Thursday, March 23, 2006
Too soft? or wise?
(Proverbs 15:1, 18 NIV)
[1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. [18] A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
* Probably THE biggest challenge in my life is being patient and loving (a gentle answer). I have opportunity in every aspect of my life to practice these things. This is quite difficult at times and thoroughly goes against the grain of my selfish nature. But I keep going ... keep pursuing, imperfect as my pursuit is, all the while placing my trust in God's promise ... that those who are trained by discipline (not just those who endure it) will reap a harvest of righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:11, Galatians 6:9).
[1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. [18] A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
* Probably THE biggest challenge in my life is being patient and loving (a gentle answer). I have opportunity in every aspect of my life to practice these things. This is quite difficult at times and thoroughly goes against the grain of my selfish nature. But I keep going ... keep pursuing, imperfect as my pursuit is, all the while placing my trust in God's promise ... that those who are trained by discipline (not just those who endure it) will reap a harvest of righteousness and peace (Hebrews 12:11, Galatians 6:9).
Friday, March 10, 2006
Near-sighted
Most Americans literally "live for the day." Its pretty easy to verify that by doing some top-line internet research regarding the average credit card debt per capita. True, that doesn't tell the whole story, but that information coupled with how much the average person saves (for a rainy day or retirement), plus the number of personal bankruptcies declared every year and the "live for the day" picture begins to come into focus. Even if you wish to argue those points ... or just say "so what?" ... the truth is that we put a lot of time/effort into pursuing or doing things that won't be of benefit to us for very long.
"To make the best use of your life, you must never forget two truths: First, compared to eternity, life is extremely brief. Second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here too long so don't get too attached." - Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life
Counter-cultural! One man's opinion? How about if that same statement (expressed a little differently) came from the lips of a person that most people try to simply brush off as a great teacher (without really knowing what he taught) ....
"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."
Two statements made by the original counter-cultural "revolutionary" ... Jesus Christ. His words recorded in the book of Luke, chapter Twelve.
Interesting ......
Thursday, March 02, 2006
What's it all about?
"You exist only because God wills that you exist. You were made by God and for God --- and until you understand that, life will never make sense." - Rick Warren, "The Purpose Driven Life"
* I'm not an after-thought (nor is anyone else). It is by the unearned favor of God that I even exist. And I've been made for a purpose. But just "getting things done" in life means nothing. Who remembers the feats of 99.99% of the people who've walked the earth? For that matter, who remembers the feats of those in our own family tree? So, what's it all about? Knowing that I was purposefully made by God is foundational in my pursuit to honor God and benefit others.
* I'm not an after-thought (nor is anyone else). It is by the unearned favor of God that I even exist. And I've been made for a purpose. But just "getting things done" in life means nothing. Who remembers the feats of 99.99% of the people who've walked the earth? For that matter, who remembers the feats of those in our own family tree? So, what's it all about? Knowing that I was purposefully made by God is foundational in my pursuit to honor God and benefit others.
