Archive for the ‘on a serious note’ Category
We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about…
Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.
[C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory]
I’m dying…
Ok. I’m not really dying, at least not any faster than normal (as far as I know). Sometimes, though, it feels as if I am. The state of the world; the lying, the hurting, the crap all around us…that’s on us. It’s our fault. It’s brought death to our lives. I can feel it, and if you slow down for a second I bet you can too.
Friends, when are we going to stop? Hating each other? Lying to each other? Talking down and killing others with our words? Gossiping and starting rumors? Tearing each other down…hating, killing, destroying ourselves and others…from the inside out. Is this really what we want? Are these things, deep down, really our hearts desire?
Be honest.
God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
[Ephesians 4.14, 15 from the Messsage]
Love. We need to love.
I want to get this clear; I am NOT pointing my finger at you, you or you. I’m not calling anyone out. If I were, I’d be pointing 3 more fingers back at me. I’m merely putting the facts and the truth out on the table. For all to see. We are a mess and we aren’t doing much to clean up our acts. I’m the chief of sinners. I own just as much of this crap as anyone of you do. Would you take some time to pray for each other? Pray for yourselves. Pray that we could…no…that we will change.
It’s time for change. Obama was right about that. We need it. But it won’t be brought about by a new president, a new economy, a new haircut. The change, real lasting, meaningful change starts inside the hearts of the people. We need to learn to love again. Speak up in love, Act in love. Somewhere deep inside our hearts is the ability to love. Inside you and me and that guy or girl you’re always talking crap about. That smelly old homeless guy on the exit ramp every morning that we all quickly pass by, he could change everything…each of us,..could change everything if we would simply love. When will we?
I have so many struggles of my own right now, not that I’ve ever been without them, but they seem to be screaming and calling me out every chance they get. We all have crap in our lives; we all make stupid ridiculous mistakes. We live to please ourselves and climb our own individual ladders of success, however we measure it. Some of us find success in how much money we can make a year. How much junk we own. Some of us by the number of friends we have (real or on Facebook). Some of us by how “smart” we are or how many guys or girls we’ve been with. Does any of that REALLY matter? Is this what we are putting our life’s value in? Is this what we are striving for from the moment we wake up till the moment we close our eyes at night?
Stop.
Just stop.
Don’t give me that crap about it “not being that easy” or oh, maybe I’ll change next week. One more high and I’ll tone it down.
That won’t work.
I’ve tried.
You’ve tried before.
We’ve failed.
It’s time to wage a new war. It’s time to quit focusing on all the distractions, all the pleasures, all the things we think will make us happy and fight. Fight for our lives…for the lives of those around us.
It’s time to speak up, speak the truth and speak it in love. Let us not stop there though. Let’s act in love, one small action at a time. Encourage one another. Pay for someone’s drink, coffee or dinner. Give someone a good book to read. Take the time to pray with one another. Simply spend time with each other and listen. Listen.
Stop the death. Stop the killing. Let’s start truly living. Living in love.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
[Ephesians 4.25 – 32, New Living Translation, SE]
I love you all…grace and peace. May God’s love be shown.
…wrap our hearts around whatever we treasure most…
Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. He said,
“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!”
In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.
[Job 1.20-22, NLT]
Some people struggle with tragedy and heartbreak all their lives. Others seem to sail through relatively unscathed when it comes to such traumatic interruptions as job loss, injury or illness. Still, when troubles come, we may have a hard time echoing Job’s prayer in Job 1.21. Instead, we expect God to give and then give some more. We certainly don’t expect God to take anything away–and we usually resent it when He does. Yet everything remains His. At most, we’re stewards of what He’s entrusted to us. When we hold on to people or possessions as though they belong permanently to us, we only set ourselves up for deep disappointment.
Jesus taught that we wrap our hearts around whatever we treasure most (see Matthew 6.21). But if what we treasure can be taken away or destroyed, our hearts will always be in danger. God was the center of Job’s life–his treasure. Job appreciated what he had, but his life didn’t revolve around his possessions. Instead, his heart was wrapped around his relationship with God. What lessons can you learn from Job’s experience?
I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.
[Philippians 4.10-13, The Message]
But I can’t forget how much this seems to fit …
About some things I know Im reading into
Because you and me come at this differently
And I’m just trying to be honest with you
You were right in front of my face
You could be the one
Go change the subject
But I can’t forget how much this seems to fit
When you feel this way
Everything sounds so cliche
But I’ll try to explain my side of this
You were right in front of my face
You could be the one that I could hold on to forever, hold on to forever
You could be the one
Maybe you are the kind that doesn’t want to say it
I should just let you be
But maybe if I spoke up that would be enough
To give my mind some peace
You could be
You could be the one that I could hold on to forever, hold on to forever
You could be the one, You could be the one
[Bethany Dillon, You Could Be The One]
a simple request.
i have a simple request. please pray for me. i don’t ask often, but right now i really need it. if you don’t read any further than this please just pray that God give me peace with my emotions. also pray for my job/career situation.
i do have a full time job right now, but i’ve been feeling really out of place there. i need a job, actually more of a career, that fits me better and where i know i am in God’s will fulfilling my purpose…and i need it to pay better than my current job. i have a lot of debt and financial struggles right now that i need to take care of.
some of you know that i really struggle with depression, some of you didnt know until now. but it’s become progressively harder and harder to hide my depression. it’s been pretty intense lately. please pray that God heal me of this, and that my attitude toward life and others just gets better.
i really haven’t been myself lately…i guess i just need to refocus…i don’t know…i’ve written something here just to erase it completely and start new a few times now but at some point i just need to post what i’ve written and hope it makes sense and doesnt come off sounding selfish or self centered even tho i’m sure no matter what i write it will feel that way to me….
anyway, thank you for taking time to read this and even more thanks for your prayers. i really do appreciate those of you who pour your lives into others through prayer and just living life with each other. life is a lot about community and a lot about communication with God and with others.
prayer does make a difference. it does change things. whether it’s a change in me or my surroundings. thank you again, you are loved.
c
Words kill, words give life…
“When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.”
[ephesians 4.29, ncv]
In his book on Humility, C.J. Mahaney comments on this verse, writing:
Our words are intended to communicate encouragement. Our words are to edify–they should be “good for building up.” And that goes for all our speech. We’re specifically commanded to communicate “only” that which edifies.
What are edifying words?
Here’s what they’re not. They’re not simply polite words. This verse isn’t an exhortation to niceness or social protocol. And it certainly isn’t talking about flattery or about superficial words or about compliments that are man-centered or man-exalting.
Truly edifying words are words that reveal the character and the promises and the activity of God. They’re cross-centered words. They’re words rooted in and derived from Scripture, words taht identify the active presence of God, and words that communicate the evidences of grace that you observe in others. They’re words that flow from a humble heart.
We’re commanded to communicate only words like these that are good for building up another. What a sweet command! What a privilege!
i have to admit, i’ve been doing a really, REALLY bad job of this lately. i’ve been careless and even worse, wreckless with my words. i’ve said things that i haven’t meant and i’ve meant things that i haven’t said. what a fool! what an arrogant fool…i’ve been killing those i love most with my words. i seriously need to refocus and get my priorities straight again because i’ve been failing miserably at this life i’ve been given. we get one life…one shot at this. i need to make the most of it and live it well.
my friend Brian says that i should put this verse to music and make it the theme song of my life because i quote it all the time. here it is, Paul writes, “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back” [philippians 3.12, the message]. if i’m gonna quote it so much i’d better start living up to it…i need get on my way, “well on my way, reaching out for Christ” and live this life for Him who lived His life for me.
remember, we are called, and commanded, to encourage others all day, every day…our words are powerful…our words matter. “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose” [proverbs 18.21, the message].
Strangers Among Us
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is known for its man-made beauty. But the manmoth structure is also infamous for something ugly–lonely and depressed people jumping to their deaths into the churning water and jagged rocks below. One young man who committed suicide left a note on the dresser in his apartment that read, “I’m going to walk to the bridge. If one person smiles at me on the way, I won’t jump.” Tragically he didn’t find what he was looking for.
Have you ever felt as though no one cares? Like a stranger in a strange land? If so, you’re not alone. God’s people have a history of alienation. Abraham left his home to become a nomad. Jacob and his sons left a familiar land to live in Egypt. The children of Israel left their oppressors in Egypt to become strangers in the promised land. The disciples left their homes in Galilee to take the Good News into the world. The apostle Peter addressed his first letter to the church, “To God’s elect, strangers in the world” [1 Peter 1.1].
Every child of God has been a stranger, a foreigner, an alien. And the truth of the matter is that God designed it that way. The teacher in the book of Ecclesiastes states that God “has also set eternity in the hearts” of people [Ecclesiastes 3.11], so that our souls would always look beyond what we see here and toward a better future. We have this innate sense that what we see is not what we’re going to get–that there’s a spiritual aspect to this life that somehow affects what happens after this life. Those who believe in God recognize this internal dissonance and use it toward God-glorifying ends as they try to make this world a better place so that others will experience hope as well.
Which leads to the next point: You may be a stranger, but you’re not alone, not by a long shot. Take a look around you, and you’ll see strangers everywhere. Some are aware of their status as God’s wayfarers on this earth; others aren’t, and they may be as frustrated and hopeless as the young man described above. God gave us as job to do when it comes to the strangers among us. As He reminded His people not to mistreat them or take advantage of them, so we’re reminded of the same today. But does He leave it at that? No. Because you’ve been a stranger, you are called to love strangers just as you love yourself.
What does it take to feel loved when you’re a stranger? Maybe just a smile will do, or a kind word of encouragement, or a helping hand. Be on the lookout today for strangers in need of love.
When have you felt like a stranger?
What individuals around you today might feel estranged?
What simple thing can you do today to help a lonely individual sense God’s love?
Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus. “Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?” He answered, “What’s written in God’s Law? How do you interpret it?”
He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”
“Good answer!” said Jesus. “Do it and you’ll live.”
Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbor’?”
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’
“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”
“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.
Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”
[luke 10.25-37, the message]
remember the root command…
But remember the root command: Love one another.
[john 15.17, the message]
God longs for us to trust Him every hour and every minute of today.
“Our past is nothing more than the story of how we got to where we are, and dwelling on it causes us to become stagnant and unsatisfied. We can’t find God by worrying or dreaming about the future, either, because that just makes us want to control whatever lies ahead.
Yes, we have concerns and hopes and dreams for the future. But we can live out our relationship with God only in the here and now. God longs for us to trust Him every hour and every minute of today.”
Do you have worries about tomorrow that you need to surrender and place in God’s hands?
What distracts you from developing your relationship with God today?
Think about the fact that today, while fleeting, is the testing grounds for your faith in God and the plans He has for you…pray for the needed wisdom to make the right decisions today and hand over your plans and concerns for tomorrow to God’s more than capable hands.
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
[matthew 6.31-34, nlt]
UNCLEAN! UNCLEAN!
at least twice this week this story has grabbed at me, so i have to share…
A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him.
[mark 1.40-45, nlt]
as i read this and heard it talked about this week, it really convicted me that i am a leper…we are all lepers…leprosy is the human condition…i’m not referring to physical leprosy where the disease eats away at your flaking, oozing skin, your eyes and nerves become damaged and eventually your entire body becomes practically useless…
i’m talking about spiritual leprosy…sin…inside we are all covered in flaky, nasty, junk…our spiritual eyes become weak and blind, our nerves get messed up and we become numb…we are all lepers running around screaming “unclean! unclean!”, not with our words but with our actions and our lives…sin is eating away at us, numbing our souls, destroying us…
in this story of Jesus healing (and cleansing) a man of leprosy we see ourselves…filthy, hurting, desperate, unclean people kneeling before Christ, begging for His touch…we want to be made whole and clean…we need to be made whole and clean…we need Jesus…
we also see faith in action here…this man KNEW that Jesus could heal him…he didn’t ask Jesus if he “could” heal him, he asked if he “would” heal him…Jesus was definately able, was He willing? of course He was, Jesus is always willing to help us when we are in need if we come to Him in faith and ask…
we all have sin to deal with…we all need Jesus’ touch to cleanse us…whatever it is…greed, lust, anger, resentment, pride, whatever…we need healing…we are all lepers…but we can all be clean…
go to Jesus in faith…ask for His help, His forgiveness, His strength and wisdom to step up and move on…He is able AND willing…are you?
an interesting side note…at the end of this story we see that Jesus tells the man not to run around and tell anyone what He just did (v. 44) but what does he do? he goes and runs his mouth and tells EVERYONE (v. 45)…kinda funny how when Jesus calls us to be “fishers of men” (matthew 4.19) and to spread the word to EVERYONE (matthew 28.16-20, luke 24.44-49, acts 1.4-8, tons of others…) we just keep our mouths shut…and we tell no one…i’m just as guilty as anyone else is…maybe it’s time we start shouting this love from the rooftops and let the world hear of this amazing grace, this amazing love that we have in Jesus
