I'm ashamed to say how often I worry. You're probably ashamed to admit it, too. Why? Worry seems like a natural part of life — like smelling the flowers or laughing at a joke. For a Christ follower, however, it's never considered a virtue. In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus unloads perhaps the most profound statements about worry in the entire Bible.
Often, I worry about money and finances. It's not easy to admit, but it's true. I believe money is one of the biggest battlegrounds in our hearts — it's why Jesus mentioned it so often. Greed is a powerful force. It destroys lives, starts wars, corrupts good men and can eventually bring entire nations to ruin. If we can turn away from greed's influence in our lives, I believe God can do incredible things through us.
Turning my finances over to Christ is one of the most difficult things I've done as a believer. It's where the rubber meets the road. It separates the real followers from the fakers. It's a matter of me saying, "I really believe in this Jesus stuff." Of course, it's not going to save anyone, and you can never buy your salvation. But it's a matter of giving back to Christ in an attitude of thanksgiving and obedience.
10.21.2010
10.03.2010
The power to move mountains
Boxer Muhammad Ali wasn't a modest individual by any means. He regularly boasted that he was the greatest, and few experts would argue. He was able to fight impressively against opponents bigger and stronger than he was — and beat them.
Of course, believers shy away from boasting. As it's often said: Pride comes before a fall. However, one virtue that Ali possessed was the power of positive thinking. At some points in my life, positive thinking has been about as rare as unicorn droppings. When I'm overcome with negativity, it pulls us down in other areas. I don't eat or sleep as well as we should. I'm sluggish. I lose focus on what's important.
Jesus talked about the power to move mountains. Even with our best machinery, it takes a few hours and many workers to move a small hill. Jesus told us that all we need is to tell the mountain to move over. How? With the power of faith and the absence of doubt. In other words, we don't need to think it can happen, we have to know it will happen.
Positive thinking turned a guy from Kentucky into the greatest boxer of all time. Think of what positive thinking and the power of almighty Christ can do when we put it to work.
Of course, believers shy away from boasting. As it's often said: Pride comes before a fall. However, one virtue that Ali possessed was the power of positive thinking. At some points in my life, positive thinking has been about as rare as unicorn droppings. When I'm overcome with negativity, it pulls us down in other areas. I don't eat or sleep as well as we should. I'm sluggish. I lose focus on what's important.
Jesus talked about the power to move mountains. Even with our best machinery, it takes a few hours and many workers to move a small hill. Jesus told us that all we need is to tell the mountain to move over. How? With the power of faith and the absence of doubt. In other words, we don't need to think it can happen, we have to know it will happen.
Positive thinking turned a guy from Kentucky into the greatest boxer of all time. Think of what positive thinking and the power of almighty Christ can do when we put it to work.
9.26.2010
Change we can all believe in
Every election cycle, politicians woo the electorate promising to end their problems with a flurry of legislation (or lack thereof). Yet it becomes apparent shortly after election day that the problems facing the nation won't go away so easily.
That reminds me a lot of my life. Often, I promise to do better — and I might even succeed for a couple of weeks — but before long, I'm back to the old me. My feeble attempts at morality might look spiritual, but in the long run, human effort accomplishes a net gain of zero.
Lately, God has been doing an awesome work in my life. You know when Jesus shows up because things truly change. Drug addicts clean up, alcoholics dry out and sinners repent. This way I know that it was the Holy Spirit's touch, and not my effort. I have to pray every night that God doesn't let me screw it up.
This is the change that truly makes a difference. People can write checks with their mouth that their actions could never cash. That's why I leave it up to the Almighty.
That reminds me a lot of my life. Often, I promise to do better — and I might even succeed for a couple of weeks — but before long, I'm back to the old me. My feeble attempts at morality might look spiritual, but in the long run, human effort accomplishes a net gain of zero.
Lately, God has been doing an awesome work in my life. You know when Jesus shows up because things truly change. Drug addicts clean up, alcoholics dry out and sinners repent. This way I know that it was the Holy Spirit's touch, and not my effort. I have to pray every night that God doesn't let me screw it up.
This is the change that truly makes a difference. People can write checks with their mouth that their actions could never cash. That's why I leave it up to the Almighty.
9.18.2010
Need a little patience?
One of the most elusive spiritual fruits for me has been patience. It's one of the easiest topics to discuss and one of the most difficult to put into action. Yet I think it's one of the most important. Time and time again in scripture, we find people making grave mistakes simply because they were impatient. We can all name situations where patience would have saved us a load of heartache and/or stress.
Today, I had somewhat of an epiphany in regards to patience. More specifically, I felt like I understood the importance of doing things God's way and in God's time. In Exodus 32, we see a perfect biblical example of impatience and what it cost people. When Moses had climbed Mount Sinai to speak with God, the rest of the Israelites felt like God had abandoned them. They asked Aaron to make them an idol to lead them. Instead of waiting on God, they turned to a golden calf. In the end, the incident cost 3,000 lives — more people than were killed in the 9/11 attacks.
Many of our "golden calves" have resulted in any number of things — bad relationships, addictions or heavy debt. I often wonder what the cost of giving into my impatience would have — or has — cost me. Thankfully, God has spared me from many of the fruits of my stupidity and impulsiveness. I need to repent of this attitude.
When we choose to do things our way, the enemy can take full advantage of that. We lose the comfort, security and grace that God offers us. In the end, we run back to God full of scars and frustrations. What we need is a dose of Galatians 5:22-23, " But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." I'll be praying tonight for a stronger connection to the Spirit.
Today, I had somewhat of an epiphany in regards to patience. More specifically, I felt like I understood the importance of doing things God's way and in God's time. In Exodus 32, we see a perfect biblical example of impatience and what it cost people. When Moses had climbed Mount Sinai to speak with God, the rest of the Israelites felt like God had abandoned them. They asked Aaron to make them an idol to lead them. Instead of waiting on God, they turned to a golden calf. In the end, the incident cost 3,000 lives — more people than were killed in the 9/11 attacks.
Many of our "golden calves" have resulted in any number of things — bad relationships, addictions or heavy debt. I often wonder what the cost of giving into my impatience would have — or has — cost me. Thankfully, God has spared me from many of the fruits of my stupidity and impulsiveness. I need to repent of this attitude.
When we choose to do things our way, the enemy can take full advantage of that. We lose the comfort, security and grace that God offers us. In the end, we run back to God full of scars and frustrations. What we need is a dose of Galatians 5:22-23, " But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." I'll be praying tonight for a stronger connection to the Spirit.
9.15.2010
A bunch of junk
Last night, I was watching this TV show called "Hoarders." As the name suggests, it's about people who keep so much stuff in their homes that it becomes a serious problem. It wasn't easy to watch; one family had so many dirty clothes in their house that it carpeted the entire floor. The husband nearly went into convulsions when they tossed stuff that was nearly worthless. The most shocking was a woman who had hoarded food. Perishable food. The inside of her home was full of rotting vegetables. She seemed visually upset when it was about to be thrown away. She argued and tried to reason rather than let it be tossed.
I can see how we would have a hard time relating. After all, researchers are finding that hoarding is a psychological disorder rather than a bad habit. But as I was watching the show, God reminded me how that is my spiritual life. I have a habit of hoarding things that are poisonous, yet I refuse to let God get rid of it. Not only that, but the sinful nature is more ingrained in me than the instinct to hoard is to the folks in that show. In Romans 7:18, it says, "And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature."
At the end of the show, the households were given the opportunity to have the homes cleaned by a group of professionals. They had to part with their junk, or face serious consequences (the couple faced losing their children; the woman was threatened with eviction). Are we ready to open up our doors and let God remove the junk? The best solution is to let go in our hearts of anything that's poisonous or can get in the way of our walk with Christ. After all, we face more serious consequences than just an eviction or even the loss of children.
I can see how we would have a hard time relating. After all, researchers are finding that hoarding is a psychological disorder rather than a bad habit. But as I was watching the show, God reminded me how that is my spiritual life. I have a habit of hoarding things that are poisonous, yet I refuse to let God get rid of it. Not only that, but the sinful nature is more ingrained in me than the instinct to hoard is to the folks in that show. In Romans 7:18, it says, "And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature."
At the end of the show, the households were given the opportunity to have the homes cleaned by a group of professionals. They had to part with their junk, or face serious consequences (the couple faced losing their children; the woman was threatened with eviction). Are we ready to open up our doors and let God remove the junk? The best solution is to let go in our hearts of anything that's poisonous or can get in the way of our walk with Christ. After all, we face more serious consequences than just an eviction or even the loss of children.
The value of community, part 2
I've never thought much about it until recently, but laziness is a huge reason why I've shunned Christian community in the past. In order to form bonds with other believers, it takes crawling out of my apartment, and sometimes I give into laziness. Not that I dislike the awesome friends that God has blessed me — quite the opposite — but I haven't taken the time to develop friendships. Perhaps that's one of the reasons why Proverbs warns so much about laziness.
I'd like to think I've come a long way from where I was in high school, when I was a shut-in. I didn't bother with clubs and activities, and I regret it. It was too easy to drown in my depression and watch TV all day. My attitude wasn't where it should have been, either.
There are several lessons I've learned that have helped me learn the value of great friendships, and here they are:
1. Having a positive attitude is a must. No one wants to hang out with someone who's cranky all the time and never has anything decent to say. It's true what mothers always say: "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
2. Having a giving/serving attitude won't let you down. I know I'm still working on this point, but I'm thinking of ways that I can serve and give back to my friends. Scripture teaches us that we need to give even to strangers, but giving and serving is always an outpouring of love, and it's a way we can show gratitude to our friends for what they do for us.
3. Leaving the drama at home is a great idea. With all the issues we have to deal with at work and in other relationships, it's better to be an umbrella than a rain cloud. Helping people who are hurting is a great way to show you care. I've realized that you don't even have to — and probably shouldn't — find all the answers to the problems friends are facing. It's better to be an ear than a mouth.
4. Calling more than twice a year helps keep ties strong. I know that the Lord may bring some folks into our lives for a season, but I still love keeping in touch with all the folks I've met over the past 29 years. Facebook has been a great — if distracting — way to hold on to friendships. Of course, it should never take the place of face-to-face encounters. It's far easier to say hurtful things to people from behind a computer screen than to someone's face, so I always advise caution — and probably an occasional phone call.
5. Of course, the best things I can do is to stay close to Christ and scripture. If I'm not keeping Jesus first in my life, it shows. It's amazing how quickly our lives can go from fantastic to floundering. If I'm not walking with Christ, it's blatantly obvious to anyone, and it's tough for friends to watch me fall flat on my face. The best way I can be a good friend is to strive to be the person that Christ wants me to be. In that manner, I can be a blessing, rather than a burden. Withdrawal from community is one of the first signs of a failing Christian.
I can't express how amazing the people in my life are, and one day I might just make it a project to send each one of them a small note just to let them know. After all, building community is one of the best ways to build our faith on a foundation of rock.
I'd like to think I've come a long way from where I was in high school, when I was a shut-in. I didn't bother with clubs and activities, and I regret it. It was too easy to drown in my depression and watch TV all day. My attitude wasn't where it should have been, either.
There are several lessons I've learned that have helped me learn the value of great friendships, and here they are:
1. Having a positive attitude is a must. No one wants to hang out with someone who's cranky all the time and never has anything decent to say. It's true what mothers always say: "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
2. Having a giving/serving attitude won't let you down. I know I'm still working on this point, but I'm thinking of ways that I can serve and give back to my friends. Scripture teaches us that we need to give even to strangers, but giving and serving is always an outpouring of love, and it's a way we can show gratitude to our friends for what they do for us.
3. Leaving the drama at home is a great idea. With all the issues we have to deal with at work and in other relationships, it's better to be an umbrella than a rain cloud. Helping people who are hurting is a great way to show you care. I've realized that you don't even have to — and probably shouldn't — find all the answers to the problems friends are facing. It's better to be an ear than a mouth.
4. Calling more than twice a year helps keep ties strong. I know that the Lord may bring some folks into our lives for a season, but I still love keeping in touch with all the folks I've met over the past 29 years. Facebook has been a great — if distracting — way to hold on to friendships. Of course, it should never take the place of face-to-face encounters. It's far easier to say hurtful things to people from behind a computer screen than to someone's face, so I always advise caution — and probably an occasional phone call.
5. Of course, the best things I can do is to stay close to Christ and scripture. If I'm not keeping Jesus first in my life, it shows. It's amazing how quickly our lives can go from fantastic to floundering. If I'm not walking with Christ, it's blatantly obvious to anyone, and it's tough for friends to watch me fall flat on my face. The best way I can be a good friend is to strive to be the person that Christ wants me to be. In that manner, I can be a blessing, rather than a burden. Withdrawal from community is one of the first signs of a failing Christian.
I can't express how amazing the people in my life are, and one day I might just make it a project to send each one of them a small note just to let them know. After all, building community is one of the best ways to build our faith on a foundation of rock.
9.14.2010
God's chosen bonehead
You never forget your first car. Unless your parents were loaded and really loved you, you saved your hard-earned cash and bought a vehicle that was ... well ... affordable. Mine was a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. It was 12 years old when I bought it and had an odometer reading easily in the six figures, but it was mine. One of the peculiar quirks it had was the steering liked to pull to the right. So unless I was on it, the car would drift lazily toward the ditch. Thankfully, I never took it off-roading in that manner.
It kind of reminds me of me. We entered this world with an inborn desire to sin, i.e. head toward destruction. There are plenty of folks who will argue that human nature is inherently good, and I respect that opinion, but how many of us needed instructions on how to do wrong? I know I didn't.
It's frustrating when falling into sin is easier than falling off a horse. Even when I'm gung-ho for God, the enemy usually has me in the crosshairs. And I'm a target easier than a brick wall. Sometimes, I think God lets me screw up to remind me how close I am to the ditch (not that I have a scripture reference for that, so I can only speculate). What I do know is we need to stay plugged into Christ and his word. It says in John 15:5, "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."
In the past, my instinct when stumbling with sin was to run away from God. It's consistent with what happened in Genesis 3:8-9, "So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?' " Soon after hiding, God usually finds us, but it's after feeling shame and awkwardness in failing him. What happens at that point is up to us. Do we continue to hide, or do we come out and confess our sins? Do we make a life change, or do we continue to stumble? Today, I'm going to confess and turn from my sins. After all, the ditch isn't a fun place to end up.
It kind of reminds me of me. We entered this world with an inborn desire to sin, i.e. head toward destruction. There are plenty of folks who will argue that human nature is inherently good, and I respect that opinion, but how many of us needed instructions on how to do wrong? I know I didn't.
It's frustrating when falling into sin is easier than falling off a horse. Even when I'm gung-ho for God, the enemy usually has me in the crosshairs. And I'm a target easier than a brick wall. Sometimes, I think God lets me screw up to remind me how close I am to the ditch (not that I have a scripture reference for that, so I can only speculate). What I do know is we need to stay plugged into Christ and his word. It says in John 15:5, "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."
In the past, my instinct when stumbling with sin was to run away from God. It's consistent with what happened in Genesis 3:8-9, "So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?' " Soon after hiding, God usually finds us, but it's after feeling shame and awkwardness in failing him. What happens at that point is up to us. Do we continue to hide, or do we come out and confess our sins? Do we make a life change, or do we continue to stumble? Today, I'm going to confess and turn from my sins. After all, the ditch isn't a fun place to end up.
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