Life is just better when we choose to do what is right over what is easy. If you don’t believe me, ask Alex Rodriguez or Marion Jones. They did what was easy (steroids) over what was right. They put in hard work training, but their reputations and careers will forever be marked by the fact that they were caught cheating.
I have been having this conversation with my children for a while now about the fact that effort and determination are key ingredients to success. It is not about doing only what we can to get by, but about doing our best in order to get the most out of our God given talents. The same is true in the spiritual world as in the physical world. When we try to take short cuts, slide by, or skip over God’s design, we miss the mark of what God intended for us.
“All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant.” Psalm 25:10
When we follow God’s design and plan for our lives, we find his love and his faithfulness are more than enough to sustain us in our moment of need. God is always faithful to those who follow him.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
It's Not About You
The first few lines of one of my favorite books remind us of a very important truth, “It’s not about you.” Rick Warren may sound harsh, but the truth is timeless and is ever more needed today in our “me” centered culture. I know people volunteer more today, people give today, and all the rest, but most of the time it is not based on what they give, but how they feel, what they hope to receive, or how they look in the giving.
David, the greatest king of Israel, the only man the bible describes as a man after God’s own heart understood all of his success was not of his doing, but was a blessing from the and of God. Listen to a partial list of things he credits to God in Psalm 21:
· “Your victory”
· “victories you give”
· “You have granted the desire of the kings heart”
· “You welcomed him”
· “You placed a crown on his head”
As you read through the passage the list goes on and on. As leaders we can never by into the fact that any success we have in ministry (or in life) is a direct result of the blessing of God. We may work hard, we may till compacted soil, we may plant seeds by the millions, we may water like crazy. But only God causes increase.
What are you taking credit for today that God should be getting credit for doing through you? What temples to your ego are you building? No matter how large or small the ministry we shepherd becomes, we are merely stewards. They ultimately belong to God.
David, the greatest king of Israel, the only man the bible describes as a man after God’s own heart understood all of his success was not of his doing, but was a blessing from the and of God. Listen to a partial list of things he credits to God in Psalm 21:
· “Your victory”
· “victories you give”
· “You have granted the desire of the kings heart”
· “You welcomed him”
· “You placed a crown on his head”
As you read through the passage the list goes on and on. As leaders we can never by into the fact that any success we have in ministry (or in life) is a direct result of the blessing of God. We may work hard, we may till compacted soil, we may plant seeds by the millions, we may water like crazy. But only God causes increase.
What are you taking credit for today that God should be getting credit for doing through you? What temples to your ego are you building? No matter how large or small the ministry we shepherd becomes, we are merely stewards. They ultimately belong to God.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sins and Sensitivity
Some thoughts from Ephesians 4 (Remember, Paul is writing to Christians):
· Hard hearts leads to lack of sensitivity toward God. (vs. 18-19) Paul is writing comparing non-believers to followers of God, and says that their hard heart is at the root of their sin.
· Christians are just as vulnerable to this path as non-Christians. (vs. 22-31) The actions described here are personal choices of believers in their behavior toward God and one another.
· Kindness, compassion and forgiveness should be hallmarks of the Christian life. (vs. 31)
How often do we forget (or simply choose) not to live in our new self, but resort to the old self that was held captive by death? How often does our heart become desensitized to sin and comfortable living in our old habits? How are our relationships with other Christians challenged because we don’t forgive as Christ forgave us?
All of these areas lead us to live lives of disobedience and insensitivity to God. What is the solution?
“Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice.” Ephesians 5:1-2
· Hard hearts leads to lack of sensitivity toward God. (vs. 18-19) Paul is writing comparing non-believers to followers of God, and says that their hard heart is at the root of their sin.
· Christians are just as vulnerable to this path as non-Christians. (vs. 22-31) The actions described here are personal choices of believers in their behavior toward God and one another.
· Kindness, compassion and forgiveness should be hallmarks of the Christian life. (vs. 31)
How often do we forget (or simply choose) not to live in our new self, but resort to the old self that was held captive by death? How often does our heart become desensitized to sin and comfortable living in our old habits? How are our relationships with other Christians challenged because we don’t forgive as Christ forgave us?
All of these areas lead us to live lives of disobedience and insensitivity to God. What is the solution?
“Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tramps and Trash Talk
“I hate divorce,” says the Lord God of Israel, “and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment,” says the Lord Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.” Malachi 2:16
God makes his feelings about divorce crystal clear in this passage. He hates it. He also hates violence and injustice. The prophet tells us that the best way to protect ourselves against the things God hates is to guard our spirit and to hold onto faith. Those two elements become the first casualties of broken covenants
I seem to be surrounded right now by people involved in marital conflict. It is the same with most pastors, but lately almost all of my appointments have been with couples or with one spouse that can’t seem to get past some type of issue in their marriage. I have also noticed that some of the pastors that I read and listen to regularly are dealing with this same issue head on in their churches. As pastors, we need to quit being wimpy about this issue and tell some people to grow up!!!
Husbands love your wives. Don’t dominate or control them. Sacrificially love them!!! If you don’t like my thoughts about it, read God’s thoughts in Ephesians 5 and take it up with him. I am tired of husbands whose egos are so big they can’t actually love a woman who loves them. Trust me guys, she could do better than you!!! Learn to love like God has called you to love. Put your ego aside and ask a Godly man for some advice. The answer to your problem is not found in the arms of some hot, young tramp.
Wives respect your husband. Go look at Paul’s words in Ephesians 5 and see what he says about respecting your husband. You don’t like the fact that he is a little overweight? Don’t harp on him about it. Cook some healthy dinners. You don’t like that he is a little too involved in football? Let him have some time for himself to enjoy something he likes. Your husband needs to know that you respect him and that he is the only man for you.
It is so easy to go overboard in these areas. Our human nature tells us to push the limits of other people’s boundaries. So husbands do their own things and expect their wives not to be upset. Wives get mad and talk about their husbands and trash talk to their friends about him at every opportunity. All of those actions are saboteurs in your marriage. Get biblical with one another. Love unconditionally and sacrificially. Respect without expectation. Be generous in affection and lavish with praise.
No marriage is perfect. But, our God is big enough to fix any broken pieces.
God makes his feelings about divorce crystal clear in this passage. He hates it. He also hates violence and injustice. The prophet tells us that the best way to protect ourselves against the things God hates is to guard our spirit and to hold onto faith. Those two elements become the first casualties of broken covenants
I seem to be surrounded right now by people involved in marital conflict. It is the same with most pastors, but lately almost all of my appointments have been with couples or with one spouse that can’t seem to get past some type of issue in their marriage. I have also noticed that some of the pastors that I read and listen to regularly are dealing with this same issue head on in their churches. As pastors, we need to quit being wimpy about this issue and tell some people to grow up!!!
Husbands love your wives. Don’t dominate or control them. Sacrificially love them!!! If you don’t like my thoughts about it, read God’s thoughts in Ephesians 5 and take it up with him. I am tired of husbands whose egos are so big they can’t actually love a woman who loves them. Trust me guys, she could do better than you!!! Learn to love like God has called you to love. Put your ego aside and ask a Godly man for some advice. The answer to your problem is not found in the arms of some hot, young tramp.
Wives respect your husband. Go look at Paul’s words in Ephesians 5 and see what he says about respecting your husband. You don’t like the fact that he is a little overweight? Don’t harp on him about it. Cook some healthy dinners. You don’t like that he is a little too involved in football? Let him have some time for himself to enjoy something he likes. Your husband needs to know that you respect him and that he is the only man for you.
It is so easy to go overboard in these areas. Our human nature tells us to push the limits of other people’s boundaries. So husbands do their own things and expect their wives not to be upset. Wives get mad and talk about their husbands and trash talk to their friends about him at every opportunity. All of those actions are saboteurs in your marriage. Get biblical with one another. Love unconditionally and sacrificially. Respect without expectation. Be generous in affection and lavish with praise.
No marriage is perfect. But, our God is big enough to fix any broken pieces.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
What Do You Do?
Occasionally life sucks!! There. I said it. Sometimes things don’t make sense, we get hurt by people close to us, circumstances beyond our control drive us to the brink, or we simply feel beat down. When you begin to add any of these (and thousands of other options) life can suck. So, what do we do about it?
First, we have to remember that life is not about us being happy all the time. That’s right; happiness is not life’s ultimate purpose. Life’s ultimate purpose is connection with God and expressing his love to others. When we understand that aspect of our circumstance we are able to overcome the drain of life in our daily routine.
Second, we can’t just sit there. We can wallow in our misery, we can become bitter and we can lose focus. But that never accomplishes anything. The last two days have had some major challenges for me. It was only when I decided to push through some tough times by praying, reading God’s Word and carrying out God’s purpose for me was I able to feel a renewed focus in my heart.
Third, we have to deal with it. It sounds like I don’t want to deal with the issues, but that is not the case. But some issues are beyond my control. We have to do what we can, when we can, with what we have. And leave the results to God.
So, what do you do when life sucks?
First, we have to remember that life is not about us being happy all the time. That’s right; happiness is not life’s ultimate purpose. Life’s ultimate purpose is connection with God and expressing his love to others. When we understand that aspect of our circumstance we are able to overcome the drain of life in our daily routine.
Second, we can’t just sit there. We can wallow in our misery, we can become bitter and we can lose focus. But that never accomplishes anything. The last two days have had some major challenges for me. It was only when I decided to push through some tough times by praying, reading God’s Word and carrying out God’s purpose for me was I able to feel a renewed focus in my heart.
Third, we have to deal with it. It sounds like I don’t want to deal with the issues, but that is not the case. But some issues are beyond my control. We have to do what we can, when we can, with what we have. And leave the results to God.
So, what do you do when life sucks?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Heart Issues
Heart issues are always the most difficult to handle. It is one thing to have an injured leg or arm, because physical injuries will heal. Even if they are permanent, they are physical and they tend to be able to be dealt with easier. Heart issues are an entirely different level. I’m not talking about a physical heart, but the soul of a man; the heart that cannot be physically seen or examined.
Proverbs 17 has some great words about our hearts. It cautions us that the heart is the level of judgment used by God to see into a man’s life. That puts some perspective on our “secret” places and thoughts. It gives us a better understanding that our heart is the realm that God cares most about. Our actions may be more visible, but the heart is more honest.
My own heart drives me crazy. It will be fine for a while and then a spiritual EKG will help me to see that there is some hardening. It is in those moments that I need to self-examine my heart against God’s Word and see how I measure up. It is in these times that I realize that my heart is not only under my control, but under the grace of Christ that changes my heart from old and broken down to new and full of life.
What is your heart condition? Is it full of life from Christ that allows us to experience grace and mercy at new levels? Is it hiding darkness that we are afraid will be exposed? Maybe it is time for a heart check and a new perspective of a heat that honors God.
Proverbs 17 has some great words about our hearts. It cautions us that the heart is the level of judgment used by God to see into a man’s life. That puts some perspective on our “secret” places and thoughts. It gives us a better understanding that our heart is the realm that God cares most about. Our actions may be more visible, but the heart is more honest.
My own heart drives me crazy. It will be fine for a while and then a spiritual EKG will help me to see that there is some hardening. It is in those moments that I need to self-examine my heart against God’s Word and see how I measure up. It is in these times that I realize that my heart is not only under my control, but under the grace of Christ that changes my heart from old and broken down to new and full of life.
What is your heart condition? Is it full of life from Christ that allows us to experience grace and mercy at new levels? Is it hiding darkness that we are afraid will be exposed? Maybe it is time for a heart check and a new perspective of a heat that honors God.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Asking the Right Questions
I saw a “Tweet” this morning from Frank Viola. He made this statement: “WWJD is not biblical. What *is* Christ doing in and through is the NT teaching.” I love this thought. I have thought for a long time that WWJD was the wrong issue. I have a little different perspective than Frank does, however.
I have always thought that What Would Jesus Do is a ridiculous question. We KNOW what Jesus would do. That is the basic premise of all New Testament teaching. The question is not WWJD but WAIGTDWWJTM. Okay, it doesn’t make for a cool bracelet but stay with me.
The real issue is What Am I Going To Do With What Jesus Told Me. We have a recorded record of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection. From Acts through Revelation the questions shifts from what Jesus does to what his followers are going to do. That is the key issue for our lives.
Jesus came to be the “image of the invisible God.” In other words, he came to show us the Father. The question becomes how does it impact our lives? Do we live according to his model and instruction or do we pervert the gospel to reflect our desires and our preferences? This is where so many of us, yes as pastors and leaders, have to make some tough decisions about how we are going to demonstrate God’s love to those around us.
So, let’s make sure we are asking the right question. It is not WWJD. The real question is WAIGTDWWJTM?
I have always thought that What Would Jesus Do is a ridiculous question. We KNOW what Jesus would do. That is the basic premise of all New Testament teaching. The question is not WWJD but WAIGTDWWJTM. Okay, it doesn’t make for a cool bracelet but stay with me.
The real issue is What Am I Going To Do With What Jesus Told Me. We have a recorded record of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection. From Acts through Revelation the questions shifts from what Jesus does to what his followers are going to do. That is the key issue for our lives.
Jesus came to be the “image of the invisible God.” In other words, he came to show us the Father. The question becomes how does it impact our lives? Do we live according to his model and instruction or do we pervert the gospel to reflect our desires and our preferences? This is where so many of us, yes as pastors and leaders, have to make some tough decisions about how we are going to demonstrate God’s love to those around us.
So, let’s make sure we are asking the right question. It is not WWJD. The real question is WAIGTDWWJTM?
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