It's funny how sometimes we think everything is going great - we're growing, changing, developing our faith - when in reality we're about to get a simple reminder of how broken and imperfect we really are.
In my own life recently, I've been doing fine, good actually. Until something came out of nowhere in the depths of my being: I'm too quick to judge. Over the past few years I've grown much in my opinion and attitude toward the broken in this world. I've adapted the mantra that the past is the past, and whatever happened then cannot and should not affect how we judge people's lives today. But the reality of the matter is that I myself have let my past hinder and derail my hopes for the future. I've let the things that I cannot change prevent me from taking the risks of new beginnings. And I'm at a crossroads... what do I do to push myself beyond what's happened, and forward to God's glorious plan for my life?
Surrender...
However, as I surrender, I find that my judgment goes beyond my own shortcomings to the mistakes of others. Instead of loving someone, supporting them through a crisis with true, pure, unbiased care, I replay their mistakes, their shortcomings, their failures over and over in my own mind. Literally telling myself, "well, they've done this or that, so I'm one up from them." or "how will I ever be able to understand this person with so much baggage?" (bring in Matthew 7:2-4 here). And I'm reminded that it's not my place to judge, it's not my place to choose who God gets to love, it's not my place to live in this "high and mighty" mentality thinking myself better than others. It's His choice, His grace, His mercy that restores the broken, heals the hurting, and loves the lonely. As it says in Romans 14:10, "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat."
And so often, as Christians, we think that just because others can't physically see the mistakes we've made (unlike unwed mothers - for example), we are somehow better than them. Speaking to my friend Callie last night made me realize that just because my sins aren't open or public for everyone to see, doesn't mean that I'm not somehow harboring something detrimental to my overall wellbeing. And I'm amazed at the people who's reputations have been forever burned because of choices and mistakes they've made. Those that don't hide the choices they've made, the sins they've committed. But they bring them into the open, that they may be healed, but that they may also be used for God's Kingdom as a story of His redemption and care. They are truly some of the most genuine, open, life changing people we will ever have the chance to meet. Let's not let our judgment prevent us from friendship and relationship with those who've been in the deepest pits of life, who've faced the horrors of pain, addiction, and abuse. Instead, let's come along side them, encouraging and learning everything we can from their own experiences and the path they've come down to repentance and the forgiveness of Christ.
So I end with this... what are your secret sins? What are the things hidden so deep that it would be paralyzing if they were revealed? What is it that's hidden under lock and key? And what needs to be done so that life may be lived free from the angst of the past? What do we need to bring to the open so that we may be healed and grow deeper in our faith?
Freedom comes with revealing. And until each and every one of the deepest sins is approached, presented, revealed, and forgiven, we cannot be fully used by God to touch those around us.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Two Thousand Ten
2010. Another decade of this world, gone. A new one, just beginning. Full of possibilities, choices, failures, blessings, and everything in between – we start another year. Life seems to fly by, especially in modern society, where productivity abounds, while relationships and families fall. The important “things” in life can be merely swept away in a blink of an eye. As our world continues to refuse to defend the important and succumbs to the pressure of the gods of this modern society(fame, sex, drugs, money, etc).
As we enter into a new decade, my hope and prayer is that the relationship and the love of others would be evident moreso than what the Jones’ have that I don’t. Rather than focusing on the “stuff” of life that will surely disappoint, finding the true meaning of life on this earth. Seeking to glorify The One and Only, instead of satisfying our own desires. That Ps. 37:4 would become a reality in life, rather than the fleshly desires that often rule and reign over us. No, that we would give full access of ourselves to God that He may pour out his desires on our souls, and that we would follow him faithfully in any direction or path He leads us.
As I’ve begun pondering goals and direction for the next year of life, I’m reminded of James 4:14, “How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” The reminder that our lives are short, brings up a multitude of questions like: What am I being called to do? What does God want me to do while I'm here? What are the specific gifts and talents that I have that can help me attain my goals/desires?
As I read a dear friend of mine's blog the other day about "what do you want?", I decided to do a little thinking/praying about what it is that I truly desire my life to look like now, and in the future. I could sit here and list all the things I've ever wanted, like A White Convertible Mustang with Bright Pink Racing Stripes, or the 6000 square foot dream house with a Mother in Law apartment and plenty of space for cooking, entertaining, and being a "home away from home" for those in need, or My debt being gone - erased, never to be thought of again. But the reality is, the world we live in, the lives of those around us are more materially based than ever before. I often look at my own dissatisfaction with the incredible BLESSINGS that are in my life and think, "what an ungrateful jerk I am!". The truth is, if we're lucky enough to have a roof over our heads, food to eat, and clothes to wear, we're richer than 85% of the world. That's HUGE!
As we face 2010 I've wondered: Why is it that we Americans deal with this intrinsic need to one up the Jones'? Why are we bombarded by stuff only to find that the more we get the more we "need" or "want". The unquenchable thirst for more has plagued the lives of this nation for decades, and the American Dream is nothing more than an exhausted fantasy never to be truly fulfilled.
As I sit in a world deteriorating by urges, rather than necessity, I find that the true things I want aren't what I "want" at all. They're simply what I desire - things forever etched on my soul. Simple acts and steps that have been spoken to my heart in the still small, steady Voice:
1. I desire to preach/teach the gospel "fearlessly as I should..." (Eph. 6). Not just sitting back and allowing the "big wigs" to influence our world. No, I want to be a voice and a vessel of Christ in the lives of those I come into contact with. Whether it's a person on the street corner or one of my beloved relatives. If I'm the only Jesus they ever see, I want to be the best example of Him possible, and in every circumstance/situation.
2. I long to write. There's not a day that goes by that my desire and need to write doesn't take over my thoughts. Short stories, life stories, nonfictional examples of grace, forgiveness, trust, pain, and inevitable eternal Joy.
3. I desire to have an "open door" policy anywhere and everywhere I go. If someone needs something, I want to fulfill it to the best of my ability.
4. I long for love, by the best earthly example possible. I love for relationship with another that is a an example of the love Christ has for His Church and that people would see our relationship as different, as a model.
5. I desire to leave a legacy for generations to come of overcoming obstacles by the grace and joy of the Lord.
6. I desire adventure, travel, change, risk, and everything that comes with it. Making memories along the way, rather than filling boxes with the "trinkets" where moth and rust destroy.
7. I want my ministry to be my job and my job to be my ministry.
8. I desire community - true community where we lean on one another, encouraging, challenging, building, and loving each other as Christ guides our lives. Lifelong friendships of support.
This is just the beginning of the life long list of desires, hopes, and dreams that I have. Of course I have my goals for the year and for life, but the above listed items are more than just goals - they're cravings of the soul. Desires that only He can fulfill in my heart.
"Don't Doubt in the Darkness what God Promised in the Light." - Pastor David Goode
What are your desires? What are the cravings of your soul? What needs to be done to achieve them? And where are you going to begin?
Here's to a fantastic 2010!
As we enter into a new decade, my hope and prayer is that the relationship and the love of others would be evident moreso than what the Jones’ have that I don’t. Rather than focusing on the “stuff” of life that will surely disappoint, finding the true meaning of life on this earth. Seeking to glorify The One and Only, instead of satisfying our own desires. That Ps. 37:4 would become a reality in life, rather than the fleshly desires that often rule and reign over us. No, that we would give full access of ourselves to God that He may pour out his desires on our souls, and that we would follow him faithfully in any direction or path He leads us.
As I’ve begun pondering goals and direction for the next year of life, I’m reminded of James 4:14, “How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” The reminder that our lives are short, brings up a multitude of questions like: What am I being called to do? What does God want me to do while I'm here? What are the specific gifts and talents that I have that can help me attain my goals/desires?
As I read a dear friend of mine's blog the other day about "what do you want?", I decided to do a little thinking/praying about what it is that I truly desire my life to look like now, and in the future. I could sit here and list all the things I've ever wanted, like A White Convertible Mustang with Bright Pink Racing Stripes, or the 6000 square foot dream house with a Mother in Law apartment and plenty of space for cooking, entertaining, and being a "home away from home" for those in need, or My debt being gone - erased, never to be thought of again. But the reality is, the world we live in, the lives of those around us are more materially based than ever before. I often look at my own dissatisfaction with the incredible BLESSINGS that are in my life and think, "what an ungrateful jerk I am!". The truth is, if we're lucky enough to have a roof over our heads, food to eat, and clothes to wear, we're richer than 85% of the world. That's HUGE!
As we face 2010 I've wondered: Why is it that we Americans deal with this intrinsic need to one up the Jones'? Why are we bombarded by stuff only to find that the more we get the more we "need" or "want". The unquenchable thirst for more has plagued the lives of this nation for decades, and the American Dream is nothing more than an exhausted fantasy never to be truly fulfilled.
As I sit in a world deteriorating by urges, rather than necessity, I find that the true things I want aren't what I "want" at all. They're simply what I desire - things forever etched on my soul. Simple acts and steps that have been spoken to my heart in the still small, steady Voice:
1. I desire to preach/teach the gospel "fearlessly as I should..." (Eph. 6). Not just sitting back and allowing the "big wigs" to influence our world. No, I want to be a voice and a vessel of Christ in the lives of those I come into contact with. Whether it's a person on the street corner or one of my beloved relatives. If I'm the only Jesus they ever see, I want to be the best example of Him possible, and in every circumstance/situation.
2. I long to write. There's not a day that goes by that my desire and need to write doesn't take over my thoughts. Short stories, life stories, nonfictional examples of grace, forgiveness, trust, pain, and inevitable eternal Joy.
3. I desire to have an "open door" policy anywhere and everywhere I go. If someone needs something, I want to fulfill it to the best of my ability.
4. I long for love, by the best earthly example possible. I love for relationship with another that is a an example of the love Christ has for His Church and that people would see our relationship as different, as a model.
5. I desire to leave a legacy for generations to come of overcoming obstacles by the grace and joy of the Lord.
6. I desire adventure, travel, change, risk, and everything that comes with it. Making memories along the way, rather than filling boxes with the "trinkets" where moth and rust destroy.
7. I want my ministry to be my job and my job to be my ministry.
8. I desire community - true community where we lean on one another, encouraging, challenging, building, and loving each other as Christ guides our lives. Lifelong friendships of support.
This is just the beginning of the life long list of desires, hopes, and dreams that I have. Of course I have my goals for the year and for life, but the above listed items are more than just goals - they're cravings of the soul. Desires that only He can fulfill in my heart.
"Don't Doubt in the Darkness what God Promised in the Light." - Pastor David Goode
What are your desires? What are the cravings of your soul? What needs to be done to achieve them? And where are you going to begin?
Here's to a fantastic 2010!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
A New Chapter
Today is a day that will go down in the Tenacious memory bank as a day of new beginnings, a new chapter on life. Over the past few months I've slowly been going through the stuff I've collected over the past 12 years as I packed up to move out of my teenage home and into a new one. It's crazy how much two people can accumulate after a decade of living in one place. When I've completed one task, there seems to be another pile of stuff to go through around the next corner.
This move is not only the closing of one door, it's the openning of great opportunity for adventure, BIG adventure. For so long I've felt stuck, and today God proved to me that He's bigger than any mountain that stands in the way of the dreams He places on our hearts. For awhile I've wanted to live on my own, try new things, go new places, but I've felt a bit of a burden financially. But today God shut the door of financial fear, and opened one of blessing. He is showing me that even in the darkest hours, He's still there, aware of my struggles and needs.
Moving is also a time of reflection of the relationships built within this neighborhood, and the new opportunities that lie before me. It's a time to realize and appreciate all that's been given to me, and to think seriously about what God would have the future be. I'll tell you one thing, if I've learned anything from this move, it's that Americans have WAY too much stuff. I mean WAY too much! I keep going through things finding silly little trinkets that someone gave me long ago, that I never really used. So much time and money is placed into things that will never fully satisfy for fulfill.
With that, I've started writing my goals for 2010, and one of the top goals is to make memories instead of buying more "stuff". Because memories are what we take with us, what we cherish. How many of us can name all the presents we received for Christmas 5 years ago? I'd be surprised if we could even remember 1 of the gifts we received. But how often do we remember grandma's fruitcake or the Christmas when Santa was found to be grandpa?
Another goal for 2010 is to live life fearlessly - taking risks, taking on challenges, and living out the "go to grow" calling. I can't believe that another year has gone by, but I'm excited for everything that awaits in 2010. Praise God for His direction and ultimate plan!
This move is not only the closing of one door, it's the openning of great opportunity for adventure, BIG adventure. For so long I've felt stuck, and today God proved to me that He's bigger than any mountain that stands in the way of the dreams He places on our hearts. For awhile I've wanted to live on my own, try new things, go new places, but I've felt a bit of a burden financially. But today God shut the door of financial fear, and opened one of blessing. He is showing me that even in the darkest hours, He's still there, aware of my struggles and needs.
Moving is also a time of reflection of the relationships built within this neighborhood, and the new opportunities that lie before me. It's a time to realize and appreciate all that's been given to me, and to think seriously about what God would have the future be. I'll tell you one thing, if I've learned anything from this move, it's that Americans have WAY too much stuff. I mean WAY too much! I keep going through things finding silly little trinkets that someone gave me long ago, that I never really used. So much time and money is placed into things that will never fully satisfy for fulfill.
With that, I've started writing my goals for 2010, and one of the top goals is to make memories instead of buying more "stuff". Because memories are what we take with us, what we cherish. How many of us can name all the presents we received for Christmas 5 years ago? I'd be surprised if we could even remember 1 of the gifts we received. But how often do we remember grandma's fruitcake or the Christmas when Santa was found to be grandpa?
Another goal for 2010 is to live life fearlessly - taking risks, taking on challenges, and living out the "go to grow" calling. I can't believe that another year has gone by, but I'm excited for everything that awaits in 2010. Praise God for His direction and ultimate plan!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Promises of God?
“The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.” – Ps. 145:13
This passage has led me into a whirlwind of questions. How do we know what the promises of God are? How do we know we’re able to gain these promises? What are the promises of God, Biblically speaking?
As I started my research, I found that the promises of God are all over in scripture:
1. Jer. 33:3 – God will answer us when we call to Him
2. John 14:14 - Ask and receive – if we ask in the name of Jesus
3. Matt. 6:33 – seek 1st His kingdom and all these things will be added to you (blessing!)
4. Phil. 4:6-7 – answers our prayers with peace
5. Ps. 32:8 – God instructs us and leads us to the way we need to go
6. Rom 8:28 – God works everything for the GOOD of those who love Him
7. Ps. 46:1 – God is our comfort and help in trouble
8. Is. 40:29 – gives us strength and courage
9. Ecc. 5:19 – Blessings from God – that we may be able to enjoy success and life
10. Jer. 29:11 – Has a plan for us of a hope and a future – not of harm
And these promises are only the beginning. God's Word is FULL of His promises and His blessings that He pours out on those who love Him. God has a Plan in any and every situation that we face throughout life. So how do we trust the promises of God? How do we get to the level of faith of truly, willingly, unrelentlessly Trusting the Lord’s promises that He lays on our hearts? Constant and everyday communication with Him - hiding His words, His Truth, His promises in our hearts, so that when the difficult times of life come knocking, we have the fuel and the strength to face any obstacle that comes our way.
The only issue is that often within the difficulties of life we're faced with an overwhelming fear that nearly paralyzes us from acting -but what we must do in these circumstances is come straight to the Throne of Grace, seeking His guidance in the midst of the darkest hours. Easier said than done? Always... but the diligence of seeking relationship with the One and Only always pays off in blessings, comfort, and strength. It's worth it... that's all I can say.
Start asking for God to show the promises He has for your life to you... and start allowing yourself to live out these promises, so that you may live to the full potential of life here on earth. Risk, Dream, Do - more! WOOT! :-)
This passage has led me into a whirlwind of questions. How do we know what the promises of God are? How do we know we’re able to gain these promises? What are the promises of God, Biblically speaking?
As I started my research, I found that the promises of God are all over in scripture:
1. Jer. 33:3 – God will answer us when we call to Him
2. John 14:14 - Ask and receive – if we ask in the name of Jesus
3. Matt. 6:33 – seek 1st His kingdom and all these things will be added to you (blessing!)
4. Phil. 4:6-7 – answers our prayers with peace
5. Ps. 32:8 – God instructs us and leads us to the way we need to go
6. Rom 8:28 – God works everything for the GOOD of those who love Him
7. Ps. 46:1 – God is our comfort and help in trouble
8. Is. 40:29 – gives us strength and courage
9. Ecc. 5:19 – Blessings from God – that we may be able to enjoy success and life
10. Jer. 29:11 – Has a plan for us of a hope and a future – not of harm
And these promises are only the beginning. God's Word is FULL of His promises and His blessings that He pours out on those who love Him. God has a Plan in any and every situation that we face throughout life. So how do we trust the promises of God? How do we get to the level of faith of truly, willingly, unrelentlessly Trusting the Lord’s promises that He lays on our hearts? Constant and everyday communication with Him - hiding His words, His Truth, His promises in our hearts, so that when the difficult times of life come knocking, we have the fuel and the strength to face any obstacle that comes our way.
The only issue is that often within the difficulties of life we're faced with an overwhelming fear that nearly paralyzes us from acting -but what we must do in these circumstances is come straight to the Throne of Grace, seeking His guidance in the midst of the darkest hours. Easier said than done? Always... but the diligence of seeking relationship with the One and Only always pays off in blessings, comfort, and strength. It's worth it... that's all I can say.
Start asking for God to show the promises He has for your life to you... and start allowing yourself to live out these promises, so that you may live to the full potential of life here on earth. Risk, Dream, Do - more! WOOT! :-)
Monday, November 16, 2009
Prayerful with what you ask for
Over the past few months, I’ve been in somewhat of a whirlwind. Looking at my life now and assessing what exactly it is that I want my life to be, or more specifically, what God wants my life to be. For 24 years, I’ve lived by the expectations of the world around me: go to school, go to more school, get a job, pay the bills, get a place of your own, and that’s life. However, I’ve come to realize that life is so much more than the everyday expectations that people lay on us.
I’ve come to the foot of the cross over the past while, asking for guidance, for direction, for increased hope, and for a future filled with God’s desires becoming my own. The prayers went from, “let me have this or that Lord.” to, “may your desires become my desires." And soon enough, I found myself praying some pretty huge prayers, that take faith beyond my own ability to trust to come about in the perfect time. It was when I started asking the big things, the deepest desires of my soul, and the true feelings of where I’m at in life, that God answered. One such prayer has been for no distractions to get in my life/my way along the path He has me going down. And you know what? I get little distractions along the way… but He’s been faithful to my prayer.
The sad part is that this particular prayer is one of those most difficult to ask for. One of those prayers that means personal sacrifice for God’s incredible paradise. A period in my life where dependence on the One is the only way I’ll get through it. And the funny thing is - He’s there. He’s in the middle of it. He’s walking the struggle with me, even when I can’t seem to track Him down. He’s standing beside me. He’s prompting my steps, speaking to my spirit, guiding every step. Even though this is one of the most difficult times in my life, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s a beautiful time of life that I’m finding the direction I’ve sought for years. It’s in this time that I’m gaining the courage to step out and “go into the land I have called you”. It’s in this time that I’m being refined into the person I’ve been called to be.
So I leave you with this: Instead of being careful what you ask for, why not start being prayerful about it? Why not start risking a bit, asking for those things that are deeply planted in your soul, but you’re too afraid to ask for? Even though they may be difficult things for you, they may be the very things you NEED to ask Him for; the items in your life that are preventing you from living to your full potential. You know what they are, now all you have to do is start asking so that you may receive the abundant blessing of the Presence of God. Because He shows up everytime, with an answer - it's just up to us how we'll respond to it.
I’ve come to the foot of the cross over the past while, asking for guidance, for direction, for increased hope, and for a future filled with God’s desires becoming my own. The prayers went from, “let me have this or that Lord.” to, “may your desires become my desires." And soon enough, I found myself praying some pretty huge prayers, that take faith beyond my own ability to trust to come about in the perfect time. It was when I started asking the big things, the deepest desires of my soul, and the true feelings of where I’m at in life, that God answered. One such prayer has been for no distractions to get in my life/my way along the path He has me going down. And you know what? I get little distractions along the way… but He’s been faithful to my prayer.
The sad part is that this particular prayer is one of those most difficult to ask for. One of those prayers that means personal sacrifice for God’s incredible paradise. A period in my life where dependence on the One is the only way I’ll get through it. And the funny thing is - He’s there. He’s in the middle of it. He’s walking the struggle with me, even when I can’t seem to track Him down. He’s standing beside me. He’s prompting my steps, speaking to my spirit, guiding every step. Even though this is one of the most difficult times in my life, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s a beautiful time of life that I’m finding the direction I’ve sought for years. It’s in this time that I’m gaining the courage to step out and “go into the land I have called you”. It’s in this time that I’m being refined into the person I’ve been called to be.
So I leave you with this: Instead of being careful what you ask for, why not start being prayerful about it? Why not start risking a bit, asking for those things that are deeply planted in your soul, but you’re too afraid to ask for? Even though they may be difficult things for you, they may be the very things you NEED to ask Him for; the items in your life that are preventing you from living to your full potential. You know what they are, now all you have to do is start asking so that you may receive the abundant blessing of the Presence of God. Because He shows up everytime, with an answer - it's just up to us how we'll respond to it.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Emotions - good or bad?
“Anxiety does not necessarily mean you’re making the wrong decision.” = Thomas Osborne at Kiros on 11-13-09.
So often, we think with our emotions instead of our heads. And as Christians, we often fall into the trap of allowing our emotions to somehow be “God speaking” to us. When in reality, our emotions are what often hold us back from the full potential and Will of God. The feeling of fear or anxiety paralyzes us from taking action, even when it is vital to our own destiny. The overwhelming emotion of love drives us into relationships/friendships with people who may be more toxic than good. The feeling of excitement or happiness sometimes drives us to make unrealistic and unwise decisions.
Emotional based reasoning is not the way that God intended us to think. He gave us a mind to reason and take action with, and to some He gives a “sense” of peace or a “burden” when it comes to certain decision in life. Others feel that He “opens one door, while closing another”. And even more feel that the Lord speaks directly into their lives through His word or through the “still small voice”. What we ought to be doing instead of trusting our emotions to make the right decisions for us, is listening intently and looking for the way in which God directs our paths. As it says in Rom. 12:1-2, “1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” We are to be fixing our attention on God when it comes to big decisions and life altering choices.
I especially love the section in Romans 12:2 that says, “Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it.” How often do we get a vision of what we’re meant to do and quickly forget about the promise of God to walk us through any trial we face in life? After discussing this issue with a few friends, I’ve found one of the best ways to keep your heart and mind focused/reminded of what He wants from us is to journal. Write it down people – that way we can go back and reference what we heard/learned/etc, so that if it’s a task that takes months or years to complete, we keep our focus and eye on the end goal.
It’s also vitally important to have a group of friends or family members that can sort through things with you. Someone we can be blatently honest with, and can ask us the tough questions like, “what’s holding you back from going after this desire?” or “what do you need me to do to help you meet that goal?”. Having encouragement, wise counsel, and support in the life changes. And it certainly is a good idea to have someone around to get your head out of the emotional cloud that so often fogs our judgment and understanding of God’s perfect and pleasing will for our lives.
I’ll leave you with this verse that should really become a life motto for us all, found in Phil. 4 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
So often, we think with our emotions instead of our heads. And as Christians, we often fall into the trap of allowing our emotions to somehow be “God speaking” to us. When in reality, our emotions are what often hold us back from the full potential and Will of God. The feeling of fear or anxiety paralyzes us from taking action, even when it is vital to our own destiny. The overwhelming emotion of love drives us into relationships/friendships with people who may be more toxic than good. The feeling of excitement or happiness sometimes drives us to make unrealistic and unwise decisions.
Emotional based reasoning is not the way that God intended us to think. He gave us a mind to reason and take action with, and to some He gives a “sense” of peace or a “burden” when it comes to certain decision in life. Others feel that He “opens one door, while closing another”. And even more feel that the Lord speaks directly into their lives through His word or through the “still small voice”. What we ought to be doing instead of trusting our emotions to make the right decisions for us, is listening intently and looking for the way in which God directs our paths. As it says in Rom. 12:1-2, “1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” We are to be fixing our attention on God when it comes to big decisions and life altering choices.
I especially love the section in Romans 12:2 that says, “Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it.” How often do we get a vision of what we’re meant to do and quickly forget about the promise of God to walk us through any trial we face in life? After discussing this issue with a few friends, I’ve found one of the best ways to keep your heart and mind focused/reminded of what He wants from us is to journal. Write it down people – that way we can go back and reference what we heard/learned/etc, so that if it’s a task that takes months or years to complete, we keep our focus and eye on the end goal.
It’s also vitally important to have a group of friends or family members that can sort through things with you. Someone we can be blatently honest with, and can ask us the tough questions like, “what’s holding you back from going after this desire?” or “what do you need me to do to help you meet that goal?”. Having encouragement, wise counsel, and support in the life changes. And it certainly is a good idea to have someone around to get your head out of the emotional cloud that so often fogs our judgment and understanding of God’s perfect and pleasing will for our lives.
I’ll leave you with this verse that should really become a life motto for us all, found in Phil. 4 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
Thursday, October 29, 2009
No room for the "religious"
You know the funny thing about Christianity is that we think we have it all figured out and that if everyone plays by our rules and our standards, then hey – they're a part of the ultra exclusive, Christianity Country Club. But the problem is , the religious – hoity toity – stick up their butt individuals (who make up their own rules instead of living by God's) make the true, heartfelt, Jesus loving, Christians look just like their soap box selves. And often times the judgment and persecution that Christians today face comes directly from one “Christian” to the other. We’re literally waging war against ourselves. Why is it that we have so many different denominations? Because we can’t seem to agree and we can’t seem to come together on the equal ground that Christ is Lord and that’s all that matters. No, our pride gets in the way, and we start throwing out lies and blasphemes against one another so that we may look somehow better than the rest. Want to know the truth? We’re no better than the Pharisees in the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19), when Jesus requests to go to this man’s house to eat with him, start a friendship, discuss life and it’s challenges. And we know the Pharisee's response all too well, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner”
And so I ask… if we’re here to seek and save the lost, if our one mission on this earth is love other’s as Christ has loved the Church, then how are we supposed to do that if we're completely segregating ourselves from the unbelievers, the “sinners” of society? Because I have news friends, every single one of us was once a sinner. That’s right… at one point you too were a sinner! How DARE you judge, despise, and separate yourself from loving those God has placed in your life? Why do you find it appropriate to place yourself on your own little pedastool of perfection, while watching those who so need the love and grace of a God of mercy perish?
Matt Chandler had a great piece of insight that totally rocked my world recently… “the more you engage the lost world, the more religious people will grumble. Please tune them out.” The sad fact is that I see this everywhere I turn. And I find myself falling into these traps when I surround myself by the “religious” of this world. What do we have to gain by giving up everything to discriminate those who don’t know Christ? Absolutely nothing, except judgment from The Eternal. And the Pharisees are the people Paul Speaks of in 2 Cor. Chapter 10:12, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves – they’re not wise!”
When we place ourselves on our own little christian idealism of perfection, and not on Christ's standard alone, we fall prey to the lies of the evil one. He uses anything to get to us, especially our own pride and fear. So beware when you find yourself tuning out those around you because of some superiority complex. For you never know who's life you'll touch just by a kind word or a smile. Look at every person you see as an opportunity to shine light, love, and eternity. You won't regret it... for you may be the only Jesus someone ever sees. Make a good impression!
And so I ask… if we’re here to seek and save the lost, if our one mission on this earth is love other’s as Christ has loved the Church, then how are we supposed to do that if we're completely segregating ourselves from the unbelievers, the “sinners” of society? Because I have news friends, every single one of us was once a sinner. That’s right… at one point you too were a sinner! How DARE you judge, despise, and separate yourself from loving those God has placed in your life? Why do you find it appropriate to place yourself on your own little pedastool of perfection, while watching those who so need the love and grace of a God of mercy perish?
Matt Chandler had a great piece of insight that totally rocked my world recently… “the more you engage the lost world, the more religious people will grumble. Please tune them out.” The sad fact is that I see this everywhere I turn. And I find myself falling into these traps when I surround myself by the “religious” of this world. What do we have to gain by giving up everything to discriminate those who don’t know Christ? Absolutely nothing, except judgment from The Eternal. And the Pharisees are the people Paul Speaks of in 2 Cor. Chapter 10:12, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves – they’re not wise!”
When we place ourselves on our own little christian idealism of perfection, and not on Christ's standard alone, we fall prey to the lies of the evil one. He uses anything to get to us, especially our own pride and fear. So beware when you find yourself tuning out those around you because of some superiority complex. For you never know who's life you'll touch just by a kind word or a smile. Look at every person you see as an opportunity to shine light, love, and eternity. You won't regret it... for you may be the only Jesus someone ever sees. Make a good impression!
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