. Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend.Chorus
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger;
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
3. Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.Chorus
Christ is the Lord, O praise His name forever!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!
This is a song that calls it to worship the Lord and to proclaim his glory.
I love that it shows that "In all our trials" Jesus was "born to be our friend". What an awesome reminder.
It also reminds those of us living in the time after His coming that "Long lay the world in sin and error pining". So many times we just wish God would show up big and perform miracles like He did in the Old Testament. What we forget and is really hard for us to grasp is that before Jesus came and then gave us the Holy Spirit, people experienced God totally differently. It wasn't until He came and gave us a "thrill of hope" - the way to have our sins forgiven once and for all - that "the soul felt its worth". He gave us a "new and glorious morn" - the Holy Spirit and the New Covenant where God will put his laws on our hearts and minds and that we can truly KNOW GOD! (Jeremiah 31:30-34) Somehow, I think the people in the Old Testament would have given anything for the chance to know God like we do...
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
What I needed to hear…
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
-Isaiah 26:3
Sunday, October 15, 2006
My Favorite Pictures - There’s something in there
Sorry it's been so long...been sick..and busy...and updating my BLOG!!! I've switched over to Wordpress and so far I love it! Not only is my blog updated, but Susan's blog has a new look and she has created an awesome new recipe blog, Manna. Check them both out.
On to the picture...
This is a doorway leading...somewhere. It was taken at Fort Macon. The floor was flooded and we couldn't go down there. It was very creepy. I loved this fort! It made me feel like a little kid again.
Click below for the remixed version...
On to the picture...
This is a doorway leading...somewhere. It was taken at Fort Macon. The floor was flooded and we couldn't go down there. It was very creepy. I loved this fort! It made me feel like a little kid again.
Click below for the remixed version...
Thursday, September 21, 2006
My Favorite Pictures - How I see the world
I've decided to run a new series here on the old boggie. It's called "My Favorite Pictures". It's...well...mostly self explanatory. I'll post a picture and tell you why I like it so much. The picture on the main page will be the picture as it was taken with little to no editing - the vast majority will have no filters applied at all. At the bottom of the post will be a link to a version of the picture that has been (usually) heavily edited - a 'remix' version if you will. All of my edits are done in Google Picassa because I like to keep it simple :).
On to the picture!
This is a picture of how I see much of life. Sitting next to her, watching her, wondering what she's thinking. So often she's a frame around what I see, a constant presence, my other half. Sometimes I know exactly what she's thinking as she sits there looking out at the world, other times it's a deep mystery. I love that about my other half, it keeps me on my toes. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Click below for the 'remix' version...
On to the picture!
This is a picture of how I see much of life. Sitting next to her, watching her, wondering what she's thinking. So often she's a frame around what I see, a constant presence, my other half. Sometimes I know exactly what she's thinking as she sits there looking out at the world, other times it's a deep mystery. I love that about my other half, it keeps me on my toes. I wouldn't want it any other way.
Click below for the 'remix' version...
Thursday, August 31, 2006
A new song that matters…
Some of my favorite postings to my blog have been "songs that matter". I think songs allow us to express things to and about God in ways that transcend normal written word. Look at Psalms - some of the most beautiful, expressive, and wonderful descriptions of God are contained in that collection of songs.
A new song that really matters to me is "Wholly Yours" by the David Crowder Band from their "A Beautiful Collison" album:
It's a beautiful progression from seeing God's grace in creation, to one's self, and then finally to giving yourself over wholly to a holy God.
One of my favorite lines is:
"And the truest sign of grace was this
From wounded hands redemption fell down
Liberating man"
Every time I hear it, I see the seen from The Passion at the end when Jesus rises from the tomb, with holes in His hands. It's overwhelming to think that from these hands, wounded by Man, the redemtion of Man flows.
I love the second half of that verse as well:
"But the harder I try the more clearly can I feel
The depth of our fall and the weight of it all
And so this might could be the most impossible thing
Your grandness in me making me clean"
Those words pretty much speak for themselves. I am overwhelmed even as I type this. I've written a lot lately about how God is teaching me obedience, so I so relate to the feeling that the more you try to be holy, the more you feel how very very very far from it you are. So yes, it feels so 'impossible' that God's grandness, His very spirit is in me, making me clean.
A new song that really matters to me is "Wholly Yours" by the David Crowder Band from their "A Beautiful Collison" album:
I am full of earth
You are heaven’s worth
I am stained with dirt, prone to depravity
You are everything that is bright and clean
The antonym of me
You are divinity
But a certain sign of grace is this
From the broken earth flowers come up
Pushing through the dirt
You are holy, holy, holy
All heaven cries “Holy, holy God”
You are holy, holy, holy
I want to be holy like You are
You are everything that is bright and clean
And You’re covering me with Your majesty
And the truest sign of grace was this
From wounded hands redemption fell down
Liberating man
But the harder I try the more clearly can I feel
The depth of our fall and the weight of it all
And so this might could be the most impossible thing
Your grandness in me making me clean
Glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
So here I am, all of me
Finally everything
Wholly, wholly, wholly
I am wholly, wholly
I am wholly, wholly, wholly
Yours
I am full of earth and dirt and You
It's a beautiful progression from seeing God's grace in creation, to one's self, and then finally to giving yourself over wholly to a holy God.
One of my favorite lines is:
"And the truest sign of grace was this
From wounded hands redemption fell down
Liberating man"
Every time I hear it, I see the seen from The Passion at the end when Jesus rises from the tomb, with holes in His hands. It's overwhelming to think that from these hands, wounded by Man, the redemtion of Man flows.
I love the second half of that verse as well:
"But the harder I try the more clearly can I feel
The depth of our fall and the weight of it all
And so this might could be the most impossible thing
Your grandness in me making me clean"
Those words pretty much speak for themselves. I am overwhelmed even as I type this. I've written a lot lately about how God is teaching me obedience, so I so relate to the feeling that the more you try to be holy, the more you feel how very very very far from it you are. So yes, it feels so 'impossible' that God's grandness, His very spirit is in me, making me clean.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Happy Birthday My Love!!
Happy Birthday my darling wife. You're better than the best wife I could possibly imagine. Have a wonderful birthday.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Thoughts on Who?!
You may have heard that last week the Presbyterian Church (USA) accepted a policy paper calling for "gender-inclusive" language for the Trinity. They said that the "Traditional" language of Father-Son-Holy Spirit should still be used for baptisims and communion, but in worship there's a whole host of new ways to refer to the Trinity.
Try a few of these on for size:
“Rainbow, Ark and Dove”
“Speaker, Word and Breath”
“Overflowing Fount, Living Water and Flowing River”
“Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child and Life-Giving Womb”
“Sun, Light and Burning Ray”
“Giver, Gift and Giving”
“Lover, Beloved and Love”
“Rock, Cornerstone and Temple”
“Fire that Consumes, Sword that Divides and Storm that Melts Mountains”
“The One Who Was, The One Who Is and The One Who Is to Come.”
I don't think that we should "rename" God. He's already defined who He is. Beyond that though, there's a few of those that I have REAL problems with:
-“Rainbow, Ark and Dove” - That's just strange. Beyond that, those are SYMBOLS God gave to us, not the NAMES He chose.
-“The One Who Was, The One Who Is and The One Who Is to Come.” - Ok, so each memeber of the Trinity only gets ONE of those attributes?! The angles in Heaven worship God saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." How can we say that each of those applies to only one member of the Trinity?
-“Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child and Life-Giving Womb” - Tell me, when did Jesus ever refer to His "Mother in Heaven"? When did God the Father not refer to Himself in masculine terms? Jesus cried out to His ABBA - Daddy - not His mother. Just do a search of the Gospels and see how many times Jesus refers to His Father. These are the terms God chose for Himself!
The policy paper also says that the Church “should not insist on the exclusive use of the traditional trinitarian names, lest we quench the Spirit and even foster idolatry. Such a view would insufficiently acknowledge the divine mystery, would neglect the freedom of God’s children to glorify God imaginatively with all our hearts and minds, and would diminish the joy of knowing God ever more fully.”
Foster idolatry?! How is worshiping God using HIS names idolatry? How is making up whatever you want to call God, thereby making God into whatever you want Him to be NOT idolatry?!
God IS the God who was and is and is to come. He doesn't change. Why are so many people trying to change God? Well, I guess "although they claimed to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22).
The Church needs to let people know the TRUTH about God, for as my good friend reminded me of today: "The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11)
Try a few of these on for size:
“Rainbow, Ark and Dove”
“Speaker, Word and Breath”
“Overflowing Fount, Living Water and Flowing River”
“Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child and Life-Giving Womb”
“Sun, Light and Burning Ray”
“Giver, Gift and Giving”
“Lover, Beloved and Love”
“Rock, Cornerstone and Temple”
“Fire that Consumes, Sword that Divides and Storm that Melts Mountains”
“The One Who Was, The One Who Is and The One Who Is to Come.”
I don't think that we should "rename" God. He's already defined who He is. Beyond that though, there's a few of those that I have REAL problems with:
-“Rainbow, Ark and Dove” - That's just strange. Beyond that, those are SYMBOLS God gave to us, not the NAMES He chose.
-“The One Who Was, The One Who Is and The One Who Is to Come.” - Ok, so each memeber of the Trinity only gets ONE of those attributes?! The angles in Heaven worship God saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." How can we say that each of those applies to only one member of the Trinity?
-“Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child and Life-Giving Womb” - Tell me, when did Jesus ever refer to His "Mother in Heaven"? When did God the Father not refer to Himself in masculine terms? Jesus cried out to His ABBA - Daddy - not His mother. Just do a search of the Gospels and see how many times Jesus refers to His Father. These are the terms God chose for Himself!
The policy paper also says that the Church “should not insist on the exclusive use of the traditional trinitarian names, lest we quench the Spirit and even foster idolatry. Such a view would insufficiently acknowledge the divine mystery, would neglect the freedom of God’s children to glorify God imaginatively with all our hearts and minds, and would diminish the joy of knowing God ever more fully.”
Foster idolatry?! How is worshiping God using HIS names idolatry? How is making up whatever you want to call God, thereby making God into whatever you want Him to be NOT idolatry?!
God IS the God who was and is and is to come. He doesn't change. Why are so many people trying to change God? Well, I guess "although they claimed to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22).
The Church needs to let people know the TRUTH about God, for as my good friend reminded me of today: "The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11)
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
A response…to myself…
In response to my last post:
AMEN!!!
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
-Phil 3:12-21
AMEN!!!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Let’s get a few things straight…
Ok...seriously...I'm tired of it.
Let me just say up front, if you've read my blog, you know that in my own personal walk with Christ, God has been calling me very stongly to obedience. In no way, shape, or form am I there. I'm not sure that I will ever fully be there this side of Heaven. However, I'm trying. I'm making real, concrete steps towards getting rid of the things in my life that aren't pleasing to God. I'm striving towards, well, holiness. That's what God has told us to do:
"...Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness." (Romans 6:19)
So what am I so tired of? I'm tired of so many Christians believing the lie that holiness doesn't really matter. We think that just because we'll never fully obtain it that we can brush it to the side. After all, we want to be relevant to the culture, don't we? (hint: that was sarcasm)
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?" (Romans 6:1-3)
Again, I'm not there at all. I "go on sinning". All my intention to do with this post is to let you know that God HAS called us to holiness. I know there are things in my life that HAVE to change as a result of my desire to become holy.
I always say that God speaks best for Himself. Let me just share some verses that God has given me to convict me of the need for holiness in my own life. I hope that you will meditate over them and let them spur you on towards holiness in your own life.
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'
'Therefore come out from them
and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.'
'I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'" (1 Cor 6:14-18)
"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." (James 4:4)
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Col 3:5-10)
"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." (James 3:10)
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." (Eph 5:3-4)
"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." (Romans 13:13)
OK. I could go on further, but I just wanted to offer a reminder that God is full of grace and mercy.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." (Eph 1:3-8)
Let me just say up front, if you've read my blog, you know that in my own personal walk with Christ, God has been calling me very stongly to obedience. In no way, shape, or form am I there. I'm not sure that I will ever fully be there this side of Heaven. However, I'm trying. I'm making real, concrete steps towards getting rid of the things in my life that aren't pleasing to God. I'm striving towards, well, holiness. That's what God has told us to do:
"...Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness." (Romans 6:19)
So what am I so tired of? I'm tired of so many Christians believing the lie that holiness doesn't really matter. We think that just because we'll never fully obtain it that we can brush it to the side. After all, we want to be relevant to the culture, don't we? (hint: that was sarcasm)
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?" (Romans 6:1-3)
Again, I'm not there at all. I "go on sinning". All my intention to do with this post is to let you know that God HAS called us to holiness. I know there are things in my life that HAVE to change as a result of my desire to become holy.
I always say that God speaks best for Himself. Let me just share some verses that God has given me to convict me of the need for holiness in my own life. I hope that you will meditate over them and let them spur you on towards holiness in your own life.
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'
'Therefore come out from them
and be separate, says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.'
'I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'" (1 Cor 6:14-18)
"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." (James 4:4)
"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Col 3:5-10)
"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be." (James 3:10)
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." (Eph 5:3-4)
"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." (Romans 13:13)
OK. I could go on further, but I just wanted to offer a reminder that God is full of grace and mercy.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." (Eph 1:3-8)
Monday, April 17, 2006
Thoughts on Easter
This Easter was a wonderful one for me. God said a lot to me this weekend. We went to a Good Friday service, which was amazing. I truly felt that I was brought to the throne of God. Saturday we watched The Passion of the Christ for the first time. It was a lot to take in, but it was a wonderful way to focus on what Easter is all about. Sunday service was equally awesome. We got to see some friends we hadn't seen in a while and spend the day with Mom and Dad before they move.
It's hard to put all of what God said to me together in some way that makes sense so I'll just give you some of the pieces He gave me:
- Good Friday is all about remembering Jesus' sacrifice. The tears shed in remembrance on Friday make the celebration on Sunday all the more sweet.
- God impressed on me that Jesus' death established the New Covenant with Him (Heb 8:10-12, Luke 22:20). The importance of the New Covenant has started becoming very real to me. It's how we actually able to know God (through the Holy Spirit) and it's how we can really know our sins are forgiven.
- Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled so many prophecies it boggles my mind.
- Jesus' death and resurrection holds so much significance it's hard to even grasp. We were saved, bought, a new covenant was established, the way to God was opened, our sins were placed on Jesus, Jesus was forsaken by God on the Cross, even in His suffering Jesus prayed for our forgiveness, Jesus was the last sacrificial lamb that would need to be sacrificed, the great plan for our salvation was finished, Jesus was thinking of me and you when he took on the suffering, Satan and Death were defeated, Jesus was obedient even though he wanted there to be another way, Jesus willingly gave his life, and more and more and more. I could go on for a lot longer.
- Had Josh McDowell not set out to disprove Christianity my parents wouldn't be moving to Texas (to serve in a ministry Josh McDowell started)
That's just some of what went through my head this weekend. It was awesome.
If you didn't experience the celebration of Easter in a new and fresh way this weekend, maybe you should take some more time to reflect on what exactly we were celebrating. Read the Bible, pray on it, watch The Passion - whatever it takes, remember the awesome price paid for your sin and the amazing miracle of Christ's resurrection.
It's hard to put all of what God said to me together in some way that makes sense so I'll just give you some of the pieces He gave me:
- Good Friday is all about remembering Jesus' sacrifice. The tears shed in remembrance on Friday make the celebration on Sunday all the more sweet.
- God impressed on me that Jesus' death established the New Covenant with Him (Heb 8:10-12, Luke 22:20). The importance of the New Covenant has started becoming very real to me. It's how we actually able to know God (through the Holy Spirit) and it's how we can really know our sins are forgiven.
- Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled so many prophecies it boggles my mind.
- Jesus' death and resurrection holds so much significance it's hard to even grasp. We were saved, bought, a new covenant was established, the way to God was opened, our sins were placed on Jesus, Jesus was forsaken by God on the Cross, even in His suffering Jesus prayed for our forgiveness, Jesus was the last sacrificial lamb that would need to be sacrificed, the great plan for our salvation was finished, Jesus was thinking of me and you when he took on the suffering, Satan and Death were defeated, Jesus was obedient even though he wanted there to be another way, Jesus willingly gave his life, and more and more and more. I could go on for a lot longer.
- Had Josh McDowell not set out to disprove Christianity my parents wouldn't be moving to Texas (to serve in a ministry Josh McDowell started)
That's just some of what went through my head this weekend. It was awesome.
If you didn't experience the celebration of Easter in a new and fresh way this weekend, maybe you should take some more time to reflect on what exactly we were celebrating. Read the Bible, pray on it, watch The Passion - whatever it takes, remember the awesome price paid for your sin and the amazing miracle of Christ's resurrection.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Obey, Obey, Obey, Obey…
Like I said in my last post, God is hitting me with the same lesson over and over again: obedience. At a service last night the pastor talked about considering - thinking about, remembering - the sufferings of Christ. Of course, since I was there, the subject of obedience came up. This time it was in an awesome way that brings me closer to Christ.
One of the reasons we're supposed to consider the sufferings of Christ (Heb 12:3) is because in doing so we can better identify and bond with Him. The example the pastor gave was that whenever they share that his wife had cancer, someone will always come up to her, not him, and shares that they too had or have cancer. People who have shared in the same sufferings instantly have a bond. They understand what each other has been through.
What does all this have to do with obedience? Well, take a look at this amazing verse:
Wow! Jesus, the Son of God, learned obedience. Upon hearing that, one of those instant bonds was formed. What a cool way to identify with Jesus!
I encourage you to spend some time considering the sufferings of Christ so that you can better bond with Him. Maybe it's in His sufferings on the cross, or the way people made fun or Him, or the way His family rejected Him. Whatever it is, I pray that you find it and in doing so, find Him.
One of the reasons we're supposed to consider the sufferings of Christ (Heb 12:3) is because in doing so we can better identify and bond with Him. The example the pastor gave was that whenever they share that his wife had cancer, someone will always come up to her, not him, and shares that they too had or have cancer. People who have shared in the same sufferings instantly have a bond. They understand what each other has been through.
What does all this have to do with obedience? Well, take a look at this amazing verse:
"Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered..."
--Hebrews 5:8
Wow! Jesus, the Son of God, learned obedience. Upon hearing that, one of those instant bonds was formed. What a cool way to identify with Jesus!
I encourage you to spend some time considering the sufferings of Christ so that you can better bond with Him. Maybe it's in His sufferings on the cross, or the way people made fun or Him, or the way His family rejected Him. Whatever it is, I pray that you find it and in doing so, find Him.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Trust and Obey
You know, if you grew up in the church like I did, chances are you probably sang the song, "Trust and Obey" which goes:
"Trust and obey,
for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus,
then to trust and obey."
This song has started to take on some new meaning for me. Lately it seems like every time I read God’s Word, or a book about Him, or hear a sermon, God is calling to me with one simple word: "obey".
Last night my friend and I were talking and it hit me that "Faith" and "Works" are a lot like "Trust" and "Obey". Basically in the same way we show our faith by our works we show our trust by our obedience. I think it really helps me to think of them interchangeably. For instance, James' writings on Faith and Works would look like this:
In the same way, trust by itself, if it is not accompanied by obedience, is dead. But someone will say, "You have trust; I have obedience." Show me your trust without obedience, and I will show you my trust by how I obey.
--James 2:17-18
Don't think I'm trying to rewrite scripture :) but it helps me to remember that works = obedience. Obedience means not just doing the things God wants you to do, it's really everything - how you think, what you do, your attitude, your response to others, what kind of person you are, etc.
I'm starting to learn that truly, the only way to be happy in Jesus is to trust and obey Him.
Friday, March 17, 2006
A spiritual workout
A book I've been reading talks about how we need to "work out" spiritually as much as we do physically. The point the author makes is that while we place value on the consistency of exercise we don't always place the same value on spiritual disciplines.
It seems like a lot of time we can think that if our heart or attitude isn't in the right place spiritually then we shouldn't even bother - the last thing we want to do is "go through the motions" with God.
The thing is that we really DO need to go through the motions with God. A lot of times it's in going through the motions that God shows up.
I've definitely been challenged to devolp more of a spiritual "workout".
It seems like a lot of time we can think that if our heart or attitude isn't in the right place spiritually then we shouldn't even bother - the last thing we want to do is "go through the motions" with God.
The thing is that we really DO need to go through the motions with God. A lot of times it's in going through the motions that God shows up.
I've definitely been challenged to devolp more of a spiritual "workout".
Friday, March 03, 2006
A fresh start
We just moved to a new web host. We really didn't like the way our previous host advertised and the move have been wonderful. I HIGHLY recommend our new host WebsiteSource.
I'm hoping the move will prompt a fresh start for my blog as well. Look for new posts coming in the (hopefully) not so distant future.
I'm hoping the move will prompt a fresh start for my blog as well. Look for new posts coming in the (hopefully) not so distant future.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Memorizing Scripture - Week 4
This one took me a long time to get around to memorizing :(. It's been hard to stay faithful with this, but I now know 3 new verses :).
I thought last weeks verse went so good with the first (Matt. 4:4). We live on God's word - we eat it up. We bear God's name. Good stuff...
The past three weeks have had the common theme of the Word of God. The next three will be about prayer.
This weeks verse is:
"Until now you have not asked
for anything in my name.
Ask and you will receive,
and your joy will be complete."
-John 16:24
I thought last weeks verse went so good with the first (Matt. 4:4). We live on God's word - we eat it up. We bear God's name. Good stuff...
The past three weeks have had the common theme of the Word of God. The next three will be about prayer.
This weeks verse is:
"Until now you have not asked
for anything in my name.
Ask and you will receive,
and your joy will be complete."
-John 16:24
Friday, November 11, 2005
Memorizing Scripture - Week 3
Ok, that one took me a lot longer to memeorize, but I finally got it!
This week's verse is:
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.
--Jeremiah 15:16
This week's verse is:
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.
--Jeremiah 15:16
Monday, October 31, 2005
Memorzing Scripture - Week 2
I've got last week's verse memorized! It's so cool to actually know what exactly that verse says and where it's found in the Bible.
I'm glad that our first week's verse was about how God's Word is supposed to be our sustenance. The whole point of the exercise of memorizing scripture is that it gives us life!
If God taught you something by memorizing this verse, please feel free to post it.
And now, here's our verse for week 2:
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
-Hebrews 4:12
Have fun!
p.s. If you're wondering where I'm getting these verses from, I found what seems to be a pretty good list here. This is what I'll be choosing from primarily.
I'm glad that our first week's verse was about how God's Word is supposed to be our sustenance. The whole point of the exercise of memorizing scripture is that it gives us life!
If God taught you something by memorizing this verse, please feel free to post it.
And now, here's our verse for week 2:
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
-Hebrews 4:12
Have fun!
p.s. If you're wondering where I'm getting these verses from, I found what seems to be a pretty good list here. This is what I'll be choosing from primarily.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Memorzing Scripture - Week 1
OK, yes, I'm still alive :p
Anyway, several people I know have been saying that they want to memorize scripture. Me too.
I've decided to use my blog to help as many people memorize as would like to. I figure, at least for now, one verse a week is a good goal. I'd love to do more, but one a week will help because there's less to memorize, and it will give you a whole week not just to memorize the verse, but hopefully think over it.
If you decide to participate, post a comment so we know who's trying this out. Once you've memorized it, post your accomplishment :)
If you have any tips that would help other people memorize, please post your ideas as well.
Without further ado...here's this weeks verse:
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
-Matthew 4:4
Anyway, several people I know have been saying that they want to memorize scripture. Me too.
I've decided to use my blog to help as many people memorize as would like to. I figure, at least for now, one verse a week is a good goal. I'd love to do more, but one a week will help because there's less to memorize, and it will give you a whole week not just to memorize the verse, but hopefully think over it.
If you decide to participate, post a comment so we know who's trying this out. Once you've memorized it, post your accomplishment :)
If you have any tips that would help other people memorize, please post your ideas as well.
Without further ado...here's this weeks verse:
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
-Matthew 4:4
Monday, July 25, 2005
Austenish? Austenian?
Being married to a HUGE Jane Austen fan - her blog's name is Life at Pemberley for goodness sake - let's just say that I've been exposed to many a Jane Austen movie in my lifetime. I'm not ashamed to say that I actually enjoy them quite a lot, even though I have to have my wife interpret them for me.
You see, they speak a weird kind of language. I think it may be labeled Victorian, but it's really a language exclusive to Jane Austen's works. I have dubbed it Austenish, or maybe Austenian...can't decide.
We were talking about money today; an area in my life that I am quick to admit is not one of my strengths. I decided to put it to my wife in my best Austenish/Austenian, since she speaks it so well. So here it is, for your reading enjoyment:
"Being as it may, I have never been a man who possesed that great and noble quality of being a gifted steward of money. I both admire and respect those whose character and profession are wholely consumed with the management of wealth. They are much my superior and you shall never hear me speak lowly of them."
You see, they speak a weird kind of language. I think it may be labeled Victorian, but it's really a language exclusive to Jane Austen's works. I have dubbed it Austenish, or maybe Austenian...can't decide.
We were talking about money today; an area in my life that I am quick to admit is not one of my strengths. I decided to put it to my wife in my best Austenish/Austenian, since she speaks it so well. So here it is, for your reading enjoyment:
"Being as it may, I have never been a man who possesed that great and noble quality of being a gifted steward of money. I both admire and respect those whose character and profession are wholely consumed with the management of wealth. They are much my superior and you shall never hear me speak lowly of them."
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Something simple
Some simple words God gave me...
What do you say, when there's nothing left to say?
What do you pray, when there's nothing left to pray?
'Cause it's a fallen world, where I make my home,
And there is nothing, but to lean on You.
Yeah there is nothing, but to lean on You.
What do you say, when there's nothing left to say?
What do you pray, when there's nothing left to pray?
'Cause it's a fallen world, where I make my home,
And there is nothing, but to lean on You.
Yeah there is nothing, but to lean on You.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Letting God speak for Himself…
God says it best, doesn't He?
But now, this is what the LORD says-
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
-- Isaiah 43:1-3
But now, this is what the LORD says-
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
-- Isaiah 43:1-3
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
“The King Face”
In Men's Group last night we watched part of a video that is part of the study we'll be doing in the fall. The speaker was talking about the Four Faces of Manhood. One of them was "The King Face".
He said that basically "The King Face" is the face of integrity and how you choose to wear it. He said that sometimes it's how you respond when confronted with sin in your life, like when David was confronted with his sin with Bathsheba. His response was to own up to it and mourn and repent, as opposed to "No, I did not have sexual realtions with that woman, Ms. Bathsheba."
Makes you laugh, but think too...
He said that basically "The King Face" is the face of integrity and how you choose to wear it. He said that sometimes it's how you respond when confronted with sin in your life, like when David was confronted with his sin with Bathsheba. His response was to own up to it and mourn and repent, as opposed to "No, I did not have sexual realtions with that woman, Ms. Bathsheba."
Makes you laugh, but think too...
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
grand-pa - n : the father of your father or mother
Ray was my grandpa.
He was one of the smartest men I ever knew even though he only had a 7th grade education.
He could fix just about anything.
He served his country in the Air Force.
Whenever you needed something opened, his pocket knife was always with him. In fact, I think that's why I carry one with me today. I'm proud to carry his now.
He was consistently consistent - $40 every birthday, ice cream in the freezer, Barq's root beer in the fridge, bikes and stereos at the same ages for all the grandchildren.
He always tried to be there for all the important occasions.
Always a stickler for the rules in any game, yet he would make up words in Scrabble and dare you to challenge him, which you never did because the one time you did, the crazy word was actually a real word.
After recommitting his life to Christ, he became a man of God, teaching Sunday School and giving his time to the church.
Most of all, he was just my Grandpa, who I know loved me and was proud of me - because he told me so.
He will be missed.
He was one of the smartest men I ever knew even though he only had a 7th grade education.
He could fix just about anything.
He served his country in the Air Force.
Whenever you needed something opened, his pocket knife was always with him. In fact, I think that's why I carry one with me today. I'm proud to carry his now.
He was consistently consistent - $40 every birthday, ice cream in the freezer, Barq's root beer in the fridge, bikes and stereos at the same ages for all the grandchildren.
He always tried to be there for all the important occasions.
Always a stickler for the rules in any game, yet he would make up words in Scrabble and dare you to challenge him, which you never did because the one time you did, the crazy word was actually a real word.
After recommitting his life to Christ, he became a man of God, teaching Sunday School and giving his time to the church.
Most of all, he was just my Grandpa, who I know loved me and was proud of me - because he told me so.
He will be missed.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Put on your war paint!!
OK. Put on your war paint, grab your weapon, join the ranks, line up in formation. Your Commanding Officer addresses you with these words:
"...Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,
'He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him.'
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:35-39)
Now those are words that can make me follow any charge, in faith in He who is leading the charge.
Read those words again and I dare you not to run around the house screaming a battle cry!
"...Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,
'He who is coming will come and will not delay.
But my righteous one will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him.'
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (Hebrews 10:35-39)
Now those are words that can make me follow any charge, in faith in He who is leading the charge.
Read those words again and I dare you not to run around the house screaming a battle cry!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
This is the day…
The past few weeks have been very hard and exhausting - physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Many ups and downs and the only constant seems to be change.
Yesterday God gave me a few simple familiar words that helped remind me of the way things are supposed to be:
"This is the day that the Lord has made,? I will rejoice and be glad in it."
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
1+1=3?
Ok.? So I haven't posted since, well, the end of January.? It's been an insane couple of months.? After looking over my time records for the past two months, I realize that I now know what it feels like to cram three months worth of work into two - literally.
I know lots of people are doing overtime out there so my situation isn't unique or rare, but man it feels good to be at the end of that.
One thing that got me through it was knowing that God cares whether or not we do a good job at work. ?I'm not saying that God wants us to be workaholics, but He is pleased when we work hard at our jobs - as long as we're balanced of course.
Thank you so much to my wonderful wife for supporting me in these months.? I couldn't have done it without you.
If I haven't written, called, hung out with you, fixed your computer, etc -?I'm sorry.? I think life is finally getting back to normal - whatever that is :).
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
More Songs that Matter - The Man You Want Me To Be
Today's song is "Man you want me to be" by Phil Joel on his Bring it On album.
The Man You Want Me To Be
I played the fool so long,
Thought I was so strong,
All the while You knew it wasn't true.
Rerunning in my mind
Memories of another time
When all I ever lived for
Was You.
Jesus,
Make me the man that You want me to be.
Jesus,
Make me the man that You want me to be.
I've been listening all my life.
Words are spoken all the time.
I have heard the liars and the truth.
Voices twisting in the air
Sweetly sounding so unclear,
But nothing can replace a word from You.
Jesus,
Make me the man that You want me to be.
Jesus,
Make me the man that You want me to be.
Child is but for so long.
Turn around those days are gone.
Nothing can restrain the years of youth.
I have swallowed lies
That tasted true.
The plans I thought were sent from You
When all You wanted was for me
To be still.?
Jesus,
Make me the man that You want me to be.
Jesus,
Make me the man You want to see.
The burning in the heart
Of man's deepest desire
Is rising like a flame...
Jesus,
Make us the men you wanted see.
Jesus,
make me the man You want me to be.
The burning in the heart
Of our deepest desire
Is rising like a flame
Burning higher and higher.
The burning in the heart
Of our deepest desire
Is to know You.
Jesus,
Make us the men you want us to be.
Now that song can get me pumped up just as good as any Promise Keepers rally :).?
There's two verses that come to mind when I hear this song:
"Yet, O LORD , you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."
--Isaiah 64:8
As much as I want to be the man God wants me to be, I have to remember that it's just that - the man HE wants me to be.? He's the Potter, I'm the work of HIS hand.
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
-- Ephesians 2:10
This is another good reminder to me that I am God's product.? It's cool that He has stuff prepared for me to do and that I'm created by the best craftsman ever.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
More Songs that Matter - Strong Tower
The song for today is "Strong Tower" by the Newsboys, on their Devotion album.
Strong Tower
Strong and mighty.???????????
Strong to save us
Like a fortress
Never failing.
Strong in battle.
Strong in kindness
When we stray, Lord
You're strong to find us.
When the winds come hard against us
You are steadfast, You are true.
When the ground beneath us trembles
Your foundation never moves.
Strong tower,
High and glorious.
Strong tower,
Mighty in love.
Our refuge,
Our defender.
Strong tower,
Lord above.
Strong to lead us
Through the shadows.
Strong to carry
All our sorrows.
When the enemy surrounds us,
Closing in as darkness falls,
Though his armies rage against us,
They can never scale these walls.
Strong tower,
High and glorious.
Strong tower,
Mighty in love.
Our refuge,
Our defender.
Strong tower,
Lord above.
You are my shelter, my shield.
You are the home I could never deserve.
Here I will serve, ever under Your gaze.
Here I will serve, ever singing Your praise.
Strong tower,
High and glorious.
Strong tower,
Mighty in love.
Our refuge,
Our defender.
Strong tower,
Lord above.
This is an awesome worship song.? I'd love to sing this in church someday.? I heard this song after our visit to the Outer Banks and?it reminded me of the lighthouses.? This is an often used analogy for God, but it's such a fitting one.? Not only is God strong in battle, but he strong in love and kindness.? What an awesome reminder.?
There's something about this song that reminds me of a Psalm.? Besides the obvious fact that the Psalms are just songs, I think this song describes God's love for us in such beautiful and strong imagery, similar to the Psalms in the Bible.?
Monday, January 24, 2005
More Songs that Matter - Jealous Kind
Well, after a cold, Wintry week, those pics of the beach feel a lifetime away...?
This week's theme is going to be More Songs that Matter.? I did something similar back in October.? I'll be posting lyrics to songs that have affected me in some way and give some thoughts.?
I really encourage you to get yourself a legal copy of these songs.? Many of them are powerful not just because of the words, but also because of the beauty of the music and singer's heart being poured out in their performance.?
The first song is "Jealous Kind" by Jars of Clay on?their album,?Who we are Instead.?
Jealous Kind
I built another temple to a stranger.
I gave away my heart to the rushing wind.
I set my course to run right into danger.
Sought the company of fools instead of friends.
You know I've been unfaithful
With Lovers in lines.
While you're turning over tables with the rage of a jealous kind.
I chose the gallows to the aisle.
Thought that love would never find
Hanging ropes will never keep you
And your love of a jealous kind.
Love of a jealous kind.
Try to jump away from rot that keeps on spreading
For solace in the shift of the sinking sand.
I'd rather feel the pain all too familiar
Than to be broken by a lover I don't understand.
'Cause I don't understand...
You know I've been unfaithful
With Lovers in lines.
While you're turning over tables with the rage of a jealous kind.
I chose the gallows to the aisle.
Thought that love would never find
Hanging ropes will never keep you
And your love of a jealous kind.
Love of a jealous kind.
One hundred other lovers, more, one hundred other altars.
If I should slow my pace and finally subject me to grace.
And love that shames the wise, betrays the heart's deceit and lies.
And breaks the back of foolish pride...
You know I've been unfaithful
With Lovers in lines.
While you're turning over tables with the rage of a jealous kind.
I chose the gallows to the aisle.
Thought that love would never find
Hanging ropes will never keep you
And your love of a jealous kind.
Love of a jealous kind.
This song is about God's relentless pursuit of us.? No matter how much we mess up, he pursues us with a jealous love.?
We're unfaithful to Him "with lovers in line" and yet He comes after us.?
We'd rather feel pain than to be "broken by a lover we don't understand" and yet He comes after us.?
We're full of "foolish pride" and yet He comes after us.?
It's an amazing thing, God's love.
It's interesting to me how the song says that God pursues us, but not just with love, also with "the rage of a jealous kind".? It evokes the scene from Matthew 21:12-13 where Jesus goes into the temple and drives out the people who were selling things in the temple.? I think He does the same thing in our hearts, after all, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).? He loves us too much not to clean out his house, after all?He is "a consuming fire, a jealous God" (Deuteronomy 4:24).? It reminds me of the image of God presented by Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia books - he may not be safe, but he's good.
All we have to do is just "slow our pace" and He's there with the grace we've had all along.?
... 99 cents on iTunes :)
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Friday, January 14, 2005
Behold He Comes!!
"At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
--Luke 21:27-28
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
A strong tower
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe."
--Proverbs 18:10
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Fisherman’s Prayer
Fisherman's Prayer
God grant that I may live to fish
Until my dying day
And when my final cast is made
I then most humbly pray
When in the Lord's safe landing net
I'm peacefully asleep
That in his mercy I be judged
As good enough to keep!
--Carol E. Fugate
Monday, January 10, 2005
Children of light
"For you were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light."
--Ephesians 5:8
This week I'll be posting photos from our trip to the Outer Banks.? Hope you enjoy!!
Thursday, January 06, 2005
A big thanks
My wife and I have been reliving the magic of our honeymoon - which was spent with both of us very sick.?
At least we can laugh about it...
We're?finally both starting to feel better.? I just wanted to take this little chunk of cyber-space to thank my mom for bringing us stuff and for spending the day taking care of Sus so I could go to work.
And thank you soooooo much Sus for how you have taken care of me.? I am amazed at how good you are at it.? Thanks for being there for me...always.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Update Me, Update Me
Ok, so I've been slack with my blog.? I'm going to offer up some quick thoughts:
1. Happy Birthday John!!?
"Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the?doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief"
--Marcus Tullius Cicero
2.?The old Rankin/Bass movie "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is a GREAT movie.? It showed Santa as someone who "stood before the Lord" on his wedding day, knew the value of loving his enemies, chose "the most Holy day of the year" to deliver his presents, and wanted to "continue the tradition started by the Magi".? Very good stuff in that movie.? I was very surprised.
3.?I LOVE Christmas.? My wife and I love to give gifts.? We have to budget ourselves or we would spend WAY too much money.? I can't wait to see my brothers and their wives.? I miss them so much.
4. I got WHUPPED by Sus in the best card game ever "Hand and Foot" the other night.? Way to go baby!!
Monday, November 29, 2004
Am I laboring in vain?
"Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat-
for he grants sleep to those he loves."
--Psalm 126:1-2
This is one of those passages in scripture that really make you stop and think about your life.? It makes me think about why I'm "laboring" for the things I'm laboring for.?
I think this can be used as a measuring line - if I'm working myself like crazy and not feeling rested later?and satisfied, then maybe God's not in it...
Thursday, November 18, 2004
To be Incredible
We went to go see the Incredibles this past weekend.? If you haven't seen it go...now.?
Ok, now that you're back, wasn't it AWESOME!!?
I'm not going to ruin it for you if you haven't seen it yet.? If you've seen a commerical or trailer for it, you've seen as much as I'm gonna write about.?
Now that you know there aren't any spoilers, I can tell you that one thing I really liked about the movie is?how?they had to decide whether they would continue on in their mundane lives or if they would use their super powers again and be who they were made to be.? Mr. Incredible really struggles with this.??He feels stuck.? He gets up every morning to go to a job that he doesn't like.? He knows that he has so much more to offer - I mean he's a SUPER HERO - but he can't.??I could really identify with him, well, not the Super Hero part, but the feeling that you're really not doing what you were made to be doing.
My problem is that I really don't know what I'm supposed to be doing.?
There are things I DO know though.? I know that God created me for a purpose and that?I am "fearfully and wonderfully made"?(Psalm 139:13-16).? I know that God made me the way I am for a reason and that he has things planned for me to do (Ephesians 2:10).? I know that He's not going to just leave me "stuck" the way I am (Philippians 1:6).? I also know that there is so much potential for what God has in store for me (John 14:12).
Even though I still haven't figured what it is I'm supposed to be doing, I know that I can trust God and He'll show me the way.?
Oh, and it'll be incredible.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
The most important election of our lifetime…
"The fascinating thing about this election was we all talked about new registrants, young voters and get out the vote, suggesting it was a Democratic game. What the Republicans were able to do was match it voter for voter.
The rural voters ? evangelical Christians ? poured out to the polls.? When John Kerry said this is the most important election of our lifetime, not only the college kids, but the evangelicals said, ?'you?re right.? We?ll see you at the voting booths.'"
-- Tim Russert
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
A little means a lot…
"At the bottom of all the tributes paid to Democracy is the little man, walking into the little booth, with a little pencil, making a little cross on a little bit of paper - no amount of rhetoric or voluminous discussion can possibly diminish the overwhelming importance of the point."
-- Sir Winston Churchill, 1944
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Songs that Matter - So Afraid
I had a song choice all ready for today, but another song knocked me off my feet this morning in the car.? It's another one of those brutally honest Bebo Norman songs.? It's called "So Afraid" and it's on his Myself When I Am Real album.
So Afraid
Take my heart, and wring it out
In your hands and watch it all collapse.
Take your love, and drive it in
Into my soul, and never leave again.
'Cause I am so afraid
That I'll find myself alone
Looking for a savior, looking for a home.
I am so afraid
That I'll find myself alone
Looking for a savior, looking for a home.
So don't leave me here, alone,
Don't leave me here alone.
All your hope, and all my pride,
All this time to watch it all collide.
When everyone seems to say,
?You can work it out?,
Under my skin, I'm shaking
And I can't get out.?
'Cause I am so afraid
That I'll find myself alone
Looking for a savior, looking for a home.
I am so afraid
That I'll find myself alone
Looking for a savior, looking for a home.
So don't leave me here, alone,
Don't leave me here alone.
This is not what you said,
It's all in my head
When I throw my anger at you instead.
So don't give up on me.
I want to believe
That you'll never leave me.
But I am so afraid
That I'll find myself alone
Looking for a savior, lookin for a home.
I am so afraid
That I'll find myself alone
Deep into the ages, deep into the foam.
I am so afraid
That I'll find myself alone
Looking for a savior, lookin for a home.
So don't leave me here, alone.
Don't leave me here alone.
I can see why Bebo called his album Myself When I Am Real.? I think this is a real song, with real emotions.? It's not about a lack of faith, it's about those times when you feel distant from God.? It's when you know all the right answers - "That's not what you said, it's all in my head" - but you need to let that knowledge in your head move to your heart.? It's when you desire to experience God's love, peace, and grace in a real, new, and fresh way.
As I was listening to this song, God laid this passage on my heart.? It's a little long, but I think it's one of the most exciting passages in all of scripture:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died ? more than that, who was raised to life ? is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:?
'"For your sake we face death all day long;?we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
--Romans 8:28-39
Man that passage gets me excited!!? I'm so glad that God loves us just like we are.? He understands us, even when we're "so afraid".
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Songs that Matter - He Reigns
Missions.? It's what Jesus instructed us to to (Matthew 28:19).? When you go to another country and meet the people, and talk with them, and pray for them, "missions" becomes much more real.? It wasn't until I went to Bosnia that I truly realized that there are entire countries where hardly any of the people know Jesus.?
The song "He Reigns" by The Newsboys on their album, Adoration paints an awesome picture of?the global church and the movement of the Holy Spirit that is happening right now.? It gets me really exicted!? Here are the lyrics:
He Reigns
It?s the song of the redeemed
Rising from the African plain.
It?s the song of the forgiven
Drowning out the Amazon rain.
The song of Asian believers
Filled with God?s holy fire.
It?s every tribe, every tongue, every nation,
A love song born of a grateful choir.
It?s all God?s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns.
It?s all God?s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns.
Let it rise about the four winds
Caught up in the heavenly sound.
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals
To the faithful gathered underground.
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation
Some were meant to persist.
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples
None rings truer than this.
It?s all God?s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns.
It?s all God?s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns.?
And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they?ve just heard.
?Cause all the powers of darkness
Can?t drown out a single word.
When all God?s children sing out
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns.
All God?s people singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns.
More and more people around the world are joining the "grateful choir".? I long for the day when people from EVERY tribe and EVERY nation know God.? It's exciting to remember that the "powers of darkness tremble" at the praises that are going up.? I'm so glad that "He reigns"!!
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Songs that Matter - Holy is the Lord
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of God asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac found in Genesis 22:1-19.? There are so many ways you can go with that story.? It's amazingly complex - as it should be.? I love Abraham's absolute trust in God.? No waffling like you saw him before Isaac was born.? I love the way it's a reflection of what God would do later when His own Son would be sacrificed, when Jesus became the substitute for us.
Today's song is "Holy is the Lord" by Andrew Patterson on the City on a Hill: The Gathering album.? It's a beautiful song about the story of Abraham and Isaac.?
Holy is the Lord
Wake up little Isaac
And rub your tired eyes.
Go and kiss your mama
We?ll be gone a little while.
Come and walk beside me,
Come and hold your papa?s hand.
I go to make an altar
And to offer up my lamb.
I waited on the Lord
And in a waking dream He came.
Riding on a wind across the sand
He spoke my name.
?Here I am?, I whispered
And I waited in the dark.
The answer was a sword
That came down hard upon my heart.
?
Holy is the Lord
Holy is the Lord
And the Lord I will obey
Lord, help me I don?t know the way
So take me to the mountain.
I will follow where You lead.
There I?ll lay the body
Of the boy You gave to me,
And even though You take him
Still I ever will obey.
But Maker of this mountain, please...
Make another way.
Holy is the Lord
Holy is the Lord
And the Lord I will obey
Lord, help me I don?t know the way
One part of this song that isn't in the lyrics is when the singer sings, but it's not really any words.? I just like singing "Oh" to the melody.? I think it's perfect not only as an expression of how Abraham must have been feeling, but it reminds me of Romans 8:26 where it says that the Holy Sprit "intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express".? You really have to hear it.?
I like this song not just because it's about one of my favorite stories, but also because it's a reminder that when things seem impossible I need to be obedient to God and?remember that He hears our prayers for Him to "make another way".? In the end though, His way is best, for truly, "Holy is the Lord".
Monday, October 18, 2004
Songs that Matter - Tip of My Heart
Ok, I finally got the blog back and running.? To celebrate I'm going to try and get a post up every day this week!? All my posts will have a theme - "Songs that Matter".? I'm going to post the lyrics to songs that speak to me in some way and write a little about what they mean to me.? I hope you enjoy them!
The first song is "Tip of My Heart" by Bebo Norman on his album,?Big Blue Sky.?
Tip of My Heart
It's on the tip of my heart, the words to say,
But I fall apart and I walk away.
There's an angry world pressed against my back,
And at every turn I keep looking back.
And I know you promise me
Love through eternity,
So why can't I just hold on?
I wanna live, I wanna love,
But I'm afraid my simple faith will never be enough.
I want to laugh, I want to be set free
And let you hold all that my soul has deep inside of me.
But I don't know where to start.
It's on the tip of my heart.
So would you take my hand, because I'm sinking in
To this life I've made, but don't understand.
The clock moves so slowly, but time goes so fast.
In this whirlwind world that will never last.
This love you're giving me,
It's not just make believe.
Help me just to hold on.
I wanna live, I wanna love,
But I'm afraid my simple faith will never be enough.
I want to laugh, I want to be set free
And let you hold all that my soul has deep inside of me.
But I don't know where to start.
It's on the tip of my heart.
?
You've opened the sky, and opened my eyes
And all my fears have scattered away.
So I walk in grace, because I've seen your face.
And You are all that matters to me.
So I'm gonna live! I'm gonna love!
I'm not afraid because your grace will always be enough.
I'm gonna laugh! I'm gonna be set free!
And let you hold all that my soul has deep inside of me.
You have shown me where to start,
It's on the tip of my heart.
I like the raw honesty in this song.? I can identify with feeling like you just want to live and to love and to say and do all the things like you feel like God is asking you to do, but you don't and "just walk away".? I can also identify with feeling pressed down by life and wanting to live, love, laugh and "be set free",?but not knowing?how to get there.?
God has promised us an abundant life (John 10:10), but sometimes it can feel like we have to do something, or believe enough and we feel like "our simple will never be enough".? The beautiful thing about this song is that it shows that when we call out to God, tell Him how we feel, and ask for His help, He give us the answer we need - to walk in Grace.
I've definitely felt this lately.? Life has been very challenging, but God has been blessing me with things like an awesome weekend with friends and my beautiful wife.? Things are still very tough and not the way I want them to be, but that joy that comes from God seems just "on the tip of my heart".
Thursday, October 07, 2004
testing
This is a test.? I need to get this long enough so I have a paragraph.? Ok, this should do it. Nope, didn't do it.? Ok, we'll do some more.? La la la la la la la. Hmm, Ok, should be there know, but we all know I was wrong last time so I'll keept going some more.
Ok, why the heck do you get this? if you have more than one space?
Well, now that I fixed it, you can't see it, but it was putting these crazy ? characters everywhere.? So now I learned about encoding and that I needed to change it to iso-8859-1.? :-P
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
To be or not to be…a tree
I want to start off this entry by stating up front that it deals with something that I am not at all good at. Everything I'm writing here is first and foremost a challenge to myself. I'm going to write about being bold in speaking your faith.
One of the most famous quotes in Christianity is, "Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words." I think this quote, credited to Saint Francis of Assisi, is a good reminder to live your life in a way that glorifies God. That being said, I also think that people, myself included, can take that idea and use it as an excuse for not being bold in their faith. I can fall into the trap of leaving that boldness to others and ever so humbly accepting that I'm called to primarily live my faith rather than speak it .
I want to be clear however, that if all you can do is live your faith then please, by all means, continue. God looks on you and smiles. He needs more people who claim to be Christians to step up and actually live that way.
Let me challenge you with something that I recently heard and has been challenging me.
A small disclaimer first: This idea comes from a Christian rap album - GASP!! (If that small note of sarcasm was lost on you, read my previous post.)
Ok, think about things like this. Can a tree say anything about God? I think it can. It can show that God is creative, that God is a big God, and that He has created beautiful things. However, a tree is limited in what it can say. The tree can't convey that God is so Holy that one single sin seperates us from Him. It can't tell people that Jesus died to take care of that problem and atone for our sins. It can't tell people that God loves them just as like they are and that He wants to come into their hearts and have a personal relationship with them. Only you and I can tell people those things.
You see when we limit ourselves to merely living and never speaking, I'm really not sure we say any more about God than a tree does. Ouch that hurts. As I said before, I'm really speaking to myself here.
I want to make one last point. Just like faith and works, I think that speaking and living your faith go hand in hand. I have a friend who I've been able to share my faith with a few times. I truly belive that the only reason he was interested in what I had to say was because of how I LIVED my faith. To him, it seems like all he sees is the people out there that talk all day about their faith, but do so little living of it.
Speaking about my faith is one of the hardest and best things I've ever done. I'm praying that God give me more opportunites and I hope you will too.
One of the most famous quotes in Christianity is, "Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words." I think this quote, credited to Saint Francis of Assisi, is a good reminder to live your life in a way that glorifies God. That being said, I also think that people, myself included, can take that idea and use it as an excuse for not being bold in their faith. I can fall into the trap of leaving that boldness to others and ever so humbly accepting that I'm called to primarily live my faith rather than speak it .
I want to be clear however, that if all you can do is live your faith then please, by all means, continue. God looks on you and smiles. He needs more people who claim to be Christians to step up and actually live that way.
Let me challenge you with something that I recently heard and has been challenging me.
A small disclaimer first: This idea comes from a Christian rap album - GASP!! (If that small note of sarcasm was lost on you, read my previous post.)
Ok, think about things like this. Can a tree say anything about God? I think it can. It can show that God is creative, that God is a big God, and that He has created beautiful things. However, a tree is limited in what it can say. The tree can't convey that God is so Holy that one single sin seperates us from Him. It can't tell people that Jesus died to take care of that problem and atone for our sins. It can't tell people that God loves them just as like they are and that He wants to come into their hearts and have a personal relationship with them. Only you and I can tell people those things.
You see when we limit ourselves to merely living and never speaking, I'm really not sure we say any more about God than a tree does. Ouch that hurts. As I said before, I'm really speaking to myself here.
I want to make one last point. Just like faith and works, I think that speaking and living your faith go hand in hand. I have a friend who I've been able to share my faith with a few times. I truly belive that the only reason he was interested in what I had to say was because of how I LIVED my faith. To him, it seems like all he sees is the people out there that talk all day about their faith, but do so little living of it.
Speaking about my faith is one of the hardest and best things I've ever done. I'm praying that God give me more opportunites and I hope you will too.
Friday, September 24, 2004
Mic check, a one two
I'm not ashamed to say that I am an absolutly huge Christian hip-hop fan. I have been for a long time. A few weeks ago I was at the local Christian bookstore picking up a copy of the latest Grits album. (Which awesome, btw. I mean...um...tight...dope? Whatever, you know what I mean.) Anyway, while I was looking around there was a young boy there, about 10 or 11 probably, that was looking through the rap music as well which I thought was pretty cool because so many kids his age are already hooked on secular rap music which, well, that's another soapbox, another day...
So, I got my CD and went to drag my wife out of the book section ;). While she was still looking I saw the kid go up to his mom and ask her if he could get the CD's he wanted. Her response was, "Put that back. That kind of music doesn't glorify God. Just because it's in a Christian bookstore doesn't mean it's Christian."
I didn't say anything, but I wanted to tell that lady that just because it's rap, it doesn't mean it can't be Christian. Or to tell her about how I've known guys who have done Christian rap and they're definitely Christians. I know that not all Christian rap out there deserves that label, but the vast majority of it does. It challenges me to live a holy lifestyle. It gets me excited about letting other people know about Jesus. It's fun, it's clean, and it most definitely DOES glorify God. I bothered me a whole lot that she was basically saying that all those people weren't Christians.
I've thought a LOT about this since it happened. The other night, while I washing dishes no less, God reminded me of someone who had similar, and even worse things said about him. I mean when this guy got up to talk, people said he didn't have a right to be talking about God. He was accused of being in league with the prince of demons and even possessed by him. His cousin wasn't sure what to think about him. His own family said he was out of his mind. People said there was no way he could be Godly because of who he hung out with. This guy defninetly knows what it would feel like to be accused of not being a Christian just because of how you bring your message about God. You probably know that I'm talking about Jesus. As Paul Harvey would say, "That's the rest of the story."
So, I got my CD and went to drag my wife out of the book section ;). While she was still looking I saw the kid go up to his mom and ask her if he could get the CD's he wanted. Her response was, "Put that back. That kind of music doesn't glorify God. Just because it's in a Christian bookstore doesn't mean it's Christian."
I didn't say anything, but I wanted to tell that lady that just because it's rap, it doesn't mean it can't be Christian. Or to tell her about how I've known guys who have done Christian rap and they're definitely Christians. I know that not all Christian rap out there deserves that label, but the vast majority of it does. It challenges me to live a holy lifestyle. It gets me excited about letting other people know about Jesus. It's fun, it's clean, and it most definitely DOES glorify God. I bothered me a whole lot that she was basically saying that all those people weren't Christians.
I've thought a LOT about this since it happened. The other night, while I washing dishes no less, God reminded me of someone who had similar, and even worse things said about him. I mean when this guy got up to talk, people said he didn't have a right to be talking about God. He was accused of being in league with the prince of demons and even possessed by him. His cousin wasn't sure what to think about him. His own family said he was out of his mind. People said there was no way he could be Godly because of who he hung out with. This guy defninetly knows what it would feel like to be accused of not being a Christian just because of how you bring your message about God. You probably know that I'm talking about Jesus. As Paul Harvey would say, "That's the rest of the story."
