I recently had a bit of time to catch-up on some reading. On the back page of “Christianity Today,” April, 2006 edition the following statement was made by Charles Colson, in his article, “Soothing Oursleves to Death: Should We Give People What They Want or What They Need?”
[I quote]When church music directors lead congregations in singing contemporary Christian music, I often listen stoically with teeth clenched. But one Sunday morning, I cracked. We’d been led through endless repetitions of a meaningless ditty called “Draw Me Close to You,” which has zero theological content and could just as easily be sung in any nightclub. When I thought it was finally and mercifully over, the music leader beamed. “Let’s sing that again, shall we?” he asked. “No!” I shouted, loudly enough to send heads all around me spinning while my wife, Patty, cringed.I admit I prefer traditional hymns, but even so, I’m convinced that much of the music being written for the church today reflects an unfortunate trend–slipping across the line from worship to entertainment. Evangelicals are in danger of amusing ourselves to death, to borrow the title of the classic Neil Postman book.[End quote]
So, what is your thought on this?
What is worship?
What constitutes worship music?
Is it for our refocus on God?
Is it so we feel good, so we can then feel good about God?
Should worship be only songs with Scriptural significance and reference?
Is the Bible the end all of all that we can say of and to God?
Take a look at the “offending” lyrics for yourself and tell me what you think:“Draw Me Close”Draw me close to youNever let me goI lay it all down againTo hear you say that I’m your friendHelp me find a way to bring me back to you[Chorus:]You’re all I want, You’re all I’ve ever neededYou’re all I want,Help me know you are nearYou are my desireNo one else will doCause no one elseCan take you placeTo feel the warmth of Your embraceHelp me find a way to bring me back to you
[Chorus:]You’re all I want, You’re all I’ve ever neededYou’re all I want,Help me know you are near
***********
Is it possible the beginning “worship” set of every church service just fill-time so we can wait for those running late for church?
If worship is so be can “draw close” to God, and be fully, spiritually prepared to here the word of God through the preacher, how is it so many worship teams, walk out of the service after their performance and hang around in the back of the sanctuary, talking story, checking out the bookstore, the food and drinks and just waiting for their cue to do the doxology, special music, offeratory, and closing tunes so we can rush back out to the parking lot?
Do some people intentionally come late, knowing they are only missing the musical section of the service?
Maybe they can’t sing well, or just don’t like to sing…do we ever offer other means of worhipping God…if there is any other manner (No, not animal sacrifices please).
Though I am very fond of BBQ’s!
May be we should add animal sacrifices back to “worship”…people won’t be late (if they like meat), we all get fed, and can give God the glory…..we could even save some of the food for the band, as they continue to sing, “Draw me close to you….”
Just some stuff to ponder and comment about……
GOD ROCKS!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Coal To My Mouth
Isaiah had an encounter with God and was surrounded by heavenly beings...As Isaiah realized he was in the presence of God, he became instantly aware of his own sinfulness (he didn't even need the 7 deadly sins online test). One of the heavenly beings came to him with a burning coal from the alter before God and cleansed Isaiah of his guilt and sins were forgiven (read Isaiah 6).
Please note that while Isaiah recognized his sinful state it was not he who put the coal to his mouth...it was a God thing!
How often do we try to cleanse ourselves....if we would only read the Bible more, if we would only pray more...give more...work harder.
It's easier than that and it can never be by our efforts, value, worth or doing....it's God's doing.....it's a God thing!
So, we admit we are sinners, acknowledge were we end and God begins and allow God to touch our lips with coal.
Yes, reading the Bible is important, along with prayer, service, ministry, etc...but THAT doesn't get us into Heaven.
It's a God Thing.
Please note that while Isaiah recognized his sinful state it was not he who put the coal to his mouth...it was a God thing!
How often do we try to cleanse ourselves....if we would only read the Bible more, if we would only pray more...give more...work harder.
It's easier than that and it can never be by our efforts, value, worth or doing....it's God's doing.....it's a God thing!
So, we admit we are sinners, acknowledge were we end and God begins and allow God to touch our lips with coal.
Yes, reading the Bible is important, along with prayer, service, ministry, etc...but THAT doesn't get us into Heaven.
It's a God Thing.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
The In's and Out's of Christianity
Theo and Evangel are two people who seemingly are absolute opposites. Their focuses are completely different. Yet both claim to be seeking the same thing…a closer walk in their Christianity.
Theo is immersed in the Bible; the study of Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek; researching root meaning of words; ancient cultural norms and points of references. He pours over verses, tearing apart English words to discover how these words were “originally constructed” and trying to find the “correct” and “pure” translation of the Word of God. There are more Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, lexicons and such then found in most homes. He enjoys the intellectual and factual stimulation that come along with these moments, he seeks more and more moments, and junkie’s-up for more.
Evangel is absorbed with being in the Presence of God; seeking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; desiring to be “blessed” by the hand of God; and wanting more spiritual encounters and sensations. She enjoys the emotions and feelings that come along with these moments, she seeks more and more moments, and junkie’s-up for more.
In
Theo’s approach to Christianity may be a bit excessive but understandable. There is much to gain by having a strong understanding of Biblical text (exegetical hermeneutics); relating cultural and historical significance to passages and words; and being knowledge of Scripture.
Out
Evangel’s approach to Christianity may also be a bit excessive but understandable. To have a personal encounter with God is emotional and, at times, dramatic. Wanting to draw close to God is a natural desire as she discovers the Living God in her life, and wanting more and more such moments is normal.
The Mix
Some would think there is a dichotomy within our walk with Christ, meaning there are two distinct and perhaps opposing paths to follow. While Theo and Evangel is a bit of my own hyperbole for the purpose of this blog, we do see this to varying degree in the people in our churches.
What is needed is to mix a bit of both and to add a good blending of “practicing what we preach” in our own lives and into the lives of other Christians and to a dark, fallen, lonely world.
The Body of Christ needs each other, to lift, counsel, correct, and love.
The world needs each of us to lift, counsel, correct and love them, always showing Christ’s love, compassion, and concern.
We need to come along side with others…showing them the Word and the Walk.
Theo is immersed in the Bible; the study of Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek; researching root meaning of words; ancient cultural norms and points of references. He pours over verses, tearing apart English words to discover how these words were “originally constructed” and trying to find the “correct” and “pure” translation of the Word of God. There are more Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, lexicons and such then found in most homes. He enjoys the intellectual and factual stimulation that come along with these moments, he seeks more and more moments, and junkie’s-up for more.
Evangel is absorbed with being in the Presence of God; seeking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; desiring to be “blessed” by the hand of God; and wanting more spiritual encounters and sensations. She enjoys the emotions and feelings that come along with these moments, she seeks more and more moments, and junkie’s-up for more.
In
Theo’s approach to Christianity may be a bit excessive but understandable. There is much to gain by having a strong understanding of Biblical text (exegetical hermeneutics); relating cultural and historical significance to passages and words; and being knowledge of Scripture.
Out
Evangel’s approach to Christianity may also be a bit excessive but understandable. To have a personal encounter with God is emotional and, at times, dramatic. Wanting to draw close to God is a natural desire as she discovers the Living God in her life, and wanting more and more such moments is normal.
The Mix
Some would think there is a dichotomy within our walk with Christ, meaning there are two distinct and perhaps opposing paths to follow. While Theo and Evangel is a bit of my own hyperbole for the purpose of this blog, we do see this to varying degree in the people in our churches.
What is needed is to mix a bit of both and to add a good blending of “practicing what we preach” in our own lives and into the lives of other Christians and to a dark, fallen, lonely world.
The Body of Christ needs each other, to lift, counsel, correct, and love.
The world needs each of us to lift, counsel, correct and love them, always showing Christ’s love, compassion, and concern.
We need to come along side with others…showing them the Word and the Walk.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
The Four C’s of Business and the Church
As some of you may or may not know, one of my part-time jobs is working at a Christian bookstore. In the time I’ve been working I’ve come to ponder why some people do or don’t shop at a local Christian bookstore, instead of ordering from an online source.
There may be a number of reasons someone would find ordering books and materials online:
1) Convenience--ordering from home, anytime, anywhere.
2) Content--selection, more books than any one bookstore could hold in inventory.
3) Customer Centered--efficient, good customer service/order processing.
4) Cost--better pricing.
Perhaps a bad experience in the past, or less than optimal customer service has also caused people to use online services instead of supporting “Christian” businesses…and rightly so…or maybe not?
If the four stated reasons make sense then perhaps we should apply this to attending church too….Instead we can now podcast, stream video, watch it all on TV. Let’s look at this a bit closer:
1) Convenience--it is more convenient to download or turn on the TV than it is to dress, drive to and attend church.
2) Content--you can pick and chose your “pastor for the day” as well as sermon topic.
3) Customer Centered--you don’t ever have to deal with real people so you will always get efficient, fast service focused on YOU and not what YOU can do for them.
4) Cost--most websites, TV programs and Podcasts are free.
Perhaps a bad experience in the past or less than perfect church service/ministry operations has caused people to disassociate themselves from the community…then it’s just hearing the Word of God without dealing with those “Christian” people….and rightly so…or maybe not?
As with local Christian bookstore and local Christian churches, there is an obligation to provide for the wants and needs of the body of believers AND just as important is an obligation for the body of believers to provide support Christian businesses and churches.
So, my questions to you are:
1) What is the purpose of community?
2) Does the Bible speak on supporting Christian businesses?
3) Does the Bible speak on attending a local church?
4) What would happen if we close all local Christian bookstores?
5) What would happen if we close all local churches?
6) Any other thoughts or comments?
There may be a number of reasons someone would find ordering books and materials online:
1) Convenience--ordering from home, anytime, anywhere.
2) Content--selection, more books than any one bookstore could hold in inventory.
3) Customer Centered--efficient, good customer service/order processing.
4) Cost--better pricing.
Perhaps a bad experience in the past, or less than optimal customer service has also caused people to use online services instead of supporting “Christian” businesses…and rightly so…or maybe not?
If the four stated reasons make sense then perhaps we should apply this to attending church too….Instead we can now podcast, stream video, watch it all on TV. Let’s look at this a bit closer:
1) Convenience--it is more convenient to download or turn on the TV than it is to dress, drive to and attend church.
2) Content--you can pick and chose your “pastor for the day” as well as sermon topic.
3) Customer Centered--you don’t ever have to deal with real people so you will always get efficient, fast service focused on YOU and not what YOU can do for them.
4) Cost--most websites, TV programs and Podcasts are free.
Perhaps a bad experience in the past or less than perfect church service/ministry operations has caused people to disassociate themselves from the community…then it’s just hearing the Word of God without dealing with those “Christian” people….and rightly so…or maybe not?
As with local Christian bookstore and local Christian churches, there is an obligation to provide for the wants and needs of the body of believers AND just as important is an obligation for the body of believers to provide support Christian businesses and churches.
So, my questions to you are:
1) What is the purpose of community?
2) Does the Bible speak on supporting Christian businesses?
3) Does the Bible speak on attending a local church?
4) What would happen if we close all local Christian bookstores?
5) What would happen if we close all local churches?
6) Any other thoughts or comments?
Monday, April 17, 2006
The Sudoku-Driven Life
Before you all start screaming, “Heresy, blasphemer!” Please note that I’m just trying to be cute and put a unique spin to some things for us to consider….
Welcome to MY “Velvet Elvis”
See, I think one day I’m going to write a book…now, whether or not it sells any serious numbers of copies, or I get to make it on Oprah, or even on to the shelves at Logos is to be seen. But, I figure I at least have my spots on the Internet and if you like what I write and it moves you closer to God….cool.
So, if you haven’t tried these addictive Sudoku puzzles I suggest you don’t. I reframed from joining the growing number of addicts for quite some time but I recently got a year’s worth of puzzles as a gift.
Now, it doesn’t help that I have an addictive personality, I’m stubborn, and I’m a bit A.R.O.C., so you can understand why I’m almost a third of the way through the book in less than two months…(I’m sure some of you are surprised by this little revelation of my personality…yeah, right).
Okay so here I am about to share with you some deep, theological insights that no one else has come up with before… Just like Velvet Elvis, The Purpose Driven Life, Chicken Soup for Everything Under The Sun and Then Some, or Fresh, Wind, Fresh Fire, Fresh Underwear, Fresh Air…you get the idea.
The Game
The puzzle consists of 81 squares, some of which are already filled with numbers. The object is to ensure every row, column and 3x3 box contains all the numbers from 1 to 9…easy.
The Rules
As you work out each row, column and 3x3 box, there can be no duplicate numbers…again, easy.
(Yeah, right!)
The Strategy
Each Sudoku-ite has their own personal preferences but to begin with, one tries to fill-in the places that are quite obvious, depending on the difficulty of the puzzle.
The Sudoku-Driven Life
So, how does this apply to life?
There are things in our lives that, well, just are…God has given each of us a preset placement of filled-in numbers (who, what, when, where). With these bits of the puzzle already in our lives we then must work out the rest as we go on with our lives.
This complex puzzle applies to our relationships, our goals, even the “working-out of our salvation”.
There are those who will break the rules and try to force a solution.
There are those who will simply quit and go off to do their own thing.
There are those who will so obsess with trying to solve the puzzle, they forget the puzzle is there to be enjoyed and experienced over time.
There are those who will demand that every puzzle must be solved or they will beat themselves literally or figuratively if they get it wrong or make some mistake during the process.
There are those who will try to do their best, being patient to work things out, recognizing that while one square is still unfilled, by working on another area of the puzzle the possibilities will eventually work down to filling in the right one. These people will also recognize that it is by making mistakes, or failing at early attempts at these puzzles they are actually learning AND getting better at solving more complex/difficult puzzles later…over time.
I’m somewhere within each of these types of Sudoku-ites. At times, I’m so obsessed with one or two spaces that I can’t see the solution for other spaces will help be go back later and solve the more difficult ones. At other times, I just want to finish so I just take some guesses and ALWAYS get it wrong and quit.
Them Final Thoughts
I’m looking back at the parallel between the things in my past and present and I handle Sudoku puzzles like my life. I hope to get better at both over time….
So here are my 10 Irrefutable Lessons of a Sudoku-Driven Life for the Best Life Now.
Learning as I continue to try to work out my situations
Learning by seeking God
Learning from my mistakes
Learning to accept the placement and number of digits preset to my “puzzles.”
Learning to accept more difficult challenges because they help me to grow
Learning to surrender to God, because some things are beyond my understanding, but not quit
Learning to persevere
Learning to enjoy the challenges
Learning to love it
Learning to learn.
Welcome to MY “Velvet Elvis”
See, I think one day I’m going to write a book…now, whether or not it sells any serious numbers of copies, or I get to make it on Oprah, or even on to the shelves at Logos is to be seen. But, I figure I at least have my spots on the Internet and if you like what I write and it moves you closer to God….cool.
So, if you haven’t tried these addictive Sudoku puzzles I suggest you don’t. I reframed from joining the growing number of addicts for quite some time but I recently got a year’s worth of puzzles as a gift.
Now, it doesn’t help that I have an addictive personality, I’m stubborn, and I’m a bit A.R.O.C., so you can understand why I’m almost a third of the way through the book in less than two months…(I’m sure some of you are surprised by this little revelation of my personality…yeah, right).
Okay so here I am about to share with you some deep, theological insights that no one else has come up with before… Just like Velvet Elvis, The Purpose Driven Life, Chicken Soup for Everything Under The Sun and Then Some, or Fresh, Wind, Fresh Fire, Fresh Underwear, Fresh Air…you get the idea.
The Game
The puzzle consists of 81 squares, some of which are already filled with numbers. The object is to ensure every row, column and 3x3 box contains all the numbers from 1 to 9…easy.
The Rules
As you work out each row, column and 3x3 box, there can be no duplicate numbers…again, easy.
(Yeah, right!)
The Strategy
Each Sudoku-ite has their own personal preferences but to begin with, one tries to fill-in the places that are quite obvious, depending on the difficulty of the puzzle.
The Sudoku-Driven Life
So, how does this apply to life?
There are things in our lives that, well, just are…God has given each of us a preset placement of filled-in numbers (who, what, when, where). With these bits of the puzzle already in our lives we then must work out the rest as we go on with our lives.
This complex puzzle applies to our relationships, our goals, even the “working-out of our salvation”.
There are those who will break the rules and try to force a solution.
There are those who will simply quit and go off to do their own thing.
There are those who will so obsess with trying to solve the puzzle, they forget the puzzle is there to be enjoyed and experienced over time.
There are those who will demand that every puzzle must be solved or they will beat themselves literally or figuratively if they get it wrong or make some mistake during the process.
There are those who will try to do their best, being patient to work things out, recognizing that while one square is still unfilled, by working on another area of the puzzle the possibilities will eventually work down to filling in the right one. These people will also recognize that it is by making mistakes, or failing at early attempts at these puzzles they are actually learning AND getting better at solving more complex/difficult puzzles later…over time.
I’m somewhere within each of these types of Sudoku-ites. At times, I’m so obsessed with one or two spaces that I can’t see the solution for other spaces will help be go back later and solve the more difficult ones. At other times, I just want to finish so I just take some guesses and ALWAYS get it wrong and quit.
Them Final Thoughts
I’m looking back at the parallel between the things in my past and present and I handle Sudoku puzzles like my life. I hope to get better at both over time….
So here are my 10 Irrefutable Lessons of a Sudoku-Driven Life for the Best Life Now.
Learning as I continue to try to work out my situations
Learning by seeking God
Learning from my mistakes
Learning to accept the placement and number of digits preset to my “puzzles.”
Learning to accept more difficult challenges because they help me to grow
Learning to surrender to God, because some things are beyond my understanding, but not quit
Learning to persevere
Learning to enjoy the challenges
Learning to love it
Learning to learn.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
2 Peter 1:3-11
2 Peter 1:3-11 (NIV)
3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Consider this again....
2 Peter 1:3-11 (The Message)
3Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! 4We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you--your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.
5So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, 6alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, 7warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. 8With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. 9Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
10So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, 11the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Just for fun, reconsider this again...
2 Peter 1:3-11 (The Amplified Bible)
3For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[a]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
4By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
5For this very reason, [b]adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in [c]exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence),
6And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety),
7And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.
8For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [[d]full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
9For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, [[e]spiritually] shortsighted, [f]seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins.
10Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall.
11Thus there will be richly and abundantly provided for you entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What ya' thinkin?
3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Consider this again....
2 Peter 1:3-11 (The Message)
3Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! 4We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you--your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.
5So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, 6alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, 7warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. 8With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. 9Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.
10So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, 11the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Just for fun, reconsider this again...
2 Peter 1:3-11 (The Amplified Bible)
3For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[a]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
4By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
5For this very reason, [b]adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in [c]exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence),
6And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety),
7And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.
8For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [[d]full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
9For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, [[e]spiritually] shortsighted, [f]seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins.
10Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall.
11Thus there will be richly and abundantly provided for you entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What ya' thinkin?
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Little and Big
Luke 16:10
“Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. (NLT)
Interesting scripture, it says much about character. First, understand that faithfulness is not determined by the amount entrusted but by the character of the person who uses it.
It also is about my character when no one sees….So, what do I look like when “no one’s” watching. It might be helpful to remember GOD is always with me….yikes!
I had a wonderful discussion with a friend of mine last night. We talked about the various translations and some of the controversy over them. I explained, for me, it really didn’t matter as I have been in the process of rewording scriptures to make them more personal…and at times, a bit too close to the truth, if you know what I mean….
So, as we chatted, I explained what a “gap analysis” is in business:
You set a goal or describe the “ideal” model for a company, a process, a product, a job…then you take a “snapshot” of how things are today. The difference between the present state and the desired state is the “gap” that needs to be focused on. Let me try to explain how this may work in our walk…
Look again at the Scripture:
Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
So in my revision/gap analysis, I take the same verse(s) and replace the “you” with my name or “I”…
Unless “I” am faithful in small matters, “I” won’t be faithful in large ones. If “I” cheat even a little “I” won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
This rocks my world.
Imagine you are a world-renowned sports star…lets say in basketball. Well, while the world watches you slam-dunk them in the finals and win it big in the final seconds of the final game in the final period…how did you get there?
If you had opted out on practices, given less than “your all”; had you taken shortcuts and decided not to push yourself hard and not seek good teachers (God’s the best) and not been around others seeking similar goals…..where would you be?
So, how did you get there?
Simply by being faithful in the small matters and by not cheating alittle when “no one” was watching…..Taking every opportunity, every, trial, every difficulty and trying to work out our faithfulness, our issues, our shortcomings, our sin so that we will become a person of faithfulness, honest, integrity, of CHARACTER when it comes to the really BIG MOMENTS….when everyone is watching…and it’s a do or die, hit or miss, chance in a lifetime moment.
How you handle the big things will be a reflection of how you handled the little things.
“Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. (NLT)
Interesting scripture, it says much about character. First, understand that faithfulness is not determined by the amount entrusted but by the character of the person who uses it.
It also is about my character when no one sees….So, what do I look like when “no one’s” watching. It might be helpful to remember GOD is always with me….yikes!
I had a wonderful discussion with a friend of mine last night. We talked about the various translations and some of the controversy over them. I explained, for me, it really didn’t matter as I have been in the process of rewording scriptures to make them more personal…and at times, a bit too close to the truth, if you know what I mean….
So, as we chatted, I explained what a “gap analysis” is in business:
You set a goal or describe the “ideal” model for a company, a process, a product, a job…then you take a “snapshot” of how things are today. The difference between the present state and the desired state is the “gap” that needs to be focused on. Let me try to explain how this may work in our walk…
Look again at the Scripture:
Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
So in my revision/gap analysis, I take the same verse(s) and replace the “you” with my name or “I”…
Unless “I” am faithful in small matters, “I” won’t be faithful in large ones. If “I” cheat even a little “I” won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.
This rocks my world.
Imagine you are a world-renowned sports star…lets say in basketball. Well, while the world watches you slam-dunk them in the finals and win it big in the final seconds of the final game in the final period…how did you get there?
If you had opted out on practices, given less than “your all”; had you taken shortcuts and decided not to push yourself hard and not seek good teachers (God’s the best) and not been around others seeking similar goals…..where would you be?
So, how did you get there?
Simply by being faithful in the small matters and by not cheating alittle when “no one” was watching…..Taking every opportunity, every, trial, every difficulty and trying to work out our faithfulness, our issues, our shortcomings, our sin so that we will become a person of faithfulness, honest, integrity, of CHARACTER when it comes to the really BIG MOMENTS….when everyone is watching…and it’s a do or die, hit or miss, chance in a lifetime moment.
How you handle the big things will be a reflection of how you handled the little things.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
God Requires
Micah 6:8
No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
How often I fall short of this simple sentence….
What DOES it take to do what is right? That is….doing what is right, all the time.
How DOES one maintain an attitude in all circumstances that loves mercy?
What DOES it take to walk humbly with my God? What does this even look like?
Any suggestions or comments?
No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
How often I fall short of this simple sentence….
What DOES it take to do what is right? That is….doing what is right, all the time.
How DOES one maintain an attitude in all circumstances that loves mercy?
What DOES it take to walk humbly with my God? What does this even look like?
Any suggestions or comments?
Monday, March 06, 2006
The Job I Love Doing and Loving the Job I’m Doing
Hmmm, is there much of a difference in the following two statements: “the job I love doing”, and “loving the job I’m doing”?
I believe there is a significant difference in these seemingly similar statements. Let me explain….
The Job I Love Doing
The job I love doing is, in my eyes, being able to do something that gives ME pleasure, fulfillment, satisfaction. It is truly “I” centered (this is regardless of how beneficial it is to others). I choose the role, job position, career, and/or vocation that gives me such positive reinforcements and such.
When I am at the job/tasks that I love doing it shows, I’m “in the zone” and utilizing the giftings and talents I have to the best of my abilities and in a very true sense, it is easy, and it is fun!
If I loved to fish, than perhaps a vocation as a fisherman in Alaska or somewhere would fall in this category. Sure, the job has it’s difficulties and dangers but perhaps such things also are part of the pleasure and “fun” that I dig.
On the other-side of this then, would be understanding when I’m in a job I don’t love or that I hate....all those good feelings are gone and I’m definitely out of kilter. Sounds okay so far? If I am someone who dislikes math (okay, I HATE math), then if I were to chose a job as an accountant or auditor or similar, we could only imagine how I would behave and the manners I would express. I’d be miserable and I’d probably bring others down with me.
Loving the Job I’m Doing
So what does this look like? Regardless of my personal preference or natural talent for a job, I do whatever is before me with a heart toward accomplishing it to the best of my ability AND with the best of attitudes. Not an easy thing, and there are times when doing such a task we want this “cup of suffering” to pass from us (now, by no means am I trying to trvialize what Christ felt in the garden or what He accomplished for us on the cross….).
To be Christ-like (Christian) we need to follow up such dreadful work sediments with, “not my will, but Your will be done”. And follow on that with the heartfelt and externally expressed understanding that we do not work for “man” but we are to work at all things as if we are serving God.
Also reflect on those times when we were called to do something (by our own needs or at the instruction of others) that we disliked, yet either over time, we got better at doing it, or the outcome was so good and pleasing, the struggle and “pain” was worth it.
So the next time I find myself hating the job I’m doing, I’ll need to read this again, send out a “breath prayer” and recognize the need to love the job I’m doing because the job I love doing is pleasing God.
I believe there is a significant difference in these seemingly similar statements. Let me explain….
The Job I Love Doing
The job I love doing is, in my eyes, being able to do something that gives ME pleasure, fulfillment, satisfaction. It is truly “I” centered (this is regardless of how beneficial it is to others). I choose the role, job position, career, and/or vocation that gives me such positive reinforcements and such.
When I am at the job/tasks that I love doing it shows, I’m “in the zone” and utilizing the giftings and talents I have to the best of my abilities and in a very true sense, it is easy, and it is fun!
If I loved to fish, than perhaps a vocation as a fisherman in Alaska or somewhere would fall in this category. Sure, the job has it’s difficulties and dangers but perhaps such things also are part of the pleasure and “fun” that I dig.
On the other-side of this then, would be understanding when I’m in a job I don’t love or that I hate....all those good feelings are gone and I’m definitely out of kilter. Sounds okay so far? If I am someone who dislikes math (okay, I HATE math), then if I were to chose a job as an accountant or auditor or similar, we could only imagine how I would behave and the manners I would express. I’d be miserable and I’d probably bring others down with me.
Loving the Job I’m Doing
So what does this look like? Regardless of my personal preference or natural talent for a job, I do whatever is before me with a heart toward accomplishing it to the best of my ability AND with the best of attitudes. Not an easy thing, and there are times when doing such a task we want this “cup of suffering” to pass from us (now, by no means am I trying to trvialize what Christ felt in the garden or what He accomplished for us on the cross….).
To be Christ-like (Christian) we need to follow up such dreadful work sediments with, “not my will, but Your will be done”. And follow on that with the heartfelt and externally expressed understanding that we do not work for “man” but we are to work at all things as if we are serving God.
Also reflect on those times when we were called to do something (by our own needs or at the instruction of others) that we disliked, yet either over time, we got better at doing it, or the outcome was so good and pleasing, the struggle and “pain” was worth it.
So the next time I find myself hating the job I’m doing, I’ll need to read this again, send out a “breath prayer” and recognize the need to love the job I’m doing because the job I love doing is pleasing God.
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