Life is all about love.
"The entire law is summed up in a sigle command: 'Love you neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:14
Question: Honestly, are relationships my first priority? How can I ensure that they are?
This is another tough question! I'm usually surrounded by tasks that I have to get done either during the day or during the week like planning MS and HS youth group, answering phone calls and e-mails, doing research, seeing what new curriculum is out there, etc. But really, it's about the relationships! It's calling, e-mailing, texting, or Facebook, just reaching out to them saying that you're thinking about them and how their week is.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Purpose Driven Life pt. 15
Now we are in Purpose #2: You Were Formed For God's Family
The last Purpose (#1) was What on Earth Am I Here For?
I was formed for God's family.
"His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:5
Question: How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family?
It's building those relationship among one another. Getting to know how their family is doing and not focusing only on the youth. Also getting to know them outside of church, whether it's inviting them home, going out to a park, a restaurant, or something similar. It's treating them with love and with respect.
The last Purpose (#1) was What on Earth Am I Here For?
I was formed for God's family.
"His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:5
Question: How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family?
It's building those relationship among one another. Getting to know how their family is doing and not focusing only on the youth. Also getting to know them outside of church, whether it's inviting them home, going out to a park, a restaurant, or something similar. It's treating them with love and with respect.
Purpose Driven Life pt. 14
Two week mark!
God is real, no matter how I feel.
"For God has said, 'I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.'" Hebrews 13:5
Question: How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when he feels distant?
I think it's kind of getting the routine down of praying and/or reading the Bible daily. It can be a certain time of the day or night. Studies have shown that after you have done something for 28 days straight, it becomes a habit.
Usually in the age of technology when we e-mail someone or call someone and when we don't hear back, it seems like they can be ignoring us. But really, that someone is still thinking about you and will back to you. With God, He is always there and will get in touch with us, we just need to be patient.
Like Rick says, "...there's nothing wrong with you! This is a normal part of the testing and maturing of your friendship with God." Do you agree what he says here?
God is real, no matter how I feel.
"For God has said, 'I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.'" Hebrews 13:5
Question: How can I stay focused on God's presence, especially when he feels distant?
I think it's kind of getting the routine down of praying and/or reading the Bible daily. It can be a certain time of the day or night. Studies have shown that after you have done something for 28 days straight, it becomes a habit.
Usually in the age of technology when we e-mail someone or call someone and when we don't hear back, it seems like they can be ignoring us. But really, that someone is still thinking about you and will back to you. With God, He is always there and will get in touch with us, we just need to be patient.
Like Rick says, "...there's nothing wrong with you! This is a normal part of the testing and maturing of your friendship with God." Do you agree what he says here?
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Purpose Driven Life pt. 13
God wants ALL of me.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
Questions: Which is more pleasing to God right now - my public worship or my private worship? Waht will I do about this?
Right now I would say private worship. After the last couple of chapters it deals with developing that friendship with God. Earlier in the book it talked about worship not being just music, but everything we do in church and outside of church that puts the focus on God. Think about the word "focus".
What do you think about the word "authentic"? Another word that comes to my mind about authentic is the word "real". Being real with God, loving Him unconditionally. Again, it's almost like surrendering to God, isn't it?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
Questions: Which is more pleasing to God right now - my public worship or my private worship? Waht will I do about this?
Right now I would say private worship. After the last couple of chapters it deals with developing that friendship with God. Earlier in the book it talked about worship not being just music, but everything we do in church and outside of church that puts the focus on God. Think about the word "focus".
What do you think about the word "authentic"? Another word that comes to my mind about authentic is the word "real". Being real with God, loving Him unconditionally. Again, it's almost like surrendering to God, isn't it?
Purpose Driven Life pt. 12
I'm as close to God as I choose to be.
"Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." James 4:8
Question: What practical choices will I make today i order to grow closer with God?
For me, it's talking to Him. Whether it's a conversation or prayer, it's simply talking to Him.
This is a great sequel from the last chapter. Developing that friendship can also refer to "surrendering". Normally our best friends know almost everything about us. It's because we trust them and telling them our darkest fears or other details means that we are surrendering to them. I want you to think about the phrase "I'm as close to God as I choose to be" for a while and repeat it to yourself. Are you happy where you at, content, or disappointed?
With the mention of honesty; we are honest with our best friends. In the same way, we have to be hosest with God. Sure, He knows EVERYTHING about us, even though when we pray we sometimes don't say what's on our heart. But it's saying EVERYTHING on our heart will develop that relationship with God and getting rid of the "baggage" that we carry with us. It's SURRENDERING!
"Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." James 4:8
Question: What practical choices will I make today i order to grow closer with God?
For me, it's talking to Him. Whether it's a conversation or prayer, it's simply talking to Him.
This is a great sequel from the last chapter. Developing that friendship can also refer to "surrendering". Normally our best friends know almost everything about us. It's because we trust them and telling them our darkest fears or other details means that we are surrendering to them. I want you to think about the phrase "I'm as close to God as I choose to be" for a while and repeat it to yourself. Are you happy where you at, content, or disappointed?
With the mention of honesty; we are honest with our best friends. In the same way, we have to be hosest with God. Sure, He knows EVERYTHING about us, even though when we pray we sometimes don't say what's on our heart. But it's saying EVERYTHING on our heart will develop that relationship with God and getting rid of the "baggage" that we carry with us. It's SURRENDERING!
Purpose Driven Life. pt 11
God wants to by my best friend.
"Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him." Psalm 25:14
Question: What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often throughout the day?
Even though I work in the church, I can sometimes put God on the back-burner. I immediately check my e-mail and start organizing what I have to do for the week. Like the author said, talking to God can be while you shop, drive, or anything else. I can use more short phrases throughtout the day, but it has to be sincere, not just going-through-the-motions.
Think about the relationship with your best frind(s). For me, one of my best friends is my wife. I know her pretty well and she knows me pretty well. We converse daily and grow together in our marriage and in our relationship. That's similar to what the relationship with God is supposed to be. It's speaking to Him, either in prayer or in conversation. Sometimes my moments with God are either driving or in the bathroom (sorry, t.m.i.). I probably get some strange looks if I'm driving and people see me talking to "myself", but I don't care. I am having my one-on-one time with God.
If you are interested in more prayer, I have some outlines in my mailbox about prayer that I did a few weeks ago. Feel free to take a copy!
"Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him." Psalm 25:14
Question: What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often throughout the day?
Even though I work in the church, I can sometimes put God on the back-burner. I immediately check my e-mail and start organizing what I have to do for the week. Like the author said, talking to God can be while you shop, drive, or anything else. I can use more short phrases throughtout the day, but it has to be sincere, not just going-through-the-motions.
Think about the relationship with your best frind(s). For me, one of my best friends is my wife. I know her pretty well and she knows me pretty well. We converse daily and grow together in our marriage and in our relationship. That's similar to what the relationship with God is supposed to be. It's speaking to Him, either in prayer or in conversation. Sometimes my moments with God are either driving or in the bathroom (sorry, t.m.i.). I probably get some strange looks if I'm driving and people see me talking to "myself", but I don't care. I am having my one-on-one time with God.
If you are interested in more prayer, I have some outlines in my mailbox about prayer that I did a few weeks ago. Feel free to take a copy!
Purpose Driven Life pt. 10
Double digits!!!!
The heart of worship is surrender.
"Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes." Romans 6:13
Question: What area of my life am I holding back from God?
Trust. Hands down. Like the beginning of the chapter said, thw word surrendering has a negative meaning in the world-view. In our life, we are taught that work, sports, or anything else is a dog-eat-dog world. Full of competition, racing to the top of the corporate "food chain".
It's hard to figure out what God's plan (or purpose) is let alone doing it. Sometimes God will call us to do something and we can act like a two year-old and kick and scream all we can, but it's something that has to be done. However, it what makes us stronger and allowing us to take risks and fully TRUST on God.
This is not an over-night process. It'll take time and patience. At this time of Lent, I think about the sacrifice that Christ made for us. He SURRENDERED to God for His will, for His purpose.
The heart of worship is surrender.
"Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes." Romans 6:13
Question: What area of my life am I holding back from God?
Trust. Hands down. Like the beginning of the chapter said, thw word surrendering has a negative meaning in the world-view. In our life, we are taught that work, sports, or anything else is a dog-eat-dog world. Full of competition, racing to the top of the corporate "food chain".
It's hard to figure out what God's plan (or purpose) is let alone doing it. Sometimes God will call us to do something and we can act like a two year-old and kick and scream all we can, but it's something that has to be done. However, it what makes us stronger and allowing us to take risks and fully TRUST on God.
This is not an over-night process. It'll take time and patience. At this time of Lent, I think about the sacrifice that Christ made for us. He SURRENDERED to God for His will, for His purpose.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Purpose Driven Life pt. 9
Alright y'all, here is today's (Tuesday) post!
God smiles when I trust him.
"The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love." Pslam 147:11
Question: Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most?
Everything! In decisions that we make and issues that we face. The Bible says that God will not put you through anything that you cannot handle. It's loving Him and He will guide you where you need to go, whether you like it or not!
Think about college. Applying, scholarships, roommates, etc., God is wanting you to trust Him throught that process. Even if you don't get accepted to the college that you wanted to go, He will take you to the college where HE wants you to go. It's part of His plan and His purpose for you.
Praying and reading scripture are just a few ways to seek God and Him communicating to you. Offer yourself to Him with prayers, praises and thanksgiving. Give Him you WHOLE heart and say what you need to say, leave nothing behind.
God smiles when I trust him.
"The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love." Pslam 147:11
Question: Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most?
Everything! In decisions that we make and issues that we face. The Bible says that God will not put you through anything that you cannot handle. It's loving Him and He will guide you where you need to go, whether you like it or not!
Think about college. Applying, scholarships, roommates, etc., God is wanting you to trust Him throught that process. Even if you don't get accepted to the college that you wanted to go, He will take you to the college where HE wants you to go. It's part of His plan and His purpose for you.
Praying and reading scripture are just a few ways to seek God and Him communicating to you. Offer yourself to Him with prayers, praises and thanksgiving. Give Him you WHOLE heart and say what you need to say, leave nothing behind.
Purpose Driven Life pt. 8
I was planned for God's pleasure.
"The Lord takes pleasure in his people." Psalm 149:4
Question: What common taks could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?
When Steph were dating and engaged, I live in an apartment with two other guys and she lived in a house with nine other girls. Before I would go home at night, we prayed together. It was an excellent time to be with God as a couple and giving Him thanks and offering our prayers from what happened to our day. Lately, that has not happened since we've been married. That is something that I was to do again and in the morning. We (everyone) just get stuck in a routine and if something is "off" then our whole day is messed up.
What did you think about the meaning of "worship"? It's all true about what the author says. Later on Rick will go more in-depth about worship in later in the book.
"This is what real worship is all about - falling in love with Jesus."
"The Lord takes pleasure in his people." Psalm 149:4
Question: What common taks could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?
When Steph were dating and engaged, I live in an apartment with two other guys and she lived in a house with nine other girls. Before I would go home at night, we prayed together. It was an excellent time to be with God as a couple and giving Him thanks and offering our prayers from what happened to our day. Lately, that has not happened since we've been married. That is something that I was to do again and in the morning. We (everyone) just get stuck in a routine and if something is "off" then our whole day is messed up.
What did you think about the meaning of "worship"? It's all true about what the author says. Later on Rick will go more in-depth about worship in later in the book.
"This is what real worship is all about - falling in love with Jesus."
Purpose Driven Life pt. 7
Alright, we've hit the one week mark!!!
It's all for him.
"For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." Romans 11:36
Question: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
This is by far the best one yet. He really puts it out there and challenges us to live a life for God's glory. Asking "what's God's glory" seems like an easy question, but a difficult one to answer. For me, it's praying to Him and thanking Him. He gave us what He has provided for us. Nature, air, a house, family, friends, etc., and remember that this is on loan to us. Two of the most awe-inspiring things that I see how beautiful and how powerful God is, is looking at a sunset and a thunderstorm. Those are the things for me that I want to thank God for His glory and power!
Finally I want to list the five ways we can bring glory to God:
1. We bring God glory by worshiping him.
2. We bring God glory by loving other believers.
3. We bring God glory be becoming like Christ.
4. We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts.
5. We bring God glory by telling others about him.
Now replace the "We" with "I" and read it back to yourself, do you do all of those??
It's all for him.
"For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory." Romans 11:36
Question: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?
This is by far the best one yet. He really puts it out there and challenges us to live a life for God's glory. Asking "what's God's glory" seems like an easy question, but a difficult one to answer. For me, it's praying to Him and thanking Him. He gave us what He has provided for us. Nature, air, a house, family, friends, etc., and remember that this is on loan to us. Two of the most awe-inspiring things that I see how beautiful and how powerful God is, is looking at a sunset and a thunderstorm. Those are the things for me that I want to thank God for His glory and power!
Finally I want to list the five ways we can bring glory to God:
1. We bring God glory by worshiping him.
2. We bring God glory by loving other believers.
3. We bring God glory be becoming like Christ.
4. We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts.
5. We bring God glory by telling others about him.
Now replace the "We" with "I" and read it back to yourself, do you do all of those??
Purpose Driven Life pt. 6
This world is not my home.
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Question: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?
Ok, now that is a tough question. Lately my wife and I have said that we would like to get new furniture, new t.v., new garden pots, and a puppy! It's something that the character Caleb says in the movie Fireproof, "those are called preferences". In way, it is. We are slammed everyday with advertisements saying to get the latest phone, clothes, t.v., etc. The more "hip and modern" we are, the more we fit into society. Like the book says, life on earth is just temporary.
We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, on what is holy. For me it's saying that we need to be thankful of what we have right now because there are far WORSE places in the world and some people do have nearly the things that we have. We need to serve and love others, just as Christ did when he was here. Remember, we are ambassadors to Christ.
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Question: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?
Ok, now that is a tough question. Lately my wife and I have said that we would like to get new furniture, new t.v., new garden pots, and a puppy! It's something that the character Caleb says in the movie Fireproof, "those are called preferences". In way, it is. We are slammed everyday with advertisements saying to get the latest phone, clothes, t.v., etc. The more "hip and modern" we are, the more we fit into society. Like the book says, life on earth is just temporary.
We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, on what is holy. For me it's saying that we need to be thankful of what we have right now because there are far WORSE places in the world and some people do have nearly the things that we have. We need to serve and love others, just as Christ did when he was here. Remember, we are ambassadors to Christ.
Purpose Driven Life pt. 5
Hey y'all! Hope you are getting a lot from this book so far! I was out of town and here are the next few days, enjoy!
Day Five: Life is a test and a trust.
"Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." Luke 16:10
Question: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
Immediately the first thing that popped in my head was searching for a job. I knew what God called me to do (youth ministry) now it was my turn to seek where He wanted me to be. God really tested me on perseverance, hope, and patience. I applied for about 250+ jobs before God presented me to St. Francis. Some of the greatest matters that God has entrusted me is leading the youth to God. Showing them what it is like to have a relationship with God and Jesus and to showing them that having this relationship doesn't only happen in church, it happens outside of church as well.
One thing that Rick Warren (the author) says that I think really stands out is what he says in the beginning, "The way you see your life shapes your life." Is that true for you???
Day Five: Life is a test and a trust.
"Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." Luke 16:10
Question: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?
Immediately the first thing that popped in my head was searching for a job. I knew what God called me to do (youth ministry) now it was my turn to seek where He wanted me to be. God really tested me on perseverance, hope, and patience. I applied for about 250+ jobs before God presented me to St. Francis. Some of the greatest matters that God has entrusted me is leading the youth to God. Showing them what it is like to have a relationship with God and Jesus and to showing them that having this relationship doesn't only happen in church, it happens outside of church as well.
One thing that Rick Warren (the author) says that I think really stands out is what he says in the beginning, "The way you see your life shapes your life." Is that true for you???
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Purpose Driven Life pt. 4
Day FOOOOOUUUUR!
There is more to life than just here and now.
"The world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17
Question: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?
Ok, this one is an obvious one for me and I'm doing it right now...watching t.v. Usually when I get home from work I watch some t.v., talk to the mrs. and then we watch our favorite shows. The one thing that I NEED to start doing more is more reading, especially the Bible. It's something that you need know and read everyday, it's the manual on life. It's been tough, but we are going to get rid of our satellite dish service soon and I think that'll be the first step! It's been especially hard because I don't really have anyone to talk to about what I read. I would usually tell the Mrs., but she has been out of town lately. However, change is coming and lets get cracking on that Bible!!!
There is more to life than just here and now.
"The world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2:17
Question: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?
Ok, this one is an obvious one for me and I'm doing it right now...watching t.v. Usually when I get home from work I watch some t.v., talk to the mrs. and then we watch our favorite shows. The one thing that I NEED to start doing more is more reading, especially the Bible. It's something that you need know and read everyday, it's the manual on life. It's been tough, but we are going to get rid of our satellite dish service soon and I think that'll be the first step! It's been especially hard because I don't really have anyone to talk to about what I read. I would usually tell the Mrs., but she has been out of town lately. However, change is coming and lets get cracking on that Bible!!!
Purpose Driven Life pt. 3
Day Three, 37 more to go!
"Living on purpose is the path to peace."
"You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
Question: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?
Wow, this is a tough one! I would guess that say would say that my "driving force" is serving others and being kind. For me, those things are great, but I also want it to be these words, "courageous" and "risk-taker". For me it's been a challenge to take risks, but in order to find what my purpose is and to grow as a Christian, there are risks that I will have to take. Not sure what they are, but I'm sure that God knows!
"Living on purpose is the path to peace."
"You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
Question: What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?
Wow, this is a tough one! I would guess that say would say that my "driving force" is serving others and being kind. For me, those things are great, but I also want it to be these words, "courageous" and "risk-taker". For me it's been a challenge to take risks, but in order to find what my purpose is and to grow as a Christian, there are risks that I will have to take. Not sure what they are, but I'm sure that God knows!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Purpose Driven Life pt. 2
Here we go, day 2!
Today's theme is "You are not an accident".
"I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." Isaiah 44:2
Question: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?
First thing that popped in my head were the words "physical appearance". Everyday we are bombarded by advertisements with clothes, exercise equipment, and pills that will "make us skinny". For me, it's my weight that I struggle with. Growing up I was a big guy. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians saying,
"Do you not know that you body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" 1 Cor. 6:19
This is the body that God has given me, a temple for the Holy Spirit. Now it doesn't focus on weight, but also what you do to your body.
I've started working out at Anytime Fitness here in Chapin and I feel so much better when I leave (of course being a little sore as well) and I want to take better care of my body.
Today's theme is "You are not an accident".
"I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." Isaiah 44:2
Question: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?
First thing that popped in my head were the words "physical appearance". Everyday we are bombarded by advertisements with clothes, exercise equipment, and pills that will "make us skinny". For me, it's my weight that I struggle with. Growing up I was a big guy. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians saying,
"Do you not know that you body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" 1 Cor. 6:19
This is the body that God has given me, a temple for the Holy Spirit. Now it doesn't focus on weight, but also what you do to your body.
I've started working out at Anytime Fitness here in Chapin and I feel so much better when I leave (of course being a little sore as well) and I want to take better care of my body.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Purpose Driven Life, day 1
Our HS EYC has begun a 40 day spiritual journey! We are reading the book "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California. Starting today, I am also on this journey and will be giving my thoughts and instights after each chapter. 40 days = 40 chapters. Here is day 1:
"Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." Colossians 1:16b
Question: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?
For me, that's probably one of the most difficult questions. We often live in a "me" type society, like what will this product do for "me", what are you going to do for "me", how can you serve "me", etc. The first thing that I can remind myself that life is living for God is surrounding myself with other believers. When Jesus first started the Church, it was Pentecost. It wasn't the first construction of a church building, it was the start of a community of believers who came together and worshiped God. Being surrounded by fellow Christians gives you the accountability and the fellowship that you can receive and grow. Once we turn and start becoming "me" monsters, that's when we begin to lose focus on living for God and focusing on us, our own desires, not God's.
Also when we surround ourselves with media, including texting, facebook, etc., we are sometimes not mindful of what the message is conveying to us or to others (such as texting). You could be listening to a song on the radio and it sounds great with the chords, rocking guitar, the thumping of the bass, but are you listening to the lyrics and know what he/she/they are REALLY saying? But once you have a mindful attitude of what you see, hear, and think you'll discover that "hey, maybe I shouldn't be listening to that song" or "I don't think watching this t.v. program is healthy". Again, it's having that mindful attitude of living for God, and not becoming a "me" monster.
"Everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him." Colossians 1:16b
Question: In spite of all the advertising around me, how can I remind myself that life is really about living for God, not myself?
For me, that's probably one of the most difficult questions. We often live in a "me" type society, like what will this product do for "me", what are you going to do for "me", how can you serve "me", etc. The first thing that I can remind myself that life is living for God is surrounding myself with other believers. When Jesus first started the Church, it was Pentecost. It wasn't the first construction of a church building, it was the start of a community of believers who came together and worshiped God. Being surrounded by fellow Christians gives you the accountability and the fellowship that you can receive and grow. Once we turn and start becoming "me" monsters, that's when we begin to lose focus on living for God and focusing on us, our own desires, not God's.
Also when we surround ourselves with media, including texting, facebook, etc., we are sometimes not mindful of what the message is conveying to us or to others (such as texting). You could be listening to a song on the radio and it sounds great with the chords, rocking guitar, the thumping of the bass, but are you listening to the lyrics and know what he/she/they are REALLY saying? But once you have a mindful attitude of what you see, hear, and think you'll discover that "hey, maybe I shouldn't be listening to that song" or "I don't think watching this t.v. program is healthy". Again, it's having that mindful attitude of living for God, and not becoming a "me" monster.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Take it! It's yours!
In Matthew 5:15 Jesus says, "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." This "light" that he talks about is our own light for God. Later in Ephesians, Paul explains what we need to do with this light. He says,
"once you were full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it...this light produces only what is good and right and true. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them...And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds." -Ephesian 5:8-9,11,14.
Jesus encourages us and wants us to have our light shine everyday for people to see. How do we do that? By our actions and how they reflect our faith! It can be very easy to come to church to have your "light" out for others to see, but when you leave church to go home or somewhere else, it's easy to hide it or as Jesus says "put it under a bowl." This doesn't have to be home, it can be where your work, your friends, your co-workers, your classmates, and your peers! Think about it, it's almost similar to living a double life, isn't it?
Being a Christian is not easy. It is something that you need and want! When I was in college as a freshman, I swore a lot and did some things that I wasn't proud of. When I first got involved with church and began reading the Bible, it was something that I craved and needed from all the muck in my life! As soon as I got baptized and began devoting my life for Christ, it was difficult. I lost a lot of friends because I didn't party or do any of the "stuff" I used to do and it was a difficult time. I even asked myself if it was worth it; was it worth being a Christian? However, I gained friends who supported me in my walk-of-faith and one that I eventually married!
So I want you to reflect on this, is your "light" always shining for others to see or do you only let it out when you're at church? In the movie "Troy" when the Greeks are almost to the shores of Troy, the warrior Achilles tells his troops what awaits them and cries out this phrase, "Take it! It yours!" That's how I want you to feel about being fully committed to Christ and shining your light. God needs you, Christ needs you, we need you!
Take it! It's yours!
"once you were full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it...this light produces only what is good and right and true. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them...And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds." -Ephesian 5:8-9,11,14.
Jesus encourages us and wants us to have our light shine everyday for people to see. How do we do that? By our actions and how they reflect our faith! It can be very easy to come to church to have your "light" out for others to see, but when you leave church to go home or somewhere else, it's easy to hide it or as Jesus says "put it under a bowl." This doesn't have to be home, it can be where your work, your friends, your co-workers, your classmates, and your peers! Think about it, it's almost similar to living a double life, isn't it?
Being a Christian is not easy. It is something that you need and want! When I was in college as a freshman, I swore a lot and did some things that I wasn't proud of. When I first got involved with church and began reading the Bible, it was something that I craved and needed from all the muck in my life! As soon as I got baptized and began devoting my life for Christ, it was difficult. I lost a lot of friends because I didn't party or do any of the "stuff" I used to do and it was a difficult time. I even asked myself if it was worth it; was it worth being a Christian? However, I gained friends who supported me in my walk-of-faith and one that I eventually married!
So I want you to reflect on this, is your "light" always shining for others to see or do you only let it out when you're at church? In the movie "Troy" when the Greeks are almost to the shores of Troy, the warrior Achilles tells his troops what awaits them and cries out this phrase, "Take it! It yours!" That's how I want you to feel about being fully committed to Christ and shining your light. God needs you, Christ needs you, we need you!
Take it! It's yours!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
YouTube
I'm not going to lie, but YouTube is one of my all-time favorite websites! It is a huge eclectic-like melting pot of "how to", pet, music, t.v. show, movie trailer, and random-people-getting-hurt type videos! Being a musician I love watching jazz musicians perform. You see the expressions on their faces and their body movements during the music and it conveys a whole new understanding rather than just listening. During my time at YouthWorks we would have free time from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. So all day Saturday, we would do whatever, but we didn't have t.v. or Wii, XBox, or anything like that. So I went to JoAnn Fabrics, bought some hemp and beads and watched videos on YouTube on how to make hemp jewelry. To be honest, it was very therapeutic!
Sometimes it can make someone famous, just like Ted Williams. Ted was a homeless man from Columbus, OH. who said he had a golden voice. If you haven't seen it, wow! His voice is amazing and now he is getting all of these job offers from companies like Kraft Foods and the Cleveland Cavaliers! Justin Bieber also began his career posting videos of him singing and now look at where he is. Plus you have some people who have their own "t.v. shows" on YouTube that gives the news in a comical way.
With YouTube getting about 20 hours worth of videos for every minute! According to a study, last year the average video length was 2 min. and 30 sec. Let me ask you this, if your life could be represented from birth to now in 2 1/2 minutes, what whould be on there? Would it be vacations? Winning in sports? Diappointment? Hanging out with friends? Losing a loved one? Getting in a fight? Birthday parties? Holiday memories?
Think about it and how have those events molded you into the person who you are right now. Are you happy or disappointed? What are some things you can change or stay the same?
Sometimes it can make someone famous, just like Ted Williams. Ted was a homeless man from Columbus, OH. who said he had a golden voice. If you haven't seen it, wow! His voice is amazing and now he is getting all of these job offers from companies like Kraft Foods and the Cleveland Cavaliers! Justin Bieber also began his career posting videos of him singing and now look at where he is. Plus you have some people who have their own "t.v. shows" on YouTube that gives the news in a comical way.
With YouTube getting about 20 hours worth of videos for every minute! According to a study, last year the average video length was 2 min. and 30 sec. Let me ask you this, if your life could be represented from birth to now in 2 1/2 minutes, what whould be on there? Would it be vacations? Winning in sports? Diappointment? Hanging out with friends? Losing a loved one? Getting in a fight? Birthday parties? Holiday memories?
Think about it and how have those events molded you into the person who you are right now. Are you happy or disappointed? What are some things you can change or stay the same?
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