"What is 'grace'? It is God's own life, shared by us. God's life is Love. Deus caritas est. By grace we are able to share in the infinitely selfless love of Him Who is such pure actuality that He needs nothing and therefore cannot conceivably exploit anything for selfish ends. Indeed, outside of Him thre is nothing, and whatever exists exists by His free gift of its being, so that one of the notions that is absolutely contradictory to the perfection of God is selfishness. It is metaphysically impossible for God to be selfish, because the existence of everything that is depends upon His gift, depends upon His unselfishness.
When a ray of light strikes crystal, it gives a new quality to the crystal. And when God's infinitely disinterested love plays upon a human soul, the same kind of thing takes place. And that is the life called sanctifying grace."
--Thomas Merton The Seven Storey Mountain (Harcourt Publishers Inc.,
page 186)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
if words were a measurement, how deep would this be?
"There is a paradox that lies in the very heart of human existence. It must be apprehended before any lasting happiness is possible in the soul of a man. The paradox is this: man's nature, by itself, can do little or nothing to settle his most important problems. If we follow nothing but our natures, our own philosophies, our own level of ethics, we will end up in hell.
This would be a depressing thought, if it were not purely abstract. Because in the concrete order of things God gave man a nature that was ordered to a supernatural life. He created man with a soul that was made not to bring itself to perfection in its own order, but to be perfected by Him in an order infinitely beyond the reach of human powers. We were never destined to lead purely natural lives, and therefore we were never destined in God's plan for a purely natural beatitude. Our nature, which is a free gift of God, was given to us to be perfected and enhanced by another free gift that is not due it.
This free gift is 'sanctifying grace.' It perfects our nature with the gift of a life, an intellection, a love, a mode of existence infinitely above its own level. If a man were to arrive even at the abstract pinnacle of natural perfection, God's work would not even be half done: it would be only about to begin, for the real work is the work of grace and the infused virtues and the gifts of the Holy Ghost."
--Thomas Merton The Seven Storey Mountain (Harcourt Publishers, p. 185)
This would be a depressing thought, if it were not purely abstract. Because in the concrete order of things God gave man a nature that was ordered to a supernatural life. He created man with a soul that was made not to bring itself to perfection in its own order, but to be perfected by Him in an order infinitely beyond the reach of human powers. We were never destined to lead purely natural lives, and therefore we were never destined in God's plan for a purely natural beatitude. Our nature, which is a free gift of God, was given to us to be perfected and enhanced by another free gift that is not due it.
This free gift is 'sanctifying grace.' It perfects our nature with the gift of a life, an intellection, a love, a mode of existence infinitely above its own level. If a man were to arrive even at the abstract pinnacle of natural perfection, God's work would not even be half done: it would be only about to begin, for the real work is the work of grace and the infused virtues and the gifts of the Holy Ghost."
--Thomas Merton The Seven Storey Mountain (Harcourt Publishers, p. 185)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Thomas, but not the train
"Aseitas--the English equivalent is a transliteration: aseity--simply means the power of a being to exist absolutely in virtue of itself, not as caused by itself, but as requiring no cause, no other justification for its existence except that its very nature is to exist. There can be only one such Being: that is God. And to say that God exists a se, of and by and by reason of Himself, is merely to say that God is Being Itself. Ego sum qui sum. And this means that God must enjoy 'complete independence not only as regards everything outside but also as regards everything within Himself.'"
--Thomas Merton Seven Storey Mountain (Harcourt Publishers, p. 189)
--Thomas Merton Seven Storey Mountain (Harcourt Publishers, p. 189)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Merton 三
"A soul is an inmaterial thing. It is a principle of activity, it is an 'act,' a 'form,' an energizing principle. It is the life of the body, and it must also have a life of its own. But the life of the soul does not inhere in any physical, material subject. So to compare a soul without grace to a corpse without life is only a metaphor. But it is very true."
(Thomas Merton, Seven Storey Mountain, Harcourt Publishers, p.109)
(Thomas Merton, Seven Storey Mountain, Harcourt Publishers, p.109)
Merton y dos
This quote comes from Thomas Merton's Seven Storey Mountain. This comes from the part of the book where Merton is sick, has gangrene, and is practically on the edge of death...he is at the point where he does not care whether he dies or lives.
"What is more, there was nothing I could do for myself. There was absolutely no means, no natural means within reach, for getting out of that state. Only God could help me. Who prayed for me? One day I shall know. But in the economy of God's love, it is through prayers of other men that these graces are given. It was through the prayers of someone who loved God that I was one day, to be delivered out of that hell where I was already confined without knowing it." (Harcourt Publishers edition p. 109)
"What is more, there was nothing I could do for myself. There was absolutely no means, no natural means within reach, for getting out of that state. Only God could help me. Who prayed for me? One day I shall know. But in the economy of God's love, it is through prayers of other men that these graces are given. It was through the prayers of someone who loved God that I was one day, to be delivered out of that hell where I was already confined without knowing it." (Harcourt Publishers edition p. 109)
Friday, May 13, 2011
You say tomato, I say T. Mert, oh
I realize I have not written much as of late. I dislike very much trying to force some type of inspiration or thought that I have not had. Sometime things come to me daily and I like to share them, but if not, you'll rarely find me typing anyway.
Currently I am reading The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton. For those of you who do not know, Thomas Merton was a monk at Gethsemane in Kentucky. He is world reknown and has written multiple books. This near 500 page book which I am attempting to tackle is his autobiography. Reading this has been a personal goal for a while, and I finally have some free time that affords such a goal to be tackled. I have learned quite a bit from Merton thus far (about 175 pages in) and only expect to learn more.
So here is what all that pre-talk was leading up to... For the next several blogs, I will be leaving you with some words of Merton (referenced in the title as 'T. Mert' if you missed my play on words). I have been marking some quotes of his that were worth thinking about and rereading, so I've go plenty to spread out over multiple days. I hope you enjoy and get something out of them like I have. If it makes you think, or if you'd like to discuss, please comment.
In the following excerpt, Merton reflects on a discussion between his father and a French woman about forgiving her enemies. "He asked her why she thought Christ told people to love their enemies. Did she suppose God commanded this for His benefit? Did He get anything out of it that He really needed from us? Or was it not rather for our own good that He had given us this commandment? He told her that if she had any sense, she would love other people if only for the sake of the good and health and peace of her own soul, instead of tearing herself to pieces with her own envy and spitefulness. It was St. Augustine's argument, that envy and hatred try to pierce our neighbor with a sword, when the blade cannot reach him unless it first passes through our own body." (p.60, Harcourt, Inc. Publishers)
Currently I am reading The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton. For those of you who do not know, Thomas Merton was a monk at Gethsemane in Kentucky. He is world reknown and has written multiple books. This near 500 page book which I am attempting to tackle is his autobiography. Reading this has been a personal goal for a while, and I finally have some free time that affords such a goal to be tackled. I have learned quite a bit from Merton thus far (about 175 pages in) and only expect to learn more.
So here is what all that pre-talk was leading up to... For the next several blogs, I will be leaving you with some words of Merton (referenced in the title as 'T. Mert' if you missed my play on words). I have been marking some quotes of his that were worth thinking about and rereading, so I've go plenty to spread out over multiple days. I hope you enjoy and get something out of them like I have. If it makes you think, or if you'd like to discuss, please comment.
In the following excerpt, Merton reflects on a discussion between his father and a French woman about forgiving her enemies. "He asked her why she thought Christ told people to love their enemies. Did she suppose God commanded this for His benefit? Did He get anything out of it that He really needed from us? Or was it not rather for our own good that He had given us this commandment? He told her that if she had any sense, she would love other people if only for the sake of the good and health and peace of her own soul, instead of tearing herself to pieces with her own envy and spitefulness. It was St. Augustine's argument, that envy and hatred try to pierce our neighbor with a sword, when the blade cannot reach him unless it first passes through our own body." (p.60, Harcourt, Inc. Publishers)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
sock it to me
God puts our socks on.
Now don't argue with me. I'm well aware your foot coverings were not majestically placed on your feet by a Deity this morning. Instead this is a picture to parallel the preparation He gives us.
This morning at church, the little 4 year old that sits in my pew decided to randomly put her socks and shoes back on after taking them off (which is her normal routine). I noticed that when she put her socks on, the part that was supposed to be at the ball/heel of her foot was actually on the top of her foot. This made for an awkward uncomfortable fit, ultimately leading to it bunching up in her shoe.
As the little girl went to put her shoe on, her grandmother stopped her. She then proceeded to turn the little one's socks around to the correct position. At first when grandmother did this, the little girl began to struggle against her. It was as if the granddaughter thought the grandmother had become involved in the situation merely to take away the child's ability to do it herself. But to the contrary, the grandmother was assisting the child so that she would be better off later.
I see this situation in our lives a lot with God. He tries to swoop in and rescue us from whatever mistake we're headed into, or He tries to correct us from doing something incorrectly--to teach us the right way. At first, we often fight back. "God, I've got this," we think. After all, in our very independent society, don't we ALWAYS have control? The answer here is no, though we often convince ourselves differently. He chastises and corrects us for our own benefit.
And the truth is, life without God's correction and guidance is a little awkward (like walking around with backward socks). We're not sure what to do. We seek to find the answers in various areas (i.e. sex, women, men, drugs, alcohol, school, work, sports, etc.), drifting about, if we do not find His way.
Another parallel with this story is that for the grandmother, putting a sock on correctly is a very simple task, but for the little girl, it is a challenge. This is true in so much of our lives. Just as the grandmother did, God sees our situation as simple to conquer and He directs us in the right way. At the same time, we struggle with what to Him are the simplest of tasks. If we listen to Him and let Him step in, we find He had the perfect solution all along.
Finally, without socks in the right position, it could have slowed the little girl down. She would have become less focused on her destination and more on the awkward feeling she had as she travelled/walked. Like her, by allowing God to correct our mistakes and put us back in the right position, we become fully prepared for the journey. This way, we are most likely to succeed in the plan He has for us.
That said, be like a well behaved little child, acknowledge your short comings and need for God and let Him take care of you and guide you.
Proverbs 3:5-6,
"5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight."
Now don't argue with me. I'm well aware your foot coverings were not majestically placed on your feet by a Deity this morning. Instead this is a picture to parallel the preparation He gives us.
This morning at church, the little 4 year old that sits in my pew decided to randomly put her socks and shoes back on after taking them off (which is her normal routine). I noticed that when she put her socks on, the part that was supposed to be at the ball/heel of her foot was actually on the top of her foot. This made for an awkward uncomfortable fit, ultimately leading to it bunching up in her shoe.
As the little girl went to put her shoe on, her grandmother stopped her. She then proceeded to turn the little one's socks around to the correct position. At first when grandmother did this, the little girl began to struggle against her. It was as if the granddaughter thought the grandmother had become involved in the situation merely to take away the child's ability to do it herself. But to the contrary, the grandmother was assisting the child so that she would be better off later.
I see this situation in our lives a lot with God. He tries to swoop in and rescue us from whatever mistake we're headed into, or He tries to correct us from doing something incorrectly--to teach us the right way. At first, we often fight back. "God, I've got this," we think. After all, in our very independent society, don't we ALWAYS have control? The answer here is no, though we often convince ourselves differently. He chastises and corrects us for our own benefit.
And the truth is, life without God's correction and guidance is a little awkward (like walking around with backward socks). We're not sure what to do. We seek to find the answers in various areas (i.e. sex, women, men, drugs, alcohol, school, work, sports, etc.), drifting about, if we do not find His way.
Another parallel with this story is that for the grandmother, putting a sock on correctly is a very simple task, but for the little girl, it is a challenge. This is true in so much of our lives. Just as the grandmother did, God sees our situation as simple to conquer and He directs us in the right way. At the same time, we struggle with what to Him are the simplest of tasks. If we listen to Him and let Him step in, we find He had the perfect solution all along.
Finally, without socks in the right position, it could have slowed the little girl down. She would have become less focused on her destination and more on the awkward feeling she had as she travelled/walked. Like her, by allowing God to correct our mistakes and put us back in the right position, we become fully prepared for the journey. This way, we are most likely to succeed in the plan He has for us.
That said, be like a well behaved little child, acknowledge your short comings and need for God and let Him take care of you and guide you.
Proverbs 3:5-6,
"5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight."
Thursday, April 28, 2011
seize it, don't cease it
Pray without ceasing.
Praise without ceasing.
Make your life a praise and acknowledge God's greatness anytime it comes to mind.
Think of His greatness often, so that it often comes to mind.
He often blesses us most when we least expect it or when we become most grateful for the things He's already given us.
1 Thessalonians 5
1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.
2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.
3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;
5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day We are not of night nor of darkness;
6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.
8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit;
20 do not despise prophetic utterances.
21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
22 abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Praise without ceasing.
Make your life a praise and acknowledge God's greatness anytime it comes to mind.
Think of His greatness often, so that it often comes to mind.
He often blesses us most when we least expect it or when we become most grateful for the things He's already given us.
1 Thessalonians 5
1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.
2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.
3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;
5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day We are not of night nor of darkness;
6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.
8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit;
20 do not despise prophetic utterances.
21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
22 abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
if there was a club, we'd all have t-shirts
Recently, I've caught myself slightly irritated by the various songs that are coming out hosting lyrics pointing to people being perfect. We're not. You're not. I'm not. If we were all perfect, or if any of us were perfect, we'd never make mistakes or handle problems incorrectly. Our friends would never get hurt by something we say because we'd always know how to say things just the right way. We would never park even slightly crooked. And impatience would be a mystery to us. These things are just not the case.
And while I'm not condoning pointing out the flaws of others, these songs about perfection of any human are off key. God created us in our own imperfections so we would seek Him to become more like Him...He is perfection. We all have things we can tweak in our lives, even if we do follow all the ten commandments.
Take the rich young ruler for example. He comes to Jesus in Luke 18:18-23 and asks what more can he do. This guy is well off, he's kept the commandments, and still God has more for him to improve on. We do too.
It really does not matter whether people think you are a dreadful sinner or a perfect saint. You have room to improve. Don't let this discourage you, though--this is a good thing. The most successful people in life are the ones that set goals for themselves. If our goal is constantly becoming more and more like God, and if we are taking small steps at a time, but consistent steps nonetheless, then we will be successful in becoming closer to perfection.
Does this mean we'll be successful as in wealthy? Not necessarily. Does this mean we'll get all the attractive girls'/guys' attention? Nope. Does this mean we'll be the best at everything we do? Not that either.
Here's the key: you are the best you there is. This does not mean that you don't have room for improvement. I'm not talking about glamor and beauty, awards or success. You could be in a fire that deformed your face and limited many of your abilities. Would you have a purpose and would you still be productive and the best you? Indeed, you would. That's why the things we can change and improve about ourselves are mostly inside.
Don't worry about your complexion or physique. Health is important, but beyond that, we pressure ourselves too much into becoming something other than the creation we are. If we spent as much time on our inward failures as the ones we claim to have outwardly (i.e. unattractive, overweight, pale, etc.), we would be much better people.
You are weak. The good news is that God knows this. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he [Christ] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." That's the pursuit we should have: acknowledging our weaknesses, allowing God to strengthen them, and allowing Him to receive the glory through it all.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Scripture referenced in text)
Luke 18:18-23
" 18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”
21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
And while I'm not condoning pointing out the flaws of others, these songs about perfection of any human are off key. God created us in our own imperfections so we would seek Him to become more like Him...He is perfection. We all have things we can tweak in our lives, even if we do follow all the ten commandments.
Take the rich young ruler for example. He comes to Jesus in Luke 18:18-23 and asks what more can he do. This guy is well off, he's kept the commandments, and still God has more for him to improve on. We do too.
It really does not matter whether people think you are a dreadful sinner or a perfect saint. You have room to improve. Don't let this discourage you, though--this is a good thing. The most successful people in life are the ones that set goals for themselves. If our goal is constantly becoming more and more like God, and if we are taking small steps at a time, but consistent steps nonetheless, then we will be successful in becoming closer to perfection.
Does this mean we'll be successful as in wealthy? Not necessarily. Does this mean we'll get all the attractive girls'/guys' attention? Nope. Does this mean we'll be the best at everything we do? Not that either.
Here's the key: you are the best you there is. This does not mean that you don't have room for improvement. I'm not talking about glamor and beauty, awards or success. You could be in a fire that deformed your face and limited many of your abilities. Would you have a purpose and would you still be productive and the best you? Indeed, you would. That's why the things we can change and improve about ourselves are mostly inside.
Don't worry about your complexion or physique. Health is important, but beyond that, we pressure ourselves too much into becoming something other than the creation we are. If we spent as much time on our inward failures as the ones we claim to have outwardly (i.e. unattractive, overweight, pale, etc.), we would be much better people.
You are weak. The good news is that God knows this. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he [Christ] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." That's the pursuit we should have: acknowledging our weaknesses, allowing God to strengthen them, and allowing Him to receive the glory through it all.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Scripture referenced in text)
Luke 18:18-23
" 18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”
21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Monday, March 28, 2011
laces were not made for tripping over
This was part of last night's message and something good that we all could use to be reminded of every once in a while:
Romans 9:15-18,
"15 For he says to Moses,
'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and
I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.'
16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.'
18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden."
This was the thought the minister shared, "It is God who decides whether or not you run the race. Not you. So don't disqualify yourself. He chose you for a reason. Who comes to God? Anyone who comes to Jesus is qualified."
As Steven Curtis Chapman said, "...we've got a trail to blaze Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure"
So quit beating yourself up, quit doubting yourself, and put your sneakers on.
Romans 9:15-18,
"15 For he says to Moses,
'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and
I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.'
16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.'
18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden."
This was the thought the minister shared, "It is God who decides whether or not you run the race. Not you. So don't disqualify yourself. He chose you for a reason. Who comes to God? Anyone who comes to Jesus is qualified."
As Steven Curtis Chapman said, "...we've got a trail to blaze Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure"
So quit beating yourself up, quit doubting yourself, and put your sneakers on.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
the beverage of choice
Perhaps you've heard the story of the Wedding at Cana (see John 2:1-11 at bottom of blog). Jesus turned water into wine that day. In comparison to His multiple other miracles like healing the blind and bringing the dead back to life, this miracle used to seem a little lackluster to me. Especially since drunkenness is spoken against in the Bible more than once, I always wondered why Jesus' first miracle would be so controversial and so seemingly bland. Don't get me wrong, the changing of water to wine is a miracle--no easy task. I suppose my conundrum came from the fact that running out of wine does not create a NEED in my mind, where most of Jesus' other miracles filled the need for healing, etc. Why was this a miracle the Son of God would perform?
Turns out that in Biblical times, wine was often consumed in the place of water because the water was not purified, and thus was often unsafe to drink. (I could relate to this on a personal level since I have been in countries where I have not been able to drink the tap water). Also, the wine of that day had about half the alcohol content of wine as we know it today, and drunkenness was socially frowned upon, so they weren't drinking to get drunk. So by turning the water into wine, Jesus was purifying and cleaning the water so they could have something to drink. ...this is where I had the 'wow, God' moment.
The entire intent of Christ coming to earth--His purpose--was to cleanse and purify sinners (who would accept His salvation) from their sins. Purification. From the first miracle Jesus Christ ever performed until His last, He purified and made whole. This just hit me today that all along God was sending the message of Christ's power to cleanse us.
Also, Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:13-14: "Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."--meaning Christ provides ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction). Since Jesus is the Living Water, coming to quench the thirst, it is even more symbolic that His first miracle allowed just that--quenching thirsts.
Jesus often spoke in parables in the Bible. There was always a message behind the parables, but it was something His followers truly had to seek to understand. God wants us to hunger for Him. Those who diligently seek Him, will find Him in all His glory (Matthew 7:7-8) And what great glory it is.
As the Living Water, Jesus Christ is just that--a beverage of choice. It's up to you to choose.
John 2:1-11
1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there;
2 and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."
4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come."
5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
6 Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each.
7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." So they filled them up to the brim.
8 And He said to them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it to him.
9 When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom,
10 and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now."
11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
Turns out that in Biblical times, wine was often consumed in the place of water because the water was not purified, and thus was often unsafe to drink. (I could relate to this on a personal level since I have been in countries where I have not been able to drink the tap water). Also, the wine of that day had about half the alcohol content of wine as we know it today, and drunkenness was socially frowned upon, so they weren't drinking to get drunk. So by turning the water into wine, Jesus was purifying and cleaning the water so they could have something to drink. ...this is where I had the 'wow, God' moment.
The entire intent of Christ coming to earth--His purpose--was to cleanse and purify sinners (who would accept His salvation) from their sins. Purification. From the first miracle Jesus Christ ever performed until His last, He purified and made whole. This just hit me today that all along God was sending the message of Christ's power to cleanse us.
Also, Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:13-14: "Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life."--meaning Christ provides ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction). Since Jesus is the Living Water, coming to quench the thirst, it is even more symbolic that His first miracle allowed just that--quenching thirsts.
Jesus often spoke in parables in the Bible. There was always a message behind the parables, but it was something His followers truly had to seek to understand. God wants us to hunger for Him. Those who diligently seek Him, will find Him in all His glory (Matthew 7:7-8) And what great glory it is.
As the Living Water, Jesus Christ is just that--a beverage of choice. It's up to you to choose.
John 2:1-11
1 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there;
2 and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.
3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."
4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come."
5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
6 Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each.
7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." So they filled them up to the brim.
8 And He said to them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it to him.
9 When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom,
10 and said to him, "Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now."
11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
WW[you]D?
Tonight I went to a large Easter pageant production at a church in my hometown. As they reenacted the life of Jesus, it became a bit more realistic to me the shoes that the disciples were in. They gave up EVERYTHING to follow Christ. They gave up their security of income. I don't even know if they had wives and children...I don't think so. They gave up a good portion of their normal social life. They changed their dreams to be revolving around Jesus. They were often at the center of controversy because those in power didn't like Jesus. Wow. And then I think, hmm, that's exactly what we Christians are supposed to do today--following Him takes sacrifice.
When we were watching the life of Jesus reenacted in a play, I had to ask myself, "would I give up everything and follow Him around if I had lived in that day?" Would I risk death and social persecution, accept poverty and perhaps singleness...all so that my life could revolve around His? Would you?
Well, do you? Something to think about. How far are you willing you carry your faith? --to the cross, or just to the bumper sticker?
When we were watching the life of Jesus reenacted in a play, I had to ask myself, "would I give up everything and follow Him around if I had lived in that day?" Would I risk death and social persecution, accept poverty and perhaps singleness...all so that my life could revolve around His? Would you?
Well, do you? Something to think about. How far are you willing you carry your faith? --to the cross, or just to the bumper sticker?
Friday, March 18, 2011
blue and green and all things seen.
While I lived in China this past summer, I got used to being stared at. Not just me, but everyone in my group. It seems that foreigners are exciting and eye catching. This only makes sense since many Chinese people (especially in the smaller, less tourist attracting areas) have not seen a lot of non-Asians (whether that be blacks, whites, etc.) There was one point on my trip that we were walking through the parking lot at the train depot and 2 men on a parked tour bus about 30 feet away were looking at us with binoculars. That happened. While this made us giggle a little, like I said--it would be like you meeting a celebrity, since they have seen Americans mostly on TV.
This got me thinking tonight about how we are constantly being watched. No this isn't a freaky 'big brother' thing, but rather the point that in our every day lives people evaluate our actions from a distance. Most people don't do this intentionally, writing down your every move, but they notice. And it influences the way they respond to you, the way they carry themselves, and even their decisions in their life where you are not involved.
Children especially do this. They pick up our bad habits. They pick up our good ones too, but we notice those less. It's the 4 year olds slip of a cuss word that calls our attention, not their openness to strangers and trust of others. Children have a lot to learn, true, but there's a lot we can learn from them too.
Watch what you're doing and saying and being. What are your words and actions telling others? Do they inspire or leave a bitter taste. It's up to you. This is one place where you have total and complete control...your actions. Step one: evaluate them ahead of time, and prepare yourself to be watched and even mimicked. What do you want the world to look like?
Better yourself. Better the world.
...Mark 10:14
This got me thinking tonight about how we are constantly being watched. No this isn't a freaky 'big brother' thing, but rather the point that in our every day lives people evaluate our actions from a distance. Most people don't do this intentionally, writing down your every move, but they notice. And it influences the way they respond to you, the way they carry themselves, and even their decisions in their life where you are not involved.
Children especially do this. They pick up our bad habits. They pick up our good ones too, but we notice those less. It's the 4 year olds slip of a cuss word that calls our attention, not their openness to strangers and trust of others. Children have a lot to learn, true, but there's a lot we can learn from them too.
Watch what you're doing and saying and being. What are your words and actions telling others? Do they inspire or leave a bitter taste. It's up to you. This is one place where you have total and complete control...your actions. Step one: evaluate them ahead of time, and prepare yourself to be watched and even mimicked. What do you want the world to look like?
Better yourself. Better the world.
...Mark 10:14
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
there's intention in the very fabric of your life
My father received a Bible as a gift on behalf of the loss of his father. Inside the box the Bible came in was the following poem:
The Plan of the Master Weaver
"My life is but a weaving between the Lord and me,
I may not choose the colors, He knows what they should be;
For He can view the pattern upon the upper side
While I can see it only on this, the under side
Sometimes He weaveth sorrow, which seemeth strange to me;
But I will trust His judgment and work on faithfully;
'Tis He who fills the shuttle, and He knows what is best,
So I shall weave in earnest, leaving Him the rest.
Not 'til the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why--
The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned."
Sure, it's old English, and many of us probably don't know much about weaving. But there is hope in His eternal, hope in what lies ahead, and a great promise the He will not give you more than you can bear.
Hang in there.
Isaiah 55
“1 Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,my steadfast, sure love for David.
4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,a leader and commander for the peoples.
5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,for he has glorified you.
6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;
7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout,giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
12 “For you shall go out in
joy
and be led forth in
peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into
singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
The Plan of the Master Weaver
"My life is but a weaving between the Lord and me,
I may not choose the colors, He knows what they should be;
For He can view the pattern upon the upper side
While I can see it only on this, the under side
Sometimes He weaveth sorrow, which seemeth strange to me;
But I will trust His judgment and work on faithfully;
'Tis He who fills the shuttle, and He knows what is best,
So I shall weave in earnest, leaving Him the rest.
Not 'til the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why--
The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned."
Sure, it's old English, and many of us probably don't know much about weaving. But there is hope in His eternal, hope in what lies ahead, and a great promise the He will not give you more than you can bear.
Hang in there.
Isaiah 55
“1 Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,my steadfast, sure love for David.
4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,a leader and commander for the peoples.
5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you, because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,for he has glorified you.
6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;
7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout,giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
12 “For you shall go out in
joy
and be led forth in
peace;
the mountains and the hills before you
shall break forth into
singing,
and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.”
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
medication, no expiration...celebration?
If there's one talent I have, it is injuring myself. I've never seen skin so prone to paper cuts as mine is. Today, I was rushing out of the restroom and took out my knee with the door frame. If I understand it correctly (and I'm no Biology major), when a part of the body gets injured, blood rushes toward it. It's like the little white blood cell 'army men' (aka your immune system) grab their gear and head to tackle whatever problem is at said 'ouch zone.'
The bad thing that I find, especially with paper cuts, is that they tend to burn and hurt far worse than the reality of the injury. I've never heard of a person dying from a paper cut, nor losing a limb.
Even though the damage done by these small slivers of tree (paper) is tiny in the grand scheme of things, it still often calls for a bandage.
So how was your day? Was it good, was it bad, did you get injured, did you fail at something?? I find that the adventures of my day too frequently end in some form of 'boo boo.' It's at that point that I just need a hug, or to vent, a good ole' listening to from a friend, chocolate, and so on and so forth. I can admit that when I get injured, physically or emotionally (forbid it be my pride), I look for a solution.
This is good I think, this looking for an answer. It's like math applied to life, only different. My pain+my remedy=me fixed. Wouldn't you agree?
And I'm not quite sure, but I would say it's safe to bet that chocolate does not have a 100% success rate of fixing the odds and ends, the ups and downs, and the oopsies in our lives. In fact, my favorite Snoopy band aids even fail. Moms are great for lots of things, but even as brilliant as they are, they can't always fix the problem.
Well, why is it that you can acknowledge the validity of most of the remedies I've listed and rambled on about? You've probably used them or known someone who has. That's great. We see that time and time again, humans form patterns because they see success. Great. There's nothing wrong with mommy's kissing boo boos.
What is wrong is when mommy's kissing boo boos or chocolate or a new shirt, etc. become your sole remedies. Because, I'll be honest...a lot of our remedies can turn into reinforcing negative circular habits when we hit the really down days....or even worse, we can snap.
Comfort foods, for instance, are things that a lot of people turn to. I'll admit that I sometimes eat excessively when I'm down. But often the people that eat comfort foods because of low self esteem or a bad chain of events end up gaining weight. And based on the negative social stereotypes and the health factors that come with gaining weight, people often get even more down. ...and what might they do when they get down?....eat. Do you see the negative pattern forming here?
The same goes outside of food to venting to people. Have you ever noticed that 'chain complainers' and pessimists (those people who nothing ever seems to go right for) end up complaining their friends away? Most people do not want to be around constantly negative people. It's human nature. Often people who make complaining a habit give themselves more to complain about because their friends become 'busier' and less able to spend time with them. Let's face the truth, even the nicest of people have a quota for how many complaints they can stand in a day.
Bad habits are, well, bad habits. They often only increase the injury.
So here's the good news to your paper cuts, your bad days, your heartbreaks and so on: you can form good habits. Find something real to turn to--something that never fails. Stop depending on yourself or other people who have limited strength. No, eating a piece of chocolate isn't a bad thing, but don't let that be the first thing you run to, or what you truly expect to solve all life's problems.
Run to God.
Golly, He's got to be up there shaking His head when we keep getting ourselves into negative situations. It's likely there's a 'hello, I told you the answer...I'm here for you' thought process going on up in Heaven. That's just it. God told us to bring our burdens to Him. Look at the stories throughout the Bible--even outside of the commonly quoted verses like bringing our burdens to Him because His yoke is light--the Bible is full of this reinforcing fact. Stories like those of Ruth, Jonah, Job, Abraham, David, and many more bare evidence that when they leaned on something other than God, their crutch shattered and let them down. But when these people turned to God and faced their weaknesses, shared their battles, and let down their pride...then things worked.
God doesn't just bandage your wounds, He heals them. Down to the deepest hurts of being betrayed, cheated on, beaten...whatever it may be--there is A God (the only God) for that.
So stop smothering friends, overeating, etc.--these remedies are fine in balance, but you should run first and foremost to God. Vent to Him, share with Him, journal your prayers. Do what you need to relieve the burn from that 'paper cut' of life.
Be like the blood does in your body, when you know you're injured (emotionally or physically), know your goal--God--and rush toward it. And in His arms, tackle whatever problem is at said 'ouch zone.'
It does not matter the size or cause of your wound. God can fix it all. Share your burdens with your Heavenly Father, who will never let you down, even when others do.
The bad thing that I find, especially with paper cuts, is that they tend to burn and hurt far worse than the reality of the injury. I've never heard of a person dying from a paper cut, nor losing a limb.
Even though the damage done by these small slivers of tree (paper) is tiny in the grand scheme of things, it still often calls for a bandage.
So how was your day? Was it good, was it bad, did you get injured, did you fail at something?? I find that the adventures of my day too frequently end in some form of 'boo boo.' It's at that point that I just need a hug, or to vent, a good ole' listening to from a friend, chocolate, and so on and so forth. I can admit that when I get injured, physically or emotionally (forbid it be my pride), I look for a solution.
This is good I think, this looking for an answer. It's like math applied to life, only different. My pain+my remedy=me fixed. Wouldn't you agree?
And I'm not quite sure, but I would say it's safe to bet that chocolate does not have a 100% success rate of fixing the odds and ends, the ups and downs, and the oopsies in our lives. In fact, my favorite Snoopy band aids even fail. Moms are great for lots of things, but even as brilliant as they are, they can't always fix the problem.
Well, why is it that you can acknowledge the validity of most of the remedies I've listed and rambled on about? You've probably used them or known someone who has. That's great. We see that time and time again, humans form patterns because they see success. Great. There's nothing wrong with mommy's kissing boo boos.
What is wrong is when mommy's kissing boo boos or chocolate or a new shirt, etc. become your sole remedies. Because, I'll be honest...a lot of our remedies can turn into reinforcing negative circular habits when we hit the really down days....or even worse, we can snap.
Comfort foods, for instance, are things that a lot of people turn to. I'll admit that I sometimes eat excessively when I'm down. But often the people that eat comfort foods because of low self esteem or a bad chain of events end up gaining weight. And based on the negative social stereotypes and the health factors that come with gaining weight, people often get even more down. ...and what might they do when they get down?....eat. Do you see the negative pattern forming here?
The same goes outside of food to venting to people. Have you ever noticed that 'chain complainers' and pessimists (those people who nothing ever seems to go right for) end up complaining their friends away? Most people do not want to be around constantly negative people. It's human nature. Often people who make complaining a habit give themselves more to complain about because their friends become 'busier' and less able to spend time with them. Let's face the truth, even the nicest of people have a quota for how many complaints they can stand in a day.
Bad habits are, well, bad habits. They often only increase the injury.
So here's the good news to your paper cuts, your bad days, your heartbreaks and so on: you can form good habits. Find something real to turn to--something that never fails. Stop depending on yourself or other people who have limited strength. No, eating a piece of chocolate isn't a bad thing, but don't let that be the first thing you run to, or what you truly expect to solve all life's problems.
Run to God.
Golly, He's got to be up there shaking His head when we keep getting ourselves into negative situations. It's likely there's a 'hello, I told you the answer...I'm here for you' thought process going on up in Heaven. That's just it. God told us to bring our burdens to Him. Look at the stories throughout the Bible--even outside of the commonly quoted verses like bringing our burdens to Him because His yoke is light--the Bible is full of this reinforcing fact. Stories like those of Ruth, Jonah, Job, Abraham, David, and many more bare evidence that when they leaned on something other than God, their crutch shattered and let them down. But when these people turned to God and faced their weaknesses, shared their battles, and let down their pride...then things worked.
God doesn't just bandage your wounds, He heals them. Down to the deepest hurts of being betrayed, cheated on, beaten...whatever it may be--there is A God (the only God) for that.
So stop smothering friends, overeating, etc.--these remedies are fine in balance, but you should run first and foremost to God. Vent to Him, share with Him, journal your prayers. Do what you need to relieve the burn from that 'paper cut' of life.
Be like the blood does in your body, when you know you're injured (emotionally or physically), know your goal--God--and rush toward it. And in His arms, tackle whatever problem is at said 'ouch zone.'
It does not matter the size or cause of your wound. God can fix it all. Share your burdens with your Heavenly Father, who will never let you down, even when others do.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
brain lobes and road bumps have how much in common?
It's not like I have a shortage of thoughts. Anyone who knows me would probably say I have too many thoughts....The cool thing is that God has timing for everything. Today, I finished the last 1/3 of a post I started April 26, 2010....that was nearly a year ago. Check it out at: http://crambleson.blogspot.com/2010/04/beast-behind-beauty.html.
And at the end...report back to yourself: which cartoon are you? And which do you truly want to be?
Ciao for Niao...Now.
And at the end...report back to yourself: which cartoon are you? And which do you truly want to be?
Ciao for Niao...Now.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
If there was a carpool to Heaven, I hope we'd have ourselves a convoy
It is always fascinating to me to drive past a bus stop. The people are always facing toward the direction the bus will be coming from, even if it is not scheduled to arrive for another 20 minutes. There looking onward changes nothing about the pace or speed of the bus--whether they watch for the bus or not, the bus will arrive at the same time. They are looking on; they are expecting.
Today I went to the gas station while fresh on everyones minds was the 20 cent spike in gas prices. The clerk at my friendly local gas station mentioned to me that this is just a taste of the increase in prices....her comment was not to my surprise. What was to my surprise was her response when I reflected on the fact that gas responses seemed a response to the multiple riots in the Middle East. The clerk then carried the conversation to the end of time and the prophecies that involve the Middle East. She said the end is coming and we better protect Israel, but this world is so messed up that it will be a good thing when it ends. Now, I'm not here to preach the whole 2012 thing or to tell you that the end is here. I couldn't tell you one way or the other. The Bible tells us that no man knows the day nor the hour. My point, instead, is to awaken your attention to the possibility.
Just as people waiting at the bus stop watch readily for the bus whether it is coming in 2 seconds or 20 minutes, so also we should be watching for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is coming. It will be sooner tomorrow than it was today. Please don't let Him find you unprepared or without the covering of His blood. You and your soul mean too much to me and to so many others for you to miss the opportunity of a home in Heaven with Him. When you think you can't, you can...and for joy at His return, you must. Accept His salvation, His call, and watch with joy for that arrival.
2 Peter 3
1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,
2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation."
5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Today I went to the gas station while fresh on everyones minds was the 20 cent spike in gas prices. The clerk at my friendly local gas station mentioned to me that this is just a taste of the increase in prices....her comment was not to my surprise. What was to my surprise was her response when I reflected on the fact that gas responses seemed a response to the multiple riots in the Middle East. The clerk then carried the conversation to the end of time and the prophecies that involve the Middle East. She said the end is coming and we better protect Israel, but this world is so messed up that it will be a good thing when it ends. Now, I'm not here to preach the whole 2012 thing or to tell you that the end is here. I couldn't tell you one way or the other. The Bible tells us that no man knows the day nor the hour. My point, instead, is to awaken your attention to the possibility.
Just as people waiting at the bus stop watch readily for the bus whether it is coming in 2 seconds or 20 minutes, so also we should be watching for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is coming. It will be sooner tomorrow than it was today. Please don't let Him find you unprepared or without the covering of His blood. You and your soul mean too much to me and to so many others for you to miss the opportunity of a home in Heaven with Him. When you think you can't, you can...and for joy at His return, you must. Accept His salvation, His call, and watch with joy for that arrival.
2 Peter 3
1 This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,
2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,
3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation."
5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him,
16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."
Monday, February 21, 2011
hot [cross] buns
be the yeast. rise.
2 Peter 1:3-11, "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Sunday, February 20, 2011
snip out of it
Have you ever been at the 'why God' stage in your life? That is, you've faced some sort of challenge or something bad happened to a good person you knew and your only response was, "why, God?" ...
Working with preschoolers has taught me a lot of lessons. Most of these lessons have to do with imagination and not putting limits on things, and most of the lessons I've learned have not been ones I've expected. Last September I learned a lesson from a pair of scissors. Even though I didn't blog about it, the thought reappeared again today...so here goes.
So now that we've got the 'Why, God' and preschoolers with scissors context, I need you to picture a pair of scissors. The ones you just pictured in your head were probably the typical sharp point, metal blade, cut-to-the-chase, no dilly-dallying set of scissors. Good. That means you've grown up and are using the most appropriate and productive scissors for your age group. But preschoolers can't use those same scissors. It seems pretty basic to us that preschoolers can't use 'big people' sharp scissors because they are prone to cutting themselves...they are unpracticed. This common sense with scissors can be applied to the 'why, God' moments of our lives.
Just as preschoolers have to work their way up with scissors, so also do we have to progress in all sorts of situations in our lives: relationships, work situations, etc. etc. Even health issues have been shown many times to help people develop into more appreciative people. While I don't pretend to understand or know the reason why you face the current situation you are in, there's certainly something to be said about God maturing us. He will hand you life situations to get you to the next step, just like a preschooler moves from plastic scissors with a plastic blade to plastic scissors with a metal blade....metal scissors with a metal blade, and finally scissors with a pointed end. It's a progression.
What's more interesting to think about is the fact that as a preschooler moves through the phases of scissors, they are never proficient enough when leaving a lower level of scissors to use the next level 100% safely. For example, if a little boy is great with plastic scissors, you might hand him a pair with a metal blade thinking he could probably handle it. But because the previous pair he'd used functioned a little differently and required less precaution, the little boy still has the risk of hurting himself. That's where God comes in the picture. You see, we are like little preschoolers, and God is trying to help us move up in our relationship with Him, in our jobs, as a person, etc., and so He brings us to trials where we could potentially do some real damage to ourselves. We humans tend to be a little careless and are unsure when we face 'why, God' situations. Just as a preschool teacher watches over the students to make sure they don't cut themselves and tries to show them and help them to use the scissors safely and effectively, God is right there with us to guide us through the 'why, God' situations. And often, hindsight is 20/20. So next time you face a 'why, God' moment or situation, try to look for the growth possibilities in it, and don't be afraid to ask the Teacher how to 'work your scisssors.' Talk it up with God, He's here to help.
Hebrews 13:5-8: "5Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In the inconsistency of life and the 'Why, God' moments, cling to His consistency, love, and wisdom.
Working with preschoolers has taught me a lot of lessons. Most of these lessons have to do with imagination and not putting limits on things, and most of the lessons I've learned have not been ones I've expected. Last September I learned a lesson from a pair of scissors. Even though I didn't blog about it, the thought reappeared again today...so here goes.
So now that we've got the 'Why, God' and preschoolers with scissors context, I need you to picture a pair of scissors. The ones you just pictured in your head were probably the typical sharp point, metal blade, cut-to-the-chase, no dilly-dallying set of scissors. Good. That means you've grown up and are using the most appropriate and productive scissors for your age group. But preschoolers can't use those same scissors. It seems pretty basic to us that preschoolers can't use 'big people' sharp scissors because they are prone to cutting themselves...they are unpracticed. This common sense with scissors can be applied to the 'why, God' moments of our lives.
Just as preschoolers have to work their way up with scissors, so also do we have to progress in all sorts of situations in our lives: relationships, work situations, etc. etc. Even health issues have been shown many times to help people develop into more appreciative people. While I don't pretend to understand or know the reason why you face the current situation you are in, there's certainly something to be said about God maturing us. He will hand you life situations to get you to the next step, just like a preschooler moves from plastic scissors with a plastic blade to plastic scissors with a metal blade....metal scissors with a metal blade, and finally scissors with a pointed end. It's a progression.
What's more interesting to think about is the fact that as a preschooler moves through the phases of scissors, they are never proficient enough when leaving a lower level of scissors to use the next level 100% safely. For example, if a little boy is great with plastic scissors, you might hand him a pair with a metal blade thinking he could probably handle it. But because the previous pair he'd used functioned a little differently and required less precaution, the little boy still has the risk of hurting himself. That's where God comes in the picture. You see, we are like little preschoolers, and God is trying to help us move up in our relationship with Him, in our jobs, as a person, etc., and so He brings us to trials where we could potentially do some real damage to ourselves. We humans tend to be a little careless and are unsure when we face 'why, God' situations. Just as a preschool teacher watches over the students to make sure they don't cut themselves and tries to show them and help them to use the scissors safely and effectively, God is right there with us to guide us through the 'why, God' situations. And often, hindsight is 20/20. So next time you face a 'why, God' moment or situation, try to look for the growth possibilities in it, and don't be afraid to ask the Teacher how to 'work your scisssors.' Talk it up with God, He's here to help.
Hebrews 13:5-8: "5Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In the inconsistency of life and the 'Why, God' moments, cling to His consistency, love, and wisdom.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
pineapples do not grow on pine trees
People are like pineapples.
Not what you expected to be compared to? Tonight, my grandfather handed me a fresh pineapple he bought for us at the grocery. As I held it, I began thinking about the outer layer of a pineapple. It's hard and protective, but not something that can't be cut open with the right device. And once you get to the insides, you get to the more useful part--some of which are incredibly bitter, and some that are a sweet surprise.
People also tend to have a hard and protective outer shell. There is something about human nature, perhaps our vulnerability, pride, and fear, that causes us to try to keep ourselves from the harm that could ensue from being completely open. If a person knows your thoughts, your dreams, your questions, the things you don't understand, your secret flaws and weaknesses, etc., they have some degree of power over you...or so we believe. But what we also fail to acknowledge is the good that can come from being to some degree transparent and letting people get to truly know us.
Sure, people remember that (those) thing(s) you did in high school or college that you regret and which some person knows about. And some people will use your past and your flaws as blackmail to keep you from ratting them out...and the circle continues. But perhaps we look at people mostly wrong.
Stereotypes are natural. Unfortunately most stereotypes end in negative results of categorizing and not truly getting to know people, but they can also be used to protect, etc...or at least we tell ourselves. Stereotyping is actually a natural function of the human brain to make shortcuts. That is correct, you have lazy brain syndrome. But just like anything else our brain processes, it tries to find patterns and shortcuts to be able to process more information at a more rapid pace. Not too shabby. But the downside is that when one person, perhaps even one group of people, has hurt us, we stereotype that all (or least most humans) must be out to get us.
Yes, I will agree that human nature tends to be extremely selfish and that we all hurt each other (whether intentionally or not), but some of us build up our wall of protection so high that we become bitter, cynical, and we prevent others from knowing our greatest attributes. So there's got to be a balance.
Take a second to think of something about yourself most others do not know about. Maybe it's a talent, skill, hobby, weakness, etc. Could others benefit from knowing about this? Sometimes things are of greater value if they are kept private, and I'm not arguing that you should tell everyone everything in your life. So is not the case. The point I'm trying to get across (and maybe not as effectively as I wish) is that fear can startle growth in relationships, friendships, and in yourself.
Perhaps by losing the pride and opening up about what scares you, someone will relate to a situation or thought you have experienced and have wounds healed as a result. Who knows what the situation could be...maybe you've been raped and you'll tell someone who's kept the same secret all this time. Maybe your parents never held you enough as a child. Maybe you fell in love and were deceived...and the list goes on. I completely believe that we all face challenges for a reason (and often multiple reasons). For one, we can be encouraged that James 1:2-3 tells us that the trials of our faith works patience (in other words, we become more complete people from what we face). And secondly, like I said--our struggles help us to help others.
So how do we get to the point where we can open up? In all honesty, most of us may not understand why we are so reserved or even that we are. When we don't ponder our motives, subconscious or not, we may overlook both our strengths and weaknesses. So try to figure out who or what incident has maybe made you more closed off, distrusting, etc. to people (strangers, family, and friends alike). Then consider this: 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." So if we are commanded to love one another as ourselves, then should that not be a love without fear?
Perfect love casts out fear. Wow. Isn't that the type of love we're striving for? After all, we are commanded to be like Christ, and He had perfect love.
So, are you a pineapple? Do you have a hard core that needs cracking into? Is what's on your inside sweet or bitter? What can you do to become a better you?
Each small step is progress. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. A tunnel begins one shovel at a time, but a new path is opened with much perseverance.
Persevere and reap the vast rewards of determination.
Not what you expected to be compared to? Tonight, my grandfather handed me a fresh pineapple he bought for us at the grocery. As I held it, I began thinking about the outer layer of a pineapple. It's hard and protective, but not something that can't be cut open with the right device. And once you get to the insides, you get to the more useful part--some of which are incredibly bitter, and some that are a sweet surprise.
People also tend to have a hard and protective outer shell. There is something about human nature, perhaps our vulnerability, pride, and fear, that causes us to try to keep ourselves from the harm that could ensue from being completely open. If a person knows your thoughts, your dreams, your questions, the things you don't understand, your secret flaws and weaknesses, etc., they have some degree of power over you...or so we believe. But what we also fail to acknowledge is the good that can come from being to some degree transparent and letting people get to truly know us.
Sure, people remember that (those) thing(s) you did in high school or college that you regret and which some person knows about. And some people will use your past and your flaws as blackmail to keep you from ratting them out...and the circle continues. But perhaps we look at people mostly wrong.
Stereotypes are natural. Unfortunately most stereotypes end in negative results of categorizing and not truly getting to know people, but they can also be used to protect, etc...or at least we tell ourselves. Stereotyping is actually a natural function of the human brain to make shortcuts. That is correct, you have lazy brain syndrome. But just like anything else our brain processes, it tries to find patterns and shortcuts to be able to process more information at a more rapid pace. Not too shabby. But the downside is that when one person, perhaps even one group of people, has hurt us, we stereotype that all (or least most humans) must be out to get us.
Yes, I will agree that human nature tends to be extremely selfish and that we all hurt each other (whether intentionally or not), but some of us build up our wall of protection so high that we become bitter, cynical, and we prevent others from knowing our greatest attributes. So there's got to be a balance.
Take a second to think of something about yourself most others do not know about. Maybe it's a talent, skill, hobby, weakness, etc. Could others benefit from knowing about this? Sometimes things are of greater value if they are kept private, and I'm not arguing that you should tell everyone everything in your life. So is not the case. The point I'm trying to get across (and maybe not as effectively as I wish) is that fear can startle growth in relationships, friendships, and in yourself.
Perhaps by losing the pride and opening up about what scares you, someone will relate to a situation or thought you have experienced and have wounds healed as a result. Who knows what the situation could be...maybe you've been raped and you'll tell someone who's kept the same secret all this time. Maybe your parents never held you enough as a child. Maybe you fell in love and were deceived...and the list goes on. I completely believe that we all face challenges for a reason (and often multiple reasons). For one, we can be encouraged that James 1:2-3 tells us that the trials of our faith works patience (in other words, we become more complete people from what we face). And secondly, like I said--our struggles help us to help others.
So how do we get to the point where we can open up? In all honesty, most of us may not understand why we are so reserved or even that we are. When we don't ponder our motives, subconscious or not, we may overlook both our strengths and weaknesses. So try to figure out who or what incident has maybe made you more closed off, distrusting, etc. to people (strangers, family, and friends alike). Then consider this: 1 John 4:18, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." So if we are commanded to love one another as ourselves, then should that not be a love without fear?
Perfect love casts out fear. Wow. Isn't that the type of love we're striving for? After all, we are commanded to be like Christ, and He had perfect love.
So, are you a pineapple? Do you have a hard core that needs cracking into? Is what's on your inside sweet or bitter? What can you do to become a better you?
Each small step is progress. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. A tunnel begins one shovel at a time, but a new path is opened with much perseverance.
Persevere and reap the vast rewards of determination.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
sweet memories
I don't understand.
I don't know all the answers.
I face challenges and my mind has questions.
...but I know the One who understands
I know the One with all the answers
The very same one who helps me through challenges and provides peace to my questioning.
That One is God through Jesus Christ.
My grandfather passed away this week. For about 9 years, he battled with Alzheimer's to the point he was verbally unresponsive, and finally until his body shut down. Intense stuff. As a child of about 13, watching the goofy smiling man who used to give me the giggles forget my name and act differently was puzzling. Still to this day, I do not know the answers. I don't know why he was trapped inside that body as his memory slowly went downhill. I'm not sure why my grandmother had to watch the man she fell in love with disappear from the body that held her, comforted her, and protected her through years of raising children and other trials. I. don't. know.
But this isn't the first mystery I've struggled with. I don't understand fully how any person could be so selfish to cause the death of another person. Cruel. But I did. I'm not sure whether you've realized it or not, but you have too. All sinners have...since humans are born into a world of sin, all humans have. That person whose death we collectively caused was Christ. The most innocent, perfect, giving, and selfless person to ever live on this earth...He died. It's my fault. If my sins alone had been added up, I would need the blood to have them forgiven. He died on my behalf...how selfless He was. The great news is that He died for all sinners to be forgiven and have the promise of eternal life in Heaven with Him...so that goes for your sins too. (John 3:16- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.")
This changes my perspective. I didn't LOSE my grandfather, I gained an opportunity. I started out my life at negative--deserving nothing. I was born with Hell as my destiny--what can I say, I'm human and I was bound for sin... I deserve nothing. NOTHING. But because of Christ's great love and sacrifice nearly 2000 years ago, I can have the hope of eternal life. He's given me something, and that something is great.
So I look at it like this: anything I have above and beyond my birth date and end date is a blessing, far beyond what I deserve. So I thank God for the 22 years of my life that I had with my grandfather. I thank God that Pappaw was a great role model that worked until his the skin on his hands were calloused, but not so much to callous his heart. Pappaw provided and he loved. I thank the God of the Heavens for a family that loves so much that we're going to go strong through this--we're going to cry together, laugh together, and remember together in honor of the great man that was my grandfather. I thank God for the work ethic that has been instilled in me as a result of the great leadership of this family...one could say it was the actions of my grandfather that caused reactions in my parents that caused the lessons that have led to me having all the sweet results of my labor in life. I thank God for the 13 or so years of my life that I got to spend with my Pappaw at his very best, and what he continued to teach me down the road to the days where the twinkle of his eye was his only response. God, I thank you for Pappaw and all he meant to me and my family. I thank you, Pappaw, for all you were, and I hope to see you again in Heaven some day. My heart will continue to be warmed by sweet memories of your smile, your humor, your strength.
To close out, I don't always understand. But I don't have to. Two things that I must understand in this life are the salvation of Christ I can accept (Romans 10:9) and the promise of sweet Heaven that is to come. And in honor of my Pappaw, a few of my favorite smile-making quotes,
"Eight Skate and Donate"
"Six tall seven foot sycamore saplings, opossum up a stump. He's been stealing, all my chickens, now I'm gunna kick his rump."
I love you Pappaw. I praise God that you finally are out of your bodily prison and resting in peace.
Please pray for my family during this time.
I don't know all the answers.
I face challenges and my mind has questions.
...but I know the One who understands
I know the One with all the answers
The very same one who helps me through challenges and provides peace to my questioning.
That One is God through Jesus Christ.
My grandfather passed away this week. For about 9 years, he battled with Alzheimer's to the point he was verbally unresponsive, and finally until his body shut down. Intense stuff. As a child of about 13, watching the goofy smiling man who used to give me the giggles forget my name and act differently was puzzling. Still to this day, I do not know the answers. I don't know why he was trapped inside that body as his memory slowly went downhill. I'm not sure why my grandmother had to watch the man she fell in love with disappear from the body that held her, comforted her, and protected her through years of raising children and other trials. I. don't. know.
But this isn't the first mystery I've struggled with. I don't understand fully how any person could be so selfish to cause the death of another person. Cruel. But I did. I'm not sure whether you've realized it or not, but you have too. All sinners have...since humans are born into a world of sin, all humans have. That person whose death we collectively caused was Christ. The most innocent, perfect, giving, and selfless person to ever live on this earth...He died. It's my fault. If my sins alone had been added up, I would need the blood to have them forgiven. He died on my behalf...how selfless He was. The great news is that He died for all sinners to be forgiven and have the promise of eternal life in Heaven with Him...so that goes for your sins too. (John 3:16- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.")
This changes my perspective. I didn't LOSE my grandfather, I gained an opportunity. I started out my life at negative--deserving nothing. I was born with Hell as my destiny--what can I say, I'm human and I was bound for sin... I deserve nothing. NOTHING. But because of Christ's great love and sacrifice nearly 2000 years ago, I can have the hope of eternal life. He's given me something, and that something is great.
So I look at it like this: anything I have above and beyond my birth date and end date is a blessing, far beyond what I deserve. So I thank God for the 22 years of my life that I had with my grandfather. I thank God that Pappaw was a great role model that worked until his the skin on his hands were calloused, but not so much to callous his heart. Pappaw provided and he loved. I thank the God of the Heavens for a family that loves so much that we're going to go strong through this--we're going to cry together, laugh together, and remember together in honor of the great man that was my grandfather. I thank God for the work ethic that has been instilled in me as a result of the great leadership of this family...one could say it was the actions of my grandfather that caused reactions in my parents that caused the lessons that have led to me having all the sweet results of my labor in life. I thank God for the 13 or so years of my life that I got to spend with my Pappaw at his very best, and what he continued to teach me down the road to the days where the twinkle of his eye was his only response. God, I thank you for Pappaw and all he meant to me and my family. I thank you, Pappaw, for all you were, and I hope to see you again in Heaven some day. My heart will continue to be warmed by sweet memories of your smile, your humor, your strength.
To close out, I don't always understand. But I don't have to. Two things that I must understand in this life are the salvation of Christ I can accept (Romans 10:9) and the promise of sweet Heaven that is to come. And in honor of my Pappaw, a few of my favorite smile-making quotes,
"Eight Skate and Donate"
"Six tall seven foot sycamore saplings, opossum up a stump. He's been stealing, all my chickens, now I'm gunna kick his rump."
I love you Pappaw. I praise God that you finally are out of your bodily prison and resting in peace.
Please pray for my family during this time.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
T. Mert, on the ball
Thank you, Thomas Merton, for doing the talking today. Something few have heard, but that all should reflect upon.
"This discovery of Christ is never genuine if it is nothing but a flight from ourselves. On the contrary, it cannot be an escape. It must be a fulfillment. I cannot discover God in myself and myself in Him unless I have the courage to face myself exactly as I am, with all my limitations, and to accept others as they are with all their limitations. The religious answer is not religious if it is not fully real. Evasion is the answer of superstition." --Thomas Merton, No Man is an Island
"This discovery of Christ is never genuine if it is nothing but a flight from ourselves. On the contrary, it cannot be an escape. It must be a fulfillment. I cannot discover God in myself and myself in Him unless I have the courage to face myself exactly as I am, with all my limitations, and to accept others as they are with all their limitations. The religious answer is not religious if it is not fully real. Evasion is the answer of superstition." --Thomas Merton, No Man is an Island
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
out of the park and into your cerebrum
We've got to come together. Bottom of the 9th, 2 strikes, batter up...what's your move?
Quit swinging at your own team. Take the energy you have for revenge, rage, and selfishness and turn it into productivity.
Ecclesiastes 4
"1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind."
...it does not matter how wise you think you are. If you are not willing to work together, to collaborate, or to take advice, you are not wise at all and you will reap the results of such actions. So once again...what does team mean to you, and who are you playing for?
Quit swinging at your own team. Take the energy you have for revenge, rage, and selfishness and turn it into productivity.
Ecclesiastes 4
"1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind."
...it does not matter how wise you think you are. If you are not willing to work together, to collaborate, or to take advice, you are not wise at all and you will reap the results of such actions. So once again...what does team mean to you, and who are you playing for?
Sunday, January 30, 2011
definition: incomplete
God is...
Well, take a second. Actually take 5 minutes (time it on your phone if you have to).
And just sit.
And think.
How would you define God?
...and why those words?
I'll be honest, you'll never completely define Him, but maybe if you sit and think about what He is to you, then you'll come to appreciate how indescribable He truly is. And maybe, while you're sitting still, thinking about nothing else, you'll start a conversation with Him (a laid back form of prayer)...and maybe it'll be life changing, or day changing...or something else altogether.
1 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."
...maybe this means a little less to you because you're not a farmer and you don't have land, I don't know. But land back then was livelihood--it was everything. If your land wasn't so well off, well, neither were you or your family...perhaps your whole community would be facing ruin. And then--rescue. Like the guy in a cape, only better, God can pull us out of our worse circumstances. But what is required?--humility, belief, direction (toward Him), and....you got it, prayer. Stop and say a word or two or twenty minutes today. He more than deserves it. But, don't take my word for it.
Well, take a second. Actually take 5 minutes (time it on your phone if you have to).
And just sit.
And think.
How would you define God?
...and why those words?
I'll be honest, you'll never completely define Him, but maybe if you sit and think about what He is to you, then you'll come to appreciate how indescribable He truly is. And maybe, while you're sitting still, thinking about nothing else, you'll start a conversation with Him (a laid back form of prayer)...and maybe it'll be life changing, or day changing...or something else altogether.
1 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."
...maybe this means a little less to you because you're not a farmer and you don't have land, I don't know. But land back then was livelihood--it was everything. If your land wasn't so well off, well, neither were you or your family...perhaps your whole community would be facing ruin. And then--rescue. Like the guy in a cape, only better, God can pull us out of our worse circumstances. But what is required?--humility, belief, direction (toward Him), and....you got it, prayer. Stop and say a word or two or twenty minutes today. He more than deserves it. But, don't take my word for it.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
the power of your mouth beyond beat box. the power of the Word beyond, well, most anything
There's a difference between inspiration and Christianity. Inspiration is the pick-me-up, encourage me, and so on feeling. We can be inspired by all sort of things, but just because something is inspirational does not mean it's scriptural. First off, I'm not opposed to inspirational, but I am cautious to stray too far away from the foundation of scripture to just talking about God and how awesome He is. He is awesome. Inspiration is good. But all these factors tie together nicely, and all of Christianity should lead back and connect back to the Word of God. After all, God said, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:1-5)
So if Christ is the embodiment of the Word, then we should stay connected with it. Let's get to it. Today, I picked Proverbs 18. I feel like this is a great example of how the Bible can be both inspirational and motivational. Typically, we see inspiration as making us feel good and empowering us, but it is also important to be motivated to do the right thing and to understand the wisdom and logic behind Godly principles. God will correct us--it's essential to becoming better people--but that doesn't always make us feel good (back to the inspirational part). So stay in the Word, glean all it's got for you inspirational and not.
I'm going to go verse by verse and just talk this up. Let's make the Proverb come off the paper and figure it out. Please feel free to comment and give feedback if you agree, have a different perspective, or disagree.
Proverbs 18
1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
....so what can we get from this? Starting fights is not a good thing. There are no special clauses here that say "when you're not right" or ", but it's ok if they've taken advantage of you." Nope, God is telling you, don't start fights and don't be selfish. And if we admit it to ourselves, many fights start out of the selfish motives of pride or to be right.
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.
...this is kind of like the argument you might of heard before that 'you were given twice as many ears as you were mouths for a reason.' In other words, it's wise to listen to others. Sure, you can express your opinion, but be open to others. You will not always be right no matter who you are. Be humble enough to admit that.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes reproach.
...simple enough, when you do wicked things, mean things, and wrong things, God and other Christians will look at you in reproach/disapproval. Come on, get your game face on and give your best for God. Don't make Him disapprove.
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
...Deep waters are swift and powerful. They can wipe you off your feet any moment if you are not in complete control. This is how your words are. So often we do not realize the power that we have with our words. You have the power to build up or destroy. Choose wisely and be conscious about what you say to someone. They may point it out to you 6+ years down the road that sentence you said that you don't remember that has made a negative impact on their life and memory that long. Wisdom is also powerful. Just as a rushing stream can carry a boat a great distance and at a quick pace, wisdom can help us progress to more complete humans more rapidly and also has a lot of power.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
and so deprive the innocent of justice.
...being partial to the wicked...what's that mean to you? Maybe saying 'wicked' makes this seem too old school. So what if we said, don't be partial in admitting that a 'white lie' is a sin...don't be partial to someone who does wrong just because they're a celebrity or have money, etc. The innocent that are taken advantage of by those that do wrong need justice served. Humans in general are much less likely to do what is right if there is no punishment, so judge all equally and punishment needs to be given when it is promised.
So if Christ is the embodiment of the Word, then we should stay connected with it. Let's get to it. Today, I picked Proverbs 18. I feel like this is a great example of how the Bible can be both inspirational and motivational. Typically, we see inspiration as making us feel good and empowering us, but it is also important to be motivated to do the right thing and to understand the wisdom and logic behind Godly principles. God will correct us--it's essential to becoming better people--but that doesn't always make us feel good (back to the inspirational part). So stay in the Word, glean all it's got for you inspirational and not.
I'm going to go verse by verse and just talk this up. Let's make the Proverb come off the paper and figure it out. Please feel free to comment and give feedback if you agree, have a different perspective, or disagree.
Proverbs 18
1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
....so what can we get from this? Starting fights is not a good thing. There are no special clauses here that say "when you're not right" or ", but it's ok if they've taken advantage of you." Nope, God is telling you, don't start fights and don't be selfish. And if we admit it to ourselves, many fights start out of the selfish motives of pride or to be right.
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.
...this is kind of like the argument you might of heard before that 'you were given twice as many ears as you were mouths for a reason.' In other words, it's wise to listen to others. Sure, you can express your opinion, but be open to others. You will not always be right no matter who you are. Be humble enough to admit that.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes reproach.
...simple enough, when you do wicked things, mean things, and wrong things, God and other Christians will look at you in reproach/disapproval. Come on, get your game face on and give your best for God. Don't make Him disapprove.
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
...Deep waters are swift and powerful. They can wipe you off your feet any moment if you are not in complete control. This is how your words are. So often we do not realize the power that we have with our words. You have the power to build up or destroy. Choose wisely and be conscious about what you say to someone. They may point it out to you 6+ years down the road that sentence you said that you don't remember that has made a negative impact on their life and memory that long. Wisdom is also powerful. Just as a rushing stream can carry a boat a great distance and at a quick pace, wisdom can help us progress to more complete humans more rapidly and also has a lot of power.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
and so deprive the innocent of justice.
...being partial to the wicked...what's that mean to you? Maybe saying 'wicked' makes this seem too old school. So what if we said, don't be partial in admitting that a 'white lie' is a sin...don't be partial to someone who does wrong just because they're a celebrity or have money, etc. The innocent that are taken advantage of by those that do wrong need justice served. Humans in general are much less likely to do what is right if there is no punishment, so judge all equally and punishment needs to be given when it is promised.
This is a great verse to drive home pro-life and anti-abortion campaigns. A fetus, a baby, a child, a person with a future--these all describe the innocent lives that are taken by abortion. I'm all about women's rights. I am all about that. But when you have sex (protected or not), you step into the zone of forgoing certain rights. That is, you have to accept the consequences (whether you see it as good or bad, intentional or not intentional) if you get pregnant....because now, there's someone elses rights involved. This is just like driving on the interstate. When you have a license, you have the right to drive. Once you're on the interstate, if you get in a wreck (intentional or not), you're now in someone elses rights area and your insurance may have to pay to fix the damage done. You're in someone elses 'rights zone.' You take a risk by getting on the road, but state law requires certain actions to be taken (i.e. repairing another person's car) if things don't go as planned...it's not your 'right' not to pay to fix it at that point. Same with unwanted pregnancy...you have sex, you are consciously accepting the 'rules of the road', and that's that if you get pregnant, you will respect anothers rights (in this case the baby). The innocent need justice, and if they can't even make it out alive, they'll never say a word to defend their rights. That's up to you.
6 The lips of fools bring them strife,
and their mouths invite a beating.
...you've heard the saying 'silence is golden.' Indeed. There is a time to speak and a time to talk, but a fool will speak when they shouldn't and it will bring them trouble. Do not be a fool, have sense about when to speak and when not to, and get educated about topics you speak on.
7 The mouths of fools are their undoing,
and their lips are a snare to their very lives.
...same thought process: your words have a lot of power to both uplift and destroy others as well as prosper or destroy your own life.
And I'll end there for now. This gives you a peak at how you should study the Bible. Really break things down to where you're not just reading God's Word to have it read (as if you got credit or something), but read it so that it has meaning, so that it speaks to you, and so that you can apply it to your life.
So be inspired, and inspire others, but also remember that in the beginning was the Word, the Word is God, Christ Jesus, and if you want all of Him, the Bible is part of that 'all.'
Saturday, January 22, 2011
the missing touch
I believe that everything in my life happens for a reason. I try to find reason in everything I do, and I also try to learn from it.
The other day I went out to dinner with my family. When preparing to put my coat back on after dinner I noticed a button had fallen off of my coat. While a lost button is not normally something to get excited about, these were fancy buttons that would be hard to replace and the coat was relatively new. As I began my search for my button I realized something. It wasn't until I had lost the button that I really began to see the significance one button had. Quite frankly, the button is the smallest part of the coat, and the smallest part is the most insignificant part, right? Wrong. In fact, some of the smallest parts of things are some of the most important...let's see a few examples:
The 3 smallest bones in your body are found in your ear...without them your balance wouldn't be the same. Balance is key to functioning normally.
Your pinky toe, although seemingly insignificant, is key in how you walk. If someone were to cut off your pinky toe, you'd have to learn to walk again.
What's another thing that you don't notice the signigificance of until it's gone? Maybe the hand of God? We wake up in the morning and go about our days....often forgetting the one who gave it to us. We get going and get lost in the to-dos of the day and worries....then who do we take them to? God. What's interesting is that the very one who tells us not to worry is who we take our worries to. And although we should take our cares and burdens to Christ--that's completely Biblical--what's funny is that we are told not to worry about tomorrow, what we will eat or drink...but we do (Matthew 6). So we get it about half right. And I'll admit that I am one of the worst at these commands. Like a button, when we lose that in-touchness with God or we go through a dry period of our lives, we realize just how important He is and how crucial He is. And although He isn't small like my other examples, He can fit inside your heart.
So take a second to acknowledge His significance in your life and the significance of all the 'tiny' blessings that without them would be huge things you miss...
The other day I went out to dinner with my family. When preparing to put my coat back on after dinner I noticed a button had fallen off of my coat. While a lost button is not normally something to get excited about, these were fancy buttons that would be hard to replace and the coat was relatively new. As I began my search for my button I realized something. It wasn't until I had lost the button that I really began to see the significance one button had. Quite frankly, the button is the smallest part of the coat, and the smallest part is the most insignificant part, right? Wrong. In fact, some of the smallest parts of things are some of the most important...let's see a few examples:
The 3 smallest bones in your body are found in your ear...without them your balance wouldn't be the same. Balance is key to functioning normally.
Your pinky toe, although seemingly insignificant, is key in how you walk. If someone were to cut off your pinky toe, you'd have to learn to walk again.
What's another thing that you don't notice the signigificance of until it's gone? Maybe the hand of God? We wake up in the morning and go about our days....often forgetting the one who gave it to us. We get going and get lost in the to-dos of the day and worries....then who do we take them to? God. What's interesting is that the very one who tells us not to worry is who we take our worries to. And although we should take our cares and burdens to Christ--that's completely Biblical--what's funny is that we are told not to worry about tomorrow, what we will eat or drink...but we do (Matthew 6). So we get it about half right. And I'll admit that I am one of the worst at these commands. Like a button, when we lose that in-touchness with God or we go through a dry period of our lives, we realize just how important He is and how crucial He is. And although He isn't small like my other examples, He can fit inside your heart.
So take a second to acknowledge His significance in your life and the significance of all the 'tiny' blessings that without them would be huge things you miss...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
you can put it to a beat, but there's no way you'll beat it
Let your love define you
Allow others to shine
Do
What you were made for
Quit trippin and say
Lord,
I need you, I want you
I'm here for you now
Please Use me
Consume me
The world gathered round
My life: a performance
Today, it is gone
Tomorrow I'll change it
I've said and I've done
But this time is different
The guilt that I feel
While clinging to something
I know is so real
My Savior, the Christ
He came and He died
The pain that He felt
Through the skies, how it cried
His burden? Far from
My sins came undone
The brother, His service--
Was my Father's son
So, worth it? I think so
To make the change
These loves that I had
Have been rearranged
My hand's on the table
But I didn't fold
I told you this story
THE STORY was told
Messiah, our Savior
The King above all
You heard it, I'll tell you
Have you felt the call?
The lesson--the message
That you were worth death
A beating, a mocking,
He passed all the tests
Ignore it? You'll try
And perhaps you'll succeed
For a while but oh, child
Just give in and believe
On His name is the game
That your Savior, He came
He died and He bled
Crown of thorns on His head
So that you might not perish
Yeah He came here to spare us
But-Hell--if that's what you want
To go and to burn
You hike up your pride
Oh, a lesson you'll learn
It's not my Gospel
Not a story I made
But every knee will be bowed
Every tongue, it will say
That He is the Father
That He is the King
That's right, someday
His sweet praises you'll sing
At the end of it all
When it's all said and done
When God--yes the Father
He sends back His son
It's all up to you
Free will is a gift
Will you dump it aside
Or take a free lift
To Heaven perhaps?
Less burdened by sin
I can't speak for you
But the truth I do tell
It's been great for me
Could be for you...as well
Allow others to shine
Do
What you were made for
Quit trippin and say
Lord,
I need you, I want you
I'm here for you now
Please Use me
Consume me
The world gathered round
My life: a performance
Today, it is gone
Tomorrow I'll change it
I've said and I've done
But this time is different
The guilt that I feel
While clinging to something
I know is so real
My Savior, the Christ
He came and He died
The pain that He felt
Through the skies, how it cried
His burden? Far from
My sins came undone
The brother, His service--
Was my Father's son
So, worth it? I think so
To make the change
These loves that I had
Have been rearranged
My hand's on the table
But I didn't fold
I told you this story
THE STORY was told
Messiah, our Savior
The King above all
You heard it, I'll tell you
Have you felt the call?
The lesson--the message
That you were worth death
A beating, a mocking,
He passed all the tests
Ignore it? You'll try
And perhaps you'll succeed
For a while but oh, child
Just give in and believe
On His name is the game
That your Savior, He came
He died and He bled
Crown of thorns on His head
So that you might not perish
Yeah He came here to spare us
But-Hell--if that's what you want
To go and to burn
You hike up your pride
Oh, a lesson you'll learn
It's not my Gospel
Not a story I made
But every knee will be bowed
Every tongue, it will say
That He is the Father
That He is the King
That's right, someday
His sweet praises you'll sing
At the end of it all
When it's all said and done
When God--yes the Father
He sends back His son
It's all up to you
Free will is a gift
Will you dump it aside
Or take a free lift
To Heaven perhaps?
Less burdened by sin
I can't speak for you
But the truth I do tell
It's been great for me
Could be for you...as well
Thursday, January 13, 2011
darkness will only go as far as light allows. [aka never leave your flashlight at home]
Tonight on my drive home from a friends I passed the same church I have passed on my way home for over 20 years. This time, though, I noticed that there was a light shining on the steeple of the church. This was the first time I can remember noticing a light put on the roof of a church specifically to point toward the steeple. Interesting.
So my mind wondered and pondered on the significance of lighting a steeple. Was this a brilliant idea or a waste of electricity? I have often seen lights pointed at flags at night as a sign of respect toward the flag. A flag, as I understand it is never supposed to be in darkness. Also, as I understand it, keeping a flag in the light reflects the power of that which it represents.
At the top of this lit-up steeple was a cross, the symbol of the Christian faith. But so much more than that, the cross represents struggle not only of one man Jesus Christ, but also of the vast number of men and women who have given their lives in the name of the faith so that those of us living today might have the opportunity to both hear and share the story of the Christ and His great love and salvation.
The cross also represents victory, for on the cross Jesus Christ gave His life so that NONE shall perish but have everlasting life should they believe on Him and accept His forgiveness. The day of the resurrection was the day of defeat for the Devil, and it scared him (the devil) so badly that he still fights today trying to find some sense of gain. Don't let the devil be victorious over you.
And although the cross represents and embodies so much, as a summary it represents love and promise. The promise that Jesus Christ will love you no matter what, even if you will not let Him be your Savior (though this love will not rescue you from Hell if you do not accept His grace). The love of Christ was perfect and not vengeful--so pure, in fact, that though we back stab Him nearly every day (sometimes unbeknownst to us) He still offers the most genuine love in return. Also, the love of Jesus is so great that He gives us our own free will--that is, we can decide whether to follow Him or not and whether to truly accept His grace and love and allow it to fill our hearts and change our lives. What power He has given us!
So this cross at the top of a steeple was clearly something that deserved to be highlighted, even into the night--for learning from God is a never ending process. Also, the cross most certainly deserves the utmost respect, and the light is a symbol of respect due to the symbol representing the ultimate love and sacrifice.
A wise Christian gentleman once told me that the steeple represents our relationship with God. The closer we get to Jesus, the bigger He becomes in our lives and the smaller ourselves (our own desires and selfish motives) become. Just as the steeple gets smaller the further up it goes getting closer to the cross or closer to Heaven, we also are to make our own desires and human nature smaller as we become more and more like Christ. This is clearly explained in Luke 9:23-26, "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.'"
The words of Christ are beautiful, but their significance did not end at the cross upon which He sacrificed His life for you. Still today, He reigns, and you can accept His salvation by confessing with your mouth that He is Lord and believing in your heart that He can forgive you of your sins. It's powerful stuff to be taken seriously. And if you have accepted His salvation, your journey is not over. Taking up your cross is a daily walk--symbolism of the struggle of carrying something in your lifestyle that although extremely rewarding eternally, the world may not be very happy about. Like I said earlier, the devil is losing and realizes it, so he appeals to the weaknesses and temptations of people of the world to try to tear us apart from the perfect rewarding love of God. Don't let him do that, God promises there is nothing--no temptation, nothing that is too much for us to handle with His help (1 Corinthians 10:12-13) and that will separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39).
So carry on, and like the steeple, stand upright and reflect His light. Be courageous in the one you know and all He's done and will do for you.
Referenced Verses:
1 Corinthians 10:12-13--"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
Romans 8:38-39--"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."
P.S.--the light on the steeple was not in the least bit a waste of electricity, but instead, a lesson well learned. Thank you, God, for sharing one more glimpse of You with us.
Shine on.
So my mind wondered and pondered on the significance of lighting a steeple. Was this a brilliant idea or a waste of electricity? I have often seen lights pointed at flags at night as a sign of respect toward the flag. A flag, as I understand it is never supposed to be in darkness. Also, as I understand it, keeping a flag in the light reflects the power of that which it represents.
At the top of this lit-up steeple was a cross, the symbol of the Christian faith. But so much more than that, the cross represents struggle not only of one man Jesus Christ, but also of the vast number of men and women who have given their lives in the name of the faith so that those of us living today might have the opportunity to both hear and share the story of the Christ and His great love and salvation.
The cross also represents victory, for on the cross Jesus Christ gave His life so that NONE shall perish but have everlasting life should they believe on Him and accept His forgiveness. The day of the resurrection was the day of defeat for the Devil, and it scared him (the devil) so badly that he still fights today trying to find some sense of gain. Don't let the devil be victorious over you.
And although the cross represents and embodies so much, as a summary it represents love and promise. The promise that Jesus Christ will love you no matter what, even if you will not let Him be your Savior (though this love will not rescue you from Hell if you do not accept His grace). The love of Christ was perfect and not vengeful--so pure, in fact, that though we back stab Him nearly every day (sometimes unbeknownst to us) He still offers the most genuine love in return. Also, the love of Jesus is so great that He gives us our own free will--that is, we can decide whether to follow Him or not and whether to truly accept His grace and love and allow it to fill our hearts and change our lives. What power He has given us!
So this cross at the top of a steeple was clearly something that deserved to be highlighted, even into the night--for learning from God is a never ending process. Also, the cross most certainly deserves the utmost respect, and the light is a symbol of respect due to the symbol representing the ultimate love and sacrifice.
A wise Christian gentleman once told me that the steeple represents our relationship with God. The closer we get to Jesus, the bigger He becomes in our lives and the smaller ourselves (our own desires and selfish motives) become. Just as the steeple gets smaller the further up it goes getting closer to the cross or closer to Heaven, we also are to make our own desires and human nature smaller as we become more and more like Christ. This is clearly explained in Luke 9:23-26, "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.'"
The words of Christ are beautiful, but their significance did not end at the cross upon which He sacrificed His life for you. Still today, He reigns, and you can accept His salvation by confessing with your mouth that He is Lord and believing in your heart that He can forgive you of your sins. It's powerful stuff to be taken seriously. And if you have accepted His salvation, your journey is not over. Taking up your cross is a daily walk--symbolism of the struggle of carrying something in your lifestyle that although extremely rewarding eternally, the world may not be very happy about. Like I said earlier, the devil is losing and realizes it, so he appeals to the weaknesses and temptations of people of the world to try to tear us apart from the perfect rewarding love of God. Don't let him do that, God promises there is nothing--no temptation, nothing that is too much for us to handle with His help (1 Corinthians 10:12-13) and that will separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39).
So carry on, and like the steeple, stand upright and reflect His light. Be courageous in the one you know and all He's done and will do for you.
Referenced Verses:
1 Corinthians 10:12-13--"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
Romans 8:38-39--"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."
P.S.--the light on the steeple was not in the least bit a waste of electricity, but instead, a lesson well learned. Thank you, God, for sharing one more glimpse of You with us.
Shine on.
Monday, January 10, 2011
when 12 items or less is just not enough
Perhaps your idea of a 'learning experience' is not typically found in the setting of a grocery store. But then again, perhaps the root of our struggle to reach our desired states of Christ-likeness is because we box learning in and do not seek wisdom EVERYWHERE we are.
Tonight I was at the grocery store looking for garbage bags. I was not in any particular rush, but I'm never one to waste time when I do not have to, so I quickly travelled up and down some aisles that looked typical of 'non-food' products, but to no success. So I asked a guy who worked there, and with a confused look on his face, he told me it was his first day and he had no idea. So I travelled along to the big main aisle at the back of the store. I quickly read over the signs and did not see anything that said 'GARBAGE BAGS HERE!'...maybe I was looking for a little too obvious of signs. I started to head toward the dairy section, but then rationalizing to myself that garbage bags wouldn't be mixed in with the food aisles that direction, I headed full speed toward the butchery. Here I found help. I turned to another friendly associate and gave him the same request for help as I had earlier to the other employee. That's when he turned to face the dairy section (the one I had just fled from). This is the point where I felt like I was going to look a little silly for missing the garbage bads...so I once again quickly read the overhanging signs (more thoroughly this time) and before he could get out a complete sentence, said something to the effect of 'oh, I must have overlooked the aisle that says 'plastic bags'...aisle 15...thank you,' and quickly darted that way. As I walked back toward the dairy section that I had so easily dodged with my logic, I realized there were parallels with this in my spiritual life....here goes....
Often when I face something I want(ed) in my life (a new career, a Godly man to be a future husband, high school graduation, college graduation, a healthy baby, etc. etc.) I realize I rush through, trying to get the most done possible and just hit the highlights. Just like in the grocery store, when I try to do this, I often end up missing my true goal and getting even more lost along the way. I begin to seek help from therapists, best friends, self-help books, etc. who (even though they try their best) may not always know or have the answer for me [this parallels the new guy at the grocery]. Then, when I begin to assume that logically something can't work out [this parallels the dairy section dodge] like a medical problem, exam, or relationship issue, I get it all wrong and turn the wrong direction. Finally (and hopefully) when our own path/logic and the help of others does not get us to the goal, we ask the assistance of Godly council or from the Big Guy (Christ) Himself for the answer. ...and then He points us in the right direction and we get the 'ooooh, of course you had it right there in the right order clearly labeled, God' that we deserve for being impatient.
So the point in all that jumbled mess: if I had slowed down and taken everything in front of me in one step at a time, if I had let the garbage bag aisle (representative of a choice or event in your life) arrive at the right time in the right order, perhaps things would have gone a little more smoothly. Be patient, seek the right council, but when things don't always work out when and how you want, don't get anxious...there is a reason.
Here are some verses to back this up...after all, the Word of God (the Bible) is the rock upon which our lives should be founded.
Proverbs 1 digs into wisdom, and to get the full thrust of the chapter without confusing the pictures within it, here it is, all for the reading. Really ponder on seeking wisdom and knowledge in your life. How do you think you can do that more? Well, what do you consider a source of wisdom? If God is the most wise of all...and He is...perhaps reading His Word is a good start? Indeed.
Proverbs 1:
"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
My son, if sinful men entice you,
do not give in to them.
If they say, “Come along with us;
let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,
let’s ambush some harmless soul;
let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
cast lots with us;
we will all share the loot”—
my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
for their feet rush into evil,
they are swift to shed blood.
How useless to spread a net
where every bird can see it!
These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they ambush only themselves!
Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the life of those who get it.
---[The Rebuke from Wisdom, vs. 20-33]
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;
on top of the wall[d] she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech:
“How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge?
Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
But since you refuse to listen when I call
and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
since you disregard all my advice
and do not accept my rebuke,
I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me,
since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the LORD.
Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
...so fear the Lord. And by that, I mean, hold Him in the highest esteem, the highest control, the highest knowledge, and the highest of things you seek. He has wisdom for you to gain. After all, wise men still seek Him...
Tonight I was at the grocery store looking for garbage bags. I was not in any particular rush, but I'm never one to waste time when I do not have to, so I quickly travelled up and down some aisles that looked typical of 'non-food' products, but to no success. So I asked a guy who worked there, and with a confused look on his face, he told me it was his first day and he had no idea. So I travelled along to the big main aisle at the back of the store. I quickly read over the signs and did not see anything that said 'GARBAGE BAGS HERE!'...maybe I was looking for a little too obvious of signs. I started to head toward the dairy section, but then rationalizing to myself that garbage bags wouldn't be mixed in with the food aisles that direction, I headed full speed toward the butchery. Here I found help. I turned to another friendly associate and gave him the same request for help as I had earlier to the other employee. That's when he turned to face the dairy section (the one I had just fled from). This is the point where I felt like I was going to look a little silly for missing the garbage bads...so I once again quickly read the overhanging signs (more thoroughly this time) and before he could get out a complete sentence, said something to the effect of 'oh, I must have overlooked the aisle that says 'plastic bags'...aisle 15...thank you,' and quickly darted that way. As I walked back toward the dairy section that I had so easily dodged with my logic, I realized there were parallels with this in my spiritual life....here goes....
Often when I face something I want(ed) in my life (a new career, a Godly man to be a future husband, high school graduation, college graduation, a healthy baby, etc. etc.) I realize I rush through, trying to get the most done possible and just hit the highlights. Just like in the grocery store, when I try to do this, I often end up missing my true goal and getting even more lost along the way. I begin to seek help from therapists, best friends, self-help books, etc. who (even though they try their best) may not always know or have the answer for me [this parallels the new guy at the grocery]. Then, when I begin to assume that logically something can't work out [this parallels the dairy section dodge] like a medical problem, exam, or relationship issue, I get it all wrong and turn the wrong direction. Finally (and hopefully) when our own path/logic and the help of others does not get us to the goal, we ask the assistance of Godly council or from the Big Guy (Christ) Himself for the answer. ...and then He points us in the right direction and we get the 'ooooh, of course you had it right there in the right order clearly labeled, God' that we deserve for being impatient.
So the point in all that jumbled mess: if I had slowed down and taken everything in front of me in one step at a time, if I had let the garbage bag aisle (representative of a choice or event in your life) arrive at the right time in the right order, perhaps things would have gone a little more smoothly. Be patient, seek the right council, but when things don't always work out when and how you want, don't get anxious...there is a reason.
Here are some verses to back this up...after all, the Word of God (the Bible) is the rock upon which our lives should be founded.
Proverbs 1 digs into wisdom, and to get the full thrust of the chapter without confusing the pictures within it, here it is, all for the reading. Really ponder on seeking wisdom and knowledge in your life. How do you think you can do that more? Well, what do you consider a source of wisdom? If God is the most wise of all...and He is...perhaps reading His Word is a good start? Indeed.
Proverbs 1:
"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to those who are simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young—
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
They are a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck.
My son, if sinful men entice you,
do not give in to them.
If they say, “Come along with us;
let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,
let’s ambush some harmless soul;
let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,
and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
we will get all sorts of valuable things
and fill our houses with plunder;
cast lots with us;
we will all share the loot”—
my son, do not go along with them,
do not set foot on their paths;
for their feet rush into evil,
they are swift to shed blood.
How useless to spread a net
where every bird can see it!
These men lie in wait for their own blood;
they ambush only themselves!
Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;
it takes away the life of those who get it.
---[The Rebuke from Wisdom, vs. 20-33]
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square;
on top of the wall[d] she cries out,
at the city gate she makes her speech:
“How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?
How long will mockers delight in mockery
and fools hate knowledge?
Repent at my rebuke!
Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings.
But since you refuse to listen when I call
and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
since you disregard all my advice
and do not accept my rebuke,
I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
I will mock when calamity overtakes you—
when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
they will look for me but will not find me,
since they hated knowledge
and did not choose to fear the LORD.
Since they would not accept my advice
and spurned my rebuke,
they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
but whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
...so fear the Lord. And by that, I mean, hold Him in the highest esteem, the highest control, the highest knowledge, and the highest of things you seek. He has wisdom for you to gain. After all, wise men still seek Him...
Friday, January 7, 2011
just how productive is hurling grapes in a snowstorm?
Tonight, I drove home in the worst snow storm I've ever driven in. The snow was coming down so hard that it was very difficult to see even going 10-20 mph on the freeway. On top of that it was dark and there was ice on the roads. There were a few times I felt my stomach twist a little from either not being able to brake or fish tailing a little. Fortunately, I have a brother that taught me at a young age how to drive in storms like this, and how not to react when you lose control.
As I was driving in these extremely dangerous conditions with cars in ditches, spun around backward, and ran into each other, I found myself comparing my drive to our lives. Life is unpredictable, and there is very low visibility far ahead of us. Although we make our 20 year plans and hope and dream big, often what we expect (good or bad) is not exactly where we end up. There were times tonight where I literally could not see more than 15 feet in front of me. That's a tiny amount of space when you're on ice and on a freeway. I found that I had to trust God. The same goes with life--we can't see the future and to a large degree we cannot control it. So it's about learning to work with what we can control and trusting God for the rest. When my car began to fish tail because I hit a rough patch, I had to remember not to overreact, not to brake suddenly, and not to accelerate...but just to completely release. When we come to difficult situations in life like losing a job, a family member getting cancer, and so on, sometimes the best way to react is to release it to God. Let Him set the pace and guide the way.
Also, when it snows, there's often one path in a snow-covered multiple lane road that people travel on. Because of previous car treads, the snow and ice are a little more driveable in that one section. This reminded me of the straight and narrow. As the Bible says in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." At times, it may have seemed tempting to get off the predetermined tire treads that my car had a little more grip on to go around someone, or to be closer to one side of the road or the other, but by staying in the middle I secured the safest path. As I drove, I saw cars around me that had strayed off the path or tried to go faster than what was best and had spun off the road. This parallels staying on the straight and narrow and following God's plan for our lives. By doing this and accepting Jesus Christ's forgiveness for our sins (the times we swerved off the path), we will arrive at our final destination (Heaven) safely. But when we leave the path, we are asking for direction, and unlike the road I was driving on tonight, if we do not stay on the straight and narrow path symbolic of following Christ after accepting salvation, we will not enter Heaven.
Hell is very real...as are the ditches on the side of the road in this life--the consequences we can visualize to compare. The good news is that even if you end up in a ditch, Jesus can pull you out if you will let Him forgive you and give you guidance. But stay in the ditch too long, until the end of your life, and there will be no bailing out and the ultimate consequences will not be pretty.
So what part of the road are you driving on in this storm of life that so often has low visibility? To reflect on Matthew 7 again, perhaps verses 16-20 will reveal a little about where you're at, in case you aren't sure: "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." What fruit are you bearing?
As I was driving in these extremely dangerous conditions with cars in ditches, spun around backward, and ran into each other, I found myself comparing my drive to our lives. Life is unpredictable, and there is very low visibility far ahead of us. Although we make our 20 year plans and hope and dream big, often what we expect (good or bad) is not exactly where we end up. There were times tonight where I literally could not see more than 15 feet in front of me. That's a tiny amount of space when you're on ice and on a freeway. I found that I had to trust God. The same goes with life--we can't see the future and to a large degree we cannot control it. So it's about learning to work with what we can control and trusting God for the rest. When my car began to fish tail because I hit a rough patch, I had to remember not to overreact, not to brake suddenly, and not to accelerate...but just to completely release. When we come to difficult situations in life like losing a job, a family member getting cancer, and so on, sometimes the best way to react is to release it to God. Let Him set the pace and guide the way.
Also, when it snows, there's often one path in a snow-covered multiple lane road that people travel on. Because of previous car treads, the snow and ice are a little more driveable in that one section. This reminded me of the straight and narrow. As the Bible says in Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." At times, it may have seemed tempting to get off the predetermined tire treads that my car had a little more grip on to go around someone, or to be closer to one side of the road or the other, but by staying in the middle I secured the safest path. As I drove, I saw cars around me that had strayed off the path or tried to go faster than what was best and had spun off the road. This parallels staying on the straight and narrow and following God's plan for our lives. By doing this and accepting Jesus Christ's forgiveness for our sins (the times we swerved off the path), we will arrive at our final destination (Heaven) safely. But when we leave the path, we are asking for direction, and unlike the road I was driving on tonight, if we do not stay on the straight and narrow path symbolic of following Christ after accepting salvation, we will not enter Heaven.
Hell is very real...as are the ditches on the side of the road in this life--the consequences we can visualize to compare. The good news is that even if you end up in a ditch, Jesus can pull you out if you will let Him forgive you and give you guidance. But stay in the ditch too long, until the end of your life, and there will be no bailing out and the ultimate consequences will not be pretty.
So what part of the road are you driving on in this storm of life that so often has low visibility? To reflect on Matthew 7 again, perhaps verses 16-20 will reveal a little about where you're at, in case you aren't sure: "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." What fruit are you bearing?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
check the specs in your perspective
Have you ever watched a movie more than once? Perhaps on the second time around you heard a line you didn't remember hearing the first time? Or maybe the seventh time through you noticed something hidden in the background that although not crucial to understanding the movie, made it make just that much more sense? Well I will confide in you that I tend to be a big fan of movies and I have watched my fair share of movies more than one time. For instance, tonight I watched a new movie I got a second time and with a different group of people. One of the people I watched the movie with pointed out that the main character almost always wore blue...this was symbolic of something, and we tried together to figure out the story beyond the plot. And I find that thinking through the significance of the little details I learn with each time I watch help me to better understand and better appreciate the whole.
Interestingly enough, tonight I was having a slightly rough night--thinking about a lot and just not in a great overall mood. I was reading back through a journal of some scripture notes I had taken from my assistant pastor preaching over a year ago. He was teaching out of Proverbs 3. It was almost like I immediately shrugged it off when I read that, not looking deeper to see what else I could learn. It was as if I thought "oh, Proverbs 3:5-6, must have been a great message since I've heard the 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths' a million times." Shame on me. Just because you've heard a scripture quoted, had it memorized, or seen it on a plaque or bookmark doesn't it make it any less powerful. It shouldn't. So I flipped to Proverbs 3.
Proverbs 3 is a beautiful chapter I recommend rereading that talks about wisdom, guidance for the young, and giving and receiving. I knew wisdom was here, and I've read this chapter many many times before, but God had something else to say to me.
Recently, I've been thinking a lot more about becoming a better me, and it's almost like I've received a lot of word from others about things I need to fix. I'll admit that it's gotten me down thinking that sometimes the things I say come across as mean or rude to others, or just the fact that words I've spoken have unintentionally really hurt someone. So I'm working on this. And I hope my efforts will have good results for both me and those around me (if you could send up a prayer about this, that would be great). So as I cracked into Proverbs 3, I got to verses 11 and 12 which say, "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights." So as I'm burdened down with this weight almost of guilt and wrong and feeling like I've got progress to make or that I've put a bad light on Christians by my actions, God reminds me 'Hey, I love you and it's because of that that I want you to become even more like me.'
So thank you, God, for continuing to speak to me even when I fail to look for you or fail to seek you as I should. And to wrap back to the original story (hope I didn't lose you), just as we watch movies over and over and learn new things or still get something out of them, we should also look for new things to learn each time we reread something in the Bible. I find that as our own perspective develops or as we face different situations in our lives, we will get something else out of it. And even if we learned nothing new, I find I'm often so hardheaded that I need to hear things repeated over and over sometimes before I'll listen. Also, I mentioned that I watched the same movie with 2 different groups and picked up on different things. This is also true with reading and studying the Bible. I find that each of us has a different perspective thanks to our own life stories. Sharing and discussing the Word with others and being open to their understanding of it is important. You may learn something with one group that you may not have learned with another or on your own.
So rejoice in chastising of God, that He loves you and you're on your way to a better you. Also, rejoice in the fact that God has not stopped speaking to us through His Word, even in all the many ways we approach it and times we read it.
Interestingly enough, tonight I was having a slightly rough night--thinking about a lot and just not in a great overall mood. I was reading back through a journal of some scripture notes I had taken from my assistant pastor preaching over a year ago. He was teaching out of Proverbs 3. It was almost like I immediately shrugged it off when I read that, not looking deeper to see what else I could learn. It was as if I thought "oh, Proverbs 3:5-6, must have been a great message since I've heard the 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths' a million times." Shame on me. Just because you've heard a scripture quoted, had it memorized, or seen it on a plaque or bookmark doesn't it make it any less powerful. It shouldn't. So I flipped to Proverbs 3.
Proverbs 3 is a beautiful chapter I recommend rereading that talks about wisdom, guidance for the young, and giving and receiving. I knew wisdom was here, and I've read this chapter many many times before, but God had something else to say to me.
Recently, I've been thinking a lot more about becoming a better me, and it's almost like I've received a lot of word from others about things I need to fix. I'll admit that it's gotten me down thinking that sometimes the things I say come across as mean or rude to others, or just the fact that words I've spoken have unintentionally really hurt someone. So I'm working on this. And I hope my efforts will have good results for both me and those around me (if you could send up a prayer about this, that would be great). So as I cracked into Proverbs 3, I got to verses 11 and 12 which say, "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights." So as I'm burdened down with this weight almost of guilt and wrong and feeling like I've got progress to make or that I've put a bad light on Christians by my actions, God reminds me 'Hey, I love you and it's because of that that I want you to become even more like me.'
So thank you, God, for continuing to speak to me even when I fail to look for you or fail to seek you as I should. And to wrap back to the original story (hope I didn't lose you), just as we watch movies over and over and learn new things or still get something out of them, we should also look for new things to learn each time we reread something in the Bible. I find that as our own perspective develops or as we face different situations in our lives, we will get something else out of it. And even if we learned nothing new, I find I'm often so hardheaded that I need to hear things repeated over and over sometimes before I'll listen. Also, I mentioned that I watched the same movie with 2 different groups and picked up on different things. This is also true with reading and studying the Bible. I find that each of us has a different perspective thanks to our own life stories. Sharing and discussing the Word with others and being open to their understanding of it is important. You may learn something with one group that you may not have learned with another or on your own.
So rejoice in chastising of God, that He loves you and you're on your way to a better you. Also, rejoice in the fact that God has not stopped speaking to us through His Word, even in all the many ways we approach it and times we read it.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
if only spinning could lead to twirling, perhaps we'd have a tiltawhirl
I talk to a lot of people, especially females, that have this perception that they need someone--to be dating someone that is. Well, honey, you know I'm going to tell you straight up the only one you need is Jesus. Many awesome people have tackled life alone because they found something above and beyone theirselves to live for--be it religion, poverty, younger siblings, a best friend, the handicapped... you name it. But so often I find that the pain many of my very intelligent, even often very attractive friends feel because of their singleness is because it becomes their utmost desire. And whether you believe in God's plan or merely destiny/romantic comedies, most people can agree that meeting 'the one' is not always in your control. While, I completely agree about being proactive on things you are passionate about, sometimes dating is one that becomes too concerning, especially for teens and 20-somethings. So take a breather...remember, Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, 'God has made everything beautiful in its time.' Don't rush your life. Don't rush love. It could end in regrets, pain, abuse, or other negative consequences--not only for yourself, but maybe even your children down the road. Figuring out who to marry is an important decision, but as I so often have to remind myself 'do you best and let God do the rest...let go and let God.' So now that I've had that spill, here's the poem that inspired it, inspired by a status of a friend of mine from another country who has no idea she inspired it (I wrote this about a week ago). Carry on and keep your head up. Have joy in the now.
Life is a drunken canvas
Though she's never had a drop
Oh, the stories she could tell
Of him, but she couldn’t stop
In circles she would ride her bike
In circles, she would spin
Perhaps someday she’ll spend her time
Not thinking of him
She’ll ring the bell, she’ll serve the beans
But it will never please him
She’ll tear the hem out of her sleeves
And hide the deep bruised skin
She wonders if that day at brunch
That table set for two
When he came in and stole her heart
She knew it wouldn’t do
But wait for Him she wouldn’t
She had her cup of tea
And even though quite bitter
Her cup was not empty
For two that seem at first in love
May not actually compat
Another may have been there
If she’d waited for Her Match
Perhaps He won’t wear army green
Perhaps He won’t be tall
Perhaps she’ll never picture Him
Her mind is just too small
To see the depths the future holds
To predict what is to come
But if she waits, and hopes and dreams,
What’s best just might be done
But hastily she carries on?
For this we wait and see
Would she rather have the here and now,
Or a Better Cup Of Tea?
Have patience child, your time will come
And sweet charms you shall receive
But if you bait the hook too soon
The truth of life may bleed
Life is a drunken canvas
Though she’s never had a drop
Oh, the stories she could tell
About when she learned to stop.
Life is a drunken canvas
Though she's never had a drop
Oh, the stories she could tell
Of him, but she couldn’t stop
In circles she would ride her bike
In circles, she would spin
Perhaps someday she’ll spend her time
Not thinking of him
She’ll ring the bell, she’ll serve the beans
But it will never please him
She’ll tear the hem out of her sleeves
And hide the deep bruised skin
She wonders if that day at brunch
That table set for two
When he came in and stole her heart
She knew it wouldn’t do
But wait for Him she wouldn’t
She had her cup of tea
And even though quite bitter
Her cup was not empty
For two that seem at first in love
May not actually compat
Another may have been there
If she’d waited for Her Match
Perhaps He won’t wear army green
Perhaps He won’t be tall
Perhaps she’ll never picture Him
Her mind is just too small
To see the depths the future holds
To predict what is to come
But if she waits, and hopes and dreams,
What’s best just might be done
But hastily she carries on?
For this we wait and see
Would she rather have the here and now,
Or a Better Cup Of Tea?
Have patience child, your time will come
And sweet charms you shall receive
But if you bait the hook too soon
The truth of life may bleed
Life is a drunken canvas
Though she’s never had a drop
Oh, the stories she could tell
About when she learned to stop.
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