Morality in us...

They're finding that babies have a moral code:

NYT article

That's strong evidence that our moral code is innately in us. The article gets into where this moral code might come from. It concludes that it is a product of our cultures and the environment we live in, thus morality is evolutionary.

I disagree.

The article quotes Richard Dawkins, who says "Be warned that if you wish, as I do, to build a society in which individuals cooperate generously and unselfishly toward a common good, you can expect little help from biological nature."

Which fits in right with how Christianity plays out as Scripture describes it. We are innate sinners saved by Grace, and Grace alone. It is only through Christ's grace may we come together to attempt to do anything for the cities, communities and world we live in...but then it's still Jesus doing the work.

Good article, but I think their conclusion is off.

Insecurity destroys relationships

It would be fair to say that intimacy and insecurity are polar enemies at play in both earthly and heavenly relationships.

Lack of trust or faith in the long-term promise of things is insecurity, which creates a host of worries and stress in the present that suck away the contentment of life-giving, joy-filling relationships.

Psalm 40 says
Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

One's individual purpose and identity in life is found in Christ, and Christ alone. Attempts to fill that critical bond with other earthly relationships will only end in heart ache, tears, or worse.

Psalm 40 continues:

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

Attempting to walk on eggshells before the Lord is no way to live. Do this deed or perform this action, the Lord doesn't want that quick fix mentality. We're ok with Him because of what He did. Being ok with Him isn't a matter of what I can or cannot do. Christ wants a long-term, heart-convicted mentality of His purposes, ways, and life-giving Truth. In that frame of mind, it's much easier to love Him and others when I accept it's not about me or what I can do.

pride in believing

This past Sunday, the message centered on Revelation 21. The message emphasized how it is the redemptive Christ that comes to us, not us to Him. We see this in the context of the new earth to be, "I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband." (Rev 21:2)

I've been reflecting on that a bit. That's exactly how Christ works. It is His initiative that brings reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21), not the other way around. Yet, so often, it's hard for us to accept this incredible gift. I get caught in a "must earn" mentality.

Christ freely left Glory, on His initiative, with us in mind to save. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't earn or know how to earn salvation. I still struggle with the concept of even accepting such an incredible offering, it's contrary to my conditioning here in this world, yet Christ compels us to, and it is my pride that keeps me from acknowledging His incredible gift.

Lord, help me let go of my earning power, let me latch on to the gift of Your salvation, that you so lovingly offered.

Being happy

I here often in America, the phrase "I just want you to be happy." Or "I just want so and so to be happy." My mom says that to me often, as if she is stating that as the end goal for my life.

Happiness is not a bad thing, but I think the Bible teaches us that happiness isn't the end goal. Just "being happy" is a near impossibility in my mind, as we live in a disastrously fallen and broken world. I don't think we'll truly be happy until we are redeemed in the New Heavenly City, experiencing our joy and life directly from Christ.

That is where happiness comes from, real happiness I think. But that doesn't mean happiness in this life like our culture imagines. Jesus was tortured, He sacrificed the ultimate...the things Jesus did, people in our culture would not deem them as happiness-inducing actions.

Psalm 68:1-6 states:
May God arise, may his enemies be scattered;
may his foes flee before him.

As smoke is blown away by the wind,
may you blow them away;
as wax melts before the fire,
may the wicked perish before God.

But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice before God;
may they be happy and joyful.

Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds —
his name is the LORD—
and rejoice before him.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.

God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

and then Psalm 68:19 states:

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.

I think it's key to remember that our happiness comes as a result of our righteousness being found in Christ. Like Psalm 68:3 states.

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful."

Being found in Christ is not necessarily going to bring us the good and comfortable things of our culture that we may think might bring us happiness.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:30

May we find all our happiness locked up in the redemption we find in Christ. For it is through Him, by Him, and for Him that we live and have any of our being.

my selfishness leads to fear

I was reading in Hebrews 11, and going through it, it's a great testimony to fathers of the faith that have come before us. Many of these individuals trusted and lived by faith. They did not necessarily see or receive their reward, or get to interact with Jesus, but they trusted in Him as the Hope to come. These men and women knew they were not in a country of their own,

"Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." (Hebrews 11:16)

The trust in the promise was enough for them to not fear losing their earthly life. That is encouragement to me!

To be able to have faith and trust like these men and women who provided great examples..."Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." (Isaiah 64:4)

"who acts on behalf of those who wait for him..."

I often want purpose and meaning in my work and what I set out in life to do. To worry about that not happening is fear.

But that's just it. I'm being selfish with this. I want my purpose and meaning accomplished. Rather than God's kingdom come, and His glory to be revealed to all nations. For that to happen, I need to wait on Him better, and know that my purpose is found in trusting in the Lord's ways, His timing, and not my own.

marriage - a step of faith

So I'm gonna get married!!

Let me first say, AWESOME!

Let me also say, in the context of life and life decisions, it's a commitment that both Aly and I would say involves a big step of faith. Neither one of us knows what the future holds or what it will look like. Big decisions like this have come before...choosing where to attend college, choosing to move to Nashville, choosing to move overseas...

At each front door of decisions in the past, we had no idea what was really inside. However, looking back on the things grace has done, we can see that God was clearly in it all the way, even when we lacked trust, thought we knew the way better, or tried to let our comfort rest in the things and security this world offers.

This decision to get married is a testimony to the faithfulness and goodness of God. We want nothing more than for His glory to be shared, to be revealed more...He is the name above all names, He deserves every bit and ALL of our worship. Jesus loved us first, and we can only love or be in love because of Christ.

It will be an adventure led by God. With that in mind, and trusting fully in His providence and sovereignty, we can worry less about our comfort here on earth and enjoy the ride to come. I'm not going to try and be Mr. "Big I know it all and have this marriage thing figured out." Quite the contrary. I have much to learn but I eagerly want to see the fun and joy, the struggles and pain, the future holds as we submit our lives to living out the Gospel for the purpose of His Kingdom come!!!

where the criticism really should be

"Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them." Isaiah 1:23

In spite of our political state maybe looking more and more like this, I spend too much time being critical of the government and its ways. Yes I think it's inefficient and wastes a great deal of resources for the wrong reasons...but I'm forgetting the larger picture that God is in control. Always.

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and please God our Savior...." 1 Timothy 2:1-3a

I complain. I don't pray. I don't act on my own. This is a problem.

One of my favorite movies of all time is Shawshank Redemption. There's a famous line that Morgan Freeman says so well in his Morgan Freeman voice: "Get busy living, or get busy dying."

I could spend a lifetime and find endless channels to criticize this or that regarding government, or I could decide to use my time in trying to set up a parallel government. A government of righteousness and peace, bringing God's Holy City to earth.

Christ's government is characterized by love, mercy, justice hope, faith...not whiners and complainers.

The real complaint lies with the attitude of my heart, not big uncle Sam.

how easily I forget

How easily I forget who is in my corner. Who I am walking down a dark alley with. The One who's got my back.

"I, even I, am he who comforts you.
Who are you that you fear mortal men,
the sons of men, who are but grass,

that you forget the LORD your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth,
that you live in constant terror every day
because of the wrath of the oppressor,
who is bent on destruction?
For where is the wrath of the oppressor?

The cowering prisoners will soon be set free;
they will not die in their dungeon,
nor will they lack bread.

For I am the LORD your God,
who churns up the sea so that its waves roar—
the LORD Almighty is his name.

I have put my words in your mouth
and covered you with the shadow of my hand—
I who set the heavens in place,
who laid the foundations of the earth,
and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.' "

-Isaiah 51:12-16 NIV

karma

I'll go ahead and state that I'm not a big fan of karma.

Yet, it is a very prevalent part of our nation and people's outlook around the world. There are even quite a few Christians who believe in karma principles. Since so many people adhere to karma like philosophies, we need to understand if we believe it or not, for it motivates a great number of people's actions in life.

It's important to examine karma because I think it does have half-truths rooted in the truth of the Bible, but it's very dangerous because it abuses or uses the truth of God to propel a false philosophy.

In considering if it is true or not, what does the Bible have to say, either directly or indirectly about the topic. Is karma a principle close to the heart of God?

Karma is basically the belief that your good or bad deeds will come around back to you in the future via good fortune or bad misfortune.

1. karma equates to self-salvation
Belief in karma predicates the thought that a person can alter his or her actions to be good enough to find salvation or comfort in life. "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:17

I think this is an arrogant and ignorant view of the human heart. I think most people, secular or Christian, can identify with Paul in Romans 7 when he talks about struggling with sin. He wants to do what is good -- all of us do most of the time -- yet there is something, some junk that prevents us from living that out.

2. karma has no need of Christ - grace is gone
Related to #1, belief in karma calls for throwing Christ out of the picture. For CHRISTians who believe in karma, this is a clear contradiction of beliefs -- it's sort of one or the other. Believing in karma reduces Christ from Great Savior to enlightened teacher at best, some guy in history at worst. "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace that you have been saved." Ephesians 2:5

Believing in karma means grace is gone.

3. With no first love, how does karma work?
Throwing out Jesus by believing in karma throws out that God has incredible love, unfathomable love, for His created order. The understanding of God's love is just that, unexplainable. Through the ages, the best we can come up with is labeling our understanding of God's great love as "grace," and it's true, we're not even close to getting how much He loves us.

By not understanding God's great love for us, we attempt to be like Jesus and love others, and then it is when that we get acts of service in line with His Kingdom. We only breathe each breath, wake up each day, eat each meal by the grace of God and His love and mercy for us.

"We love because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:19

So without having a first, greater act of love from God, then how would karma proponents know how to do acts of "love"..."good deeds"? Do karma proponents believe in evolved moral standards? There seems to be a contradiction here.

When we get back around to it, I find it hard to believe that in the karma philosophy, there is something genuine that is the fuel, the underlying impetus, to motivate the good deeds. Here in lies a half-truth. Karma masks itself as being a genuine good act in the service of others, but based on the wrong motives.

Karma is meant to further the self. Jesus wanted us to further His kingdom, serve others, at the expense of self. Give our lives self-LESS-ly for the love of Christ and His people.

In that vein, karma can't exist.

Jesus = freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

Paul was absolutely correct. In Christ, we find utmost freedom.

If you don't believe me, or doubt that yourself even a little bit, I'd offer this. Reading through Mark 5, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man. When Jesus exorcises these demons, they ask Him:

The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them." He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned (Mark 5:12-13)

Now you might say, well, that's not freedom, the evil spirits had to ask permission. Well, that view, no disrespect, is horribly arrogant. I think checking with Jesus for any request or decision is generally a good idea, since He created everything.

Really, think about it. Demons, yes demons asked Jesus to do something, they requested specifically to go into the pigs, and He gives them the freedom to do so.

So if Jesus gives great sovereignty of choice, does that mean He is not sovereign?

Not in the least, I don't think. In fact, I think it enhances His greatness. He doesn't have to be some autocratic, domineering totalitarian over what He created because He knows that love really doesn't exist in that way. He's obviously mature enough to know that the ones He created will rebel against Him and do stupid things.

Does Jesus get mad and quickly snap His created back in line?

No, just the opposite. He loves even more and offers even more grace. It's really quite counter-intuitive for what we're familiar with here on earth.

In a world that is deprived of all sorts of freedoms for all sorts of people and nations, Jesus offers real freedom from sin and the ways of the world.

Jesus means freedom.

Mark 8

It's great how Jesus asks rhetorical questions to cut straight to issues that really matter. He asks a few of them in Mark 8, and they're quite poignant for the current reality of my life. His questions are good are-you-living-the-gospel reality checks.

Here's one:
He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." (Mark 8:12)

(notice Jesus sighed deeply before he said that, as if to communicate...you guys still really don't get it!!) I think a great number of Christians are always looking for a "neon sign" that points us to God's will. In life, we want signs or dreams or messages to tell us which big decisions to make that will properly line up with walking and serving God.

If we think about this for a second, this line of thinking is not really in the heart of God. He gives us an example and His word in Christ to know what His heart deeply cares about. God gives us freedom in our life to decide how to go about fulfilling that gospel magnetism with professed allegiance to Christ.

In this passage in Mark, Jesus just fed about 4,000 MEN the text says (more when adding women and children present)...so maybe about 10,000 people with 7 (SEVEN) loaves of bread. Jesus did this just after his disciples confessed their lack of faith "But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?"

Their problem is the same one I encounter when it comes to gospel living. I proudly depend on myself, my faculties, my abilities when it comes to trying to live out the gospel.

The same thing happens with Peter later in Mark 8 (8:31-33).

Hence, it's fitting that Mark 8 closes with:
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

notice Jesus said this to the crowd AND the disciples. He wants this to be public knowledge.

He's telling us to get rid of ourselves and our pride. Forget the ways of the world. It's empty tired and broken. Pursuing its rewards is empty and full of despair.

Jesus is challenging us to live a life marked by free gospel living that is based on an everlasting devotion to His name, depending on His power and not ours.

failing to eagerly wait

I'm not sure if it's because I'm mostly a pessimist, but I have really been dropping the ball on eagerly waiting for the redemption of both the world and the New Jerusalem and my own redemption.

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,' and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 24:45-51 NIV)

Part of eagerly waiting for the appointed promise is to "give them their food at the proper time...". I take that to mean that we are to constantly be serving and encouraging fellow servants (other believers) as well as non-believers. We are to be in a constant mindset with the gospel on the tip of our tongue...always sharing it in word and deed.

After all, Paul writes that "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed." Romans 8:19. The specific 'creation' word in the Greek that Paul uses, ktisis, is taken to mean a "creature" of creation, as in Gentiles, non-believers.

Now that's interesting. Even non-believers are eagerly waiting for the redemption. Which I think makes perfect sense. Non-believers, whether they like it or not, admit it or not, I believe were originally created in the image of God to worship Him and reflect His glory. And when that doesn't happen, something is off and not right ("subjected to frustration"...Romans 8:20).

The point is, as believers in Christ, we have the vision and promise of Revelation 21, the New Jerusalem.

For living out my present faith, I would do good to more eagerly anticipate Christ's return and actually try to believe in His promise and listen to His words.

can love be understood?

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

I've been thinking a bit lately about love, and what that looks like in our media driven, for-profit day and age. Culture tries to splotter love all over the place, and I think people get de-sensitized to what love really is, at its core.

First, remember that love is something we don't understand well as humans -- that's why it goes in the abstract noun category. But certainly, love is demonstrated or exemplified by certain acts. It's hard to identify love without some sort of concrete, physical, can-be-seen act.

Well, this verse tells us that love comes from God, and that God is love. Can we understand God? I don't think God is abstract, but He's too intense, too vast, too full to understand fully by us and our feeble minds, in my opinion. So if we can't understand God, we can't understand love.

Certainly, love was showcased by the concrete, physical in-the-flesh act of Jesus on the cross. It was a manifestation, or the playing out of love, God's love...but that still leaves us a little in the dark on an absolute definition of love.

There's something else unique that I'm figuring out about love. Acts of love are not earned nor deserved. They result from grace. This is true for my human relationships. The most memorable things I remember about acts of love on me or to me are not done to earn anything back from me -- there is a genuine heart to love me because of the person I just happen to be.

Appreciating someone for them just being them and the way they are. Love doesn't try and instruct or tell, it simply celebrates.

Jesus did the necessary thing to fully celebrate each and every one of His. And driving it was grace -- not anything that Jesus expected to earn or deserve back from the people He saved.

In light of this, I think it frees us up to love in our human relationships like He did -- with freedom, no fear of condemnation, not thinking we have or deserve something in return -- we can simply celebrate.

the example of Mary

Unfortunately, Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been deified by certain lines of the Catholic church. In lines that have not deified Mary, she is thought to have always been a virgin (please explain James and John), and is revered close to, if not more than Jesus.

In some ways, I think Protestant churches and Protestant theology have rebuked Mary a little too much in response to Catholic views towards Mary, by virtually never talking about her example or how faithful a woman she was to the Lord. She submitted faithfully and steadfastly to God's plan for her life, and I think that should be celebrated.

She is a great example of faith to consider, but not the reason for our faith. Jesus alone (includes the Holy Spirit and the Father) is the reason for our faith.

Consider her worship song:

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers."
(Luke 1:46-55 NIV)

the difference in generations

Generational differences exist, both in identity and action.

I think this is clear when anyone considers their parents and/or grandparents. Their lives revolve around certain activities, behaviors, and habits that are more common to their own generation than they are to a particular family. Take facebook as an example. Take playing bridge as an example. Take wearing white New Balance walking shoes.

It got me thinking, what does my generation have to offer the world? And my generation here in the US, how is it distinct from my parent's generation?

And I considered this amidst the context of this passage in Matthew:
When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him." "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief. (Matthew 17:14-23 NIV)

The man who came to Jesus really wanted his son healed. That was his focus and his reason for coming to Jesus. It makes sense, back then, without modern medicine, that sickness and illness rates were much higher. Calamities and deformities were commonplace. In a sense, it was a generation that, as part of its identity, had high levels of sickness.

I think Jesus' response in this passage is so unique:
"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."

I think Jesus would have said this with an exasperated, almost frustrated tone. It seems all that the people wanted were surface level things, important, but surface level...to be fed...to be healed...to have comfort. Very plainly, Jesus then proceeds to tell them that they needed more faith, to consider something bigger than the surface level things they were wrestling with common to their current generational identity.

I consider that my parent's generation brought a great deal of prosperity to America. The sheer demographic number coupled with their work ethic helped usher in large economic gains for the country as a whole. Honestly, I don't forsee that staying the case, I think America's standard of living in economic terms will fall or flatline and not improve. The point is, my parent's generation seems to have, as part of their identity, earned prosperity, and thus, an accumulated status of wealth.

As proof of this, consider how many parents helped finance their kids college education (of my generation). Probably a great number more than their parents who could or could not help with their college education.

Each parent always wants to give their children more than their parents were able to give them.

I think that applies largely to a whole generation. And so what is my generation's gift to our children going to be?

I was thinking about that this weekend when I saw my best friend's baby boy, happy as ever to be dancing around with his dad, mom, and me in the room.

Well, I think it is going to be hard to give our children the kind of prosperity that our parents were able to give us. Remembering this passage in Matthew, I think we can give our children something maybe better than prosperity and comfort through having enough money.

May they grow and develop a sense of faith in Christ, modeled by their parents (us), that is bigger than a mustard seed, so that they will actually move mountains and bring Christ's kingdom here to earth.

James and judgment

I admit that I struggle, and struggle often, with judgment.

James was doing a good job of kicking my butt this morning in regards to judging others.

It's something that I need to be kicked in the teeth on, it's something that's not good at all.

The most convicting part:
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:11-12 ESV)

Basically, I am playing God when I judge others. I set myself up on a throne to determine who and who is not worthy of mercy, grace and compassion.

Jesus was very clear about judging others. (Matthew 7:1-6)

How dare I judge. How dare I even remotely try to act or take duties reserved for God. How dare I do something that Jesus explicitly said "do not..."

I'm thankful for James 2:12-13 that encourages me to be quick to be merciful, rather than quick to judge:
So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

I'm also thankful for the real people in my life who model that. My girlfriend and one of my roommates in particular, are modeling and teaching me, although I am stubborn and slow to learn, how mercy over judgment is such a better way to treat others and love your neighbor. I don't consider that they're perfect at it, but they offer such a fresh example that points in the right direction of mercy triumphing over judgment.

They apparently have been listening to what James has to say about judgment.

getting back to the heart of worship

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus

The chorus of this song is reminding me that all I do in my life, it is meant for the glory of God in the highest, to worship Him with every aspect of my life.

I've been forgetting that. In my busy-ness, the end goal of why I do all that I do sort of slipped under the table.

In reading a research article for class, do I do it for You Lord?

When I spend an hour at work, giving a test, do I do it for You Lord?

In playing frisbee with friends and seeing it as a time of fellowship, do I do it for You Lord?

Every word and action that I direct towards my girlfriend, a beautiful daughter of Yours, do I do it for You Lord?

I have to confess, I'm at a point where all these things I don't do with a heart of worship. Mixed in there is a heart of selfish desires, a heart of anger, a heart of fear, a heart of idolization, a heart of pride, a heart of independence and not dependence on You Lord...

Colossians 3 is giving me a refreshing view:
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things...Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry...Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him...Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

This part of the chapter emphasized itself to me:
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him...Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

Lord, on Your strength and by Your grace, please get me back to the heart of worshiping You Jesus. In all I do.

really powerful verse

Please consider meditating on this verse. Reading the context is great too, but please meditate on this verse and how it relates to what Jesus may have done for you in your life.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)

vulnerability in community

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16 NIV)

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)

Vulnerability is not an easy thing. Especially in America in 2009. Our culture is teeming with walled, very individualized, personal individuals. That's fine in one respect, but ends up costing individuals and collective communities in large ways.

I went to a Prodigal God Bible study last night, and this idea came up again and I've been thinking about it.

I feel Jesus was the best model of vulnerability. He left the comfort and splendor of heaven to come down to earth, and yes, while it was His creation, I'm going to say heaven is a far better place to be. He was open with the people He walked and interacted with...how is it that four different men, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John record with a unique perspective each ways in which Jesus was vulnerable.

He exemplified this vulnerability by going to the cross, yes, but He also exemplified it by His willingness to talk about others sins. Not only speak of them, but heal them!!

Back to modern day America 2009, I don't think it is our responsibility to heal our brother or sister's sins. That is a ridiculous thought. Only Jesus Christ can do that. Nor am I proposing or am suggesting that people who are uncomfortable to speak about their sins should be forced in any way to speak of their sins. When they're ready. And certain relationships, obviously, sin shouldn't be confessed to the other person, both to protect and prevent further injury.

But if communities are environments of Christ's love, where fellowship is genuine and honest, a willingness to confess sins when appropriate can do so much to strengthen the relationships in those communities! Of course, I don't think it's easy, vulnerability never is, especially not in guard-everything-about-you-America, but it can have a strong cementing, binding, effect to solidify and strengthen communities that they may walk stronger together in the desire to bring Christ's kingdom here to earth.

the tongue's power

So over the past few weeks, there have been different incidents where my mouth has led to trouble for me or some pain for other people. Not that it was intentional, but nonetheless, it happened.

I don't think James was under-do-ing it when he used the analogy of a ship's small rudder controlling the big ship. I was going over his words in James 3, and here are some running thoughts as the passage goes on, related to this idea of keeping the tongue in check:

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
My role in life with other people is not to instruct them or tell them what is right or wrong. That is the Lord's doing and the Lord's work. Not to say He can't use us as instruments to do that, He can...but in my zeal to help build others up, living an example of God's truth and His ways speaks far louder than words.

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
James knows human beings. We're going to goof up with our mouths from time to time. Nobody is perfect.

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.
Our tongues should not be used to control or to demonstrate power.

Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.
All that "sticks and stones may break my bones...but words will never hurt me..." That is the most untrue, horribly in-denial song for the world. Words have an incredibly powerful effect and should be chosen and used carefully.

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Chosen words have the potential, if not checked, to spiral into a horrendous and dangerous snowball with even greater and greater consequences. Remember James points out a bit earlier he knows that all humans are going to mess up and say dumb and hurtful things sometimes. Yet, there ought to be a check in place and a desire to limit or reconcile those words from spiraling into something much much worse.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
Yikes. Like I was feeling after my incidents, I would rather not ever talk again. It'd save me a lot of frustration, hurt on other people's part. So yes, there is something valuable to biting the tongue and not saying anything at all. Never might be an extreme, but I should speak less.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
This hit me hard. With my words, when I criticize people or gossip or talk negatively about someone behind someone's back, or even to their face, I am basically in God's face, saying, "this creature you made is not that great...not that wonderful." It is way too bold and arrogant on my part for me to dare to do something like this, I should always remember that when I speak of someone, I am speaking of a uniquely beloved creation of Christ.

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
I am clearly a person full of contradictions and hypocrisy. Most often, I need to seek the Lord's wisdom, and not my own (the next thing James talks about). I need to live out His wisdom, the knowledge of Christ's grace, and that sort of life should be the life that I am speaking about and living out loud.