I came to a realization last night as I was getting into bed for the evening. I had just come from my son's room, he sleeps on our old queen mattress, which needless to say, is a huge bed for him. He was laying perpendicular to the way the bed was. It was really cute...so I kissed him on the cheek, turned him around and covered him up with the blankets.
As I was returning to our room, I came to an interesting thought. What am I trying to pass on to my kids? I know that I am only 34 (young in years, I know), but I have a unique understanding of my own mortality. What am I going to give to my legacy? What can give to them that will help them be God's person?
Deuteronomy 6:6-9-"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
What am I to impress upon my children so that they may understand the true nature of God? Maybe it is easy to say harder to do.
Galatians 5:22-23 comes to mind. If I want my children to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, don't I want them to have the Spirit? Am I really passing on the Spirit of God? I am actually trying to teach and impress and share and mold my children to have THE Spirit?
Yes! HOLY MOLY! I am talking, spanking, disciplining, shaping, loving, sacrificing, crying, praying and a wealth of other verbs so that my children will have God's Spirit in their hearts one day? That is amazing! That is inspiring! That is humbling! What an awesome legacy! Quite the revelation for me this morning...
Friday, September 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
New things...
Did you know that the world "communion" appears nowhere in the English NIV text? Now, the words "fellowship" and "participation" are together found a lot in the NIV text in the Old Testament and New Testament. Of course, you have words that come out of "communion" such as "union", "commune" and "commUNITY" with a little stretch...LOL
Anywho, these words fellowship and participation must be thought of when describing what we call The Lord's Supper. Not only does Jesus "commune" with and "host" such an event, we do the same as brothers and sisters as "participants" in this Lord's Supper. We are not the host, but we do serve just as Jesus serves/participates.
As participation occurs, that means we also SHARE this meal together. This means therefore that we SHARE Christ as host/server/fellow participant of this same meal. Jesus makes this very clear in the Last Supper..."this is my body(bread)...this is my blood(cup)"...what does this "sharing" mean? It means together, talking, singing, praying, "partnering", joyous sharing with each other, JESUS! How can you "participate" or partner with some one if you don't spend time speaking to them? How can you know who they truly are? How can you be involved with someone if you keep to yourself and not share yourself? How can Jesus be host/particpant/server to people who don't have a relationship with each other?
In my opinion, the Lord's Supper we SHARE today is NOT a participation or a partaking of each other, it is a participation in individuality and self-piety and solemn attitude of guilt and shame. It is certainly NOT a joyous occassion...it is rote and too ritualized to make any sense of "fellowship" one with another. And yes there are times for such attitudes as guilt, shame, confession, repentance, but not at the "Table"! Additionally, we may be sharing spiritually and by ourselves, but this Lord's Supper Table was never supposed to be about the "individual"...it is about the "community" of God's people.
If you look back at OT times and focus on their altars and mealtimes, you see a contrast...the altar is serious, meant for penance and consecration. The mealtimes or "tables" are meant for celebration and joy! We don't come to an altar when we eat the Lord's Supper, we come to a TABLE! It is to be joyous, celebratory, community participating and partaking one with the other, together...
I will bring more to you later as I learn more and struggle more with such topics...this is my next sermon series and trust me when I say I will struggle because this is not what I was taught growing up either...pray that I can "Preach the Word--being prepared in season and out of season; correcting, rebuking, and encouraging--with great patience and careful instruction"....
Anywho, these words fellowship and participation must be thought of when describing what we call The Lord's Supper. Not only does Jesus "commune" with and "host" such an event, we do the same as brothers and sisters as "participants" in this Lord's Supper. We are not the host, but we do serve just as Jesus serves/participates.
As participation occurs, that means we also SHARE this meal together. This means therefore that we SHARE Christ as host/server/fellow participant of this same meal. Jesus makes this very clear in the Last Supper..."this is my body(bread)...this is my blood(cup)"...what does this "sharing" mean? It means together, talking, singing, praying, "partnering", joyous sharing with each other, JESUS! How can you "participate" or partner with some one if you don't spend time speaking to them? How can you know who they truly are? How can you be involved with someone if you keep to yourself and not share yourself? How can Jesus be host/particpant/server to people who don't have a relationship with each other?
In my opinion, the Lord's Supper we SHARE today is NOT a participation or a partaking of each other, it is a participation in individuality and self-piety and solemn attitude of guilt and shame. It is certainly NOT a joyous occassion...it is rote and too ritualized to make any sense of "fellowship" one with another. And yes there are times for such attitudes as guilt, shame, confession, repentance, but not at the "Table"! Additionally, we may be sharing spiritually and by ourselves, but this Lord's Supper Table was never supposed to be about the "individual"...it is about the "community" of God's people.
If you look back at OT times and focus on their altars and mealtimes, you see a contrast...the altar is serious, meant for penance and consecration. The mealtimes or "tables" are meant for celebration and joy! We don't come to an altar when we eat the Lord's Supper, we come to a TABLE! It is to be joyous, celebratory, community participating and partaking one with the other, together...
I will bring more to you later as I learn more and struggle more with such topics...this is my next sermon series and trust me when I say I will struggle because this is not what I was taught growing up either...pray that I can "Preach the Word--being prepared in season and out of season; correcting, rebuking, and encouraging--with great patience and careful instruction"....
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Softie...
Maybe it's just me...I am sure that it isn't, but youcan tell me if I am alone on this or not.
I AM A SOFTIE!! I am not sure I even spelled that right! Anywho, I feel like a part of my manliness (if I had any) is gone! Maybe I am being too harsh on myself! And you do realize it is going to do nothing but get worse. Part of me says "It's okay. You will survive!" I don't know, I am worried about all this though. However touching it may be, I feel lost in a sea of captivation and contentment and unceasing love all at the same time. Let me show what I am talking about... 
Now, do you see? Can you really understand? I know, I know every parent is biased about THEIR children and I do get that. But let me ask you a question...Isn't God wonderful? There is nothing bad about what He gives to us and what He does for us! Our children are joyous and rotten and exciting and just plain DREAMY! And I don't care if you call me a SOFTIE or MUSHY because our children are perfect gifts from Heaven above! Live life and live it well because of the GOOD that God gives to us! You only have one shot at your children and one shot at life!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Religious Evasion...
"There is very little time and occasion for openness in most of our gatherings because we fear it. We think it may lead to confrontation, anger, and divisiveness. We are not open because we fear what others will think of us and do to us. If we honestly compared the amount of time in church spent thinking about what others think or might think with the amount of time spent thinking about what God is thinking, we would probably be shocked."
Often the 'eyeservice" that occurs in present-day church services comes in the form of trying to "move" people. "Wasn't that a great service," we often say. But what do we mean? Are we really thinking of how God felt about the service? What is the correlation between God's view of a great service and the human view? At this stage does the phrase, "Truly, truly they have their reward" apply to us?"
"Maybe the words of Ezekiel might ring true for us...
Everyone is talking about you all the time. They say, "Come and let's hear what the word is from the Lord." And they sit befor you as my people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them. For their mouths talk devotion but their hearts seek wicked gains. Why, you are just like one who sings about love with a beautiful voice and a well-played instrument. They hear what you are saying, but do not do it." Ezekiel 33:31-32
Adapted from The Divine Conspiracy
Are we seeking human approval or God's? Are we comfortable where we are and with what we do? Are we making sure we get it RIGHT in our eyes? or God's?
Tell me what you think...
Often the 'eyeservice" that occurs in present-day church services comes in the form of trying to "move" people. "Wasn't that a great service," we often say. But what do we mean? Are we really thinking of how God felt about the service? What is the correlation between God's view of a great service and the human view? At this stage does the phrase, "Truly, truly they have their reward" apply to us?"
"Maybe the words of Ezekiel might ring true for us...
Everyone is talking about you all the time. They say, "Come and let's hear what the word is from the Lord." And they sit befor you as my people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them. For their mouths talk devotion but their hearts seek wicked gains. Why, you are just like one who sings about love with a beautiful voice and a well-played instrument. They hear what you are saying, but do not do it." Ezekiel 33:31-32
Adapted from The Divine Conspiracy
Are we seeking human approval or God's? Are we comfortable where we are and with what we do? Are we making sure we get it RIGHT in our eyes? or God's?
Tell me what you think...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Are you the problem? Good, cause it ain't me...
"Heaven has forgiven people in it. Hell has forgiven people in it."
What do you think of that comment?
I like it, matter of fact I believe it and will stand by it. Simply on the basis of the idea that this is the true essence of the God that we worship, question, have faith in, revere, serve... Is it really needed to understand the nature of the one true God? It is needed for us to just comprehend that He is LOVE? Let's not forget that He is also a just God, but that He is righteous in that sentencing of justice!! But, can we just go on with knowing the fact that God LOVES us that much and that His forgiveness reaches that far? Jonah didn't think so. You know that Jonah KNEW that God would forgive the Ninevites? That is why he ran. That is why he was afraid, because he KNEW that God is "compassionate and slow to anger and abounding in love..."So what is the problem?
The problem is our choice! We choose heaven or hell! We choose...the reason I know that is because God wants EVERYONE to repent! He waits patiently for it!! Only love will break the hard at heart.We are not perfect people, just worship a forgiving, jealous, just and loving God!
What do you think of that comment?
I like it, matter of fact I believe it and will stand by it. Simply on the basis of the idea that this is the true essence of the God that we worship, question, have faith in, revere, serve... Is it really needed to understand the nature of the one true God? It is needed for us to just comprehend that He is LOVE? Let's not forget that He is also a just God, but that He is righteous in that sentencing of justice!! But, can we just go on with knowing the fact that God LOVES us that much and that His forgiveness reaches that far? Jonah didn't think so. You know that Jonah KNEW that God would forgive the Ninevites? That is why he ran. That is why he was afraid, because he KNEW that God is "compassionate and slow to anger and abounding in love..."So what is the problem?
The problem is our choice! We choose heaven or hell! We choose...the reason I know that is because God wants EVERYONE to repent! He waits patiently for it!! Only love will break the hard at heart.We are not perfect people, just worship a forgiving, jealous, just and loving God!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Just taking a commercial break...
Tell me what you think of this...
"Biblically, there is nothing more detestable than a self-righteous disciple. He is so swollen with conceit that his mere presence is unbearable. However, a nagging question arises. Have I so insulated myself in a fortified city of rationalizations that I cannot see that I may not be as different from the self-righteous as I would like to think?
The following scenario plays in my imagination:
A humble woman seeks me out because of my vaunted reputation as a spiritual guide. She is simple and direct:
"Please teach me how to pray."
Tersely, I inquire, "Tell me about your prayer life."
She lowers her eyes and says contritely, "There's not much to tell. I say grace before meals."
Haughtily, I reply, "You say grace before meals! Isn't that nice, Madam. I say grace upon waking and before retiring, and grace again before reading the newspaper and turning on the television. I say grace before ambulating and meditating, before the theater and the opera, before jogging, swimming, biking, dining, lecturing, and writing. I even say grace before I say grace."
That night soggy with self-approval, I go before the Lord.
And He whispers, "You ungrateful turd. Even the desire to say grace is itself My gift."
"Biblically, there is nothing more detestable than a self-righteous disciple. He is so swollen with conceit that his mere presence is unbearable. However, a nagging question arises. Have I so insulated myself in a fortified city of rationalizations that I cannot see that I may not be as different from the self-righteous as I would like to think?
The following scenario plays in my imagination:
A humble woman seeks me out because of my vaunted reputation as a spiritual guide. She is simple and direct:
"Please teach me how to pray."
Tersely, I inquire, "Tell me about your prayer life."
She lowers her eyes and says contritely, "There's not much to tell. I say grace before meals."
Haughtily, I reply, "You say grace before meals! Isn't that nice, Madam. I say grace upon waking and before retiring, and grace again before reading the newspaper and turning on the television. I say grace before ambulating and meditating, before the theater and the opera, before jogging, swimming, biking, dining, lecturing, and writing. I even say grace before I say grace."
That night soggy with self-approval, I go before the Lord.
And He whispers, "You ungrateful turd. Even the desire to say grace is itself My gift."
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Discipline of Grace Chapter 3...
PREACH THE GOSPEL TO YOURSELF EVERY DAY!
First, before you read this 3rd part of this blog you must read Romans 3:19-26...you must read it at least twice and then pray about it and then read it again! Seriously! DO IT! DOO IT!
Alright, did you read it? Ok, here goes...
"It is not our contrition or sorrow for our sin, it is not our repentance, it is not even the passing of a certain number of hours during which we feel we are on some kind of probation that cleanses us. It is the blood of Christ, shed once for all on Calvary 2000 years ago but appropriated daily or even many times a day, that cleanses our consciences and gives us a renewed sense of peace with God."
"To preach the gospel then to yourself, then, means that you continually face up to your own sinfulness and then flee to Jesus through faith in His shed blood and righteous life. It means that you appropriate, again by faith, the FACT that Jesus FULLY satisified the law of God, that He is your propitiation, and that God's holy wrath is no longer directed toward you!"
"Therefore there is now NO condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus!"
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Now answer the question, "Why do I keep doing it wrong all the time? Why can't I quit? Why can't I stop? How can I stop? Our goal is "preach the gospel to ourselves" EVERYDAY!
Hallelujah! What a Savior!!
First, before you read this 3rd part of this blog you must read Romans 3:19-26...you must read it at least twice and then pray about it and then read it again! Seriously! DO IT! DOO IT!
Alright, did you read it? Ok, here goes...
"It is not our contrition or sorrow for our sin, it is not our repentance, it is not even the passing of a certain number of hours during which we feel we are on some kind of probation that cleanses us. It is the blood of Christ, shed once for all on Calvary 2000 years ago but appropriated daily or even many times a day, that cleanses our consciences and gives us a renewed sense of peace with God."
"To preach the gospel then to yourself, then, means that you continually face up to your own sinfulness and then flee to Jesus through faith in His shed blood and righteous life. It means that you appropriate, again by faith, the FACT that Jesus FULLY satisified the law of God, that He is your propitiation, and that God's holy wrath is no longer directed toward you!"
"Therefore there is now NO condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus!"
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Now answer the question, "Why do I keep doing it wrong all the time? Why can't I quit? Why can't I stop? How can I stop? Our goal is "preach the gospel to ourselves" EVERYDAY!
Hallelujah! What a Savior!!
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