Is it possible that God is raising up a new generation of Christians? A generation of Christians who are not afraid of stepping outside of the proverbial Christian bubble. Christians who have faith in God and believe Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Jessica wrote about a blog about cities of refuge http://andnarrowistheway.blogspot.com/2008/12/realization-about-levitical-cities-of.html.
Perhaps we have dwelled in our cities of refuge for too long, and God is saying to us, "You have had your refuge, your time of rest, growth and strengthing. Now it is time for you to go out and share the knowledge you have learned."
Too many times, we get caught up in the idea that we need to surround ourselves with only Christians, only listen to Christian Music, only buy Christian books, only watch Christian movies, Christian TV, etc... because this will keep us safe from the world.
But the truth is, that while we are trying to keep ourself safe from the world, the world is going to hell. We are so caught up in protecting ourselves that we forget Jesus' commandment about making disciples of all nations.
Do we have so little faith in the Truth that we believe we will fail?
Jesus made friends with the world. Matthew, the tax collector, was not a "Christian" before Jesus befriended him. By becoming Matthew's friend, did Jesus become a sinner like Matthew? No, Matthew saw the Truth of Jesus and tried to become more like Jesus.
The Truth ALWAYS prevails... why are we so afraid of the world? We already know who the conquerer is.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I have failed a million and two times!!!
I feel as if I am constantly losing focus on the priorities in my life, and shifting them to accommodate my needs. I know what I really want is to focus on building relationships with people getting to know them and becoming invested in their lives. And yet, what I constantly focus my time and energies on is getting through my to do list.
And this is what I have learned: When I have my priorities in order, that is focusing on other people that is not just doing things for other people - but spending time with people and building relationships, I find so much peace and joy and happiness. Could this possibly be because this is what God wants for us as His creation. Fellowship and Love. This is one way we truly experience God in our lives.
But when my priorities are out of whack... I am focusing and stressing about getting through my ever so long to do list. I become very, very selfish, bitter and cranky. Perhaps this is because I have taken the focus off of others and placed it all on myself.
Others Focused = Happiness, Peace, Joy
To Do List Focused = Stress, Crankiness, Selfishness
I'm trying very hard to learn balance between the two and most importantly listen to that still small voice inside.. you know the one that is so easy to ignore because we are too busy.... yeah, that one.
And, I ignored it today... even though I heard it several times. Thankfully though, God was still able to get through to me and I am able to follow through and rebuild a friendship that has been waning. A friendship that has really meant a lot to me over the years.
I feel as if I am constantly losing focus on the priorities in my life, and shifting them to accommodate my needs. I know what I really want is to focus on building relationships with people getting to know them and becoming invested in their lives. And yet, what I constantly focus my time and energies on is getting through my to do list.
And this is what I have learned: When I have my priorities in order, that is focusing on other people that is not just doing things for other people - but spending time with people and building relationships, I find so much peace and joy and happiness. Could this possibly be because this is what God wants for us as His creation. Fellowship and Love. This is one way we truly experience God in our lives.
But when my priorities are out of whack... I am focusing and stressing about getting through my ever so long to do list. I become very, very selfish, bitter and cranky. Perhaps this is because I have taken the focus off of others and placed it all on myself.
Others Focused = Happiness, Peace, Joy
To Do List Focused = Stress, Crankiness, Selfishness
I'm trying very hard to learn balance between the two and most importantly listen to that still small voice inside.. you know the one that is so easy to ignore because we are too busy.... yeah, that one.
And, I ignored it today... even though I heard it several times. Thankfully though, God was still able to get through to me and I am able to follow through and rebuild a friendship that has been waning. A friendship that has really meant a lot to me over the years.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Winter
Ecclisiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--
Winter by Tori Amos
Snow can wait I forgot my mittens
Wipe my nose Get my new boots on
I get a little warm in my heart
When I think of winterI put my hand in my father's glove
I run off where the DRIFTS GET DEEPER
Sleeping beauty trips me with a frown
I hear a voice "You must learn to stand up for yourself
Cause I can't always be around"
He says when you gonna make up your mind
When you gonna love you as much as I do
When you gonna make up your mind
Cause things are gonna CHANGE so fast
All the white horses are still in bed
I tell you that I'll always want you near
You say that things change my dear
Boys get discovered as winter MELTS
Flowers competing for the sun
Years go by and I'm here still waiting
Withering where some snowman was
Mirror mirror where's the crystal palace
But I only can see myself SKATING around the truth who I am
But I know dad the ice is getting thin
When you gonna make up your mind
When you gonna love you as much as I do
When you gonna make up your mind
Cause things are gonna CHANGE so fast
All the white horses are still in bed
I tell you that I'll always want you near
You say that things change my dear
Hair is grey and the fires are burning
So many dreams on the shelf
You say I wanted you to be PROUD of me
I always wanted that myself
When you gonna make up your mind
When you gonna love you as much as I do
When you gonna make up your mind
Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the WHITE HORSES have gone ahead
I tell you that I'll always want you near
You say that things change my dear Never change
All the white horses
I'm in the season of winter. I read a great devotional the other day about the changing of seasons and how the process of change was created by God and serves a specific purpose. I know winter is coming because I begin to withdraw from others and seek a lot more alone time journaling. I also begin to seek God more and question areas in my life that I'm not satisifed with.
I can't say that being in the season of winter is fun and it never comes at a good time. Often winter for me is a cold, lonely, dark place and I must travel it all on my own, this lesson I've learned well. Oh, I could bring others with me but they would not survive my journey, and in the end, we would be forced to part bitter ways.
I used to fear this season... and would dread it's coming in my life... however, I've begun to realize it's purpose and I've learned how to prepare. For me, my winter protection is the Bible and the loving arms of God for I know no matter how dark and cold it gets He is there the moment I need Him. It is a season of strengthening, just as the trees are strengthened so that they can bloom in the spring. My season always ends with me being happier, rejuvinated and most importantly stronger.
The most difficult and challenging part about this season for me is holding onto relationships that are important to me. Too often, I somehow end up destroying friendships without meaning to... however, I'm learning... and sometimes I have to take a break from my season of winter to build a nice cozy fire and invite people in.
I don't know how long this season will last. All I ask is for is patience, because soon I'll be in the season of spring - the season of joy and happiness and lots of laughter. I just hope I don't cause too much damage along the way. Someday you'll have your season of winter and although it will differ from mine - I will be there at the end of your journey with a nice big mug of hot cocoa and lots of hugs.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Fuel
James 3:5-9 (NLT) - In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. (6) And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. (7) People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, (8) but no one can tame the tongue. (9) It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God."
"Sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God." When I curse someone made in the image of God, I am cursing God, since essentially He created the person I am cursing.
My biggest realization lately is that I am not always the one doing the cursing, and that sometimes I allow my ears to become someone else's garbage can. Often, what I don't realize is how easily I then fall prey to taking up someone else's offense.
There is a difference between listening to someone who is seeking advice and listening to someone who is just wanting to whine and complain. I think I am being a good friend by just listening, but I'm learning now how much it actually affects me, my relationship with God, and my relationship with the people involved.
By the same token, I have seen how much my whining and venting about others has also affected relationships. More often than not, and very humbling to admit, I am just looking for a sympathetic ear because I love to whine. I DO THIS ALL THE TIME!!!!
Why? Why do I curse people made in God's image? Especially knowing that according to verse 6 my tongue can set my whole life on fire. And yet, I constantly fuel the flame with my whining using the excuse that I'm venting, and I allow others to do the same. The thing is I always feel horrible afterwards. What I thought would be cathartic always leaves me feeling guilty and full of shame. That's how I know it is sin, and I run to God asking for forgiveness.
Although, I know God has forgiven me, the damage has been done, and fuel has been added to the fire.... a fire that starts out as a burning ember, just waiting for a little spark.
"Sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God." When I curse someone made in the image of God, I am cursing God, since essentially He created the person I am cursing.
My biggest realization lately is that I am not always the one doing the cursing, and that sometimes I allow my ears to become someone else's garbage can. Often, what I don't realize is how easily I then fall prey to taking up someone else's offense.
There is a difference between listening to someone who is seeking advice and listening to someone who is just wanting to whine and complain. I think I am being a good friend by just listening, but I'm learning now how much it actually affects me, my relationship with God, and my relationship with the people involved.
By the same token, I have seen how much my whining and venting about others has also affected relationships. More often than not, and very humbling to admit, I am just looking for a sympathetic ear because I love to whine. I DO THIS ALL THE TIME!!!!
Why? Why do I curse people made in God's image? Especially knowing that according to verse 6 my tongue can set my whole life on fire. And yet, I constantly fuel the flame with my whining using the excuse that I'm venting, and I allow others to do the same. The thing is I always feel horrible afterwards. What I thought would be cathartic always leaves me feeling guilty and full of shame. That's how I know it is sin, and I run to God asking for forgiveness.
Although, I know God has forgiven me, the damage has been done, and fuel has been added to the fire.... a fire that starts out as a burning ember, just waiting for a little spark.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Power of Orange Knickers
Sometimes we go into battle fighting the wrong enemy. But, we soon find out is that this enemy is actually our closest ally.
Who is this terrorist that smiles so kindly? This battle we believe to be our hardest one yet. We know for certain that underneath their petticoat their knickers are blue and our knickers are orange, and orange and blue knickers do not associate.
Perhaps this person is a husband or a wife, and the battle is the kids or how to run the house. Maybe this person is a co-worker who we view as more talented and qualifed than we are. It could be a mom or a dad who only wants what is best for their child.
But, what if the person is someone we've never met, someone we've only heard about through other people? We pass judgement and make a decision about the person based only on what we've heard about them. We view them as the enemy.
And so, we step into battle with our protective armor on, our swords outstrechted, ready to take the stance. And slowly, we begin the battle... only, the other person doesn't know that we are in full on battle mode. Instead, they begin to smile, and laugh. We try to pick up our sword and it is too heavy, and they come up beside us and help to lift the sword, still not understanding that the sword is meant to inflict harm on them.
We are surprised and thrown off guard by this sudden turn of events. And slowly, ever so slowly we begin removing pieces of our armor, still believing at any moment that the other person is going to draw their dagger and take us out. But, then they don't... instead, they begin to compliment us, and ask us for advice... and then, they show us their knickers and they are orange like ours.
Who is this terrorist that smiles so kindly? This battle we believe to be our hardest one yet. We know for certain that underneath their petticoat their knickers are blue and our knickers are orange, and orange and blue knickers do not associate.
Perhaps this person is a husband or a wife, and the battle is the kids or how to run the house. Maybe this person is a co-worker who we view as more talented and qualifed than we are. It could be a mom or a dad who only wants what is best for their child.
But, what if the person is someone we've never met, someone we've only heard about through other people? We pass judgement and make a decision about the person based only on what we've heard about them. We view them as the enemy.
And so, we step into battle with our protective armor on, our swords outstrechted, ready to take the stance. And slowly, we begin the battle... only, the other person doesn't know that we are in full on battle mode. Instead, they begin to smile, and laugh. We try to pick up our sword and it is too heavy, and they come up beside us and help to lift the sword, still not understanding that the sword is meant to inflict harm on them.
We are surprised and thrown off guard by this sudden turn of events. And slowly, ever so slowly we begin removing pieces of our armor, still believing at any moment that the other person is going to draw their dagger and take us out. But, then they don't... instead, they begin to compliment us, and ask us for advice... and then, they show us their knickers and they are orange like ours.
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Painter
People are not expendable. I think too many times we give up on people because we don't feel they are worthy of our time, efforts or energy. They are not going to bring anything to our already overly complicated, busy lives.
Sometimes, I think we view people as works of art. We see someone's life and we think we know how we can make it better. We take it into our hands what we believe to be this marred painting that is bleak and has nothing to offer and we try to turn it into our own masterpiece. And when we begin to see that the masterpiece is not turning into what we had hoped, we begin to tear it down and shred it up, until all that is left is a million little pieces that we can sweep under the rug. People begin to annoy us, they don't have the qualities we are after, and we wish they would just go away. This masterpiece that we once devoted so much time and effort to, is now just a nuisance. We begin to resent them for not turning into our masterpiece, until eventually, we abandon them and want nothing to do with them - ever.
We took what we saw as a marred piece of art and thought that we could refine it and make it into a masterpiece, when in reality, God is the only one who can do that. We are just merely the medium which God uses... there are so many torn up pieces of art that need to be put back together and accepted for the beautiful masterpiece they already are, the masterpiece that God created.
We cannot abandon any work of art simply because they don't fit into our agenda.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Pictures of Success
We all have our pictures of success. Those proud moments in our lives forever captured in a photograph. For some people it is a wedding day, the birth of a new baby, the job promotion, graduation or a first car. The thing is, no one ever has pictures of failure. Those moments in our lives when we made a bad decision, chose the wrong people to be friends with, were hateful towards someone or destroyed a relationship.
Our pictures of success are reminders to ourselves. Reminders that we have value, we're worth something and we can accomplish things. But, what happens when we cling to these pictures too tightly for too long? Sometimes we cling to them for so long in fact, that they become our identity, and this is how we want the world to view us. The danger in clinging too them for too long is that we get stuck where we are and never move foward.
Or, even worse, we refuse to admit that perhaps, right now our lives are a picture of failure. We wake up one day and realize we're fat, we're broke, our relationships have fallen apart, we haven't accomplished any of the things we set out to do 5 or 10 years ago. So we continue to cling to our pictures of success, because we believe it is easier to live in the past, to look at our past accomplishments rather than face the future.
The thing is, that our pictures of failure did not develop overnight, anymore than our pictures of success developed overnight. Our pictures of success, while taken in a single moment, are actually the culmination of a series of events leading up to that moment. The wedding day is a result of meeting someone, falling in love, a proposal and then the wedding. Graduation is the conclusion of years of study and gaining knowledge. This same principle is true for our pictures of failure.
We did not get fat in a single moment. We didn't go broke in a single moment. Our relationships did not fall apart in a single moment. Instead, all of these things are a result of a series of events that led us here. Eating too many calories, failing to budget properly, allowing oursleves to drift apart in our relationships.
To create new pictures of success, we must first stop clinging so tightly to our old pictures. They should only serve as reminders of the things we can do and the places we can go. You can lose the weight and be that thin girl again in the photo. You can recapture the love and admiration you had for the person in your wedding photo. You can create new pictures of success..... the Bible says it is healthy to do so ;).
Our pictures of success are reminders to ourselves. Reminders that we have value, we're worth something and we can accomplish things. But, what happens when we cling to these pictures too tightly for too long? Sometimes we cling to them for so long in fact, that they become our identity, and this is how we want the world to view us. The danger in clinging too them for too long is that we get stuck where we are and never move foward.
Or, even worse, we refuse to admit that perhaps, right now our lives are a picture of failure. We wake up one day and realize we're fat, we're broke, our relationships have fallen apart, we haven't accomplished any of the things we set out to do 5 or 10 years ago. So we continue to cling to our pictures of success, because we believe it is easier to live in the past, to look at our past accomplishments rather than face the future.
The thing is, that our pictures of failure did not develop overnight, anymore than our pictures of success developed overnight. Our pictures of success, while taken in a single moment, are actually the culmination of a series of events leading up to that moment. The wedding day is a result of meeting someone, falling in love, a proposal and then the wedding. Graduation is the conclusion of years of study and gaining knowledge. This same principle is true for our pictures of failure.
We did not get fat in a single moment. We didn't go broke in a single moment. Our relationships did not fall apart in a single moment. Instead, all of these things are a result of a series of events that led us here. Eating too many calories, failing to budget properly, allowing oursleves to drift apart in our relationships.
To create new pictures of success, we must first stop clinging so tightly to our old pictures. They should only serve as reminders of the things we can do and the places we can go. You can lose the weight and be that thin girl again in the photo. You can recapture the love and admiration you had for the person in your wedding photo. You can create new pictures of success..... the Bible says it is healthy to do so ;).
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Toureffe's Syndrome
I attended my first ever roller derby last night. I've been excited all week about going. Part of me wanted to go because I'm in search of a new hobby, part of me wanted to go because I had made a new friend and I wanted to show her my support, but mostly I wanted to go because I wanted to fit in.
One stumbling block in my personal walk with God has been that I have never felt as if I ever really fit into the Christian Mold. I've always felt more comfortable around people who drink, swear and ride Harleys. Over the past 13 years I've learned to say the right "Christianese" phrases, say "Amen" at the appropriate times and listen to Christian music. Still, I always found myself going back to my bad girl roots no matter how hard I tried to become a "Christian."
Perhaps that is why I worked so hard to go to Bible school, onto a private Christian Univerisity and have worked for a Christian Company for the last 10 years. I worked really hard at surrounding myself with Christians, because anytime I got around non-Christians my bad girl self would come out. Inevitbly I would end up feeling guilty for having too much fun, and so I would run, literally run back to my safe proverbial Christian bubble and lock my bad girl away. This was the only way I was every going to be a good Christian.
What I discovered last night at the Roller Derby is that I totally fit in. I loved being surrounded by all of these girls with their bad girl images tattooed right on their arms. They were having so much fun being who they really were, they were not pretending to be somebody they are not.
The truth is, that I have grown more spiritually in the last 6 months than I have in the last 13 years of being a Christian and 2 of those years were spent at in intensive Charistmatic Bible school. This spiritual growth has been due to the fact that I've totally been seeking after God and discovering who He is. I have not tried to become a better Christian. As I have sought God, all of the other things have sort of fallen into place.
As I watched all of the derby girls skate and as all of the spectators around me drank I realized something else. I realized that I can't judge them for making roller derby their passion or even drinking their passion. They are looking for fulfillment and for purpose and meaning in their lives. The same thing that all humans long for. How can I judge them for that? We all want something to be passionate about, a reason for living. Thank God we have had someone in our lives who shared with us the truth about Jesus.
I hope that now that I really have the truth I can share it with others. I love what Pastor Scott said this morning, that when we learn the truth about being Forgiven by God, we will in turn forgive others. I learned that lesson recently but that is for another post.
One stumbling block in my personal walk with God has been that I have never felt as if I ever really fit into the Christian Mold. I've always felt more comfortable around people who drink, swear and ride Harleys. Over the past 13 years I've learned to say the right "Christianese" phrases, say "Amen" at the appropriate times and listen to Christian music. Still, I always found myself going back to my bad girl roots no matter how hard I tried to become a "Christian."
Perhaps that is why I worked so hard to go to Bible school, onto a private Christian Univerisity and have worked for a Christian Company for the last 10 years. I worked really hard at surrounding myself with Christians, because anytime I got around non-Christians my bad girl self would come out. Inevitbly I would end up feeling guilty for having too much fun, and so I would run, literally run back to my safe proverbial Christian bubble and lock my bad girl away. This was the only way I was every going to be a good Christian.
What I discovered last night at the Roller Derby is that I totally fit in. I loved being surrounded by all of these girls with their bad girl images tattooed right on their arms. They were having so much fun being who they really were, they were not pretending to be somebody they are not.
The truth is, that I have grown more spiritually in the last 6 months than I have in the last 13 years of being a Christian and 2 of those years were spent at in intensive Charistmatic Bible school. This spiritual growth has been due to the fact that I've totally been seeking after God and discovering who He is. I have not tried to become a better Christian. As I have sought God, all of the other things have sort of fallen into place.
As I watched all of the derby girls skate and as all of the spectators around me drank I realized something else. I realized that I can't judge them for making roller derby their passion or even drinking their passion. They are looking for fulfillment and for purpose and meaning in their lives. The same thing that all humans long for. How can I judge them for that? We all want something to be passionate about, a reason for living. Thank God we have had someone in our lives who shared with us the truth about Jesus.
I hope that now that I really have the truth I can share it with others. I love what Pastor Scott said this morning, that when we learn the truth about being Forgiven by God, we will in turn forgive others. I learned that lesson recently but that is for another post.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Comic Book Tatoo
I finally recieved my Tori Amos limited Edition Comic Book Tatoo Anthalogy. In the back of the book Tori posted an afterward and in it she talks about how art is the portal to freeing the mind from religious bondage. This is true to some extent, but still there is a danger in freeing the mind too much.
The coolest thing has happened to me recently. Anytime I start to struggle with an issue, inevitibly I find my answer in one of Pastor Scott's sermons. Lately I've been struggling with whether or not I'm being a good Christian or a bad influence. Am I listening to the wrong kind of music, saying the wrong things, wearing the wrong things. Perhaps I should immerse myself in Christian Pop-culture and that I would be an effective Christian Witness. Ah but alas, I digress.
God created me. Eph: 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." He created me with all of my idiosyncracies, likes, dislikes, etc. To be an effective Witness and lead others to Jesus I really just need to by myself. That's not to say that I should behave and act any way I want which would be to be selfish, unkind and greedy. I should work to exercise the spiritual gifts of kindness, patience, love and generosity.
The sermon this past Sunday was about making the message of Salvation and of Jesus Simple. For Jesus came for the spiritually sick Matthew 9:9-12. Salvation is not based on the fact that we as Christians don't drink, smoke, swear or listen to rock music. The Salvation message is based on love and entering into a personal relationship with God.
It's so simple really, and yet some Christians want to make it so complicted. They want to make it about self righteousness which inevitibly leads to hypocrisy. No one is without sin. The Bible tells us this and we all know it is true.
I'm not suggesting that I'm now free to do and say whatever I want. However, I am free to be myself, to grow in my relationship with Christ, and by so doing help lead others to Christ. This is what Jesus' life on earth was all about - leading people to God and into a relationship with Him. His life was not about telling people to quit smoking, drinking or swearing.
The coolest thing has happened to me recently. Anytime I start to struggle with an issue, inevitibly I find my answer in one of Pastor Scott's sermons. Lately I've been struggling with whether or not I'm being a good Christian or a bad influence. Am I listening to the wrong kind of music, saying the wrong things, wearing the wrong things. Perhaps I should immerse myself in Christian Pop-culture and that I would be an effective Christian Witness. Ah but alas, I digress.
God created me. Eph: 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." He created me with all of my idiosyncracies, likes, dislikes, etc. To be an effective Witness and lead others to Jesus I really just need to by myself. That's not to say that I should behave and act any way I want which would be to be selfish, unkind and greedy. I should work to exercise the spiritual gifts of kindness, patience, love and generosity.
The sermon this past Sunday was about making the message of Salvation and of Jesus Simple. For Jesus came for the spiritually sick Matthew 9:9-12. Salvation is not based on the fact that we as Christians don't drink, smoke, swear or listen to rock music. The Salvation message is based on love and entering into a personal relationship with God.
It's so simple really, and yet some Christians want to make it so complicted. They want to make it about self righteousness which inevitibly leads to hypocrisy. No one is without sin. The Bible tells us this and we all know it is true.
I'm not suggesting that I'm now free to do and say whatever I want. However, I am free to be myself, to grow in my relationship with Christ, and by so doing help lead others to Christ. This is what Jesus' life on earth was all about - leading people to God and into a relationship with Him. His life was not about telling people to quit smoking, drinking or swearing.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Dresses
Sometimes life can be full of surprises. I have been surprised by 3 very special people over the last six weeks. I would not trade the time I've had with them for anything in the world.
They will always have a very special place in my heart, and now as things come to a close I see my life coming back into it's normal existence. Although I am sad they are all leaving, I am looking forward to the routine I once had.
Having such a short time with them makes it all that much more special to me, because you can have too much of a good thing. It's like owning your favorite dress that you only wear on special occasions - you cherish the dress, you wrap it in tissue and keep it in a special box hidden away and bring it out only when it truly matters.
Anyway, to the three of you (you know who you are), thank you so much for gracing me with your beautiful, individual personalities. I love each one of you, and today I'm putting my "special dress" back in it's box. I hope that one day, I'll be able to bring it out again.
They will always have a very special place in my heart, and now as things come to a close I see my life coming back into it's normal existence. Although I am sad they are all leaving, I am looking forward to the routine I once had.
Having such a short time with them makes it all that much more special to me, because you can have too much of a good thing. It's like owning your favorite dress that you only wear on special occasions - you cherish the dress, you wrap it in tissue and keep it in a special box hidden away and bring it out only when it truly matters.
Anyway, to the three of you (you know who you are), thank you so much for gracing me with your beautiful, individual personalities. I love each one of you, and today I'm putting my "special dress" back in it's box. I hope that one day, I'll be able to bring it out again.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Under the Blacklight
Under the Blacklight, it is so easy to hide the things about ourselves that we don't want others to see. Yet, those things are still there, hiding, waiting for the right moment to come into the light.
We can go our whole lives living under the blacklight, never facing those things which are prohibiting and blocking our path to the things that God has in store for us. If we continue to pursue Him and dedicate our lives to Him, then he is going to expose those things. Not because He is mean, but because He loves us so much.
I have learned a great deal about myself the last few weeks. Things I've known were always there, but I chose not to deal with them, instead, I hid them Under the Blacklight.
One of the biggest things that I'm learning is that to be an effective Christian Witness to others I don't have to walk around preaching the Word all of the time and shoving scripture down people's throats. Instead, I need to use the Word of God as my guide and take away from it Wisdom and Truth in dealing with situations.
I've always been quick to say, "The Bible says." Instead, what I should be doing is leading by example, and then when the opportunity presents itself share the Truth. Being a Christian is not about "preaching" the gospel, so much as "living" the gospel. We all know the old saying about our actions speaking louder than our words. This is definitely true where the Bible is concerned and in becoming Christ like.
Things don't always work out the way we expect them too, either. I feel as if I've failed a million and one times in the same areas, but I think it is just the Lord saying "I really want to create this perfect work in you." I love what Pastor Scott said about dealing with the same issues over and over again. We conquer the battles for awhile, but we end up facing them again. Each time though we grow stronger and stronger.
All of my life I felt that I needed to have arrived at a place of perfection by the time I was 30. However, if this is what God expected from us, He would not have given us the life expectancy that we as humans have. We may never arrive to that perfect place, instead, we must continue on the journey, and take things one step at a time.
I've made some mistakes recently in the area of friendship, but the thing is I am trying. I had a post awhile about not exercising the gift of friendship called Dried up Prune http://arecoveringchristian.blogspot.com/2008/04/dried-up-prune.html and this post is actually a follow up to that previous one.
We can go our whole lives living under the blacklight, never facing those things which are prohibiting and blocking our path to the things that God has in store for us. If we continue to pursue Him and dedicate our lives to Him, then he is going to expose those things. Not because He is mean, but because He loves us so much.
I have learned a great deal about myself the last few weeks. Things I've known were always there, but I chose not to deal with them, instead, I hid them Under the Blacklight.
One of the biggest things that I'm learning is that to be an effective Christian Witness to others I don't have to walk around preaching the Word all of the time and shoving scripture down people's throats. Instead, I need to use the Word of God as my guide and take away from it Wisdom and Truth in dealing with situations.
I've always been quick to say, "The Bible says." Instead, what I should be doing is leading by example, and then when the opportunity presents itself share the Truth. Being a Christian is not about "preaching" the gospel, so much as "living" the gospel. We all know the old saying about our actions speaking louder than our words. This is definitely true where the Bible is concerned and in becoming Christ like.
Things don't always work out the way we expect them too, either. I feel as if I've failed a million and one times in the same areas, but I think it is just the Lord saying "I really want to create this perfect work in you." I love what Pastor Scott said about dealing with the same issues over and over again. We conquer the battles for awhile, but we end up facing them again. Each time though we grow stronger and stronger.
All of my life I felt that I needed to have arrived at a place of perfection by the time I was 30. However, if this is what God expected from us, He would not have given us the life expectancy that we as humans have. We may never arrive to that perfect place, instead, we must continue on the journey, and take things one step at a time.
I've made some mistakes recently in the area of friendship, but the thing is I am trying. I had a post awhile about not exercising the gift of friendship called Dried up Prune http://arecoveringchristian.blogspot.com/2008/04/dried-up-prune.html and this post is actually a follow up to that previous one.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
More Adventerous
I have to tell you, I had so much fun at the Rilo Kiley concert on Tuesday night. It was an awesome night of music and rocking out. The whole band looked like they were having so much fun onstage. The whole time though Jenny Lewis had this far away look in her eye like she wasn't really there, but she still put on a great performance. I became so caught up in the music and the sexiness of it all. Jenny Lewis had become this goddess onstage and knew how to seduce her guitar and the microphone.
After the show, I came crashing back down to earth. I hung around afterwards waiting to meet Jenny Lewis. She finally came out around 1:30. She had borrowed my sharpie to sign everyone's stuff and then she turned to give it back to me. When she turned our eyes connected and there was this look in her eye that said she was empty. I told her how much fun I had at the show and she said she had a lot of fun performing but it was so wierd the way she kept searching my eyes looking for something more.
As I watched the show I thought how awesome it must be to be her, up on that stage, performing for 1500 people who are all screaming your name. The truth is that you do experience this eurphoric high - we all experienced it as an audience - but afterwards there is this incredible emptiness because it is not true fulfillment.
True fulfillment can only come from God. As I stood there on the pavement talking with Ms. Lewis, I realized how much I didn't want to be her after all - she doesn't know God. She thought she'd find fulfillment by becoming a rock star and yet it has still left her empty.
As corny as it sounds I have a burden to pray for her, just as I pray for Tori Amos and Regina Spektor. I pray that God sends people into their path who can share with them the gospel. They have it all, fame, fortune, beauty and an incredible musical gift but they are still lost without God.
After the show, I came crashing back down to earth. I hung around afterwards waiting to meet Jenny Lewis. She finally came out around 1:30. She had borrowed my sharpie to sign everyone's stuff and then she turned to give it back to me. When she turned our eyes connected and there was this look in her eye that said she was empty. I told her how much fun I had at the show and she said she had a lot of fun performing but it was so wierd the way she kept searching my eyes looking for something more.
As I watched the show I thought how awesome it must be to be her, up on that stage, performing for 1500 people who are all screaming your name. The truth is that you do experience this eurphoric high - we all experienced it as an audience - but afterwards there is this incredible emptiness because it is not true fulfillment.
True fulfillment can only come from God. As I stood there on the pavement talking with Ms. Lewis, I realized how much I didn't want to be her after all - she doesn't know God. She thought she'd find fulfillment by becoming a rock star and yet it has still left her empty.
As corny as it sounds I have a burden to pray for her, just as I pray for Tori Amos and Regina Spektor. I pray that God sends people into their path who can share with them the gospel. They have it all, fame, fortune, beauty and an incredible musical gift but they are still lost without God.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Roller Derby Revival
So this morning while I was at the gym one of the TVs was on ESPN and they were interviewing girls who are into Roller Derby - there is a Roller Derby Revival. One of the Roller Derby Queens said "Some people go to church, I'm into Roller Derby." Her quote was part of her discussion on how she finds peace and contement being part of a roller derby team.
Her quote is filled with many implications:
1) There are still a lot of unsaved people who assume that people who are Christians and are going to church are using their faith as a crutch to cope with life. The unbelievers philosophy is people cope with life by drinking alcohol, doing drugs, going to church or by being a Roller Derby Queen.
Her quote is filled with many implications:
1) There are still a lot of unsaved people who assume that people who are Christians and are going to church are using their faith as a crutch to cope with life. The unbelievers philosophy is people cope with life by drinking alcohol, doing drugs, going to church or by being a Roller Derby Queen.
2) Unsaved people are so deceived into thinking they can find fulfillment without God.
Okay, I must admit I have been afraid to post a blog for the last couple of weeks. I was beginning to think that maybe I was not "Spiritual" enough to be writing about God, the Bible, or anything regarding Christianity so I created a post called Snakes and Turtles. Perhaps I am the blind leading the blind down that slippery slope right into the fiery pits of hell.
The other issue that I've really been struggling with is legalism. Legalism in the sense that I should not watch certain tv shows, listen to certain music, watch certain movies - that really I should be spending 4-6 hours a day on my knees in prayer seeking the unction of the Holy Spirit. That all of my spare time should be spent praying and reading my Bible. This came from the idea that so many people are getting saved at the the revival in Lakeland, FL. I began to wonder if my whole philosphy of building relationships with people and winning them to Christ is wrong. That we should just have healing revivals all across the country and everyone will get saved.
As I watched the girls going around the roller rink I kept thinking "That is really cool and looks like so much fun." And the girls were all wearing these really cute outfits and getting into fights. As I continued to watch them I began to wonder - would these girls attend a revival or would the very word freak them out and send them running in the other direction?
Jesus met people where they were at. People came to him in different ways and with different needs. So too, people come to salvation in different ways... Jesus told Peter simply to follow Him, while Paul was blinded by a light on the road to Damascus. I was saved attending youth group with a friend, but, I know other people who have been saved in their cars and others in their bedrooms.
How will the Roller Derby Queens be saved? What about the people who think Christianity is just a crutch and still those deceived into thinking they can find fulfillment apart from God. I certainly won't be able to reach them if I'm spending all of my spare time praying and reading my Bible - although both of these are very, very essential to the Christial Life, there needs to be balance.
I may come to develop an interest in becoming a Roller Derby Queen so that I can share the gospel with them (Romans 10:14). The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:22 (LB) "Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him."
Perhaps we should just start a Roller Derby Church and have a Roller Derby Revival???
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Turtles and Snakes
Living in North Carolina has been an adventure! Especially concerning wildlife and more particularly snakes.
As spring has finally hit here in NC there have been a lot more turtles on the road. Turtles are soooo cute! Every time I see one sitting in the middle of the road hiding in his/her shell I want to stop my car and pick him/her up and carry him/her across the street so it doesn't get run over. They move so slow I just know they are bound to get run over.
Now if it were a snake, I would aim my car so that I would run it over. Yet, a snake is still part of God's creation and shouldn't I care for the snake as much as the turtle? Aren't they both equally important in God's eyes? Does it grieve God when a snake dies?
As spring has finally hit here in NC there have been a lot more turtles on the road. Turtles are soooo cute! Every time I see one sitting in the middle of the road hiding in his/her shell I want to stop my car and pick him/her up and carry him/her across the street so it doesn't get run over. They move so slow I just know they are bound to get run over.
Now if it were a snake, I would aim my car so that I would run it over. Yet, a snake is still part of God's creation and shouldn't I care for the snake as much as the turtle? Aren't they both equally important in God's eyes? Does it grieve God when a snake dies?
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Glory
Jessica has written an awesome blog about women and the word of God http://andnarrowistheway.blogspot.com/2008/04/bible-chauvenist-propoganda-pt-1.html.
One thing that really struck me while reading her blog was the word "glory" and her discussion of man being the glory of God and woman being the glory of man. I think up until now I've had the wrong idea of glory and how it relates to God.
One definition of the word "glory" according to dictionary.com is "something that is the source of honor, fame, admiration, a distinguished ornament or an object of pride."
As Jessica has pointed out in her blog man is the glory of God. But what does that mean exactly - man is the glory of God? If we look at the above definition, then we see that we are a source of honor, fame, admiration, etc. We are a SOURCE! Which in essence means that we, by definition, are what brings glory to God. It's like the way parents are proud of their children's achievments. The children are the glory of their parents. That's how we are the glory of God.
Doesn't it make sense then to live a life that brings Glory to God? To live our lives according to His Word. James 1:22 (NLT) says "But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."
If we look God's glory can be seen all around us. Psalm 57:11 says "Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth." When we experience a beautiful sunset, doesn't that bring glory to God? He is the one who created the sun.
I think the greatest example for me has been to see the changes in my body as I've begun a new fitness routine. I'm learning that I have muscles that I didn't even know existed. But the other awesome thing is just thinking about how the human body was created. God designed us, these perfect machines.
When I first started working out I was like "maybe I'm wasting my time. I mean, shouldn't I be using this time to pray?" As I thought about it more, I began to realize that I'm bringing glory to God by taking care of myself and the very thing that he designed - me. He designed me. He designed you. He's also given us to the tools to further our development to bring Him glory.
Think about endorphins - obviously God put them in our body for a reason. They make us feel good, they make us happy and put us in a better mood. I feel so good right after a work out. It would be very easy for me to get caught up in myself, but I don't when I remind myself that God created me this way.
When stress creeps in I can pray about it and I know some of the stress will be absolved because I find my peace, joy and comfort in Him and in His word. But I also know that it can be absolved through exercise. But I don't see exercise as my God. I see it only has a tool that God has given me. The important thing here is God has given it to me. I know the reason I feel good is because He created our bodies with endorphins, endorphins that are released through exercise.
I am able to bring glory to God because I feel good and I turn start treating others nicer because I'm no longer stressed.
One thing that really struck me while reading her blog was the word "glory" and her discussion of man being the glory of God and woman being the glory of man. I think up until now I've had the wrong idea of glory and how it relates to God.
One definition of the word "glory" according to dictionary.com is "something that is the source of honor, fame, admiration, a distinguished ornament or an object of pride."
As Jessica has pointed out in her blog man is the glory of God. But what does that mean exactly - man is the glory of God? If we look at the above definition, then we see that we are a source of honor, fame, admiration, etc. We are a SOURCE! Which in essence means that we, by definition, are what brings glory to God. It's like the way parents are proud of their children's achievments. The children are the glory of their parents. That's how we are the glory of God.
Doesn't it make sense then to live a life that brings Glory to God? To live our lives according to His Word. James 1:22 (NLT) says "But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves."
If we look God's glory can be seen all around us. Psalm 57:11 says "Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth." When we experience a beautiful sunset, doesn't that bring glory to God? He is the one who created the sun.
I think the greatest example for me has been to see the changes in my body as I've begun a new fitness routine. I'm learning that I have muscles that I didn't even know existed. But the other awesome thing is just thinking about how the human body was created. God designed us, these perfect machines.
When I first started working out I was like "maybe I'm wasting my time. I mean, shouldn't I be using this time to pray?" As I thought about it more, I began to realize that I'm bringing glory to God by taking care of myself and the very thing that he designed - me. He designed me. He designed you. He's also given us to the tools to further our development to bring Him glory.
Think about endorphins - obviously God put them in our body for a reason. They make us feel good, they make us happy and put us in a better mood. I feel so good right after a work out. It would be very easy for me to get caught up in myself, but I don't when I remind myself that God created me this way.
When stress creeps in I can pray about it and I know some of the stress will be absolved because I find my peace, joy and comfort in Him and in His word. But I also know that it can be absolved through exercise. But I don't see exercise as my God. I see it only has a tool that God has given me. The important thing here is God has given it to me. I know the reason I feel good is because He created our bodies with endorphins, endorphins that are released through exercise.
I am able to bring glory to God because I feel good and I turn start treating others nicer because I'm no longer stressed.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Almost Rosey
Just a minute of your time
Yes, I've been known to delude myself
So let me put those rose colored glasses to the test
Now is this real enough for you
Cause blondes here don't jump out of cakes
If that never impressed you much
Come board this lunatic express
Just why do they say
Have a nice day anyway
We both know they wouldn't mind
If I just curled up and died
Let's not give that one a try
Chin up put on a pair of these roseys
Raise those blinds
Chin up a happy mask was never
Your best disguise
Chin up put on a pair of these roseys
In no time you will feel almost fine
Almost Rosey
Now some girls her will huddle with
No not footballers that are rich
But will confide in small white sticks
He bats as the Virginian Slim
Then I tried once to comply
With an authority that would
Subsidize my wild side
But at the altar was sacrificed
Yes you can laugh at Femm Fatale
In a brides dress now married to
The effortlessness of the cracks
That lie now in between the facts
Now about when Violet died
The cause still unidentified
She thought her love would be enough
But you can't seduce seduction
Her tentacles of endless want
Reach through my corridors
And tempt me to taste of her power
I sober with the witching hour
And when I hear of one more bomb
Yes we have all been robbed of song
And nightingales whot throw their arms up
When is enough enough?
"Almost Rosey" - Tori Amos American Doll Posse
Someone very close to me tried to commit suicide recently. She had called me a week before to tell me how depressed she was and how she no longer wanted to live. I didn't take her seriously and was annoyed that she wanted to take up my time by talking on the phone - I had more important things to do. My answer to her depression "Suck it up. Stop being such a wimp and allowing this to defeat you. It will get better"
I had just listened to this song right before the call about the attempted suicide. As I began to think about the lyrics I began to realize how often I tell people to just put on the proverbial "rose colored glasses" and just get through it. There are some things though that cannot be handled with just the simple phrase "It'll all get better."
This song can be interpreted many ways - that is the beauty of music and poetry - it means something different to each person who reads it. I see this song as representation of someone who is in a physical abuse situation and the people around this person put on their rose colored glasses and never look at the underlying issue, until finally the person is dead.
I had done this very thing with the person close to me. I had put on my rose colored glasses and said "Everything is going to be fine, and it will all work out." Death would not have been working it all out.
How many times do I do this with people who aren't even close to me, saying things like "Just pray and it will all be better" or, "God will provide" or even just "Have a nice day." I walk around blind to the fact that there are actually people out there who are hurting and suffering. I keep the good news of Jesus to myself, how selfish is that?
Yes, I've been known to delude myself
So let me put those rose colored glasses to the test
Now is this real enough for you
Cause blondes here don't jump out of cakes
If that never impressed you much
Come board this lunatic express
Just why do they say
Have a nice day anyway
We both know they wouldn't mind
If I just curled up and died
Let's not give that one a try
Chin up put on a pair of these roseys
Raise those blinds
Chin up a happy mask was never
Your best disguise
Chin up put on a pair of these roseys
In no time you will feel almost fine
Almost Rosey
Now some girls her will huddle with
No not footballers that are rich
But will confide in small white sticks
He bats as the Virginian Slim
Then I tried once to comply
With an authority that would
Subsidize my wild side
But at the altar was sacrificed
Yes you can laugh at Femm Fatale
In a brides dress now married to
The effortlessness of the cracks
That lie now in between the facts
Now about when Violet died
The cause still unidentified
She thought her love would be enough
But you can't seduce seduction
Her tentacles of endless want
Reach through my corridors
And tempt me to taste of her power
I sober with the witching hour
And when I hear of one more bomb
Yes we have all been robbed of song
And nightingales whot throw their arms up
When is enough enough?
"Almost Rosey" - Tori Amos American Doll Posse
Someone very close to me tried to commit suicide recently. She had called me a week before to tell me how depressed she was and how she no longer wanted to live. I didn't take her seriously and was annoyed that she wanted to take up my time by talking on the phone - I had more important things to do. My answer to her depression "Suck it up. Stop being such a wimp and allowing this to defeat you. It will get better"
I had just listened to this song right before the call about the attempted suicide. As I began to think about the lyrics I began to realize how often I tell people to just put on the proverbial "rose colored glasses" and just get through it. There are some things though that cannot be handled with just the simple phrase "It'll all get better."
This song can be interpreted many ways - that is the beauty of music and poetry - it means something different to each person who reads it. I see this song as representation of someone who is in a physical abuse situation and the people around this person put on their rose colored glasses and never look at the underlying issue, until finally the person is dead.
I had done this very thing with the person close to me. I had put on my rose colored glasses and said "Everything is going to be fine, and it will all work out." Death would not have been working it all out.
How many times do I do this with people who aren't even close to me, saying things like "Just pray and it will all be better" or, "God will provide" or even just "Have a nice day." I walk around blind to the fact that there are actually people out there who are hurting and suffering. I keep the good news of Jesus to myself, how selfish is that?
Thursday, April 24, 2008
You Give Christians a Bad Name
Yesterday I read this article in Rolling Stone Magazine called "Jesus Made Me Puke" by Matt Tailbi http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/20278737/jesus_made_me_puke. The author writes about his experience on a Christian retreat with a well known mega church in, TX. His whole premise is to pretend he is a Christian so he can expose the Christian right. Millions of people are inevitibly going to read this article and come to the conclusion that this experience is what Christianity is all about and by the same token that anyone who calls themselves a Christian is like this. I encourage you to read the article for yourself.
When I first started reading the article, I thought it was going to be about how he can't stand the idea of Christianity. I was angry with the author for even suggesting such a title and such a prank as the one he was pulling. By the end of the article I was no longer upset with the author but with the Christians he was writing about.
One of the major things the caught my attention was the discussion of the session where demons were being cast out. Basically the whole congregation was encouraged to open their mouths and the pastor for two hours cast out demons. He cast out the demon of lust, idolotry, incest, etc. The author said one of the demons was "handwriting analysis". Okay, what? I mean maybe the author made that one up. The thing is that these people were buying into this casting out of demons experience.
I know this is going to get into a lot of doctrinal stuff and we may be divided where we stand on this issue. But, here is my argument. It is not possible for Christians to be filled with demons. We are filled with His Holy Spirit if we are truly saved. Another thing, God gave us Free Will. Adam and Eve made the choice to buy into the devils lies and disobey God. We decide to choose to entertain lustful thoughts and act them out thus resulting in sin. Satan and Demons cannot force us to do anything against our will, just as God cannot force us to do anything against our will. We can be tempted, but we still have the ultimate decision about deciding to give into the tempations.
What this article means to me is that an alarming number of Christians are not reading and studying their bibles. We are told in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Rightly dividing the word of truth - this is so crucial to our personal walk with God as well as to the body of Christ as a whole. You give Christians a bad name when you fail to heed this scripture.
It is no wonder the leftists think that Christians are all a bunch of lunatics. I am not talking about the scripture in Corinthians that talks about being wise by the world's standardes and becoming a fool to be truly wise. I'm talking about walking the narrow way and not being decieved by wolves in sheeps clothing.
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that there are more and more articles being written about Christians these days? I don't know, maybe I'm just reading too many liberal magazines. The thing is that these liberal magazines are reaching out to their target audience and then some. They are voicing their opinions and taking action, while too many of us Christians have become complacent and inactive.
It is important (and I'm speaking to myself included) to truly study the issues that are out there and pray about them, so that our decisions line up with God's decisions. Don't just buy into things at face value - Jesus gave us a huge warning that we would be decieved by the wolves in sheeps clothing. I'm afraid I've allowed myself to be fooled for too long. I'm realizing more and more that the things Jesus warned us about are not the obvious things that I automatically think of. But isn't that the way Satan always operates - deception?
When I first started reading the article, I thought it was going to be about how he can't stand the idea of Christianity. I was angry with the author for even suggesting such a title and such a prank as the one he was pulling. By the end of the article I was no longer upset with the author but with the Christians he was writing about.
One of the major things the caught my attention was the discussion of the session where demons were being cast out. Basically the whole congregation was encouraged to open their mouths and the pastor for two hours cast out demons. He cast out the demon of lust, idolotry, incest, etc. The author said one of the demons was "handwriting analysis". Okay, what? I mean maybe the author made that one up. The thing is that these people were buying into this casting out of demons experience.
I know this is going to get into a lot of doctrinal stuff and we may be divided where we stand on this issue. But, here is my argument. It is not possible for Christians to be filled with demons. We are filled with His Holy Spirit if we are truly saved. Another thing, God gave us Free Will. Adam and Eve made the choice to buy into the devils lies and disobey God. We decide to choose to entertain lustful thoughts and act them out thus resulting in sin. Satan and Demons cannot force us to do anything against our will, just as God cannot force us to do anything against our will. We can be tempted, but we still have the ultimate decision about deciding to give into the tempations.
What this article means to me is that an alarming number of Christians are not reading and studying their bibles. We are told in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Rightly dividing the word of truth - this is so crucial to our personal walk with God as well as to the body of Christ as a whole. You give Christians a bad name when you fail to heed this scripture.
It is no wonder the leftists think that Christians are all a bunch of lunatics. I am not talking about the scripture in Corinthians that talks about being wise by the world's standardes and becoming a fool to be truly wise. I'm talking about walking the narrow way and not being decieved by wolves in sheeps clothing.
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that there are more and more articles being written about Christians these days? I don't know, maybe I'm just reading too many liberal magazines. The thing is that these liberal magazines are reaching out to their target audience and then some. They are voicing their opinions and taking action, while too many of us Christians have become complacent and inactive.
It is important (and I'm speaking to myself included) to truly study the issues that are out there and pray about them, so that our decisions line up with God's decisions. Don't just buy into things at face value - Jesus gave us a huge warning that we would be decieved by the wolves in sheeps clothing. I'm afraid I've allowed myself to be fooled for too long. I'm realizing more and more that the things Jesus warned us about are not the obvious things that I automatically think of. But isn't that the way Satan always operates - deception?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
In the Springtime of His Voodoo
In Mark 11:22 Jesus says "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe in your heart that you recieved it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."
Forgiveness has been one of those things that I didn't think I struggled with, mostly because my way of dealing with things is to just not deal with them at all.
When I was in High School my stepfather and I did not get along very well. In fact most of my journal entries from back then included the words "I hate my stepdad - he is ruining my life." When I moved out after graduation our relationship was mostly based on just being polite to each other. Since he and my mom divorced in 2000 I have only talked to him on a very small number of occassions and only because I was forced to.
I've been doing this study on the Torah (http://torahclass.com/download.html) and one of the things the teacher spoke about is the promises of God. God has made promises and immediately the enemy comes like a vulture and tries to carry them away. One of the easiest ways to be carried away is through deception. I have been decieved into the springtime of his voodoo. I have allowed myself to think that life is much more rosey not dealing with this unforgiveness. I have buried this unforgiveness so deep in my heart I did not even remember it existed. Pastor Scott read this scripture as pat of his message this morning.
In Matthew 5:23 Jesus says " Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave the gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, then come and offer your gift."
What is ironic in a way is that I had read my journal from high school this past week as part of a paper I am writing for class. As I began to think about this scripture more I could clearly see the journal entries I had written so many years ago and my unforgiveness was exposed. It had finally come to light and now it is up to me to deal with it.
I can continue to dodge the issue and never reconcile the relationship with my stepdad, but now I know the consequences and I believe they are too high. One of the consequences is that my relationship with God will suffer. God will not be able to heal that area of my life and Jesus paid a high price for that healing - the stripes upon His back.
The other consequence that will suffer; not having established a good relationship with my stepdad he may never come to know Christ. I may be the only Christian my stepdad will ever know - I may be the only person who is ever able to show Christ's love to him. This price is too high - his very salvation could be at stake!
Part of me wants to hold onto this unforgiveness - it is part of my identity. It gives me the excuse to play the victim and wimp out when things get to be tough.
My next course of action is not to simply just say in my heart that I have forgiven my stepdad. My next step of action is to actually pick up the phone and call him and I need to do it soon, with each passing day he is slipping closer and closer to spending eternity in Hell. I will have failed to run my race fully in preaching Jesus shall I choose to not obey.
Forgiveness has been one of those things that I didn't think I struggled with, mostly because my way of dealing with things is to just not deal with them at all.
When I was in High School my stepfather and I did not get along very well. In fact most of my journal entries from back then included the words "I hate my stepdad - he is ruining my life." When I moved out after graduation our relationship was mostly based on just being polite to each other. Since he and my mom divorced in 2000 I have only talked to him on a very small number of occassions and only because I was forced to.
I've been doing this study on the Torah (http://torahclass.com/download.html) and one of the things the teacher spoke about is the promises of God. God has made promises and immediately the enemy comes like a vulture and tries to carry them away. One of the easiest ways to be carried away is through deception. I have been decieved into the springtime of his voodoo. I have allowed myself to think that life is much more rosey not dealing with this unforgiveness. I have buried this unforgiveness so deep in my heart I did not even remember it existed. Pastor Scott read this scripture as pat of his message this morning.
In Matthew 5:23 Jesus says " Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave the gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, then come and offer your gift."
What is ironic in a way is that I had read my journal from high school this past week as part of a paper I am writing for class. As I began to think about this scripture more I could clearly see the journal entries I had written so many years ago and my unforgiveness was exposed. It had finally come to light and now it is up to me to deal with it.
I can continue to dodge the issue and never reconcile the relationship with my stepdad, but now I know the consequences and I believe they are too high. One of the consequences is that my relationship with God will suffer. God will not be able to heal that area of my life and Jesus paid a high price for that healing - the stripes upon His back.
The other consequence that will suffer; not having established a good relationship with my stepdad he may never come to know Christ. I may be the only Christian my stepdad will ever know - I may be the only person who is ever able to show Christ's love to him. This price is too high - his very salvation could be at stake!
Part of me wants to hold onto this unforgiveness - it is part of my identity. It gives me the excuse to play the victim and wimp out when things get to be tough.
My next course of action is not to simply just say in my heart that I have forgiven my stepdad. My next step of action is to actually pick up the phone and call him and I need to do it soon, with each passing day he is slipping closer and closer to spending eternity in Hell. I will have failed to run my race fully in preaching Jesus shall I choose to not obey.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Spirit of Excellence (Part 2)
Spirit of Excellence (Part 2) - Music
One of the greatest examples I can think of in regard to having a Spirit of Excellence is in the area of music - I briefly discussed this in my previous post but would like to delve into this a bit further.
I really, really, really have a heart to reach musicians. They are able to weave these great tapestry's of art through the medium of music. God is the ULTIMATE Artist - just take a look at His Word - if the Bible is not the greatest example of Artistry ever created I don't know what is. The Bible is full of poetry, prose and stories all weaved together with a single common thread - no human being could have ever pulled off this beautiful work of art.
All that to say I know who I serve - the God of All Creation and I'm not at all bothered by listening to secular music (however, I do know that I really have to guard my heart). I am able to appreciate the music for what it is, a piece of art. I also know that most musicians (when I say musicians I mean people who actually write their own music - not pop tarts like Britney Spears) are seeking all of the same things that we as Christians are seeking they just have not found Him yet. They have not been able to fill that God Shaped Hole (sings) "There's a God Shaped Hole in All of us" Anyone, Anyone - okay, never mind.
Secular music would never turn out crap - so why we do we do it as Christians? Why don't we learn everything we can from secular artists who produce really good music and use that knowledge to make really awesome Christian music. Music that both secular artists and Christians will appreciate. Why don't we study with the best whether they are Christian or not so that we can be the best?
God gave each of us talents - talents that we are responsible for cultivating so that we may use them for His glory, remember the parable of the man with five talents and the man with 1 talent?
I attend secular concerts because I want to learn everything I can about what the world's standards of quality are. I've learned so much from attending these concerts. I'm always watching, always listening trying to pick up any tips I can. I want to develop my craft and help create a Spirit of Excellence in everything I do so that believers and non believers will see Christ glorified.
Whatever talents God has given you it is your responsibility to hone and fine tune them through education and experience.
One of the greatest examples I can think of in regard to having a Spirit of Excellence is in the area of music - I briefly discussed this in my previous post but would like to delve into this a bit further.
I really, really, really have a heart to reach musicians. They are able to weave these great tapestry's of art through the medium of music. God is the ULTIMATE Artist - just take a look at His Word - if the Bible is not the greatest example of Artistry ever created I don't know what is. The Bible is full of poetry, prose and stories all weaved together with a single common thread - no human being could have ever pulled off this beautiful work of art.
All that to say I know who I serve - the God of All Creation and I'm not at all bothered by listening to secular music (however, I do know that I really have to guard my heart). I am able to appreciate the music for what it is, a piece of art. I also know that most musicians (when I say musicians I mean people who actually write their own music - not pop tarts like Britney Spears) are seeking all of the same things that we as Christians are seeking they just have not found Him yet. They have not been able to fill that God Shaped Hole (sings) "There's a God Shaped Hole in All of us" Anyone, Anyone - okay, never mind.
Secular music would never turn out crap - so why we do we do it as Christians? Why don't we learn everything we can from secular artists who produce really good music and use that knowledge to make really awesome Christian music. Music that both secular artists and Christians will appreciate. Why don't we study with the best whether they are Christian or not so that we can be the best?
God gave each of us talents - talents that we are responsible for cultivating so that we may use them for His glory, remember the parable of the man with five talents and the man with 1 talent?
I attend secular concerts because I want to learn everything I can about what the world's standards of quality are. I've learned so much from attending these concerts. I'm always watching, always listening trying to pick up any tips I can. I want to develop my craft and help create a Spirit of Excellence in everything I do so that believers and non believers will see Christ glorified.
Whatever talents God has given you it is your responsibility to hone and fine tune them through education and experience.
Spirit of Excellence (Part 1)
Spirit of Excellence (Part 1)
Why is it that we as the body of Christ have come to accept sub standard forms of quality and call it good? I'm afraid with this blog post I may be walking on egg shells and it could very well be that I have a spirit of pride that must be broken - please feel free to admonish me if this is the case. But I'm very passionate about this and keep examining my heart to be sure that I'm not just whining and complaining.
I am a 1999 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, OK. They offer a two year program in biblical studies. While attending I heard over and over again that we as Rhema graduates must have a Spirit of Excellence about us.
If we are representing Jesus to believers and non believers shouldn't we want to a have a Spirit of Excellence and desire to show the world the very best we have to offer through the talents and gifts that God has given us. We should especially want to offer the very best to non believers so that we may possibly persuade them to Christ. Most non believers have already formulated in their mind a stereotype when you say you're a Christian - most automatically think Ned Flanders and a sub standard version of everything.
I read this really interesting article today. A non believer had interviewed some Christian Comedians. It was actually a very enlightening article. One of the comedians the author interviewed mentioned that Chrisitianity has it's own version of Pop Culture which is so very true - tshirts, books, BRACELETS (remember WWJD), candy (Testa MINTS) - need i say more? Because it's the Christian version we buy it even though these businesses are using all of the same marketing ploys that secular businesses like Mattell and Disney are using. I mean honestly are you going to be more of a Christian and more spiritual because you eat Testa MINTS as opposed to eating Mentos. For every thing secular there is a Christian version. I'm not preaching against supporting businesses owned by believers. What I am saying is that perhaps because somebody brands something as Christian we should not automatically rush out and buy it. We seem to have personified things that cannot according to natural law have any spiritual qualities.
When I was in high school Christian bands were a dime a dozen - there were Christian punk bands, rap, rock, country, etc - however most of them were not any good. All of their songs sounded the same, there was no texture to their music and the lyrics were crap. However, I bought their albums because they were Christian and they were okay to listen to and somehow I felt really cool because I had a Christian version of what the world deemed as cool. Most of these bands ONLY labeled themselves as Christian because Christians are more forgiving and would give them a chance by listening to their music and giving them a venue to play in - even though it was complete crap.
Now, there is a lot of great, great Christian music out there - I absolutely love anything by Hillsongs or Passion - I feel both groups have a very high spirit of excellence about them - especially Hillsongs - you can hear this quality in the mix of all of their live albums. But, there are a lot of great secular albums that are mixed really well too. There are a lot of Awesome Christian songs and artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Rich Mullins, The Winans - but there are also a lot of great secular artists as well.
The body of Christ seems to have this attitude of "good enough" instead of asking ourselves how can we make this excellent? How can we make the mix of this song excellent so that even secular artists will listen and appreciate it for it's mastery? I mean, we serve the MASTER of all creation - God has made everything excellent. Let's show the world how EXCELLENT our God is - let's no longer settle for good enough.
Why is it that we as the body of Christ have come to accept sub standard forms of quality and call it good? I'm afraid with this blog post I may be walking on egg shells and it could very well be that I have a spirit of pride that must be broken - please feel free to admonish me if this is the case. But I'm very passionate about this and keep examining my heart to be sure that I'm not just whining and complaining.
I am a 1999 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, OK. They offer a two year program in biblical studies. While attending I heard over and over again that we as Rhema graduates must have a Spirit of Excellence about us.
If we are representing Jesus to believers and non believers shouldn't we want to a have a Spirit of Excellence and desire to show the world the very best we have to offer through the talents and gifts that God has given us. We should especially want to offer the very best to non believers so that we may possibly persuade them to Christ. Most non believers have already formulated in their mind a stereotype when you say you're a Christian - most automatically think Ned Flanders and a sub standard version of everything.
I read this really interesting article today. A non believer had interviewed some Christian Comedians. It was actually a very enlightening article. One of the comedians the author interviewed mentioned that Chrisitianity has it's own version of Pop Culture which is so very true - tshirts, books, BRACELETS (remember WWJD), candy (Testa MINTS) - need i say more? Because it's the Christian version we buy it even though these businesses are using all of the same marketing ploys that secular businesses like Mattell and Disney are using. I mean honestly are you going to be more of a Christian and more spiritual because you eat Testa MINTS as opposed to eating Mentos. For every thing secular there is a Christian version. I'm not preaching against supporting businesses owned by believers. What I am saying is that perhaps because somebody brands something as Christian we should not automatically rush out and buy it. We seem to have personified things that cannot according to natural law have any spiritual qualities.
When I was in high school Christian bands were a dime a dozen - there were Christian punk bands, rap, rock, country, etc - however most of them were not any good. All of their songs sounded the same, there was no texture to their music and the lyrics were crap. However, I bought their albums because they were Christian and they were okay to listen to and somehow I felt really cool because I had a Christian version of what the world deemed as cool. Most of these bands ONLY labeled themselves as Christian because Christians are more forgiving and would give them a chance by listening to their music and giving them a venue to play in - even though it was complete crap.
Now, there is a lot of great, great Christian music out there - I absolutely love anything by Hillsongs or Passion - I feel both groups have a very high spirit of excellence about them - especially Hillsongs - you can hear this quality in the mix of all of their live albums. But, there are a lot of great secular albums that are mixed really well too. There are a lot of Awesome Christian songs and artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Rich Mullins, The Winans - but there are also a lot of great secular artists as well.
The body of Christ seems to have this attitude of "good enough" instead of asking ourselves how can we make this excellent? How can we make the mix of this song excellent so that even secular artists will listen and appreciate it for it's mastery? I mean, we serve the MASTER of all creation - God has made everything excellent. Let's show the world how EXCELLENT our God is - let's no longer settle for good enough.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Built My Own Pretty Little Hate Machine
We are doing this series at church called 30 days to live. Today pastor discussed saying the things that God wants us to say, never letting a nice thing to go unsaid. I blew my opportunity to heed this advice before I had even walked out of the church doors.
I had noticed during worship that this guy Alex was totally rocking his guitar. Normally our worship Pastor Bob always plays lead guitar but today Alex had the lead and I wouldn't have noticed it except that it sounded so unique and so good. I had an opportunity to compliment Alex after the service and I didn't do it even though I felt I really needed to do it. I let myself get caught up in my own self conciousness "oh no, he'll think I'm hitting on him, that my compliment isn't really sincere, blah, blah." What would've been the big deal? It's because he is a boy, and he's cute and he works out - that's where I got trapped.
Galations 6:10 (NLT) - "Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone - especially to those in the family of faith."
It seems easier to criticize and judge as opposed to compliment and actually encourage people. We tell ourselves it's because we don't want people to get a big head or become prideful, but perhaps it's really because we are suffering from jealousy and envy.
Why do we fall prey to these little hang ups? We build our own pretty little hate machines when we choose to tear down rather than build up. Aren't we all seeking the same things in life? Things that can only be fulfilled by seeking God first - everyone needs compassion!
I had noticed during worship that this guy Alex was totally rocking his guitar. Normally our worship Pastor Bob always plays lead guitar but today Alex had the lead and I wouldn't have noticed it except that it sounded so unique and so good. I had an opportunity to compliment Alex after the service and I didn't do it even though I felt I really needed to do it. I let myself get caught up in my own self conciousness "oh no, he'll think I'm hitting on him, that my compliment isn't really sincere, blah, blah." What would've been the big deal? It's because he is a boy, and he's cute and he works out - that's where I got trapped.
Galations 6:10 (NLT) - "Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone - especially to those in the family of faith."
It seems easier to criticize and judge as opposed to compliment and actually encourage people. We tell ourselves it's because we don't want people to get a big head or become prideful, but perhaps it's really because we are suffering from jealousy and envy.
Why do we fall prey to these little hang ups? We build our own pretty little hate machines when we choose to tear down rather than build up. Aren't we all seeking the same things in life? Things that can only be fulfilled by seeking God first - everyone needs compassion!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Constant Reminders and the Word of God
Matthew 6:33 (NLT) "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
I'm beginning to realize how important it is for me to spend time with God every day in His word and praying. I really need help with my negative thoughts and attitude on a daily basis! I guess this is where self discipline comes in, and learning to walk the narrow path - it is so easy to go from one extreme to the other.
I didn't grow up with any discipline at all in my family - my mom just let us do whatever we wanted - literally! We could go to parties, do drugs - whatever felt good... she was a child of the 60's after all. Self discipline is one of my biggest weaknesses but I'm working to recover from it. The best part is that I don't have to do it in my own strength - Lord knows I've tried!!!!! But in God's strength I am able to turn this weakness into strength.
As I was meditating on God's word today, I wondered why it is that sometimes I'm afraid to speak up and proclaim God's word. God has said that His word will not return void so why am I afraid to exercise my faith in this area?
So back to walking the narrow path - again, this is why I need God's word in my life on a daily basis. I need a constant daily reminder so that I can stay balanced and walk the narrow path. It is only going to be with the help of the Holy Spirit leading me and guiding me that I'm going to be able to accomplish this almost impossible feat.
I'm beginning to realize how important it is for me to spend time with God every day in His word and praying. I really need help with my negative thoughts and attitude on a daily basis! I guess this is where self discipline comes in, and learning to walk the narrow path - it is so easy to go from one extreme to the other.
I didn't grow up with any discipline at all in my family - my mom just let us do whatever we wanted - literally! We could go to parties, do drugs - whatever felt good... she was a child of the 60's after all. Self discipline is one of my biggest weaknesses but I'm working to recover from it. The best part is that I don't have to do it in my own strength - Lord knows I've tried!!!!! But in God's strength I am able to turn this weakness into strength.
As I was meditating on God's word today, I wondered why it is that sometimes I'm afraid to speak up and proclaim God's word. God has said that His word will not return void so why am I afraid to exercise my faith in this area?
So back to walking the narrow path - again, this is why I need God's word in my life on a daily basis. I need a constant daily reminder so that I can stay balanced and walk the narrow path. It is only going to be with the help of the Holy Spirit leading me and guiding me that I'm going to be able to accomplish this almost impossible feat.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Dried Up Prune
Matthew 5:29 (NLT) "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But, from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away."
What a tremendous amount of pressure there is in that one verse of scripture. God has given each of us talents and gifts, whether it be singing, acting, the ability to pay attention to detail, a charasmatic personality, the ability to teach, always having a kind word to say to someone. God created each one of us uniquely. He created us for His purpose. He entrusted to each of us gifts and talents for the purpose of furthering His kingdom. It is our responsibility to use each of these gifts and talents wisely regardless of how small or great they seem.
People (me especially) often fall into the trap of jealousy where talent is concerned (I am recovering from the sin of jealousy). There have been so many times when I coveted what other people had to offer - I had become very self focused, taken my eyes of the cross and focused on myself. I chose to focus on the very small detail (me) of God's whole big picture, purpose and plan.
And so with that jealousy came the desire to horde what I had been given - to bury my gifts and talents, for, if I could not have what they had then certainly nobody was going to have what I have. I became very bitter, selfish and very self focused A DRIED UP PRUNE. I complained, griped and whined a lot and I did NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING with my talents and my gifts. I was (I'm recovering, remember) the servant who had the one talent and buried it in the dirt - Matthew 25:24.
What was the talent that I buried? My gift of friendship. In fact I used a quote at one time, very recently in fact, "My friend quota has been met." OUCH! I became very withdrawn and had very, very few close personal friends and that was about it. I did not want to make any new friends, I only wanted the friends I had.
Now that I'm a recovering Christian God is showing me so many things, small things like this, but which are really big significant things in reality. I used to stress so much about His purpose for my life when I already know His purpose - FURTHER HIS KINGDOM! Be friends with people, how else am I going to win them to Christ?????? I can pray all day for someone to get saved - but it is going to take somebody to tell that person about Jesus and maybe even actually pray with them.
God is calling US - His people to do His work! We are His body, He works in us and THROUGH us to accompolish His Purpose - that is why we have been given talents and gifts. They were not given to us so that we could use them for our own selfish desires.
God also gave us free will. He is not going to force us to use our talents and our gifts for Him - He gave us the freedom to choose how we will use them.
What a tremendous amount of pressure there is in that one verse of scripture. God has given each of us talents and gifts, whether it be singing, acting, the ability to pay attention to detail, a charasmatic personality, the ability to teach, always having a kind word to say to someone. God created each one of us uniquely. He created us for His purpose. He entrusted to each of us gifts and talents for the purpose of furthering His kingdom. It is our responsibility to use each of these gifts and talents wisely regardless of how small or great they seem.
People (me especially) often fall into the trap of jealousy where talent is concerned (I am recovering from the sin of jealousy). There have been so many times when I coveted what other people had to offer - I had become very self focused, taken my eyes of the cross and focused on myself. I chose to focus on the very small detail (me) of God's whole big picture, purpose and plan.
And so with that jealousy came the desire to horde what I had been given - to bury my gifts and talents, for, if I could not have what they had then certainly nobody was going to have what I have. I became very bitter, selfish and very self focused A DRIED UP PRUNE. I complained, griped and whined a lot and I did NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING with my talents and my gifts. I was (I'm recovering, remember) the servant who had the one talent and buried it in the dirt - Matthew 25:24.
What was the talent that I buried? My gift of friendship. In fact I used a quote at one time, very recently in fact, "My friend quota has been met." OUCH! I became very withdrawn and had very, very few close personal friends and that was about it. I did not want to make any new friends, I only wanted the friends I had.
Now that I'm a recovering Christian God is showing me so many things, small things like this, but which are really big significant things in reality. I used to stress so much about His purpose for my life when I already know His purpose - FURTHER HIS KINGDOM! Be friends with people, how else am I going to win them to Christ?????? I can pray all day for someone to get saved - but it is going to take somebody to tell that person about Jesus and maybe even actually pray with them.
God is calling US - His people to do His work! We are His body, He works in us and THROUGH us to accompolish His Purpose - that is why we have been given talents and gifts. They were not given to us so that we could use them for our own selfish desires.
God also gave us free will. He is not going to force us to use our talents and our gifts for Him - He gave us the freedom to choose how we will use them.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Recovering Christian
I am a recovering Christian. Not in the way that Tori Amos says that she is a recovering Christian, but in the way that I am recovering from having a love affair with world and am now having a love affair with God.
Just a little bit of background - I've been saved since I was 17, graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center (a seminary), work for a Christian Theater and help on the sound engineering team at church - all this does not a Christian make!
So I had this obsession with Tori Amos (had, I'm recovering from idolotry). The woman is truly brilliant and can easily be lifted to Goddess status - in fact there are many people have exalted her in their lives. Her music is very beautiful, filled with emotion and often very dark - an easy place to hide your pain. I found solace in her music and could literally be carried away to another place and time. It was her music I turned to when I was hurt, angry, sad, bitter it was her music I turned to to fill the emptiness inside, when all the while God wanted me to turn to Him.
Yes, I prayed, but not very often. I worshipped, but only on Sundays and I never opened my Bible.
They began this series at church called Love Affair. Each week was a different topic, and mostly the series focused on family. But one Sunday, the Sunday I was responsible for running sound and had to listen to the sermon 3 times Pastor Bob preached on the book of Hosea. Mostly Bob preached about how God puts things in our path to keep us from doing certain things that will be harfmul to us but we do them anyway. I had never heard the book Hosea and it wasn't until the end of the sermon that I finally got it. When Bob talked about how Hosea offered fifteen pieces of silver for Gomer when she was on the auction block it hit me. This is how God loves us - me! While I was so wrapped up in myself, my sins and had nothing to offer except my worthlessnes - God paid a very high price for me - the death of His son Jesus. I also realized too that God wanted to have a love affair with me and I was cheating on him and having a love affair with the world - more specifically Tori Amos.
I still listen to Tori's music, but with a greater appreciation for the artistic masterpiece that it is and not to fill the empty space inside that only God can fill. For it is only God that can deliver me. It is God and not Tori that has paid the highest price for me!
Just a little bit of background - I've been saved since I was 17, graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center (a seminary), work for a Christian Theater and help on the sound engineering team at church - all this does not a Christian make!
So I had this obsession with Tori Amos (had, I'm recovering from idolotry). The woman is truly brilliant and can easily be lifted to Goddess status - in fact there are many people have exalted her in their lives. Her music is very beautiful, filled with emotion and often very dark - an easy place to hide your pain. I found solace in her music and could literally be carried away to another place and time. It was her music I turned to when I was hurt, angry, sad, bitter it was her music I turned to to fill the emptiness inside, when all the while God wanted me to turn to Him.
Yes, I prayed, but not very often. I worshipped, but only on Sundays and I never opened my Bible.
They began this series at church called Love Affair. Each week was a different topic, and mostly the series focused on family. But one Sunday, the Sunday I was responsible for running sound and had to listen to the sermon 3 times Pastor Bob preached on the book of Hosea. Mostly Bob preached about how God puts things in our path to keep us from doing certain things that will be harfmul to us but we do them anyway. I had never heard the book Hosea and it wasn't until the end of the sermon that I finally got it. When Bob talked about how Hosea offered fifteen pieces of silver for Gomer when she was on the auction block it hit me. This is how God loves us - me! While I was so wrapped up in myself, my sins and had nothing to offer except my worthlessnes - God paid a very high price for me - the death of His son Jesus. I also realized too that God wanted to have a love affair with me and I was cheating on him and having a love affair with the world - more specifically Tori Amos.
I still listen to Tori's music, but with a greater appreciation for the artistic masterpiece that it is and not to fill the empty space inside that only God can fill. For it is only God that can deliver me. It is God and not Tori that has paid the highest price for me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
