When I was younger I used to watch a show called Family Matters that had a character on it who's name was Steve Urkel. Steve was kind of an oddball. He wore suspenders and was very out of fashion, he talked a little funny, and no matter what he did he seemed to constantly be messing things up. Have you ever felt like Steve Urkel?...you just didn't know if you could do anything right? While it's important to acknowledge our faults and attempt to better ourselves on a daily basis, we must also realize we will never be perfect, and it is essential we seek where God wants us and be content with what all that includes. Sometimes, God teaches us through our weakness and our shortcoming is for our own benefit. Other times, our weaknesses are to help others. Either way, we should attempt to correct what problems and weaknesses we can, but accept those that we may not be able to improve to the point we'd like.
Has a handicapped person ever inspired you? Has an eloquent speaker ever inspired you? You can probably say yes to both, but they each had their strengths in how they tackled the inspiration, and you probably got a different sort of inspiration from both of them.
Let's hit up some Biblical examples. Take Moses--the guy had a nasty stuttering problem. He didn't trust that God could speak to Pharaoh (the most powerful guy in the world at that point) through Moses' weakness. Yet He did. (Exodus 3) And through Moses, a country and a people had a complete turn around.
You are weak...let's face it, we all have some weakness that we aren't proud of or don't want others to figure out. But God can use you, and He will if you let Him. Remember the Bible tells us that [God speaking], "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9. In verse 10, Paul says, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Last off, let's go back to the Urkel thought. Steve Urkel, because he looked different, acted funny, and did not talk the same as others, often got laughed at and made fun of. Although he was a fictional character, you can probably imagine what that would do to his confidence. You've probably been the victim of ridicule before. Do you remember how it felt? Not so much fun? So then why do we do it to others? It is important that we remember that we are one body with our brothers and sisters in Christ (Ephesians 4:25). We also must remember that we are to be honest, encouraging, and uplifting to everyone, even those that are not brothers and sisters under the blood of Christ. Check out Ephesians 4:29-32...
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ God forgave you." [Ephesians 4:29-32, emphasis and italics mine]
So strap on your pick me ups and pull up your breeches, I'd say you've got so go-gettin' to get done; and while you're at it, give a high-five to your weaknesses for me. Welcome to vulnerable. Christ might just pierce your heart with some love here. Watch what awesome He can do.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
if Christmas had wings, I'd bet it'd fly to San Francisco
Christmas does not fly. I've never seen one with wings. But whatever mode of transportation Christmas takes, they sure pass by quickly. I have found with each Christmas though, that as they pass they bring in more value. No longer is the holiday about the anticipation of gifts as perhaps it was when I was a child, but I find myself focusing on and appreciating the things of greater value like spending time with family and the true meaning of Christmas. Perhaps, you're convinced it's that I've grown out of childhood, and most every adult has this turning point. And perhaps you're right. But then again, I know many unhappy adults this time of year.
This year seemed especially meaningful. Perhaps it was because I travelled to another country where the celebration and understanding of Christmas is just blossoming and where the faith of Christians is challenged by the government and society every day. Perhaps my grandparents' declining health has made time with them seem more valuable. Or maybe it's because I no longer seek out getting and opening the right gift for Christmas, but cherish the true gift and reason for the celebration.
It's easy to fall into the rut of getting tired of long lines at retailers, crazy traffic in the parking lot, stress of how you will pay for all the gifts and not forgetting anyone, and all the negatives that this season can entail. But maybe every time you begin to focus on the irritants that come with the celebration, instead focus on the true reason...easier said than done, perhaps, but try this. I have found this year that the more I talk about the birth of Christ our Savior, what it means to me, and the potential joy it can have to everyone around me, I become overfilled with joy and everything else begins to seem less important (and thus, less stressful). ...and this result is only logical, because everything else is less important. We have a huge celebration for this very reason--the birth of the Almighty Savior and the resurrection it led to is most important. Check out Luke 2 that tells of a virgin giving birth to a God who became man....try and tell me that's not more important than stockings and shopping, music and mayhem...you can't.
So it's the end of Christmas day, 2010, but don't let that discourage you. The celebration of such a gift should be year round. And as I addressed earlier, Christmas doesn't fly, but it will be back soon again Lord willing. Take a second to think about this...and then take a few more.
Merry Christmas to one and all.
This year seemed especially meaningful. Perhaps it was because I travelled to another country where the celebration and understanding of Christmas is just blossoming and where the faith of Christians is challenged by the government and society every day. Perhaps my grandparents' declining health has made time with them seem more valuable. Or maybe it's because I no longer seek out getting and opening the right gift for Christmas, but cherish the true gift and reason for the celebration.
It's easy to fall into the rut of getting tired of long lines at retailers, crazy traffic in the parking lot, stress of how you will pay for all the gifts and not forgetting anyone, and all the negatives that this season can entail. But maybe every time you begin to focus on the irritants that come with the celebration, instead focus on the true reason...easier said than done, perhaps, but try this. I have found this year that the more I talk about the birth of Christ our Savior, what it means to me, and the potential joy it can have to everyone around me, I become overfilled with joy and everything else begins to seem less important (and thus, less stressful). ...and this result is only logical, because everything else is less important. We have a huge celebration for this very reason--the birth of the Almighty Savior and the resurrection it led to is most important. Check out Luke 2 that tells of a virgin giving birth to a God who became man....try and tell me that's not more important than stockings and shopping, music and mayhem...you can't.
So it's the end of Christmas day, 2010, but don't let that discourage you. The celebration of such a gift should be year round. And as I addressed earlier, Christmas doesn't fly, but it will be back soon again Lord willing. Take a second to think about this...and then take a few more.
Merry Christmas to one and all.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
a gift with no wrapping
Have you ever been naked in public?
Think about that. Jesus was. Perhaps you picture Him with the little cloth wrap around His waist because that's what you have always seen in pictures. Even though a picture can speak a thousand words, it doesn't mean they always speaks the truth. So picture this: picture yourself, in all your pride and self-esteem, the pride of your friends and family, and all that you are connected with and value being humiliated in sheer nakedness hung on a cross. All your most intimate details are revealed publicly in the most embarassing manner, while you struggle for breath. That. was. Christ. So often we display a cross around our neck or on our t-shirts or walls...but do we realize the depths of the pain and the importance of this picture. It was not any other day. It was the day that changed the world, and one that we seem to so often take for granted and overlook. But picture yourself in this situation and perhaps the sacrifice that was made for you will come a little bit more alive and realistic.
It's about a whole lot more than a fad, a phase, or something that people strive to impress on others. It's about a perfect sacrifice, a perfect love, and a perfect plan.
During a worship service I recently attended, the leader paused at the bridge of a common song. Without telling you what the song is, read these lyrics and think on them: 'Shine your light and let the whole world see. We're singing for the glory of the risen King.' Now read it again. We're singing--the song of our lives--is the very reflection of the glory of God...or at least it should be.
Live like every day is Easter Sunday. The part where you get all excited, put your best forth, and rejoice in the sacrifice that was made nearly 2000 years ago for your salvation. Salvation is not an annual thing, neither should the celebration and thanks for it be.
Philippians 2:1-11...check it out and ponder on these words: In our humiliation is His exaltation. In our weakness is...well I suppose it's up to you what you make of it...but oh, the possibilities.
Think about that. Jesus was. Perhaps you picture Him with the little cloth wrap around His waist because that's what you have always seen in pictures. Even though a picture can speak a thousand words, it doesn't mean they always speaks the truth. So picture this: picture yourself, in all your pride and self-esteem, the pride of your friends and family, and all that you are connected with and value being humiliated in sheer nakedness hung on a cross. All your most intimate details are revealed publicly in the most embarassing manner, while you struggle for breath. That. was. Christ. So often we display a cross around our neck or on our t-shirts or walls...but do we realize the depths of the pain and the importance of this picture. It was not any other day. It was the day that changed the world, and one that we seem to so often take for granted and overlook. But picture yourself in this situation and perhaps the sacrifice that was made for you will come a little bit more alive and realistic.
It's about a whole lot more than a fad, a phase, or something that people strive to impress on others. It's about a perfect sacrifice, a perfect love, and a perfect plan.
During a worship service I recently attended, the leader paused at the bridge of a common song. Without telling you what the song is, read these lyrics and think on them: 'Shine your light and let the whole world see. We're singing for the glory of the risen King.' Now read it again. We're singing--the song of our lives--is the very reflection of the glory of God...or at least it should be.
Live like every day is Easter Sunday. The part where you get all excited, put your best forth, and rejoice in the sacrifice that was made nearly 2000 years ago for your salvation. Salvation is not an annual thing, neither should the celebration and thanks for it be.
Philippians 2:1-11...check it out and ponder on these words: In our humiliation is His exaltation. In our weakness is...well I suppose it's up to you what you make of it...but oh, the possibilities.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
if your mouth could think...
May not have a blog for a week or two. Until then, remember the reason for the season--that is, we celebrate Christ's birth with Christmas!
Here's a verse to ponder:
Psalm 19:14
'Let the words of my mouth, and meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
Here's a verse to ponder:
Psalm 19:14
'Let the words of my mouth, and meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
a green orange is bitter and an offended brother is harsh, but the Word of the Lord is just what it needs to be
Christianity is not about telling other people that they're wrong.
But the Holy Spirit can use the Bible to reveal to you when you are.
Christianity is not about making people feel like they're always right to make them feel good no matter what
But it is about acknowledging the ultimate truth, as hard as it may be to grasp.
The Bible is not multiple choice, nor does it need your help.
When God made guidelines, commandments, and promises, He wasn't confused.
So the next time you read the Bible and disagree, just remember that it doesn't need your approval. You can tear out pages, mistranslate its points, bend the wording to make yourself feel good.
In the end, there is one solid Truth. You don't need to tell me what it is.
What's the point of following something if you're going to select just the parts you like?
Don't stop at mediocre, and don't let some personal preference keep you from Heaven.
And no, I didn't touch on any specific sins/ideologies/etc...so perhaps if you're ready to argue about one, the Holy Spirit has revealed to you it's wrong.
As mean as it may sound--get over yourself. It's not about you. It never has been. Although you are of extreme importance and there's a God out there that made the ultimate sacrifice for you and loves you, you don't get to change His Word to your liking and you need to start worrying more about things of greater importance than yourself.
Welcome to the big picture, there will be no changing it. God is sovereign, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient.
But the Holy Spirit can use the Bible to reveal to you when you are.
Christianity is not about making people feel like they're always right to make them feel good no matter what
But it is about acknowledging the ultimate truth, as hard as it may be to grasp.
The Bible is not multiple choice, nor does it need your help.
When God made guidelines, commandments, and promises, He wasn't confused.
So the next time you read the Bible and disagree, just remember that it doesn't need your approval. You can tear out pages, mistranslate its points, bend the wording to make yourself feel good.
In the end, there is one solid Truth. You don't need to tell me what it is.
What's the point of following something if you're going to select just the parts you like?
Don't stop at mediocre, and don't let some personal preference keep you from Heaven.
And no, I didn't touch on any specific sins/ideologies/etc...so perhaps if you're ready to argue about one, the Holy Spirit has revealed to you it's wrong.
As mean as it may sound--get over yourself. It's not about you. It never has been. Although you are of extreme importance and there's a God out there that made the ultimate sacrifice for you and loves you, you don't get to change His Word to your liking and you need to start worrying more about things of greater importance than yourself.
Welcome to the big picture, there will be no changing it. God is sovereign, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient.
Monday, December 6, 2010
you are not a mouse, but if you were you might also fall into traps.
He's worth way more than my silence. Well, when you put it like that....have you been saying enough?
Do not speak to fill a void,
For wisdom can be found in the unspoken.
But do not keep quiet and prevent a message
That throughout the years has not broken
Have courage, have strength,
Keep poise and have might
Remember all that you say
Is within God's sight
A few years ago I was privileged to see the Dead Sea Scrolls tour the U.S. as part of the event called Ink and Blood. The point behind the name was 2 key elements of the Bible's survival: ink and blood (sacrifice). So many people have been martyred (KILLED!) to keep the Bible around and to spread God's word, yet sometimes we are hesitant to bring it up when our only consequences may be awkward silence, a weird look, mocking, an offended friend or family member, even losing our job, etc....these do not compare. Remember you are merely the messenger, you have no magic. It is through and by the Holy Spirit and His timing that the Word of God will do its work. Don't miss that timing.
So next time you put your arrow down, remember you'll never hit your target if you do not release.
Praise God. Share God. Love God. In my opinion, the third (love God) cannot come without the other 2. What was it you were ashamed of, again?
Do not speak to fill a void,
For wisdom can be found in the unspoken.
But do not keep quiet and prevent a message
That throughout the years has not broken
Have courage, have strength,
Keep poise and have might
Remember all that you say
Is within God's sight
A few years ago I was privileged to see the Dead Sea Scrolls tour the U.S. as part of the event called Ink and Blood. The point behind the name was 2 key elements of the Bible's survival: ink and blood (sacrifice). So many people have been martyred (KILLED!) to keep the Bible around and to spread God's word, yet sometimes we are hesitant to bring it up when our only consequences may be awkward silence, a weird look, mocking, an offended friend or family member, even losing our job, etc....these do not compare. Remember you are merely the messenger, you have no magic. It is through and by the Holy Spirit and His timing that the Word of God will do its work. Don't miss that timing.
So next time you put your arrow down, remember you'll never hit your target if you do not release.
Praise God. Share God. Love God. In my opinion, the third (love God) cannot come without the other 2. What was it you were ashamed of, again?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
expiration passed. past: expired.
What I learned today: I have a hard time throwing away chapstick containers...empty ones that is. Random, I know, but I discovered this while cleaning out my nightstand. I found several different chapsticks that were beyond gone...to the point where you have to dip your lip in it to get the chapstick to even slightly apply. What does this have to do with anything? Well, the reason behind my keeping chapstick for so long is generally that I don't want to be wasteful, so I get all I can out of it. But this got me thinking (imagine that). I find that often we have things in our lives that we hold on to far beyond their date of expiration. Whatever it may be--addictions, relationships, past mistakes, dreams we shouldn't be dreaming, and so on. The great news: God forgives....completely. Here's the verses playing backup dancer to that statement:
Psalm 103: 8-12, "8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
Do you know how far the east is from the west?...That description in that day meant as far apart as possible...P.S. transgression is a fancy word for something you've done wrong or a sin.
2 Chronicles 7:14- "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
...give your burdens to Him!
Romans 10:9-11, " If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Take that, regret!
There's a God that's bigger than regret,
a God bigger than your last cigarette,
a God that fights each fight at your side,
a God who wants to be your Guide, out of the pain and into His joy :)
Psalm 103: 8-12, "8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us."
Do you know how far the east is from the west?...That description in that day meant as far apart as possible...P.S. transgression is a fancy word for something you've done wrong or a sin.
2 Chronicles 7:14- "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
...give your burdens to Him!
Romans 10:9-11, " If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
Take that, regret!
There's a God that's bigger than regret,
a God bigger than your last cigarette,
a God that fights each fight at your side,
a God who wants to be your Guide, out of the pain and into His joy :)
Friday, December 3, 2010
do stars twinkle when they're hidden? who knows.
Projects. Projects are good. Projects--helping others specifically, quite often leave us with a feeling of fulfillment. When we begin to make our lives about something other than ourselves, surprisingly enough, our selves get rewarded. It's like one of those fabulous win-win situations. What I also know about projects is that they are very hard to do if you don't know the opportunity exists. So I'm going to spread some knowledge. It's yours to decide what to do with it....like I said knowledge=opportunity....=project? or no project? http://www.chroniclesofaplanter.com/2010/11/vision-for-nashville-part-6-need.html
So here's the story on that link. A young couple had a 5 year old (a gorgeous, super-well behaved 5 year old). The father had a ministry position at a huge church on a nice part of a Nashville suburb. The mother was a teacher. What a pretty picture. Then God broke their hearts for 2 little orphan girls in Ethiopia. ...So they adopted the sisters and went from one 5 year old daughter to 3 daughters in an age bracket of about 4-7...you can imagine there was lots of energy and need for attention (not to mention the expenses of 2 other children and adjusting them to a new country).
So maybe you thought that was a lot. Well, it was...but then God broke their hearts again. This time, God called them to the west end of Nashville--a different scene from the upscale church attenders that they might have seen before. So into the need they went with 4 other couples to plant a church in the west end. This meant the husband gave up his job...which means they stepped out on faith with 3 little girls and a teacher's income. Now this is all from my perspective..I don't know all the specifics and behind the scenes, but from what I know--that's rough.
From my experience, God's people are pretty generous. From my experience, God can make miracles happen, and He often does it through His people. So what part can you play? Maybe your church is looking for a little project, maybe you just got a $.25 raise (which is about $10 a week...and you'd like to just give them $10 a month...or a week). Whatever it is, (one time gift, monthly group donation, etc.) it helps. This isn't begging for money. I'm not in any way trying to guilt trip you. But I know a lot of people with a lot of great intentions that sometimes are challenged to find opportunities to match with their intentions. So if that's you, you're welcome. If it's not, consider this a good read and move on with your day. Thanks for listening, whoever you are.
P.S. prayers for the family in this story--the Eglys--are certainly appreciated, and for the church they are currently planting in Nashville.
Shine on.
So here's the story on that link. A young couple had a 5 year old (a gorgeous, super-well behaved 5 year old). The father had a ministry position at a huge church on a nice part of a Nashville suburb. The mother was a teacher. What a pretty picture. Then God broke their hearts for 2 little orphan girls in Ethiopia. ...So they adopted the sisters and went from one 5 year old daughter to 3 daughters in an age bracket of about 4-7...you can imagine there was lots of energy and need for attention (not to mention the expenses of 2 other children and adjusting them to a new country).
So maybe you thought that was a lot. Well, it was...but then God broke their hearts again. This time, God called them to the west end of Nashville--a different scene from the upscale church attenders that they might have seen before. So into the need they went with 4 other couples to plant a church in the west end. This meant the husband gave up his job...which means they stepped out on faith with 3 little girls and a teacher's income. Now this is all from my perspective..I don't know all the specifics and behind the scenes, but from what I know--that's rough.
From my experience, God's people are pretty generous. From my experience, God can make miracles happen, and He often does it through His people. So what part can you play? Maybe your church is looking for a little project, maybe you just got a $.25 raise (which is about $10 a week...and you'd like to just give them $10 a month...or a week). Whatever it is, (one time gift, monthly group donation, etc.) it helps. This isn't begging for money. I'm not in any way trying to guilt trip you. But I know a lot of people with a lot of great intentions that sometimes are challenged to find opportunities to match with their intentions. So if that's you, you're welcome. If it's not, consider this a good read and move on with your day. Thanks for listening, whoever you are.
P.S. prayers for the family in this story--the Eglys--are certainly appreciated, and for the church they are currently planting in Nashville.
Shine on.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
B.Y.O.C. (This is a Bring Your Own Conscience Party)
Pity parties. They happen every day (and you thought life wasn't a party). We get in these selfish ruts where not enough is about me, or life's not fair, or they shouldn't have gotten away with that...perhaps even, 'why do I do everything right and bad stuff happens to me while such-and-such person does everything wrong and has everything going for them?' Oh here's a classic: 'why does he(she) get all the girls(guys) when all he(she) does is hurt them?' Welcome to the mindset of Jonah. This dude is a pretty decent guy and God get that. So God tells Jonah to go help out the people of Nineveh who have turned their backs on God. Jonah runs--you know this story where he's in the belly of a fish. But check out Jonah 4...this would be the aftermath. Jonah gets to Nineveh, the people repent, God forgives, and Jonah...gets mad. Wait...Jonah gets mad?!? But doesn't he want the people to be forgiven? Isn't that why he went there in the first place (Jonah chapter 3)? Yes. Yes. Yes.
Jonah seemed to be experiencing the same selfishness we feel during our pity parties. It wasn't fair that these horrible people had been forgiven....God is very compassionate. This is where I end--without writing too long of a blog, so that you can go read Jonah 4 (just Google it and click the first link).
How much do you desire to see those that 'don't deserve it' forgiven by God?
P.S.-no one deserves forgiveness, not even you.... But all have the chance. Change your picture any?
Jonah seemed to be experiencing the same selfishness we feel during our pity parties. It wasn't fair that these horrible people had been forgiven....God is very compassionate. This is where I end--without writing too long of a blog, so that you can go read Jonah 4 (just Google it and click the first link).
How much do you desire to see those that 'don't deserve it' forgiven by God?
P.S.-no one deserves forgiveness, not even you.... But all have the chance. Change your picture any?
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