So I think one of the most abused parts of the Christian's relationship with God is their prayer life. Many Christians only pray when it is convenient for them to pray. Others pray when they really want something to happen for them. Others pray when things have gone wrong and they want God to know about it. Recently I have noticed that many Christians really do not use their prayer time in the right way.
In my reading of Ephesians I came across these verses on prayer, Ephesians 1:15-23, "15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."
As I began to read these verses I realized my weakness in the way I pray by watching the way that Paul prayed. Let's look at some keys we can take from Paul's prayer.
His Affirmation of God's Sovereignty
As you read through the text you see that Paul is not praying for God to change, but rather that the Ephesians would understand the will of God. He is praying that their eyes will be enlightened to understand the hope of His calling. So many times in prayer we pray for God to heal so and so or to change our government, but we forget to ask God to give us the ability to understand His ways. In other words what I am saying is that it is not a surprise to God that Mrs. McGillicutty is sick or that the taxes keep getting higher, but what we fail to see is that this is part of God's plan and maybe we are the ones who need to understand what he is teaching us through the trial. Am I saying we should not pray for Mrs. McGillicutty, no, but when God does not heal her are we upset at Him because we did not get our way.
The illustration of God as our Father is powerful. When we think of things that God does in a way that we could understand from our own experiences with our physical fathers. For instance when I was three I thought fire was cool and I asked my dad if I could have matches. For my dad to say no is not a bad thing, although I that time I thought he was mean. My dad knew that I was not able to handle matches just yet. Now when I go camping my dad will let me use matches all I want, because I have waited and learned the proper way to use matches. There are some things that my dad just said no to. Like I never got to own a B1 bomber because he knew I could not handle it. Now if I look at him and say what a jerk I deserve the B1 I would be wrong because I do not understand the reasons why he has said that.
The same is true of God. There are times that people pray for a soul to get saved for years before God allows the Spirit to open the eyes of the unbeliever. This does not mean that God did not answer their prayer, but rather He said wait until the time is right. There are times that someone dear to us dies even though we prayed for them not to die, but God answered no because it was not in His plan. Other times God responds with a yes and allows us to see an instant answer to the prayer we have prayed.
Do your prayers reflect the fact that God is Sovereign and has a plan for your life that you need to adjust to accept or do they seem like a plea to have your way, in your time, in a way that will glorify yourself?
God's Superiority
Notice that from verse 20 through verse 23 Paul talks about the fact that one day God will be worshipped by all people even those who do not follow Him. An important part of prayer is not just to recognize God is in control of all, but also that He is Superior to all. I often find myself praying almost upset at God because He has allowed something to happen that makes no sense to me or anyone around me. For instance why does God let the righteous men die from cancer when the wicked go on living their life. This is a blow in my mind to the good team and frankly it makes no sense, but the truth is that not only did God plan it to happen this way but that it is also superior to the way any of us would ever think. Remember everyone will bow to Christ.
It is a prayer for others
Paul is writing this prayer from prison. He is locked up and the prayer that he sends up is a prayer of thanksgiving for others around him and his thankfulness for their witness. I would be asking God to get me out of prison as soon as possible. I would be praying for the defense to clear my name. I would be so focused on me that I would never even think to pray for those around me.
We need to be thanking God for those around us and praying for them to continue to grow in God's way. I have found that when I get to this place I find less wrong with my situation and focus more on the blessings God has given me.
Quit whining and begging and start praying and praising
Take time to get your attention off of you and focus on learning what God's will is for your life. I remember when I was a kid going to the Eagle in Plano with my mom once a week for the groceries. I learned at a young age that on the days that I spent all my time asking if I could I have this or can I have this or how about this (Ooooo look at this new candy bar, wow that looks good, I wonder what that would taste like) that the time would be a bad experience in my week. At the same time if I spent the whole time whining I would end up being upset that my mom would dare drag me out there to walk around the store. In both of these situations I would end up being upset at my mom because I was not getting my way. On the couple of times that I went and helped my mom with a happy heart and learned from her that I would enjoy my time and be more appreciative for my mom when I left the store.
Do you complain about God's will in your life, or beg for your will to be done? Try asking God to help others around you and thank Him for the opportunities you have in your life. See how that goes and let me know. I have made it a habit to thank God for the people I come in contact with on a daily basis and it has helped me grow in my compassion for them as well as my appreciation for what they are doing for God.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
So You Had a Bad Day, Now Serve the Lord
On Wednesday the motto of my day was I wish I could go back to bed. I woke up late to lift weights after not even hearing my alarm clock, I of course was overly grumpy with everybody in the car on the ride to work. I was presented with a conversation that I did not want to hear, and then I sat down with my wife and talked for 45 minutes about how I handled all of those things poorly. After the quick shower I dashed into my office excited to get the day over with and go home, but wait I remembered about youth group that night. It was somewhere in the midst of my 4 hours of Hebrew studying that I realized that I needed to refocus. I dropped everything and just took time to refresh.
I know that so many times in ministry whether it is vocational ministry, volunteer ministry or even the ministry to your family, we get stressed out, tired and frankly wish we could quit. So I want to share the thoughts that went on in my head and read your interaction.
Is your ministry a get to or a have to event?
So many times I find myself saying things like I have to do this and I have to do that. For instance I have to prep this lesson, or I have to mow the grass, or I have to change the taillight on my wife's car. When these thoughts come I need to step back and decide do I get to or do I have to. When I feel I have to then I need to change my attitude to I get to. I count it all joy that I am in the ministry. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart. As I begin to change my perspective on the issue I remember that God has put that opportunity there specifically for me to grow.
Do you really believe in the Sovereignty of God, or is that just a confusing concept you choose to ignore?
When tough times come into your life do they ruin your day or is it simply an opportunity to grow. So many times people talk about the sovereignty of God and still do not apply it to everyday life. We make statements like All things work for good instead of realizing that those things are for the goal of making us more like Christ. You want to talk about a bad life, look at the things Christ went through for you. He suffered so much yet in the end He sought nothing other than to please His Father. Are you willing to do that in your life? Will you learn from the situations God has placed in your life, or are you going to refuse to learn the lesson?
Is it about pleasing God or about your pleasure?
How do people die for their faith without even thinking twice about it? How do leaders suffer through terrible diseases and continue to serve God until they die? How do those sweet widows make it to the church every time the doors are open even thought it is so hard on them? How can I overcome the rough start to my morning and be an effective tool for God? The answer is found in pleasing God instead of striving to please yourself.
Are you refreshed through your relationship with Christ?
Alot of times when we are getting ready to go to a potentially stressful event and are stressed my wife will ask to stop at a grocery store and by an Acai Berry Juice. As silly as it seems every time we drink one of these it seems to help us relax and have a good time. In the same way are you being refreshed in your relationship with God? Are you running to God to help you handle the tough things or are you fighting the battle on your own?
These are just some thoughts I had, and they really helped me out alot. Take a look at why you serve and then adjust your attitude accordingly.
I know that so many times in ministry whether it is vocational ministry, volunteer ministry or even the ministry to your family, we get stressed out, tired and frankly wish we could quit. So I want to share the thoughts that went on in my head and read your interaction.
Is your ministry a get to or a have to event?
So many times I find myself saying things like I have to do this and I have to do that. For instance I have to prep this lesson, or I have to mow the grass, or I have to change the taillight on my wife's car. When these thoughts come I need to step back and decide do I get to or do I have to. When I feel I have to then I need to change my attitude to I get to. I count it all joy that I am in the ministry. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart. As I begin to change my perspective on the issue I remember that God has put that opportunity there specifically for me to grow.
Do you really believe in the Sovereignty of God, or is that just a confusing concept you choose to ignore?
When tough times come into your life do they ruin your day or is it simply an opportunity to grow. So many times people talk about the sovereignty of God and still do not apply it to everyday life. We make statements like All things work for good instead of realizing that those things are for the goal of making us more like Christ. You want to talk about a bad life, look at the things Christ went through for you. He suffered so much yet in the end He sought nothing other than to please His Father. Are you willing to do that in your life? Will you learn from the situations God has placed in your life, or are you going to refuse to learn the lesson?
Is it about pleasing God or about your pleasure?
How do people die for their faith without even thinking twice about it? How do leaders suffer through terrible diseases and continue to serve God until they die? How do those sweet widows make it to the church every time the doors are open even thought it is so hard on them? How can I overcome the rough start to my morning and be an effective tool for God? The answer is found in pleasing God instead of striving to please yourself.
Are you refreshed through your relationship with Christ?
Alot of times when we are getting ready to go to a potentially stressful event and are stressed my wife will ask to stop at a grocery store and by an Acai Berry Juice. As silly as it seems every time we drink one of these it seems to help us relax and have a good time. In the same way are you being refreshed in your relationship with God? Are you running to God to help you handle the tough things or are you fighting the battle on your own?
These are just some thoughts I had, and they really helped me out alot. Take a look at why you serve and then adjust your attitude accordingly.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Theological Implications Learned from the Genesis Creation Account
I find it disturbing at how many people even in Christian circles are willing to sacrifice the truth of the creation account in order to reach out to those who are scoffers and are not going to believe unless their eyes are opened by the Holy Spirit. There are so many important Theological truths that are diminished by not accepting the Biblical account.
God is the only one who creates
The fact is clear throughout the entire Genesis account that God is the one who creates. We see Him actively creating the entire world through His spoken word. Why is this important? God is the agent of change. He can take the empty and make it beautiful. He can take the chaotic and make it orderly. Think about the power of hope that comes from the thought of God being able to change and create things that are good to His sight.
God is the only one who declares things as good
Everyday at the end of the day it was God who looked at the creation and declared it as good. This is a reminder to us that although we think something is good in our estimation, it is God's opinion that matters. When God calls us to be holy, if we achieve a level that is satisfactory to us it is not good until it is good in God's eyes.
God breathed life into the creation
As God created man He breathed the breath of life into Adam. The start of life comes from the breath of God. In the same way when we are saved God gives us His Spirit. The word for Spirit and breath are the same and represent the same idea. So just as God originally gave life physically to man so at salvation He gives us life spiritually. Your spiritual life is given to you from God, so what will you do with that.
God separates things
In the creation account we see God separating things (night from day, land from seas, heaven from earth) this becomes a common theme throughout the Scripture. I do not want to go into too much of a rabbit trail here, but it is interesting to note.
God named things
The ability to name something implies ownership or care for the named item. You do not name your neighbors kids, dogs or cats, but you do name your own. God named the creation and showed his ownership. Eventually He gave Adam the authority to name all the animals. Remember God the Sovereign Creator is the owner and namer of man. We should be living for Him.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Be Careful Little Eyes What You See
This week we talked about the dangers of the constant flow of media that we allow into our lives. I remember the kids song Oh be careful little eyes what you see. The truths in that song kind of ring out as I worked on the lesson. I want to talk about the truths that I uncovered this week and how it applies to us as Christians.
Let me start by saying that I do not in any believe that the TV itself is sinful. I do believe that like so many other things it is a tool that can be used for good or for bad. For some people it may be a tool that you cannot trust yourself to use and so maybe you should not use it.
It has been estimated that many people watch up to 4 hours and 35 minutes a day. If you do the math that equals 5 days and 16 hours a month that are spent in watching tv. It is amazing how many people will talk about how they do not have time for things yet they are wasting 5 whole days a month watching tv.
Here are the problems with too much tv viewing.
Let me start by saying that I do not in any believe that the TV itself is sinful. I do believe that like so many other things it is a tool that can be used for good or for bad. For some people it may be a tool that you cannot trust yourself to use and so maybe you should not use it.
It has been estimated that many people watch up to 4 hours and 35 minutes a day. If you do the math that equals 5 days and 16 hours a month that are spent in watching tv. It is amazing how many people will talk about how they do not have time for things yet they are wasting 5 whole days a month watching tv.
Here are the problems with too much tv viewing.
We can accept a secular picture of the world
Even in the news you can be influenced to take the worlds view on sin issues. Think about the progression that goes on in almost every sitcom. There is generally some sort of immoral relationship that is laughed at or glorified through out the entire show.
They made millions of dollars on a show that talked about 6 singles who ran around shacking up with each other and other people. People laughed and made it one of the most successful shows. I know many Christians who have no problem watching and laughing at the inappropriate jokes in that series. I see the cases of Friends sitting in many peoples movie collections.
The newest show Glee does nothing but make jokes and promote a homosexual lifestyle and promiscuous heterosexual relationships. It is amazing that people think that they can watch that and not be impacted by it.
We often are not truly refreshed
How many times do people sit down to just relax in front of the tv and actually have the opposite happen. I remember times when we would spend time together watching tv (Tori and I). At the end I would think about the fact that we just sat next to each other on the couch for hours and never talked or really cared for each other. That is not going to strengthen our relationship. Turn off the TV and get to know each other.
We can become cynical
It is easy to begin to take on the medias view of everything. So many Christians are influenced in their opinion about things based on what they see. I can think of two examples. The first is that so many people are cynical about clergy because of all the scandals that have arisen over the years. What you never hear about is the far larger group of clergy that love a follow God and truly care about those they minister too. The second is political. How many Christians view some bizarre political analyst and determine that it is the right view. So many of us ignore the commands of God's Word to honor respect and pray for those who rule over us and instead tear down and villainize the people God has allowed to rise to power. This not only shows a sign of disobedience to God's Word but also a lack of trust in the Sovereignty of God.
We can develop impure sexual thoughts or lust
Lets be honest the tv is constantly trying to show us more and more to entice us. The commercials for chocolate require improperly dressed models. As young people watch more and more tv they are being exposed to more and more opportunities to make immoral decisions. Trust me it is hard enough to stay pure without having the constant invitation to sin in front of you. An addiction to immoral life is a brutal addiction to break. Turn off the tv and focus on pleasing God.
We can learn to accept ungodly violence as okay
It seems as though every show is trying to be more brutal and graphic than the ones before it. I struggle to watch even detective shows because of the amount of violence and graphic scenes. We do not need to be focusing on those things and certainly we do not need to see them as cool.
We can become materialistic
They put commercials on tv for a reason. The reason is that they work. If you make something look good enough then you will get people to think about it and in the store when they see they will by it. Save your money turn off the tv.
A Higher Standard
Remember that in I Peter 1:15-16 we are given a much higher standard than any tv rating system can give. "As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy." This standard should help us determine better habits.
So answer this last question for me. Who do you love more, God or TV? Your love can show up in the amount of time spent with, thoughts about, willingness to submit and desire to seek pleasure from.
Love the Lord Your God with all Your Heart, Soul and Might.
Monday, September 13, 2010
They Said It Was Impossible
Well Tori and I were told that we would have about a five percent chance of every having a baby. We have always just planned that we just adopt and planned to do so in 3 years when I finished up my internship. Well I guess when you give God a 5 percent chance He can use that to answer our prayers. We have a beautiful little baby growing in Tori and we cannot wait for the exciting change this will bring to our lives. Please pray that the pregnancy will go well and that the baby and Mommy will make it through healthy.
I can't wait.
I can't wait.
The Importance of Language
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself how important is Language? Why is it so important that we take a proper view in regards to language? I want to look at three specific aspects of language that will show us the importance of language.
The Origination of Language
Creation
Language originated with God. We see this in the creation of the world. Remember before day 1 of Creation the only being was God. The angels where not even in existence and then God spoke and created the world. God was the originator of Language. Look at verse 3 where it says God said let their be light and their was light. As you read through out the rest of the Genesis we see God using his spoken language to create the world. Not only that but we see in Genesis 2:16 that God speaks to Adam who understood what God was saying.
Babel
In Genesis 11 we see another example of people who used language to create something. The descendants of Noah after traveling for a while found a plain where they decided that instead of spreading out and inhabiting the earth would live in one spot and build a giant tower that would reach the heavens. They decided to disobey the command of God and in their pride they said, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”
Our language
The origination of the language that we use comes from our heart. In Matthew 12:33-37 we see our language comes out of our heart, "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
I have heard many people say that they just opened their mouth and the words just fell out, but we know that this is not a true statement. Control your passions and thoughts and your mouth will not disappoint. I try to memorize so much Scripture so that I am constantly thinking on what God would say in a given situation. I want my initial response to be what Christ would have me to say.
The Power of Language
Creation
As God spoke things began to change. He said let their be light and there was light. He said let there be plants and their were plants. He told Adam the expectations of obedience in the Garden and they were so. This is why it is important for us to study the Word that God has given to us. If the God who created the Earth with his voice says something then we should pay attention to what he has to say. God does not mince his words in regards to sin. When He says it is sin we better pay attention to it.
Babel
I wonder who was the first person at Babel who began to convince all these people to disobey God and do their own thing. They used their language to tear down the commands that God had given them.
How many times do we try to twist or even just blatantly use our language to encourage others to disobey God? This is scary to think that we could use language to tear others down.
Our language
In James 3;1-12 we see that the tongue can do a lot of trouble. The most convicting part of this chapter to me is in verse 9 where it talks about we use our tongue to exalt God and then we turn around and destroy the very people God created. This is so convicting. We go into church and praise God and then we walk out and speak critically about the people we were just with. Or we drive in our car and sing about God until someone cuts us off and then we talk about the stupid idiot in front of us. Our tongues are powerful. Our language is powerful and we must control it.
The Result of Language
Creation
At the end of Creation we see that God looked over all that He spoke into existence and said it is Good. I find it incredible that at the end of the original speech everything was good. The source of the speech is the main reason for this. God in His Goodness used His tongue to create something good.
Babel
In verse 8 of Genesis 11 we see that God confused their language to help them understand that they need to spread out. The language was the part that He confused. I find it interesting that it was their language that ultimately was confused to help them see the importance of the command to spread out over the earth.
Our language
In James 1:26 it says that our language is more important than our personal belief about our spirituality, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless." We must control our tongue in order to show our spiritualness. A person who is undisciplined in their use of language will effect their testimony.
The Origination of Language
Creation
Language originated with God. We see this in the creation of the world. Remember before day 1 of Creation the only being was God. The angels where not even in existence and then God spoke and created the world. God was the originator of Language. Look at verse 3 where it says God said let their be light and their was light. As you read through out the rest of the Genesis we see God using his spoken language to create the world. Not only that but we see in Genesis 2:16 that God speaks to Adam who understood what God was saying.
Babel
In Genesis 11 we see another example of people who used language to create something. The descendants of Noah after traveling for a while found a plain where they decided that instead of spreading out and inhabiting the earth would live in one spot and build a giant tower that would reach the heavens. They decided to disobey the command of God and in their pride they said, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.”
Our language
The origination of the language that we use comes from our heart. In Matthew 12:33-37 we see our language comes out of our heart, "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
I have heard many people say that they just opened their mouth and the words just fell out, but we know that this is not a true statement. Control your passions and thoughts and your mouth will not disappoint. I try to memorize so much Scripture so that I am constantly thinking on what God would say in a given situation. I want my initial response to be what Christ would have me to say.
The Power of Language
Creation
As God spoke things began to change. He said let their be light and there was light. He said let there be plants and their were plants. He told Adam the expectations of obedience in the Garden and they were so. This is why it is important for us to study the Word that God has given to us. If the God who created the Earth with his voice says something then we should pay attention to what he has to say. God does not mince his words in regards to sin. When He says it is sin we better pay attention to it.
Babel
I wonder who was the first person at Babel who began to convince all these people to disobey God and do their own thing. They used their language to tear down the commands that God had given them.
How many times do we try to twist or even just blatantly use our language to encourage others to disobey God? This is scary to think that we could use language to tear others down.
Our language
In James 3;1-12 we see that the tongue can do a lot of trouble. The most convicting part of this chapter to me is in verse 9 where it talks about we use our tongue to exalt God and then we turn around and destroy the very people God created. This is so convicting. We go into church and praise God and then we walk out and speak critically about the people we were just with. Or we drive in our car and sing about God until someone cuts us off and then we talk about the stupid idiot in front of us. Our tongues are powerful. Our language is powerful and we must control it.
The Result of Language
Creation
At the end of Creation we see that God looked over all that He spoke into existence and said it is Good. I find it incredible that at the end of the original speech everything was good. The source of the speech is the main reason for this. God in His Goodness used His tongue to create something good.
Babel
In verse 8 of Genesis 11 we see that God confused their language to help them understand that they need to spread out. The language was the part that He confused. I find it interesting that it was their language that ultimately was confused to help them see the importance of the command to spread out over the earth.
Our language
In James 1:26 it says that our language is more important than our personal belief about our spirituality, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless." We must control our tongue in order to show our spiritualness. A person who is undisciplined in their use of language will effect their testimony.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Are You a Sheherd, A Cowboy or a Ministerial Manipulator
Many times in the Bible we see references to a shepherd and their care for the sheep. Possibly the most commonly used passage for comfort refers to God as our shepherd (Psalm 23). There is a great deal of importance placed on being under the care of the shepherd. At the same time we see many references to Spiritual leaders (Pastor) to be a shepherd. We even can go as far as to call them the undershepherd. I get the feeling through my reading that the best example of spiritual leadership is the shepherd. I want to explore some thoughts about spiritual leadership that I have been thinking about lately. I see three groups of spiritual leaders that stick out in my mind; Shepherds, Cowboys and Ministerial Manipulators.
Ministerial Manipulators
These are the people who make everything they desire for you to do a spiritual issue. An example would be that they want you to dress in a certain way so they make it a spiritual issue. Or they want you to do a certain activity or not do another one so they make it a spiritual issue. Many people view these folks as legalistic, which is a pretty fair assessment of the situation.
Dads
Are you creating your own moral code in your family? Do you push your family to please God, but really it is to please yourself (who are you making into a God here)? Many times fathers can place their desire to the height of a manipulator.
Leaders
Are you getting your preferences confused the truth of Scripture? Are you lecturing kids to change to be more like God or like you? Many leaders want people just do it the way the leader wants.
Cowboys
These are the people who are willing to push people to do things without actually committing to do it themselves. A good example would be the fat football coach who will push his players to get in better shape while choking down a coke and box of Crispy Creams (or a Pastor who does the same while talking about discipline). This happens all the time in the Christian Community.
Dads
Is it you goal for your kids to achieve a certain goal you have for them? Maybe you are still trying to live your teen years through your kids. Do you do it physically as well as spiritually? Study harder, play harder, read your Bible, or many other options that can be screamed at your child. Are you becoming the Mike Ditka of Fatherhood?
Leaders
Do you do this in your leadership role? Are you constantly pushing people to do more so they can be more "pleasing to God"? Are you preaching and teaching others to do hard things for God while sitting comfortably in the lap of luxury? God doesn't need you to push others.
Cowboys tend to hang in the back and watch to make sure everyone gets there safely. This is hardly a leader but rather a pusher.
Shepherds
The shepherd leads people to food, safety and helps them grow. Shepherds are not begging people to do the work that they are unwilling to do themselves. In fact they are at the front leading. This does not mean that they are not delegating the tasks but they show the importance of each task by performing their tasks with excellence.
Dads
When your kid does something wrong are you showing them how it offends God? At the same time when you do something wrong are you taking care of your offenses to those you offended? My dad was a good shepherd. I remember many times when I was sure he wanted to spank the snot out of me in rage, but instead he took the time to explain my spiritual downfall. He did not expect me to work hard and not work hard as well. Grades were not as important as the effort I put in. He could have cared less if I ever scored a goal but rather if I worked as hard as I could.
This is not intended to just exalt my dad but to make a point. The earthly rewards are hardly as valuable as the spiritual success that comes from being a model of Christlikeness. Start showing your kids what keeping a room clean looks like (not making your wife work harder either). Start showing the importance of reading the Word and praying by making it pivotal in your life. Start protecting your family not by making rules to keep them safer, but by showing them you are there with them.
Leaders
Do not tell your kids, church or youth group to work hard and then not work on it yourself. When people are going through a tough patch throw yourself in a help them make it through. Stop being a hypocrite that encourages growth without doing it yourself. I had a coach that will always stick out in mind because when we were running sprints he was right there. Kenny Volbrecht taught me many valuable lessons by doing that. As a leader take the same approach and actually get in there with the others.
Do not expect change without changing yourself first. Be different and when it is obvious you will have the opportunity to lead.
Be a good shepherd.
Cowboys tend to hang in the back and watch to make sure everyone gets there safely. This is hardly a leader but rather a pusher.
Shepherds
The shepherd leads people to food, safety and helps them grow. Shepherds are not begging people to do the work that they are unwilling to do themselves. In fact they are at the front leading. This does not mean that they are not delegating the tasks but they show the importance of each task by performing their tasks with excellence.
Dads
When your kid does something wrong are you showing them how it offends God? At the same time when you do something wrong are you taking care of your offenses to those you offended? My dad was a good shepherd. I remember many times when I was sure he wanted to spank the snot out of me in rage, but instead he took the time to explain my spiritual downfall. He did not expect me to work hard and not work hard as well. Grades were not as important as the effort I put in. He could have cared less if I ever scored a goal but rather if I worked as hard as I could.
This is not intended to just exalt my dad but to make a point. The earthly rewards are hardly as valuable as the spiritual success that comes from being a model of Christlikeness. Start showing your kids what keeping a room clean looks like (not making your wife work harder either). Start showing the importance of reading the Word and praying by making it pivotal in your life. Start protecting your family not by making rules to keep them safer, but by showing them you are there with them.
Leaders
Do not tell your kids, church or youth group to work hard and then not work on it yourself. When people are going through a tough patch throw yourself in a help them make it through. Stop being a hypocrite that encourages growth without doing it yourself. I had a coach that will always stick out in mind because when we were running sprints he was right there. Kenny Volbrecht taught me many valuable lessons by doing that. As a leader take the same approach and actually get in there with the others.
Do not expect change without changing yourself first. Be different and when it is obvious you will have the opportunity to lead.
Be a good shepherd.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Love Not the World
This week in Legit Bible Study we talked about the passage in I John 2:15-17, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." This is a powerful passage that certainly makes us question the loyalty of our hearts based upon our desires. Certainly none of us have perfectly mastered the art of Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New but it is something we need to think about.
After the lesson as I reflected on the kids and whether or not the message got through to them I started to think about the ways we as Spiritual leaders do not make Loving God over the World any easier in their lives.
If Anyone Loves the World, the Love of the Father is not in him
It is impossible for God and the evil ways of the world to coexist in our hearts. We will either love the one or love the other but you cannot do both at the same time. Do our kids see that played out in the lives of their spiritual leaders. The parents, pastors and other leaders who come in contact with the kids need to set the example for the kids. What are the things you talk about with the kids? What are the obvious things that you love?
When people spend any amount of time with Tori and I they often comment about the obvious love between us. This is good in our relationship. When I have to make small talk it often comes back to the Cubs or some other sports topic, because I love them. I have noticed how few times it starts by going to God and my love and passion for Him. Where does your mind go first when you have to make small talk? Is it reflective of your love for God or do have something first?
So how about you are you loving Christ before everything else? Make it obvious. Remember He did not pause one time to think about anything other than His love for you when He suffered and died for you!
The Lust of the Flesh
The desire to please our own wants and needs are natural in all of us. We can harp on the kids about the sensual lyrics to the popular songs (and they are very sensual) and walk out and live a life entirely focused on pleasing ourselves. I listened to an interview with Francis Chan this week about why he is resigning from his church and I cannot even remember the reason why he is resigning. All I remember is him talking about being willing to sacrifice his comfort and everything that could be a safety net in his life in order to more effectively advance the Gospel. If we love God more than anything then why are we so consumed with our comfort and desires.
Do you let your love for Christ supersede your desire to please your self?
The Lust of the Eyes
Yesterday as I was leaving the office I saw a Ford GT Yellow with a hood scoop and I said wow, I wish I had that. All the time I am driven by my desires that I see with my eyes. I want that soda because it looks good I want the shirt because it looks cool. We need to lift up our eyes and look at the fields that are white unto harvest and focus on reaching them. When we see the eternal separate for the temporal maybe our lusts will change to a desire to reach those around us.
Do you see life the way God does or are you to busy filling your eyes wishes?
Pride of Life
This is the hardest one for me. I love to have everyone around me love me. I need to have the focus that my joy needs to come for less of me and more of God. I love the quote given from a fellow believer in Rwanda written the night before he died, “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made- I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving & dwarfed goals.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.
I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me & when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.”
After the lesson as I reflected on the kids and whether or not the message got through to them I started to think about the ways we as Spiritual leaders do not make Loving God over the World any easier in their lives.
If Anyone Loves the World, the Love of the Father is not in him
It is impossible for God and the evil ways of the world to coexist in our hearts. We will either love the one or love the other but you cannot do both at the same time. Do our kids see that played out in the lives of their spiritual leaders. The parents, pastors and other leaders who come in contact with the kids need to set the example for the kids. What are the things you talk about with the kids? What are the obvious things that you love?
When people spend any amount of time with Tori and I they often comment about the obvious love between us. This is good in our relationship. When I have to make small talk it often comes back to the Cubs or some other sports topic, because I love them. I have noticed how few times it starts by going to God and my love and passion for Him. Where does your mind go first when you have to make small talk? Is it reflective of your love for God or do have something first?
So how about you are you loving Christ before everything else? Make it obvious. Remember He did not pause one time to think about anything other than His love for you when He suffered and died for you!
The Lust of the Flesh
The desire to please our own wants and needs are natural in all of us. We can harp on the kids about the sensual lyrics to the popular songs (and they are very sensual) and walk out and live a life entirely focused on pleasing ourselves. I listened to an interview with Francis Chan this week about why he is resigning from his church and I cannot even remember the reason why he is resigning. All I remember is him talking about being willing to sacrifice his comfort and everything that could be a safety net in his life in order to more effectively advance the Gospel. If we love God more than anything then why are we so consumed with our comfort and desires.
Do you let your love for Christ supersede your desire to please your self?
The Lust of the Eyes
Yesterday as I was leaving the office I saw a Ford GT Yellow with a hood scoop and I said wow, I wish I had that. All the time I am driven by my desires that I see with my eyes. I want that soda because it looks good I want the shirt because it looks cool. We need to lift up our eyes and look at the fields that are white unto harvest and focus on reaching them. When we see the eternal separate for the temporal maybe our lusts will change to a desire to reach those around us.
Do you see life the way God does or are you to busy filling your eyes wishes?
Pride of Life
This is the hardest one for me. I love to have everyone around me love me. I need to have the focus that my joy needs to come for less of me and more of God. I love the quote given from a fellow believer in Rwanda written the night before he died, “I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed, the die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made- I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving & dwarfed goals.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.
I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me & when He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.”
This needs to be our thoughts and motivations for every day. Stop worrying about whether those around you will be offended by the clarity of the Gospel in your life.
Now about the Kids
How can you influence those younger believers to follow Christ over the world? Start by letting your love for God so permeate your life that you will let it leak out in your life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)