"All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or the other of these destinations."
~C.S. Lewis
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Handouts
"When David's men came to Nabal and asked him for food as compensation for their protection of his flocks, he answered, 'Why should I give my hard-earned money to who-knows-who? Lots of people are pretending to be something they are not just to get handouts - Now go away!'" (my own paraphrase from 1 Sam 25:10-11).
David and his men had been protecting Nabal's shepherds and their flocks. When David sent men to collect some compensation for this protection, Nabal insulted them and sent them away. Now, I am assuming that in David's culture, this type of service must have been common place, because all the parties involved (except for Nabal) saw the dismissal as evil. However, his reasoning seems legitimate to me, and I think it carries over into our culture. How many times have I heard others (or more importantly, how many times have I said myself) that I don't like to give handouts to the poor and the homeless who beg because I don't know if their need is real, or how they plan to spend the money. In essence, the same reasoning offered by Nabal.
Why did God see Nabal's response as evil? Was he lying when he claimed not to know David, or his men? Did his shepherds not report the kindness to their master? Was he displaying his greed with his lack of generosity? Whatever it was, he died as a result of his sin.
What does the story of Nabal mean for me, in our generation, and in our society. Certainly we have all kinds of people asking for donations; everything from homeless individualizes to international organizations. I don't think there is any doubt that some of these are not truly in need, and even among those who are in need, some intend to use the money for unholy purposes. While I do not believe that God would have us hand over our "hard-earned" income to anyone who comes asking, I do think there is a lesson for us in the story of Nabal.
Did Jesus not confirm the Old Testament scriptures when he told the parable of the servants who were sorted. We, as followers of Jehovah, are commanded to give to help the needy. Maybe it is time for me to begin giving, that God may judge the person who benefits from the gift, and not judge me.
David and his men had been protecting Nabal's shepherds and their flocks. When David sent men to collect some compensation for this protection, Nabal insulted them and sent them away. Now, I am assuming that in David's culture, this type of service must have been common place, because all the parties involved (except for Nabal) saw the dismissal as evil. However, his reasoning seems legitimate to me, and I think it carries over into our culture. How many times have I heard others (or more importantly, how many times have I said myself) that I don't like to give handouts to the poor and the homeless who beg because I don't know if their need is real, or how they plan to spend the money. In essence, the same reasoning offered by Nabal.
Why did God see Nabal's response as evil? Was he lying when he claimed not to know David, or his men? Did his shepherds not report the kindness to their master? Was he displaying his greed with his lack of generosity? Whatever it was, he died as a result of his sin.
What does the story of Nabal mean for me, in our generation, and in our society. Certainly we have all kinds of people asking for donations; everything from homeless individualizes to international organizations. I don't think there is any doubt that some of these are not truly in need, and even among those who are in need, some intend to use the money for unholy purposes. While I do not believe that God would have us hand over our "hard-earned" income to anyone who comes asking, I do think there is a lesson for us in the story of Nabal.
Did Jesus not confirm the Old Testament scriptures when he told the parable of the servants who were sorted. We, as followers of Jehovah, are commanded to give to help the needy. Maybe it is time for me to begin giving, that God may judge the person who benefits from the gift, and not judge me.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The attitude of servants
Tomorrow is Election Day, and next week is Veterans Day. It’s always a time of year when we think carefully about our public servants, and celebrate their sacrifices. This week I was reminded of a quote by Dr. David Livingstone (a Scottish medical missionary to Africa in the 19th century). I pray that The Spirit and The Word will adjust my thinking to match more closely this sentiment:
“Forbid that we should ever consider the holding of a commission from the King of kings a sacrifice, so long as other men esteem the service of an earthly government as an honor.”
Philipians 2:5-8
“Forbid that we should ever consider the holding of a commission from the King of kings a sacrifice, so long as other men esteem the service of an earthly government as an honor.”
Philipians 2:5-8
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It's been a while
Well, as previously advertised, it has been a while since I’ve posted. I want to assure you that by God’s grace I am continuing to read, mediate, pray and grow. I think I have several things I would like to share in future posts when I find more time. In the meanwhile, I do have one truth that I feel you all should know: The thin paper that they use to make the pages in most bibles is very absorbent – especially with coffee!!! I will post more in a month or two. Between now and then I will be reading my (recently brown) Bible. I hope you are too!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Busyness
I knew it was coming, BUSYNESS! The school year doesn't start for 2 more weeks, but I am already very busy and beginning to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, the Lord has been preparing me for this time. All summer long (and especially at Bay Shore Camp) he has been revealing to me truths and promises that should help me through this school year.
One victory already: I am still doing my morning quiet times even in the midst of the busyness. That is something I probably wouldn’t have been doing in the past. Praise God that he is building in me a deep desire for his word and a longing for a more significant relationship.
On a related note, with all the busyness in my life, I don’t know how often I’ll be posting. I already have 3 posts in mind based on recent personal revelations, and one draft started, but time is precious and this blog is not. ;)
One victory already: I am still doing my morning quiet times even in the midst of the busyness. That is something I probably wouldn’t have been doing in the past. Praise God that he is building in me a deep desire for his word and a longing for a more significant relationship.
On a related note, with all the busyness in my life, I don’t know how often I’ll be posting. I already have 3 posts in mind based on recent personal revelations, and one draft started, but time is precious and this blog is not. ;)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
reluctant reconciliation
So far in this blog, I mostly have posted on my personal theology; the things that the Lord has shown me that help me understand him a little better. Occasionally, I post a vague reference to some experience or personal trial, but so far I haven’t really revealed myself very much on this blog. I guess that’s about to change.
This morning I was reading about reconciling relationships with the people around us. I often gloss over these readings, because I honestly don’t feel like I carry too many grudges. However, Christ’s words in Matthew hit me today. He says that if you are worshiping, and recall that someone else has a grudge against you, you should cease your worship and go to the person to be reconciled (Matt 5:23-24).
This reminded me of a conversation that I had with a colleague as the school year was ending. We were discussing the potential promotion of an administrator, and I made a comment that this particular administrator did not like me. I don’t know the extent of the dislike, but I feel that the statement is accurate. I also realize that my own past actions and comments have probably helped fuel the situation. Because of this, I feel a need to go to the person, confess and apologize for my past actions.
Now, I realize that in the above verses Christ uses the word “brothers”, which in modern times, we generally think of as referring to the relationship between two Christians. To my knowledge, this particular person is not a Christian, but I still feel I need to apologize and attempt to reconcile the relationship. Needless to say, I am very nervous (even frightened) about how the person will respond, but all the same, here I go.
This morning I was reading about reconciling relationships with the people around us. I often gloss over these readings, because I honestly don’t feel like I carry too many grudges. However, Christ’s words in Matthew hit me today. He says that if you are worshiping, and recall that someone else has a grudge against you, you should cease your worship and go to the person to be reconciled (Matt 5:23-24).
This reminded me of a conversation that I had with a colleague as the school year was ending. We were discussing the potential promotion of an administrator, and I made a comment that this particular administrator did not like me. I don’t know the extent of the dislike, but I feel that the statement is accurate. I also realize that my own past actions and comments have probably helped fuel the situation. Because of this, I feel a need to go to the person, confess and apologize for my past actions.
Now, I realize that in the above verses Christ uses the word “brothers”, which in modern times, we generally think of as referring to the relationship between two Christians. To my knowledge, this particular person is not a Christian, but I still feel I need to apologize and attempt to reconcile the relationship. Needless to say, I am very nervous (even frightened) about how the person will respond, but all the same, here I go.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Glorious Reflection
Sometimes the storms in my life may make it difficult to see the Glory of God reflected on my face, but He is still there, still at work, and when the storm calms, his glory will be all the more evident because of it.
Exodus 34:29-35
Thursday, July 8, 2010
My hope = God's glory
So in the previous 4 posts I’ve established that (according to one source) there are 5 primary ways we reflect God’s glory.
1. In our worship
2. As we are transformed
3. As we love others
4. As we serve others
5. As we testify to others
I’ve also established that I am hopelessly incapable of effectively carrying these things out in my life on a regular basis or in a meaningful way. However, I claim that although I cannot do these things, I still have hope. Where does that hope lie? It lies in my relationship with Jesus Christ.
The simple fact is that apart from Christ none of us can please God. The Bible says that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). It also says that in God’s sight “our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). God knows that on our own, we are hopelessly bankrupt and incapable of righteous acts, and thus incapable of bringing him glory, for it is through our good deeds (specifically the 5 types of deeds listed above) that we direct people to God (see Matthew 5:16).
But if we are in relationship with Christ, then we have the secret weapon! What is the secret you ask, well the Bible says that “this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing in his glory” (Colossians 1:27, emphasis added). You see we can share in God’s glory, reflecting it to those around us because “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Paul put it this way, “…I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God…” (Galatians 2:20).
I have come to believe… No, I have come to base all my beliefs on the idea that Christ lives in me, and that by his indwelling Spirit, I can be transformed (Romans 12:2). If you truly knew me now, and truly knew me before I met Christ, this transformation alone would be enough for you to see the glory of God. But since you aren’t privileged to have that point of view, I am trusting that in the transformation process you will be able to see me worship, testify, serve, and even love others as the Spirit so enables.
“But eagerly desire the greater [spiritual] gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31).
1. In our worship
2. As we are transformed
3. As we love others
4. As we serve others
5. As we testify to others
I’ve also established that I am hopelessly incapable of effectively carrying these things out in my life on a regular basis or in a meaningful way. However, I claim that although I cannot do these things, I still have hope. Where does that hope lie? It lies in my relationship with Jesus Christ.
The simple fact is that apart from Christ none of us can please God. The Bible says that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). It also says that in God’s sight “our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). God knows that on our own, we are hopelessly bankrupt and incapable of righteous acts, and thus incapable of bringing him glory, for it is through our good deeds (specifically the 5 types of deeds listed above) that we direct people to God (see Matthew 5:16).
But if we are in relationship with Christ, then we have the secret weapon! What is the secret you ask, well the Bible says that “this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing in his glory” (Colossians 1:27, emphasis added). You see we can share in God’s glory, reflecting it to those around us because “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Paul put it this way, “…I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God…” (Galatians 2:20).
I have come to believe… No, I have come to base all my beliefs on the idea that Christ lives in me, and that by his indwelling Spirit, I can be transformed (Romans 12:2). If you truly knew me now, and truly knew me before I met Christ, this transformation alone would be enough for you to see the glory of God. But since you aren’t privileged to have that point of view, I am trusting that in the transformation process you will be able to see me worship, testify, serve, and even love others as the Spirit so enables.
“But eagerly desire the greater [spiritual] gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31).
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
We glorify God by testifying to others
Testify – To bear witness, or more simply, to share our experiences. If a door is open, I am ok with testifying. The problem I have is that I do not want to offend the person to which I am speaking for fear of turning them off to my testimony. Because of this fear, I don’t like to testify if the “door” is only half open. I’m more likely to testify if the person opens the door all the way and then stands back with a wide grin saying, “Come on in!” Of course, how often does that happen? Even if I am talking with another Christian, one with whom I should feel safe, I don’t like to get to close to sensitive subjects: homosexuality, creation, husband/wife roles in marriage, etc. I just don’t like to offend. In short, I can testify, but I generally fail to do so because I am afraid.
I have another problem with testifying to others. I have come to the realization that testimonies are generally better received when the person you are sharing with is someone who knows you. Relationships usually need to come first. Then a little tact to get things going. Then the testimony. This need to build a relationship brings us back to the requirement to love, which we’ve established I don’t know how to do.
So, in summary of the last 3 days, our glorifying God is built into our relationships with others. We glorify him by loving others (which I don’t know how to), by serving others (which I can’t do), and by testifying to others (which I am afraid to do). Where does this leave me – miserable and wretched! But there is a solution, I do have hope, and that I will discuss next time.
I have another problem with testifying to others. I have come to the realization that testimonies are generally better received when the person you are sharing with is someone who knows you. Relationships usually need to come first. Then a little tact to get things going. Then the testimony. This need to build a relationship brings us back to the requirement to love, which we’ve established I don’t know how to do.
So, in summary of the last 3 days, our glorifying God is built into our relationships with others. We glorify him by loving others (which I don’t know how to), by serving others (which I can’t do), and by testifying to others (which I am afraid to do). Where does this leave me – miserable and wretched! But there is a solution, I do have hope, and that I will discuss next time.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
We glorify God by serving others
Serving in and of itself is easy. I do this daily at work. You just get in there and do what needs to be done.
Oh...
“What needs to be done.”
How is that defined?
Well, there are the surface issues, which are easy to identify, and that’s a good place to start. I can handle that. But then there are the real needs. The things that are below the surface. The things that are causing the pain, the failure, the suffering. How do you find these things? In reality, you’re not providing any service of value unless you address the real issues. As my Sunday School teacher in Washington used to say, “Anything else is using an aspirin to treat a brain tumor.” (To which I would always think, “It might take care of the headache, but you’re still going to die!”)
So how do we get past the surface to the real issues?
We need to love. We need to take the time to get to know the person. We need to build a relationship where the issues can be brought to the surface and dealt with. In short, we need to do the very thing that I can not do.
Oh...
“What needs to be done.”
How is that defined?
Well, there are the surface issues, which are easy to identify, and that’s a good place to start. I can handle that. But then there are the real needs. The things that are below the surface. The things that are causing the pain, the failure, the suffering. How do you find these things? In reality, you’re not providing any service of value unless you address the real issues. As my Sunday School teacher in Washington used to say, “Anything else is using an aspirin to treat a brain tumor.” (To which I would always think, “It might take care of the headache, but you’re still going to die!”)
So how do we get past the surface to the real issues?
We need to love. We need to take the time to get to know the person. We need to build a relationship where the issues can be brought to the surface and dealt with. In short, we need to do the very thing that I can not do.
Monday, July 5, 2010
We glorify God by loving others
Love
This is as loaded a word as there is. To truly love means to completely care for someone. Notice that nowhere does it say who the someone is; it just says “others”. Makes me want to standup and shout, “Who are the others that we need to love?” I guess someone already asked that question.
Before I go any further understand that I do recognize the worth of individuals. I am not an overly bigoted or predigest person (though all of us prejudge on occasion – I just am usually willing to give the benefit of the doubt and try to get beyond my predigests). The issue I have is with caring. As harsh as this sounds, it is hard for me to truly care for another person. I guess I think that there is so much in this world that is substandard, painful, and just plain wrong, that if I really cared for each person I met, I would literally break.
How do you live this out?
How did Jesus live this out?
This is as loaded a word as there is. To truly love means to completely care for someone. Notice that nowhere does it say who the someone is; it just says “others”. Makes me want to standup and shout, “Who are the others that we need to love?” I guess someone already asked that question.
Before I go any further understand that I do recognize the worth of individuals. I am not an overly bigoted or predigest person (though all of us prejudge on occasion – I just am usually willing to give the benefit of the doubt and try to get beyond my predigests). The issue I have is with caring. As harsh as this sounds, it is hard for me to truly care for another person. I guess I think that there is so much in this world that is substandard, painful, and just plain wrong, that if I really cared for each person I met, I would literally break.
How do you live this out?
How did Jesus live this out?
Sunday, July 4, 2010
How do we glorify God?
Rick Warren says in The Purpose Driven Life that there are 5 ways that we reflect the glory of God:
While I am by no means perfect, and I fall short on a more than daily basis, I have no problems with these first two things.
That brings us to one word: OTHERS. Here is where I have trouble. I am such an introvert (not shy, just not tuned in to other people) that to truly love, serve, and testify to others is not only hard for me, it is almost impossible. Over the next few days, I would like to take these one at a time.
- In our worship of God
- As we allow the spirit to transform us into someone who is like Christ
- As we love others
- As we serve others
- As we testify to others
First, he expects us to acknowledge him and understand how we relate to him (i.e. realize and act in the knowledge of the fact that he is God, and we are not). That’s worship.
Second, we need to recognize that we currently are in a fallen state, and we have room to improve. As such, we must have a standard to measure our progress: Jesus Christ.
While I am by no means perfect, and I fall short on a more than daily basis, I have no problems with these first two things.
That brings us to one word: OTHERS. Here is where I have trouble. I am such an introvert (not shy, just not tuned in to other people) that to truly love, serve, and testify to others is not only hard for me, it is almost impossible. Over the next few days, I would like to take these one at a time.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Gatekeeper
"‘I ask you to take care of my house… You pledge to keep it in great shape… [W]hen I return, [it is] in shambles… Your explanation is not impressive: [bikers, rugby players and frat parties.]
‘This is not your house! You don’t have the right to let [everyone in]!’
Ever think God wants to say the same to us?" (Max Lucado, Just Like Jesus) (see Matt 24:45-51)
“[T]ake captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5b)
Lord,
Help me to tend the garden of my heart. Give me wisdom and power to submit to your authority over my thoughts.
‘This is not your house! You don’t have the right to let [everyone in]!’
Ever think God wants to say the same to us?" (Max Lucado, Just Like Jesus) (see Matt 24:45-51)
“[T]ake captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5b)
Lord,
Help me to tend the garden of my heart. Give me wisdom and power to submit to your authority over my thoughts.
What I can do today
Lately I have really been struggling with what God’s plan is for my life. I think this primarily comes from dissatisfaction in my job, coupled with a high time commitment at work that prevents me from becoming more involved in activities outside of work (i.e. I’m burned out). I have given a lot of thought to cutting back at work, and have contemplated everything from a minor job change (same job, just different collateral responsibilities) to going back to school and completely changing fields.
I have spent a lot of time in prayer about this, and have looked in the scriptures and other Christian books quite a bit, but haven’t really found a solid leading about where I should go. However, today it struck me that I am slowing piecing the puzzle together:
1) I think I’ve been too focused on the long term. I have been worrying about what I should do with the rest of my life, and not focusing on things I can do right now. If I work for God today, staying in his will for my life today, and do that every day… Well, my life will work itself out, won’t it?
2) Awhile back I thought I would gain good insights about God’s plan for my life by taking a Spiritual Gifts survey. When I finished it, I ended up with my three highest scored (by far) gifts being: giving, faith, and wisdom (in that order). This frustrated me even more than before I took the survey. I felt that God was telling me to just sit back and give my money away while trusting that he’ll take care of the rest; not exactly what I was looking for with regard to my life plan!
So today, while I was staining our deck, I finally stopped sulking about my apparent lack of gifts just long enough for God to start working on me. I found myself (quite by accident) honestly considering what someone with the gift of faith can do. I started thinking about monks. Now, I think my wife and kids might have a problem with me quitting my job and moving to a monastery so that’s obviously out. So then I started thinking about what monks did (and perhaps still do???) They read, meditated on their readings, prayed and wrote about what God had reviled to them.
I still don’t know what God has planned for me in the long term, but the things that monks did, these are things that I can do, right now. Meditation comes naturally to me (part of my gift of wisdom I guess), and reading and praying is something that I try to discipline myself to do often. This blog gives me an outlet where I can write. I don’t know if anyone will read it, let alone benefit from what I write, but for now, I can do this, and trust God to lead me forward from here.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34)
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
I have spent a lot of time in prayer about this, and have looked in the scriptures and other Christian books quite a bit, but haven’t really found a solid leading about where I should go. However, today it struck me that I am slowing piecing the puzzle together:
1) I think I’ve been too focused on the long term. I have been worrying about what I should do with the rest of my life, and not focusing on things I can do right now. If I work for God today, staying in his will for my life today, and do that every day… Well, my life will work itself out, won’t it?
2) Awhile back I thought I would gain good insights about God’s plan for my life by taking a Spiritual Gifts survey. When I finished it, I ended up with my three highest scored (by far) gifts being: giving, faith, and wisdom (in that order). This frustrated me even more than before I took the survey. I felt that God was telling me to just sit back and give my money away while trusting that he’ll take care of the rest; not exactly what I was looking for with regard to my life plan!
So today, while I was staining our deck, I finally stopped sulking about my apparent lack of gifts just long enough for God to start working on me. I found myself (quite by accident) honestly considering what someone with the gift of faith can do. I started thinking about monks. Now, I think my wife and kids might have a problem with me quitting my job and moving to a monastery so that’s obviously out. So then I started thinking about what monks did (and perhaps still do???) They read, meditated on their readings, prayed and wrote about what God had reviled to them.
I still don’t know what God has planned for me in the long term, but the things that monks did, these are things that I can do, right now. Meditation comes naturally to me (part of my gift of wisdom I guess), and reading and praying is something that I try to discipline myself to do often. This blog gives me an outlet where I can write. I don’t know if anyone will read it, let alone benefit from what I write, but for now, I can do this, and trust God to lead me forward from here.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34)
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Which is more important
Souls:
“You were made to last forever” (Warren, The Purpose Driven Life).
“[God] has also set eternity in the hearts of men” (Solomon, Ecclesiastes 3:11).
“And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures… had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before” (C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle).
Works:
“[A]ll achievements are eventually surpassed, records are broken, reputations fade, and tributes are forgotten” (Warren, The Purpose Driven Life).
“There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow (1:11). For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered; in days to come both will be forgotten. Like the fool, the wise man too must die! I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? (2:16, 18-19) ‘Meaningless! Meaningless! … Everything is meaningless!’ (12:8).” (Solomon, Ecclesiastes)
“I know that everything God does will endure forever” (Solomon, Ecclesiastes 3:14).
“You were made to last forever” (Warren, The Purpose Driven Life).
“[God] has also set eternity in the hearts of men” (Solomon, Ecclesiastes 3:11).
“And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures… had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before” (C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle).
Works:
“[A]ll achievements are eventually surpassed, records are broken, reputations fade, and tributes are forgotten” (Warren, The Purpose Driven Life).
“There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow (1:11). For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered; in days to come both will be forgotten. Like the fool, the wise man too must die! I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? (2:16, 18-19) ‘Meaningless! Meaningless! … Everything is meaningless!’ (12:8).” (Solomon, Ecclesiastes)
“I know that everything God does will endure forever” (Solomon, Ecclesiastes 3:14).
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Survey
Hi all,
I have made this 10 question survey to see what you think about me. Anyone can do it, no matter how long or how well you've known me. All I ask is that you be completely honest.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB...V
Thanks for your help.
Kendall
I have made this 10 question survey to see what you think about me. Anyone can do it, no matter how long or how well you've known me. All I ask is that you be completely honest.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB...V
Thanks for your help.
Kendall
Monday, June 28, 2010
Fear
I am thinking about my motivations. What is it that motivates me to do the things I do. Specifically, how does fear motivate me. This morning I read that God commanded Joshua (and the Israelites) to "be strong and very courageous" (Joshua 1:7), where as Jericho and the rest of Canaan was "melting with fear" (Joshua 2:9). The two stand in stark contrast - God's children are to be courageous, but the children of this world are fearful.
In the new testament, Paul reminds Timothy of this contrast when he says that "God did not give us a spirit of timidity (other translations read 'fear'), but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7).
I can see where fear motivates me. I don't want to be poor and broke, and I would like to retire from secular work at some point, so I discipline myself with my money. I don't want to be physically broken down in my old age, so I discipline my body with diet and exercise. I don't want to fall into the trappings of addiction, so I stay away from activities that trigger addictive behavior. I don't want my children to be delinquents, so I discipline them.
It seems that sometimes fear can be a healthy thing - that it helps us make good decisions. Perhaps that is because healthy fear is not really fear at all, but an acknowledgement of the power something has (or can have) in our lives. A healthy fear is really more of a respect than a fear. This must be why God commands us not to fear, but then, through the words of King Solomon, he says "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10).
Sometimes, however, I am motivated by unhealthy fear. Those are times that lead to some action, but I do it because I fear what others will think, or I fear I wont be able to complete it, or that it will take up too much time, or... In these cases my fear is not built on respect, but on disrespect; what I am actually saying is, "God, I know you are leading me to go here, but I don't really think you can handle what I am about to get myself into." Indeed, in these cases my fear is really a lack of faith. And in these cases, the courage to move beyond the fear is simply a testimony that I serve a God who is able.
It seems that when God says not to fear, what he is really saying, is have faith!
God, may I have the faith to show that you are able.
In the new testament, Paul reminds Timothy of this contrast when he says that "God did not give us a spirit of timidity (other translations read 'fear'), but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7).
I can see where fear motivates me. I don't want to be poor and broke, and I would like to retire from secular work at some point, so I discipline myself with my money. I don't want to be physically broken down in my old age, so I discipline my body with diet and exercise. I don't want to fall into the trappings of addiction, so I stay away from activities that trigger addictive behavior. I don't want my children to be delinquents, so I discipline them.
It seems that sometimes fear can be a healthy thing - that it helps us make good decisions. Perhaps that is because healthy fear is not really fear at all, but an acknowledgement of the power something has (or can have) in our lives. A healthy fear is really more of a respect than a fear. This must be why God commands us not to fear, but then, through the words of King Solomon, he says "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10).
Sometimes, however, I am motivated by unhealthy fear. Those are times that lead to some action, but I do it because I fear what others will think, or I fear I wont be able to complete it, or that it will take up too much time, or... In these cases my fear is not built on respect, but on disrespect; what I am actually saying is, "God, I know you are leading me to go here, but I don't really think you can handle what I am about to get myself into." Indeed, in these cases my fear is really a lack of faith. And in these cases, the courage to move beyond the fear is simply a testimony that I serve a God who is able.
It seems that when God says not to fear, what he is really saying, is have faith!
God, may I have the faith to show that you are able.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Creation Museum
We went to the Creation Museum in Kentucky today. We all had a good day, although, as Jeffrey said, “Aubrey and I had our ups and downs.” The whole museum is based on Genesis 1 through 11 (with a few references to the New Testament thrown in). It is run by a ministry called “Answers in Genesis,” and designed to give logical, scientific, and biblical answers to the evolution debate in support of a literal 6 days of creation viewpoint (which I tend to support). They make a lot of good points, many of which I am still thinking about. If nothing else, it is very well done; I haven’t been to many better natural history museums. It may very likely lead to future postings.
In the short term, let me summarize the 7 points the museum is based on.
- Creation (Gen Ch 1&2)
- Corruption (Gen Ch 3&4)
- Catastrophe (Gen Ch 5-10)
- Confusion (Gen Ch 11)
- Christ (4 Gospels)
- Cross (4 Gospels & Romans)
- Consummation (Revelation & other scriptures)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Some things that I’ve been learning lately
Some things that I’ve been learning lately:
1) God is awesome. He alone is worthy of praise and adoration and He alone is deserving of our awe, respect, and fear.
2) We are not under the law, but under grace. We don’t approach God on Mt. Sinai or Mt. Horeb, but on Mt. Zion, in the New Jerusalem. We can enter the Holy of Holies, and while we are there, we need not approach the Judgment Seat, but can instead come to the Throne of Grace.
3) Anything done in life is meaningless unless we remember that there is a God and life does not end at death. Without these two things, nothing is worthwhile.
4) God has a plan, and I am part of it.
1) God is awesome. He alone is worthy of praise and adoration and He alone is deserving of our awe, respect, and fear.
2) We are not under the law, but under grace. We don’t approach God on Mt. Sinai or Mt. Horeb, but on Mt. Zion, in the New Jerusalem. We can enter the Holy of Holies, and while we are there, we need not approach the Judgment Seat, but can instead come to the Throne of Grace.
3) Anything done in life is meaningless unless we remember that there is a God and life does not end at death. Without these two things, nothing is worthwhile.
4) God has a plan, and I am part of it.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A list for Jeffrey on the eve of your wedding
Yesterday was my anniversary. Jennifer and I went out for dinner and had our annual discussion “On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rank our marriage this year?” Anyway, this morning I was too distracted to read a lot of scripture during my devotional time (NOT because of our conversation!), so I started looking through an old journal, where I found the following list. I have to say, it drew me up short. I guess I know what I’ll be working on during this year of marriage.
On a side note, I have no idea what I was thinking or what verses I was studying when I wrote this. Also, although I put this list together in my own words, the ideas are definitely not original to me. Based on the way the list appears in my journal, I don’t think these are arranged in any order than the order I thought of them. I hope you find this list as challenging as I did this morning.
Journal entry from December 2, 2009:
A list for Jeffrey on the eve of your wedding:
1) Love is a choice. Choose love everyday, no matter how hard it is or how bad things seem. The more you make the choice to love, the easier the choice will become. Make love a habit.
2) Tell her you love her. Tell her everyday. Tell her in the morning when you wakeup, tell her at night when you go to bed, and tell her at least once somewhere in between. Tell her; she needs to hear it.
3) Learn how to fight, and do it often. There is a way to fight that is not hurtful or damaging. Make rules for fighting and follow them. Don’t be afraid of fighting and don’t let things fester. If something is wrong, get it out in the open and work through it.
4) Never let the sun go down on your anger. Keep the ratio of fights to make-ups at 1 to 1. I have found that making up is the best part of fighting!
5) Show her you love her in a way that is meaningful to her. Does she like flowers? Buy some. Does her back hurt? Rub it (without expecting sex). Is she overcommitted and tired? Do the dishes. Find some way everyday to show her you love her. Sometimes the best gift you can give is a break from each other.
6) Be considerate of her needs in the bedroom (including her need to sleep). Learn what she likes, what she doesn’t. Learn when she likes some things, and when she likes others. Learn her pace and her language. Nothing is a greater puzzle than the physical needs of a woman, but they are worth discovering!
7) Keep a servant’s heart. There will be times when you are tired or mad and don’t want to do things; do them anyway, and do not expect anything in return. Remember, love is a choice.
8) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, then love your wife. Keep your priorities straight. She is not #1 in your life. It is a hard lesson, but sooner or later you must learn that if something were to happen, you could live without her, but you can never truly live without God.
9) Pray together daily. Prayer is an intimate thing and doing it with your wife will build intimacy with her. Pray for real: What’s on your heart? Do you need to repent? Have you thanked God for the person you are praying with?
10) Find excuses to be together, and laugh often.
On a side note, I have no idea what I was thinking or what verses I was studying when I wrote this. Also, although I put this list together in my own words, the ideas are definitely not original to me. Based on the way the list appears in my journal, I don’t think these are arranged in any order than the order I thought of them. I hope you find this list as challenging as I did this morning.
Journal entry from December 2, 2009:
A list for Jeffrey on the eve of your wedding:
1) Love is a choice. Choose love everyday, no matter how hard it is or how bad things seem. The more you make the choice to love, the easier the choice will become. Make love a habit.
2) Tell her you love her. Tell her everyday. Tell her in the morning when you wakeup, tell her at night when you go to bed, and tell her at least once somewhere in between. Tell her; she needs to hear it.
3) Learn how to fight, and do it often. There is a way to fight that is not hurtful or damaging. Make rules for fighting and follow them. Don’t be afraid of fighting and don’t let things fester. If something is wrong, get it out in the open and work through it.
4) Never let the sun go down on your anger. Keep the ratio of fights to make-ups at 1 to 1. I have found that making up is the best part of fighting!
5) Show her you love her in a way that is meaningful to her. Does she like flowers? Buy some. Does her back hurt? Rub it (without expecting sex). Is she overcommitted and tired? Do the dishes. Find some way everyday to show her you love her. Sometimes the best gift you can give is a break from each other.
6) Be considerate of her needs in the bedroom (including her need to sleep). Learn what she likes, what she doesn’t. Learn when she likes some things, and when she likes others. Learn her pace and her language. Nothing is a greater puzzle than the physical needs of a woman, but they are worth discovering!
7) Keep a servant’s heart. There will be times when you are tired or mad and don’t want to do things; do them anyway, and do not expect anything in return. Remember, love is a choice.
8) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, then love your wife. Keep your priorities straight. She is not #1 in your life. It is a hard lesson, but sooner or later you must learn that if something were to happen, you could live without her, but you can never truly live without God.
9) Pray together daily. Prayer is an intimate thing and doing it with your wife will build intimacy with her. Pray for real: What’s on your heart? Do you need to repent? Have you thanked God for the person you are praying with?
10) Find excuses to be together, and laugh often.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Creator
I just want to say (after driving in the Cascade Mountains this morning) that I am very grateful that I have been blessed with eyes that see The Creator in His creation.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Gideon vs Peter
Have you ever considered the similarities between Gideon and Simon (the apostle who Jesus called Peter)?
1.) Both were humble in heritage: Gideon, a farmer who was hiding in a cave was of the weakest clan and least in his family (Judges 6:2 & 15). Simon was a fisherman from Bethsaida who had moved to Capernaum in Galilee (John 1:44, Mark 1:21 & 29).
2.) Both had their names changed based on actions they would not take until the future: “When The Angle of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior’” (Judges 6:12). (As a side note, I personally believe that The Angle of the LORD is the preincarnate Jesus Christ). “Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter)” (John 1:42).
3.) Both were initially afraid of what others might think of their faith: “But because [Gideon] was afraid of his family and the men of town, he [tore down his father’s altar] at night rather than in the daytime” (Judges 6:27). “Peter followed at a distance… Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him, ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times’” (Luke 22:54 – 61).
4.) Both were empowered by the Holy Spirit to stir the masses: “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet… so that they [all] went up to meet them” (Judges 6:34 – 35). “All of [the apostles] were filled with the Holy Spirit and…Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd… about 3,000 were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:4 – 41).
I don’t know if any of this is significant, but I think it is interesting.
1.) Both were humble in heritage: Gideon, a farmer who was hiding in a cave was of the weakest clan and least in his family (Judges 6:2 & 15). Simon was a fisherman from Bethsaida who had moved to Capernaum in Galilee (John 1:44, Mark 1:21 & 29).
2.) Both had their names changed based on actions they would not take until the future: “When The Angle of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior’” (Judges 6:12). (As a side note, I personally believe that The Angle of the LORD is the preincarnate Jesus Christ). “Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter)” (John 1:42).
3.) Both were initially afraid of what others might think of their faith: “But because [Gideon] was afraid of his family and the men of town, he [tore down his father’s altar] at night rather than in the daytime” (Judges 6:27). “Peter followed at a distance… Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him, ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times’” (Luke 22:54 – 61).
4.) Both were empowered by the Holy Spirit to stir the masses: “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet… so that they [all] went up to meet them” (Judges 6:34 – 35). “All of [the apostles] were filled with the Holy Spirit and…Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd… about 3,000 were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:4 – 41).
I don’t know if any of this is significant, but I think it is interesting.
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