Recently, I have been learning much about embracing who you have been made to be. Often times, I find myself stuffing down my accomplishments and success out of fear of being prideful. I will not want to share with others some of the things that I have been able to do because of my gifts and talents. This has also made me super critical of my downfalls and shortcomings. Yes, I am what people like to refer to as a perfectionist. I have been learning that there are some things I am great at! And, there are some things that I am not. I think the best part of getting older is that you begin to realize your strengths and weaknesses.
We should all try to think about a few things we are really great at and say "hey, thanks God, I'm good that!" And, the things that we find ourselves lurking over others shoulders wishing we could have their talents, we should give those things up! Live a little be thankful for who you are and let go of who you are not! What freedom there is in that! :)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Are you overwhelmed?
I was reading a devotional again this morning and was struck by the urgency to lean on Jesus and let our circumstances disappate. Often times, we find ourselves looking at situations in life, and we feel overwhelmed. We look at our list of "to dos" and we immediately shudder at the possibility of completion.
However, when we look at the life of Jesus, a man that knew he was going to die a painful death on cross, we see a man that does not have fear or worry over what is happening to him and what is to come. No matter if we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we still should be able to consider how remarkable it is that when he was hanging on a cross he states, "please God forgive them", instead of what I would have said, which probably would involve some curse words! This is something to hold in our hearts when we worry over being late for an appointment, running off to do this or that, or if the people around us really care and love us...just some examples. I challenge us to look at the life of Jesus in the Gospels and see a man that has no fear, no worry, no doubt that he was being taken care of by a God above. We can learn so much from him, and yes, it may take our whole lifetime to figure things out. But, let your circumstances dissipate, and trust that when focused on loving God and doing his will, everything else will fall into its rightful place.
However, when we look at the life of Jesus, a man that knew he was going to die a painful death on cross, we see a man that does not have fear or worry over what is happening to him and what is to come. No matter if we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we still should be able to consider how remarkable it is that when he was hanging on a cross he states, "please God forgive them", instead of what I would have said, which probably would involve some curse words! This is something to hold in our hearts when we worry over being late for an appointment, running off to do this or that, or if the people around us really care and love us...just some examples. I challenge us to look at the life of Jesus in the Gospels and see a man that has no fear, no worry, no doubt that he was being taken care of by a God above. We can learn so much from him, and yes, it may take our whole lifetime to figure things out. But, let your circumstances dissipate, and trust that when focused on loving God and doing his will, everything else will fall into its rightful place.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Big Things To Do
"The great hindrance in spiritual life is that we look for big things to do. Jesus took a towel... and began to wash the disciples' feet."
I was reading my Oswald Chamber's book, My Utmost for His Highest, when I was struck by these lines. So often, we think we need to be doing things that everyone should know about. We want to stand up and shout, "Look at me, I'm living a life for God, aren't I amazing!" And, that is the exact opposite of the life of Jesus. Jesus did what he felt God compelled him to do in every moment, in every circumstance, without regard for his status. These words helped me to realize that even if I blog a million pages about how great God is, the true test of my life is life I live surrounded by others.
What a great way to start the day! I have been challenged to live my life differently. Also, I have learned that even in my mundane circumstances, I can still do great things for God by picking up a towel and serving others.
I was reading my Oswald Chamber's book, My Utmost for His Highest, when I was struck by these lines. So often, we think we need to be doing things that everyone should know about. We want to stand up and shout, "Look at me, I'm living a life for God, aren't I amazing!" And, that is the exact opposite of the life of Jesus. Jesus did what he felt God compelled him to do in every moment, in every circumstance, without regard for his status. These words helped me to realize that even if I blog a million pages about how great God is, the true test of my life is life I live surrounded by others.
What a great way to start the day! I have been challenged to live my life differently. Also, I have learned that even in my mundane circumstances, I can still do great things for God by picking up a towel and serving others.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
I love blogs!
Yes, I am still alive...I just haven't the urge to post. Maybe because my life has been filled with learning experiences that I have ben trying to process, or maybe I just never sit at my computer now that we have IPods and blackberry machines. Yet, I felt in my heart of hearts maybe you missed reading what I have to say...or maybe not. But, whatever the case may be, I'm back and I have things to tell you!
I love reading other peoples' blogs. This I have realized because it teaches me about human nature. Most of the blogs I read have to do with either God, relationships, running, and/or food. Some of them are written very well with great prose. Others, simply are funny and entertaining and others I think I just read to disagree! But, I admit that when I read what others are posting my mind races with ideas and questions for the reasons behind the post.
Today, I bet almost everyone you come into contact with has a blog. And, if not, they most likely post on twitter or Facebook. Don't you find that fascinating. The person you sit next to at work may write about their favorite restaurants in such amazing detail that you want to dive right into the dish they are describing. Another person on the train may have a blog filled with their artwork and photography that is some of the most amazing stuff you have ever looked at! Yet, if we never form a relationship with these people we will never truly be able to know what it is that they are gifted in.
Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about how much I want to be involved in the lives of the people around me so that I don't just read what they have to say on a blog but rather, can experience it with them. I think this is what Jesus imagined the Church to be like. When we embrace the gifts that God has given to us, we are willing to share them with others not just in a blog but in practical real life experience. The person that maybe has a gift for describing and detailing food in their blog maybe the same person that sees characteristics of God when he prays and shares them with the church. The person that is artistic may be able to see attributes of God through creation that I am unable to appreciate without their help. Therefore, it is so crucial that we spend time with people, good quality time, listening to their heartbeat that God has given them for life.
I love to read blogs because it helps me to connect to the gifts God has given around the world. How remarkable it is to think that there are so many people out their wanting to voice their experiences through writing a blog. Now, if we step out of our comfort zone and actually experience those things with the people writing the blog, how much more appreciation will we have for that person and the way God created them! I love blogs and I believe that when we see people as the writers of something amazing we will be brought closer to an understanding of the love God has for each person and the amazing talents and gifts he so freely gives out to each one of us.
If you don't have a blog...if you did what would you write about?
I love reading other peoples' blogs. This I have realized because it teaches me about human nature. Most of the blogs I read have to do with either God, relationships, running, and/or food. Some of them are written very well with great prose. Others, simply are funny and entertaining and others I think I just read to disagree! But, I admit that when I read what others are posting my mind races with ideas and questions for the reasons behind the post.
Today, I bet almost everyone you come into contact with has a blog. And, if not, they most likely post on twitter or Facebook. Don't you find that fascinating. The person you sit next to at work may write about their favorite restaurants in such amazing detail that you want to dive right into the dish they are describing. Another person on the train may have a blog filled with their artwork and photography that is some of the most amazing stuff you have ever looked at! Yet, if we never form a relationship with these people we will never truly be able to know what it is that they are gifted in.
Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about how much I want to be involved in the lives of the people around me so that I don't just read what they have to say on a blog but rather, can experience it with them. I think this is what Jesus imagined the Church to be like. When we embrace the gifts that God has given to us, we are willing to share them with others not just in a blog but in practical real life experience. The person that maybe has a gift for describing and detailing food in their blog maybe the same person that sees characteristics of God when he prays and shares them with the church. The person that is artistic may be able to see attributes of God through creation that I am unable to appreciate without their help. Therefore, it is so crucial that we spend time with people, good quality time, listening to their heartbeat that God has given them for life.
I love to read blogs because it helps me to connect to the gifts God has given around the world. How remarkable it is to think that there are so many people out their wanting to voice their experiences through writing a blog. Now, if we step out of our comfort zone and actually experience those things with the people writing the blog, how much more appreciation will we have for that person and the way God created them! I love blogs and I believe that when we see people as the writers of something amazing we will be brought closer to an understanding of the love God has for each person and the amazing talents and gifts he so freely gives out to each one of us.
If you don't have a blog...if you did what would you write about?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Ruler of All
This morning I was reflecting on the power of God. So often, I forget that God is in charge. There are times I feel like everything is in my control from performing well at work, to making friends, to running a good race. Yet, Ephesians 1 reminds me that in fact God is in control of the universe.
"God raised Jesus from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything." Ephesians 1:20-23 (The Message)
There was freedom in my heart when I read this passage. I tend to like to have my hands clinging to every last strand of control. But, in this verse, it becomes clear that God purposely sent Jesus to earth and raised him from the dead, so that I would give up control. The application of this is that when life may seem to be handing me lemons, I should ask God, my boss, what he wants me to do with them. I am beginning to see that when I give up my control to God, I find rewards that I did not know where possible. The joy of having a relationship with God is that we can ask him why, how, and what? Sometimes, he may give us a direct answer. Other times, we may have to wait it out. But, what a pleasure it is to be able to communicate with the ruler of the universe.
We all have areas in our lives where we need to submit to God's authority. This verse in Ephesians reminds us that the whole purpose of the resurrection was so that we would glorify Jesus as the ruler of our lives here on earth and in heaven. So, I challenge you to think about the areas that you need to let go of control, and offer it up to God so that you may see his power at work in your life. There will be rivers of peace and contentment when we believe that Jesus sits in heaven in charge of our circumstances. He is willing to talk with us about them but we have to first give up control and ask for his power to transform us.
"God raised Jesus from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything." Ephesians 1:20-23 (The Message)
There was freedom in my heart when I read this passage. I tend to like to have my hands clinging to every last strand of control. But, in this verse, it becomes clear that God purposely sent Jesus to earth and raised him from the dead, so that I would give up control. The application of this is that when life may seem to be handing me lemons, I should ask God, my boss, what he wants me to do with them. I am beginning to see that when I give up my control to God, I find rewards that I did not know where possible. The joy of having a relationship with God is that we can ask him why, how, and what? Sometimes, he may give us a direct answer. Other times, we may have to wait it out. But, what a pleasure it is to be able to communicate with the ruler of the universe.
We all have areas in our lives where we need to submit to God's authority. This verse in Ephesians reminds us that the whole purpose of the resurrection was so that we would glorify Jesus as the ruler of our lives here on earth and in heaven. So, I challenge you to think about the areas that you need to let go of control, and offer it up to God so that you may see his power at work in your life. There will be rivers of peace and contentment when we believe that Jesus sits in heaven in charge of our circumstances. He is willing to talk with us about them but we have to first give up control and ask for his power to transform us.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Purpose of Posting
I hope you enjoy reading what I post in this blog. The purpose I started writing this blog is to share my love for Jesus with you whether you believe in Him or not and to see that life is full of challenges and trials with the true constant being that a God exists in heaven and desires a relationship with you. Also, I have realized the true brevity of life, and the unforcene circumstances that can quickly cut your life short. Therefore, I want you to know that this life on earth can be vibrant, exciting, peaceful, and full of many great things when you live it with faith in God. Even better, is living this life with the hope that God has prepared a space for you in heaven to inhabit for eternity.
Some of you may be reading this with no knowledge of who I am, what I do for a living, and what I occupy myself with on a day to day basis. But, that doesn't matter. I can wholeheartedly admit to you that even without knowing you I wish that you would hold on the truths that I claim to profess in this blog. There is no simple explaination for the beliefs that I have. There was no day I felt the sky fall down on me and I understood that there was a God in heaven. Rather, it has been a continual process, by the grace of God, that I have faith that He exists and He loves me and you.
There are many things in this world that can grab our attention. All you have to do is search for a blog and you can find people writing about what they worship. Some people worship food. Some people worship themselves. Some people worship...well you get my drift. Every day we have the choice to worship God or worship the things that surround us. What is it that you worship? What is it that you desire to spend time doing, all the time, any time?
I had to re-evaluate this question for myself. I admit that I spend way too much time on things that ultimately have an end point or a threshold to my enjoyment. What I have found is that the time I spend worshipping God, leads to permanence. I have thought back on the many times I spent in prayer with God and can tangibly see how God has answered my prayer. But, I can only do that because I am willing to look for God in the situation.
I challenge you today to think about what you worship. If its not God, that's ok. I do not write this to make you feel bad about that. Rather, I am writing because I want you to say a little prayer. Like, hey God, if you are real, I want to see you. That's it. Nothing fancy. Just a desire to see that God is worth worshipping.
I write to inspire you to find out what truly matters in life and what lasts. I post so that you can turn you heart towards God in a humble, quiet way that is your own. So, if you are reading this, and you always wondered if God really exists and may have even asked him to show you..you might want to consider this post His answer to your prayer.
Some of you may be reading this with no knowledge of who I am, what I do for a living, and what I occupy myself with on a day to day basis. But, that doesn't matter. I can wholeheartedly admit to you that even without knowing you I wish that you would hold on the truths that I claim to profess in this blog. There is no simple explaination for the beliefs that I have. There was no day I felt the sky fall down on me and I understood that there was a God in heaven. Rather, it has been a continual process, by the grace of God, that I have faith that He exists and He loves me and you.
There are many things in this world that can grab our attention. All you have to do is search for a blog and you can find people writing about what they worship. Some people worship food. Some people worship themselves. Some people worship...well you get my drift. Every day we have the choice to worship God or worship the things that surround us. What is it that you worship? What is it that you desire to spend time doing, all the time, any time?
I had to re-evaluate this question for myself. I admit that I spend way too much time on things that ultimately have an end point or a threshold to my enjoyment. What I have found is that the time I spend worshipping God, leads to permanence. I have thought back on the many times I spent in prayer with God and can tangibly see how God has answered my prayer. But, I can only do that because I am willing to look for God in the situation.
I challenge you today to think about what you worship. If its not God, that's ok. I do not write this to make you feel bad about that. Rather, I am writing because I want you to say a little prayer. Like, hey God, if you are real, I want to see you. That's it. Nothing fancy. Just a desire to see that God is worth worshipping.
I write to inspire you to find out what truly matters in life and what lasts. I post so that you can turn you heart towards God in a humble, quiet way that is your own. So, if you are reading this, and you always wondered if God really exists and may have even asked him to show you..you might want to consider this post His answer to your prayer.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Time for Grace
Grace is word that many in Christian churches hold to be the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. However, this word and its full breath can only be understood if there is cause to desire favor from God. Rather, I like to look at grace in terms of its more secular definition to emphasize its power in the life of a Christian.
In the secular world grace means an allowance of time after a debt or bill has become payable granted to the debtor before suit can be brought against him or her or a penalty applied. A grace period allows for the debtor to understand that after a certain time the debt will need to be payed. The debtor can take two approaches. He can accept this grace as time to earnestly save to pay back the debt or he can squander the favor given to him and need not worry to repay the debt.
Many Christians reading this now are frowning at my description and thinking. "Well Jesus died on the cross, so that we do not have to pay back a debt, so how does this apply to Christianity?" Jesus did die on the cross so that all humanity may not suffer the penalty due to them for their sin in experiencing the wrath of God. Yet, what I firmly believe is that if we are to stand and call ourselves Christians and ask others to believe the same, we have to understand the power of the grace given to us by faith. Just as a grace period is given to person that cannot pay a debt, so is the favor of God with our sin. Often times a grace period is given for a person that is shown favor due to their circumstance. For instance, you can claim disturbance of home and family such as in a divorce or death of a spouse when a bill is due and you are no longer unable to pay. Such is true with God when he looks at our sin. We often think that God is just dismissing our sin with grace. But, rather he sees us as disrupted by our sin. He sees us in need of his compassion and at our wits end when he extends his grace to us. God sees us as unable to pay the debt and thereby offers his arms to fall into in his grace. We must not see grace as the debtor that squanders what he has been given and has no care or worry. Rather, we need to see our compassionate God that has granted us time; time to get to know him in this life; time to fall into his arms and receive the life that only he can grant us. This life with God's grace in it is a chance no just to clap our hands and dance when the cord strikes. But, rather to truly see the forbearance and compassion that God has for us amidst our sin in this life.
Our God does not just look past our sin and grant us grace as an after thought. No. God gives us grace out of an understanding of our circumstance as humans. He sees that we cannot measure up to the standard he set for us. He sees this not as a Father disappointed in our inadequacy but rather as a Father than lovingly wants us to see our potential reached by him. He sent Jesus to die on a cross so that there would be no question of how much he is keenly aware of our situation as sinners gone astray. He gave us a way out in faith Jesus. If we see Jesus' life and death as an opportunity to grow closer to God in this life, we will truly live in grace in the here and now.
It is my prayer that Christian churches would begin to preach this definition of God's grace. Our life here on earth is a chance to accept that God has grace for us. When he looks at you, he sees a creature created to worship him. God's eyes are not the same as the world's eyes. His face turns to you and offers righteousness through faith in Jesus. When we believe that Jesus paid the price for our debt, we can walk through the door of grace in this life and experience time and immunity from our debt of sin. We must choose not to squander our time on this earth with believing half truths about God. We must see God for who he truly is; a God of compassion and love that sent his only Son to die a shameful death, so that we might live this life trusting that our payment has been made in full by the blood of Jesus.
In the secular world grace means an allowance of time after a debt or bill has become payable granted to the debtor before suit can be brought against him or her or a penalty applied. A grace period allows for the debtor to understand that after a certain time the debt will need to be payed. The debtor can take two approaches. He can accept this grace as time to earnestly save to pay back the debt or he can squander the favor given to him and need not worry to repay the debt.
Many Christians reading this now are frowning at my description and thinking. "Well Jesus died on the cross, so that we do not have to pay back a debt, so how does this apply to Christianity?" Jesus did die on the cross so that all humanity may not suffer the penalty due to them for their sin in experiencing the wrath of God. Yet, what I firmly believe is that if we are to stand and call ourselves Christians and ask others to believe the same, we have to understand the power of the grace given to us by faith. Just as a grace period is given to person that cannot pay a debt, so is the favor of God with our sin. Often times a grace period is given for a person that is shown favor due to their circumstance. For instance, you can claim disturbance of home and family such as in a divorce or death of a spouse when a bill is due and you are no longer unable to pay. Such is true with God when he looks at our sin. We often think that God is just dismissing our sin with grace. But, rather he sees us as disrupted by our sin. He sees us in need of his compassion and at our wits end when he extends his grace to us. God sees us as unable to pay the debt and thereby offers his arms to fall into in his grace. We must not see grace as the debtor that squanders what he has been given and has no care or worry. Rather, we need to see our compassionate God that has granted us time; time to get to know him in this life; time to fall into his arms and receive the life that only he can grant us. This life with God's grace in it is a chance no just to clap our hands and dance when the cord strikes. But, rather to truly see the forbearance and compassion that God has for us amidst our sin in this life.
Our God does not just look past our sin and grant us grace as an after thought. No. God gives us grace out of an understanding of our circumstance as humans. He sees that we cannot measure up to the standard he set for us. He sees this not as a Father disappointed in our inadequacy but rather as a Father than lovingly wants us to see our potential reached by him. He sent Jesus to die on a cross so that there would be no question of how much he is keenly aware of our situation as sinners gone astray. He gave us a way out in faith Jesus. If we see Jesus' life and death as an opportunity to grow closer to God in this life, we will truly live in grace in the here and now.
It is my prayer that Christian churches would begin to preach this definition of God's grace. Our life here on earth is a chance to accept that God has grace for us. When he looks at you, he sees a creature created to worship him. God's eyes are not the same as the world's eyes. His face turns to you and offers righteousness through faith in Jesus. When we believe that Jesus paid the price for our debt, we can walk through the door of grace in this life and experience time and immunity from our debt of sin. We must choose not to squander our time on this earth with believing half truths about God. We must see God for who he truly is; a God of compassion and love that sent his only Son to die a shameful death, so that we might live this life trusting that our payment has been made in full by the blood of Jesus.
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