We may not always understand the way things go or the way things work. In fact, there are a lot of times I want to know why I am being asked to do certain things at work or the reason behind the request and what function it serves. Then there are times when I don't care one way or the other why I'm being asked to do this or that or especially the reasoning behind it....I just need to do it and get it over with. After talking with about 15 people about this, I noticed that it's somewhat of a common thread among those questioned. But, why? Why are some people like that and others not?
The Socratic method of argument (not in the form of emotional arguing or fighting - so, understand that by argument, I mean debate) is made up of this particular question, "why?". He believed that one could get to the bottom of any situation and find the root cause or intention in any argument by asking, "why?". It sort of makes me think about my son. "Son, put your dishes in the sink, please." "Why?" "Because when you're finished eating, you put your dishes in the sink so mommy and daddy can clean them." "Why?" "They need to be cleaned so that we can re-use them." "Why?" ......and so on and so forth. Eventually you get to the point to where it's like: "Son, just put the flippin' dishes in the sink before I pinch your little head off." It sounds crazy, but IT'S TRUE. We are consumed with the question, "why." In all actuality, if you can stand the monotony of it all, asking why for every question will eventually either drive you insane or answer the root question. Socrates was a genius (and quite possibly very devilish).
Think about it.....
Too many times we ask why when it really doesn't matter at all. We ask why for selfish reasons. It's almost like self-pity. You get hit in the head with a golf ball and you think, "why do things like this always happen to me? Why can't they just happen to someone else for a change?" Granted - nobody wants to get hit in the head with a golf ball. But, seriously.....too many hits in the head will eventually lead you to the question, "WHY?"
I find myself somtimes questioning the reason things happen to me. For example, when things don't go my way or when I feel overwhelmed or stressed, the first thing that comes to mind is, "Why does this always happen to me?" The point of this whole blog is that......things happen for a reason, yes; but the reason isn't always supposed to be revealed when you want an answer. There's not always an answer to the "why" question here and now. Things happen because they happen - - why doesn't matter. They've happened - now deal with it. Eventually, you will either be told why or you will figure it out on your own. I know that sounds sort of cruel....but, come on....the world in which we live is a "here and now" culture, based on instant gratification. My question is "WHY - do I feel like I have know everything all the time? WHY - can't I just sit back and take everything in stride? WHY - am I so focused on the here and now?" I need to sit back and relax - look to the future - and focus on the tasks at hand. Forget all the junk that's happened and stop asking "WHY" all the stinkin' time.
Socrates was a smart man - there's no doubt. But his methods don't equate with my Heavenly Papa's. I need to "be still and know that He is God."
Peace, Love, and Parliament (P-Funk All-Stars)
Our kiddos
Eli and Addy
Friday, September 21, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
"Throw Up" Your Rawkfist
So, I evidently have way too much time on my hands because I caught myself pondering the meaning of life yet again. Only this time, I wasn't thinking about it in terms of some significant destiny I have yet to fulfill. It was more like the complexity and construction of the human body. The amazing way that the human body works.....it really is the trademark signature of our Heavenly Papa.
Last week, I came down with this wicked-nasty stomach virus. It was so bad that I literally could not stand up straight. Without going into too much detail....there was a lot of nastiness involved with this wretched thing.
My wife is seven months pregnant and we have a four-year-old little man, so I was quarantined from my house for two and a half days for fear that I would make everyone else sick. Needless to say, I was hurting. I was sick, I was away from my wife, away from my son, away from my bed, my dog wouldn't play with me, I was throwing up everywhere, I looked like the hunchback of Notre Dame 'cause I couldn't stand up straight........and I had nowhere to go................. So, I went to the only place that has to take you in........I went to my mom's and she made me chicken noodle soup and it was good.
So, I'm on my way to my mom's where my dad was supposed to have left the front door unlocked, as I have no key. I get there and slowly crawl to the front door only to find that the door is locked.........pooh! So, I decided I would lay down in the driveway and wait for him to get there. As I was laying there, I remember thinking......."I'm about to yak." Now, in my youth, I would've been terrified. I hated throwing up. In this case, I hurriedly crawled to the grass and started the process of preparing to vomit. In the midst of releasing my dinner from the night before I was struck with the reality that this is how the human body works. It stinks sometimes - no pun intended - but in all reality, when we have a virus, our body is built to defend itself. Vomitting is a defense mechanism for our body - it gets rid of all the "yuckie's" (as my son would say).
As a child, I used to despise throwing up. I would cry and pray for God to keep me from "being sick." As an adult, however, I'm able to look at things differently. Now it's like, "Look, if we're gonna do this, let's get it on so I can get back to bed." Don't ask me why it hit me when it did - but now I look at it in a very different light.
It really is crazy-wack-funky if you think about the way we, as humans, are able to perform certain tasks. Look at our hands with fingers that just happen to wrap around things enabling us to grab hold and grip. Look at the way our muscles are constructed. The way our lungs work - the fact that we use oxygen. Take the human eye for example......what an amazing mechanism that can only be accomplished by an inventor like my God. Look at pregnancy or child birth....you cannot tell me there's no God.
So, the next time you get sick......don't look at it like it's the worst thing ever.....look at it as a refining process. Your body is refining itself and defending itself from all the "yuckies."
I hate to ask.....but, any thoughts?
Last week, I came down with this wicked-nasty stomach virus. It was so bad that I literally could not stand up straight. Without going into too much detail....there was a lot of nastiness involved with this wretched thing.
My wife is seven months pregnant and we have a four-year-old little man, so I was quarantined from my house for two and a half days for fear that I would make everyone else sick. Needless to say, I was hurting. I was sick, I was away from my wife, away from my son, away from my bed, my dog wouldn't play with me, I was throwing up everywhere, I looked like the hunchback of Notre Dame 'cause I couldn't stand up straight........and I had nowhere to go................. So, I went to the only place that has to take you in........I went to my mom's and she made me chicken noodle soup and it was good.
So, I'm on my way to my mom's where my dad was supposed to have left the front door unlocked, as I have no key. I get there and slowly crawl to the front door only to find that the door is locked.........pooh! So, I decided I would lay down in the driveway and wait for him to get there. As I was laying there, I remember thinking......."I'm about to yak." Now, in my youth, I would've been terrified. I hated throwing up. In this case, I hurriedly crawled to the grass and started the process of preparing to vomit. In the midst of releasing my dinner from the night before I was struck with the reality that this is how the human body works. It stinks sometimes - no pun intended - but in all reality, when we have a virus, our body is built to defend itself. Vomitting is a defense mechanism for our body - it gets rid of all the "yuckie's" (as my son would say).
As a child, I used to despise throwing up. I would cry and pray for God to keep me from "being sick." As an adult, however, I'm able to look at things differently. Now it's like, "Look, if we're gonna do this, let's get it on so I can get back to bed." Don't ask me why it hit me when it did - but now I look at it in a very different light.
It really is crazy-wack-funky if you think about the way we, as humans, are able to perform certain tasks. Look at our hands with fingers that just happen to wrap around things enabling us to grab hold and grip. Look at the way our muscles are constructed. The way our lungs work - the fact that we use oxygen. Take the human eye for example......what an amazing mechanism that can only be accomplished by an inventor like my God. Look at pregnancy or child birth....you cannot tell me there's no God.
So, the next time you get sick......don't look at it like it's the worst thing ever.....look at it as a refining process. Your body is refining itself and defending itself from all the "yuckies."
I hate to ask.....but, any thoughts?
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Holy Cow, I'm Stuffed.....
I may not be a smart man....but, I'm pretty sure I'm not a complete idiot. Although, I could be wrong. I'm learning more and more each day how stupid I can be. Maybe it's age....perhaps the loss of hair.....or possibly even a pregnant wife. But, regardless, I can tell something is about to give and I'm not sure how it's all going to go down.
It's exciting, I must admit, that I feel in my inner-most being a movement of some sort....I don't think it's gas. It feels more like a time of training. If you've ever played a sport perhaps you'll recognize this feeling. It's like right before a football game and your the quaterback. In pre-game warm-ups, the adrenaline is pumping so much that you have this axious feeling....a prompt to just scream out at the top of your lungs....not out of anger, but out of sheer adrenaline. It's sort of like butterflies but in no way like a nervous feeling! Your self-confidence isn't being tested. If anything it's complete confidence in what you can bring to the table.....but more like a readiness just to get out there and start cracking some heads. It's actually really exciting. There's no pride or self-service involved - it's simply a willingness to put it all out there for the world to see what you've been gifted with. Now, once you're on the field - it's time to rely on instincts and training to pull you through to victory. But, just before the game, that feeling of anxiety races through your veins pushing your very limits to exhaustion.
That's currently where I find myself.
Over the last few months, I have been consumed with a few "missions" I feel God is calling me to be a part of. One is a mission trip to Meru, Kenya in January of '08. The other is a ministry that is still in the praying and planning stages. But, there is a readiness just to be used by God to minister to the needs of people. I've been spending a lot of time just reading scripture and taking note as to what God is speaking into my life. I feel full. I feel stuffed. I feel like I've just spent four hours at a buffet and have eaten everything I can. It's a great feeling.....but then there has to be time to lay back and let it all soak in.
I realize I am probably rambling - it's difficult to keep up with my thoughts on all this. but, as I was reading a few weeks ago, I was struck with a passage out of the Psalms. I've read it a million times and have taken quite a liking to it. But, as I was reading over some notes I had written, this same verse hit me like a ton of bricks. The passage goes as follows: (forgive me, I don't have my Bible in front of me as I am at work, furiously trying to type and keep up with my thoughts)
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn; the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." - Psalm 37:3-6
This just seems to speak to me in such a way that leads me to the pre-game feeling of a battle between two rival teams, warfare on the football field - in this situation; spiritual warfare against the darkest team you've ever seen. The epic battle between good and evil.
I guess where I am going with this is that, in order to do your absolute best on the football field of life, you have to work out (read, study, fast, pray). As I look back at my football days, I remember many times working out to the point of collapsing - being so physically tired that I couldn't take another step. Only to go back out the next day and be pushed further past my previous limits. It's the same on the spiritual football field; soaking in as much of the Lord as you can until you have to take a step back - regroup - then hit it hard again - pushing yourself further and further until your spiritual muscles have been trained to the point of being able to act instinctively. When you reach exhaustion it means that you're almost where you need to be - KEEP GOING! Man, there's no feeling quite like pre-game "jitters." Regardless of the final score on a physical football field, you're a winner because you trained like a winner. On the spiritual football field - you're already victorious because, not only did you train like a champ, you have a coach with a phenomenal winning record (having never lost a game), and a winning team behind you, rooting for you, praying for you, and wanting you to accept the authority the coach has given you.
Train hard and win big.....
Thoughts?
It's exciting, I must admit, that I feel in my inner-most being a movement of some sort....I don't think it's gas. It feels more like a time of training. If you've ever played a sport perhaps you'll recognize this feeling. It's like right before a football game and your the quaterback. In pre-game warm-ups, the adrenaline is pumping so much that you have this axious feeling....a prompt to just scream out at the top of your lungs....not out of anger, but out of sheer adrenaline. It's sort of like butterflies but in no way like a nervous feeling! Your self-confidence isn't being tested. If anything it's complete confidence in what you can bring to the table.....but more like a readiness just to get out there and start cracking some heads. It's actually really exciting. There's no pride or self-service involved - it's simply a willingness to put it all out there for the world to see what you've been gifted with. Now, once you're on the field - it's time to rely on instincts and training to pull you through to victory. But, just before the game, that feeling of anxiety races through your veins pushing your very limits to exhaustion.
That's currently where I find myself.
Over the last few months, I have been consumed with a few "missions" I feel God is calling me to be a part of. One is a mission trip to Meru, Kenya in January of '08. The other is a ministry that is still in the praying and planning stages. But, there is a readiness just to be used by God to minister to the needs of people. I've been spending a lot of time just reading scripture and taking note as to what God is speaking into my life. I feel full. I feel stuffed. I feel like I've just spent four hours at a buffet and have eaten everything I can. It's a great feeling.....but then there has to be time to lay back and let it all soak in.
I realize I am probably rambling - it's difficult to keep up with my thoughts on all this. but, as I was reading a few weeks ago, I was struck with a passage out of the Psalms. I've read it a million times and have taken quite a liking to it. But, as I was reading over some notes I had written, this same verse hit me like a ton of bricks. The passage goes as follows: (forgive me, I don't have my Bible in front of me as I am at work, furiously trying to type and keep up with my thoughts)
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn; the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." - Psalm 37:3-6
This just seems to speak to me in such a way that leads me to the pre-game feeling of a battle between two rival teams, warfare on the football field - in this situation; spiritual warfare against the darkest team you've ever seen. The epic battle between good and evil.
I guess where I am going with this is that, in order to do your absolute best on the football field of life, you have to work out (read, study, fast, pray). As I look back at my football days, I remember many times working out to the point of collapsing - being so physically tired that I couldn't take another step. Only to go back out the next day and be pushed further past my previous limits. It's the same on the spiritual football field; soaking in as much of the Lord as you can until you have to take a step back - regroup - then hit it hard again - pushing yourself further and further until your spiritual muscles have been trained to the point of being able to act instinctively. When you reach exhaustion it means that you're almost where you need to be - KEEP GOING! Man, there's no feeling quite like pre-game "jitters." Regardless of the final score on a physical football field, you're a winner because you trained like a winner. On the spiritual football field - you're already victorious because, not only did you train like a champ, you have a coach with a phenomenal winning record (having never lost a game), and a winning team behind you, rooting for you, praying for you, and wanting you to accept the authority the coach has given you.
Train hard and win big.....
Thoughts?
Saturday, July 28, 2007
A Season of Stink....
So anyone who knows me and my wife knows that when it rains it defintely pours. For us, things don't just happen a little bit at a time - things happen BIG and they happen all at once. I'm not the type of person who believes in luck but I once heard a saying that goes "If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all." I see a lot of truth to that - but then there's always sunshine at the end of it and maybe a rainbow or two.
I am of the school of thought that believes life is what you make of it. Not to sound cliche, but if the world hands you lemons - make some lemonade! That's sort of my philosophy. I firmly believe that life is a continuous cycle of seasons. The Bible says "to everything there is a season." Therefore, I've pretty much got it narrowed down to four distinctly different seasons - much like that of the worldy climate (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer): a season of blessing, a season of rejoicing, a season of preparation, and a season of storms. Hey, three out of four ain't bad! If you think about this it might actually make sense to you.
The season of blessing is a time of reflection on what God has done for you, where He has you, where He's brought you from, and how You've gotten there. The season of rejoicing is the realization that, regardless of what has happened in the past or what will happen in the future, everything has been and will be alright - you are taken care of, provided for, you are appreciated, affirmed in your life's calling, and are ready to enter into preparation for your next adventure - which leads us to our next season. The season of preparation is just what it sounds like - preparation. This is a season that is uncomfortable for some because, like me, it's a bit difficult to tell you are in it. Take me for example. One day everything is going great - I'm loving life. And then, all of a sudden, there is this distinct feeling of discomfort - like my direction is being shifted. At first, there is much resistance, and rightly so - no one in their right mind would want to feel out from under the loving atmosphere of appreciation and affrimation. But, nonetheless, this is a season where God is moving me toward a different direction. It's exciting and frightening all at the same time. It's not until I realize that this shift in my innermost being means there is a really BIG change coming. Now, it's not always a significant change - but it's a change. Most people don't care much for change and that makes it difficult. This is where the season of storms comes into play.
To be completely honest, I'm not sure the word "storms" characterizes this season enough. It should be called a season of "stink." The only reason I chose that word is because most people get offended if you use stronger language to describe the feeling I get when I am in this season. It stinks when you're in it. But - it is truly a time of learning, a time of refinement, purifying. It's not always fun - it's not what I would describe as a good time. It hurts a little and is extremely trying at times. However, it's where I need to be in order to grow.
That's the season my wife and I are currently in. Which is not a bad thing. But, when it rains it pours in my family and the stormy season can sometimes last for a while. The good thing, on the other hand, is that somewhere there's always a rainbow. From the Bible, we know that the rainbow was a sign to Noah that the flood was over and a promise from God that He would not devestate the earth in that way again. Will we be refined in the same way again - I don't know!
All I know is that my wife wrecked her vehicle, our washing machine broke, we found termites, my son has a belly-ache, my car stereo broke, I turned thirty, and there are some BIG changes and some scary changes happening in our lives at the moment that we are uncertain of. This is some stressful stuff. But, it's comforting knowing that we are simply in a season of stink right now and that there is a fresh and beautiful season of blessing to follow!
I am of the school of thought that believes life is what you make of it. Not to sound cliche, but if the world hands you lemons - make some lemonade! That's sort of my philosophy. I firmly believe that life is a continuous cycle of seasons. The Bible says "to everything there is a season." Therefore, I've pretty much got it narrowed down to four distinctly different seasons - much like that of the worldy climate (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer): a season of blessing, a season of rejoicing, a season of preparation, and a season of storms. Hey, three out of four ain't bad! If you think about this it might actually make sense to you.
The season of blessing is a time of reflection on what God has done for you, where He has you, where He's brought you from, and how You've gotten there. The season of rejoicing is the realization that, regardless of what has happened in the past or what will happen in the future, everything has been and will be alright - you are taken care of, provided for, you are appreciated, affirmed in your life's calling, and are ready to enter into preparation for your next adventure - which leads us to our next season. The season of preparation is just what it sounds like - preparation. This is a season that is uncomfortable for some because, like me, it's a bit difficult to tell you are in it. Take me for example. One day everything is going great - I'm loving life. And then, all of a sudden, there is this distinct feeling of discomfort - like my direction is being shifted. At first, there is much resistance, and rightly so - no one in their right mind would want to feel out from under the loving atmosphere of appreciation and affrimation. But, nonetheless, this is a season where God is moving me toward a different direction. It's exciting and frightening all at the same time. It's not until I realize that this shift in my innermost being means there is a really BIG change coming. Now, it's not always a significant change - but it's a change. Most people don't care much for change and that makes it difficult. This is where the season of storms comes into play.
To be completely honest, I'm not sure the word "storms" characterizes this season enough. It should be called a season of "stink." The only reason I chose that word is because most people get offended if you use stronger language to describe the feeling I get when I am in this season. It stinks when you're in it. But - it is truly a time of learning, a time of refinement, purifying. It's not always fun - it's not what I would describe as a good time. It hurts a little and is extremely trying at times. However, it's where I need to be in order to grow.
That's the season my wife and I are currently in. Which is not a bad thing. But, when it rains it pours in my family and the stormy season can sometimes last for a while. The good thing, on the other hand, is that somewhere there's always a rainbow. From the Bible, we know that the rainbow was a sign to Noah that the flood was over and a promise from God that He would not devestate the earth in that way again. Will we be refined in the same way again - I don't know!
All I know is that my wife wrecked her vehicle, our washing machine broke, we found termites, my son has a belly-ache, my car stereo broke, I turned thirty, and there are some BIG changes and some scary changes happening in our lives at the moment that we are uncertain of. This is some stressful stuff. But, it's comforting knowing that we are simply in a season of stink right now and that there is a fresh and beautiful season of blessing to follow!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Bug-Dodgin'
Last night, as I was driving home from practice, my son posed a question I seriously had to stop and think carefully about before answering. At first, I admit, I was chomping at the bit for a witty comeback that would no doubt illicit laughter as a response from my sons' four-year-old body. That's my whole goal in life is to make my son laugh - he has the very best laugh in the world. But, the longer I thought about it, the more I thought I needed to choose my words carefully and try to maintain at least a little bit of seriousness in my answer.
Anyone with children or around children on a frequent basis knows they can ask some of the funniest questions. Some questions are silly, some are fairly complex, and some are genuinely seeking solid information that could perhaps change the way these children view the world. But, then you get a question where there are so many answers to and each answer is different depending on the situation - a circumstantial question.
So, it's well after 9:00pm and dark - the sound of something like rain hitting the windshield (actually it was bugs - yuck - we have to drive through some farmland to get home) and he asked me, "Daddy, why are the bugs hitting us?" I said, "They're not really hitting us as much as we are hitting them - I don't think they mean to hit us - we're just driving at a speed faster than they can fly." So, he said, "Can we slow down?"
Now, for a normal person in a normal situation, this may not be that profound. But, in my opinion normalcy is a relative concept. See, if normal happens where normal is supposed to happen - of course that's normal. But, if normal happens where weird is supposed to happen - then normal actually becomes weird. So, this was weird for me. How do you explain to a four-year-old that bugs aren't near as important as my getting home to watch my pre-recorded "So You Think You Can Dance" show? How do you explain the fact that bugs are just bugs and that in the realm of existence they rank about the bottom of the food chain? But, the biggest impact his question had on me was the fact that he was so concerned for the bugs - I couldn't bring myself to crush his little heart. So I slowed down.
My son is the very best thing to ever happen to me. He has shown me how to slow down and just live - enjoying stupid little things like bugs. He's shown me how to really laugh. He's shown me how to really love. I thank God for him everyday and pray that God will make me the father Eli needs for me to be.
So, the rest of the drive home we spent "Bug-dodgin'." We turned the brights on and swerved everytime we saw a fatty come straight for us. Sometimes we missed them and sometimes we hit them - but I explained that "You can't win 'em all, son." I think he understood and we had a great time the rest of the way home.
Anyone with children or around children on a frequent basis knows they can ask some of the funniest questions. Some questions are silly, some are fairly complex, and some are genuinely seeking solid information that could perhaps change the way these children view the world. But, then you get a question where there are so many answers to and each answer is different depending on the situation - a circumstantial question.
So, it's well after 9:00pm and dark - the sound of something like rain hitting the windshield (actually it was bugs - yuck - we have to drive through some farmland to get home) and he asked me, "Daddy, why are the bugs hitting us?" I said, "They're not really hitting us as much as we are hitting them - I don't think they mean to hit us - we're just driving at a speed faster than they can fly." So, he said, "Can we slow down?"
Now, for a normal person in a normal situation, this may not be that profound. But, in my opinion normalcy is a relative concept. See, if normal happens where normal is supposed to happen - of course that's normal. But, if normal happens where weird is supposed to happen - then normal actually becomes weird. So, this was weird for me. How do you explain to a four-year-old that bugs aren't near as important as my getting home to watch my pre-recorded "So You Think You Can Dance" show? How do you explain the fact that bugs are just bugs and that in the realm of existence they rank about the bottom of the food chain? But, the biggest impact his question had on me was the fact that he was so concerned for the bugs - I couldn't bring myself to crush his little heart. So I slowed down.
My son is the very best thing to ever happen to me. He has shown me how to slow down and just live - enjoying stupid little things like bugs. He's shown me how to really laugh. He's shown me how to really love. I thank God for him everyday and pray that God will make me the father Eli needs for me to be.
So, the rest of the drive home we spent "Bug-dodgin'." We turned the brights on and swerved everytime we saw a fatty come straight for us. Sometimes we missed them and sometimes we hit them - but I explained that "You can't win 'em all, son." I think he understood and we had a great time the rest of the way home.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Much to avail...
James 5:16 says that we should confess our sins to each other and pray for each other; that we may be healed. It goes on to say that "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." I started thinking about that whole phrase.....about healing through prayer....about how intense prayer can work wonders. I've always known that prayer is extremely powerful. I've seen it - lived it - been a recipient and part of the prayer-chain. But I still get convicted by James' last line - the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much - wow!
Webster's dictionary defines fervent as "exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling." Webster's also defines effectual as "producing or able to produce a desired effect."
Righteousness.....does it really even need a definition? Righteousness is the very essence of God! Is it even attainable for humans? Obviously it is if James is encouraging us to be righteous. But, man, the intensity of that word! Holy cow! Could I become a righteous man? I think it all boils down to priorities. Are my priorities that of God's? What are my priorities? Have I set my mind on the things of God? I mean, isn't that what it means to be righteous?
As I sit here and think about myself, really analyzing myself, I do not consider myself a righteous man. I want to be! No doubt about it! I want to be righteous. Like I said in a previous post, I want to be a man after God's own heart, like David. That's probably why I feel convicted. I am always aware of my priorities versus that of God's and I have no problem, whatsoever, casting myself aside to take His task on. Therefore, I feel, in my spirit, that I am focused on the will of the Father, even when I don't even know it. But, I don't see myself as righteous.
Righteousness means to be free from guilt and sin, to be like-minded with Jesus, to will and act according to the Word of God. I am free of guilt, but not so much sin. Sure, there were times (and still are to some extent) that I was plagued by guilt and shame. But, once I realized the power over and the freedom from bondage we as believers have been given, it's easier for me to realize that I am not a slave to it. For sin, on the other hand, who is free from sin? Perhaps that's the reason the Bible says that "there is none righteous, no not one." Which leads me to believe that righteousness is something we should strive for - somewhat like perfection. Some believe perfection is unattainable - John Wesley, founder of Methodism, believed you could reach perfection in your thought-life, thus becoming like-minded with Christ.
The whole concept is mind-boggling, but fascinating all at the same time. It's really pretty intense. Will I ever be perfect - of course not. But, I can train myself to think according to Scripture. Anyone can. It doesn't take a Biblical scholar or priest - an average, everyday Joe can be taught to live a life of righteousness. It's about my will versus His will.
Thoughts?
Webster's dictionary defines fervent as "exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling." Webster's also defines effectual as "producing or able to produce a desired effect."
Righteousness.....does it really even need a definition? Righteousness is the very essence of God! Is it even attainable for humans? Obviously it is if James is encouraging us to be righteous. But, man, the intensity of that word! Holy cow! Could I become a righteous man? I think it all boils down to priorities. Are my priorities that of God's? What are my priorities? Have I set my mind on the things of God? I mean, isn't that what it means to be righteous?
As I sit here and think about myself, really analyzing myself, I do not consider myself a righteous man. I want to be! No doubt about it! I want to be righteous. Like I said in a previous post, I want to be a man after God's own heart, like David. That's probably why I feel convicted. I am always aware of my priorities versus that of God's and I have no problem, whatsoever, casting myself aside to take His task on. Therefore, I feel, in my spirit, that I am focused on the will of the Father, even when I don't even know it. But, I don't see myself as righteous.
Righteousness means to be free from guilt and sin, to be like-minded with Jesus, to will and act according to the Word of God. I am free of guilt, but not so much sin. Sure, there were times (and still are to some extent) that I was plagued by guilt and shame. But, once I realized the power over and the freedom from bondage we as believers have been given, it's easier for me to realize that I am not a slave to it. For sin, on the other hand, who is free from sin? Perhaps that's the reason the Bible says that "there is none righteous, no not one." Which leads me to believe that righteousness is something we should strive for - somewhat like perfection. Some believe perfection is unattainable - John Wesley, founder of Methodism, believed you could reach perfection in your thought-life, thus becoming like-minded with Christ.
The whole concept is mind-boggling, but fascinating all at the same time. It's really pretty intense. Will I ever be perfect - of course not. But, I can train myself to think according to Scripture. Anyone can. It doesn't take a Biblical scholar or priest - an average, everyday Joe can be taught to live a life of righteousness. It's about my will versus His will.
Thoughts?
Saturday, June 30, 2007
If you're gonna be dumb....
I've done some pretty dumb things in my life. Some things I am completely ashamed of, some things I wish no one ever knew about, a lot of things I wish I had never done, and some things I wish I would've done differently. But, I have learned, at least a little, from all of them. I'm sure the same is true for most of us.
Have you ever looked back on your life and thought, "If I'd done this differently.....," or "If I had it all to do over, I would......"?
A little over a month ago I passed a huge milestone in my life.....I turned thirty! So, I started reflecting on my life. Mid-life crisis? No.....simple reflection. But, if you look into a mirror, sometimes you don't always like the reflection. I noticed that half my life has been spent trying to FIX something I had done wrong. The other half was spent learning how to keep from messing up (an art I have not mastered). All the while I kept remembering something my step-father always says, "If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough." Well, life in general is hard - but it's a whole lot harder if you're stupid!
I've taken a lot of risks in life. Some risks have had amazing outcomes. Some have been drastic failures. But, I have never been a pine rider (baseball term). I have always been in the game. Does that mean I am right? No. It means I was willing to give it a shot. Sometimes my intentions were good. Sometimes my intentions were selfish and not good at all. But the willingness to take a risk shows some sort of faith, right? What is the source of that faith? Is it confidence in self? Is it blind hope that all is right with the world? Could it be an attempt to maintain some sort of self-worth or perhaps build self-esteem? I don't know. But, it only makes sense that we, as humans, are born with some sort of faith. That faith can eventually blossom into a stronger faith or it can die out to nothing - absolutely no faith in anything. I believe our faith is tested, tired, refined, and built stronger - if we pass the tests. Now, does that mean I'm going to jump off of a building with a sense that I can somehow miraculously flap my hairy arms and resist gravity? No. I can assure you I will indeed hit the earth with the full force of a two-hundred pound man with six-pack flabs. The point is that we have faith but need to keep our wits about us. Which is a perdicament I find myself in a lot lately. Do I walk in faith or do I walk with the sense God gave me? This is hard to discern.
On the one hand, I know that my faith will be tested. But, I also know God gave me a brain to reason and think about things. So, am I lacking faith by trying to be smart? I don't think so. I think it's like all the other times in life I've taken risks. It's just that.......a risk. If I am to fail - it obviously is not of God. If I succeed, it was meant to happen, regardless of my ability to reason. God is definitely above reason and understanding. So, I should be about His business, regardless of "smarts." I'd rather be seen as dumb and faithful, than smart and faithless. But, again, if you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough. Be ready for the rough terrain.
Thoughts?
Have you ever looked back on your life and thought, "If I'd done this differently.....," or "If I had it all to do over, I would......"?
A little over a month ago I passed a huge milestone in my life.....I turned thirty! So, I started reflecting on my life. Mid-life crisis? No.....simple reflection. But, if you look into a mirror, sometimes you don't always like the reflection. I noticed that half my life has been spent trying to FIX something I had done wrong. The other half was spent learning how to keep from messing up (an art I have not mastered). All the while I kept remembering something my step-father always says, "If you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough." Well, life in general is hard - but it's a whole lot harder if you're stupid!
I've taken a lot of risks in life. Some risks have had amazing outcomes. Some have been drastic failures. But, I have never been a pine rider (baseball term). I have always been in the game. Does that mean I am right? No. It means I was willing to give it a shot. Sometimes my intentions were good. Sometimes my intentions were selfish and not good at all. But the willingness to take a risk shows some sort of faith, right? What is the source of that faith? Is it confidence in self? Is it blind hope that all is right with the world? Could it be an attempt to maintain some sort of self-worth or perhaps build self-esteem? I don't know. But, it only makes sense that we, as humans, are born with some sort of faith. That faith can eventually blossom into a stronger faith or it can die out to nothing - absolutely no faith in anything. I believe our faith is tested, tired, refined, and built stronger - if we pass the tests. Now, does that mean I'm going to jump off of a building with a sense that I can somehow miraculously flap my hairy arms and resist gravity? No. I can assure you I will indeed hit the earth with the full force of a two-hundred pound man with six-pack flabs. The point is that we have faith but need to keep our wits about us. Which is a perdicament I find myself in a lot lately. Do I walk in faith or do I walk with the sense God gave me? This is hard to discern.
On the one hand, I know that my faith will be tested. But, I also know God gave me a brain to reason and think about things. So, am I lacking faith by trying to be smart? I don't think so. I think it's like all the other times in life I've taken risks. It's just that.......a risk. If I am to fail - it obviously is not of God. If I succeed, it was meant to happen, regardless of my ability to reason. God is definitely above reason and understanding. So, I should be about His business, regardless of "smarts." I'd rather be seen as dumb and faithful, than smart and faithless. But, again, if you're gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough. Be ready for the rough terrain.
Thoughts?
Friday, June 29, 2007
An answer follows...
I love my wife! I love her for a million-and-one reasons. But, one big reason is because she knows me. She knows everything about me. She knows my tendencies. She knows my heart. She recognizes when I need to be comforted, when I need to be heard, when I am asking a serious question that needs answering, or when I am asking a rhetorical question. She knows when I need a firm "talking-to" and she knows when I need to be left alone. She knows me! How well do I know myself? I've been trying to figure that out all day. I can't explain "me" - but, I'll bet my wife could. I could tell you my likes, dislikes, wants, needs, etc.....but how well could I explain the "essence of Stephen"? How well could you explain the essence of you? Try that out.....it's pretty stinkin' difficult.
Having said all that, I have no answers for some of my many questions. Like, I said, I think about some pretty stupid things. Some things simply have no answers. But, then comes along someone with a pretty good handle on things and offers a suggestion that might lend itself to conclusion (or at least feel my flow). For example: a couple of days ago I was pondering the reason why I seem to try so hard to accomplish a task that I may not be meant to complete. I struggle with the tendency to keep going - when I feel like God is asking me to stop for a bit. One of my favorite people in the world commented and I felt it needed to be shared. The response goes as follows:
Reading this post got me to thinking about something I had read in this book today, Detox Your Spiritual Life in 40 Days. It was talking about the story of Elijah and how the queen Jezebel was out to kill him. Now Elijah was known for his great courage right?! Well in this case God told Elijah to "Run for it!" .... So the book goes on to say "But there are occasions when it is fine for a Christian to admit defeat and make an exit--times when stress has reduced our capacity to be useful for God, or times when so much has been asked of us that it has taken a physical or emotional toll. God doesn't call us to be successful in everything we do; he calls us to be obedient in everything we do."
This may or may not be an "answer" to my questions but it helps me know that other people have thought the same thing at one time or another. I definitely agree with the last line of this quote and I definitely think there is a season for everything under the sun....the Bible tells us that. But there are also times when God needs for us to stop what we are doing and reconcile ourselves to Him, surrendering to His will. Which is what I think the author of this book may be saying. I find myself not liking the word "defeat," though. There are times I feel defeated, but as believers, we are victorious. I agree, wholeheartedly, with what this author is saying (and I have to understand that I am only seeing a sample of this man's book). But that word kind of bothers me.
Anyway, I think that if we can somehow maintain the philosophy of "I may lose a battle or two, but the war is already won," then we may be able to retaliate on those feelings of utter despair when it seems like we are losing. In my case, I know I could make a great teacher....if it's what God wants from me. I could be a great worship minister....if it's what God wants from me. I could be anything.....if God wants me to be. But, I need to understand that, regardless of my "hard-shelled plans," nothing will happen if it is not the will of the Father. I can do nothing without Him.
Big "thank you" to Cassie for her comment.
Any thoughts?
Having said all that, I have no answers for some of my many questions. Like, I said, I think about some pretty stupid things. Some things simply have no answers. But, then comes along someone with a pretty good handle on things and offers a suggestion that might lend itself to conclusion (or at least feel my flow). For example: a couple of days ago I was pondering the reason why I seem to try so hard to accomplish a task that I may not be meant to complete. I struggle with the tendency to keep going - when I feel like God is asking me to stop for a bit. One of my favorite people in the world commented and I felt it needed to be shared. The response goes as follows:
Reading this post got me to thinking about something I had read in this book today, Detox Your Spiritual Life in 40 Days. It was talking about the story of Elijah and how the queen Jezebel was out to kill him. Now Elijah was known for his great courage right?! Well in this case God told Elijah to "Run for it!" .... So the book goes on to say "But there are occasions when it is fine for a Christian to admit defeat and make an exit--times when stress has reduced our capacity to be useful for God, or times when so much has been asked of us that it has taken a physical or emotional toll. God doesn't call us to be successful in everything we do; he calls us to be obedient in everything we do."
This may or may not be an "answer" to my questions but it helps me know that other people have thought the same thing at one time or another. I definitely agree with the last line of this quote and I definitely think there is a season for everything under the sun....the Bible tells us that. But there are also times when God needs for us to stop what we are doing and reconcile ourselves to Him, surrendering to His will. Which is what I think the author of this book may be saying. I find myself not liking the word "defeat," though. There are times I feel defeated, but as believers, we are victorious. I agree, wholeheartedly, with what this author is saying (and I have to understand that I am only seeing a sample of this man's book). But that word kind of bothers me.
Anyway, I think that if we can somehow maintain the philosophy of "I may lose a battle or two, but the war is already won," then we may be able to retaliate on those feelings of utter despair when it seems like we are losing. In my case, I know I could make a great teacher....if it's what God wants from me. I could be a great worship minister....if it's what God wants from me. I could be anything.....if God wants me to be. But, I need to understand that, regardless of my "hard-shelled plans," nothing will happen if it is not the will of the Father. I can do nothing without Him.
Big "thank you" to Cassie for her comment.
Any thoughts?
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Something in a shade of green....
Why is the color associated with envy green? Does green signify something specific? What about money? I mean, the color of money is green. Does that associate green with greed - wanting everything or all of something and being envious of someone who has it? Or is it something I may not be thinking about? Why can't envy be associated with the color blue, black, yellow or orange (orange would be a good envy color)?
I associate the color green with being sick. The look of someone who is about to vomit. That's kind of an intersting contrast - could envy equal illness? I've heard the phrase "she's sick with envy." Does that give me reason to suspect envy could be a sickness? I'm envious of some things - people, tangible things that shouldn't really matter, careers, etc... Am I sick?
I think, in a lot of ways, that wanting something you don't have is alright. But being envious of someone who has what you want isn't exactly good. Does that make sense? The Bible clearly states that we should not covet. But, yet we all still do in some way, shape or form. When will we ever be content with what we have or who we are, what we do or where we live? Why do we continually try and "out-do" other people? Who are we trying to impress?
My goal in life is to be content with what God has blessed me with. I'm not rich, by any means, but our bills are paid. I don't drive the coolest vehicle, but my car is paid for. I don't live in the nicest home, but my wife and I are extremely pleased with it. I'm not a genius, but I'm not an idiot, either. I'm not the best husband or father in the world, but my family loves me. So, why am I green (sick) with envy when it comes to people who seem to have such an amazing relationship and walk with God? I want to know Him on a deeper level, where I, like David, can be considered a man after God's own heart! Is that type of envy a sickness? I don't think so. I think that is what God wants for us all. He wants for us to slip into something in a shade of green and approach Him with boldness. He wants us to want Him with such a passion that we are consumed with Him, His Word, His love, all facets of Him. We want to be the ones He dreams about - His perfect bride; a bride who knows His wishes so well that we don't need to ask what He wants us to do. Surely that type of envy can't be a bad thing, can it? Our God is a jealous God; can we be jealous for our God? I think so.
Your thoughts?
I associate the color green with being sick. The look of someone who is about to vomit. That's kind of an intersting contrast - could envy equal illness? I've heard the phrase "she's sick with envy." Does that give me reason to suspect envy could be a sickness? I'm envious of some things - people, tangible things that shouldn't really matter, careers, etc... Am I sick?
I think, in a lot of ways, that wanting something you don't have is alright. But being envious of someone who has what you want isn't exactly good. Does that make sense? The Bible clearly states that we should not covet. But, yet we all still do in some way, shape or form. When will we ever be content with what we have or who we are, what we do or where we live? Why do we continually try and "out-do" other people? Who are we trying to impress?
My goal in life is to be content with what God has blessed me with. I'm not rich, by any means, but our bills are paid. I don't drive the coolest vehicle, but my car is paid for. I don't live in the nicest home, but my wife and I are extremely pleased with it. I'm not a genius, but I'm not an idiot, either. I'm not the best husband or father in the world, but my family loves me. So, why am I green (sick) with envy when it comes to people who seem to have such an amazing relationship and walk with God? I want to know Him on a deeper level, where I, like David, can be considered a man after God's own heart! Is that type of envy a sickness? I don't think so. I think that is what God wants for us all. He wants for us to slip into something in a shade of green and approach Him with boldness. He wants us to want Him with such a passion that we are consumed with Him, His Word, His love, all facets of Him. We want to be the ones He dreams about - His perfect bride; a bride who knows His wishes so well that we don't need to ask what He wants us to do. Surely that type of envy can't be a bad thing, can it? Our God is a jealous God; can we be jealous for our God? I think so.
Your thoughts?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Hard-shelled plans....
So, if you've read any of my previous posts, you can deduce somewhat accurately that I think about stupid things constantly. I don't mean random things....I mean stupid things. For example, the other day I was watching a bird try to eat a hard-shelled bug (yes, I realize how pathetic that sounds). The bird was having a ridiculously hard time with this bug and the beetle kept flying out of the bird's mouth. I guess it was the wings of the bug that tickled the nose of the bird or something, but every time the beetle flapped its wings, the bird let go, only to pounce on the bug again and repeat the same thing over and over again.
Well, that got me thinking.......why does the bird keep trying to eat the bug? I mean, I'm sure there's a nice thick, fat, juicy, worm somwhere just waiting to be plucked from its home in the dirt. Why the bug? It's shell is hard, tough to chew, and probably tastes like pooh. Why keep trying? I mean, is it a sense of accomplishment for the bird? Is it to finish the task at hand - to conquer the wore out beetle? Is it to perhaps just finish lunch? What kept the bird so persistent on eating that particular bug? And, more than that, what kept the bug from flying away? If ever there was a time to give up on something, I would say that the fifteen minutes that the bird struggled to eat the bug was it. Had it been me, I probably would have said, "forget this junk - I'll have a nice worm or two." But, that didn't happen. The bird just simply would not give up.
You can learn a lot from a bird and a bug, as dumb as that sounds.
The old cliche, "don't ever give up" is a term I'm sure most of us have heard a lot. But, is there ever a time to pack it up and move on? Hey, I want to be a finisher probably more than the next guy. But, sometimes enough's enough, right? I don't know....see, I struggle in this area. Call it pride, call it ignorance, call it whatever you like....but, I like to finish things I've started. And more than that, I want to see the finished product of something I have started with my own two hands and worked so hard on. Needless to say, it's hard for me to give up on things once I've started them. But, sometimes in my spirit, I feel like I've placed all my hopes and dreams into something I've started maybe for my own selfish reasons.
Prime example: I have always considered myself to be a spontaneous kind of guy. But, when I plan on something, I want to see it through. That is why this particular situation was so difficult for me to deal with. I had planned to get a degree in secondary education and teach high school history. It's not that my dream was to teach (it was something I felt I would be good at and was very interested in). I got into teaching to have summers off so my wife and I could travel with our ministry team. The school schedule was the perfect schedule to accomodate what I felt God was calling us to do. Well, I took all the classes, had a great GPA, and did very, very well in all my practicum areas. When the very last thing I had to do was student-teach, I couldn't pass the subject content area of the Praxis II. I took the test five times because I just knew that this was what I was supposed to do. I had no reason for not passing. I knew the content! I know how to take standardized tests. I am a smart person. So, why can't I pass this stinkin' test? I was furious. I had started something - I had to finish it! Needless to say, I never passed that test. I had a very difficult time dealing with that. I felt dumb. I felt like I was letting my family down. I felt like I was letting God down, because I knew this was what God wanted me to do, right? What now? What am I supposed to do? God, I thought you and I were on the same page with this? I thought this was what we had planned for me to do. Maybe not.
I don't always understand why God has us start on a path He never intends for us to finish. Probably to see if we are faithful. But, I do know that His ways aren't always our ways; He really does know best! I think, in the end, each of us have our hard-shelled bugs we plan to eat - we will not be stopped, until we have to be stopped! It's easy to see, NOW, looking back on it that I am not meant to teach at this point in time of my life. Does that mean I will never teach? No! It just means not right now. God has something He needs for me to do somewhere else. I just have to be willing to step toward the path He lays out and continue to keep stepping until he directs me toward another path. I think it's really about diligence, remaining faithful in our continuing effort to do what we feel God is telling us to do. If it really is from God, it will prosper. If it is not of God, He will let us know!
-What are your thoughts?
Well, that got me thinking.......why does the bird keep trying to eat the bug? I mean, I'm sure there's a nice thick, fat, juicy, worm somwhere just waiting to be plucked from its home in the dirt. Why the bug? It's shell is hard, tough to chew, and probably tastes like pooh. Why keep trying? I mean, is it a sense of accomplishment for the bird? Is it to finish the task at hand - to conquer the wore out beetle? Is it to perhaps just finish lunch? What kept the bird so persistent on eating that particular bug? And, more than that, what kept the bug from flying away? If ever there was a time to give up on something, I would say that the fifteen minutes that the bird struggled to eat the bug was it. Had it been me, I probably would have said, "forget this junk - I'll have a nice worm or two." But, that didn't happen. The bird just simply would not give up.
You can learn a lot from a bird and a bug, as dumb as that sounds.
The old cliche, "don't ever give up" is a term I'm sure most of us have heard a lot. But, is there ever a time to pack it up and move on? Hey, I want to be a finisher probably more than the next guy. But, sometimes enough's enough, right? I don't know....see, I struggle in this area. Call it pride, call it ignorance, call it whatever you like....but, I like to finish things I've started. And more than that, I want to see the finished product of something I have started with my own two hands and worked so hard on. Needless to say, it's hard for me to give up on things once I've started them. But, sometimes in my spirit, I feel like I've placed all my hopes and dreams into something I've started maybe for my own selfish reasons.
Prime example: I have always considered myself to be a spontaneous kind of guy. But, when I plan on something, I want to see it through. That is why this particular situation was so difficult for me to deal with. I had planned to get a degree in secondary education and teach high school history. It's not that my dream was to teach (it was something I felt I would be good at and was very interested in). I got into teaching to have summers off so my wife and I could travel with our ministry team. The school schedule was the perfect schedule to accomodate what I felt God was calling us to do. Well, I took all the classes, had a great GPA, and did very, very well in all my practicum areas. When the very last thing I had to do was student-teach, I couldn't pass the subject content area of the Praxis II. I took the test five times because I just knew that this was what I was supposed to do. I had no reason for not passing. I knew the content! I know how to take standardized tests. I am a smart person. So, why can't I pass this stinkin' test? I was furious. I had started something - I had to finish it! Needless to say, I never passed that test. I had a very difficult time dealing with that. I felt dumb. I felt like I was letting my family down. I felt like I was letting God down, because I knew this was what God wanted me to do, right? What now? What am I supposed to do? God, I thought you and I were on the same page with this? I thought this was what we had planned for me to do. Maybe not.
I don't always understand why God has us start on a path He never intends for us to finish. Probably to see if we are faithful. But, I do know that His ways aren't always our ways; He really does know best! I think, in the end, each of us have our hard-shelled bugs we plan to eat - we will not be stopped, until we have to be stopped! It's easy to see, NOW, looking back on it that I am not meant to teach at this point in time of my life. Does that mean I will never teach? No! It just means not right now. God has something He needs for me to do somewhere else. I just have to be willing to step toward the path He lays out and continue to keep stepping until he directs me toward another path. I think it's really about diligence, remaining faithful in our continuing effort to do what we feel God is telling us to do. If it really is from God, it will prosper. If it is not of God, He will let us know!
-What are your thoughts?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A week to think.....
I had a professor in college that said, "There are three things in this world that everyone should do if they choose to leave a legacy: have a son to carry your name, plant a tree to help the earth, and write a book to leave the world a view of your thoughts." There's a lot of truth to that. Having said that, I have come to the conclusion that I, in no way, am a philosopher. I'm not a great thinker. I'm not a great writer. I have a son and I have planted a tree or two - but a book? You have to be able to think full thoughts, write cleverly, and be somewhat grammatically correct. I am not any of these. So, I started pondering "thoughts."
The great minds of the ancient world - Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, among many others - thought of such great and intriguing things that perpetuated life changes for the people of their day and generations after and still influence a lot of people today, especially political thought. But, how can a mind work that way unless taught how to pursue a thought? What directed their thought patterns?
I am a musician - a guitarist and songwriter. So, my "book" is a song. But, I've noticed that when prompted by my own clever riffs or awe-inspiring phrases, I can only go so far with them. It is very difficult for me to bring about a full story based on an intersting choice of words or innovative guitar riff. Why is that?
I think it has a lot to do with a previous post - direction. What is directing the song? Which way am I trying to make this thing go? Am I allowing myself too much control over the flow? The answer is simple when compared to a song given to someone by the Holy Spirit. If you compare a song written by my hands, my thought, my skills versus a song given to me by the Holy Spirit there is a significant difference. When I get too inloved in creating something I get in my mind's eye - I will spend forever trying to make it make sense or rhyme or something - because I am a perfectionist. When I am prompted by the Holy Spirit simply to start writing - I am not worried about rhyme or reason to the song. There's already a reason for the song - God wants it heard.
Cut to a finished product.
Comparing the two finished products you will see two different styles: 1). a song that, technically may be sound, it might have a catchy melody and some cleverly-written lyrics that might be heard by twenty or so people over the course of a lifetime; 2). and then a song that is the song of God's heart - meant for the world. Regardless of the melodious tune or rhyming pattern, this song is a song fashioned in the likeness of God's - a song of praise, or adoration, or salvation, or sanctification, or redemption, or whatever - but, always a song from God!
The great minds of the ancient world - Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, among many others - thought of such great and intriguing things that perpetuated life changes for the people of their day and generations after and still influence a lot of people today, especially political thought. But, how can a mind work that way unless taught how to pursue a thought? What directed their thought patterns?
I am a musician - a guitarist and songwriter. So, my "book" is a song. But, I've noticed that when prompted by my own clever riffs or awe-inspiring phrases, I can only go so far with them. It is very difficult for me to bring about a full story based on an intersting choice of words or innovative guitar riff. Why is that?
I think it has a lot to do with a previous post - direction. What is directing the song? Which way am I trying to make this thing go? Am I allowing myself too much control over the flow? The answer is simple when compared to a song given to someone by the Holy Spirit. If you compare a song written by my hands, my thought, my skills versus a song given to me by the Holy Spirit there is a significant difference. When I get too inloved in creating something I get in my mind's eye - I will spend forever trying to make it make sense or rhyme or something - because I am a perfectionist. When I am prompted by the Holy Spirit simply to start writing - I am not worried about rhyme or reason to the song. There's already a reason for the song - God wants it heard.
Cut to a finished product.
Comparing the two finished products you will see two different styles: 1). a song that, technically may be sound, it might have a catchy melody and some cleverly-written lyrics that might be heard by twenty or so people over the course of a lifetime; 2). and then a song that is the song of God's heart - meant for the world. Regardless of the melodious tune or rhyming pattern, this song is a song fashioned in the likeness of God's - a song of praise, or adoration, or salvation, or sanctification, or redemption, or whatever - but, always a song from God!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
A day to think.....
Have you ever had a day where you did nothing but think? Today seemed like that day. Which isn't all bad. I found myself pondering the deepest of thoughts. Things that were so profound that now the world has new meaning. I thought of all sorts of things, like: "I wonder why my hair is receding," and "why don't squirrels have any sense of direction." - Deep, deep stuff, man! And then it hit me - I'm not asking the right questions. It really doesn't matter why my hair is racing down the back of my neck or that squirrels get hit by cars because they lack direction. Where's my direction? Now that's a good question! Let's expound, shall we?
What directs me? For as long as I can remember, I have been driven to pass this test or that test, to accomplish this task or that task - for what? To appease my own desire? To possibly bring myself into some higher order of class because I've attained a certificate with my name on it saying I have this degree or that degree? Whose goal is it if it's not mine?
If you are reading this and you do not know me, let me clarify some things. I am wholeheartedly, 110%, soul-ed out (yes, that's how I intended to spell it) to Jesus! Therefore, I had to ask myself: Am I directed by my own desires - even though they are good, Godly desires - or am I directed by an ultimate goal, which is also Godly?
There is a difference.
In my opinion, "Godly desires" are human aspirations to achieve success in and for the kingdom of God. In other words, a desire to do the right thing by both God's standards and by my own. Now, on the other hand, "Godly goals" are accomplishments already in place that I must learn how to achieve for His Kingdom. The difference is actually pretty simple, really. My desires are human. I want to do the right thing....but they are human, nonetheless. Therefore, they can falter and be destroyed. Godly Goals, on the other hand, will not falter and cannot, IF I choose to walk in that direction! Which, brings me back to "How am I being directed?"
More to come....
-Moadie!
What directs me? For as long as I can remember, I have been driven to pass this test or that test, to accomplish this task or that task - for what? To appease my own desire? To possibly bring myself into some higher order of class because I've attained a certificate with my name on it saying I have this degree or that degree? Whose goal is it if it's not mine?
If you are reading this and you do not know me, let me clarify some things. I am wholeheartedly, 110%, soul-ed out (yes, that's how I intended to spell it) to Jesus! Therefore, I had to ask myself: Am I directed by my own desires - even though they are good, Godly desires - or am I directed by an ultimate goal, which is also Godly?
There is a difference.
In my opinion, "Godly desires" are human aspirations to achieve success in and for the kingdom of God. In other words, a desire to do the right thing by both God's standards and by my own. Now, on the other hand, "Godly goals" are accomplishments already in place that I must learn how to achieve for His Kingdom. The difference is actually pretty simple, really. My desires are human. I want to do the right thing....but they are human, nonetheless. Therefore, they can falter and be destroyed. Godly Goals, on the other hand, will not falter and cannot, IF I choose to walk in that direction! Which, brings me back to "How am I being directed?"
More to come....
-Moadie!
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