There are some things about God that are hard to understand. Although God is all-powerful some people wonder why millions starve, get sick, are raped and/or abused. Some think God created everything and made it so well that everything is self sustaining, and afterward He simply sat back and watched life play out ever since. Some even say that God set up the elements necessary for evolution and let it go from there, but that He has had no direct influence or activity in life or the universe since. Others are inclined to think God is involved, but not as a provider, but rather as a disciplinarian. Those who die of an untimely death or horrible disease somehow deserve it?!
Clearly God is involved in our lives and even the world. Most of what He does for us goes unnoticed. We serve a God who cares, provides, and protects us.
1 Peter 1: verses 24-25
24 For, “All people are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
We cannot understand how God's providence works or what God is doing or why He is doing it. God did not promise to remove all of our problems. However, He has promised to provide everything we need to be faithful and receive eternal life. We must be determined to serve Him faithfully at all costs. Wow, that is the hard part for me as I am sure it is for many others.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thought Before Choice.....
On April 26, 1986 shortly after midnight, there occurred near the Ukrainian town of Chernobyl a horrific event. A gradual meltdown of reactor 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant started as a result of unauthorized testing and a faulty reactor design. It was by far the worst nuclear accident ever, which immediately sent a radioactive cloud across two continents. Many suffered large scale involuntary irradiation due to extensive secrecy, as well as many types of cancer. To this day the Ukrainian government maintains an 18 mile exclusion zone around the former bustling city, also known by people there as the "Alienation Zone". In the neighboring town of Pripyat hundreds of on lookers watched in amazement on the day of the incident as graphite in the reactor fire burned as a bright rainbow hundreds of feet in the air. Little did they know that this beautiful vision would also kill nearly all of them from acute radiation poisoning.
Why start out this post with such a horrible event in human history? Simply put, this whole nightmare that I just recounted was initiated and played out through poor choices. Reactor staff decided to perform a test involving the shut down of the reactor, one which was neither advised nor sanctioned through policy. Their choice affected hundreds of thousands that they never even saw or met. What choices do we make everyday without the thought of the repercussions or who we are affecting? The intention is not to equate a nuclear disaster with that of many simple decisions made in our lives which turn out less than incredible. Pay attention to the underlying principle of the event. The staff at Chernobyl did what they wanted to with little or no regard for how it would affect those around them, or the possible dangers. The growing trend in society is to act first and throw out the excuses and cover ups later. Emotion seems to rule the thinking of many in society as they get "caught up in the moment." So what is the lesson here? Let's try the oldie but goodie, "Think before you act." Every choice we make affects so many more people around us than just me, myself, and I. I have sat in a room over the last couple of months on Sunday telling a group of teenagers three of the most important things they could do in their lives to pursue a relationship with God and maintain a feeling of freedom in their lives.
1. Be selfless in your actions.
2. Never do anything you would not be willing to post on the front page of the newspaper.
2. Learn to forgive and be forgiven.
Although their are so many other "life lessons" I truly feel that these reflect a base standard of what any human being should embrace, whether Christian or non-Christian.
Why start out this post with such a horrible event in human history? Simply put, this whole nightmare that I just recounted was initiated and played out through poor choices. Reactor staff decided to perform a test involving the shut down of the reactor, one which was neither advised nor sanctioned through policy. Their choice affected hundreds of thousands that they never even saw or met. What choices do we make everyday without the thought of the repercussions or who we are affecting? The intention is not to equate a nuclear disaster with that of many simple decisions made in our lives which turn out less than incredible. Pay attention to the underlying principle of the event. The staff at Chernobyl did what they wanted to with little or no regard for how it would affect those around them, or the possible dangers. The growing trend in society is to act first and throw out the excuses and cover ups later. Emotion seems to rule the thinking of many in society as they get "caught up in the moment." So what is the lesson here? Let's try the oldie but goodie, "Think before you act." Every choice we make affects so many more people around us than just me, myself, and I. I have sat in a room over the last couple of months on Sunday telling a group of teenagers three of the most important things they could do in their lives to pursue a relationship with God and maintain a feeling of freedom in their lives.
1. Be selfless in your actions.
2. Never do anything you would not be willing to post on the front page of the newspaper.
2. Learn to forgive and be forgiven.
Although their are so many other "life lessons" I truly feel that these reflect a base standard of what any human being should embrace, whether Christian or non-Christian.
Psalm 15: 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? 2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; 3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; 4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; 5 who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Little Things that Count...
Sometimes it is the little things in life that are often overlooked. I am not talking about forgetting to do a chore at home, or leaving something out on the counter overnight. Let's talk about sin. Most often the little sins in life can lead to much bigger issues down the road. Yet these are regarded as acceptable short falls in our everyday lives. Although God tells us that all sin is the same, it is most often the common sins that keep us from a greater relationship with God. Let's review some of these sins I am talking about, and this is the short list: lying, stealing, greed, selfishness, disrespect toward others, seeking revenge, gossip, foul language, and so on. Quite often these "little" sins generally cause one of two outcomes. Lets talk about these in more depth.
The first result of accepting these little sins is the rocky path they lead us down. One small sin leads to the mental acceptance of committing something on a grander scale. I like to use this analogy even though some disagree with it's comparative characteristics. Drug users will often start off with an illicit drug that yields much milder affects than others. As they get more comfortable and welcome a more satisfying feeling they move into harder narcotics such as PCP, heroin, LSD, etc. I have been caught in the destructive chain of lying in the past. I always though how a small lie wouldn't hurt, and then another, and then another, until I told so many that it was hard to keep the truth straight anymore. My lies led me into accepting things into my life and making choices that were spiritually and morally wrong. I had convinced myself everything was okay as I progressed through the common sins I became more accepting of in my life. Although I never used drugs in my life, lying was just as bad. If you don't believe that then you need to take a long hard look in the mirror!
The second result of accepting common sin in your life is the rift that is created between you, and truly knowing a guilt free life with Christ. When I was sitting at home the other day my son had come into the living room to see me. A couple minutes later my daughter yells for saying my son had just taken a baby doll from her. Typically I would yell my son's name and ask, "What is going on out there?" Instead I looked over and saw the rare sigh of relief and freedom in his face when he knew that he had nothing to do with it. How incredible is that feeling when guilt loses it's grip on your life?
I taught this lesson to a class of Junior High students at church last Sunday. I felt like the reception was hit and miss, however, it hit home for me. We fail to take sin seriously day in and day out. Take that second look at your life today and think about your actions. Do you sit their and gossip about other people? Do you swear and cuss at work, maybe at home as well, and then think calling yourself a child of God works for you? So many people want to view themselves mentally and/or physically strong, and think it is found in being a parent, going to the gym, talking back to someone, or whatever else flips the bill. Everyone hits that instantaneous moment of making a choice when different paths lay in front of them. Hold yourself accountable for your actions, and hold others accountable for theirs!
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
The first result of accepting these little sins is the rocky path they lead us down. One small sin leads to the mental acceptance of committing something on a grander scale. I like to use this analogy even though some disagree with it's comparative characteristics. Drug users will often start off with an illicit drug that yields much milder affects than others. As they get more comfortable and welcome a more satisfying feeling they move into harder narcotics such as PCP, heroin, LSD, etc. I have been caught in the destructive chain of lying in the past. I always though how a small lie wouldn't hurt, and then another, and then another, until I told so many that it was hard to keep the truth straight anymore. My lies led me into accepting things into my life and making choices that were spiritually and morally wrong. I had convinced myself everything was okay as I progressed through the common sins I became more accepting of in my life. Although I never used drugs in my life, lying was just as bad. If you don't believe that then you need to take a long hard look in the mirror!
The second result of accepting common sin in your life is the rift that is created between you, and truly knowing a guilt free life with Christ. When I was sitting at home the other day my son had come into the living room to see me. A couple minutes later my daughter yells for saying my son had just taken a baby doll from her. Typically I would yell my son's name and ask, "What is going on out there?" Instead I looked over and saw the rare sigh of relief and freedom in his face when he knew that he had nothing to do with it. How incredible is that feeling when guilt loses it's grip on your life?
I taught this lesson to a class of Junior High students at church last Sunday. I felt like the reception was hit and miss, however, it hit home for me. We fail to take sin seriously day in and day out. Take that second look at your life today and think about your actions. Do you sit their and gossip about other people? Do you swear and cuss at work, maybe at home as well, and then think calling yourself a child of God works for you? So many people want to view themselves mentally and/or physically strong, and think it is found in being a parent, going to the gym, talking back to someone, or whatever else flips the bill. Everyone hits that instantaneous moment of making a choice when different paths lay in front of them. Hold yourself accountable for your actions, and hold others accountable for theirs!
The Armor of God: Ephesians 6
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Spirit
Found this on the internet and thought it would be a good post. Enjoy............
The True Meaning Of ChristmasBy M.S.Lowndes
Jesus Christ was born this day
So many years before
He came a servant to the lost
Though he was Lord of Lords
We celebrate this joyous time
Reflecting on His birth
Not born in a mansion, but a stable
As if He had no worth
He came so He could identify
With the human heart of man
And gave His life as a sacrifice
Offering a better plan
A plan that reconciles us back
To our loving Father God
Bringing hope and redemption from
Sins ruling iron rod
For this is the only reason that we
Should celebrate this day
To become focused on anything else
Would take the meaning away
So let’s arise with joy in our hearts
And share it with everyone
The meaning of Christmas will always be
The birth of Jesus – God’s son
The True Meaning Of ChristmasBy M.S.Lowndes
Jesus Christ was born this day
So many years before
He came a servant to the lost
Though he was Lord of Lords
We celebrate this joyous time
Reflecting on His birth
Not born in a mansion, but a stable
As if He had no worth
He came so He could identify
With the human heart of man
And gave His life as a sacrifice
Offering a better plan
A plan that reconciles us back
To our loving Father God
Bringing hope and redemption from
Sins ruling iron rod
For this is the only reason that we
Should celebrate this day
To become focused on anything else
Would take the meaning away
So let’s arise with joy in our hearts
And share it with everyone
The meaning of Christmas will always be
The birth of Jesus – God’s son
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Christmas Stories
I find it amazing how fast Christmas sneaks up every year. Maybe it's because I view the end of December as some far off land; it remains that way until it is right in front of my face. As the magic day nears so does the argument over "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas", and whether the decorated trees many of us have come to love really do represent a pagan symbol or not. I am not here to argue either point today, although I do have my own beliefs on both topics. I want to talk about Santa Claus and Jesus.
Recently in the bible study group I am apart of we have been throwing out whether we as parents share the magic and myth of Santa Claus with our kids, or whether we share the real story of St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus). Here is an excerpt from the St. Nicholas Center describing the man we have come to know as Santa Claus-
Even though it dispels the myth of a North Pole, flying reindeer and magical elves building toys, this glimpse into the real life of Santa still warms the heart. The amazing thing about this whole story is that even Santa Claus placed God at the center of his life. Today, even in the face of a market determined to commercialize on the very idea of gift giving, we must all remember that the birth of Jesus is the real reason we celebrate Christmas. In Luke 2: verses 9-14 it says,
"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
God gave us the gift of His son. Jesus gave us eternal life through his death. Give your children and those you love the gift of the story of Jesus' birth this Christmas. As to which Santa Claus story you tell, that too is your choice. Isn't that the funny thing about choices, there always seems to be one that is better than the other.
Recently in the bible study group I am apart of we have been throwing out whether we as parents share the magic and myth of Santa Claus with our kids, or whether we share the real story of St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus). Here is an excerpt from the St. Nicholas Center describing the man we have come to know as Santa Claus-
"The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships."
Even though it dispels the myth of a North Pole, flying reindeer and magical elves building toys, this glimpse into the real life of Santa still warms the heart. The amazing thing about this whole story is that even Santa Claus placed God at the center of his life. Today, even in the face of a market determined to commercialize on the very idea of gift giving, we must all remember that the birth of Jesus is the real reason we celebrate Christmas. In Luke 2: verses 9-14 it says,
"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. (10) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (12) And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, (14) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
God gave us the gift of His son. Jesus gave us eternal life through his death. Give your children and those you love the gift of the story of Jesus' birth this Christmas. As to which Santa Claus story you tell, that too is your choice. Isn't that the funny thing about choices, there always seems to be one that is better than the other.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
The Reflection in the Mirror
When you look in the mirror what kind of reflection do you see? If you were me you would see an unshaven face and pasty white skin courtesy of the pacific northwest's weather pattern. What are you seeing when you take a second glance? Come on, you know what I am talking about. We bring our feelings and emotions from deep inside to develop the real reflection that stares back at us. What do you see? Is it beautiful, happy, sad, remorseful, ugly, or maybe it shines bright as the sun that God brings us every morning.
A reflection in a mirror shows what is apparent and clear. Reflections mimic an object to show what is, but perceptions differ greatly from person to person according to their comprehension and understanding. A perception is an opinion created by you or someone else. Perception plays a huge role in how we see who we are, and equally how we change things we perceive as imperfections in the mirror. What imperfections do you see? As we begin to look to others for our reflection we are blinded and led into all kinds of disillusions.
The word of God is to be the true Christian’s mirror. That is where we should go to find our true reflection. Only then will we get a clear picture, not one easily distorted by emotion and/or pride. Instead we look to other sources. It’s like looking in those curved mirrors at the fair. We see ourselves from a distorted viewpoint. The Word of God is the only true and reliable source for a Christian to see who they are and what they are to God. It is the perfect law of liberty- of freedom; We will be set free from the false self views when we continue to pray and read God’s word every day. I am done for now and I leave you with the book James to enlighten with some last words..........
JAMES 1:22-25
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
A reflection in a mirror shows what is apparent and clear. Reflections mimic an object to show what is, but perceptions differ greatly from person to person according to their comprehension and understanding. A perception is an opinion created by you or someone else. Perception plays a huge role in how we see who we are, and equally how we change things we perceive as imperfections in the mirror. What imperfections do you see? As we begin to look to others for our reflection we are blinded and led into all kinds of disillusions.
The word of God is to be the true Christian’s mirror. That is where we should go to find our true reflection. Only then will we get a clear picture, not one easily distorted by emotion and/or pride. Instead we look to other sources. It’s like looking in those curved mirrors at the fair. We see ourselves from a distorted viewpoint. The Word of God is the only true and reliable source for a Christian to see who they are and what they are to God. It is the perfect law of liberty- of freedom; We will be set free from the false self views when we continue to pray and read God’s word every day. I am done for now and I leave you with the book James to enlighten with some last words..........
JAMES 1:22-25
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Light and Darkness
When was the last time you were faced with a moral decision? Notice I didn't ask "have you ever been?" Anyone who has even an ounce of life experience has faced a choice between right and wrong. Back when I was in high school I was caught, along with four or five other individuals, throwing grapefruit at passing cars. To make things worse I was doing it from the second floor of a building at our church. Nothing says "Come to Church" more than a grapefruit landing on the hood of your car. This is an extreme example of the type of choices I am talking about, but I had to share!
When moral decisions present themselves they are usually in the form of:
-The coworker coming to you to rip on someone else hoping that you'll join in.
-Someone flirting with you, and you are married, or you know they are.
-Scamming the clock at work and leaving before you should, or claiming more time than you actually worked.
-Receiving and forwarding that funny email that may be funny, but is really inappropriate.
These are just a few examples we all face each and every day. There are many more I have obviously missed. Crazy though how our conscience drives us into the dark hoping that others will not see what we have done. If we hide it well enough not even God will see through our wrong and we can live life like nothing ever happened, right? Not so much! Then down the road after we have made so many bad decisions that we feel like we are constantly dodging bullets and carrying all of our issues from the last decade on our shoulders, we find ourselves bound by our past and not free to live for the future. Even the simplest of poor choices can seem insurmountable and numb you to what is right in time.
God has given us light in this dark world, yet so many chose to live in the dark. John 3:19-21 says, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." Stop dwelling in the dark and walk into light. If something has such a grip on you that you feel you can't make the good choice, pray about it and take that stand. Everything starts somewhere, and just because you slip up from time to time doesn't mean God will not forgive you. You separate yourself from society by having the ability to say you were wrong and asking for forgiveness. The most important thing is to live for Him.
When moral decisions present themselves they are usually in the form of:
-The coworker coming to you to rip on someone else hoping that you'll join in.
-Someone flirting with you, and you are married, or you know they are.
-Scamming the clock at work and leaving before you should, or claiming more time than you actually worked.
-Receiving and forwarding that funny email that may be funny, but is really inappropriate.
These are just a few examples we all face each and every day. There are many more I have obviously missed. Crazy though how our conscience drives us into the dark hoping that others will not see what we have done. If we hide it well enough not even God will see through our wrong and we can live life like nothing ever happened, right? Not so much! Then down the road after we have made so many bad decisions that we feel like we are constantly dodging bullets and carrying all of our issues from the last decade on our shoulders, we find ourselves bound by our past and not free to live for the future. Even the simplest of poor choices can seem insurmountable and numb you to what is right in time.
God has given us light in this dark world, yet so many chose to live in the dark. John 3:19-21 says, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." Stop dwelling in the dark and walk into light. If something has such a grip on you that you feel you can't make the good choice, pray about it and take that stand. Everything starts somewhere, and just because you slip up from time to time doesn't mean God will not forgive you. You separate yourself from society by having the ability to say you were wrong and asking for forgiveness. The most important thing is to live for Him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)