The events that took place in Connecticut today really make you stop and think. It makes us as the human race evaluate the state that we are in. This tragedy is not about a political or social reform, it's not about gun laws, I'd even go so far as to say that it is not about the religious climate of our country. We have forgotten how to treat people in this world. There were 22 students who were attacked by a knife wielding man in China today as well. These survivors will forever be scarred by the events the witnessed today. Christian or not we have lost the love for each other that heals the deep emotional wounds that cause people to act out. We do not love our neighbor let alone a stranger. We get angry when they cut us off, curse them when they take our parking spot, and are willing to fight them in trivial confrontations. Not only can we not forgive our neighbors, but how many of us have the family member that has wronged us? The family member that we haven't talked to in five years because we can not get past the terrible thing they have done. You may have even said, "I will NEVER forgive them for what they did to me!" And I will admit, you may be justified in your anger! But at what cost? How have we come so far that we would rather hold on to bitterness and anger?
Our focus has shifted from loving others, to focusing on ourselves. And even there we are failing!
We are told we are not strong enough, not beautiful enough, not fast enough, not smart enough. We push ourselves more and more to be like the photoshopped images we see in magazines. And we abhor ourselves when we don't measure up. We can never be good enough, or pretty enough, or rich enough. We dig ourselves into deeper despair over false images of success that we can not seem to attain. It's no wonder why we are in such disarray. We cannot love each other because we do not accept ourselves. And so we isolate ourselves and push each other apart. It is in that solitude that some are pushed to drastic measures to be heard. Whether taking their own life, or even worse, taking the lives of others. This may be a morbid way to live, but in highschool I used to treat every person as if they had a gun in their pocket. That every person was on the brink to take out their anger on the school. I made it a point to treat everyone in a way that want to spare my life when they snapped. Again, I'm not sure this is healthy thinking, but it sure made me rethink the way I treated some people. Making sure that the kid who always sits alone felt invited to come sit by me. Or the one who gets picked on, knows that someone is willing to stick up for him. I wonder what would happen if we all were willing to take the time to reach out to the outcast.
This season, especially in the light of today's events, I urge you to take a serious look at yourself. Put aside your pretence and your bias, and take account of what you are grateful for. Put aside your anger and your bitterness and reach out to the person you haven't talked to in too long. This world needs love! We need parents who are willing to teach their kids right and wrong. Family's who are willing to fight for each other, not against each other. Take the time to help your neighbor and reach a hand to those who are downtrodden. Before we change our gun laws, or discuss school policy, or casting blame on each other, let us love. This is a time to grieve and reflect. Hold your loved ones close and tell them how important they are to you. You never know when will be the last time they hear it!
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Too Big To Miss
4 Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span...
8 And he stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, and said to them, “ Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. 9 “If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” 10 Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”
11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.
-1 Samuel 17:4-11
Goliath stood before an army. He was their Champion. He was the guy in the movie that is the finisher. The immovable object that seems insurmountable. He comes out and starts speaking death to Israel. And rightfully so! He had the experience to back up his smack talk. Who would be able to kill such a man. His smack talk was more a cautionary tale of what was sure to be Israel's fate. Verse 11 says that Israel was not just afraid, but dismayed. They had given up hope that even God could deliver them from such an enemy. His words pierced their faith and they had lost the battle even before they took a swing.
They say words can never hurt us, but in fact the words that we speak determine how we live. Science has shown that there is no communication between our subconscious mind and our conscious. What our subconscious processes is our daily interaction, life as we know it. It also processes how we handle those situations. If we win a huge tournament in a dominating fashion but we are told how terrible we are and how we are worthless, even though our conscious mind may be able to rationalize the difference, our subjoins mind cannot. We will internalize that defeated attitude and it will shape who we are and how we approach situations in the future. The only way to speak to the subconscious is just that, SPEAK to the subconscious.Just as there is destructive power in our negative self talk, the opposite is just as true. Our words are powerful and we can motivate ourselves to do amazing things when we speak it. It sounds a little cheesy new-agey but in fact there is power in positive self talk.
If we look at the rest of the story we can see the power of speaking truth and speaking life.
43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine also said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.”
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. 46 “This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands.
And the rest is history. David knocks him out and runs up and with Goliath's own HUGE sword and cuts off Goliath's head. David did not allow the words of Goliath to diminish his worth with God. He knew his value because he was constantly singing of God's glory and of God's power and might. Before this he even talks about how he has gone out and killed a lion and a bear that took one of his sheep! Now, I am tough and not afraid of much, but if a LION comes and decides to take one of my sheep.... that's a write off in my book! But not David. In his mind there is nothing that can defeat him because he has God on his side! Goliath was not too big to kill, he was too miss!
When I was thirteen I was in a state Tea-Kwon-Do tournament. It was the final round of sparring and the winner of the match went on to nationals in Florida. All the kids were with their coaches or parents getting last minute advice and deciding their plan of attack. Meanwhile, I was in the stands playing tag running around with my friends. My match was approaching and my dad (and coach) called me down by him. He asked, "Ben, do you have a game plan on how you are going to fight?" I looked at him and said, "Yeah, I'm gonna win." I knew without any hesitation that there was no other outcome. I was a winner and that was all that I was going to do. In the same way the Romans 8:37 says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
So I ask, what is it in your life that you need to speak to? What challenge or goal seems insurmountable and you just don't know how to get through it. Speak life and it will happen. It may take a while and it will not be easy. But if you continue to OUT LOUD speak life that, "I can do this." "I know that God has a plan for me." "This is not the end, but only the beginning." While the world spits words that tear you down, speak life to yourself and those around you and watch at the transformation that takes place in your life
Friday, June 22, 2012
Better news than last time
In my last post I made a comment that some may not agree with. I know some people that got very upset at the fact that I would discredit such a comforting notion as, "Everything happens for a reason." Which I maintain is still scientifically accurate, just not biblical. So I wanted to highlight a promise that I find much more comforting.
Be still and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted in the earth.
Pslams 46:10
Now a little bit of background to this... David was an AWESOME king. This is the same David of David and Goliath that you have probably heard of at least once in sports metaphors. He served God and God loved him. And he had a wonderful time as king. No hardships, trials, God said, "David I like you! Sit back on your thrown and take a load off. You've been so faithful to me, I'm going to make sure everyone leaves you alone!"
Wait.... that's not right.
Oh yeah, David was constantly being invaded and had people trying to kill him. Even before he was king he was running for his life. And David through it all praised God. Sometimes he got a little whinny; but if you have nations trying to take your head as a trophy you might get a little worried too! But through it all David trusted in God.
This was written at a time where the nation of Israel was being invaded by an army WAY bigger then them. They should have been whipped of the face of the planet, but God prevailed. He interceded and changed the game and saved Israel. And they write this as a testament to God's greatness.
Psalms 46 1-3, 7-8, 10
If you want to talk about promises, this to me is much more comforting than, "It was supposed to happen. Let's take a look at this verse, If the earth is obliterated, mountains crash down into the ocean making it flood and destroy everything, if there are earthquakes, it's ok.
Think about a bad day that you had, I know even my worst day didn't look like this. And even if it did..."Be still and know that I am God!"
It doesn't matter what is happening in your life right now. If your whole world is crumbling down around you and you are completely lost, broken, and hurt... He is God. He does not change, He does not fail.
I discovered this verse the day after I found out my dad had cancer. It was a bible study at college that just happened to be talking about this verse. I remember the fear, uncertainty, and pain melting away as I read this. "I am God."
I have stood fast in this promise, that even when bad things happen He will always be God. He doesn't care if you've been to every sunday service, or doubt his very existence, he will be there for you in your times of need. All you have to do is ask Him. And time and time again He will be faithful. He will be God.
Be still and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted in the earth.
Pslams 46:10
Now a little bit of background to this... David was an AWESOME king. This is the same David of David and Goliath that you have probably heard of at least once in sports metaphors. He served God and God loved him. And he had a wonderful time as king. No hardships, trials, God said, "David I like you! Sit back on your thrown and take a load off. You've been so faithful to me, I'm going to make sure everyone leaves you alone!"
Wait.... that's not right.
Oh yeah, David was constantly being invaded and had people trying to kill him. Even before he was king he was running for his life. And David through it all praised God. Sometimes he got a little whinny; but if you have nations trying to take your head as a trophy you might get a little worried too! But through it all David trusted in God.
This was written at a time where the nation of Israel was being invaded by an army WAY bigger then them. They should have been whipped of the face of the planet, but God prevailed. He interceded and changed the game and saved Israel. And they write this as a testament to God's greatness.
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling...
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling...
7 8 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge...
The God of Jacob is our refuge...
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
If you want to talk about promises, this to me is much more comforting than, "It was supposed to happen. Let's take a look at this verse, If the earth is obliterated, mountains crash down into the ocean making it flood and destroy everything, if there are earthquakes, it's ok.
Think about a bad day that you had, I know even my worst day didn't look like this. And even if it did..."Be still and know that I am God!"
It doesn't matter what is happening in your life right now. If your whole world is crumbling down around you and you are completely lost, broken, and hurt... He is God. He does not change, He does not fail.
I discovered this verse the day after I found out my dad had cancer. It was a bible study at college that just happened to be talking about this verse. I remember the fear, uncertainty, and pain melting away as I read this. "I am God."
I have stood fast in this promise, that even when bad things happen He will always be God. He doesn't care if you've been to every sunday service, or doubt his very existence, he will be there for you in your times of need. All you have to do is ask Him. And time and time again He will be faithful. He will be God.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
"Everything Happens for a Reason..."
I hate this phrase! I was recently watching a show on the ex-communicated Amish that leave their families. They kept on saying "everything happens for a reason..." Now, I'm sure most of us have grown up with this phrase and either heard it in a time of need, or offered it to a person going through a troubled time. And I have to ask... Did it ever help? Seriously, did you ever feel relief in knowing that the horrible tragedy that had taken place was SUPPOSED to happen? No wonder why people question the existence of a loving compassionate God! What we are saying is, "The God that has a plan for your life and loves you dearly meant for you to have this terrible tragedy befall on you. I don't know why but I'm sure He does... so you'll be ok!"
NO! Wrong! God created us in his image to glorify Him. He created us so that he could be with us have a close personal relationship with him. He has legions (THOUSANDS OF THOUSANDS) of angels in heaven praising him not stop. He wanted US to get to know him.
***Time out***
Not saying we aren't meant to worship him because we are so please don't misconstrue the point I'm trying to make in that he wanted more from us.
***Time IN***
God gave us free will. The choice to eat of the fruit in the garden and we did. Simple laws of physics say, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So in that case yes, everything does happen for a reason, we make choices they have consequences. Some good, some bad. Some we get lucky and some we don't. The matter of the situation is that God is not a puppet master. He isn't up there above the clouds running drunk drivers into cars and killing innocent people. Sometimes it is the choices that we, or even some complete stranger make on a daily basis that determine what will happen. My older brother was killed in a car accident when he was 3, before I was born. My mom, sister, and brother t-boned into a car in and intersection. The impact severed his brain stem and he died three days later in ICU. I dont blame God, (or satan as some like to give him credit for things he can't control) I don't blame my mom, or the other driver. The fact of the matter is that in a split second a series of choices came together and their outcome was a brother that I never got to meet.
However, through dealing with the loss of my brother my parents have been able to minister to so many families who are going through the exact same thing. Families that otherwise have no one who could understand the pain, the guilt, and the loss of their child. But God used my parents to help them get through it. Knowing that sometimes that it sucks. There is nothing good about the loss of a child, but from it you can emerge better, stronger, and more equipped to deal with all that life has. So then where did we get this idea that, "God did it!"
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
I blame this verse! This is the culprit that holy folk use to make things feel better. And I will concede, rightfully so. God is making a promise to us here. Not that nothing bad will happen, and not that he is going to purposefully cause anything bad to happen. But that sometimes, things will happen. And when they do, he has got it under control. God has a plan for our lives and he wants to share it with us. Not all at once, but like pieces in a puzzle. Each piece perfectly crafted. God uses difficult times to make us who we are and who he wants us to be. It would have been a lot easier if Adam and Eve hadn't ruined it for everyone. But this is what we got to work with.
God sent his son to take a way our sins and sent the Holy Spirit to guide us through the tough times. And he uses those trials to yes sometimes break us down to our foundation where we have to question what is God to us. Where is He and can we trust Him. You see, that's how relationships are formed. Not through happy fun times, they just make it look nicer; but through the fire that tempers us, forms us, molds us.
Next time you find yourself in a tough situation, stand tall. It is going to be tough, but it doesn't matter what is happening, God wants to use it to build you and strengthen you... If you let him.
NO! Wrong! God created us in his image to glorify Him. He created us so that he could be with us have a close personal relationship with him. He has legions (THOUSANDS OF THOUSANDS) of angels in heaven praising him not stop. He wanted US to get to know him.
***Time out***
Not saying we aren't meant to worship him because we are so please don't misconstrue the point I'm trying to make in that he wanted more from us.
***Time IN***
God gave us free will. The choice to eat of the fruit in the garden and we did. Simple laws of physics say, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So in that case yes, everything does happen for a reason, we make choices they have consequences. Some good, some bad. Some we get lucky and some we don't. The matter of the situation is that God is not a puppet master. He isn't up there above the clouds running drunk drivers into cars and killing innocent people. Sometimes it is the choices that we, or even some complete stranger make on a daily basis that determine what will happen. My older brother was killed in a car accident when he was 3, before I was born. My mom, sister, and brother t-boned into a car in and intersection. The impact severed his brain stem and he died three days later in ICU. I dont blame God, (or satan as some like to give him credit for things he can't control) I don't blame my mom, or the other driver. The fact of the matter is that in a split second a series of choices came together and their outcome was a brother that I never got to meet.
However, through dealing with the loss of my brother my parents have been able to minister to so many families who are going through the exact same thing. Families that otherwise have no one who could understand the pain, the guilt, and the loss of their child. But God used my parents to help them get through it. Knowing that sometimes that it sucks. There is nothing good about the loss of a child, but from it you can emerge better, stronger, and more equipped to deal with all that life has. So then where did we get this idea that, "God did it!"
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
I blame this verse! This is the culprit that holy folk use to make things feel better. And I will concede, rightfully so. God is making a promise to us here. Not that nothing bad will happen, and not that he is going to purposefully cause anything bad to happen. But that sometimes, things will happen. And when they do, he has got it under control. God has a plan for our lives and he wants to share it with us. Not all at once, but like pieces in a puzzle. Each piece perfectly crafted. God uses difficult times to make us who we are and who he wants us to be. It would have been a lot easier if Adam and Eve hadn't ruined it for everyone. But this is what we got to work with.
God sent his son to take a way our sins and sent the Holy Spirit to guide us through the tough times. And he uses those trials to yes sometimes break us down to our foundation where we have to question what is God to us. Where is He and can we trust Him. You see, that's how relationships are formed. Not through happy fun times, they just make it look nicer; but through the fire that tempers us, forms us, molds us.
Next time you find yourself in a tough situation, stand tall. It is going to be tough, but it doesn't matter what is happening, God wants to use it to build you and strengthen you... If you let him.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Challenge
What are we seeking? What are we searching for? What are our hearts yearning for? Desperate, even. What are we holding on to and what are we willing to give up? There are parts of all of us that we cannot seem to let go. Our pride, our money, ourselves?
I got into a debate with a man who told me that I would not go to heaven because my dad (He's my pastor as well) didn't say the magic words when I was baptized. He has built his faith upon church dogma and ideology that he believes as strongly as I believe in mine. And yet we were stuck in this argument on who was more christian. If there is a distinction than I simply want nothing to do with this religion. I worship a God who commanded us to, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and will all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." Simple, easy to understand, very difficult to muddle that message. And yet here we find ourselves. Not simply Muslim, Jew, Christian. But as christians, we have come so far that even the denominations have divided because we can't agree on what it is to serve God.
Meanwhile there is a world out there starving for the truth that God sent his Son to die for us and he LOVES us, muddled and all. There are people lost who are searching for someone to tell them they are loved. and that there is a God who created them for a purpose. Not to condemn them, not to judge them, to love them.
We as a church have become so absorbed in ourselves that we cannot see past our sunday's best to what is going outside of the walls we call the church. We sit in our bible studies and small groups praying for a world that is different. Abhorred by what we see on TV and in the culture around us. We cannot fathom how our country has gotten to the state it is today. Well it is us. We are the difference we refuse to make. Ironic how one of the icons of a secular generation made it so simple when he said, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror." And yet many in the church refuse that same challenge.
We are starting with our tithe, our missions trips, our home groups. And please don't misunderstand these things are necessary and wonderful and a powerful instrument for change, however, if we cannot fully let go then how can God fully use us to His potential. We need to focus on our own hearts, our own minds, and give up our own strength so that we can let God do a work.
So here is the challenge; pray, fast, search, whatever God is calling you to do. Find that thing that is holding you back. What are you not willing to give up because it is what you know, what you are comfortable with. If you are in a good place with God, GREAT! Dig deeper. There is more he wants to show you. If it has been a while since you have thought about God, that's fine too. He is there and he is looking to bless you if you let him. For those of you who may have just read this and you have no idea about anything that i just talked about, well cool, somehow the universe lined up and allowed you to read this. Take it, think about it, you don't have to agree that's not what I'm here for. But don't be afraid to just talk to Him.
He is a God that loves us, and yearns for us. It's time we dive into that love and find out what we are capable of through Him.
I got into a debate with a man who told me that I would not go to heaven because my dad (He's my pastor as well) didn't say the magic words when I was baptized. He has built his faith upon church dogma and ideology that he believes as strongly as I believe in mine. And yet we were stuck in this argument on who was more christian. If there is a distinction than I simply want nothing to do with this religion. I worship a God who commanded us to, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and will all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself." Simple, easy to understand, very difficult to muddle that message. And yet here we find ourselves. Not simply Muslim, Jew, Christian. But as christians, we have come so far that even the denominations have divided because we can't agree on what it is to serve God.
Meanwhile there is a world out there starving for the truth that God sent his Son to die for us and he LOVES us, muddled and all. There are people lost who are searching for someone to tell them they are loved. and that there is a God who created them for a purpose. Not to condemn them, not to judge them, to love them.
We as a church have become so absorbed in ourselves that we cannot see past our sunday's best to what is going outside of the walls we call the church. We sit in our bible studies and small groups praying for a world that is different. Abhorred by what we see on TV and in the culture around us. We cannot fathom how our country has gotten to the state it is today. Well it is us. We are the difference we refuse to make. Ironic how one of the icons of a secular generation made it so simple when he said, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror." And yet many in the church refuse that same challenge.
We are starting with our tithe, our missions trips, our home groups. And please don't misunderstand these things are necessary and wonderful and a powerful instrument for change, however, if we cannot fully let go then how can God fully use us to His potential. We need to focus on our own hearts, our own minds, and give up our own strength so that we can let God do a work.
So here is the challenge; pray, fast, search, whatever God is calling you to do. Find that thing that is holding you back. What are you not willing to give up because it is what you know, what you are comfortable with. If you are in a good place with God, GREAT! Dig deeper. There is more he wants to show you. If it has been a while since you have thought about God, that's fine too. He is there and he is looking to bless you if you let him. For those of you who may have just read this and you have no idea about anything that i just talked about, well cool, somehow the universe lined up and allowed you to read this. Take it, think about it, you don't have to agree that's not what I'm here for. But don't be afraid to just talk to Him.
He is a God that loves us, and yearns for us. It's time we dive into that love and find out what we are capable of through Him.
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