I just want to thank You Lord...
When I am weak,
when I am tired,
when my intelligence fails,
when the money entrusted to me isn't enough...
When I fear,
when I'm anxious,
when I become too prideful,
when I fail to love those closest to me...
when the Truth I try to speak for Your glory hits a firm wall,
when the ways of this world want nothing more than my shame and destruction magnified...
I want to bring a heart to You that is just thankful.
Thank You Mighty God for Jesus, and for not being selfish and sharing Him
I just want to bring You thanks Lord...THANK YOU!
5.31.2009
5.27.2009
grace and our ability to love
So I've had this thought for about a week now:
The more we understand true grace found in Jesus, the more powerfully we are able to love. Agape love that Lewis points out.
I think this point is true in relationships between friends, and married couples as well. I've also been thinking about some of the saints that have walked before me in history and current ones. Some of the well-known ones, and some of the lesser known ones. People like Mother Teresa, William Carey, the Apostle Paul, John, Augustine...and some missionaries out there on the field today.
It seems like they each have a pretty deep understanding of what grace found in Christ really is, and what it means. In turn, that has motivated these individuals to selfless action in pursuit of God's glory.
I don't even know if it's proper to say, for these subsequent actions in following the understanding of grace, that it's a "response" to grace. When people respond to things, the action tends to be limited. They do enough for what merits a response, and usually not much more. In addition, "responding" to grace is very human-centric powered. The real love that comes from these devoted saints I find it very hard to believe was somehow man-made.
I think I'm still a long ways off from really getting it. I really think this is true though:
The more we understand true grace found in Jesus, the more powerfully we are able to love.
I really want to get it. I'm still a long ways off. I think, however, a deep understanding of Christ's grace that motivates action in love has a lot to do with submission and yielding. To the point that the "love actions" that result from a person end up becoming something like extensions of Jesus Himself, working in these people. So in fact, ironically, it isn't the people loving at all.
Again, it's Christ. Full circle. Grace. Our ability to love. A beginning and an end.
And He somehow thought and wanted to include us in the process...
The more we understand true grace found in Jesus, the more powerfully we are able to love. Agape love that Lewis points out.
I think this point is true in relationships between friends, and married couples as well. I've also been thinking about some of the saints that have walked before me in history and current ones. Some of the well-known ones, and some of the lesser known ones. People like Mother Teresa, William Carey, the Apostle Paul, John, Augustine...and some missionaries out there on the field today.
It seems like they each have a pretty deep understanding of what grace found in Christ really is, and what it means. In turn, that has motivated these individuals to selfless action in pursuit of God's glory.
I don't even know if it's proper to say, for these subsequent actions in following the understanding of grace, that it's a "response" to grace. When people respond to things, the action tends to be limited. They do enough for what merits a response, and usually not much more. In addition, "responding" to grace is very human-centric powered. The real love that comes from these devoted saints I find it very hard to believe was somehow man-made.
I think I'm still a long ways off from really getting it. I really think this is true though:
The more we understand true grace found in Jesus, the more powerfully we are able to love.
I really want to get it. I'm still a long ways off. I think, however, a deep understanding of Christ's grace that motivates action in love has a lot to do with submission and yielding. To the point that the "love actions" that result from a person end up becoming something like extensions of Jesus Himself, working in these people. So in fact, ironically, it isn't the people loving at all.
Again, it's Christ. Full circle. Grace. Our ability to love. A beginning and an end.
And He somehow thought and wanted to include us in the process...
5.21.2009
Christians and missions
I was thinking about "people groups" in the world, what's dear to them, and why they do or do not want to share what they have.
As I thought about it, genuine Christians seem to be an odd bunch. Go figure. Believers who hold that missions are important and who try to share the Gospel and be intentional about spreading the love of Jesus to others, do so for the benefit of those others.
There aren't many groups in the world with that sort of mentality. Now, I realize, I have to qualify this post quite carefully. The "Christians" I'm referring to are those that hold that missions are an inherent part of their walk with Jesus. And no, this doesn't mean going to a foreign land. There's all sorts of mission opporunities right here at home. Next door. It's not up to me to qualify who is a real Christian and who isn't. However, in reading Scripture, I am of the opinion that it's really hard NOT to care about missions if you are someone who genuinely desires to seek and pursue Christ.
There are certainly "Christians" who are in it for personal gain, and who seek their own benefit by using missions as a means to their own selfish goals and desires for comforts. But please keep in mind, when I refer to Christians from here on out in this post, I am meaning it to mean those who think missions as a means for sharing Christ's love and the knowledge of His grace.
And so...Do the rich people of the world try to share their secrets of being wealthy with numerous others, so those that lack wealth can become like the rich ones? (no, that doesn't happen, wealthy people don't want competition that would endanger their wealth)
Do the American citizens of the world go around trying to share the greatness of America and offer citizenship to non-Americans because, "hey, America is so great!" (no, this doesn't happen either. Americans share American values sometimes to show off, brag, or because their ignorant sometimes, but hardly do many Americans voluntary about inviting or offering citizenship to others)
Do the professional athletes of the world go out to foreign countries to share their highly valuable skills with other players so that they too can become really good? (no, this doesn't happen, athletes are busy working on their own skills to have time to share them with others)
I could go on with more examples, but hopefully my point is starting to become clear. There are many people groups out there, joined together by some sort of common denominator, but few of these groups have a desire to share what's at their core in a way that they're primarily seeking the benefit and good of others.
With different people groups, there is a natural built in hindrance to sharing what each of these people groups holds so dear. It might be competition or fear or unintended negligence, but many "people groups" of the world don't go around sharing the core of what they care about deeply and what their lives revolve around.
So why do Christians do it? Is there something different about the core of them, what makes them tick, that they feel they have to go and share with others?
Well, part of the reason is Jesus wanted them to. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19 NIV)
I think the other reasons Christians care about sharing the Gospel through missions so much is that they get a sense that the size of Christ's love is way too big for any one individual to handle. It has to be shared with others! It is so wide and high and deep and everlasting, more people gotta know about this Jesus!! It's too incredible to believe!! But it's true!!
I gotta run out and share this with the people I know, and the people I don't know!
May we as broken vessels and genuine seekers and followers of Christ be impassioned by the Holy Spirit with a desire to share Christ's love to all nations and peoples...
As I thought about it, genuine Christians seem to be an odd bunch. Go figure. Believers who hold that missions are important and who try to share the Gospel and be intentional about spreading the love of Jesus to others, do so for the benefit of those others.
There aren't many groups in the world with that sort of mentality. Now, I realize, I have to qualify this post quite carefully. The "Christians" I'm referring to are those that hold that missions are an inherent part of their walk with Jesus. And no, this doesn't mean going to a foreign land. There's all sorts of mission opporunities right here at home. Next door. It's not up to me to qualify who is a real Christian and who isn't. However, in reading Scripture, I am of the opinion that it's really hard NOT to care about missions if you are someone who genuinely desires to seek and pursue Christ.
There are certainly "Christians" who are in it for personal gain, and who seek their own benefit by using missions as a means to their own selfish goals and desires for comforts. But please keep in mind, when I refer to Christians from here on out in this post, I am meaning it to mean those who think missions as a means for sharing Christ's love and the knowledge of His grace.
And so...Do the rich people of the world try to share their secrets of being wealthy with numerous others, so those that lack wealth can become like the rich ones? (no, that doesn't happen, wealthy people don't want competition that would endanger their wealth)
Do the American citizens of the world go around trying to share the greatness of America and offer citizenship to non-Americans because, "hey, America is so great!" (no, this doesn't happen either. Americans share American values sometimes to show off, brag, or because their ignorant sometimes, but hardly do many Americans voluntary about inviting or offering citizenship to others)
Do the professional athletes of the world go out to foreign countries to share their highly valuable skills with other players so that they too can become really good? (no, this doesn't happen, athletes are busy working on their own skills to have time to share them with others)
I could go on with more examples, but hopefully my point is starting to become clear. There are many people groups out there, joined together by some sort of common denominator, but few of these groups have a desire to share what's at their core in a way that they're primarily seeking the benefit and good of others.
With different people groups, there is a natural built in hindrance to sharing what each of these people groups holds so dear. It might be competition or fear or unintended negligence, but many "people groups" of the world don't go around sharing the core of what they care about deeply and what their lives revolve around.
So why do Christians do it? Is there something different about the core of them, what makes them tick, that they feel they have to go and share with others?
Well, part of the reason is Jesus wanted them to. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19 NIV)
I think the other reasons Christians care about sharing the Gospel through missions so much is that they get a sense that the size of Christ's love is way too big for any one individual to handle. It has to be shared with others! It is so wide and high and deep and everlasting, more people gotta know about this Jesus!! It's too incredible to believe!! But it's true!!
I gotta run out and share this with the people I know, and the people I don't know!
May we as broken vessels and genuine seekers and followers of Christ be impassioned by the Holy Spirit with a desire to share Christ's love to all nations and peoples...
5.18.2009
ALL of us are broken...
Like it or not, we all have brokenness. If you are a "good" person, bad person, immoral, moral, Black, White, Latino, male, female, from the South, from Zimbabwe, from the North pole...you can't escape the fact that you are broken in one way or another.
No single person, Christ follower or not, can escape brokenness. It's part of our human condition. Of course, our brokenness plays out in different ways. Some people have abusive spouses, or have for years suffered heartbreak from relationships. Some are looking to be affirmed and go looking in the wrong places and thus get disappointed. Some are afflicted with disease or trauma. Some have empty family relationships. Some seek wealth, only to find that it doesn't really satisfy. There are many more types of brokenness.
I'm not always Captain Observant, but I don't think it's hard for anyone to see that every individual in some way or another, has both shallow and deep hurts that are part of that person's identity. Some people are good at concealing them, lying about them, and projecting an image of "got-it-togetherness", or "I'm-ok-ness". But the fact of the matter is we're all broken.
I think brokenness is closely related to sin, and Paul tells us "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 NIV).
We're all broken. And so we all need fixing. Again, I think many people attempt to use the wrong tools and remedies to fix both the shallow and deep brokenness that is inherently part of them.
Not by arrogance, but by grace, those who identify and understand the gift found in Jesus have a way to deal with their brokenness. And the ironic thing is, the more humble and honest a person is about their own brokenness, the greater the work Christ can do in that person to heal whatever the brokenness may be.
He is the Greatest Handy-Man. He knows how to fix it all. And it is genuine and it works!
"On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:12-13 NIV)
No single person, Christ follower or not, can escape brokenness. It's part of our human condition. Of course, our brokenness plays out in different ways. Some people have abusive spouses, or have for years suffered heartbreak from relationships. Some are looking to be affirmed and go looking in the wrong places and thus get disappointed. Some are afflicted with disease or trauma. Some have empty family relationships. Some seek wealth, only to find that it doesn't really satisfy. There are many more types of brokenness.
I'm not always Captain Observant, but I don't think it's hard for anyone to see that every individual in some way or another, has both shallow and deep hurts that are part of that person's identity. Some people are good at concealing them, lying about them, and projecting an image of "got-it-togetherness", or "I'm-ok-ness". But the fact of the matter is we're all broken.
I think brokenness is closely related to sin, and Paul tells us "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23 NIV).
We're all broken. And so we all need fixing. Again, I think many people attempt to use the wrong tools and remedies to fix both the shallow and deep brokenness that is inherently part of them.
Not by arrogance, but by grace, those who identify and understand the gift found in Jesus have a way to deal with their brokenness. And the ironic thing is, the more humble and honest a person is about their own brokenness, the greater the work Christ can do in that person to heal whatever the brokenness may be.
He is the Greatest Handy-Man. He knows how to fix it all. And it is genuine and it works!
"On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:12-13 NIV)
5.08.2009
Psalm 96
This Psalm complements the Great Commission really well I think.
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.
Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness;
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
bring an offering and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness;
tremble before Him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."
The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;
they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
He comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His truth.
-Psalm 96 NIV
5.03.2009
wedding in Wealthville
Yesterday I went to a wedding in Dallas. The wedding crowd consisted mainly of guests from the Highland Park community, a wealthy suburb of Dallas. This is the Dallas version of the community I grew up in in San Antonio. So for most of my life now, I have gone to school with a good number of well to do kids or have grown up in a neighborhood whose occupants are for the most part quite prosperous.
See, the funny thing is, you, or I, nor anyone for that matter, has a choice of where you are born or the family to which you are born, or the socioeconomic class to which you are born into.
Statistics largely bear out that the socioeconomic class you are born into is the one you'll die in. Socioeconomic advancement or decline for the majority of Americans, world citizens, whoever you might be, just doesn't happen.
Sure, you hear of rags-to-riches success stories, even more of them in America, but the majority of people around the world will more or less stay in the same socio-economic class for their lifetime.
If you think about the reasons surrounding and supporting that claim, they make a lot of sense. But that's an entire other post altogether.
So anyways, can one be wealthy and have a relationship with Jesus? Can one be wealthy and pursue Jesus with all his or her heart?
Those are really two separate questions.
In the midst of the wedding and the reception, I got to thinking about this more (I have thought about it a ton already). I have to admit, I had judgements before (and still do) the wedding about people who are rich and how that plays into a relationship and pursuing Jesus.
I was able to take a walk around this neighborhood in Dallas, and I was mammothly impressed by how large some of the houses in this neighborhood are. Not only that, the architecture is really fascinating on many of these homes and I was thoroughly impressed.
It really got me thinking. If people build these homes out of pursuit for glamour or to showcase wealth, in some sort of competition, that becomes an IDOL, and it is false and despicable to God. If people build these homes with the genuine intent of, say gathering a family together, building a community, or serving their neighbors, or allowing underserved or underprivileged people to stay in their home, whatever it may look like...if they build a home with the intent of bringing glory to God, that is what God wants.
Those thoughts have led to some overall conclusions I have come to so far regarding wealth and pursuing Jesus (they aren't necessarily permanent conclusions).
Throughout history, God has given certain kings or the people of Israel numerous material blessings. They resembled in certain ways the Highland Park community of back then.
My point is, I don't think God despises wealth or have a problem with it. Wealth standing alone is a neutral for God. In fact, if anything, it may very well be a sign of God's approval and faithfulness.
Now, the previous paragraph is a very dangerous statement. Please re-read it. It is worded very carefully. It could lead to all sorts of misunderstandings...
What God DOES have a problem with is when wealth is pursued over Him or even somewhat instead of FULLY Him!! God is jealous. I don't blame Him. He made us. We belong to Him. As individuals or communities, how would we dare to put anything...wealth, sex, achievement...before God??
So, back to the idea of, well, I want to follow Jesus, but I have all these elements pulling againt me....what do I do if I'm born into a community or family that is prosperous?
I think the answer is seeking Jesus means getting poorer. It was His example for us.
I don't necessarily fully refer to monetary prosperity. And in fact, getting poorer can be done by anyone who is rich or poor (economically). "Getting poorer" for the Kingdom will just look differently for those in differing world socio-economic classes. Paul nails it on the head:
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very natureGod, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
I can't imagine what the prosperity of Heaven is like. Jesus voluntarily, willingly GAVE THAT UP to BECOME POORER! A man of all things!!
So no, I don't think being wealthy creates an impasse in having a relationship with Jesus. There are wealthy people and communities, contemporary and throughout history, who have been great models of faith in Christ, and incredible humble servants. It's not impossible.
However, I certainly think that wealth is an overly dangerous and strong tempation, especially in light of the way our world is culturally and economically structured. Wealth or its pursuit is an alternative life street to Jesus with way too many stumbling blocks. It requires a mature and humble follower of Jesus to possess wealth but have it be a relatively unimportant part of their identity.
Identity #1 is pursuing Jesus with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And I think, that looks like getting poorer by the world's standards.
So who wants to voluntarily become poor?
See, the funny thing is, you, or I, nor anyone for that matter, has a choice of where you are born or the family to which you are born, or the socioeconomic class to which you are born into.
Statistics largely bear out that the socioeconomic class you are born into is the one you'll die in. Socioeconomic advancement or decline for the majority of Americans, world citizens, whoever you might be, just doesn't happen.
Sure, you hear of rags-to-riches success stories, even more of them in America, but the majority of people around the world will more or less stay in the same socio-economic class for their lifetime.
If you think about the reasons surrounding and supporting that claim, they make a lot of sense. But that's an entire other post altogether.
So anyways, can one be wealthy and have a relationship with Jesus? Can one be wealthy and pursue Jesus with all his or her heart?
Those are really two separate questions.
In the midst of the wedding and the reception, I got to thinking about this more (I have thought about it a ton already). I have to admit, I had judgements before (and still do) the wedding about people who are rich and how that plays into a relationship and pursuing Jesus.
I was able to take a walk around this neighborhood in Dallas, and I was mammothly impressed by how large some of the houses in this neighborhood are. Not only that, the architecture is really fascinating on many of these homes and I was thoroughly impressed.
It really got me thinking. If people build these homes out of pursuit for glamour or to showcase wealth, in some sort of competition, that becomes an IDOL, and it is false and despicable to God. If people build these homes with the genuine intent of, say gathering a family together, building a community, or serving their neighbors, or allowing underserved or underprivileged people to stay in their home, whatever it may look like...if they build a home with the intent of bringing glory to God, that is what God wants.
Those thoughts have led to some overall conclusions I have come to so far regarding wealth and pursuing Jesus (they aren't necessarily permanent conclusions).
Throughout history, God has given certain kings or the people of Israel numerous material blessings. They resembled in certain ways the Highland Park community of back then.
My point is, I don't think God despises wealth or have a problem with it. Wealth standing alone is a neutral for God. In fact, if anything, it may very well be a sign of God's approval and faithfulness.
Now, the previous paragraph is a very dangerous statement. Please re-read it. It is worded very carefully. It could lead to all sorts of misunderstandings...
What God DOES have a problem with is when wealth is pursued over Him or even somewhat instead of FULLY Him!! God is jealous. I don't blame Him. He made us. We belong to Him. As individuals or communities, how would we dare to put anything...wealth, sex, achievement...before God??
So, back to the idea of, well, I want to follow Jesus, but I have all these elements pulling againt me....what do I do if I'm born into a community or family that is prosperous?
I think the answer is seeking Jesus means getting poorer. It was His example for us.
I don't necessarily fully refer to monetary prosperity. And in fact, getting poorer can be done by anyone who is rich or poor (economically). "Getting poorer" for the Kingdom will just look differently for those in differing world socio-economic classes. Paul nails it on the head:
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very natureGod, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
I can't imagine what the prosperity of Heaven is like. Jesus voluntarily, willingly GAVE THAT UP to BECOME POORER! A man of all things!!
So no, I don't think being wealthy creates an impasse in having a relationship with Jesus. There are wealthy people and communities, contemporary and throughout history, who have been great models of faith in Christ, and incredible humble servants. It's not impossible.
However, I certainly think that wealth is an overly dangerous and strong tempation, especially in light of the way our world is culturally and economically structured. Wealth or its pursuit is an alternative life street to Jesus with way too many stumbling blocks. It requires a mature and humble follower of Jesus to possess wealth but have it be a relatively unimportant part of their identity.
Identity #1 is pursuing Jesus with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And I think, that looks like getting poorer by the world's standards.
So who wants to voluntarily become poor?
5.01.2009
we're different, yes. But Jesus remains unchanging.
This past week, spending time again in a foreign country, going to church, worship events, or spending time in fellowship with non-US believers, I was reminded of something important.
The body of Christ in its most authentic sense really knows no national, cultural, ethnic or racial boundaries. Jesus is the center and reason for our salvation. We (around the world "we") all have this to celebrate!
Yes, differences exist. Yes, different groups and individuals within the worldwide church differ on worship styles, worship songs, theological teachings and emphases. The diversity of these elements, I think, brings great pleasure to God. The fact that believers at Church Y in Nashville, TN worship through style such and such while at the same time Church X in Buenos Aires worship differently through style so and so -- God really digs that!
Differences can go too far to where they cross the line of appropriate and pleasing worship to God. But in the differences, I don't think they should be considered wrong by one group or another.
"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:12-13 NIV)
In the end, we are going to unite before the throne to worship and celebrate the great gift of grace we find in Christ, and Christ alone.
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9 NIV)
The body of Christ in its most authentic sense really knows no national, cultural, ethnic or racial boundaries. Jesus is the center and reason for our salvation. We (around the world "we") all have this to celebrate!
Yes, differences exist. Yes, different groups and individuals within the worldwide church differ on worship styles, worship songs, theological teachings and emphases. The diversity of these elements, I think, brings great pleasure to God. The fact that believers at Church Y in Nashville, TN worship through style such and such while at the same time Church X in Buenos Aires worship differently through style so and so -- God really digs that!
Differences can go too far to where they cross the line of appropriate and pleasing worship to God. But in the differences, I don't think they should be considered wrong by one group or another.
"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:12-13 NIV)
In the end, we are going to unite before the throne to worship and celebrate the great gift of grace we find in Christ, and Christ alone.
"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands." (Revelation 7:9 NIV)
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