Ps 44:1-3
1we have heard with our ears, O God;our fathers have told us what you did in their days,in days long ago. 2 With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our fathers;you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish. 3 It was not by their sword that they won the land,nor did their arm bring them victory;it was your right hand, your arm,and the light of your face, for you loved them. NIV
There is a joy in hearing about the faithfulness of God from those who have lived long enough to have great stories of God's faithfulness through the years! I have found this to be a refreshing experience. It is an experience that has not occurred enough for me, I ought to seek out those who have great stories of the Lords power and faithfulness, I ought to delight in them!
Praise the Lord for those who He has been faithful to, and for their overwhelming desire to share His greatness with me!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Hold Firm
I'm sure this post is more for me than any of you. Last week I lacked faith. I did not truly trust that God's plan was sufficient for all my needs. I fell back into the trappings of some terrible sins: Selfishness, lust, laziness. Because of these struggles Hebrews 4:14-16 cries out to my heart with great conviction.
Heb 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. NIV
If I am to find freedom from these sins I must look beyond my own strength. Years upon years of trying has proven that my strength is never sufficient. In this my time of need I must keep these verses in mind, remembering that Jesus is a sympathetic king. He is one whom I can come to with all confidence; knowing that he is not only enough, but also that he desires my holiness!
Praise the Lord, the convictor of my heart, and the lover of my soul!
Heb 4:14-16
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. NIV
If I am to find freedom from these sins I must look beyond my own strength. Years upon years of trying has proven that my strength is never sufficient. In this my time of need I must keep these verses in mind, remembering that Jesus is a sympathetic king. He is one whom I can come to with all confidence; knowing that he is not only enough, but also that he desires my holiness!
Praise the Lord, the convictor of my heart, and the lover of my soul!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
The Pack
I am trying to run. Every mourning I wake up bright and early, the first thing I do is get some water and drink it. I do this in attempt to hydrate myself for my mourning run. Then I let the water settle in, and eventually I go for my run.
The funny thing about running is I don't enjoy it in any way while I'm doing it. I do it because I know that it is a necessary exercise for me at this stage in life. Each step is a small mental battle, and inevitably after every run I know deep down that I could have gone much farther. Still even more of a mental battle, getting up each mourning to do the run.
Running takes perseverance, determination, and an often overlooked quality, preparation. That's right, the mental battle would be much easier if I would only take the steps of preparation the night before, aka getting to bed on time. Also eating healthy portions at the right time will help me in my battle to run. Ultimately though, nothing has helped me run more than accountability. I have a person who is willing to keep me accountable to run each and every mourning, at the price of 5 dollars for every time I skip!
Still at the end of each run there is a part of me that is so glad that I took the time and energy to make a step in the right direction. Being healthy is an enjoyable thing.
My current struggles in life can very easily relate to my running predicament. See I know my weaknesses, God has made them all to obvious to me, but the problem is that I don't view them in the same way I view running. It's a long term gain with miniature mental battles all along the way. Still when it comes down to it, just like health, I know what I need to do to change. It's the doing it that seems to get me every time. Up until this last year I was too ashamed of my faults to let other people know I had them, so I would try my hardest to hide them. I'm not ashamed anymore, I openly admit my struggles and that allows me to ask people to keep me accountable.
Still the cold hard truth is that a big part of me doesn't want to change. That has kept me for the most part from allowing someone to keep me accountable... but the truth is, I'll always run farther when someone is running with me! We were meant to run our lives together, bearing with one another in love. Bearing each others burdens! Life is like a race, it's long and hard, with little battles all the time, don't you want to run it with people? I do, and I am going to!
The funny thing about running is I don't enjoy it in any way while I'm doing it. I do it because I know that it is a necessary exercise for me at this stage in life. Each step is a small mental battle, and inevitably after every run I know deep down that I could have gone much farther. Still even more of a mental battle, getting up each mourning to do the run.
Running takes perseverance, determination, and an often overlooked quality, preparation. That's right, the mental battle would be much easier if I would only take the steps of preparation the night before, aka getting to bed on time. Also eating healthy portions at the right time will help me in my battle to run. Ultimately though, nothing has helped me run more than accountability. I have a person who is willing to keep me accountable to run each and every mourning, at the price of 5 dollars for every time I skip!
Still at the end of each run there is a part of me that is so glad that I took the time and energy to make a step in the right direction. Being healthy is an enjoyable thing.
My current struggles in life can very easily relate to my running predicament. See I know my weaknesses, God has made them all to obvious to me, but the problem is that I don't view them in the same way I view running. It's a long term gain with miniature mental battles all along the way. Still when it comes down to it, just like health, I know what I need to do to change. It's the doing it that seems to get me every time. Up until this last year I was too ashamed of my faults to let other people know I had them, so I would try my hardest to hide them. I'm not ashamed anymore, I openly admit my struggles and that allows me to ask people to keep me accountable.
Still the cold hard truth is that a big part of me doesn't want to change. That has kept me for the most part from allowing someone to keep me accountable... but the truth is, I'll always run farther when someone is running with me! We were meant to run our lives together, bearing with one another in love. Bearing each others burdens! Life is like a race, it's long and hard, with little battles all the time, don't you want to run it with people? I do, and I am going to!
Friday, July 13, 2007
True Humility
Seeing yourself as you really are, and acting accordingly.
if I were to give my definition of Humility, that's what it would be. It's coming to a point where we understand our true position, and letting our actions flow from that position.
Humility is not just simply "being low", but it is being as you really are. It's the absence of false pride. So far I believe most people are with me, but also I believe one can struggle with false humility.
One of my college professors called this idea "Worm Theology". It's when all you focus on is how much of a sinner and a "worm" you are. Where false pride is seeing yourself as better than you are, false humility is seeing yourself as lower than you really are. This professor claimed that we cannot allow "Worm Theology" to kill "Saint Theology". Yes we were worms, and we do still sin and are not perfect, but through the saving Grace of Jesus Christ we are made saints. We are raised up as sons of God, co-heirs with Christ! We are His chosen ambassadors.
We must balance these two ideas: worm theology and saint theology. We are saints and we are pure and forgiven, but still if not for Christ we would continue to be only worms. This dependant exaltation is where we must find our true identity.
I believe this is the balance that James was calling for in James 1:9-11
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. NIV
Those who are low in the worlds eyes must understand their high position in God, but those who are high in the worlds eyes need to remember that without Christ they are truly low. In all situations we depend on Christ!
if I were to give my definition of Humility, that's what it would be. It's coming to a point where we understand our true position, and letting our actions flow from that position.
Humility is not just simply "being low", but it is being as you really are. It's the absence of false pride. So far I believe most people are with me, but also I believe one can struggle with false humility.
One of my college professors called this idea "Worm Theology". It's when all you focus on is how much of a sinner and a "worm" you are. Where false pride is seeing yourself as better than you are, false humility is seeing yourself as lower than you really are. This professor claimed that we cannot allow "Worm Theology" to kill "Saint Theology". Yes we were worms, and we do still sin and are not perfect, but through the saving Grace of Jesus Christ we are made saints. We are raised up as sons of God, co-heirs with Christ! We are His chosen ambassadors.
We must balance these two ideas: worm theology and saint theology. We are saints and we are pure and forgiven, but still if not for Christ we would continue to be only worms. This dependant exaltation is where we must find our true identity.
I believe this is the balance that James was calling for in James 1:9-11
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. NIV
Those who are low in the worlds eyes must understand their high position in God, but those who are high in the worlds eyes need to remember that without Christ they are truly low. In all situations we depend on Christ!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Mortify the Facade
SANCTUS REAL LYRICS
"I'm Not Alright"
If weakness is a wound that no one wants to speak of
Then "cool" is just how far we have to fall
I am not immune, I only want to be loved
But I feel safe behind the firewall
Can I lose my need impress?
If you want the truth I need to confess
[Chorus:]
I'm not alright,
I'm broken inside
And all I go through,
it leads me to you
Burn away the pride
Bring me to my weakness
Until everything I hide behind is gone
And when I'm open wide with nothing left to cling to
Only you are there to lead me on.
Honestly, I'm not that strong.
[Chorus:]
I'm not alright... that's why I need you.
If that isn't profound then I don't know what is. The amazing thing is that this band does not sacrifice musical genius to obtain profound lyrics such as these!
The reason I post this on here is because I honestly feel it resonates deeply with the church. We need to have this level of honesty, we all hurt, we all hide it and deny it in our own ways. Admitting our weakness is only hard because we don't realize other people have them. That and the fact that we would like to believe we don't really have a weakness.
How are we as a Christian church supposed to take our command to bear each others burdens if we struggle to even admit that we have burdens to each other.
I'll say it, I'm not alright, I struggle. I am weak. I love my awesome God, but I also love sin! And I am completely dependant on God to help me fight, and ultimately kill, that love of sin. I also know that God has provided others in my life that love Him, He has provided them to bear this burden with me and challenge me to fight that love of sin. So I am asking you as the reader to be that person, I am not alright, please challenge and encourage me! Point me to Christ! Please, lets take our Christian life seriously and be humble enough to admit we struggle.
"I'm Not Alright"
If weakness is a wound that no one wants to speak of
Then "cool" is just how far we have to fall
I am not immune, I only want to be loved
But I feel safe behind the firewall
Can I lose my need impress?
If you want the truth I need to confess
[Chorus:]
I'm not alright,
I'm broken inside
And all I go through,
it leads me to you
Burn away the pride
Bring me to my weakness
Until everything I hide behind is gone
And when I'm open wide with nothing left to cling to
Only you are there to lead me on.
Honestly, I'm not that strong.
[Chorus:]
I'm not alright... that's why I need you.
If that isn't profound then I don't know what is. The amazing thing is that this band does not sacrifice musical genius to obtain profound lyrics such as these!
The reason I post this on here is because I honestly feel it resonates deeply with the church. We need to have this level of honesty, we all hurt, we all hide it and deny it in our own ways. Admitting our weakness is only hard because we don't realize other people have them. That and the fact that we would like to believe we don't really have a weakness.
How are we as a Christian church supposed to take our command to bear each others burdens if we struggle to even admit that we have burdens to each other.
I'll say it, I'm not alright, I struggle. I am weak. I love my awesome God, but I also love sin! And I am completely dependant on God to help me fight, and ultimately kill, that love of sin. I also know that God has provided others in my life that love Him, He has provided them to bear this burden with me and challenge me to fight that love of sin. So I am asking you as the reader to be that person, I am not alright, please challenge and encourage me! Point me to Christ! Please, lets take our Christian life seriously and be humble enough to admit we struggle.
Monday, July 9, 2007
First Post
As you may have noticed, this would be the first post I've made... ever! I figured this is as fine of a place as any to throw out there ideas that are bouncing in my head. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect anyone to read this thing, it's just nice to be able to put it out there with the hazy misguided thought that someone may actually be interested enough to read this thing... even crazier, they could possibly post a comment!
Ok I need to settle down, so the comment thing isn't likely but I do appreciate them. For the most part I take this posting thing seriously, because I have enjoyed reading my brothers site and seeing what he's thinking and where he's at these days! (If you want to check him out it is http://www.anotheroneinthedark.blogspot.com/)
The pastor down here in Toledo spoke this last Sunday on the life of Elijah (1Kings 19).
This message was specifically about the restoration of Elijah from his discouraged and depressed state he was in.
The message struck me because it pointed out what God did to restore him, and in doing so brought out some keys points about our spiritual well being.
1 Kings 19:3-6
"Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.' Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, 'Get up and eat.' He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again."
We notice here the incredible tie between spiritual well being and physical well being. The first step God takes in restoring Elijah is to feed him and give him rest. We need to acknowledge that depression and our general outlook on life are very dependant on our physical state.
All this to say that I want to take this seriously:
I want to guard my sleep
take care of my body
Exercise and watch my diet
These are so valuable, and right now I would dare to say that they are as important as reading your bible and prayer are when you are in a time of depression or discouragement. The truth is that God created us to live a certain way, it's what J.I. Packer describes as being "Truly human". Health effects us emotionally, God created us that way, so take care of yourself and live healthy. Fight off laziness, and when you have taken those steps God will use them to restore you spiritually and physically.
Ok I need to settle down, so the comment thing isn't likely but I do appreciate them. For the most part I take this posting thing seriously, because I have enjoyed reading my brothers site and seeing what he's thinking and where he's at these days! (If you want to check him out it is http://www.anotheroneinthedark.blogspot.com/)
The pastor down here in Toledo spoke this last Sunday on the life of Elijah (1Kings 19).
This message was specifically about the restoration of Elijah from his discouraged and depressed state he was in.
The message struck me because it pointed out what God did to restore him, and in doing so brought out some keys points about our spiritual well being.
1 Kings 19:3-6
"Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.' Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, 'Get up and eat.' He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again."
We notice here the incredible tie between spiritual well being and physical well being. The first step God takes in restoring Elijah is to feed him and give him rest. We need to acknowledge that depression and our general outlook on life are very dependant on our physical state.
All this to say that I want to take this seriously:
I want to guard my sleep
take care of my body
Exercise and watch my diet
These are so valuable, and right now I would dare to say that they are as important as reading your bible and prayer are when you are in a time of depression or discouragement. The truth is that God created us to live a certain way, it's what J.I. Packer describes as being "Truly human". Health effects us emotionally, God created us that way, so take care of yourself and live healthy. Fight off laziness, and when you have taken those steps God will use them to restore you spiritually and physically.
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