Archive for the ‘ Lifestyle ’ Category

Weekend Words & Sunday Stanzas – 03/16/2014

Perhaps (and I mean “Absolutely”) we should approach our life in Christ like John the Baptizer:

To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”
John 3:27-30, NIV

This is best accomplished through opening ourselves to the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is what brings honor and glory to God!

And perhaps, like Paul, we will also become smaller. (“Paul” meaning “small”)

 

pickled

i want to be like a pickle
that soaks up what is around
it seems to grow smaller and wrinkled
but it is filled with what surrounds
i want my God through His Spirit
to fill me and surround me
so that i become so saturated
that His Love is all that people see
that i might become smaller
His Spirit and mine infused
that i overflow with the Love of the Father
and live and speak a life of truth

2014
03/16
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God-Esteem

I grew up in the midst of a relatively new social experiment that has taken hold of our society.

Self-Esteem

I know many people who struggle with self-esteem and/or have struggled for a long time.

It sounds so good!

“Believe in yourself!”
“Find your self-worth!”
“You are beautiful!”
“You are precious!”
“Look within yourself to find happiness!”

It all sounds so great, until you get to that last one.

Self-esteemers are big on finding what is good in you and latching on to it. “It is the good in you that gives you a good self-esteem!”

My pastor recently shared with me some information he read. It looked at the claim that so many people are in prison because of low self-esteem. After surveying several inmates, it was deduced that they did not lack self-esteem. If they lacked anything it was a proper distinction between right and wrong or guilt over what they had done. Many were confident in and of themselves. The only real hit they took to their egos was that they were arrested.

Self-esteem was not the issue.

(We might even find many of them were told they are great and can do anything as they were growing up.)

It can also be tough overcoming low self-esteem you are constantly told about how great you are, how much you can accomplish, or you are basically good, and find out how untrue these can be.

Children may be told time and again that they can do whatever they want, yet poor children are often told that they are worthless by much of society.

So many are told they are able to do great things, yet they are not always given the opportunity to learn or try (for myriad of factors) and are left in their failure.

We are told that we are basically good, and then we struggle with our imperfections and failures.

And what do we find when we look inside ourselves?

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9

It is easy to see that most of us are not that good. We feel the truth of how not good we can be when we get cut off in traffic and yell at “YOU IDIOT!” We feel the truth of how messed up we are when we see injustice in our world and want to destroy those who perpetrate it. We feel the truth when we break a rule “because it is silly, anyway” (like when we drive 5 mph over the speed limit).

It gets worse when we read the next verse in Jeremiah:

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

Many of us might say, “Yeah, but I have not done as many bad things as others?”

a) But we still understand we are not as good as we like to think.
b) If we have to justify ourselves by comparison to others, that becomes a self-evident point to our not-goodness.
c) By God’s standard, all sinful deeds are choosing our own will over His, they are disobedience.

We have little within us to make us completely happy.

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
Isaiah 64:6

There is hope for us, though:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Colossians 2:20

Our worth is found through self-esteem. It is found when we esteem the Creator and Lover of our souls who saved us from ourselves!

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:4b-14, NIV

2014
03/11
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Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things …

As the book of Proverbs is finally “all commentaried out”, go catch some of the final wise words this week at Proverbial Thought!

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”
Psalm 119:37, ESV

“I made a covenant with my eyes . . .”
Job 31:1, NIV

A couple of weeks ago, I announced through Facebook that my wife and I were cancelling our Netflix and Hulu accounts.

This decision had very little to do with what we watch. We try to be rather discerning in what we watch because we do not want to let too many immoral and/or blasphemous things in our minds if we can help it.

Rather, the decision came after a comment made by one of seminary professors.

While working through the book of Acts, we were discussing whether Christianity was a threat to the Roman Empire. My reply was “Technically. I mean, look at when Paul got upset with the girl with the Serpent spirit and cast it out of her in the name of Jesus. The people who were making money off of her fortune-telling were suddenly out of a means of income.”

The conversation then focused on how Christianity messed with the economy of the Empire. This is because makers of idols, workers in pagan temples, and even tour guides around cities with temples would lose business throwing off the entire economy of entire cities if not the entire Empire.

Then the professor made this comment: “Imagine if Christians still gave up all of their idolatrous and ungodly pursuits. How many Christians pay for pornography in our society?”

My initial thought was “I’m glad that is not us!” (Caitlin and me)

Then some conviction set in.

How much have Netflix and Hulu used their profit to produce shows or movies that glorify sex and nudity?

How much have Netflix and Hulu used their profit to produce shows or movies that mock or blaspheme Christians and God?

At first I tried to justify having these accounts:

How many Christian-based things do they show?

It is not like I watch those things!

Netflix especially comes in handy working in a school, for both my wife and me!

I found myself getting angry that I should have to give up something.

Why was I angry and finding such a need to justify my actions if I was doing nothing wrong?

More than anything, I needed to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

So, instead, I turned to my classmate and said “I am not very happy with the professor right now.” We then laughed about my silliness.

Most people I talked with about it went through the same justifications. A couple of them even said I was being too legalistic.

To combat that, a) I am not saying everyone needs to cancel Netflix and Hulu. This is a personal conviction. I certainly will argue for others to let go, because how much do we really need Netflix, Hulu, and television in general? This is especially true when we consider how useless most television is, how ungodly most television is, and how much God and Christians are blasphemed and mocked. b) We still occasionally watch TV. We enjoy being entertained as much as anyone, and not everything on TV is bad for us. c) We will still go to some movies (Speaking of which, The Lego Movie is rather fantastic in a purely entertaining vain!), for through this we might still be able to show Hollywood what kind of content we prefer while supporting some local businesses (or at least our friends who work at local businesses.

More importantly, though, is that we want to not only obey God in our lives but push others toward Christ by refusing to be a part in causing others to stumble:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where

“‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’

Everyone will be salted with fire.

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
Mark 9:42-50, NIV

We both felt that our continued subscription to these businesses supported content that could cause others to stumble or even be led astray. We would rather not have these forms of entertainment and be closer to Christ than have to have our conscience troubled if what we are doing is moral and godly. Christ and other people are more important than our temporary enjoyment.

How many things in our lives do we devote too much of our time and money to instead of focusing on loving God and people?

In our culture of instant gratification, pleasure, and stuff, how often do we unplug, sacrifice, and get quiet?

2014
02/18
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Psalm 119:89-104

Find the virtues of a godly woman over at Proverbial Thought!

Proverbs 119:89-104, ESV

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.
If I had not delighted in your Law, I would have perished in my in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.
I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.
I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Through your precepts I get understanding, therefore I hate every false way.

2014
02/11
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Weekend Words & Sunday Stanzas – 01/26/2014

Walk in wisdom with some help from Proverbial Thought!

This month I have discussed new year’s resolutions, the state of the Church, and overcoming our own faults.

The poem today is about realizing just how close our Lord is to us, and it is the result of overcoming due to our resolving to follow Christ.

Do you walk with Christ? Do you live in the power of the Holy Spirit? Do desire to walk with Him?

 

walking with

 

in our walk with our Savior
we long to be walking with
Him right next to us  or
at least one of the angelic
we pray that we might see
with our eyes being trained
Him walking with us down the street
and to know we are safe
but our God tells us anew
that He has been there all along
He is always with me and you
and will be until He comes

2014
01/26
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Really?!

Get a taste of wisdom over at Proverbial Thought!

Big and Newborn Bros

Big and Newborn Bros

My Wedding with Nick

At my wedding 2.6 years ago

Yesterday was my little brother’s 28th birthday. I still think of him as a junior higher, perhaps 13 or 14 years old. That is now half his age! I can barely believe it!

This past Thursday, January 9, was my 14th Re-birthday. It was 14 years ago I first knelt down and declared I believed Jesus is my Savior and the Son of God. I was only a couple years older than how I still view my brother when that happened.

This all got me to thinking about something.

Some friends and I had a conversation about conversations a while back. It was all about the exclamation “Really?!”

The full context of this conversation was focused around what one of us had heard about friendly conversation and this one word. Asking this word after a friend or loved one makes a statement is the same as casting doubt on the validity of the statement.

It is one thing if the conversation goes like this:

“I just won a million dollars!”
“Wow! Really?!”

Winning a million dollars is not a typical occurrence in daily life. Shock and amazement with a little bit of doubt makes sense.

But when the conversation is more like this:

“I lost my phone today.”
“Really?”

In this context, it can said as any of the following:

  • Anger: “How could you do that again?”
  • Sarcasm: “This is such a surprise coming from you!”
  • Astonishment: “This just happened?”

And many others.

The underlying theme is that saying “Really?!” denotes disbelief or mistrust, or at worst it denotes aggression or animosity. And to be fair, most of us use the term in such a way as to say “Tell me more!”

In Jesus’ Name. Really?!

You are probably thinking about how often you say “Really?!” to people, and, if you are like we were, you are attempting to justify your use of the term and explain that you usually mean “Tell me more!”

Let me then ask you this, Christian believer: How do you live your life?

Do go around claiming your connection to your church and as a good Christian, yet those outside the Church look at your example of love and light and think “Is this person really ‘blameless and innocent, [a child] of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16, ESV)

Put another way, do they look at your life and say “Really?! That’s a Christ follower?” And they want to stay away from God because of your example?

Or do you go around sharing the good news of Christ as you live out His commands of love and sacrifice? Do those outside the Church look at your example of love and light and think, “Really?! This kind of thing is true? Tell me more!”

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.
2 Corinthians 13:5-6, ESV

2014
01/14
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Weekend Words & Sunday Stanzas – 01/12/2014

Be faithful to God, and find some wisdom through Proverbial Thought!

I would rather not start this year on a sour note, but this is a message that needs to be shared. It is based on several passages in the Bible, most importantly Hosea and Revelation 2:1-7.

unfaithful Bride

the Bride has proven unfaithful
She has turned to other lovers
but Her Bridegroom calls out
even now He still loves Her

repent of Your waywardness
turn back to the Lord  O Church
You have forgotten Your first Love
turned away from the One Who gives You worth
O glorious Church who is His Bride
turn back to Jesus  our Love
give up false teachings and lies
and return to our wonderful God
no longer be the unfaithful Bride
but give Yourself over to Him
His love does purify us wholly
and cleans off our adulterous sins

2014
01/12
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Resolutely Seeking Righteousness

Seek wisdom and get a taste through the words shared at Proverbial Thought!

For the past week and a half I have been talking about why I do not like New Year’s Resolutions.

Here are some reasons why:

1. Resolutions are more like wishes personal wishes for the future. If you really want to stick to your desired goal, it is better to write out specifically what you ultimately want to achieve, sub-goals for marking progress and getting encouragement to continue, and have a support team.

2. We tend to approach resolutions more as guidelines for looking responsible than actually being responsible with our lives.

3. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Why is number three Proverbs 16:3?

Because, along with my first two reasons, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) We are always trying to do things we think are best for us, but we do not always seek God’s will for our decisions. Perhaps we fail at so many resolutions because we were trying to do something that either God has not ordained or in a way He has not ordained.

[“ordained” simply means sanctioned, permitted, or established]

Therefore, whether the resolution is to lose weight, change diet, quit smoking/drinking/some addiction, or anything of importance, it is best to seek God first. In fact, one of my favorite passages to quote about just about anything will help with this, as well:

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33

And I couple it with this:

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17

Whatever plans you have for this year, remember to always put Christ first. Seek out the will of the Father, act on His will, and always give thanks no matter the circumstances or results!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY!

2014
01/07
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Weekend Words & Sunday Stanzas – 01/05/2014

Resolve to discover wisdom, and find some wisdom at Proverbial Thought!

As I have discussed, I am not big on making New Year’s resolutions. I much prefer setting goals and meeting them.

That being said, here is today’s poem, inspired by this passage:

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51, ESV

New Resolution

a new year has come around once again
and i see where i have fallen short
people are setting new resolutions
that last two weeks or one or two more
these resolutions do not make much sense
if they can barely get past the start

as Jesus resolutely turned His face
toward Jerusalem where He would die
i resolutely declare every day
i shall turn my face to His sacrifice
because Jesus resolved to take my place
giving my life to Him is worth the price

2014
01/05
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Weekend Words & Sunday Stanzas – 12/29/2013

Search out wisdom at Proverbial Thought!

I am not big on New Years Resolutions, but really good plans for the future are pretty amazing.

The best thing you can do is resolve in your heart every day to let God change your heart and mind.

search my heart

my God

know me completely

clean me out

make my heart

O God

all for Your glory

 make me Yours

2013
12/29
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