Merry Christmas to all of you!!
One thing that's comforting to me in this year of so much worldly uncertainty in knowing all of this is just temporary.
I know if you've lost your job, seen your financial portfolio tumble, lost a loved one (the list could go on and on) it can be difficult to see these things as "temporary". And, I certainly do not want to make light of the hardships we face in this world.
Yet, the truth remains the truth - whether we "feel" it or not. Jesus explained that He is the Truth. He also told us He was the Life - real life. And, in this same statement, He set Himself apart as the Way. The Way to what?
The Way to what is real and lasting! That is why I know this world is just temporary. The Apostle Paul also gave us this description - this life and world is only temporary.
So, while we are still here in this time of "in between" - living in a temporary world on our way to an eternal home - it's important to keep things in perspective.
Love much!! Spend a lot of time with family and friends. Soak in the good things, and give a little less attention to the bad. Make new friends - with no other agenda than just to be a good friend. Re-connect with old friends - it's amazing how quickly those relationships can be rekindled to what they used to be.
And, this Christmas, spend some time just pondering why Jesus would choose to leave the place we all long for - heaven - to come and walk a while in our shoes. This wasn't just some random act - there was/is an eternal purpose for His choosing to come.
Knowing the reason makes all the difference in the world!
Much love to all of you,
Dave
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Doing Good
I had a great conversation with a friend today. It was over an hour long, so I obviously can’t hit it all on this post, but let me share one of the things that real struck me. It’s not something I haven’t thought about before, but I’m not sure I’ve thought about it this way (at least not for awhile).
It revolves around this idea of “doing good”. I often hear Christians (and others) talk about just doing the right thing – or if their talking in spiritual terms – doing what God wants them to do.
Certainly the Bible does say we should do good things. The Book of James says faith without action is dead (James 2:17). Hebrews tells us to “encourage each other towards outbursts of love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). First John teaches, “…let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (1 John 3:18).
Yet, so many people I talk with seem to be lost when it comes to knowing what they should be doing. Here’s where I think we miss it – it’s NOT about a checklist; it’s about a relationship. Said another way, I don’t think God just wants us to come up with our own list of good things to do and then one-by-one do them and check them off and feel better about ourselves. Granted, that would probably be much easier, but it misses the whole point the Bible makes about being in relationship with God and each other.
The kicker is that relationships are more difficult (and they don’t operate on checklists). They’re very dynamic! The same is true in our relationship with God, it’s not just a list of things to do and not do, it’s about spending time with Him and getting to know Him (and the primary ways we do this is through reading the Bible and prayer).
I believe the “good things” we do are actually meant to be the by-product of our relationship with God. The closer I get to God, the more godly I become (in my thoughts, words and actions). Said another way, the more like God I become, the more “good things” I will do – naturally, not based on some checklist.
Our focus should not be on coming up with a list of good things to do. Our focus should be on spending more time with God. This allows Him to transform our hearts to be more like His heart. The result – we will do the things God would do – the good things - if He were still here in human form (which, by the way, I think He is still here on earth working through those who choose to follow Him).
So, away with the checklist, dive into the relationship. The “good things” to do will follow – naturally and relationally!
/D
It revolves around this idea of “doing good”. I often hear Christians (and others) talk about just doing the right thing – or if their talking in spiritual terms – doing what God wants them to do.
Certainly the Bible does say we should do good things. The Book of James says faith without action is dead (James 2:17). Hebrews tells us to “encourage each other towards outbursts of love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). First John teaches, “…let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (1 John 3:18).
Yet, so many people I talk with seem to be lost when it comes to knowing what they should be doing. Here’s where I think we miss it – it’s NOT about a checklist; it’s about a relationship. Said another way, I don’t think God just wants us to come up with our own list of good things to do and then one-by-one do them and check them off and feel better about ourselves. Granted, that would probably be much easier, but it misses the whole point the Bible makes about being in relationship with God and each other.
The kicker is that relationships are more difficult (and they don’t operate on checklists). They’re very dynamic! The same is true in our relationship with God, it’s not just a list of things to do and not do, it’s about spending time with Him and getting to know Him (and the primary ways we do this is through reading the Bible and prayer).
I believe the “good things” we do are actually meant to be the by-product of our relationship with God. The closer I get to God, the more godly I become (in my thoughts, words and actions). Said another way, the more like God I become, the more “good things” I will do – naturally, not based on some checklist.
Our focus should not be on coming up with a list of good things to do. Our focus should be on spending more time with God. This allows Him to transform our hearts to be more like His heart. The result – we will do the things God would do – the good things - if He were still here in human form (which, by the way, I think He is still here on earth working through those who choose to follow Him).
So, away with the checklist, dive into the relationship. The “good things” to do will follow – naturally and relationally!
/D
Monday, November 24, 2008
Do you LIKE other people?
Here’s something I was thinking about today. In the Christian world we often talk about loving each other (primarily because that’s what Jesus said we should do – “love your neighbor”).
But, do we really LIKE each other?
I’ve heard a lot of people (including myself) say things like, “Of course I love them – I have to – I’m a Christian. But I don’t have to like them.” I think this misses Jesus’ whole point! He wasn’t teaching us to SAY we love people, He was teaching us to truly love people. And if we truly love people, guess what, we’ll like them, too!
So, maybe what we should start asking ourselves is, “How much do I really LIKE other people?”
There’s no doubt that we all have those things that will annoy others. I’m not saying all that goes away. What I am saying is that we begin to really see people how God sees them – He loves them – and He likes them, too! Annoying quirks and all.
/D
But, do we really LIKE each other?
I’ve heard a lot of people (including myself) say things like, “Of course I love them – I have to – I’m a Christian. But I don’t have to like them.” I think this misses Jesus’ whole point! He wasn’t teaching us to SAY we love people, He was teaching us to truly love people. And if we truly love people, guess what, we’ll like them, too!
So, maybe what we should start asking ourselves is, “How much do I really LIKE other people?”
There’s no doubt that we all have those things that will annoy others. I’m not saying all that goes away. What I am saying is that we begin to really see people how God sees them – He loves them – and He likes them, too! Annoying quirks and all.
/D
Saturday, November 08, 2008
How do we learn to love?
One of the things my cirlce of friends have been talking a lot about lately is how do we get back to the foundational teaching of Jesus - love God, love people? This post encompasses both of these principles.
Whether you would consider yourself a Christ follower, Christian, religious or none of the above - most people believe the principles found in the Bible are good.
Let’s take some time, to look at the process Peter writes about that leads to loving all people:
2 Peter 1:5-7 ~
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
Peter writes, “make every effort”. This is not some ho hum attempt at getting along, this is full blown commitment to grow in this way. And what’s the growth process (which, by the way, often overlap each other)?
Supplement your…
->Faith (Do I truly trust Jesus?)
-> Moral Excellence (Am I becoming more pure in my thoughts, words and actions?)
-> Knowledge (Am I gaining God’s wisdom to make better decisions?)
-> Self-control (Do I exhibit control over how I interact with others and issues?)
-> Patient Endurance (Am I more patient with people and circumstances?)
-> Godliness (Is my character becoming more like God’s character?)
-> Brotherly Affection (Am I laying my life down for my friends?)
-> Love for everyone (Do I truly love my neighbor?)
Here’s how I view this teaching: As I practice Moral Excellence by trusting Jesus (in Faith), it leads to gaining Knowledge. This Knowledge allows me to gain Moral Wisdom leading to Self-control. By not always just reacting to things around me, I learn to be more Patient; it enables me to Endure difficult times and people. As I Endure, my character becomes more Godly and my reverence/respect for God’s work in my life grows. Since God is Love – my Love begins to grow - first, for other Believers; then for all people. This is the essence of the Great Commandment – to love God and love people. In fact, my love for all people reveals my love for God.
The key to all of this is actually found in verse 3 of 2 Peter 1 - By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.
We get to know God through reading the Bible, prayer, and interaction with His church – the people of God.
/D
Whether you would consider yourself a Christ follower, Christian, religious or none of the above - most people believe the principles found in the Bible are good.
Let’s take some time, to look at the process Peter writes about that leads to loving all people:
2 Peter 1:5-7 ~
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
Peter writes, “make every effort”. This is not some ho hum attempt at getting along, this is full blown commitment to grow in this way. And what’s the growth process (which, by the way, often overlap each other)?
Supplement your…
->Faith (Do I truly trust Jesus?)
-> Moral Excellence (Am I becoming more pure in my thoughts, words and actions?)
-> Knowledge (Am I gaining God’s wisdom to make better decisions?)
-> Self-control (Do I exhibit control over how I interact with others and issues?)
-> Patient Endurance (Am I more patient with people and circumstances?)
-> Godliness (Is my character becoming more like God’s character?)
-> Brotherly Affection (Am I laying my life down for my friends?)
-> Love for everyone (Do I truly love my neighbor?)
Here’s how I view this teaching: As I practice Moral Excellence by trusting Jesus (in Faith), it leads to gaining Knowledge. This Knowledge allows me to gain Moral Wisdom leading to Self-control. By not always just reacting to things around me, I learn to be more Patient; it enables me to Endure difficult times and people. As I Endure, my character becomes more Godly and my reverence/respect for God’s work in my life grows. Since God is Love – my Love begins to grow - first, for other Believers; then for all people. This is the essence of the Great Commandment – to love God and love people. In fact, my love for all people reveals my love for God.
The key to all of this is actually found in verse 3 of 2 Peter 1 - By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.
We get to know God through reading the Bible, prayer, and interaction with His church – the people of God.
/D
Monday, July 07, 2008
Family Reunions
During the last week of June, my family and I enjoyed a family reunion at my parent’s house.
It was great!
Seeing so many of our family members (all of us growing up – well, physically anyway). There’s something about coming together with family. We have different interests, different views on some things, and even different spiritual beliefs, but we are still family – and we enjoy being together!
I realize not everyone has an earthly family like this – and that makes me sad.
The same can be true for our spiritual families – some get along, others don’t – but we are still family.
However, there’s one huge difference when it’s all said and done – when we have our final (and eternal) family reunion with the Father – all that divides us will be no more. That reunion will be incredible! If you can attempt to picture a family reunion with no “under-currents,” no “issues,” just a time of celebration and authentic love, then you’ll begin to see just a glimpse of what heaven will be like.
I’ve heard heaven described as sitting around all day on clouds playing harps, and frankly, that really doesn’t interest me at all. But I’ve also heard it described as a place where we are able to enjoy a real life free from all of the sin and hate that occupies our relationships here on earth.
Now, that’s exciting!
Thankfully, I do enjoy my earthly family reunions, but I can’t wait to be a part of the eternal reunion because of my personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
/D
It was great!
Seeing so many of our family members (all of us growing up – well, physically anyway). There’s something about coming together with family. We have different interests, different views on some things, and even different spiritual beliefs, but we are still family – and we enjoy being together!
I realize not everyone has an earthly family like this – and that makes me sad.
The same can be true for our spiritual families – some get along, others don’t – but we are still family.
However, there’s one huge difference when it’s all said and done – when we have our final (and eternal) family reunion with the Father – all that divides us will be no more. That reunion will be incredible! If you can attempt to picture a family reunion with no “under-currents,” no “issues,” just a time of celebration and authentic love, then you’ll begin to see just a glimpse of what heaven will be like.
I’ve heard heaven described as sitting around all day on clouds playing harps, and frankly, that really doesn’t interest me at all. But I’ve also heard it described as a place where we are able to enjoy a real life free from all of the sin and hate that occupies our relationships here on earth.
Now, that’s exciting!
Thankfully, I do enjoy my earthly family reunions, but I can’t wait to be a part of the eternal reunion because of my personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
/D
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Synthesis
I apologize for not posting last week. My current seminar class’ workload is higher than usual, but something I read yesterday struck me and I thought I’d share it with you.
There’s a church joke that says, “Don’t make me go Old Testament on you!” The implication is that the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath. In contrast to this we read in the New Testament that God is a God of love.
In fact, I believe we can replace the word “of” in my above description with the word “is” – God is wrath; God is love. Does that statement cause tension for you?
Here’s how William Yount describes this truth – “God is love and God is wrath. How can He be both? The answer is found in synthesis. The fire that warms is also the fire that burns. The difference is in our relationship to it. Those who are rightly related to God are warmed by His love. Those who refuse His love, who reject His offer of grace, are left to be burned by His wrath. He is not love or wrath. He is love-wrath, which exists like a two-sided coin.”
If this messes with your head a little, it should – synthesis is level 5 thinking (there are 6 levels, but those details aren’t really my point). My point is that there are many things about God that I struggle to understand, but that does not make them untrue.
This morning, I just learned about the death of Steven Curtis Chapman’s five year old daughter. Anytime something like this happens it creates a tension in my soul. I know God is Sovereign, but I cannot help but struggle with the “why questions.” God why would you allow this to happen?
Here’s where I land with this right now (and I’d love to hear your thoughts), God wants to have a relationship with us, He does truly love us, AND there are things (and circumstances) I simply cannot fully understand. Am I talking about blind faith? No, blind faith would require no basis whatsoever. I’m talking about faith that is able to understand enough to accept it all.
What about you – what do you struggle to understand and how do you choose to deal with your confusion?
/D
There’s a church joke that says, “Don’t make me go Old Testament on you!” The implication is that the God of the Old Testament is a God of wrath. In contrast to this we read in the New Testament that God is a God of love.
In fact, I believe we can replace the word “of” in my above description with the word “is” – God is wrath; God is love. Does that statement cause tension for you?
Here’s how William Yount describes this truth – “God is love and God is wrath. How can He be both? The answer is found in synthesis. The fire that warms is also the fire that burns. The difference is in our relationship to it. Those who are rightly related to God are warmed by His love. Those who refuse His love, who reject His offer of grace, are left to be burned by His wrath. He is not love or wrath. He is love-wrath, which exists like a two-sided coin.”
If this messes with your head a little, it should – synthesis is level 5 thinking (there are 6 levels, but those details aren’t really my point). My point is that there are many things about God that I struggle to understand, but that does not make them untrue.
This morning, I just learned about the death of Steven Curtis Chapman’s five year old daughter. Anytime something like this happens it creates a tension in my soul. I know God is Sovereign, but I cannot help but struggle with the “why questions.” God why would you allow this to happen?
Here’s where I land with this right now (and I’d love to hear your thoughts), God wants to have a relationship with us, He does truly love us, AND there are things (and circumstances) I simply cannot fully understand. Am I talking about blind faith? No, blind faith would require no basis whatsoever. I’m talking about faith that is able to understand enough to accept it all.
What about you – what do you struggle to understand and how do you choose to deal with your confusion?
/D
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Speaking My Opinion in Semi-Love
I often quote the verse in Ephesians four that says we are to “speak the truth in love.” I quote it because I have a tendency to avoid doing this in one of two ways.
One way is I avoid a potential conflict altogether. This usually is not healthy because I don’t grow through avoidance and the issues rarely resolve themselves (they just become more difficult to deal with).
My second (and equally bad) way of dealing with issues is to attempt to sneak in through the side door – better known as passive-aggressive.
The reality is conflict is a necessary part of life. If we always agreed about everything there wouldn’t be challenges, learning and growth. We just need to handle conflict in healthy ways – which is why the Bible tells us to speak the truth in love.
But, here’s what I realized last week – I often speak my opinion in semi-love, under the guise of speaking the truth in love. What’s the difference? Well, there are many, but here are two:
1. My opinion really doesn’t matter unless it lines up with the truth;
2. I used the term “semi-love” because there’s usually something in it for me (selfishness).
If I am to speak the truth, I first must know the truth. As a Christ-follower, I believe the Bible is the basis for truth. So, unless what I am saying is in line with what the Bible teaches, it’s not truth.
The “in love” means my primary reason for speaking is to build the other person up. If I’m attempting to get my way or build myself up, then I’m not truly speaking in love.
So, how about you? Do you speak the truth in love? How do you think we can all get better at truly building others up?
/D
One way is I avoid a potential conflict altogether. This usually is not healthy because I don’t grow through avoidance and the issues rarely resolve themselves (they just become more difficult to deal with).
My second (and equally bad) way of dealing with issues is to attempt to sneak in through the side door – better known as passive-aggressive.
The reality is conflict is a necessary part of life. If we always agreed about everything there wouldn’t be challenges, learning and growth. We just need to handle conflict in healthy ways – which is why the Bible tells us to speak the truth in love.
But, here’s what I realized last week – I often speak my opinion in semi-love, under the guise of speaking the truth in love. What’s the difference? Well, there are many, but here are two:
1. My opinion really doesn’t matter unless it lines up with the truth;
2. I used the term “semi-love” because there’s usually something in it for me (selfishness).
If I am to speak the truth, I first must know the truth. As a Christ-follower, I believe the Bible is the basis for truth. So, unless what I am saying is in line with what the Bible teaches, it’s not truth.
The “in love” means my primary reason for speaking is to build the other person up. If I’m attempting to get my way or build myself up, then I’m not truly speaking in love.
So, how about you? Do you speak the truth in love? How do you think we can all get better at truly building others up?
/D
Monday, April 28, 2008
Questions Jesus Asked – Prayer (5)
This next set of questions is intriguing to me. It’s Matthew 7:9-10 when Jesus asks, “You parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Of if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake?”
A quick reminder: in Jesus’ day these were primary staples of food. So, the question really is, if your kids ask for basic necessities, would you give them something worthless (a stone) or harmful (a snake)?
Jesus gives us the obvious answer at the end of verse 10 – “Of course not!” And then He makes the connection for us. Just before this Jesus is encouraging the people to be persistent in prayer – keep asking, keep looking, keep knocking. The connection is when we ask God for things we need, He’s not going to give us worthless or harmful things. Verse 11 confirms this – “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
Now, there are a number of ways, in my opinion, to abuse this teaching. We get fussy when God doesn’t show up and give us everything we think we need right away. I don’t think that’s what Jesus is teaching here (that God is just a fast food clerk waiting to fill our every order) – I believe he’s telling us to recognize that God is the One who provides everything we need, and what He provides is always good for us.
There have certainly been times when I’ve begged God for something and it has not happened. At those times I can either assume God doesn’t love me and doesn’t care, or I can remember that God takes care of me better than I take care of my own kids.
This is getting a bit long, but there’s one more thing I want to mention here. The effects of sin continue to corrupt our world and those of us living in it. It’s not hard to find many examples of really bad parents. The news loves to exploit all of the abuses they find (and these days abuse is not hard to find). But I think there’s another way to look at this teaching. Instead of thinking about the worst case scenario, think about the best ones you know. Think about those parents who truly love their kids; those who have solid healthy relationships with their children. Then reconsider this teaching from that perspective – God loves us even more, and will treat us even better than the best parents we know!
/D
A quick reminder: in Jesus’ day these were primary staples of food. So, the question really is, if your kids ask for basic necessities, would you give them something worthless (a stone) or harmful (a snake)?
Jesus gives us the obvious answer at the end of verse 10 – “Of course not!” And then He makes the connection for us. Just before this Jesus is encouraging the people to be persistent in prayer – keep asking, keep looking, keep knocking. The connection is when we ask God for things we need, He’s not going to give us worthless or harmful things. Verse 11 confirms this – “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”
Now, there are a number of ways, in my opinion, to abuse this teaching. We get fussy when God doesn’t show up and give us everything we think we need right away. I don’t think that’s what Jesus is teaching here (that God is just a fast food clerk waiting to fill our every order) – I believe he’s telling us to recognize that God is the One who provides everything we need, and what He provides is always good for us.
There have certainly been times when I’ve begged God for something and it has not happened. At those times I can either assume God doesn’t love me and doesn’t care, or I can remember that God takes care of me better than I take care of my own kids.
This is getting a bit long, but there’s one more thing I want to mention here. The effects of sin continue to corrupt our world and those of us living in it. It’s not hard to find many examples of really bad parents. The news loves to exploit all of the abuses they find (and these days abuse is not hard to find). But I think there’s another way to look at this teaching. Instead of thinking about the worst case scenario, think about the best ones you know. Think about those parents who truly love their kids; those who have solid healthy relationships with their children. Then reconsider this teaching from that perspective – God loves us even more, and will treat us even better than the best parents we know!
/D
Monday, April 21, 2008
Questions Jesus Asked - Judging Others (4)
Here’s one for you – “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
One thing you can say about Jesus, he didn’t sugarcoat it. We find this question in Matthew 7, verse 3. I’m not sure this one needs a lot of explanation. Jesus is pointing out how hypocritical we can be when we go around pointing out everyone else’s faults. He’s holding up a mirror and asking us to take a look – what do you see?
One misconception of this teaching would be to say that we should never point out other people’s problems to them. That’s not what Jesus says. In verse 5, He tells us to first remove the plank from our own eye, and then we will be able to see clearly enough to help our friend remove the speck from their eye. You’ve heard the saying, “It takes one to know one.” When it comes to seeing other people’s issues, the reason we can so quickly recognize them is because we live with the same issues in our own lives every day. So, Jesus simple tells us to remember we’re probably worse off than our friends, so we need to deal with our stuff and then help others.
I think the process of dealing with our own junk also provides the humility we need to truly help someone else. If we truly recognize the plank in our own eye, then we can help our friends remove the speck. Knowing we’re really in no position to judge them – we can simply help them.
So, take a peak in the mirror – what planks are you struggling to see around? Why not let others help you with those issues and in turn you’ll be able to help others – in humility and love.
/D
One thing you can say about Jesus, he didn’t sugarcoat it. We find this question in Matthew 7, verse 3. I’m not sure this one needs a lot of explanation. Jesus is pointing out how hypocritical we can be when we go around pointing out everyone else’s faults. He’s holding up a mirror and asking us to take a look – what do you see?
One misconception of this teaching would be to say that we should never point out other people’s problems to them. That’s not what Jesus says. In verse 5, He tells us to first remove the plank from our own eye, and then we will be able to see clearly enough to help our friend remove the speck from their eye. You’ve heard the saying, “It takes one to know one.” When it comes to seeing other people’s issues, the reason we can so quickly recognize them is because we live with the same issues in our own lives every day. So, Jesus simple tells us to remember we’re probably worse off than our friends, so we need to deal with our stuff and then help others.
I think the process of dealing with our own junk also provides the humility we need to truly help someone else. If we truly recognize the plank in our own eye, then we can help our friends remove the speck. Knowing we’re really in no position to judge them – we can simply help them.
So, take a peak in the mirror – what planks are you struggling to see around? Why not let others help you with those issues and in turn you’ll be able to help others – in humility and love.
/D
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
What does the Bible mean?
I’m starting a new seminary class in a couple of weeks, and because I’m a slow reader, I often get my books early and begin reading them before the class starts. My book for this class made a point that really struck me and I want to share it with you. Here’s what the author wrote:
Is there a difference between what the Bible says and what the Bible means? Or do you believe that “the Bible says what it means, and means what it says!”? There is a difference between “words” and “concepts.” Knowing words and understanding concepts are two different things. Let’s take “Love your enemies” as an example. Anyone who has been in Sunday school or church for even a short time knows that Jesus said “Love your enemies.” But how many understand what He meant when He said this?
What do I do when I love enemies? And who are my enemies? Must I like my enemies? How will “loving enemies” change the way I live day by day? Jesus define His own words in the passage as He said, “Love your enemies, bless then that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44, KJV). Agape [the word translated “love”] means blessing and doing good and praying for. Nothing here about how I feel about them. “My enemy” means those who curse me, and hate me, and use and hurt me. My enemy can be my best friend, my colleague, my wife, or a fellow church member. When people close to me hurt me, I do not feel like loving them. But I am commanded to love. Not to feel, but to act.
It is far easier to know the words “Love your enemies” than it is to understand their meaning. But until learners clearly understand what Jesus meant, they will not be able to “love their enemies” in the way He intended. Unless Bible teaching can move learners from isolated words to biblical concepts, we will see little spiritual growth in our learners. Without clear biblical understanding, learners tend to read their own meanings into Bible words.
Source: Created to Learn by William R. Yount
/D
Is there a difference between what the Bible says and what the Bible means? Or do you believe that “the Bible says what it means, and means what it says!”? There is a difference between “words” and “concepts.” Knowing words and understanding concepts are two different things. Let’s take “Love your enemies” as an example. Anyone who has been in Sunday school or church for even a short time knows that Jesus said “Love your enemies.” But how many understand what He meant when He said this?
What do I do when I love enemies? And who are my enemies? Must I like my enemies? How will “loving enemies” change the way I live day by day? Jesus define His own words in the passage as He said, “Love your enemies, bless then that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44, KJV). Agape [the word translated “love”] means blessing and doing good and praying for. Nothing here about how I feel about them. “My enemy” means those who curse me, and hate me, and use and hurt me. My enemy can be my best friend, my colleague, my wife, or a fellow church member. When people close to me hurt me, I do not feel like loving them. But I am commanded to love. Not to feel, but to act.
It is far easier to know the words “Love your enemies” than it is to understand their meaning. But until learners clearly understand what Jesus meant, they will not be able to “love their enemies” in the way He intended. Unless Bible teaching can move learners from isolated words to biblical concepts, we will see little spiritual growth in our learners. Without clear biblical understanding, learners tend to read their own meanings into Bible words.
Source: Created to Learn by William R. Yount
/D
Monday, April 07, 2008
Questions Jesus Asked – Love & Kindness (2)
We find Jesus’ next questions at the end of Matthew 5 in verses 46 and 47:
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?
If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?
Okay, Jesus is going right to the “heart” of the matter here. One of the things that bothers me is the reputation the church has as being full of hypocrites. I think it bothers me because I know I’m part of the church – and I know I can be hypocritical – so I know they’re right.
I’ve often used the reply – but there are hypocrites everywhere. But, I think this is the response that Jesus knew we “Christians” would have and He points out that we are supposed to be DIFFERENT!
Sure, I know that most Christians admit that we know we’re not perfect and we don’t attempt to take on the perfection label. But is that it? Does that make our hypocrisy okay?
Another typical Christian response is – well not all of the people in the church are really Christians. I agree, but I’ve also spent enough time in churches to know that those I would strongly suspect are Christians are just as bad as the others. In fact, why do non-Christians at church continue to act like they have always acted? Because the “Christians” in the church continue to act like they’ve always acted.
Before I move into a full-on rant, let me express to all of you who maybe have the “been-there-done-that-don’t-need-that-anymore” view of the church, I would like to say (and encourage you to consider) that churches are also filled with people who DO “get it” and who do truly care about others – not just their friends, but everyone with whom they come in contact. And, the truth is, the closer any one of us is willing to come to Christ the more we learn how to see others differently. To love and be kind to all people, not just our friends.
Do we do this perfectly? No, far from it, and we need to be willing to throw our hand up in their air and admit when we blow it. But if all of us would consider Jesus’ questions here at the end of Matthew, I think we would find a challenge worth taking. How do we learn to care about those we don’t click with? How do we find ourselves looking to put other’s needs before our own?
Well, it does not come easily. In fact, unless we are first willing to surrender our agendas over to Christ, I’m not sure this is really possible at all. But as we learn that we do not naturally care about others who are not close to us (and sometimes even those who are close to us), we can also discover that we have been created for relationships and that while it’s true there’s risk involved with loving – the alternative is to be love-less – and that’s just a miserable existence, not the life we were created to live!
So, why not take a look in the mirror. How do these questions from Jesus hit you? Can you find ways to see people differently? Can you learn to love… everyone?
I’ve got the paddle next to you in the same boat – but I always love a challenge :-).
/D
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?
If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?
Okay, Jesus is going right to the “heart” of the matter here. One of the things that bothers me is the reputation the church has as being full of hypocrites. I think it bothers me because I know I’m part of the church – and I know I can be hypocritical – so I know they’re right.
I’ve often used the reply – but there are hypocrites everywhere. But, I think this is the response that Jesus knew we “Christians” would have and He points out that we are supposed to be DIFFERENT!
Sure, I know that most Christians admit that we know we’re not perfect and we don’t attempt to take on the perfection label. But is that it? Does that make our hypocrisy okay?
Another typical Christian response is – well not all of the people in the church are really Christians. I agree, but I’ve also spent enough time in churches to know that those I would strongly suspect are Christians are just as bad as the others. In fact, why do non-Christians at church continue to act like they have always acted? Because the “Christians” in the church continue to act like they’ve always acted.
Before I move into a full-on rant, let me express to all of you who maybe have the “been-there-done-that-don’t-need-that-anymore” view of the church, I would like to say (and encourage you to consider) that churches are also filled with people who DO “get it” and who do truly care about others – not just their friends, but everyone with whom they come in contact. And, the truth is, the closer any one of us is willing to come to Christ the more we learn how to see others differently. To love and be kind to all people, not just our friends.
Do we do this perfectly? No, far from it, and we need to be willing to throw our hand up in their air and admit when we blow it. But if all of us would consider Jesus’ questions here at the end of Matthew, I think we would find a challenge worth taking. How do we learn to care about those we don’t click with? How do we find ourselves looking to put other’s needs before our own?
Well, it does not come easily. In fact, unless we are first willing to surrender our agendas over to Christ, I’m not sure this is really possible at all. But as we learn that we do not naturally care about others who are not close to us (and sometimes even those who are close to us), we can also discover that we have been created for relationships and that while it’s true there’s risk involved with loving – the alternative is to be love-less – and that’s just a miserable existence, not the life we were created to live!
So, why not take a look in the mirror. How do these questions from Jesus hit you? Can you find ways to see people differently? Can you learn to love… everyone?
I’ve got the paddle next to you in the same boat – but I always love a challenge :-).
/D
Friday, February 29, 2008
American Idol
An interesting thing hit me the other night as my wife and kids were watching American Idol. I do catch bits and pieces (especially if I like the song they’re singing), but I cannot say I’m an avid fan.
Anyway, what I was thinking about is which of the “judges” is the most credible?
While Randy can be pretty up front, he usually sugar coats his critique a bit. I’m convinced Paula’s up there just to make everyone feel better (even those who can’t sing at all). And the man everyone loves to hate – Simon – is probably also the one whose opinion matters the most. Why?
Because he tells it like it is. I think he can be over the top and doesn’t always know when enough is enough, but the bottom line is, what Simon says (ha, that’s punny) really does carry the most weight.
So, what’s my point? Those who just lay it out there will usually have the most influence. As per my last post, I think we can “lay it out there” in a loving way, but lay it out there we must (if we want people to truly hear us).
I’d much rather deal with a few barbs from someone who I know will shoot straight with me, then be with someone who I never really know what they’re thinking (that gets really frustrating). Personally, I need to find the courage to just speak the truth and make sure my motives are pure so I can do it in love.
/D
Anyway, what I was thinking about is which of the “judges” is the most credible?
While Randy can be pretty up front, he usually sugar coats his critique a bit. I’m convinced Paula’s up there just to make everyone feel better (even those who can’t sing at all). And the man everyone loves to hate – Simon – is probably also the one whose opinion matters the most. Why?
Because he tells it like it is. I think he can be over the top and doesn’t always know when enough is enough, but the bottom line is, what Simon says (ha, that’s punny) really does carry the most weight.
So, what’s my point? Those who just lay it out there will usually have the most influence. As per my last post, I think we can “lay it out there” in a loving way, but lay it out there we must (if we want people to truly hear us).
I’d much rather deal with a few barbs from someone who I know will shoot straight with me, then be with someone who I never really know what they’re thinking (that gets really frustrating). Personally, I need to find the courage to just speak the truth and make sure my motives are pure so I can do it in love.
/D
Friday, February 22, 2008
Speaking the Truth in Love
So, what does it mean to speak the truth in love? I thought I knew what this meant, but now I’m not so sure. We use terms like “tough love” to explain when we have to say or do difficult things that we know others won’t like. Of course, we do them because we truly care. If we didn’t care, we certainly wouldn’t do things to cause “trouble” (at least people like me who avoid conflict wouldn’t do it).
But what happens when we’re struck with a realization that something’s wrong? Do we stand up and say so? Do we beat around the bush and hope others figure out what we really mean? Do we only say the nice things in hopes the errors will correct themselves?
Or does real love call us to point out what we see and let the chips fall where they may? Who knows, we may come to realize we misunderstood or did not have the full picture – and then we can correct our view. Or, we may be the catalyst that was needed to really get things going in the right direction.
Okay, people, let me hear from you! [Post your thoughts by clicking the comments area below - you can use the Anonymous options to post without a Blogger account]
/D
But what happens when we’re struck with a realization that something’s wrong? Do we stand up and say so? Do we beat around the bush and hope others figure out what we really mean? Do we only say the nice things in hopes the errors will correct themselves?
Or does real love call us to point out what we see and let the chips fall where they may? Who knows, we may come to realize we misunderstood or did not have the full picture – and then we can correct our view. Or, we may be the catalyst that was needed to really get things going in the right direction.
Okay, people, let me hear from you! [Post your thoughts by clicking the comments area below - you can use the Anonymous options to post without a Blogger account]
/D
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Did God Create His Own Religion - Discussion
Well, we only got one comment on the “Did God Create His Own Religion” question – I was hoping for a little more interaction. Here are my thoughts…
God gave us the 10 Commandments, so if “religion” is following a set of rules and/or beliefs, then God did provide us with a religion.
We also recognized that none of us has kept the 10 Commandments; so, their purpose must be more than just God giving us rules to follow. These rules reveal to us that we are not perfect (darn!).
So, let’s jump to the New Testament to see how we should apply God’s “religion” to our lives. I’m reminded of three things:
One, 1 John 4 tells us that God is love.
Two, James 1:27 tells us the religion that is good in God’s sight is the one that takes care of the widows and orphans (note how these are people who have lost a personal relationship in their lives and God wants us to help restore relationships in their lives).
And, three, in Matthew 22 Jesus boils it all down to love God with everything you are and love others.
So, did God create His own religion? Yes! His religion is LOVE (love we return to Him and show to others).
Critical question: How well are you loving God and others? If you’re not feeling too good about that answer – what will you do about it this week?
For me, it seems so simple – just love the God who has provided everything in my life and love the others He has created. But, it’s not that simple. I do love God, but I often take Him for granted. I need to work on spending quality time with Him where I slow down enough to allow Him to “speak” to me. I had been blocking out a day a week for this (call it a Sabbath if you like), but I’ve become very inconsistent with this and I know my relationship with God has suffered. And, the whole loving people part… well, that will have to wait for another day. Let’s just say, for me, that’s the tougher of the two.
Pray for me that I will take time this week to just be with God.
/D
God gave us the 10 Commandments, so if “religion” is following a set of rules and/or beliefs, then God did provide us with a religion.
We also recognized that none of us has kept the 10 Commandments; so, their purpose must be more than just God giving us rules to follow. These rules reveal to us that we are not perfect (darn!).
So, let’s jump to the New Testament to see how we should apply God’s “religion” to our lives. I’m reminded of three things:
One, 1 John 4 tells us that God is love.
Two, James 1:27 tells us the religion that is good in God’s sight is the one that takes care of the widows and orphans (note how these are people who have lost a personal relationship in their lives and God wants us to help restore relationships in their lives).
And, three, in Matthew 22 Jesus boils it all down to love God with everything you are and love others.
So, did God create His own religion? Yes! His religion is LOVE (love we return to Him and show to others).
Critical question: How well are you loving God and others? If you’re not feeling too good about that answer – what will you do about it this week?
For me, it seems so simple – just love the God who has provided everything in my life and love the others He has created. But, it’s not that simple. I do love God, but I often take Him for granted. I need to work on spending quality time with Him where I slow down enough to allow Him to “speak” to me. I had been blocking out a day a week for this (call it a Sabbath if you like), but I’ve become very inconsistent with this and I know my relationship with God has suffered. And, the whole loving people part… well, that will have to wait for another day. Let’s just say, for me, that’s the tougher of the two.
Pray for me that I will take time this week to just be with God.
/D
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Loving People
How can I love people more?
This has been a constant question in my life for the past six months or so. I believe that my two main purposes in life are to love God and to love people. The God part is hard when things get messed up in my life, but it’s a whole lot easier than the “loving people” part.
I trust God, I don’t trust people (at least not the way I trust God).
But, do I have to trust people to love them? Not if I’m attempting to love them unconditionally.
I watch the movie Georgia Rule this week. My first thought after it was over was, “That didn’t do much for me.” But, then I started thinking about “Why?”. Without giving away the story line, the basis of the story is a family that’s dysfunctional and abusive. Thankfully, I did not have to deal with that growing up. But, it also means that I really don’t identify with people who have experienced this – because I’ve never taken the time to get to know them and to care about who they are.
All that has led me back to wondering how I can do a better job of loving the people around me. I think it really comes down to slowing down long enough to ask how they are doing and really wanting to hear the answer.
This has been a constant question in my life for the past six months or so. I believe that my two main purposes in life are to love God and to love people. The God part is hard when things get messed up in my life, but it’s a whole lot easier than the “loving people” part.
I trust God, I don’t trust people (at least not the way I trust God).
But, do I have to trust people to love them? Not if I’m attempting to love them unconditionally.
I watch the movie Georgia Rule this week. My first thought after it was over was, “That didn’t do much for me.” But, then I started thinking about “Why?”. Without giving away the story line, the basis of the story is a family that’s dysfunctional and abusive. Thankfully, I did not have to deal with that growing up. But, it also means that I really don’t identify with people who have experienced this – because I’ve never taken the time to get to know them and to care about who they are.
All that has led me back to wondering how I can do a better job of loving the people around me. I think it really comes down to slowing down long enough to ask how they are doing and really wanting to hear the answer.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Who's Responsible
Okay, I want to know who’s responsible – someone has obviously mashed the fast forward button on life and it’s stuck there.
I truly have no idea where the days go. I have enjoyed my days recently – getting to catch up with some friends, doing some yard work and a little real work – but truthfully, time just seems to be moving much faster these days. I remember always hear “old people” talk like this – uh oh – this must mean…
Anyway, lots going on in my life, and here’s one thing I’ve spent a bunch of time thinking about lately. What’s love? Some say it’s an emotion, others say a feeling, still others say it’s choice. I think it's all of these things. I certainly feel love towards some and others I must choose to love.
The Bible’s main focus is love and 1 Corinthians 13 is the famous “love chapter.” I’ve done something I don’t often do and committed this entire chapter to memory (it’s not THAT long). And the reason I have is because I’m really trying to figure out how to fulfill what Jesus said was the most important thing in life – love God and love people. If I’m going to attempt this, I think it’s a good idea to know how God defines love. So, 1 Corinthians 13 is where I’ve been for a while now.
How about looking this up for yourself. Even if your not a religious person (which, by the way, I’m not either – put that’s a whole different blog), your life is impacted by this crazy little thing called love. So, check it out and let me know what you think!
Dave
I truly have no idea where the days go. I have enjoyed my days recently – getting to catch up with some friends, doing some yard work and a little real work – but truthfully, time just seems to be moving much faster these days. I remember always hear “old people” talk like this – uh oh – this must mean…
Anyway, lots going on in my life, and here’s one thing I’ve spent a bunch of time thinking about lately. What’s love? Some say it’s an emotion, others say a feeling, still others say it’s choice. I think it's all of these things. I certainly feel love towards some and others I must choose to love.
The Bible’s main focus is love and 1 Corinthians 13 is the famous “love chapter.” I’ve done something I don’t often do and committed this entire chapter to memory (it’s not THAT long). And the reason I have is because I’m really trying to figure out how to fulfill what Jesus said was the most important thing in life – love God and love people. If I’m going to attempt this, I think it’s a good idea to know how God defines love. So, 1 Corinthians 13 is where I’ve been for a while now.
How about looking this up for yourself. Even if your not a religious person (which, by the way, I’m not either – put that’s a whole different blog), your life is impacted by this crazy little thing called love. So, check it out and let me know what you think!
Dave
Thursday, April 19, 2007
More Thoughts on VT
As we all continue to go through the array of emotions that follow something like the shootings at VT, it's natural that we will be a different places emotionally.
Some of you are very angry;
Some are deeply grieved;
Some of you are still in shock;
Some of you are already beginning to tire of the news and move on.
And there are many many more places you may be emotionally. All of this is natural and normal.
But here's a thought: for a society who seems to continue to move further away from ideas such as - there is an absolute truth - we sure seem to all agree how horrible Cho's actions were. Maybe I should explain that a little more. We live in a world where many people have come to the conclusion there is no one truth. What works for you is fine for you, it may or may not work for me and that's okay.
But if this is true (or is there no such things as absolute truth - hmm), then why would we all agree that the actions of Cho are so wrong, so evil? My point is simply this - there is a right and wrong, there is good and evil, there is absolute truth. Therefore, as we continue to mourn and to slowly heal, will we recognize that there is such a thing as truth? And will we allow ourselves to think about the One who is Truth.
As we've seen across the country and the world - spirituality is alive and well. People who barely know each other gather together for prayer. It's times like these that we will either blame God or lean on God (sometimes both).
In my own personal life tragedies - I've found that while it's easy to blame God, the truth is God is love, God grieves over evil, and God is able to provide comfort far greater then we think is possible. I believe our natural emotions are God-given and therefore, we do not need to ignore them or supress them. At the same time, we can find peace that passes understanding in a God who truly cares.
Gather close to family and friends and let them know you love them. And draw close to God and He we draw close to you.
/D
Some of you are very angry;
Some are deeply grieved;
Some of you are still in shock;
Some of you are already beginning to tire of the news and move on.
And there are many many more places you may be emotionally. All of this is natural and normal.
But here's a thought: for a society who seems to continue to move further away from ideas such as - there is an absolute truth - we sure seem to all agree how horrible Cho's actions were. Maybe I should explain that a little more. We live in a world where many people have come to the conclusion there is no one truth. What works for you is fine for you, it may or may not work for me and that's okay.
But if this is true (or is there no such things as absolute truth - hmm), then why would we all agree that the actions of Cho are so wrong, so evil? My point is simply this - there is a right and wrong, there is good and evil, there is absolute truth. Therefore, as we continue to mourn and to slowly heal, will we recognize that there is such a thing as truth? And will we allow ourselves to think about the One who is Truth.
As we've seen across the country and the world - spirituality is alive and well. People who barely know each other gather together for prayer. It's times like these that we will either blame God or lean on God (sometimes both).
In my own personal life tragedies - I've found that while it's easy to blame God, the truth is God is love, God grieves over evil, and God is able to provide comfort far greater then we think is possible. I believe our natural emotions are God-given and therefore, we do not need to ignore them or supress them. At the same time, we can find peace that passes understanding in a God who truly cares.
Gather close to family and friends and let them know you love them. And draw close to God and He we draw close to you.
/D
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Virgina Tech Tragedy
As we have watched the events of the last two days unfold on our TV screens, we find ourselves caught between disbelief, anger and the question that always comes in times like these – why?
There are no easy answers, but the God’s Word reminds us that “these three remain faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13)
We gather together to acknowledge death, but more importantly to celebrate life.
None of us know how much time we will have here on earth – and times like these have a way of bringing to the forefront what is most important.
I graduated from VT in 1990. I was Resident Advisor (RA) in the AJ dorm where the first shooting took place. I attended classes in Norris. I often reflect on my days at Tech – and if I could go back and do it all over again I would! But, as with all things, time continues to move forward. We’re not meant to live in the past. I pray that each of us will reflect on how God has uniquely gifted each of us. And that we will take real steps towards becoming the person He desires for us to be – a person of faith, a person of hope and a person of love.
In the coming weeks, life will go on – another news event will dominate the media – our own busy schedules will move us further from this day. But I hope that – in some small or large way – the reminders of the events of this week will help us to refocus on what’s truly most important.
I hope that our communities will learn to love as Christ loves. We live in a broken world filled with broken people. I encounter so many hurting people – I too am a hurting person. We have been designed for relationship and love. While the actions of this young man are deplorable – my heart aches for the life he lived. He’s described as a “loner.” I know many I would describe that way – I myself prefer solitude to crowds - but we’ve been made for relationships.
People need people.
In the creation story there’s an interesting point where God looks at his creation and calls it “good.” He then creates man and calls it “very good.” Here is man – in perfect harmony with creation and the Creator. Then God makes this statement – “It is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)
While creation was “good” and the created man was “very good” – it was NOT good for him to be alone. And God created Eve – to which Adam in the original language said – WOW! I don’t know if Adam said that or not, but that’s what I would have said.
My point is that God recognized, from the beginning of creation, the need for all of us to be in relationship with Him and with each other.
Our society has come to idolize INDEPENDENCE – what we need is INTERDEPENDENCE.
So, may we, as Paul wrote in Hebrews, “look for ways to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” As we move forward – let’s allow God to increase our faith, increase our hope and increase our love.
To all in my VT family and to all who grieve – my prayers are with you.
/
/
D.
There are no easy answers, but the God’s Word reminds us that “these three remain faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13)
We gather together to acknowledge death, but more importantly to celebrate life.
None of us know how much time we will have here on earth – and times like these have a way of bringing to the forefront what is most important.
I graduated from VT in 1990. I was Resident Advisor (RA) in the AJ dorm where the first shooting took place. I attended classes in Norris. I often reflect on my days at Tech – and if I could go back and do it all over again I would! But, as with all things, time continues to move forward. We’re not meant to live in the past. I pray that each of us will reflect on how God has uniquely gifted each of us. And that we will take real steps towards becoming the person He desires for us to be – a person of faith, a person of hope and a person of love.
In the coming weeks, life will go on – another news event will dominate the media – our own busy schedules will move us further from this day. But I hope that – in some small or large way – the reminders of the events of this week will help us to refocus on what’s truly most important.
I hope that our communities will learn to love as Christ loves. We live in a broken world filled with broken people. I encounter so many hurting people – I too am a hurting person. We have been designed for relationship and love. While the actions of this young man are deplorable – my heart aches for the life he lived. He’s described as a “loner.” I know many I would describe that way – I myself prefer solitude to crowds - but we’ve been made for relationships.
People need people.
In the creation story there’s an interesting point where God looks at his creation and calls it “good.” He then creates man and calls it “very good.” Here is man – in perfect harmony with creation and the Creator. Then God makes this statement – “It is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)
While creation was “good” and the created man was “very good” – it was NOT good for him to be alone. And God created Eve – to which Adam in the original language said – WOW! I don’t know if Adam said that or not, but that’s what I would have said.
My point is that God recognized, from the beginning of creation, the need for all of us to be in relationship with Him and with each other.
Our society has come to idolize INDEPENDENCE – what we need is INTERDEPENDENCE.
So, may we, as Paul wrote in Hebrews, “look for ways to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” As we move forward – let’s allow God to increase our faith, increase our hope and increase our love.
To all in my VT family and to all who grieve – my prayers are with you.
/
/
D.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
God's Love
Wow - almost a month since my last post - sorry about that, gang.
There have been some things I wanted to blog on, but just haven't gotten to it - and I still plan to return to the "Questions Jesus Asked" theme.
One thought that has stayed with me was an article I read from Charles Stanley. He was talking about God's love and while the whole article was very good, I'll give you the cliffnote version.
His point was that while many people would consider themselves Christians - they would answer "yes" if asked if Jesus was their Lord and Savior - how many of us are really in love with God? Or more to the point - how many of us have received God's love?
We assume we've received God's love when we became Christians - and in many ways that is true. However, many of us have kept this at a spiritual level.
The way Charles Stanley realized he had not fully embraced God's love on an emotional level was when he was in a real "dry spell" spiritually. He just did not feel like he was close to God. So, he did a very smart thing and gathered some other people whose opinions and wisdom he respected. When they got together one of the men asked Charles to put his head down on the table and close his eyes. Then he told him I want you to allow yourself to "feel" yourself being held by your father.
Charles said he burst into tears - you see his father passed away when he was an infant and so he has no memory of being held by his dad.
The man allowed all of that emotion to flow out and then asked again - "what does it feel like?" Charles said that for the first time he felt the "arms" of God embrace him and hold him tightly.
Have you allowed God to love you this way? Not just the - save me from hell type of relationship, but a true emotional-level falling in love with God?
Some of you may push back from this idea. To you God is too big and too distant to wrap his arms around you - heck, He doesn't even really have arms - right?
But I'd ask you to take some time and think about this a little more deeply this week. After all, most of us have probably been seperated physically from another person, but still know what it feels like to be loved ("held") by them. So, maybe it's time for you to lay your head down on the table, close your eyes, and experience what it feels like to be held by your heavenly Father.
I think you'll discover a love and a peace that will inspire you to live - not simply exist, but live - with less worry and more joy. That's not to say this life will get easier, but your understanding of God will expand, and He will give you everything you need to get through the day.
Jesus himself said - Come to me all of you who are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Why not find some rest in the arms of the One who knows you best and loves you the most?
\D
There have been some things I wanted to blog on, but just haven't gotten to it - and I still plan to return to the "Questions Jesus Asked" theme.
One thought that has stayed with me was an article I read from Charles Stanley. He was talking about God's love and while the whole article was very good, I'll give you the cliffnote version.
His point was that while many people would consider themselves Christians - they would answer "yes" if asked if Jesus was their Lord and Savior - how many of us are really in love with God? Or more to the point - how many of us have received God's love?
We assume we've received God's love when we became Christians - and in many ways that is true. However, many of us have kept this at a spiritual level.
The way Charles Stanley realized he had not fully embraced God's love on an emotional level was when he was in a real "dry spell" spiritually. He just did not feel like he was close to God. So, he did a very smart thing and gathered some other people whose opinions and wisdom he respected. When they got together one of the men asked Charles to put his head down on the table and close his eyes. Then he told him I want you to allow yourself to "feel" yourself being held by your father.
Charles said he burst into tears - you see his father passed away when he was an infant and so he has no memory of being held by his dad.
The man allowed all of that emotion to flow out and then asked again - "what does it feel like?" Charles said that for the first time he felt the "arms" of God embrace him and hold him tightly.
Have you allowed God to love you this way? Not just the - save me from hell type of relationship, but a true emotional-level falling in love with God?
Some of you may push back from this idea. To you God is too big and too distant to wrap his arms around you - heck, He doesn't even really have arms - right?
But I'd ask you to take some time and think about this a little more deeply this week. After all, most of us have probably been seperated physically from another person, but still know what it feels like to be loved ("held") by them. So, maybe it's time for you to lay your head down on the table, close your eyes, and experience what it feels like to be held by your heavenly Father.
I think you'll discover a love and a peace that will inspire you to live - not simply exist, but live - with less worry and more joy. That's not to say this life will get easier, but your understanding of God will expand, and He will give you everything you need to get through the day.
Jesus himself said - Come to me all of you who are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Why not find some rest in the arms of the One who knows you best and loves you the most?
\D
Friday, February 23, 2007
The Purpose of the "Law"
I know I have gotten away from my “Questions Jesus Asked,” I will get back to those in the future. Until then, you’re stuck with my random thoughts.
I am reminded again of how God wants us to treat each other. Throughout the Bible, God continuously points us to learn how to love each other. Now, you may ask, what about the Law. God gave us all these rules we are supposed to follow – that’s how we are a good person, right? Follow all the rules.
I hope this helps – NO! That’s not the purpose of the Law! The reality is we cannot keep all the rules – that was the point. If we could keep the rules we would not need Jesus. Well then, what did Jesus teach us about the Law?
Jesus was asked about the Law and He said this – Love God with everything you are and love others.
That’s it! Jesus said all of the Law and even everything we read about the Prophets are all summed up into those two things – actually, one thing – LOVE. Jesus demonstrated what that looked like when the women caught in the act of adultery was dragged out before Him. The Law said she and her partner should be stoned to death.
Jesus’ response? He said let the person who has never messed up throw the first stone. At least those people were honest enough to drop their stones and walk away.
What we tend to do is want to help everyone else live by the Law – we point out every “wrong” thing (at least in our opinion) they do – we pick up stones and hurl them.
If we really want to enjoy life, we need to learn to love – it starts with loving God and then moves to loving people as we allow God to transform our hearts.
Next time you find yourself standing with a stone in your hand – I hope you’ll drop it and walk away.
\D
I am reminded again of how God wants us to treat each other. Throughout the Bible, God continuously points us to learn how to love each other. Now, you may ask, what about the Law. God gave us all these rules we are supposed to follow – that’s how we are a good person, right? Follow all the rules.
I hope this helps – NO! That’s not the purpose of the Law! The reality is we cannot keep all the rules – that was the point. If we could keep the rules we would not need Jesus. Well then, what did Jesus teach us about the Law?
Jesus was asked about the Law and He said this – Love God with everything you are and love others.
That’s it! Jesus said all of the Law and even everything we read about the Prophets are all summed up into those two things – actually, one thing – LOVE. Jesus demonstrated what that looked like when the women caught in the act of adultery was dragged out before Him. The Law said she and her partner should be stoned to death.
Jesus’ response? He said let the person who has never messed up throw the first stone. At least those people were honest enough to drop their stones and walk away.
What we tend to do is want to help everyone else live by the Law – we point out every “wrong” thing (at least in our opinion) they do – we pick up stones and hurl them.
If we really want to enjoy life, we need to learn to love – it starts with loving God and then moves to loving people as we allow God to transform our hearts.
Next time you find yourself standing with a stone in your hand – I hope you’ll drop it and walk away.
\D
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
