Here's a quote for the Max Lucado book "Fearless." I really, really need that book!
This speaks to my heart. I am totally afraid that I won't be able to handle what Storms may come with the Marine Corps. I am afraid and it's clouding my judgment about the reality of the civilian side. I'm not saying it's bad out there, but it's not perfect either and it's not the key to happiness. My attitude and demeanor are. Read this quote from C.S. Lewis.
"Faith...is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. For moods will change, whatever view your reason takes. I know that by experience. Now that I am a Christian I do have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable: but when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable...That is why Faith is such a necessary virtue: unless you teach your moods "where they get off," you can never be either a sound Christian or even a sound atheist, but just a creature dithering to and fro, with its beliefs really dependent on the weather and the state of its digestion."
That is so me. I need to make a decision. The decision is not whether or not to stay in the Marine Corps. It is to stop being afraid of what might or might not happen, and trust in Jesus to be there, through the storms. "He who tries to save his life will lose it, but he who loses his life for My sake will find it." Matt 16:25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24, John 12:25
I think by trying to get out of the Marine Corps, in my mind, I'm scheming for a way to "save" my life and avoid what I see as unnecessary burdens that detract from what I want and (think that) I need. But, what do I know? God is the only one who knows what "burdens" are necessary to make me the man He wants me to be and the man that my family needs me to be. I can't let fear be the cornerstone in my decision making process. Whether it be fear of failure, burden, or even fear of death. I have to trust that God is in control ultimately and that every storm that I encounter, even the one that will eventually result in my death (even if that "storm" is dying of old age in a nursing home surrounded by my loved ones) is at His command and not simply something I could have avoided if I'd listened to my fear.
Fear is smart. It is conniving. It knows just how to formulate an argument that sounds like the right think to do. It might even appear like godly advice. But, if at the root of the argument, my eyes are on me and not Christ, then the argument holds no water. That is how you can tell if your "advice" is coming from fear of the Holy Spirit. I need to just ask myself, "Who am I concerned about when making this plan? Me or Christ?"
That is a tough question to ask myself. Because, even now, fear is screaming, "Think
of yourself. There's no telling where God will take you if you completely
surrender to Him. God wants you to worry about taking care of yourself and
not do anything that sounds uncomfortable."
Wow! Fear's voice sounds a lot like mine in my head and is disguised as truth, but is actually dripping with selfishness, influenced heavily by modern culture that says, "I before everything."
Even after typing all of this out, I'm still scared to commit. I can't see into the future and I don't want to close any doors that offer possible retreat if it gets too hot. I'm lukewarm, afraid of making a decision in either direction. Unfortunately for me, a lukewarm person is the one thing God chooses to "spit out of His mouth in disgust."
So, conclusion? I'm basing my desire to get out of the Marine Corps on fear and disdain for the unnecessary burdens; basically with "me" in mind. Based on the above dissertation, I'd have to say I need to chose the Marine Corps and trust that Christ is in control and that if He wants me to get out, then He can get me out. I need to worry about controlling my attitude because that is the only thing in this life I can control.
Thanks for listening.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Today's Post
Philippians 3:8-10
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider these rubbish, that I might gain Christ and be found in Him...I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
I realized that, as I read these verses last night, I can't say that I agree wholeheartedly with Paul. I wish that I could. I desperately want to be able to say that I consider all the worldly possessions and endeavors that I find myself pursuing to be worthless. I wish that I found more enjoyment out of reading the bible and memorizing scripture than I do playing video games and watching TV. I wish that when I was frustrated or upset I wanted to run to the bible and prayer rather than go buy something. But, if we're being honest here, I can't say that. I don't know why. Maybe I just don't understand the magnitude of what Jesus did when He died on that cross and then was resurrected. Maybe I just don't realize how intimately He wants to be involved in my life and how much He wants to show me if only I'd spend my time watching for Him and in fellowship with Him. Maybe I don't have enough faith. After all, whoever wants to please God must have faith, believing that when they come to Him, He hears and answers their prayers.
I don't know why I'm telling you all this. I think I was just stunned by what I didn't know about myself. I mean, there are things that I think are true about me. I have heard this verse before and assumed I believed it. But, after some introspection, I realized that I didn't take it too heart like I should. This is a pretty serious passage with some huge implications. I mean, think about it. Everything we acquire and accomplish is meaningless compared to what we're missing out on if we're not doing it in and through our relationship with Christ. Basically, if it meant that quitting my job, selling everything I own, and becoming a nomadic wanderer was the only way to get closer to Christ, then that's what I'd do. I think Paul meant it that way. Luckily, God doesn't call us to be destitute. He calls us to seek Him above anything else and let Him take care of all the things we so desperately crave.
This passage makes me wonder what else I'm getting wrong. My prayer is that you too would take some time and do some soul searching as you read through the scripture, just to make sure you actually do believe what you profess. If you're as surprised by what you find as I was, then stop right there and pray that the Holy Spirit would show you what you need to do about it.
God bless you all!
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider these rubbish, that I might gain Christ and be found in Him...I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
I realized that, as I read these verses last night, I can't say that I agree wholeheartedly with Paul. I wish that I could. I desperately want to be able to say that I consider all the worldly possessions and endeavors that I find myself pursuing to be worthless. I wish that I found more enjoyment out of reading the bible and memorizing scripture than I do playing video games and watching TV. I wish that when I was frustrated or upset I wanted to run to the bible and prayer rather than go buy something. But, if we're being honest here, I can't say that. I don't know why. Maybe I just don't understand the magnitude of what Jesus did when He died on that cross and then was resurrected. Maybe I just don't realize how intimately He wants to be involved in my life and how much He wants to show me if only I'd spend my time watching for Him and in fellowship with Him. Maybe I don't have enough faith. After all, whoever wants to please God must have faith, believing that when they come to Him, He hears and answers their prayers.
I don't know why I'm telling you all this. I think I was just stunned by what I didn't know about myself. I mean, there are things that I think are true about me. I have heard this verse before and assumed I believed it. But, after some introspection, I realized that I didn't take it too heart like I should. This is a pretty serious passage with some huge implications. I mean, think about it. Everything we acquire and accomplish is meaningless compared to what we're missing out on if we're not doing it in and through our relationship with Christ. Basically, if it meant that quitting my job, selling everything I own, and becoming a nomadic wanderer was the only way to get closer to Christ, then that's what I'd do. I think Paul meant it that way. Luckily, God doesn't call us to be destitute. He calls us to seek Him above anything else and let Him take care of all the things we so desperately crave.
This passage makes me wonder what else I'm getting wrong. My prayer is that you too would take some time and do some soul searching as you read through the scripture, just to make sure you actually do believe what you profess. If you're as surprised by what you find as I was, then stop right there and pray that the Holy Spirit would show you what you need to do about it.
God bless you all!
Friday, July 17, 2009
This is a poem that the Holy Spirit laid on my heart this morning. I just started typing and in about 15 minutes, there it was. Amazing that He would inspire me like that.
There’s a baby with a heartbeat
There’s a little life inside
It’s not a political agenda
It’s not about women’s rights
Not an accident; no mistake
Not a horrid source of shame
It’s a miracle and a blessing
The greatest gift you can claim
Look at the picture on that black and white display
Listen to the heart beat, the rhythm that it makes
How can you deny that the baby is alive?
Is it just because you can’t hear it cry?
Or is it because you have no room in your life?
Are you too afraid to try?
Does it ease your guilt to say it’s not alive?
Does it make it easier to go to sleep at night?
Do you ever catch yourself wondering if she’d have your eyes?
Or if he’d have his father’s laugh, maybe your mother’s smile?
Does the echo from the empty womb haunt you now and then?
Reminding you of how ultimately selfish that you’d been.
You let society convince you that you could have it all.
And that this little nuisance would only cause you to fall
You lived your life for pleasure, aware of the risks,
And now you act as though you didn’t ask for this.
Slept around as if love was something you could earn
Now you’re with child and that guy is long since gone
You don’t need this, or want this, and so the lie is spun.
You’ve got too much ahead of you to have a daughter or son.
The feminist will tell you it’s a pest, a parasite
Until it’s born into this world, it’s not really alive
But the voice of the one who formed the child inside of you
Is crying out to hold on and listen to the truth
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew your name.
Before you were born my plans for you had all been laid.”
So calm your heart and hear my still small voice
It’s not late to turn around and make a different choice.
Remember, you’re only here today because your mom’s faith
Gave her the courage to make the choice you’re too afraid to make.
There’s a baby with a heartbeat
There’s a little life inside
It’s not a political agenda
It’s not about women’s rights
Not an accident; no mistake
Not a horrid source of shame
It’s a miracle and a blessing
The greatest gift you can claim
Look at the picture on that black and white display
Listen to the heart beat, the rhythm that it makes
How can you deny that the baby is alive?
Is it just because you can’t hear it cry?
Or is it because you have no room in your life?
Are you too afraid to try?
Does it ease your guilt to say it’s not alive?
Does it make it easier to go to sleep at night?
Do you ever catch yourself wondering if she’d have your eyes?
Or if he’d have his father’s laugh, maybe your mother’s smile?
Does the echo from the empty womb haunt you now and then?
Reminding you of how ultimately selfish that you’d been.
You let society convince you that you could have it all.
And that this little nuisance would only cause you to fall
You lived your life for pleasure, aware of the risks,
And now you act as though you didn’t ask for this.
Slept around as if love was something you could earn
Now you’re with child and that guy is long since gone
You don’t need this, or want this, and so the lie is spun.
You’ve got too much ahead of you to have a daughter or son.
The feminist will tell you it’s a pest, a parasite
Until it’s born into this world, it’s not really alive
But the voice of the one who formed the child inside of you
Is crying out to hold on and listen to the truth
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew your name.
Before you were born my plans for you had all been laid.”
So calm your heart and hear my still small voice
It’s not late to turn around and make a different choice.
Remember, you’re only here today because your mom’s faith
Gave her the courage to make the choice you’re too afraid to make.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thoughts on worship
So, I know it's been a long time since I blogged. I just haven't made the time. I could sit here and type out a bunch of excuses about how busy I've been with work, travel, or the kids, but that'd be a lie. The truth is, I haven't made the time. Instead of devoting myself to honing my God-given talent, I have devoted myself to my own entertainment. I spend my evenings watching TV shows that I really don't like and that don't offer any edification to me and my soul. The only saving grace is that I'm usually cuddled up next to Sarah on the couch while watching the brain-melting shows. On the weekends when the family is napping, I play video games instead of letting lose the thoughts swirling around in my head and nawing away at my heart.
I think this is because it is easier to just sit and be entertained. It doesn't take energy and it doesn't take submission to the Holy Spirit. There's no gamble in playing video games, other than my bruised ego when the computer cheats--which it often does--and beats me. But, I don't have to worry about hurting feelings or writing something that doesn't stir up the same emotions in the hearts of those that journey into the recesses of my mind. I don't have wrestle with notions that I'm might be clinging just a little too tightly to, inspite of the Holy Spirit's urging to loose my grip. I don't have to put myself out there.
But, like a singer who refuses to sing because of fear of deaf ears, or a painter not painting for fear of a blind audience, without application I'll never know what God could do through me. No matter the audience, I have to trust that God will hone my gift in a manner that brings Him the most glory. After all, that is why we are each individually gifted, right? You know that right? Our gifts are fitted perfectly for us so that, when in sweet surrender, we are able to bring God the most glory. There is nothing sweeter than being able to worship God through the gifts He's given you. Painters, pick up your brushes! Singers, cry out your melody! Preachers, preach the Good News! Warriors, lace up your boots! Farmers, hitch your plows! Doctors, don your scrubs! Pilots, soar to new heights! Brothers and Sisters in Christ, worship the Lord with all that you are because that is what you were designed for!
All that God wants is all of you, just how He made you. We are free to be who God made us. There are no rules that say we have to be like this or like that. Jesus has set us free to use our gifts to glorify Him without fear or half-heartedness. Giving of ourselves wholly, completely, and unabashedly to Him is our spiritual act of worship. That is authentic worship. If we as a body could learn how to do this, there's no telling what God could do through us. The thought of it is just too exciting!
I'm not talking about using our gifts to glorify us or bring fame and adulation to ourselves. I don't care if I make a penny through my writing or if anyone reads this blog. God will draw men to Himself when we lift His name up. We just need to be ready to use our gifts when God opens opportunity for us. We must remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting and ensure our talents don't gather dust from being stored upon the shelves of our lifes.
If you are shaking your head right now saying you don't have any gifts, you're doing yourself and God a disservice. Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal your gift and give you courage to take up the art of worshipping your creator in and through the very manner He gave you to worship Him.
Cry out to God with all that you are by being all that He created you to be!!!
Wow, I didn't sit down expecting to write this blog at all. I was just going to complain about not knowing what I'm supposed to do. Praise the Lord for His inspiration! My the Peace of Christ and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit carry you today! God bless you all.
I think this is because it is easier to just sit and be entertained. It doesn't take energy and it doesn't take submission to the Holy Spirit. There's no gamble in playing video games, other than my bruised ego when the computer cheats--which it often does--and beats me. But, I don't have to worry about hurting feelings or writing something that doesn't stir up the same emotions in the hearts of those that journey into the recesses of my mind. I don't have wrestle with notions that I'm might be clinging just a little too tightly to, inspite of the Holy Spirit's urging to loose my grip. I don't have to put myself out there.
But, like a singer who refuses to sing because of fear of deaf ears, or a painter not painting for fear of a blind audience, without application I'll never know what God could do through me. No matter the audience, I have to trust that God will hone my gift in a manner that brings Him the most glory. After all, that is why we are each individually gifted, right? You know that right? Our gifts are fitted perfectly for us so that, when in sweet surrender, we are able to bring God the most glory. There is nothing sweeter than being able to worship God through the gifts He's given you. Painters, pick up your brushes! Singers, cry out your melody! Preachers, preach the Good News! Warriors, lace up your boots! Farmers, hitch your plows! Doctors, don your scrubs! Pilots, soar to new heights! Brothers and Sisters in Christ, worship the Lord with all that you are because that is what you were designed for!
All that God wants is all of you, just how He made you. We are free to be who God made us. There are no rules that say we have to be like this or like that. Jesus has set us free to use our gifts to glorify Him without fear or half-heartedness. Giving of ourselves wholly, completely, and unabashedly to Him is our spiritual act of worship. That is authentic worship. If we as a body could learn how to do this, there's no telling what God could do through us. The thought of it is just too exciting!
I'm not talking about using our gifts to glorify us or bring fame and adulation to ourselves. I don't care if I make a penny through my writing or if anyone reads this blog. God will draw men to Himself when we lift His name up. We just need to be ready to use our gifts when God opens opportunity for us. We must remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's prompting and ensure our talents don't gather dust from being stored upon the shelves of our lifes.
If you are shaking your head right now saying you don't have any gifts, you're doing yourself and God a disservice. Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal your gift and give you courage to take up the art of worshipping your creator in and through the very manner He gave you to worship Him.
Cry out to God with all that you are by being all that He created you to be!!!
Wow, I didn't sit down expecting to write this blog at all. I was just going to complain about not knowing what I'm supposed to do. Praise the Lord for His inspiration! My the Peace of Christ and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit carry you today! God bless you all.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Questions on 1 John 1 & 2
This blog is going to be a little different. Unlike previous blogs where I pontificate about my thoughts on Jesus and life application, on this blog, I will just basically transpose my notes from Monday night's quite time. I will ask more questions that I have answers for and I will leave them to you to provide your thoughts on. So, at the very least, it might be shorter. Here goes.
The Message (That's what I entitled it.)
-God is light! In Him there is no darkness!
-What darkness? Sin? Confusion? Despair? Shame? Guild? Hopelessness? Lies? Hate?
-What is light? Knowledge? Truth? Hope? Joy? Peace? Pretty much the opposite of darkness?
"If we say we have fellowship with Him (God), and walk in darkness, we Lie and don't practice the truth. But, if we walk in the Light, as He (God) is in the light, we have Fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
-Is this referring to us and God, or us and fellow believers?
-So does this mean that if we aren't walking in the light, then we can't be in fellowship with God or eachother, and therefore, aren't under the cleansing power of Jesus' blood?
"Now by this we know that we know Him (God), if we keep His commandments (Love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, and strength; Love your neighbor as yourself. Right?)."
"He (me) who says, "I know Him (God)," and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth (Light?) is not in him (me). But whoever keeps His word (commandments??), truly the love of God is perfected in him (me). By this we know that we are in Him (God).""
-What does that mean "love of God is perfected?" Isn't God's love already perfect in Himself?
-This is speaking of confidence and assurance in our relationship with God by keeping His commandments.
"He (me) who says he (me) abides (what does this mean?) in Him (God) ought himself (me) also to walk just as Jesus walked.
-What is the action there?
-Is that more "Christian" speak?
-Does this refer back to "abide"?
"He (me) who says he (me) is in the light (there's that word again), and hates his brother, is in darkness until now?
-What's the litmus test for deciding what "hate" is? Is it subjective?
-Who is my brother? Fellow Christian? Jesus? All human-kind?
-Until now???
"He (me) who loves his (me) brother abides (there's that word again) in the light (truth), and there is no cause for stumbling in him."
-Does this mean that if we love our brother and live in fellowship with our brother (again, who is our brother) that we won't sin? Is it a cause and effect thing?
"But he (me) who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
-Whoa! Lots of reference to darkness, hate, and brother.
I need help defining:
-Darkness
-Light
-Love
-Hate
-Abide
-Brother
-Walk
So, anyway, that was my quite time. I still don't have answers. But, I'll keep staring at it until some form of wisdom overcomes me. Take care!
The Message (That's what I entitled it.)
-God is light! In Him there is no darkness!
-What darkness? Sin? Confusion? Despair? Shame? Guild? Hopelessness? Lies? Hate?
-What is light? Knowledge? Truth? Hope? Joy? Peace? Pretty much the opposite of darkness?
"If we say we have fellowship with Him (God), and walk in darkness, we Lie and don't practice the truth. But, if we walk in the Light, as He (God) is in the light, we have Fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
-Is this referring to us and God, or us and fellow believers?
-So does this mean that if we aren't walking in the light, then we can't be in fellowship with God or eachother, and therefore, aren't under the cleansing power of Jesus' blood?
"Now by this we know that we know Him (God), if we keep His commandments (Love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, and strength; Love your neighbor as yourself. Right?)."
"He (me) who says, "I know Him (God)," and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth (Light?) is not in him (me). But whoever keeps His word (commandments??), truly the love of God is perfected in him (me). By this we know that we are in Him (God).""
-What does that mean "love of God is perfected?" Isn't God's love already perfect in Himself?
-This is speaking of confidence and assurance in our relationship with God by keeping His commandments.
"He (me) who says he (me) abides (what does this mean?) in Him (God) ought himself (me) also to walk just as Jesus walked.
-What is the action there?
-Is that more "Christian" speak?
-Does this refer back to "abide"?
"He (me) who says he (me) is in the light (there's that word again), and hates his brother, is in darkness until now?
-What's the litmus test for deciding what "hate" is? Is it subjective?
-Who is my brother? Fellow Christian? Jesus? All human-kind?
-Until now???
"He (me) who loves his (me) brother abides (there's that word again) in the light (truth), and there is no cause for stumbling in him."
-Does this mean that if we love our brother and live in fellowship with our brother (again, who is our brother) that we won't sin? Is it a cause and effect thing?
"But he (me) who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
-Whoa! Lots of reference to darkness, hate, and brother.
I need help defining:
-Darkness
-Light
-Love
-Hate
-Abide
-Brother
-Walk
So, anyway, that was my quite time. I still don't have answers. But, I'll keep staring at it until some form of wisdom overcomes me. Take care!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Catching up
So, for those of you who actually read this blog, you might notice that it's been a while since my last post. The reason is simple. It isn't that I don't care anymore or that I don't enjoy writing. The fact of the matter is that Sarah moved the computer into the front office and I am never in the front office. So, the computer is out of sight. Naturally, that makes it out of mind. I can't get the blog at work now either. I guess the man is on to me!
Well, a lot has happened around me in that past month. I can't say that it has happened to me, as nothing really is going on with me. There has been a lot of shake up around me though. My wife is pregnant with our third child. This is even more significant than normal because it is our post-vasectomy reversal baby. Yea, not once, but twice did I prove my devotion to myself. Don't worry, though. I'm not devoted enough for to go for the hat trick.
Also, Capt America and his wife found out they were expecting their first child. Good for them! Then, Capt America's travel agent got it all screwed up. She got confused and sent him to Afghanistan instead of Acapulco. Oh well, honest mistake. It's only for a few months, so I'm sure he'll get over it. Mrs. Capt America, on the other hand, might not. My son turned 3 on Easter. That will make you feel old when your second child hits the big 3. Even worse is when you find yourself actually chanting in a restaurant, "You went big boy potty! You went big boy potty!" Yea, as disturbing in real life as it is in your head.
So that's what has happened around me. Not much to me. Still plugging away at the new job and trying to accept my inevitable career in the Marine Corps.
I picked up my guitar today and started fiddling with a new song. I found a cool tune and started mumbling whatever words came to mind, if any. That's kind of how I do it. I find a cool rhythm and just hum along until some words come to mind. I keep playing until the words form a song and I have to stop and write them down before they escape me. Well, tonight, not much came in the form a verse, but a chorus kind of settled in. It went like this:
Wait.
Just wait.
Hold onto the faith I've given to you.
Wait.
Just wait.
Hold on My hand; I'll carry you through
Wait.
I don't know if anything will come of it, but I sure felt a peace after playing for a little while. Peace knowing that God can and will come through in whatever it is than I'm fearing He won't. We just have to wait. Not a faithless, hopeless, pessimistic waiting. No, that would be no good. We need to wait expectantly, knowing that God is bound by nothing, and nothing will keep Him for unfolding His plan for those who wait eagerly for Him.
"Be still and know that I am God."
"Cease your striving and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10
Well, a lot has happened around me in that past month. I can't say that it has happened to me, as nothing really is going on with me. There has been a lot of shake up around me though. My wife is pregnant with our third child. This is even more significant than normal because it is our post-vasectomy reversal baby. Yea, not once, but twice did I prove my devotion to myself. Don't worry, though. I'm not devoted enough for to go for the hat trick.
Also, Capt America and his wife found out they were expecting their first child. Good for them! Then, Capt America's travel agent got it all screwed up. She got confused and sent him to Afghanistan instead of Acapulco. Oh well, honest mistake. It's only for a few months, so I'm sure he'll get over it. Mrs. Capt America, on the other hand, might not. My son turned 3 on Easter. That will make you feel old when your second child hits the big 3. Even worse is when you find yourself actually chanting in a restaurant, "You went big boy potty! You went big boy potty!" Yea, as disturbing in real life as it is in your head.
So that's what has happened around me. Not much to me. Still plugging away at the new job and trying to accept my inevitable career in the Marine Corps.
I picked up my guitar today and started fiddling with a new song. I found a cool tune and started mumbling whatever words came to mind, if any. That's kind of how I do it. I find a cool rhythm and just hum along until some words come to mind. I keep playing until the words form a song and I have to stop and write them down before they escape me. Well, tonight, not much came in the form a verse, but a chorus kind of settled in. It went like this:
Wait.
Just wait.
Hold onto the faith I've given to you.
Wait.
Just wait.
Hold on My hand; I'll carry you through
Wait.
I don't know if anything will come of it, but I sure felt a peace after playing for a little while. Peace knowing that God can and will come through in whatever it is than I'm fearing He won't. We just have to wait. Not a faithless, hopeless, pessimistic waiting. No, that would be no good. We need to wait expectantly, knowing that God is bound by nothing, and nothing will keep Him for unfolding His plan for those who wait eagerly for Him.
"Be still and know that I am God."
"Cease your striving and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Conduit? But I don't know if I "con-do-it!"
So I was thinking to myself the last few days. I said, "Self, how do you think we're supposed to reach the world for Christ?" My self didn't have a response. Go figure! So, without an answer to cling too, I began to ponder this more and more.
If you've sat in a Baptist church in the past, oh I don't know, 40 years, you've probably heard the term "witness." To those who know, we recognize that this term means to "tell people about Jesus." After all, that makes sense, right? We should be telling people about Christ. We should be telling them how awesome He is and how much He's done for us in our lives. We should also tell them that without Him, they can't get to God. We should tell them how He loves them and died for their sin as well so that, if they'd just turn to Him, He'd forgive them and offer them a place in His kingdom. We should tell them that that void they're trying to fill can never be filled up by what they're trying to fill it with. It can only be filled by allowing Jesus to fill it up with Himself. We should be telling people about all of this. But...
I haven't found that many opportunities to do that lately. I find myself feeling more like I'm selling a product rather than talking about this personal Savior that I know and interact with constantly. Plus, I'm a little afraid of confrontation. It seems a lot of people aren't looking to be enlightened. They're looking for a fight, in which they can prove themselves right and all "Christians" wrong. So I started thinking, "Why do people want so badly to argue with us and reject the idea of learning about Christ?" Why are they so angry at us? Here's what I came up with. While sharing the Gospel is one of our chief directives, I believe the first and foremost is to be a conduit for Jesus to share His love with people.
People who don't know Jesus can easily deny His existence, thereby dismissing any "logic" we might be able to share with them. But, they can't deny our existence. They can see, hear, touch, and interact with us. So, we are the closest thing to Jesus they're going to see here on Earth. Therefore, we must be His conduit to them. We must position ourselves in a place where they can experience the love of Christ flowing through us. If we're too busy judging them by making assumptions about what they think, feel, believe, or where they've come from and where they're going, we lose the ability to truly connect with them and lay the foundation through which we can convey Christ's love to them.
By accepting them as they are, just like Christ accepted us, and showing them love and serving them, we begin to build trust. They see that we really do care about them and we're not just trying to make a sale. If you look through the Gospels, I think you'll find that Jesus was always patient, compassionate, and a loving servant to the lost. It was the supposed "religious experts" that He was hard on. These were the ones who didn't get it.
So what am I saying? I don't know. Maybe I'm just rambling. I just know how I treat telemarketers. I know exactly who's on the phone when I answer a call from an unknown caller and hear that pause and someone comes on the line and asks for a "Mr. H-A-G-A-R." It's a dead giveaway that they don't know me and that they're just trying to sell me something. I instantly tune them out and look for my first opportunity to cut them off, tell them to leave me alone, and hang up on them. (I know, not the best way to be a conduit, but I'm trying.) Don't you think it's the same for the lost people who maybe haven't been brought to that broken place in their lives yet where they are searching for God. Suddenly some stranger walks up to a person and hands him or her a track on the dangers of drug use and that turning to God is the only way to break the habit. What would you think if you were that person? I know what my friend thought when it happened to him. He was offended. First of all, because he knows the Lord; second of all, he doesn't use drugs and has family issues due to drug and alcohol use. The message was not received.
Don't we do that all the time? We make assumptions about people and their status before we even take the time to get to know them. To be a conduit, we need to reach out to them first, regardless of our initial impression (unless the initial impression is that they want to cause you harm. Use your best judgment should that happen.), and try to see how God is working on them and how we can best meet their needs, whatever that might be. I'm not saying that we need to participate in their lifestyles if they are obviously doing things that are in direct contrast to how the Word says we should be living. But, we can find a safe ground to love them on, so that we meet them where they are at and minister to them without falling into temptation ourselves.
Ok, this is really getting out of hand. So, I'll just leave you with this. How are you going to convince someone that Jesus is real and worth serious consideration if that person doesn't trust you and hasn't witnessed any of this love you're telling them that Jesus has for them? God bless you as you try and understand how God would have you interact with those whom He's put in your path. They might be closer than you think.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If you've sat in a Baptist church in the past, oh I don't know, 40 years, you've probably heard the term "witness." To those who know, we recognize that this term means to "tell people about Jesus." After all, that makes sense, right? We should be telling people about Christ. We should be telling them how awesome He is and how much He's done for us in our lives. We should also tell them that without Him, they can't get to God. We should tell them how He loves them and died for their sin as well so that, if they'd just turn to Him, He'd forgive them and offer them a place in His kingdom. We should tell them that that void they're trying to fill can never be filled up by what they're trying to fill it with. It can only be filled by allowing Jesus to fill it up with Himself. We should be telling people about all of this. But...
I haven't found that many opportunities to do that lately. I find myself feeling more like I'm selling a product rather than talking about this personal Savior that I know and interact with constantly. Plus, I'm a little afraid of confrontation. It seems a lot of people aren't looking to be enlightened. They're looking for a fight, in which they can prove themselves right and all "Christians" wrong. So I started thinking, "Why do people want so badly to argue with us and reject the idea of learning about Christ?" Why are they so angry at us? Here's what I came up with. While sharing the Gospel is one of our chief directives, I believe the first and foremost is to be a conduit for Jesus to share His love with people.
People who don't know Jesus can easily deny His existence, thereby dismissing any "logic" we might be able to share with them. But, they can't deny our existence. They can see, hear, touch, and interact with us. So, we are the closest thing to Jesus they're going to see here on Earth. Therefore, we must be His conduit to them. We must position ourselves in a place where they can experience the love of Christ flowing through us. If we're too busy judging them by making assumptions about what they think, feel, believe, or where they've come from and where they're going, we lose the ability to truly connect with them and lay the foundation through which we can convey Christ's love to them.
By accepting them as they are, just like Christ accepted us, and showing them love and serving them, we begin to build trust. They see that we really do care about them and we're not just trying to make a sale. If you look through the Gospels, I think you'll find that Jesus was always patient, compassionate, and a loving servant to the lost. It was the supposed "religious experts" that He was hard on. These were the ones who didn't get it.
So what am I saying? I don't know. Maybe I'm just rambling. I just know how I treat telemarketers. I know exactly who's on the phone when I answer a call from an unknown caller and hear that pause and someone comes on the line and asks for a "Mr. H-A-G-A-R." It's a dead giveaway that they don't know me and that they're just trying to sell me something. I instantly tune them out and look for my first opportunity to cut them off, tell them to leave me alone, and hang up on them. (I know, not the best way to be a conduit, but I'm trying.) Don't you think it's the same for the lost people who maybe haven't been brought to that broken place in their lives yet where they are searching for God. Suddenly some stranger walks up to a person and hands him or her a track on the dangers of drug use and that turning to God is the only way to break the habit. What would you think if you were that person? I know what my friend thought when it happened to him. He was offended. First of all, because he knows the Lord; second of all, he doesn't use drugs and has family issues due to drug and alcohol use. The message was not received.
Don't we do that all the time? We make assumptions about people and their status before we even take the time to get to know them. To be a conduit, we need to reach out to them first, regardless of our initial impression (unless the initial impression is that they want to cause you harm. Use your best judgment should that happen.), and try to see how God is working on them and how we can best meet their needs, whatever that might be. I'm not saying that we need to participate in their lifestyles if they are obviously doing things that are in direct contrast to how the Word says we should be living. But, we can find a safe ground to love them on, so that we meet them where they are at and minister to them without falling into temptation ourselves.
Ok, this is really getting out of hand. So, I'll just leave you with this. How are you going to convince someone that Jesus is real and worth serious consideration if that person doesn't trust you and hasn't witnessed any of this love you're telling them that Jesus has for them? God bless you as you try and understand how God would have you interact with those whom He's put in your path. They might be closer than you think.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
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