I'm with the band. How many times have we heard that in life. Humans love to be great. We love to be heard, we love to be known and we love to be popular. I write blogs to express myself through writing. I don't check my stats or expect many to read this, but I feel lead to put it out there. But, to be perfectly honest, blogs, facebook, and myspace can all be tools for self exaltation. In a band, who is the one who gets the most interviews, the most press, the most "friend" request? The lead man/woman. Right? It is like this in life for some people. This has been generated by our media, our culture, and our advertisements. All telling us to be number one or at least desire to.
Everyone wants to have a purpose. They want to aspire to be great and do great things. We crave attention. What gets neglected sometimes are all the little things that help develop us into what we were made for, what we are destined to do. It is easy to over look the moments in which we can deny ourselves in order to serve others. In our culture of America, getting to the top is one of the most promoted things in our little world. But what it takes to get there is another story and it comes, at times, at the expense of others disregarding them as mere hinderance. I am not saying that striving for greatness is a bad thing. Oh no, no, no, no. Greatness is what God has called us to. But it is not the kind of greatness this world deems as great.
I know, I know, your thinking; "Here he goes with this Jesus stuff again. Well, you are right. So here it goes: Jesus taught that to be the greatest is to be a servant. (Luke 9:46-48) The disciples even fought over who would be the greatest when they got to heaven. But what Jesus teaches us is that to be the greatest is not to be the best, the richest, or the most popular, it is about submitting your life to God and worshiping him above else. The highest position and the richest person is not what God desires. He wants us to be totally depending on Him for everything. When we are so enamored with earthly accomplishments, we focus on our idols instead of God. We can become self exalting.
So what does this mean for us? Do we get so lowly that we try intentionally to be poor to identify with others? Do we give everything we have away and live on the streets? No, I don't believe any of that is necessary. What I think Jesus means here is to be mindful of different circumstances you may be in. At your job, do more than is necessary to get the job done. If you see a piece of trash on the ground at your Church, school, job, anywhere, pick it up and trash it. If you see a co worker needing help at work, help them even if it is not your job. If your neighbor is in need of your help, help out. If your house is dirty (men) and your wife has just had a hard day clean that junk. There are many different ways to serve each other, little things. What is hard about all of this is getting over ourselves. Being "too good" to do something is pride, it is a killer.
Don't be afraid of being a back up singer or a roadie who sets up all the gear. If Jesus is your front man in the band of your life, let him sing and get all the glory and press. This is what we are called to do.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Foo Fighters and Jesus
I know, typically you don't think of those two names together. These are two names that are readily in my vocabulary at any given moment. In the song, "The Pretender", the chorus is: "What if I say I'm not like the others, what if I say I'm not just another one." When I hear this lyric, I think of how people view Christians and Christianity in today's world and time. I think, how could the name of Christ and his followers get so distorted? I feel that it has certainly changed a lot in the past few years, but it seems to still be screwed up.
Music has certainly been a good opener with bands like Switchfoot, POD, Seabird, Anberlin...etc.... But what are other ways Christians could merge into the societies and cultures of the world and destroy stereotypes? Is it all that important? Has it gotten so stupid that some Churches try so hard to appeal to culture so much that they lose the Gospel in the process?
Certainly some do try very hard to appeal with the whole Emergent Church and all. But the fact is, there will always be stereotypes of Christians. All we can do is be legit with our lives. Let them reflect that we believe what we say, preach, read in the bible. That we are to have a servant's heart. We are to freely give: time, money, hearts. That we are not judgmental. That we trust our entire lives with God's plan. If we are not living Christ centered, then why would anyone want to follow Christ. We become pretenders.
It is something that I have wrestled with for sometime now. I know so many friends that proclaim to be Christ followers, yet their lives and actions do not reflect what they believe. At times, mine has been this way. Why would I invite someone to Church when sometimes I don't feel like going? Why would I pray with someone if my heart was not in it? Why would I herald a good book if I didn't really even absorb it?
Just some thoughts and questions to ponder and pray about. I am constantly asking God to give me and my family a heart of compassion at all times for all people. Some are easier to love than others, but the fact remains that without Love, we will perish and we can not say that we have true love for God. Jesus was not a pretender. He was the Savior and the God man. He loved us so much that he laid down His own life to save our souls. Should we believe in Him and follow him and surrender everything to Him, we will not perish, but have everlasting life. I pray that all one of you reading this would ask yourself these questions as I am. My hope is that Christ will continue to change me and sanctify me. No longer will I be a pretender.
Music has certainly been a good opener with bands like Switchfoot, POD, Seabird, Anberlin...etc.... But what are other ways Christians could merge into the societies and cultures of the world and destroy stereotypes? Is it all that important? Has it gotten so stupid that some Churches try so hard to appeal to culture so much that they lose the Gospel in the process?
Certainly some do try very hard to appeal with the whole Emergent Church and all. But the fact is, there will always be stereotypes of Christians. All we can do is be legit with our lives. Let them reflect that we believe what we say, preach, read in the bible. That we are to have a servant's heart. We are to freely give: time, money, hearts. That we are not judgmental. That we trust our entire lives with God's plan. If we are not living Christ centered, then why would anyone want to follow Christ. We become pretenders.
It is something that I have wrestled with for sometime now. I know so many friends that proclaim to be Christ followers, yet their lives and actions do not reflect what they believe. At times, mine has been this way. Why would I invite someone to Church when sometimes I don't feel like going? Why would I pray with someone if my heart was not in it? Why would I herald a good book if I didn't really even absorb it?
Just some thoughts and questions to ponder and pray about. I am constantly asking God to give me and my family a heart of compassion at all times for all people. Some are easier to love than others, but the fact remains that without Love, we will perish and we can not say that we have true love for God. Jesus was not a pretender. He was the Savior and the God man. He loved us so much that he laid down His own life to save our souls. Should we believe in Him and follow him and surrender everything to Him, we will not perish, but have everlasting life. I pray that all one of you reading this would ask yourself these questions as I am. My hope is that Christ will continue to change me and sanctify me. No longer will I be a pretender.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Just a Quick Note....
Once again this time of year is here. I am constantly reminded of how great God is. I hope and pray that 2010 will be another great year and that I will continue to grow in my faith. Life is such a short time even though parts seem to drag out. There will be trials, temptations, and growing pains. But there will also be joy, new beginnings and victories. As I/we continue to contend with economic flaws and issues as well as other issues in our great country, I hope that we all could be part of communities that are about change and solving problems. Not just for solving problems sake, but to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
My main concern is spreading the Gospel and most importantly living the Gospel. I know I hark on this quite a bit, but it is near and dear to me. I feel like giving up sometimes to be transparent to you, but God always comes through to me. I am learning everyday to give up my life for the sake of it all. This means doing things for others that I might or we might not always want to do. Even little things matter. But to truly give up your likes, your desires, and your wants to meet the needs of others is a hard task. It is becoming easier though and I hope I continue to grow in this area. I have a passion for missiology which is living a missionary lifestyle. I try very hard, by God's grace, to live this daily. I have opportunities to do so everywhere.
I really think that Jesus had to do this from the moment he was born. He came as a baby, so he was dependent on a family. He didn't get to stay in a fancy hotel or palace, but a barn full of animals and stuff that animals produce. How many "American" moms would allow such a thing these days? So he came to give his life as a ransom for us, our sins. He could have easily established a kingdom. He had all the people backing him, and of course, God. But, he knew his mission and it was his passion and heart to see it come to fruition. Even Peter tried to stop him (Matthew 16:23) so he was constantly on mission no matter what.
So my hope is that this will serve as a reminder, this day that is. I know this isn't necessarily "the" day that He was born, but it is the day designated to celebrate with family, friends, and foe. It is every day, every week, and every year I am reminded and hope that it will continue and that others will continually serve this mission that we have been given. I love you all, and have a Merry Christmas.
Peace ><>
My main concern is spreading the Gospel and most importantly living the Gospel. I know I hark on this quite a bit, but it is near and dear to me. I feel like giving up sometimes to be transparent to you, but God always comes through to me. I am learning everyday to give up my life for the sake of it all. This means doing things for others that I might or we might not always want to do. Even little things matter. But to truly give up your likes, your desires, and your wants to meet the needs of others is a hard task. It is becoming easier though and I hope I continue to grow in this area. I have a passion for missiology which is living a missionary lifestyle. I try very hard, by God's grace, to live this daily. I have opportunities to do so everywhere.
I really think that Jesus had to do this from the moment he was born. He came as a baby, so he was dependent on a family. He didn't get to stay in a fancy hotel or palace, but a barn full of animals and stuff that animals produce. How many "American" moms would allow such a thing these days? So he came to give his life as a ransom for us, our sins. He could have easily established a kingdom. He had all the people backing him, and of course, God. But, he knew his mission and it was his passion and heart to see it come to fruition. Even Peter tried to stop him (Matthew 16:23) so he was constantly on mission no matter what.
So my hope is that this will serve as a reminder, this day that is. I know this isn't necessarily "the" day that He was born, but it is the day designated to celebrate with family, friends, and foe. It is every day, every week, and every year I am reminded and hope that it will continue and that others will continually serve this mission that we have been given. I love you all, and have a Merry Christmas.
Peace ><>
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Thank You. All of You
As this year comes to a close, I have thought about all the people who are in my life, who have been in my life, and who will one day be in my life. I would just like to say, Thank you. Thank you for being there for me, or not. Thank you for calling me up to go hang out. Thank you for putting up with my junk. Thanks for hearing me out or not. Thank you for being my "friend" on Facebook and not making fun of me when I post stupid stuff. But most importantly, thank you for even speaking to me.
You see, we are shaped by those in our lives and that can be good or bad. But no matter what, we are inspired, corrected or cautioned by those in our lives. We have the opportunity to decide what decisions we make and to take the good the bad and the ugly and allow it to shape our futures. I am thankful of all the people who have been in my life. Those who have always and will always be there for me as well as those who have used or hurt me in the past. I am the type who doesn't hold grudges so I don't hold that in. But through forgiveness I have grown into a new person. Even those who may not care for me, I still care for them.
I am constantly learning more and more about myself and others through my own heart and what God has revealed to me. Of all the experiences I have faced and been through, I have grown into the person I am today.
So I guess what I am saying is, thank you all whoever reads this that knows me. Thank you for being in my life at one point or another and keep me in your thoughts, prayers, and heart. I am always here if you need me for anything; talking, hanging out, whatever. Let us not allow the net to be our only source of communication and connection.
peace.
You see, we are shaped by those in our lives and that can be good or bad. But no matter what, we are inspired, corrected or cautioned by those in our lives. We have the opportunity to decide what decisions we make and to take the good the bad and the ugly and allow it to shape our futures. I am thankful of all the people who have been in my life. Those who have always and will always be there for me as well as those who have used or hurt me in the past. I am the type who doesn't hold grudges so I don't hold that in. But through forgiveness I have grown into a new person. Even those who may not care for me, I still care for them.
I am constantly learning more and more about myself and others through my own heart and what God has revealed to me. Of all the experiences I have faced and been through, I have grown into the person I am today.
So I guess what I am saying is, thank you all whoever reads this that knows me. Thank you for being in my life at one point or another and keep me in your thoughts, prayers, and heart. I am always here if you need me for anything; talking, hanging out, whatever. Let us not allow the net to be our only source of communication and connection.
peace.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Considering Death
What a crazy week. My friend at work lost her husband, I took my final exams in school for the semester, Samuel my son is starting basketball and my favorite time of year is fast approaching. Breath. So in the quickness of life, I have come to realize that life is but a flicker of a candle flame. Days come and go without ceasing and kids grow up fast.
I am approaching the 30 year mark and I guess I just think of the end sometimes. Not in an unhealthy way but as a motivator to enjoy this temporary life to the fullest. To spend much quality time with my family, friends, and neighbors so as to not waste it all. I have made an effort to not be on the net as much, I maybe watch 3-4 hours of TV during the week, and I really have made an effort to love my wife without abandon or getting so comfortable that either of us are not excited about our relationship. I guess you could say I am trying with all I have to die. To myself that is. What makes me happy more than anything these days is making others happy and hopefully that they would see the joy of Christ in me through my life. Friends, acquaintances, as well as, and especially family are my top priority in servanthood. My family obviously comes first as priority. It should be the call of the Church to emphasize this heart motivation of all its members. It is what the Church of Acts was built on, (Acts 2:42-47) So we see that this was the original design of the Church. But sadly, me included, there are so many who do not live this out on a daily/weekly basis so as to care for those in need in their own church, much less in society. This is sad to me, and I am asking constantly for the Holy Spirit to convict me and change my heart on this. Like I said at my friends husband's funeral service, I don't feel sorry for you, I care about you and Tom when he was living. Sadly I am not sure if he excepted Christ before he died. But I do know that I have an opportunity to still serve my friend and her family and my co workers are with me on that. Through Tom's death, I realized that there needs to be urgency in our actions. Especially Christians. The Great Commission calls us to spread the truth of Christ to all people and to make disciples. So I feel I am not as urgent in this as I should be.
I have spent the summer trying to get to know Tom more and he really took a liking to me. He felt in his heart that Christians were all hypocrites and judgmental but he said I was different somehow. It was really Christ living in me that he saw, he just didn't know it yet. Sadly, I was not urgent enough in sharing my faith with him, though he knew my heart on the subject it was open to him. I thought this weekend of how I was going to be more proactive in our friendship, and planned on taking him dinner this week. I was on my way to talk to him when I got the call. It was all over. He passed on Sunday morning. Doing my first funeral service ever, which was his request, I did not know what to say. I spoke to the congregation about who God is and how nothing can separate us from his love. I did not say whether Tom was saved or what his fate was, but I did offer an opportunity for the family, if they haven't already, come to start a relationship with Christ and start a new life of freedom and grace.
I only spoke what God laid on my heart and I hope it resonated. I hope you who are reading this, all 1 of you, or whoever you are, if you don't have a relationship with him, just ask and you will receive. No matter what you have done, he can redeem you. For it was His death on the cross that has put us in right standing with God, that whoever shall believe and trust in Jesus Christ, will be saved and can start a new life of freedom and grace that is unimaginable. For those who have this relationship with him, I would say that we should all be urgent with our faith. We do not know the time or the place or the last breath of ourselves or those around us. The way is simple, the yoke is light. This first really spoke to me this week and I hope it does you:
I am approaching the 30 year mark and I guess I just think of the end sometimes. Not in an unhealthy way but as a motivator to enjoy this temporary life to the fullest. To spend much quality time with my family, friends, and neighbors so as to not waste it all. I have made an effort to not be on the net as much, I maybe watch 3-4 hours of TV during the week, and I really have made an effort to love my wife without abandon or getting so comfortable that either of us are not excited about our relationship. I guess you could say I am trying with all I have to die. To myself that is. What makes me happy more than anything these days is making others happy and hopefully that they would see the joy of Christ in me through my life. Friends, acquaintances, as well as, and especially family are my top priority in servanthood. My family obviously comes first as priority. It should be the call of the Church to emphasize this heart motivation of all its members. It is what the Church of Acts was built on, (Acts 2:42-47) So we see that this was the original design of the Church. But sadly, me included, there are so many who do not live this out on a daily/weekly basis so as to care for those in need in their own church, much less in society. This is sad to me, and I am asking constantly for the Holy Spirit to convict me and change my heart on this. Like I said at my friends husband's funeral service, I don't feel sorry for you, I care about you and Tom when he was living. Sadly I am not sure if he excepted Christ before he died. But I do know that I have an opportunity to still serve my friend and her family and my co workers are with me on that. Through Tom's death, I realized that there needs to be urgency in our actions. Especially Christians. The Great Commission calls us to spread the truth of Christ to all people and to make disciples. So I feel I am not as urgent in this as I should be.
I have spent the summer trying to get to know Tom more and he really took a liking to me. He felt in his heart that Christians were all hypocrites and judgmental but he said I was different somehow. It was really Christ living in me that he saw, he just didn't know it yet. Sadly, I was not urgent enough in sharing my faith with him, though he knew my heart on the subject it was open to him. I thought this weekend of how I was going to be more proactive in our friendship, and planned on taking him dinner this week. I was on my way to talk to him when I got the call. It was all over. He passed on Sunday morning. Doing my first funeral service ever, which was his request, I did not know what to say. I spoke to the congregation about who God is and how nothing can separate us from his love. I did not say whether Tom was saved or what his fate was, but I did offer an opportunity for the family, if they haven't already, come to start a relationship with Christ and start a new life of freedom and grace.
I only spoke what God laid on my heart and I hope it resonated. I hope you who are reading this, all 1 of you, or whoever you are, if you don't have a relationship with him, just ask and you will receive. No matter what you have done, he can redeem you. For it was His death on the cross that has put us in right standing with God, that whoever shall believe and trust in Jesus Christ, will be saved and can start a new life of freedom and grace that is unimaginable. For those who have this relationship with him, I would say that we should all be urgent with our faith. We do not know the time or the place or the last breath of ourselves or those around us. The way is simple, the yoke is light. This first really spoke to me this week and I hope it does you:
Monday, November 30, 2009
Nothing I've Done
I am the kind of person that does not speak his mind very often. In fact, things that bother me are typically withheld inside and I don't express them very well otherwise. I am learning how to speak my mind more often, but I still hold on to James 1:19-20 "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person h be quick to hear, i slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." I have an anger issue believe it or not. It is not very often, but I am sometimes brought to a boiling point. It is something I hate about myself. It is not righteous anger, it is the bad kind. But through prayer and other stress relievers, I have managed it. But that is my problem I believe.
I don't feel it is something I can just overcome by my own abilities. Sure I can read some books, listen to some Osteen, or even meditate, but I believe that it is ONLY by God's grace and sovereign control over me that I can overcome anything. Yeah it seems silly, stupid, or ridiculous but it is what I believe in. But how do I apply this in all circumstances? I must die to myself everyday. Live in repentance daily as Martin Luther. I cannot live in this world without being tempted in all ways, but I can walk in the Spirit daily and make a decision to follow the will of my father in all circumstances. When I let up my guard, I will surely fall and fail. But my father loves me and does not want me to fail. So I will continue to stay connected to him to his will and to his word so that I will not be blinded or near sighted. Nothing I have ever done will be or has been great, it is only God's power and doings through me. Though I am but a spec on the Earth and a nobody. This is something I rejoice in daily, but struggle with things all the same. I am a man, a husband, and a dad who wants nothing more than to rejoice and bring to light the Gospel in my life and in my home. I fail sometimes, but I will prevail with God's sovereign grace. For no one is good but God the father.
I don't feel it is something I can just overcome by my own abilities. Sure I can read some books, listen to some Osteen, or even meditate, but I believe that it is ONLY by God's grace and sovereign control over me that I can overcome anything. Yeah it seems silly, stupid, or ridiculous but it is what I believe in. But how do I apply this in all circumstances? I must die to myself everyday. Live in repentance daily as Martin Luther. I cannot live in this world without being tempted in all ways, but I can walk in the Spirit daily and make a decision to follow the will of my father in all circumstances. When I let up my guard, I will surely fall and fail. But my father loves me and does not want me to fail. So I will continue to stay connected to him to his will and to his word so that I will not be blinded or near sighted. Nothing I have ever done will be or has been great, it is only God's power and doings through me. Though I am but a spec on the Earth and a nobody. This is something I rejoice in daily, but struggle with things all the same. I am a man, a husband, and a dad who wants nothing more than to rejoice and bring to light the Gospel in my life and in my home. I fail sometimes, but I will prevail with God's sovereign grace. For no one is good but God the father.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Through Gospel Eyes
Like a tree stands firm,
It's roots grow deep.
In the midst of trials,
The hurricane sweeps.
As a child grows up,
An old man dies.
Embracing the truth,
Seen through Gospel eyes.
Changed by love,
and humbled by Grace.
Visit me now,
Within this place.
Of suffering and dying, of sin and lust.
Only you oh Lord,
Can deliver us!
Not swayed by the wind, but enriched with strength.
Oh comforter please for you I thank.
Spotless lamb, you became for us.
Atoning death, praise you I must.
Dead to sin, and alive in you.
Into your arms, I rest in truth.
My life and spirit, my whole heart lies.
As I walk through life,
with Gospel Eyes.
It's roots grow deep.
In the midst of trials,
The hurricane sweeps.
As a child grows up,
An old man dies.
Embracing the truth,
Seen through Gospel eyes.
Changed by love,
and humbled by Grace.
Visit me now,
Within this place.
Of suffering and dying, of sin and lust.
Only you oh Lord,
Can deliver us!
Not swayed by the wind, but enriched with strength.
Oh comforter please for you I thank.
Spotless lamb, you became for us.
Atoning death, praise you I must.
Dead to sin, and alive in you.
Into your arms, I rest in truth.
My life and spirit, my whole heart lies.
As I walk through life,
with Gospel Eyes.
