I got so excited talking about this with a friend today that I had to post.
One of the biggest transformations for me has been the ability to experience joy. For many years I felt guilty about indulging or enjoying my time. I always felt like I should be doing something productive or important or "worthy" with my free time.
Now that I've been studying the bible and devouring tons of christian articles, books, and videos I've reached a point where I need downtime. I need to step away from the hard hitting deep thinking stuff and enjoy myself. I feel guilt free to enjoy that time.
This may seem crazy to some, and may hit a nerve with others. I'm finding so much in my life to be grateful for and to enjoy. I'm sure it's a combination of a lot of things, but for me it has a lot to do with feeling like my time is being spent in worthwhile endeavors and that makes me able to enjoy my free time more.
10.30.2012
the time is near...
I hear a lot about "the time is near," and I've heard lots about the end of the world coming soon. Thought I'd give my own view on this topic.
It really shouldn't matter to you if the world is ending soon or not. Your life is. Our lives are so short and fleeting, we really need to look at it that way. The end is nigh - so shouldn't you be doing what you need to be doing every day? For me that means pursuing God and the gospel. It means striving to learn what He taught us in the bible. Striving to be a better man, and to worship and praise Him.
So forget the details - and focus on what you know. You know your life is going to end. It's going to happen faster than you think - ask any of your elders how their life seems to go by faster and faster the older they get. Our elders have so much wisdom to impart, if we would just learn to ask, listen, and heed.
It really shouldn't matter to you if the world is ending soon or not. Your life is. Our lives are so short and fleeting, we really need to look at it that way. The end is nigh - so shouldn't you be doing what you need to be doing every day? For me that means pursuing God and the gospel. It means striving to learn what He taught us in the bible. Striving to be a better man, and to worship and praise Him.
So forget the details - and focus on what you know. You know your life is going to end. It's going to happen faster than you think - ask any of your elders how their life seems to go by faster and faster the older they get. Our elders have so much wisdom to impart, if we would just learn to ask, listen, and heed.
10.22.2012
bible reading craze
I've been devouring the bible lately, and haven't made time to post on here. It doesn't mean I'm going to stop posting, it just means I'm busy.
If you read my facebook you'll know that I loved Job - what an awesome book. I'm also partial to the following chapters in Psalm 20, 37, 49:12-13, and 63. I haven't finished the book of Psalm yet, but I'm enjoying it as well. Also check out Nehemiah chapter 9.
All of these are available on the net - I'm reading the NIV version at youversion.com, but there is also net.bible.org and biblia.com (I just learned about this last one and haven't had a chance to really check it out).
Anyways, I hope some of you enjoy the above chapters, they really spoke to me!
Praise our Lord! Thank Him for everything! God bless!
J
10.07.2012
pride
Something I've been struggling with is pride. The idea that I know "better" than the Word. The idea that I can know, understand and even negotiate with the Word.
These aren't vague words, these are some very specific and clear things to me. If I pray and ask for answers they are as clear as the nose on my face. I find myself trying to push the limits of the Word. This is pride in the sense that I think I know whats best, and/or right for me. God has laid out what is right and wrong in the bible.
Isaiah 64:6 (NIV) states, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." We will always sin, we are imperfect, and that is why Jesus died for us.
I'm learning to let go. To realize that I cannot be perfect, that there is a higher power, a frame of reference. Most importantly, I don't have to be perfect! He walked this world, He never sinned, and He died so that I may have eternal life and a relationship with God.
Thank you Lord for all you do.
These aren't vague words, these are some very specific and clear things to me. If I pray and ask for answers they are as clear as the nose on my face. I find myself trying to push the limits of the Word. This is pride in the sense that I think I know whats best, and/or right for me. God has laid out what is right and wrong in the bible.
Isaiah 64:6 (NIV) states, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." We will always sin, we are imperfect, and that is why Jesus died for us.
I'm learning to let go. To realize that I cannot be perfect, that there is a higher power, a frame of reference. Most importantly, I don't have to be perfect! He walked this world, He never sinned, and He died so that I may have eternal life and a relationship with God.
Thank you Lord for all you do.
9.30.2012
God is everywhere
I went to the same church as last week today. I can tell you without doubt that I feel God's love there.
I've been more and more aware of His work in the world. I'm moved to tears often, and in strange ways. It's an interesting perspective shift, when you look around and consider - everyone is God's child. God loves everyone, and is with everyone, even if they don't know it.
As I waited for lunch today, I noticed a family of four come into the restaurant. I was sitting at a table for four near the front, and decided to move to a smaller table for two. A very simple gesture. The man came over to my table and said thank you for freeing up the table. An equally small gesture. However, there is so much power behind both. Perhaps God wasn't directly behind either side of that interaction. I am however, absolutely convinced that God was at least indirectly behind both acts. It is His love, compassion, and kindness that moves the good in the world.
I'm beginning to realize that I will never be able to praise Him enough, but I will never stop trying.
I've been more and more aware of His work in the world. I'm moved to tears often, and in strange ways. It's an interesting perspective shift, when you look around and consider - everyone is God's child. God loves everyone, and is with everyone, even if they don't know it.
As I waited for lunch today, I noticed a family of four come into the restaurant. I was sitting at a table for four near the front, and decided to move to a smaller table for two. A very simple gesture. The man came over to my table and said thank you for freeing up the table. An equally small gesture. However, there is so much power behind both. Perhaps God wasn't directly behind either side of that interaction. I am however, absolutely convinced that God was at least indirectly behind both acts. It is His love, compassion, and kindness that moves the good in the world.
I'm beginning to realize that I will never be able to praise Him enough, but I will never stop trying.
9.23.2012
purpose of church?
I attended a church today. All in all it was pretty good. I think having the mindset that this is for me helped a lot. It also helped to know that God was with me. I met some kind people and ran into a friend from high school. That was very cool. If you are reading this Cory, thanks so much for making me feel welcome!
As I'm driving to my moms house after the service I'm thinking to myself - church isn't for God. God is everything. God needs nothing. Church is for us. It's for you, it's for me. Most of all it's for us. I've not read a ton of scripture and plan on doing some reading about the purpose of church, but that aside I think I've got some basic concepts down.
As a friend has taught me recently - it's not until your church reaches out and supports you that you really realize how much it means. Thank you Ryan! Having time to worship is great, having time to study is great, but both of those things can be done (and perhaps should be done) anytime. Having a sense of community with people who share the same belief - that Jesus is Lord and Savior - is an awesome thing. All that you have to do is reach out and connect with those people. They are EVERYWHERE!
The church I went to accepted me with open arms. People were friendly, and most of all I felt God's love. Casey had me watch a video on worship recently, and it was with this in mind that I attended these services. I'm not big on loud contemporary Christian music - but with an open heart and mind it wasn't so bad. I sang along with the songs where I could, and I felt good about it.
God loves everyone of us without any reciprocation. That means you don't have to go to church, you don't have to worship, you don't have to tithe. You simply have to accept Him. There is no other deal on earth like it. I'd encourage everyone to pick up the bible and give it a shot - with an open heart and an open mind. It has opened up an entirely new world to me.
As I'm driving to my moms house after the service I'm thinking to myself - church isn't for God. God is everything. God needs nothing. Church is for us. It's for you, it's for me. Most of all it's for us. I've not read a ton of scripture and plan on doing some reading about the purpose of church, but that aside I think I've got some basic concepts down.
As a friend has taught me recently - it's not until your church reaches out and supports you that you really realize how much it means. Thank you Ryan! Having time to worship is great, having time to study is great, but both of those things can be done (and perhaps should be done) anytime. Having a sense of community with people who share the same belief - that Jesus is Lord and Savior - is an awesome thing. All that you have to do is reach out and connect with those people. They are EVERYWHERE!
The church I went to accepted me with open arms. People were friendly, and most of all I felt God's love. Casey had me watch a video on worship recently, and it was with this in mind that I attended these services. I'm not big on loud contemporary Christian music - but with an open heart and mind it wasn't so bad. I sang along with the songs where I could, and I felt good about it.
God loves everyone of us without any reciprocation. That means you don't have to go to church, you don't have to worship, you don't have to tithe. You simply have to accept Him. There is no other deal on earth like it. I'd encourage everyone to pick up the bible and give it a shot - with an open heart and an open mind. It has opened up an entirely new world to me.
9.22.2012
Friends...
FYI - I've invited a couple of people I'm very close to as authors here. You'll see who posts what, so there won't be confusion as to the author. We're still discussing plans on what and how to communicate. Hopefully you find it all engaging!
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