Friday, April 28, 2006
LUI
"The consequences of our sinful condition is that we don't become sinners when we sin; we sin because we are sinners, and we need God's grace from start to finish. Only by His intervention can we begin to reverse the devastating effects of our fallen nature. Even though it will not be removed in this life, its power over us is broken so that we can choose against its influence."
-Dr. Rick Cornish, "5 Minute Theologian"
Living Under the Influence (LUI). Those that have Christ can now choose their influence. God's Word explains how to use this freedom ... "You my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13 NIV)
-Dr. Rick Cornish, "5 Minute Theologian"
Living Under the Influence (LUI). Those that have Christ can now choose their influence. God's Word explains how to use this freedom ... "You my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13 NIV)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Unproductive Pain
(Proverbs 27:22 NIV)Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him.
Social pressures and consequences (pestle and mortar) alone will not bring about wisdom ... "will not remove his folly from him." Just to be clear, wisdom does not equal IQ. There are plenty of highly degreed fools. Ultimately, for his own good/sanity, man needs to submit to God ... that's wisdom's trailhead (ref. Proverbs 1:7).
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Face Value
(Proverbs 26:24-26 NIV)
A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. [25] Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. [26] His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Self-less ambition. No agendas. Face value. How I long for it! Unfortunately, these things require a fight. With others? Yeah, fights happen between people, but only as a result of losing the first fight (ref. James 4:1-3).
The fight with self needs to happen first ... thus termed above as the "first fight." Complete honesty with self and God. The pride inside of a man doesn't like this confrontation. But choose not to fight and that very pride will increasingly demand "catering to." Pride is mean. It'll then cause the man to paint a picture of selflessness ... possibly even of being "the victim." It'll cause him to pretend to be "for the cause" and actually say so. Pride is sneaky.
"... but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." Sound ideas will be offered, but those that clash with his "kingdom" will be routinely resisted by the prideful man. "Issues" always arise. Eventually, discovery occurs ... the facade of cooperation (being "for the cause") crumbles ... and a tarnished reputation follows.
A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. [25] Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. [26] His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
Self-less ambition. No agendas. Face value. How I long for it! Unfortunately, these things require a fight. With others? Yeah, fights happen between people, but only as a result of losing the first fight (ref. James 4:1-3).
The fight with self needs to happen first ... thus termed above as the "first fight." Complete honesty with self and God. The pride inside of a man doesn't like this confrontation. But choose not to fight and that very pride will increasingly demand "catering to." Pride is mean. It'll then cause the man to paint a picture of selflessness ... possibly even of being "the victim." It'll cause him to pretend to be "for the cause" and actually say so. Pride is sneaky.
"... but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." Sound ideas will be offered, but those that clash with his "kingdom" will be routinely resisted by the prideful man. "Issues" always arise. Eventually, discovery occurs ... the facade of cooperation (being "for the cause") crumbles ... and a tarnished reputation follows.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Power and Strength
(Proverbs 24:5,10 NIV)
[5] A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; [10] If you falter in times of trouble how small is your strength.
* Through persistent action, water will erode a rock. Water is powerful. Toss the same eroded rock into the pool of water drops that caused it's erosion and the rock will crash through the surface uncontested, coming to rest on the bottom. Water is not strong.
Power and strength. People need both. A man of knowledge increases his strength by learning where he's weak. A man of wisdom takes that knowledge and puts together a plan to overcome through persistence ... just like dripping water.
[5] A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; [10] If you falter in times of trouble how small is your strength.
* Through persistent action, water will erode a rock. Water is powerful. Toss the same eroded rock into the pool of water drops that caused it's erosion and the rock will crash through the surface uncontested, coming to rest on the bottom. Water is not strong.
Power and strength. People need both. A man of knowledge increases his strength by learning where he's weak. A man of wisdom takes that knowledge and puts together a plan to overcome through persistence ... just like dripping water.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Random Thoughts
* I cannot see the wind, but I can see it's effect. So it is with God.
* I have not seen blueprints, nor did I see anyone build my house. Was there no mason, carpenter, or architect? An obviously foolish question, yet a belief often held true in regard to the universe.
* Just because I may not have a quick and/or witty response/retort to questions (or attacks) regarding my faith, that doesn't prove Christianity any less true. Christianity can be investigated and proven beyond reasonable doubt by anyone who is honestly looking for truth.
* Atheism is easily disproved as ignorant folly, for in order to be sure that nowhere in the universe does God exist, by definition, one must be God.
* Does anyone really know what time it is ... does anyone really care??
* And on the lighter side (no pun intended) ....
... ya gotta love that crazy rock thrower!!
* I have not seen blueprints, nor did I see anyone build my house. Was there no mason, carpenter, or architect? An obviously foolish question, yet a belief often held true in regard to the universe.
* Just because I may not have a quick and/or witty response/retort to questions (or attacks) regarding my faith, that doesn't prove Christianity any less true. Christianity can be investigated and proven beyond reasonable doubt by anyone who is honestly looking for truth.
* Atheism is easily disproved as ignorant folly, for in order to be sure that nowhere in the universe does God exist, by definition, one must be God.
* Does anyone really know what time it is ... does anyone really care??
* And on the lighter side (no pun intended) ....
... ya gotta love that crazy rock thrower!!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Be Careful!
(2 Peter 3:16b-17 NIV)
[16b] His (the Apostle Paul's) letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. [17] Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men ....
While spending time in the garage yesterday afternoon (I'm currently on vacation), I was listening to a couple of guys talking "un-biased" politics on WCCO 830 AM. (How can anyone really claim that??---as if any of us are purely objective.)
One of the "un-biased" guys was "challenging" one political party for laying claim to being God's party (though I've voted, in the past, in-line with this party, I was not aware of this claim ... how uninformed I am!). He went on to say how offensive it must be to God, etc., etc. He said that religion shouldn't even be mixed in with politics, but instead of letting it lay, he then continued on ... talking about how he'd studied Theology and, in his younger years he'd considered going into the priesthood, blah, blah, blah. After all that, he claimed authority on the Word of God and would challenge anybody in the political arena regarding the application of religion to their politics. He "waxed poetic" about how Jesus claims that we need to help each other, be kind, and, basically, just play nice in the sandbox together.
Like so many other clowns that boldly make biased statements without an on-hand counterpoint, he errs in his "wisdom." In this case, a liberally-biased person has chosen to forget the difficult things that Jesus preached. All Scripture is "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16-17), not just selective passages ... not counting the Old Testament as "bunk" like the radio-guy said.
When Jesus came a-callin', He "upped the ante" of the Old Testament ... calling people to account for the attitudes of their heart, not just their outward action. By going deeper, He called everyone to a level playing field ... 'cuz some of us are just better at being sneaky, or are more practiced with our "poker faces." He made statements like: if a person has even lusted after someone in their heart, they've committed adultery (Matthew 5:27-28); if anyone has ever hated someone, they've committed murder (Matthew 5:21-22). He also said that unless a man is born again, he can't even see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3).
The point that I'm trying to make is this: Anyone, and I mean ANYONE, speaking into a microphone about the things of God needs to be listened to VERY cautiously. Too many people, when they read the Word of God, are literally reading someone else's mail. They don't "get" most of the context of the book because it's a letter written by God to His children (those who are born again, not just born - John 1:12-13). Without being born again, a person doesn't have a chance of "getting it." One of God's basics is that "fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7). So please, please be careful of human opinion masquerading as "religious wisdom" ... especially now that election stuff is not far 'round the corner (this applies for all sides!).
Footnote: To become a child of God is not an exclusive privilege, but it does have a membership fee. There is a cost. But what you get in return for what you "pony-up" is beyond compare. Membership status is beyond anything we can imagine, though we do get glimpses. To become or not become a member is the single-most important thing one can decide, yet all are (or were) blinded to its importance. The cost is that which anyone can afford, but few are willing to pay. And ironically, hanging on to it is the source of every conflict we have. What is it? Pride. (John 16:9)
[16b] His (the Apostle Paul's) letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. [17] Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men ....
While spending time in the garage yesterday afternoon (I'm currently on vacation), I was listening to a couple of guys talking "un-biased" politics on WCCO 830 AM. (How can anyone really claim that??---as if any of us are purely objective.)
One of the "un-biased" guys was "challenging" one political party for laying claim to being God's party (though I've voted, in the past, in-line with this party, I was not aware of this claim ... how uninformed I am!). He went on to say how offensive it must be to God, etc., etc. He said that religion shouldn't even be mixed in with politics, but instead of letting it lay, he then continued on ... talking about how he'd studied Theology and, in his younger years he'd considered going into the priesthood, blah, blah, blah. After all that, he claimed authority on the Word of God and would challenge anybody in the political arena regarding the application of religion to their politics. He "waxed poetic" about how Jesus claims that we need to help each other, be kind, and, basically, just play nice in the sandbox together.
Like so many other clowns that boldly make biased statements without an on-hand counterpoint, he errs in his "wisdom." In this case, a liberally-biased person has chosen to forget the difficult things that Jesus preached. All Scripture is "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16-17), not just selective passages ... not counting the Old Testament as "bunk" like the radio-guy said.
When Jesus came a-callin', He "upped the ante" of the Old Testament ... calling people to account for the attitudes of their heart, not just their outward action. By going deeper, He called everyone to a level playing field ... 'cuz some of us are just better at being sneaky, or are more practiced with our "poker faces." He made statements like: if a person has even lusted after someone in their heart, they've committed adultery (Matthew 5:27-28); if anyone has ever hated someone, they've committed murder (Matthew 5:21-22). He also said that unless a man is born again, he can't even see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3).
The point that I'm trying to make is this: Anyone, and I mean ANYONE, speaking into a microphone about the things of God needs to be listened to VERY cautiously. Too many people, when they read the Word of God, are literally reading someone else's mail. They don't "get" most of the context of the book because it's a letter written by God to His children (those who are born again, not just born - John 1:12-13). Without being born again, a person doesn't have a chance of "getting it." One of God's basics is that "fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7). So please, please be careful of human opinion masquerading as "religious wisdom" ... especially now that election stuff is not far 'round the corner (this applies for all sides!).
Footnote: To become a child of God is not an exclusive privilege, but it does have a membership fee. There is a cost. But what you get in return for what you "pony-up" is beyond compare. Membership status is beyond anything we can imagine, though we do get glimpses. To become or not become a member is the single-most important thing one can decide, yet all are (or were) blinded to its importance. The cost is that which anyone can afford, but few are willing to pay. And ironically, hanging on to it is the source of every conflict we have. What is it? Pride. (John 16:9)
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Pop Psychology ... NOT!!
"Our real issue is not our upbringing, other people, the government, or the environment, but ourselves. We are our problem, and life's tensions only manifest our deeper, internal breach with God." - Dr. Rick Cornish, "5 Minute Theologian"
How refreshing the truth is, although I guess that's a matter of personal perspective ... the "refreshing" part, that is.
How refreshing the truth is, although I guess that's a matter of personal perspective ... the "refreshing" part, that is.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
40
Worship music from the early days of U2 .......
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long...
How long...to sing this song
He set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm
Many will see
Many will see and fear
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long...
I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long...
How long...to sing this song
He set my feet upon a rock
And made my footsteps firm
Many will see
Many will see and fear
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long...how long...how long...
Wound or Heal
Another rough morning at "The Shop." Most of it, looking back, has been self-induced. In computer-user terms, it's been about 75% operator error. Situations I've got myself into due to ignorance. Once again, God's Word has challenged me to not "run amok" with my tongue. Once again, another chance to follow, or launch myself into the relational rhubarb (rough ground, off-track) with co-workers. "Free will" at its best ... "Oh yeah, baby!!"
(Proverbs 12:6;18 NIV)
The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. {18} Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Simply stated truth. God telling me, especially in verse 18, the power of the tongue in any little skirmish ... and ultimately revealing how life's "battles" are most often won or lost.
Even though my flesh is "robbed" of instant gratification, I praise God for truth because His Word counsels me how to not totally destroy my life with my own weapon ....
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Kindness Ain't Cheap ...
... it's costs my flesh everything [read: pride]!!
If not for God's grace, I surely would have "ripped some heads off" already today. I'm enduring difficult, stress-filled moments that I don't believe are even remotely necessary. Oh, there's people to blame, and its my unbridled desire to crush them with harshness ... to "knock teeth down throats." The way I feel right now is this: life would be so easy if it wasn't for all of these stupid people!!
[deep breath]
(Proverbs 11:17 NIV)
A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
God is warning me!! God is reasoning with me. He has clarified that "when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom" [Proverbs 11:2]. Unfortunately (or maybe, in reality, fortunately) I have no idea of how to go about this right now ... except to pray. Ask for help. The cost that I'm having a hard time paying is the cost of my pride (asking for help) ... and the cost of anger (forgiveness). My flesh really wants to hang on to this stuff, but God is warning me that "a cruel man brings trouble on himself."
So, indulge my flesh, or walk in faith? My flesh argues with true reason, saying, "you're a fool to let this go!!" God says, "you're a fool if you don't let this go!!"
Interestingly, I understand free will more right now than ever. I have the choice of my response. A wise man would see beyond his emotion and at least look at his own experience ... which, in my case, tells me that the results of my choices are not negotiable. God's Word is the unmoveable lighthouse!!
So, basically, I'm staring myself down ... asking, "Well, what's it gonna be ... punk??"
If not for God's grace, I surely would have "ripped some heads off" already today. I'm enduring difficult, stress-filled moments that I don't believe are even remotely necessary. Oh, there's people to blame, and its my unbridled desire to crush them with harshness ... to "knock teeth down throats." The way I feel right now is this: life would be so easy if it wasn't for all of these stupid people!!
[deep breath]
(Proverbs 11:17 NIV)
A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
God is warning me!! God is reasoning with me. He has clarified that "when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom" [Proverbs 11:2]. Unfortunately (or maybe, in reality, fortunately) I have no idea of how to go about this right now ... except to pray. Ask for help. The cost that I'm having a hard time paying is the cost of my pride (asking for help) ... and the cost of anger (forgiveness). My flesh really wants to hang on to this stuff, but God is warning me that "a cruel man brings trouble on himself."
So, indulge my flesh, or walk in faith? My flesh argues with true reason, saying, "you're a fool to let this go!!" God says, "you're a fool if you don't let this go!!"
Interestingly, I understand free will more right now than ever. I have the choice of my response. A wise man would see beyond his emotion and at least look at his own experience ... which, in my case, tells me that the results of my choices are not negotiable. God's Word is the unmoveable lighthouse!!
So, basically, I'm staring myself down ... asking, "Well, what's it gonna be ... punk??"
Monday, April 10, 2006
News Flash!
Over the course of last week, my attitude gradually deteriorated into general, miserable grumpiness. My wife, the lucky woman that she is, got to experience some of it, too ... graciously biting her tongue a-half-dozen or so times over the course of an hour after I'd arrived home from work on Friday. And all of this just in time to go lead people into worship at our church. What a mess! Saturday wasn't much better. Sunday morning before church service, I got up early and got into the Word ... confessing my behavior/attitude to God, determining to change course, and just generally asking for help. This is where I was led ....
(John 6:53;56 NIV)
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. [56] Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him."
(John 15:5 NIV) [Jesus speaking]
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Honestly, as I read these things, I first kind of thought, "Yeah, I know this ...." But then I got this thought ... "do you really know this stuff? Have you really been walking with Jesus this week? Have you been abiding in Him, or just taking time to read His Word and then go on your way?"
Here's the point ... the NEWS FLASH! Abiding is a way of life, not part of my life. This is a 24/7 thing, not one hour of my day. This, for me, is a reminder. The thing that strikes me most, even now, is that because of my laziness/apathy/complacency/lack-of-discipline, others also suffer. Not only do I experience "death" in my heart (Galatians 6:8), but anyone that is unfortunate enough to be around me will experience the shrapnel wounds caused by a miserable heart.
"Honor God, Benefit Others" Action Step: ruthlessly, daily, crucify the flesh!
(John 6:53;56 NIV)
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. [56] Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him."
(John 15:5 NIV) [Jesus speaking]
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Honestly, as I read these things, I first kind of thought, "Yeah, I know this ...." But then I got this thought ... "do you really know this stuff? Have you really been walking with Jesus this week? Have you been abiding in Him, or just taking time to read His Word and then go on your way?"
Here's the point ... the NEWS FLASH! Abiding is a way of life, not part of my life. This is a 24/7 thing, not one hour of my day. This, for me, is a reminder. The thing that strikes me most, even now, is that because of my laziness/apathy/complacency/lack-of-discipline, others also suffer. Not only do I experience "death" in my heart (Galatians 6:8), but anyone that is unfortunate enough to be around me will experience the shrapnel wounds caused by a miserable heart.
"Honor God, Benefit Others" Action Step: ruthlessly, daily, crucify the flesh!
