I have, for the majority of this political season, sat quietly and listened. And I have seen the writing on the wall -- what this election season has the potential to do to the structure of the United States.
I have seen friends take their stand on issues close to home, to decry the current government situation and those who would stand to back it. Here is where I will do the same. I will do so because in this politically-charged environment, unless I have my say, I will be counted among those who NEVER DID.
I once heard a set of lyrics that resonated with me: "Stand for truth, stand for life, stand for somethin, don't fall for nothin."
Truth is in God's Word.
It never was about party lines. It was about convictions and the Truth. Here we are again faced with an election that does not concern the color of your vote -- red or blue -- but rather the beliefs driving it. As with every election, this vote counts.
You may say that the sacred and secular cannot or should not mix. That church and state can't tango in the public arena. Really? You honestly believe that politicians don't mix their convictions with reality? Do you actively check your mind at the door every day or just sometimes? Because that's what your expectation is. And this is the result (see enclosed link).
Nothing you touch remains neutral. Your convictions spill into everything you do, think, and say.
Some of us think the government owes us. The same government that can't make ends meet? Yeah, that one. I don't want that kind of "help" -- it comes with a certain amount of dependency and entrapment. Or enslavement, whichever you prefer.
Heck, if I wanted to be dependent on government, I wouldn't work. I would "sign up" just like this die-hard Cleveland woman did. Free cell phones since 2008! Just vote for Obama and you'll get yours, too. Honestly I don't think I could do it. If I didn't work, I couldn't pay my own bills, keep food on the table, own a car or cell phone, couldn't have a house much less afford rent for an apartment -- it certainly wouldn't be my prerogative to ask for more when I'm given enough to live on.
Look, before you go blasting me for judging people who are not able to provide for themselves, understand that I was in such a position in life not long ago. My parents lived paycheck to paycheck when I was an infant. When I was two years old, my father died in a freak accident at work. We had next to nothing for years, but we were content. Mom pinched pennies. I know what it feels like to be poor. That's the brief overview.
There are people who need mercy and help, from the church or concerned friends and family or from government programs specifically designed to helping them get back on their feet. Unfortunately, in a fallen world, ugly things happen to people. Thankful to a God who never let our plates go empty or the roof over our heads fall in.
My question, however, remains: When it's used for something other than what it's meant for, then why was it given in the first place? Where is the limit?
There are some people who take and abuse government handouts. If the government will
do menial things such as provide food and shelter, why not also have them pay my way to DirectTV,
food stamps for use at Starbucks (yes, they do try), vacations to Disneyland, or splurge
for a little Dolce&Gabbana to spice up my wardrobe. Why not fund my promiscuous behavior by providing free birth control.
Again, where is the limit?
The entitlement mentality is a problem. I'm sorry, but whenever is it a good thing for government to get involved in the people's choice? Are we still children that the government should swoop down and hold our hands? No thanks. It should be laissez-faire, as it has been from early on. This is the type of government involvement that is lax when it comes to meddling in my personal affairs.
The last time I checked, the best place to get government-supplied-everything is jail. Does that tell you anything? It's still at the expense of tax payers (of which I most certainly am), because someone has to pay for it. Nothing is entirely free, after all.
Right now, I'm feeling pretty encroached upon by our all-invasive government. A welfare state that seems to disperse hope as fast as it tries to instill it. I don't want a government that will pay my bills. I want a government that will appropriately represent me. I don't want a president who sinks his efforts into superficial issues such as political correctness and tolerance. I want a president who will rally behind Israel in its attempts to survive. Yet here I am again disappointed.
Let's get some perspective.
"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. For you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good." -- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
My prayer is that you will stand for somethin this election season.
27 September 2012
31 July 2012
a mess.
The following popular tendencies are just a few things that have been on my heart and in my mind lately. I just want to share with you what I've been seeing and hearing and thinking about and praying through in the past few months within the church body. As my fiance gently reminded me, mere talk solves nothing. The Lord is the One Who moves the people to action.
- 1 - Adopting attitudes that are negative toward one another or perpetuating gossip.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." --Philippians 4:8-9
"He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip." --Proverbs 20:19
"He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from troubles." --Proverbs 21:23
"Lord, you have searched me and you know me..." --Read Psalm 139
When people get together in any form or fashion, the outcome can be summed up by one word: MESSY. It's rough, it's awkward, and most times feelings get hurt. But if you find you're the one doing damage often, then examine what's going on at your end.
It is much easier to hold your tongue and be humble, meeting the person where they are without judgment, than it is to win back that person's trust. This may be common sense to some people. I remember when it suddenly dawned on me that I had mortally wounded a friendship and there was no going back. Apologies were said but the damage was done, and I was sole beneficiary of my actions.
Gossip is just as ugly. I've got the stories to prove it but a gossip betrays a confidence. The Word of the Lord is full of reasons why gossip and lies and distorted truth are intrinsically linked, what to expect from an unbridled tongue, and much more.
On the other hand, holding onto hurt feelings and negativity only serves to create bitterness and anxiety. Read up on Psalm 139! I highly recommend memorizing it. You ARE fearfully and wonderfully made by a Creator who cherishes you completely.
- 2 - Feelings of entitlement and "rights."
"For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." --Romans 12:3-5
"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." --1 Corinthians 10:31-33
"But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." --1 Corinthians 12:24b-26
We are all part of the body of Christ. We need each other but we do not have control over each other. We work together under the leadership of Christ. He alone calls the shots. United, under God. Sound familiar? Right, because each of us has different backgrounds and different talents -- but our goals should be the same: bringing God glory.
- 3 - Opting for the easy way out.
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our god whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up'." --Daniel 3:16-18
In this day and age, everything is made to be speedily cooked, easily stored, quickly gathered, without toil or perspiration. Even the sense of accomplishment is too quickly dismissed. At the register, the person ringing you up for groceries couldn't do the simple calculations required to reward you correct change for large bills if the power suddenly shut off. Movies and television shows capture rapid movement and speech, sequencing shorter clips together in an quick arrangement to give viewers an adrenaline high while failing to provide a plot rich in quality and imagination.
We're surrounded by a world that makes sense out of what comes natural, what is easiest to attain.
Most times, when faced with adversity, the easiest thing to do is to run away. If you're facing a situation like the one Joseph did, then by all means flee! However we demonstrate our love for Christ to a watching world when we love our enemies. When we stand up for the Truth, our character and hearts shine through the darkness.
Consider the plight of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Remember what happened in response to their obedience to and fear of God? "He is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken," declares David (Psalm 62:6).
- 4 - Not committing to a home church or integrating into the body of Christ.
Read Ephesians 4.
Okay, this might seem trivial, but it holds great significance.
I've noticed that lately the new trend is to attend more than one church, full-time. For one reason or another, we have lost sight of what the goal of church is.
What is the point of attending church? It is not an avenue to increase ourselves but rather to bring attention to the only One Who is worthy of our praise. As John the Baptist said of Christ in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." When we forsake the goal of building the body of Christ and pursuing others in His name, in order to better ourselves or give ourselves the best, then our focus is not on Christ but rather on ourselves.
Stop looking for a place that will fulfill your personal needs. Commit to one church body. Actively seek ways to build up the people around you, to encourage and love them as Christ would, to grow together in humility and truth. Don't be content to merely play "bench warmer." Get out in the field!
In order for the church body to begin looking like a body, the eyes can't just up and walk away to another part of town. Besides, how will the body work without sight? Pick a church body to plug into and begin to actively serve. Expect it to be messy.
For those worried about integrating into a new church body... It's already a reality: We're united as part of one Body, a church without walls and regulations and proper places. A church where there is only one head and that is of Christ. Why worry what others think of you? Use your God-given gifts and talents to bless them instead. Give praise to the Lord in all you do!
- 1 - Adopting attitudes that are negative toward one another or perpetuating gossip.
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." --Philippians 4:8-9
"He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip." --Proverbs 20:19
"He who guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from troubles." --Proverbs 21:23
"Lord, you have searched me and you know me..." --Read Psalm 139
When people get together in any form or fashion, the outcome can be summed up by one word: MESSY. It's rough, it's awkward, and most times feelings get hurt. But if you find you're the one doing damage often, then examine what's going on at your end.
It is much easier to hold your tongue and be humble, meeting the person where they are without judgment, than it is to win back that person's trust. This may be common sense to some people. I remember when it suddenly dawned on me that I had mortally wounded a friendship and there was no going back. Apologies were said but the damage was done, and I was sole beneficiary of my actions.
Gossip is just as ugly. I've got the stories to prove it but a gossip betrays a confidence. The Word of the Lord is full of reasons why gossip and lies and distorted truth are intrinsically linked, what to expect from an unbridled tongue, and much more.
On the other hand, holding onto hurt feelings and negativity only serves to create bitterness and anxiety. Read up on Psalm 139! I highly recommend memorizing it. You ARE fearfully and wonderfully made by a Creator who cherishes you completely.
- 2 - Feelings of entitlement and "rights."
"For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." --Romans 12:3-5
"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." --1 Corinthians 10:31-33
"But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." --1 Corinthians 12:24b-26
We are all part of the body of Christ. We need each other but we do not have control over each other. We work together under the leadership of Christ. He alone calls the shots. United, under God. Sound familiar? Right, because each of us has different backgrounds and different talents -- but our goals should be the same: bringing God glory.
- 3 - Opting for the easy way out.
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our god whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up'." --Daniel 3:16-18
In this day and age, everything is made to be speedily cooked, easily stored, quickly gathered, without toil or perspiration. Even the sense of accomplishment is too quickly dismissed. At the register, the person ringing you up for groceries couldn't do the simple calculations required to reward you correct change for large bills if the power suddenly shut off. Movies and television shows capture rapid movement and speech, sequencing shorter clips together in an quick arrangement to give viewers an adrenaline high while failing to provide a plot rich in quality and imagination.
We're surrounded by a world that makes sense out of what comes natural, what is easiest to attain.
Most times, when faced with adversity, the easiest thing to do is to run away. If you're facing a situation like the one Joseph did, then by all means flee! However we demonstrate our love for Christ to a watching world when we love our enemies. When we stand up for the Truth, our character and hearts shine through the darkness.
Consider the plight of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Remember what happened in response to their obedience to and fear of God? "He is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken," declares David (Psalm 62:6).
- 4 - Not committing to a home church or integrating into the body of Christ.
Read Ephesians 4.
Okay, this might seem trivial, but it holds great significance.
I've noticed that lately the new trend is to attend more than one church, full-time. For one reason or another, we have lost sight of what the goal of church is.
What is the point of attending church? It is not an avenue to increase ourselves but rather to bring attention to the only One Who is worthy of our praise. As John the Baptist said of Christ in John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease." When we forsake the goal of building the body of Christ and pursuing others in His name, in order to better ourselves or give ourselves the best, then our focus is not on Christ but rather on ourselves.
Stop looking for a place that will fulfill your personal needs. Commit to one church body. Actively seek ways to build up the people around you, to encourage and love them as Christ would, to grow together in humility and truth. Don't be content to merely play "bench warmer." Get out in the field!
In order for the church body to begin looking like a body, the eyes can't just up and walk away to another part of town. Besides, how will the body work without sight? Pick a church body to plug into and begin to actively serve. Expect it to be messy.
For those worried about integrating into a new church body... It's already a reality: We're united as part of one Body, a church without walls and regulations and proper places. A church where there is only one head and that is of Christ. Why worry what others think of you? Use your God-given gifts and talents to bless them instead. Give praise to the Lord in all you do!
02 May 2012
Letting go the reigns and other short musings.
Before I begin, I severe writer's block. I have not been able to script any of my thoughts lately because they have been a jumbled mess of unhappiness and ridiculous to boot. I don't think anyone need read such teenaged-drama. It's not fun to write either... Much like gossip, all it does is stir up more discontent and remorse.
But I have this need to write that supersedes my chaotic mental state.
I am very aware that lately, my walk with Christ has been playing a minor role as my attitude has grown worse toward people and situations outside my control. I've experienced anger and discontent, immediate sorrow, hatred, frustration, remorse, lightness of heart when things go my way... Eek. It's ugly.
I haven't liked being around me lately. And yet, at the same time, I double-face it and am nice, sweet, selfless with people I really care about. Wow. More to dislike. More to contemplate. More to grieve the Holy Spirit. I am a maze of anger brought on by things I feel are going wrong or are not "right."
In time I realize my problem is that verse... The one that plagues me lately? Yep that one. Proverbs 14:12... Which is mirrored in Proverbs 16:25.
"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Jesus, I love you. I trust you. And I relinquish control. I need you to take the part of me that fights you and nail it to the cross for good. You are the Lord of my life; I will follow where you lead.
But I have this need to write that supersedes my chaotic mental state.
I am very aware that lately, my walk with Christ has been playing a minor role as my attitude has grown worse toward people and situations outside my control. I've experienced anger and discontent, immediate sorrow, hatred, frustration, remorse, lightness of heart when things go my way... Eek. It's ugly.
I haven't liked being around me lately. And yet, at the same time, I double-face it and am nice, sweet, selfless with people I really care about. Wow. More to dislike. More to contemplate. More to grieve the Holy Spirit. I am a maze of anger brought on by things I feel are going wrong or are not "right."
In time I realize my problem is that verse... The one that plagues me lately? Yep that one. Proverbs 14:12... Which is mirrored in Proverbs 16:25.
"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Jesus, I love you. I trust you. And I relinquish control. I need you to take the part of me that fights you and nail it to the cross for good. You are the Lord of my life; I will follow where you lead.
10 November 2011
simply love.
Tonight a group of friends and I discussed the amazing fact that as believers in Christ, we are children of God -- bought with a price we could never pay and chosen to fall more deeply in love with our Creator. Pretty awesome.
I'll have more on this at a later time.
As I left our small gathering, one thought ran through my mind: The things we often take for granted are the very things we should value more, not less. Simply love.
You know...the unconditional kind? It is easier for me to imagine one million dollars in cold, hard cash. But of course I've never seen that -- and I experience God's love on a daily basis. How consistent is that? Not so much.
I went through a phase when all I wanted to listen to was harsh metal and drums (not sure why?), screamo, and wailing guitars. If you know me now, you're probably laughing incredulously. I'm a bit removed from that genre...just a bit.
However, as my musical tastes branched out and away from this scene to another, I found a song that remains a favorite today: Pillar's Simply Love. I figured I would give credit where it was due before I write the lyrics out...
I've made it so hard on myself
Turning my back on how you felt
Seeing a lie that led me on
Leaving a Love that did no wrong
That's what it took for me to say
That You simply love
Despite all the stupid things I've done
It's hard to remember that You simply love
Even though I know not what I've done
It's hard to remember that You simply love
I've tried to do all this on my own
Not thinking once of what You've shown
All that I've done has blinded me
To everything that You have for me
I want You to know that I finally see
The lyricist goes on to question why it's so hard to comprehend, when it should be so simple. I love what Jerry Bridges says in The Gospel for Real Life, "So here we sit on death row, condemned as rebels, awaiting our execution. But instead of the death we deserve, we are made sons and daughters of the very King we have rebelled against. Instead of death, we get eternal life. Instead of wrath, we receive favor. Instead of eternal ruin, we are made heirs of God and coheirs with Christ."
We cannot accomplish one good deed that would earn the King's favor, nor could we make restitution for our sins in any way. Jesus paid it all. In full. One time. For all have sinned and fallen short. But God in His mercy while we were still steeped in sin, sent His perfect Son as a ransom. How great the Father's love.
I'll have more on this at a later time.
As I left our small gathering, one thought ran through my mind: The things we often take for granted are the very things we should value more, not less. Simply love.
You know...the unconditional kind? It is easier for me to imagine one million dollars in cold, hard cash. But of course I've never seen that -- and I experience God's love on a daily basis. How consistent is that? Not so much.
I went through a phase when all I wanted to listen to was harsh metal and drums (not sure why?), screamo, and wailing guitars. If you know me now, you're probably laughing incredulously. I'm a bit removed from that genre...just a bit.
However, as my musical tastes branched out and away from this scene to another, I found a song that remains a favorite today: Pillar's Simply Love. I figured I would give credit where it was due before I write the lyrics out...
I've made it so hard on myself
Turning my back on how you felt
Seeing a lie that led me on
Leaving a Love that did no wrong
That's what it took for me to say
That You simply love
Despite all the stupid things I've done
It's hard to remember that You simply love
Even though I know not what I've done
It's hard to remember that You simply love
I've tried to do all this on my own
Not thinking once of what You've shown
All that I've done has blinded me
To everything that You have for me
I want You to know that I finally see
The lyricist goes on to question why it's so hard to comprehend, when it should be so simple. I love what Jerry Bridges says in The Gospel for Real Life, "So here we sit on death row, condemned as rebels, awaiting our execution. But instead of the death we deserve, we are made sons and daughters of the very King we have rebelled against. Instead of death, we get eternal life. Instead of wrath, we receive favor. Instead of eternal ruin, we are made heirs of God and coheirs with Christ."
We cannot accomplish one good deed that would earn the King's favor, nor could we make restitution for our sins in any way. Jesus paid it all. In full. One time. For all have sinned and fallen short. But God in His mercy while we were still steeped in sin, sent His perfect Son as a ransom. How great the Father's love.
07 November 2011
BSF
Sometimes, well, all the time actually...I read something that is pretty much a sucker punch to my spiritual life. Today has been a conviction yet again to examine my heart in the light of Scripture -- I always find myself lacking. Funny thing. And He is always sufficient. Surprised? Yeah, me either.
God has been really pushing hard on this total reliance on Him lately -- and I will admit. I haven't been. I'm too eager to go and talk to someone else first, hopeful that they'll provide the answer I need (usually, the answer I think I need, which is rather self-serving!).
But I have been reminded again that nothing a) takes my heavenly father by surprise or b) is too large or small for Him in His all-sufficient grace to handle. My finite mind will most likely never understand the conundrum of grace or unconditional love, which far surpasses all my fears.
Now my heart is overwhelmed / by al-sufficient grace / for I have seen my weaknesses / become Your perfect strength -- You rescued me / from all my fears / and loosed the chains / of wasted years.
Why is it that I can sing this song with such conviction - but when it comes to living it out loud, I come up near empty??? Seriously. When does my belief show? When does Jesus truly become my Savior, Restorer, Rebuilder, Rewarder, my Refuge, Redeemer, Defender, or Healer?
When I surrender all.
"Do you believe & depend on your Lord so that He alone is sufficient for you in your present circumstances & need?"
Sometimes, my BSF notes are like a 2-by-4 to my drowsy perspective. My apathetic belief. My inept acceptance that my God - who by the way created the very mind I think with - is sufficient, above all. And that He could possibly accomplish more than I'd ever dare to ask Him for (mostly because I wouldn't know that I'm steeped in sin without His grace in the first place).
All I know is this - though I may experience times of trial and doubt in this life, God has a plan beyond my wildest imagination and I am confident as Paul wrote (Philippians 1:6)...
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Until then, my friends, blessed assurance - Jesus is mine! And can be yours too. Yes, I believe in an all-sufficient Savior.
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