Do we ever find ourselves believing that there are God activities and then there is real life? Not so far as just knowing God on Sunday only, then living for ourselves the rest of the week. But we can find ourselves pushing God away as we try to get things done. "I still love you God, but I don't need you for this right here. I'll check in later."
Sometimes I hear people say that you can glorify God in everything you do. Like a football player that has a great game or a doctor performing a surgery. But I find myself questioning occasionally how riding in a bike race, for example, brings any glory to God. I know - yeah, if the person professes Jesus in front of a camera, that does deflect glory where it should go. But should there be more than that? What about during the race or in the preparation? It's not like you will be quoting scripture during every minute of every workout.
What about the stay at home mom who may not see a lot of excitement from some people's perspective? Can a woman get joy out of a routine that may get old at times?
It comes down to accepting and then embracing the calling God has put before you. Maybe you want to be the lead guitarist, but right now you are the backup sound guy. Well guess what? God sees you back there, and he sees what you are doing with what he has given you. We always have to remember that if we seek to follow God's callings (yes, we will probably have several in our lives), then he is using us right now in the ideal place he needs us to be.
So, during the slow times or during those situations that don't really seem to require God's input, we must take all opportunities to find joy in life. For most of us, mowing the lawn is simply a chore. But next time we are out doing yard work, we need to thank him for the energy he has supplied. And then realize we are taking responsibility for something that needs to be done - and it is not something separate from God's presence or power. It may not seem as important as giving a donation to a homeless individual for example. But God is about our heart. Whatever situation that is before us can be shaping us to be an effective disciple.
So, I really covered 2 things here:
bring Glory to God in all you do
find joy in your current situation
But it is pretty easy to do one if you do the other.
For me, seeing how God is involved in my life completely is something I am working on. Just because I'm driving to work, or taking a shower, or unloading the dishwasher shouldn't cause me to tell God to wait until I'm done. Yeah, that little task or thought or conversation is all under God's providence and he wishes to connect with us through all things.
So, the next time we find ourselves telling God to take a backseat because we are busy, let's invite him to hang out with us. The next time we feel our efforts are not producing any lasting fruit, let's enjoy our moment, and know that God is pleased.
PS: Please suggest a scripture for this one.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Finding Rest
You might be one of those people who has everything in their life in perfect running order.
You have your life scheduled down to the minute and it is meticulously recorded in your pocket Moleskine.
If so, then you can skip this entry.
As for me, and maybe some of you, the story is a little different.
I frequently find numerous things going in my head with never any down time to let my mind wander.
Likewise, maybe you feel like you have so many open things, that you never accomplish much.
If we let this continue for any length of time we may begin to feel we are losing track of our lives.
It can get to where even your free moments are not relaxing because your mind and spirit never have a chance to be refreshed and renewed.
If you are a list maker, are you finding that you are adding to that list faster than you are checking items off?
I think sometimes we just try to do too much. We want to accomplish so much. We want everything in its place. The only way we know to do this is to control every minute detail of our lives.
We might say that if we don't keep everything organized and under control, then we'll never be able to break out of our chaos.
So, how do we break through this mindset?
I think the solution is to give up. Stop trying to be super-human. Most of the stuff we worry about doesn't really matter and will not affect us in the long-term anyway. We would probably be better off living more for the moment. Not at the expense of making irresponsible decisions, but we should enjoy our current circumstances more than we do. There is a silver lining in all things. And I think if you approach your life with that attitude, you will see the blessings are flowing everywhere.
This is a huge step in being a follower of Jesus. And it is something that continually creeps back in. Before we know it, we realize that we have tried to take back control of all these things that we should have given over to God. Our worries, future, finances, relationships, etc. The reality is that our attempts to control these things are futile anyway.
What are we scared of? Do we think we can do a better job than God of running our lives? I think we actually do believe that sometimes. Silly, huh?
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. -- Matthew 11:28-30
You have your life scheduled down to the minute and it is meticulously recorded in your pocket Moleskine.
If so, then you can skip this entry.
As for me, and maybe some of you, the story is a little different.
I frequently find numerous things going in my head with never any down time to let my mind wander.
Likewise, maybe you feel like you have so many open things, that you never accomplish much.
If we let this continue for any length of time we may begin to feel we are losing track of our lives.
It can get to where even your free moments are not relaxing because your mind and spirit never have a chance to be refreshed and renewed.
If you are a list maker, are you finding that you are adding to that list faster than you are checking items off?
I think sometimes we just try to do too much. We want to accomplish so much. We want everything in its place. The only way we know to do this is to control every minute detail of our lives.
We might say that if we don't keep everything organized and under control, then we'll never be able to break out of our chaos.
So, how do we break through this mindset?
I think the solution is to give up. Stop trying to be super-human. Most of the stuff we worry about doesn't really matter and will not affect us in the long-term anyway. We would probably be better off living more for the moment. Not at the expense of making irresponsible decisions, but we should enjoy our current circumstances more than we do. There is a silver lining in all things. And I think if you approach your life with that attitude, you will see the blessings are flowing everywhere.
This is a huge step in being a follower of Jesus. And it is something that continually creeps back in. Before we know it, we realize that we have tried to take back control of all these things that we should have given over to God. Our worries, future, finances, relationships, etc. The reality is that our attempts to control these things are futile anyway.
What are we scared of? Do we think we can do a better job than God of running our lives? I think we actually do believe that sometimes. Silly, huh?
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly. -- Matthew 11:28-30
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Minimizing our Love
I realize I live selfishly and really try to minimize knowing people.
That sounds harsh, but I know it can be true.
In general, I'm pretty friendly.
I'm not purposely rude, but I find that I am not always purposely friendly.
For example, I will just say "how's it going" when greeting someone at the coffee bar in the morning, instead of asking them a personal question to get to know them.
When driving, I am in my own world. Other cars (and drivers) are just an obstacle to overcome.
The "do unto others" rule doesn't apply.
When I pull in from work and see the neighbor in the yard, I could get out and talk. Or I can pull my car in quickly and get in the house. I'm tired and want to spend time with my family, but should I pass up an opportunity to get to know someone better?
Maybe for you it is upon hearing your friend lost her mother, you make a quick call to tell her you are sorry and ask if there is anything you can do. When you really should be on your way to be with her, instead of worrying about being out late or missing your down time that evening.
Maybe there is someone you work with that really gets on your nerves. He comes into your office at 4:59pm, and start telling you about his weekend plans which hold no interest for you. Do you abruptly cut him off so you can beat traffic? Or do you take that opportunity get deeper with him and see what is going on in his life?
I think it comes down to either loving other people or not loving them. When we choose to put ourselves before others, we are not loving them.
I know it is tough to determine how much to give of yourself. You do have to take care of yourself. You have to make a living, spend time with family, take care of the house, etc. If you don't have your life in order, then you realistically will not have much to offer other people.
The question ultimately is Why should we love others? Because the bible says so?? Well, yes. But why does Jesus encourage a life of love for others?
By loving, we get past our own selfishness. This of course is one of our biggest barriers to oneness with God.
It goes both ways.
When we live a life after God's heart, we will love people.
When we love people, we find ourselves living a life after God's heart.
My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. -- 1 John 3:18
That sounds harsh, but I know it can be true.
In general, I'm pretty friendly.
I'm not purposely rude, but I find that I am not always purposely friendly.
For example, I will just say "how's it going" when greeting someone at the coffee bar in the morning, instead of asking them a personal question to get to know them.
When driving, I am in my own world. Other cars (and drivers) are just an obstacle to overcome.
The "do unto others" rule doesn't apply.
When I pull in from work and see the neighbor in the yard, I could get out and talk. Or I can pull my car in quickly and get in the house. I'm tired and want to spend time with my family, but should I pass up an opportunity to get to know someone better?
Maybe for you it is upon hearing your friend lost her mother, you make a quick call to tell her you are sorry and ask if there is anything you can do. When you really should be on your way to be with her, instead of worrying about being out late or missing your down time that evening.
Maybe there is someone you work with that really gets on your nerves. He comes into your office at 4:59pm, and start telling you about his weekend plans which hold no interest for you. Do you abruptly cut him off so you can beat traffic? Or do you take that opportunity get deeper with him and see what is going on in his life?
I think it comes down to either loving other people or not loving them. When we choose to put ourselves before others, we are not loving them.
I know it is tough to determine how much to give of yourself. You do have to take care of yourself. You have to make a living, spend time with family, take care of the house, etc. If you don't have your life in order, then you realistically will not have much to offer other people.
The question ultimately is Why should we love others? Because the bible says so?? Well, yes. But why does Jesus encourage a life of love for others?
By loving, we get past our own selfishness. This of course is one of our biggest barriers to oneness with God.
It goes both ways.
When we live a life after God's heart, we will love people.
When we love people, we find ourselves living a life after God's heart.
My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. -- 1 John 3:18
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Praying is Hard
Some days, I do not feel close to God.
I don't find myself desiring His presence.
I know I should, but I don't know how to flip a switch and be right in tune with Him.
It's not that I want to run from Him. I really want to run closer to Him. But I lack the energy or motivation to make it happen.
And these times when I do not feel like praying, can't get in the praying mindset, and am unable to be excited about praying...
this is when I really do need to spend time talking with God.
And this may not be a prayer of thankfulness for blessings. This sometimes needs to be a desperate request asking God to be real and alive in me.
Our relationship with God is not an emotional one. We can be pumped up by a great time of musical worship or an awesome sermon that really inspires us.
Likewise, we can be having a really difficult day or period of life which strips our joy away. Neither extreme should affect our God relationship. Truly living a life of worship should never be about how we feel. I guess if we find this happening, then we should reevaluate ourselves.
I am not suggesting that our corporate worship time should be void of emotion. I definitely think we can and should be moved during these times. But are these times an event? Does our life and mindset "come back to reality" when the worship time is over? Do we only experience the "worship time" on Sundays?
I plan to say much more on this in the future, but be thinking about these questions.
Back to praying...
JUST DO IT!
Seriously, living for God is not easy. A life reflecting His glory can be elusive. Just ask God to help you. Sometimes, that is the only thing we can pray. Trust in Him a little.
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. -- Romans 8:26
I don't find myself desiring His presence.
I know I should, but I don't know how to flip a switch and be right in tune with Him.
It's not that I want to run from Him. I really want to run closer to Him. But I lack the energy or motivation to make it happen.
And these times when I do not feel like praying, can't get in the praying mindset, and am unable to be excited about praying...
this is when I really do need to spend time talking with God.
And this may not be a prayer of thankfulness for blessings. This sometimes needs to be a desperate request asking God to be real and alive in me.
Our relationship with God is not an emotional one. We can be pumped up by a great time of musical worship or an awesome sermon that really inspires us.
Likewise, we can be having a really difficult day or period of life which strips our joy away. Neither extreme should affect our God relationship. Truly living a life of worship should never be about how we feel. I guess if we find this happening, then we should reevaluate ourselves.
I am not suggesting that our corporate worship time should be void of emotion. I definitely think we can and should be moved during these times. But are these times an event? Does our life and mindset "come back to reality" when the worship time is over? Do we only experience the "worship time" on Sundays?
I plan to say much more on this in the future, but be thinking about these questions.
Back to praying...
JUST DO IT!
Seriously, living for God is not easy. A life reflecting His glory can be elusive. Just ask God to help you. Sometimes, that is the only thing we can pray. Trust in Him a little.
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. -- Romans 8:26
Name This Blog
I am currently working on naming this blog.
If you have any suggestions, send them along. Don't be mad if I don't use yours, though.
If you have any suggestions, send them along. Don't be mad if I don't use yours, though.
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