Reading Isaiah 5, I don't think it's coincidental how many of these things would apply to our country today.
It's a picture of a choice planted vineyard - God has given His church every great advantage, especially in offering His son Jesus so that the church, God's people, may be redeemed and saved.
Yet...
"woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines and flutes and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord, no respect for the work of his hands." (5:11-12)
How often do we invest our time in personal entertainment and pleasure rather than focusing our attention on the deeds of the Lord?
"woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, and wickedness as with cart ropes, to those who say, "Let God hurry, let him hasten his work so we may see it. Let it approach, let the plan of the Holy One of Israel come, so we may know it." (5:18-19)
How often do we mellow in casual sin, that we don't think is that bad, while on the other hand we are impatient at seeing God's kingdom worked out here on earth, and want to see it happen on our own terms?
"woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight" (5:21)
Why do we always know everything and so often lack the humbleness to listen?
I like verse 5:25 quite a bit:
"Therefore the Lord's anger burns against His people; His hand is raised and he strikes them down. The mountains shake, and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets. Yet for all this, His anger is not turned away, His hand is still upraised."
I like it that God's perseverance and love for His people is greater than our stubborness and refusal to seek His way. No matter how much we are obstinate and fight to make life our way and our own terms, God stands strong throughout the test of time, drawing hearts to Him one way or another.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
5.26.2010
2.14.2010
what God thinks and feels
I'll speak for me first. I am often most wrapped up in myself. My desires, my thoughts, my wants, my needs. They come first.
I think we as a community do that as well, even as a worshipping universal church. Part of our fallen nature pridefully put us first. We deem the fruit on the tree appropriate to eat, although God had restricted it for our good. We think we know better.
My point is, do we genuinely think about what God feels or how He might react to things we set out to do or thoughts we might have, before WE act? A great deal of theology, studying God's economy, is even seen through a dedicated bias towards understanding God's relationship to man. Understanding God as He fits into the human experience and history.
May I offer that this is completely backwards, yet we continue to live in this predominant, mainstream thinking. The better question might be: how does man, by grace, fit into the desires of God's heart and movement to bring the Kingdom here to earth?
After all, it is God's story. God's creation. God's universe. By grace He's invited us to take part. By His mercy He gave us breath to participate. By love He saved us when we took for granted His gift.
We're still like society pre-Copernicus. The earth is still the center of the universe. God fits into our experience when it's convenient and appropriate.
If you don't think so, I would challenge that doesn't our society, and members within the church, wouldn't it look radically different in so many lives and actions, if we truly believed God first on a deep level?
Psalm 22:3 declares: "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." (NLV)
Now God doesn't need our praises to survive, but I do think they affect Him. When we choose to withhold our praises by our stupid selfish actions, I think the Lord gets more uncomfortable sitting in His chair.
We know the end story. Revelation 5:6 promises: "Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."
The text specifically describes location. "standing in the center of the throne..." Christ, at the end, and as He should always be, is the center of attention.
Do we think about what God thinks and feels before we take action? Do we consider His purposes?
I think we as a community do that as well, even as a worshipping universal church. Part of our fallen nature pridefully put us first. We deem the fruit on the tree appropriate to eat, although God had restricted it for our good. We think we know better.
My point is, do we genuinely think about what God feels or how He might react to things we set out to do or thoughts we might have, before WE act? A great deal of theology, studying God's economy, is even seen through a dedicated bias towards understanding God's relationship to man. Understanding God as He fits into the human experience and history.
May I offer that this is completely backwards, yet we continue to live in this predominant, mainstream thinking. The better question might be: how does man, by grace, fit into the desires of God's heart and movement to bring the Kingdom here to earth?
After all, it is God's story. God's creation. God's universe. By grace He's invited us to take part. By His mercy He gave us breath to participate. By love He saved us when we took for granted His gift.
We're still like society pre-Copernicus. The earth is still the center of the universe. God fits into our experience when it's convenient and appropriate.
If you don't think so, I would challenge that doesn't our society, and members within the church, wouldn't it look radically different in so many lives and actions, if we truly believed God first on a deep level?
Psalm 22:3 declares: "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." (NLV)
Now God doesn't need our praises to survive, but I do think they affect Him. When we choose to withhold our praises by our stupid selfish actions, I think the Lord gets more uncomfortable sitting in His chair.
We know the end story. Revelation 5:6 promises: "Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."
The text specifically describes location. "standing in the center of the throne..." Christ, at the end, and as He should always be, is the center of attention.
Do we think about what God thinks and feels before we take action? Do we consider His purposes?
1.14.2010
God's will
I was thinking, "God's will" in the context of the Christian church today is somewhat a twisted term. It's probably common to hear, "I wonder what God's will for my life is?" "Is God's will this or that, should I move to this or that place?"
When we say those phrases the way we intend them, and I have said them a great many times, we are acting incredibly self-centered, becoming the center of the universe.
I mean, really, God's will is God's will, the things He desires and the things that His heart cries for result in actions and decisions that course through our space time history.
Our will, when we decide to do this or that, move to there or here, those decisions are OUR WILL.
I was just feeling convicted that I was being quite self-centered when thinking about God's will for MY life. When I do that, I tend to start with me, think about my desires, whether they are wants or needs, and somehow pray about that, think about it, and then end up projecting that whatever it is is somehow God's will.
God's will is God's will. My will is my will.
When my will corresponds to God's will, which I will say, God's will is the unchanging, perfect, without compromise, absolutely pure will, when my will even minimally aligns with the Great Creator's will, then I'm on to something.
When we say those phrases the way we intend them, and I have said them a great many times, we are acting incredibly self-centered, becoming the center of the universe.
I mean, really, God's will is God's will, the things He desires and the things that His heart cries for result in actions and decisions that course through our space time history.
Our will, when we decide to do this or that, move to there or here, those decisions are OUR WILL.
I was just feeling convicted that I was being quite self-centered when thinking about God's will for MY life. When I do that, I tend to start with me, think about my desires, whether they are wants or needs, and somehow pray about that, think about it, and then end up projecting that whatever it is is somehow God's will.
God's will is God's will. My will is my will.
When my will corresponds to God's will, which I will say, God's will is the unchanging, perfect, without compromise, absolutely pure will, when my will even minimally aligns with the Great Creator's will, then I'm on to something.
12.27.2009
alone time
Many people in our culture consider it weird when people want to spend time alone, be by themselves or get away. Something is thought of as not right, or that person has issues because they can't be in community 24/7.
I think it's interesting that the Gospel authors point out multiple times of Jesus' alone time. As in our culture, Jesus' desire to be by himself, to get away from people, was quite strange for that day and age. Especially in a time where robbers free-roamed the territory, wild animals couldn't be defended against with modern weaponry...it was much more dangerous being alone and people didn't often do it.
Yet Jesus did, alot.
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16)
"...Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed..." (Mark 1:35)
"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." (Luke 6:12)
"...Sit here while I go over there and pray..." (Matthew 26:36)
The key thing to notice is that Jesus didn't go be alone for the sake of getting away from people. He seems to have gotten away to have deep prayer time with the Father and reflect on His ministry and pray for God's will to be done. Before Jesus made major decisions, He went to be alone.
Ironically, Jesus' alone time seems to have strengthened and fortified Him for the times that He did interact with His community of disciples and the larger crowds full of thousands of people.
And so, just as Jesus was considered a complete weirdo for many of the habits He had and things He did, I think it's safe to say that we can also find intentionality in our times of solitude, for they are necessary to functioning well and living a life full of the Spirit for God.
I think it's interesting that the Gospel authors point out multiple times of Jesus' alone time. As in our culture, Jesus' desire to be by himself, to get away from people, was quite strange for that day and age. Especially in a time where robbers free-roamed the territory, wild animals couldn't be defended against with modern weaponry...it was much more dangerous being alone and people didn't often do it.
Yet Jesus did, alot.
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16)
"...Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed..." (Mark 1:35)
"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." (Luke 6:12)
"...Sit here while I go over there and pray..." (Matthew 26:36)
The key thing to notice is that Jesus didn't go be alone for the sake of getting away from people. He seems to have gotten away to have deep prayer time with the Father and reflect on His ministry and pray for God's will to be done. Before Jesus made major decisions, He went to be alone.
Ironically, Jesus' alone time seems to have strengthened and fortified Him for the times that He did interact with His community of disciples and the larger crowds full of thousands of people.
And so, just as Jesus was considered a complete weirdo for many of the habits He had and things He did, I think it's safe to say that we can also find intentionality in our times of solitude, for they are necessary to functioning well and living a life full of the Spirit for God.
6.03.2009
go right ahead!
this is a really interesting story on NPR:
(it's a 5 part series - you can click on the next one under "more in this series")
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104240746
Scientists are trying to prove or disprove the existence of God by examining people's brains to see if they can detect some sort of linked relationship of when people pray and have "spiritual" encounters.
I'll let you listen to the story yourself, but there's strong evidence from various studies that shows association between spiritual experiences and certain parts of the brain being more active, and certain chemicals in the brain doing certain things...all that to say that the evidence is pointing to a positive correlation between certain parts of the brain and "spiritual" activities.
Wait...you mean, we're hard-wired to interact with and experience God? Shut up!
This to me is ironic, but great. Most science typically wants to disprove God and His existence. But it looks like science will end up actually producing more convincing evidence for the existence of God than evidence that disproves Him.
I can imagine that all these scientists and experiments might be humorous to God, trying to prove so hard through empirical proof and rigorous analysis that He is alive and well, and that...WOW...we're hard wired for communication with Him...go figure! (ok, I'll stop being sarcastic about this, because it's really serious for a lot people)
It seems like there's a less painful way to enjoying God, recognizing His existence, and knowing Him at a point sooner in life...which involves learning about and getting to know Jesus...but, if this is the route some people need to get a hold of the existence and believe the Father, then go right ahead! They'll get to Jesus at some point or another.
The fact is that it's an indeniable part of relating to God. Truth tells us that:
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". (John 14:6 NIV)
(it's a 5 part series - you can click on the next one under "more in this series")
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104240746
Scientists are trying to prove or disprove the existence of God by examining people's brains to see if they can detect some sort of linked relationship of when people pray and have "spiritual" encounters.
I'll let you listen to the story yourself, but there's strong evidence from various studies that shows association between spiritual experiences and certain parts of the brain being more active, and certain chemicals in the brain doing certain things...all that to say that the evidence is pointing to a positive correlation between certain parts of the brain and "spiritual" activities.
Wait...you mean, we're hard-wired to interact with and experience God? Shut up!
This to me is ironic, but great. Most science typically wants to disprove God and His existence. But it looks like science will end up actually producing more convincing evidence for the existence of God than evidence that disproves Him.
I can imagine that all these scientists and experiments might be humorous to God, trying to prove so hard through empirical proof and rigorous analysis that He is alive and well, and that...WOW...we're hard wired for communication with Him...go figure! (ok, I'll stop being sarcastic about this, because it's really serious for a lot people)
It seems like there's a less painful way to enjoying God, recognizing His existence, and knowing Him at a point sooner in life...which involves learning about and getting to know Jesus...but, if this is the route some people need to get a hold of the existence and believe the Father, then go right ahead! They'll get to Jesus at some point or another.
The fact is that it's an indeniable part of relating to God. Truth tells us that:
"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". (John 14:6 NIV)
1.22.2009
10.13.2008
marriage and serving God
I think a prevalent goal that exists in our society is to marry. Well DUH you might say. Yes, I agree, the human race wouldn't be able to continue if marriage wasn't a really big deal. I don't necessarily believe that God has placed a specific desire in everyone's heart for a wonderful other of the opposite sex. I do think that God has placed a desire for community in everyone's heart, and that very well could look like a woman and a man married together (the most intimate form of community). Even looking outside of the Christian community, I think this would pan out in the statistics: people divorce quite a bit, marriage rates are down, but people still live with each other and don't tie the knot (be it for saving money or having sex). Marriage doesn't quite have the premium it used to, but being together surely has not gone away.
I've read about some communities of single men and women who live together under the banner of Christ, who live in community, but choose to remain single to be devoted to the Lord first and foremost. I think this offers an interesting example to think about.
Marriage is not a bad thing at all, please don't get me wrong. My married friends tell me it's an awesome thing. And I believe them. But, I find that there are a lot of Christian brothers and sisters who pursue marriage as a primary goal to accomplish in life. Culture surely has had an influence on this. Little girls start thinking about their wedding day when they are still in diapers. I think guys start thinking about marriage later and a bit more gradually, maybe around their early 20s, but it still can grow into a passionate desire to be married. Think about various aspects of our culture, a lot of structures and institutions are set up that lead towards encouraging marriage (once again, these aren't necessarily bad in themselves). I think even that awful cotillion stuff my mom made me attend in middle school was a part of this whole call to marriage from society. The result from all this is that I observe many times that Christian brothers and sisters often have a decent amount of anxiety related to just that, marriage. Finding a mate. "I'll never find Mr. Right" or "I'll just be one of those lonely old men." I don't see as heightened anxieties about serving the Lord or orienting a vocation towards serving the Lord. Culture has cultivated a huge premium on getting married, and it's like if somebody doesn't, they're deemed a big fat loser.
But that's culture's opinion. Not God's. Paul talks about marriage in 1 Corinthians 7. I mention this insightful passage of Scripture to encourage you to read it for yourself and see what the Holy Spirit reveals to you regarding marriage. Some things I observe about it: Paul never says or explicitly commands, "don't marry". Or "marry." He does not lay out any specific absolutes. He talks about the benefits of being single so that one would be free to serve the Lord without disagreements or distractions that may arise in a marriage. Biblical scholars note that Paul was single during his apostleship period of Jesus (most likely when he wrote 1 Corinthians), but was very likely married during the time he served as a zealous Jewish persecutor of Christians. Paul knew both sides, he speaks from experience, which gives him more credibility.
In our culture, I wish that Christians would desire to seek and serve Jesus first and foremost, and not necessarily count on marriage as a given in their life. That they would pursue the Lord above all, and that if an opportunity for marriage does arise as a way to strengthen their service to the Lord, that they would get married! DUH! There are many situations that two together serving the Lord is a stronger ministry TOGETHER AS ONE than two single individuals serving the Lord, and so they should get married (that being that they love each other and seek each other's best interests before their own)! Marriage isn't for everyone, and shouldn't be pursuit #1, as our culture so often seems to claim and encourage.
I've read about some communities of single men and women who live together under the banner of Christ, who live in community, but choose to remain single to be devoted to the Lord first and foremost. I think this offers an interesting example to think about.
Marriage is not a bad thing at all, please don't get me wrong. My married friends tell me it's an awesome thing. And I believe them. But, I find that there are a lot of Christian brothers and sisters who pursue marriage as a primary goal to accomplish in life. Culture surely has had an influence on this. Little girls start thinking about their wedding day when they are still in diapers. I think guys start thinking about marriage later and a bit more gradually, maybe around their early 20s, but it still can grow into a passionate desire to be married. Think about various aspects of our culture, a lot of structures and institutions are set up that lead towards encouraging marriage (once again, these aren't necessarily bad in themselves). I think even that awful cotillion stuff my mom made me attend in middle school was a part of this whole call to marriage from society. The result from all this is that I observe many times that Christian brothers and sisters often have a decent amount of anxiety related to just that, marriage. Finding a mate. "I'll never find Mr. Right" or "I'll just be one of those lonely old men." I don't see as heightened anxieties about serving the Lord or orienting a vocation towards serving the Lord. Culture has cultivated a huge premium on getting married, and it's like if somebody doesn't, they're deemed a big fat loser.
But that's culture's opinion. Not God's. Paul talks about marriage in 1 Corinthians 7. I mention this insightful passage of Scripture to encourage you to read it for yourself and see what the Holy Spirit reveals to you regarding marriage. Some things I observe about it: Paul never says or explicitly commands, "don't marry". Or "marry." He does not lay out any specific absolutes. He talks about the benefits of being single so that one would be free to serve the Lord without disagreements or distractions that may arise in a marriage. Biblical scholars note that Paul was single during his apostleship period of Jesus (most likely when he wrote 1 Corinthians), but was very likely married during the time he served as a zealous Jewish persecutor of Christians. Paul knew both sides, he speaks from experience, which gives him more credibility.
In our culture, I wish that Christians would desire to seek and serve Jesus first and foremost, and not necessarily count on marriage as a given in their life. That they would pursue the Lord above all, and that if an opportunity for marriage does arise as a way to strengthen their service to the Lord, that they would get married! DUH! There are many situations that two together serving the Lord is a stronger ministry TOGETHER AS ONE than two single individuals serving the Lord, and so they should get married (that being that they love each other and seek each other's best interests before their own)! Marriage isn't for everyone, and shouldn't be pursuit #1, as our culture so often seems to claim and encourage.
9.22.2008
sharing what God's been sharing me
Sharing this will maybe make some sense and have some relevance for you, so that's why I'm sharing it!
This past month, being new to Nashville, new to Vanderbilt, I've been impatient to say the least in trying to find opportunities for ministry. Through church or on campus or in Nashville, wherever it may be. My outlook has been "Lord, I want to do something NOW, please let me know what that is!!" However, God's wisdom is much greater than mine.
This past weekend, I really heard the Lord telling me "find and settle into community first. Get that cemented. Then you will have a strong base from which to serve..."
It makes so much sense!
I think Jesus went about the process of His ministry much the same way. We see Jesus baptized, then tempted by the devil, then he briefly begins to preach, and then goes about calling His disciples and setting up community.
Clearly, Jesus could go about His ministry doing it alone. He's Lord and didn't necessarily need the interactions and relationships with others, yet HE DID specifically go about finding it.
I thank God for making this clear to me this past weekend in a way my pea-brain and less than mustard seed sized heart could understand it, hopefully you can find something in this too!
This past month, being new to Nashville, new to Vanderbilt, I've been impatient to say the least in trying to find opportunities for ministry. Through church or on campus or in Nashville, wherever it may be. My outlook has been "Lord, I want to do something NOW, please let me know what that is!!" However, God's wisdom is much greater than mine.
This past weekend, I really heard the Lord telling me "find and settle into community first. Get that cemented. Then you will have a strong base from which to serve..."
It makes so much sense!
I think Jesus went about the process of His ministry much the same way. We see Jesus baptized, then tempted by the devil, then he briefly begins to preach, and then goes about calling His disciples and setting up community.
Clearly, Jesus could go about His ministry doing it alone. He's Lord and didn't necessarily need the interactions and relationships with others, yet HE DID specifically go about finding it.
I thank God for making this clear to me this past weekend in a way my pea-brain and less than mustard seed sized heart could understand it, hopefully you can find something in this too!
7.25.2008
Gouging out your eyes and cutting your limbs off
Jesus, in His exceptional words, always meant more with His wisdom than what meets the surface eye.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." (Matthew 5:27-30 NIV)
I think I get, in part, what Jesus means here. This is an interesting passage, because if taken literally, many of the Christ following men of this world would be blind and armless. Me included.
I think what Jesus is teaching here is prevention. He's saying, if you have something in your life or do something that often leads to sin, get rid of it. Take offensive action when in times of clear conscience, so that when times of temptation and sin come around, the steps you have taken earlier can better guard your steps.
Especially related to lust, I think it's very important, as Jesus teaches here, to take out things in your life that can make you sin.
If you struggle with lustful thoughts while seeing girls walking by you on the sidewalk, then don't look at them. Look at the concrete. Better to sacrifice seeing the beauty of creation rather than fall into sin.
If you struggle with inappropriate internet sites, block them as restricted sites on your own control panel and throw away the password, or turn your computer screen where more people can see it at work. Or make it a rule that you can't get on the computer unless a wife or accountable brother is in the room. Better to sacrifice surfing facebook for 30 minutes than to fall into sin.
If you struggle with lustful thoughts after having seen an exceedingly attractive woman in a movie or TV show, maybe don't watch the show. Or close your eyes when sex scenes or intimate scenes appear. Have a wife or accountable brother help. Better to sacrifice a few visual minutes of the show or movie (you will still get the overall plot) than to fall into sin.
Christ wants us to live as Holy men, honoring Him in all things. To do that fully, it takes some planning and ahead of time thinking to avoid situations in which we are tempted to fall. Because I know myself and guessing others are in a similar boat, I am not strong enough or wily enough to avoid sin on my own. I'm not going to kid myself into thinking I am. I need built in safeguards in my life, and ultimately, it is only with Christ and because of Him that I am able to continue living.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." (Matthew 5:27-30 NIV)
I think I get, in part, what Jesus means here. This is an interesting passage, because if taken literally, many of the Christ following men of this world would be blind and armless. Me included.
I think what Jesus is teaching here is prevention. He's saying, if you have something in your life or do something that often leads to sin, get rid of it. Take offensive action when in times of clear conscience, so that when times of temptation and sin come around, the steps you have taken earlier can better guard your steps.
Especially related to lust, I think it's very important, as Jesus teaches here, to take out things in your life that can make you sin.
If you struggle with lustful thoughts while seeing girls walking by you on the sidewalk, then don't look at them. Look at the concrete. Better to sacrifice seeing the beauty of creation rather than fall into sin.
If you struggle with inappropriate internet sites, block them as restricted sites on your own control panel and throw away the password, or turn your computer screen where more people can see it at work. Or make it a rule that you can't get on the computer unless a wife or accountable brother is in the room. Better to sacrifice surfing facebook for 30 minutes than to fall into sin.
If you struggle with lustful thoughts after having seen an exceedingly attractive woman in a movie or TV show, maybe don't watch the show. Or close your eyes when sex scenes or intimate scenes appear. Have a wife or accountable brother help. Better to sacrifice a few visual minutes of the show or movie (you will still get the overall plot) than to fall into sin.
Christ wants us to live as Holy men, honoring Him in all things. To do that fully, it takes some planning and ahead of time thinking to avoid situations in which we are tempted to fall. Because I know myself and guessing others are in a similar boat, I am not strong enough or wily enough to avoid sin on my own. I'm not going to kid myself into thinking I am. I need built in safeguards in my life, and ultimately, it is only with Christ and because of Him that I am able to continue living.
7.19.2008
denying monetary splendor
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:23-27 NIV)
As I wrote in my previous post, I have some ideas about how to incorporate living out ways to deny oneself when it comes to living abundantly for culture's sake, and live abundantly as a result of God's favor and grace upon our lives. These are suggestions to think about and maybe adopt, ways that can provide built in provisions for focusing on Christ and living for Him daily and avoiding the pull and draw to live by what culture tells us we should be doing.
These are not things meant for hardship nor denial of very real and practical dreams to be able to buy a house. The suggestions are meant to push a little bit, so that comfort levels are challenged in a positive and healthy way with the hopeful effect of drawing closer to Christ. These are not ideas meant just for the sake of giving things away and finding favor in doing so. The importance of decisions like this is the heart of the matter. Some people are very disciplined and don't need systems to live by. They are very graceful with their monetary gifts and it's not something that is a struggle in their life. I know myself however, and I know I need a practical system to lay out and then follow, to get in the habit of doing. I suspect there might be others out there in a similar boat. So the ideas:
idea #1
if you are married, and there are two salaried incomes, alternate living off of one income each month. 2 incomes, 2 people, living as 1. Pushing the envelope a bit so that the two are more dependent on being one. Give the other income away as soon as it's paid. The spouse who's income is the "earner" income for the month gets to decide (obviously after united discussion and direction) where or who to give the money to. An aid organization or your church or missionaries overseas or a neighbor in need. There are plenty of places where money can be given to do positive things.
Say Bob and Sue decide to do this. Month #1, they decide to live off Bob's income, Sue gives the total amount of her income for month #1 away as soon as she gets here paycheck, and the couple decides where that money goes together (with Bob's preferences leading the conversation). For month #2, it's time to live off of Sue's income. Bob gives his away as soon as it comes in. They decide together, but this time it's Sue's leading and prompting to where the money goes.
idea #2
if you are single, give away your income every other month. As soon as it comes in. Have one month's income last for two months of expenses. Research aid organizations or missionary groups doing work overseas, local ministries, an area that captures your passions and you have a desire to serve and support. Ya, this may involve looking for coupons or having to cut back on certain expenses. Maybe not upgrade to a new phone until the one you have now breaks. Loans may take longer to pay back, but instead of "well, I'll be fruitful when I become financially sound" it's important to adopt principles and habits of focusing not on money and wealth acquisition, but rather seeing money as an incredible opportunity to serve others.
idea #3
if you have a job that allows it, work as long as it takes in a month to earn 110% of your expenses for the month. This after sitting down and looking at realistic (erring on the side of not spending as much) expense outlays for the month. If you have, say, $2000 in expenses for a month, earn $2200 for the month, and then take the rest of the month off to go and serve people in the community or at your church or go and love on your wife extra (if you are blessed to have one). This idea would be harder to do obviously because most jobs wouldn't allow for this type of set-up.
These ideas may sound crazy and somewhat radical, but are they really?
How much is enough?
Is it crazy to adopt an operational living mindset such as the ones mentioned or something different from those where you intentionally build into your life a system where in effect, you are denying yourself and culture's way to live, and not seeking that "all-important" acquisition of wealth?
One can live, and live very well with not much money. There are billions of people who exist on less than two dollars a day. We earn more than $60 a month. We earn more than that in a day. Some earn more than $60 an hour. Sitting down, budgeting, and planning out finances and expenses can go a long way towards being intentional about living for God 1st and not falling into the trap of culture's goals for our finances and pursuit of wealth.
My point is that we can examine ourselves and our finances to push ourselves to where we are intentionally seeking more of God and denying the easy temptation to pursue earthly riches. Having a crafted and thought out system to follow and be disciplined with helps immensely.
As I wrote in my previous post, I have some ideas about how to incorporate living out ways to deny oneself when it comes to living abundantly for culture's sake, and live abundantly as a result of God's favor and grace upon our lives. These are suggestions to think about and maybe adopt, ways that can provide built in provisions for focusing on Christ and living for Him daily and avoiding the pull and draw to live by what culture tells us we should be doing.
These are not things meant for hardship nor denial of very real and practical dreams to be able to buy a house. The suggestions are meant to push a little bit, so that comfort levels are challenged in a positive and healthy way with the hopeful effect of drawing closer to Christ. These are not ideas meant just for the sake of giving things away and finding favor in doing so. The importance of decisions like this is the heart of the matter. Some people are very disciplined and don't need systems to live by. They are very graceful with their monetary gifts and it's not something that is a struggle in their life. I know myself however, and I know I need a practical system to lay out and then follow, to get in the habit of doing. I suspect there might be others out there in a similar boat. So the ideas:
idea #1
if you are married, and there are two salaried incomes, alternate living off of one income each month. 2 incomes, 2 people, living as 1. Pushing the envelope a bit so that the two are more dependent on being one. Give the other income away as soon as it's paid. The spouse who's income is the "earner" income for the month gets to decide (obviously after united discussion and direction) where or who to give the money to. An aid organization or your church or missionaries overseas or a neighbor in need. There are plenty of places where money can be given to do positive things.
Say Bob and Sue decide to do this. Month #1, they decide to live off Bob's income, Sue gives the total amount of her income for month #1 away as soon as she gets here paycheck, and the couple decides where that money goes together (with Bob's preferences leading the conversation). For month #2, it's time to live off of Sue's income. Bob gives his away as soon as it comes in. They decide together, but this time it's Sue's leading and prompting to where the money goes.
idea #2
if you are single, give away your income every other month. As soon as it comes in. Have one month's income last for two months of expenses. Research aid organizations or missionary groups doing work overseas, local ministries, an area that captures your passions and you have a desire to serve and support. Ya, this may involve looking for coupons or having to cut back on certain expenses. Maybe not upgrade to a new phone until the one you have now breaks. Loans may take longer to pay back, but instead of "well, I'll be fruitful when I become financially sound" it's important to adopt principles and habits of focusing not on money and wealth acquisition, but rather seeing money as an incredible opportunity to serve others.
idea #3
if you have a job that allows it, work as long as it takes in a month to earn 110% of your expenses for the month. This after sitting down and looking at realistic (erring on the side of not spending as much) expense outlays for the month. If you have, say, $2000 in expenses for a month, earn $2200 for the month, and then take the rest of the month off to go and serve people in the community or at your church or go and love on your wife extra (if you are blessed to have one). This idea would be harder to do obviously because most jobs wouldn't allow for this type of set-up.
These ideas may sound crazy and somewhat radical, but are they really?
How much is enough?
Is it crazy to adopt an operational living mindset such as the ones mentioned or something different from those where you intentionally build into your life a system where in effect, you are denying yourself and culture's way to live, and not seeking that "all-important" acquisition of wealth?
One can live, and live very well with not much money. There are billions of people who exist on less than two dollars a day. We earn more than $60 a month. We earn more than that in a day. Some earn more than $60 an hour. Sitting down, budgeting, and planning out finances and expenses can go a long way towards being intentional about living for God 1st and not falling into the trap of culture's goals for our finances and pursuit of wealth.
My point is that we can examine ourselves and our finances to push ourselves to where we are intentionally seeking more of God and denying the easy temptation to pursue earthly riches. Having a crafted and thought out system to follow and be disciplined with helps immensely.
7.15.2008
monetary splendor
"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
(Mark 10:29-31 NIV)
These words from Jesus spoken to his disciples come right after the encounter Jesus has with the rich young ruler. This young wealthy man goes away heartbroken at Jesus' request to go and sell all he has and give it to the poor. It wasn't the act itself I don't think that troubled the young ruler, it was Jesus' request to radically change his life's outlook and what his identity was about that discouraged the young ruler so much. This man had amassed wealth and was used to his time and focus being spent pursuing capital gains. This young man was familiar with a center point to pursue money. I can imagine his relationships, friendships, times of worship, even while faithful and honoring (as the Bible states), fit into, and were pocketed around this greater pursuit: money.
Hmm. I think the connection to nowadays and this rich young ruler is easy to make. I know I am guilty of this. Our lives are oriented such that our schedules revolve around work. Think about if you heard about some guy who's primary focus in life was relationships. This hypothetical guy isn't necessary a slouch, but very much values relationships over monetary pursuits. "Umm, ya, sorry bossman, I know I've missed 45 days this year already, but I'm not going to come in Wednesday or Thursday, one friend is ill and another is going through some difficult struggles in his marriage, so I am going to go and serve them and love on them." This "radical" guy wouldn't have a job long in our culture.
Jesus, in His words of this passage, starts by saying "I tell you the truth." I think that's enough right there to stop and really listen to what will come next. He says, leave all those things culture places a value upon and PURSUE ME. PURSUE WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU. Don't spend your life, the wonderful gifts and talents I have gifted you with, to pursue such a false idol - money.
Whoa there now Mr. crazy blog writer. At the very least, you need money to buy food and clothes and provide shelter for a family, that's how our world works! Duly noted. Money is a necessary evil to live in the world we live in today. But, I want to make the point that there seems to be an oversaturation of the pursuit of money. In my life, I know, I need a greater pursuit of God, and less reliance on money or the security I think it brings me.
More faithfulness in God, less reliance on money.
Money really is a false sense of security. After all, money is just paper, and it burns up pretty fast. Don't believe me? A good exercise would be to take a dollar bill and just light it on fire. I bet a lot of us would have trouble even just burning up $1. Wealth goes away. Economies fail and go through times of crisis. You could go to sleep one day having a million bucks in the bank, and then wake up the next day and have $10 in the bank. God's sovereignty and faithfulness will outlast any length of time money could offer for sovereignty and faithfulness.
I feel like money in its current form is overrated. Money could just as well be chickens instead of paper. Money attempts to convey power and value in our world. That would leave Warren Buffett to be replaced by Colonel Sanders. If chickens were our money, one's wealth would continue to multiply if chickens were money, a lot of people would like that. But chickens are messier and die much easier and are bulkier to carry, so paper was a better choice for money.
I think we can really believe the promise Jesus gives us in this Mark 10 passage. This "truth" that He intentionally tells us. Leaving what is familiar and known to us in life (our lives set up to pursue monetary gain) to seek Jesus and the gospel will return to us IN THIS PRESENT AGE (before we die), a hundred times more than what we know now. We also get the incredible joy of eternal life!
Please note, I am not advocating anything like, "you put a dollar in to the offering plate, you get 10 back in less than a month!" Jesus' words in this passage refer to the richness and splendor in relationships and life contentment that will come back to one who pursues Christ as their primary pursuit.
Would that be too radical to live out? Trusting in God's faithfulness more, denying money's sense of worth and its much lesser ability to complete and provide for us than what the Holy Living God can give us?
I'm going to end here, to let thoughts saturate and mull over in our minds, and then I'm going to post some suggestions that might serve as practical "how to"s to live this pursuit of God more and money less.
(Mark 10:29-31 NIV)
These words from Jesus spoken to his disciples come right after the encounter Jesus has with the rich young ruler. This young wealthy man goes away heartbroken at Jesus' request to go and sell all he has and give it to the poor. It wasn't the act itself I don't think that troubled the young ruler, it was Jesus' request to radically change his life's outlook and what his identity was about that discouraged the young ruler so much. This man had amassed wealth and was used to his time and focus being spent pursuing capital gains. This young man was familiar with a center point to pursue money. I can imagine his relationships, friendships, times of worship, even while faithful and honoring (as the Bible states), fit into, and were pocketed around this greater pursuit: money.
Hmm. I think the connection to nowadays and this rich young ruler is easy to make. I know I am guilty of this. Our lives are oriented such that our schedules revolve around work. Think about if you heard about some guy who's primary focus in life was relationships. This hypothetical guy isn't necessary a slouch, but very much values relationships over monetary pursuits. "Umm, ya, sorry bossman, I know I've missed 45 days this year already, but I'm not going to come in Wednesday or Thursday, one friend is ill and another is going through some difficult struggles in his marriage, so I am going to go and serve them and love on them." This "radical" guy wouldn't have a job long in our culture.
Jesus, in His words of this passage, starts by saying "I tell you the truth." I think that's enough right there to stop and really listen to what will come next. He says, leave all those things culture places a value upon and PURSUE ME. PURSUE WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU. Don't spend your life, the wonderful gifts and talents I have gifted you with, to pursue such a false idol - money.
Whoa there now Mr. crazy blog writer. At the very least, you need money to buy food and clothes and provide shelter for a family, that's how our world works! Duly noted. Money is a necessary evil to live in the world we live in today. But, I want to make the point that there seems to be an oversaturation of the pursuit of money. In my life, I know, I need a greater pursuit of God, and less reliance on money or the security I think it brings me.
More faithfulness in God, less reliance on money.
Money really is a false sense of security. After all, money is just paper, and it burns up pretty fast. Don't believe me? A good exercise would be to take a dollar bill and just light it on fire. I bet a lot of us would have trouble even just burning up $1. Wealth goes away. Economies fail and go through times of crisis. You could go to sleep one day having a million bucks in the bank, and then wake up the next day and have $10 in the bank. God's sovereignty and faithfulness will outlast any length of time money could offer for sovereignty and faithfulness.
I feel like money in its current form is overrated. Money could just as well be chickens instead of paper. Money attempts to convey power and value in our world. That would leave Warren Buffett to be replaced by Colonel Sanders. If chickens were our money, one's wealth would continue to multiply if chickens were money, a lot of people would like that. But chickens are messier and die much easier and are bulkier to carry, so paper was a better choice for money.
I think we can really believe the promise Jesus gives us in this Mark 10 passage. This "truth" that He intentionally tells us. Leaving what is familiar and known to us in life (our lives set up to pursue monetary gain) to seek Jesus and the gospel will return to us IN THIS PRESENT AGE (before we die), a hundred times more than what we know now. We also get the incredible joy of eternal life!
Please note, I am not advocating anything like, "you put a dollar in to the offering plate, you get 10 back in less than a month!" Jesus' words in this passage refer to the richness and splendor in relationships and life contentment that will come back to one who pursues Christ as their primary pursuit.
Would that be too radical to live out? Trusting in God's faithfulness more, denying money's sense of worth and its much lesser ability to complete and provide for us than what the Holy Living God can give us?
I'm going to end here, to let thoughts saturate and mull over in our minds, and then I'm going to post some suggestions that might serve as practical "how to"s to live this pursuit of God more and money less.
7.08.2008
When is it time to worship?
With that question asked, it's good to think of
a) what is worship in the first place, and
b) what purpose does it serve?
Worship is intimate communion time with God. A time to celebrate the burdens we've been carrying. A time to express our thankfulness for the joy the Lord has put into our lives. A time to receive from the Lord. He loves it when we worship Him. He absolutely loves it!
And I don't think that's selfish or prideful of the Lord. I think He's above having those human characteristics applied to Him, and well, I believe He made us with an intentional purpose to worship Him. When we do what we were made to do, that makes a lot of sense! It's not an accident that we in turn, when we worship, have great senses of worth and being AND/OR brokenness and purposelessness when we worship. That's because as we worship, there's an almost immediate feedback sense that we're living and doing the action verb we were meant to do. Or not. When we feel broken in worship, we are recognizing that we've been straying from our purpose. This is a dumb analogy, but I bet a zebra would feel pretty lousy about itself if it tried to play basketball. It's a zebra, it's meant to run around in a harem (zebra word for 'pack' or 'flock') and hang out eating grass, not drill threes and throw down.
Worship is a necessary, life-sustaining event to be practiced, a time in the midst of our earthly lives to remind ourselves of that original creation purpose. The foreshadowing promise we get from Revelation is that's what we'll do in Heaven: worship (Rev 7: 9-17). If that's how the Lord wants it in Glory, then I think we ought to try and practice up as much as possible down here.
This new song by Hillsong (after the singer's testimony) has some great lyrics that speak well to those times when we should worship..."...in every season..." All those seasons we go through in life (Ecclesiastes 3, or just listen to the Byrds), THAT is the time to worship. There are times that it will be easy to worship. There will be times that are difficult, times when we'll feel scared or angry or intimidated by the thought of worship. But I really think we should do it, regardless of what we're facing at the moment in life. This video is a really solid testimony and an encouragement to worship even in the face of tragedy and loss. It's very real. The lyrics in the song speak right to the issue of when to worship. The song follows the testimony.
a) what is worship in the first place, and
b) what purpose does it serve?
Worship is intimate communion time with God. A time to celebrate the burdens we've been carrying. A time to express our thankfulness for the joy the Lord has put into our lives. A time to receive from the Lord. He loves it when we worship Him. He absolutely loves it!
And I don't think that's selfish or prideful of the Lord. I think He's above having those human characteristics applied to Him, and well, I believe He made us with an intentional purpose to worship Him. When we do what we were made to do, that makes a lot of sense! It's not an accident that we in turn, when we worship, have great senses of worth and being AND/OR brokenness and purposelessness when we worship. That's because as we worship, there's an almost immediate feedback sense that we're living and doing the action verb we were meant to do. Or not. When we feel broken in worship, we are recognizing that we've been straying from our purpose. This is a dumb analogy, but I bet a zebra would feel pretty lousy about itself if it tried to play basketball. It's a zebra, it's meant to run around in a harem (zebra word for 'pack' or 'flock') and hang out eating grass, not drill threes and throw down.
Worship is a necessary, life-sustaining event to be practiced, a time in the midst of our earthly lives to remind ourselves of that original creation purpose. The foreshadowing promise we get from Revelation is that's what we'll do in Heaven: worship (Rev 7: 9-17). If that's how the Lord wants it in Glory, then I think we ought to try and practice up as much as possible down here.
This new song by Hillsong (after the singer's testimony) has some great lyrics that speak well to those times when we should worship..."...in every season..." All those seasons we go through in life (Ecclesiastes 3, or just listen to the Byrds), THAT is the time to worship. There are times that it will be easy to worship. There will be times that are difficult, times when we'll feel scared or angry or intimidated by the thought of worship. But I really think we should do it, regardless of what we're facing at the moment in life. This video is a really solid testimony and an encouragement to worship even in the face of tragedy and loss. It's very real. The lyrics in the song speak right to the issue of when to worship. The song follows the testimony.
7.04.2008
McCain or Obama?
Obama or McCain?
Today is July 4th, celebrating our nation's birthday. It was a nation founded with God very much in mind, and I don't think it's a far stretch to say that God has abundantly blessed us throughout our history and even today. In fact, I'll just be bold and say God has been more than good to our country and has granted us favor in so much. Our leaders are an important part of who we are and where we are going as a country.
The news is full of the Presidential election. Which, by the way, happens in NOVEMBER. I'm all for electing the right leader, but does it need to go on this long, really? Anyways, that's not my point. My point for this blog entry is that it is clear that there are many factions and sides out there, many people arguing different points of views and that theirs is the best because of this or that. People get so worked up, are so passionate about this candidate or that candidate, that it almost becomes like it is McCain or Obama who is going to "save" this nation. This is evidenced by how people speak when the conversation turns to politics. Just listen to their tone or volume of voice, people DO care about this. People should be passionate about who their leaders are, it is a very important matter.
But where is our trust in God in this matter?
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1-7 NIV)
I want to highlight:
for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...For he is God's servant to do you good.
We have a choice, without a doubt, to vote for one of these men as our next President. It's an important decision, and in a lot of ways, I think our opportunity to vote, to have that freedom, is a very tangible, earthly reflection of God wanting our lives to be of free will.
In our political conversations, when we get passionate, how often do we reference God that He is going to institute the right leader come November 2008? How passionate and zealous are we that our faith and recognition of power is found in the Living Lord, Jesus, and not a Democratic or Republican candidate? Is our trust being put in the hope for a qualified President with years of experience or buckets of charisma and ideas who will do what he is promising to do once in office, or do we trust a God who has seen many Presidential elections before and has been around longer than politics?
It's an important choice, no question. Come November, I'll vote for the man who I perceive to be most after God's own heart. In the mean time, I'm going to remind myself who it is that sets leaders into place and takes them down, and try to be more faithful to Him.
Today is July 4th, celebrating our nation's birthday. It was a nation founded with God very much in mind, and I don't think it's a far stretch to say that God has abundantly blessed us throughout our history and even today. In fact, I'll just be bold and say God has been more than good to our country and has granted us favor in so much. Our leaders are an important part of who we are and where we are going as a country.
The news is full of the Presidential election. Which, by the way, happens in NOVEMBER. I'm all for electing the right leader, but does it need to go on this long, really? Anyways, that's not my point. My point for this blog entry is that it is clear that there are many factions and sides out there, many people arguing different points of views and that theirs is the best because of this or that. People get so worked up, are so passionate about this candidate or that candidate, that it almost becomes like it is McCain or Obama who is going to "save" this nation. This is evidenced by how people speak when the conversation turns to politics. Just listen to their tone or volume of voice, people DO care about this. People should be passionate about who their leaders are, it is a very important matter.
But where is our trust in God in this matter?
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1-7 NIV)
I want to highlight:
for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...For he is God's servant to do you good.
We have a choice, without a doubt, to vote for one of these men as our next President. It's an important decision, and in a lot of ways, I think our opportunity to vote, to have that freedom, is a very tangible, earthly reflection of God wanting our lives to be of free will.
In our political conversations, when we get passionate, how often do we reference God that He is going to institute the right leader come November 2008? How passionate and zealous are we that our faith and recognition of power is found in the Living Lord, Jesus, and not a Democratic or Republican candidate? Is our trust being put in the hope for a qualified President with years of experience or buckets of charisma and ideas who will do what he is promising to do once in office, or do we trust a God who has seen many Presidential elections before and has been around longer than politics?
It's an important choice, no question. Come November, I'll vote for the man who I perceive to be most after God's own heart. In the mean time, I'm going to remind myself who it is that sets leaders into place and takes them down, and try to be more faithful to Him.
7.01.2008
purpose of this blog
I started this blog primarily as a way to get people, including myself, to think about different culture mentalities, opinions, habits and actions that we face or live out everyday and how culture is related to God. It is my belief that God is much greater, came before, and is much more enduring than anything we have that comes from our culture. And this will continue to hold true. God is the beginning and ultimate end, and so, cultural ways-of-doing-things take a "second place" importance to the way God would have us live and act. As someone who rarely is an absolutist in anything, I ALWAYS believe that God's way takes precedence and authority over culture's way.
With that said, then how do I know what is God's way? Who's to say I always live out God's way before culture's way? Actions always speak louder than words. I would respond to both those things by openly and honestly claiming that I don't know it all, I don't have it all together, I am hugely imperfect in many ways, and I get a lot of things wrong. It'd be pretty dumb if I considered my words and thoughts and myself as Mr. Corect-o-mundo All the time-o. With that said, I deal with those imperfections by:
1. I fully believe in my personal salvation in Jesus, who desires that I live with as much joy as possible in everything I do, and who is loving, forgiving, and correcting in those times I put culture's way in front of God's way.
2. I believe a very practical way to find the real truth of these God and culture matters (they don't always conflict) is for each individual to not believe what someone else has said or done, unless it comes straight from Jesus. Finding out the real truth happens when:
You, who read this blog, FIND OUT THE ANSWER to these questions and issues for your own life by PRAYING AND ASKING the Holy Spirit for wisdom and SEEKING OUT the answers in God's Holy Scriptures, the Bible.
I am convicted that the Bible has no errors and is fully complete and authoritative for the way authentic Christ followers should live out their lives, thus it is a primary source for answers to these questions.
I assume the majority of people who read this blog would be professed Christ followers. But also, be you a Jew, gentile, Christian, Muslim, rich or poor, agnostic, atheist, unchurched, hate what church claims to be, a Canadian, a Texan, a South African, frisbee player, technology executive, a canoeist, a warm fuzzy or a cold prickly, your comments are welcome, just please use appropriate language.
With that said, then how do I know what is God's way? Who's to say I always live out God's way before culture's way? Actions always speak louder than words. I would respond to both those things by openly and honestly claiming that I don't know it all, I don't have it all together, I am hugely imperfect in many ways, and I get a lot of things wrong. It'd be pretty dumb if I considered my words and thoughts and myself as Mr. Corect-o-mundo All the time-o. With that said, I deal with those imperfections by:
1. I fully believe in my personal salvation in Jesus, who desires that I live with as much joy as possible in everything I do, and who is loving, forgiving, and correcting in those times I put culture's way in front of God's way.
2. I believe a very practical way to find the real truth of these God and culture matters (they don't always conflict) is for each individual to not believe what someone else has said or done, unless it comes straight from Jesus. Finding out the real truth happens when:
You, who read this blog, FIND OUT THE ANSWER to these questions and issues for your own life by PRAYING AND ASKING the Holy Spirit for wisdom and SEEKING OUT the answers in God's Holy Scriptures, the Bible.
I am convicted that the Bible has no errors and is fully complete and authoritative for the way authentic Christ followers should live out their lives, thus it is a primary source for answers to these questions.
I assume the majority of people who read this blog would be professed Christ followers. But also, be you a Jew, gentile, Christian, Muslim, rich or poor, agnostic, atheist, unchurched, hate what church claims to be, a Canadian, a Texan, a South African, frisbee player, technology executive, a canoeist, a warm fuzzy or a cold prickly, your comments are welcome, just please use appropriate language.
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