You see it everywhere. The message is drummed into our heads from toddler-hood on. It's in books, movies, even an American Girl CD I had when I was seven. Have a problem? Can't decide what to do? Just follow your heart!
It sounds good at first glance, doesn't it? It's an almost romantic idea. Like "follow your dreams" or "shoot for the moon", it's a pleasant ideal. We want to believe in the truth of it. However, what is it that we should really be following? Our heart, or something (or someone) else? Let's see what the Bible has to say about it. Take a look at Mark 7:21-23:
"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."
Does that sound like something we want to be following? I didn't think so. Now I'm not saying that your heart is inherently evil and nothing good can come from it or your emotions. We know that you can "make melody with your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19) and we can hide God's word in our hearts (Ps. 119:11). However, our heart should certainly not be our number one "go-to guy" when we can't make a decision or we need guidance, because our heart can lead us astray. Look at Samson! His heart was certainly gunning for Delilah, but she certainly wasn't the right choice for him if He was going to be a spiritual man.
So what should I do with my heart? First, I have to purify it. In Psalm 51:10, King David pleads, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." This should be my constant plea. My heart cannot possibly be any good unless it is right with God. That means finding my mistakes and working to correct them. Secondly, guard it in order to keep it pure. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life." We have to be careful what we invest our heart in, and what we allow it to get caught up in. If we let it sink into sin, or invest it more highly in other pursuits than in our spiritual life, that's an issue we have to fix. Thirdly, I have to trust and love God with it. Look at Proverbs 3:5-- "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." This is what we should do if we have a problem or need guidance... we should go to GOD, and trust Him to lead us, not just simply act on our own impulses and wants. Believe me, I know this is easier said than done. Sometimes we want something so much that we can't see how it could possibly be the wrong way to go, but that's OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. The thing we're NOT supposed to lean on. We have to learn that God knows better than we do. Finally, I have to fix it on things that are not of this world. Take a look at Colossians 3:1-3 (one of my favorites):
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
Hidden. Our life is hidden with God. It's not ours anymore. Our hearts are literally lost in God. That's how our hearts should be.
There's an old song called "Turn My Heart"; I feel the lyrics are applicable.
"Lord, I surrender to Your work in me,
I rest my life within Your loving hands.
Turn my heart, O Lord, like rivers of water.
Turn my heart, O Lord, by Your hand,
'Til my whole life flows in the river of Your spirit
And my name brings honor to the Lamb."
~green eyes :)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Just a quick note...
As you might have noticed, my postings have been few and far between lately. As soon as I'm out of school (which is soon) I will *hopefully* be posting more often. If there are any subjects you would like me to post about, I would love your suggestions! Also, I have a few articles on Come Fill Your Cup, a blog for Christian women. Several other Christian sisters are posting as well... it's a truly phenomenal site. Check it out!
~green eyes :)
~green eyes :)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Surviving Nairobi
I had never been so miserable in my entire life. My family and two others from my congregation had been traveling on a mission trip to Tanzania for nearly two days, and we'd finally landed in the airport in Nairobi, Kenya. I don't think there's a single chair in the entire Nairobi airport, and I know there's not a single restaurant. My brother and I were both dehydrated and throwing up. The theme songs from "The Brady Bunch" and other old TV shows were playing over the loudspeakers. It was without a doubt the weirdest, most excruciatingly agonizing twelve hours (that's right, TWELVE HOURS) of my life.
After a short plane flight, however, we finally reached the Kilimanjaro airport. Within the hour, we were on our way to a restaurant, a hotel (a bed! a shower!), and, though I didn't know it yet, the most incredible two weeks of my life. We were still in the van on the way there when my little brother looked out the window in amazement. "Sissy, sissy, look!!" So I did. Words can't even begin to describe what I saw. With the Milky Way as a backdrop, a million pinpricked stars stretched out across the sky. It's cliche, but I've truly never seen anything so beautiful. My brother then said, and I quote, "This is the best trip ever! I love Africa!" And he was right. All the "blood, sweat, and tears" we endured to get to Tanzania were eclipsed by all the amazing things we experienced once we got there.
Life is like the Nairobi airport. Granted, unlike the Nairobi airport, it can be wonderful at times, but most of us would agree that life is no picnic. It can be really hard. However, we can get through the Nairobi experience through the knowledge that someday we'll finally get to Tanzania; we can make it through life by the knowledge that someday we'll finally get to heaven. Let's take a look at the words of Peter:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed at the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:3-7)
As Christians, even at the deepest, darkest part of our lives, we have hope. And it's not just a passive "Oh, I sure hope this happens" hope-- it's a LIVING hope. It's active. We get our hope through Christ's resurrection, through our Christianity and faithful walk with God. What is our hope? To obtain an eternal inheritance: heaven. Read Revelation 21. (No, seriously. Go read it and then come back.) As wonderfully beautiful as these descriptions are, they are just the earthly manifestations of what heaven will actually be like. We just can't even comprehend with our temporary minds how wonderful heaven will be. Note Peter's word choice in the passage above, too: "FOR A LITTLE WHILE... you have been distressed." Two days of agonizing traveling was just a fraction of the two weeks I would spend enjoying my trip. In the same way, our earthly life is only an infinitesimal speck in comparison with eternity (James 4:14).
Too often we feel like it's too hard. Like we can't go on. We feel like giving up on heaven. Does it make sense to give up on getting to Tanzania just because the Nairobi airport is awful? Of course not! Even though trials can bog us down, we can never, NEVER give up. Instead of discouraging us, trials should make us want heaven all the more-- they should be another spur toward our eternal goal.
You might have heard the old song, "Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All":
Often I'm hindered on my way,
Burdened so heavy I almost fall.
Then I hear Jesus sweetly say,
"Heaven will surely be worth it all."
Heaven will surely be worth it all,
Worth all the sorrows that here be-fall.
After this life with all its strife,
Heaven will surely be worth it all.
Many the trials, toils, and tears,
Many a heartache may here appall,
But the dear Lord so truly says,
Heaven will surely be worth it all.
Toiling and pain I will endure
Till I shall hear the death angel call.
Jesus has promised and I'm sure,
Heaven will surely be worth it all.
"We also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
~green eyes :)
After a short plane flight, however, we finally reached the Kilimanjaro airport. Within the hour, we were on our way to a restaurant, a hotel (a bed! a shower!), and, though I didn't know it yet, the most incredible two weeks of my life. We were still in the van on the way there when my little brother looked out the window in amazement. "Sissy, sissy, look!!" So I did. Words can't even begin to describe what I saw. With the Milky Way as a backdrop, a million pinpricked stars stretched out across the sky. It's cliche, but I've truly never seen anything so beautiful. My brother then said, and I quote, "This is the best trip ever! I love Africa!" And he was right. All the "blood, sweat, and tears" we endured to get to Tanzania were eclipsed by all the amazing things we experienced once we got there.
Life is like the Nairobi airport. Granted, unlike the Nairobi airport, it can be wonderful at times, but most of us would agree that life is no picnic. It can be really hard. However, we can get through the Nairobi experience through the knowledge that someday we'll finally get to Tanzania; we can make it through life by the knowledge that someday we'll finally get to heaven. Let's take a look at the words of Peter:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed at the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:3-7)
As Christians, even at the deepest, darkest part of our lives, we have hope. And it's not just a passive "Oh, I sure hope this happens" hope-- it's a LIVING hope. It's active. We get our hope through Christ's resurrection, through our Christianity and faithful walk with God. What is our hope? To obtain an eternal inheritance: heaven. Read Revelation 21. (No, seriously. Go read it and then come back.) As wonderfully beautiful as these descriptions are, they are just the earthly manifestations of what heaven will actually be like. We just can't even comprehend with our temporary minds how wonderful heaven will be. Note Peter's word choice in the passage above, too: "FOR A LITTLE WHILE... you have been distressed." Two days of agonizing traveling was just a fraction of the two weeks I would spend enjoying my trip. In the same way, our earthly life is only an infinitesimal speck in comparison with eternity (James 4:14).
Too often we feel like it's too hard. Like we can't go on. We feel like giving up on heaven. Does it make sense to give up on getting to Tanzania just because the Nairobi airport is awful? Of course not! Even though trials can bog us down, we can never, NEVER give up. Instead of discouraging us, trials should make us want heaven all the more-- they should be another spur toward our eternal goal.
You might have heard the old song, "Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All":
Often I'm hindered on my way,
Burdened so heavy I almost fall.
Then I hear Jesus sweetly say,
"Heaven will surely be worth it all."
Heaven will surely be worth it all,
Worth all the sorrows that here be-fall.
After this life with all its strife,
Heaven will surely be worth it all.
Many the trials, toils, and tears,
Many a heartache may here appall,
But the dear Lord so truly says,
Heaven will surely be worth it all.
Toiling and pain I will endure
Till I shall hear the death angel call.
Jesus has promised and I'm sure,
Heaven will surely be worth it all.
"We also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
~green eyes :)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Dancing with God
(Note: This post will mostly be applicable to teenage girls. I'm sure you can find application even if you're not a teenage girl, but that's my audience.)
Girls are always looking for Mr. Right. That's why we love chick flicks (or chick books): there's always a seemingly perfect man involved. It was true in the 1800s when Jane Austen wrote about Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, and it's true today, in the age of Edward Cullen and Jacob Black. There's a longing inside all of us girls for that one special guy, the perfect guy who loves us unconditionally and treats us like a princess. The one we can talk to about anything. The one who can solve all our problems. Wanna know a secret? That guy exists. The problem is, we're looking in all the wrong places. We look for the perfect guy among imperfect people.
The truth is, people are always going to let us down. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean we shouldn't love people. We should. But people are imperfect. To expect perfection from imperfect people is unfair to both sides, and it's only going to leave us disappointed. So what are we supposed to do? If this is true, all hope is lost, right? The perfect man isn't out there, and all our Prince Charming hopes and dreams are shattered... right? WRONG!
If there was ever a master of perfect, unconditional love, it's Jesus Christ. If there was ever a man who treated his bride like a princess, it's Jesus Christ. If there was ever a man we could talk to about anything, it's Jesus Christ. If there was ever a man who can solve every problem, it's Jesus Christ. See, Jesus is that perfect man, the one we've been looking for, our "Mr. Right." And yet, we find it so hard to be content with him until we find our earthly "Mr. Right." Why? It doesn't make any sense!
You might have heard the expression "Dance with God; He'll let the perfect man cut in." I love this analogy-- it's so perfect. Think about it. The dance is like life. Think of it like a waltz; the guy leads, and the girl follows his lead. If God is the guy in the dance of our life, we will follow His lead. We will submit to His will for our lives. 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time." His plans are better than any of our plans could ever be, and if we'll only let Him work it in our lives, it'll be better than anything we ever dreamed. To be a good dance partner, we can't "step on God's toes", so to speak, and try to put our plans before His. But let's go a little deeper. Would you want to dance with someone who was dying to dance with somebody else? Something tells me that wouldn't be too enjoyable. If we're not content with Jesus, we can never be happy, and I can't imagine He likes that too much. Now, I'm not saying romantic love is bad, or that we shouldn't fall in love with an earthly person. God certainly doesn't think it's bad-- He's the one who instituted romantic love in the first place! But right now, we're dancing with God, and He needs to be the focus of our heart. If we look into His eyes, someday He'll say, "There's this guy I know that would be great for you." And introduce us to the man that's right for us. Of course, this is where the analogy falls apart, because our dance with God doesn't stop when we meet our earthly Mr. Right. A relationship without God will ultimately fail no matter what; but if a relationship between two people is centered on God, it is the strongest relationship possible. "A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." -Ecclesiastes 4:12
Here's the clincher: whatever relationship we're in, it all comes down to the fact that we're dancing with God. It's up to Him to let a man step into our lives, and He is to be in control of our lives no matter what. Until then, we're to be content in Him and leave our lives up to His plans.
"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." -Hebrews 12:2
~green eyes :)
Girls are always looking for Mr. Right. That's why we love chick flicks (or chick books): there's always a seemingly perfect man involved. It was true in the 1800s when Jane Austen wrote about Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, and it's true today, in the age of Edward Cullen and Jacob Black. There's a longing inside all of us girls for that one special guy, the perfect guy who loves us unconditionally and treats us like a princess. The one we can talk to about anything. The one who can solve all our problems. Wanna know a secret? That guy exists. The problem is, we're looking in all the wrong places. We look for the perfect guy among imperfect people.
The truth is, people are always going to let us down. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean we shouldn't love people. We should. But people are imperfect. To expect perfection from imperfect people is unfair to both sides, and it's only going to leave us disappointed. So what are we supposed to do? If this is true, all hope is lost, right? The perfect man isn't out there, and all our Prince Charming hopes and dreams are shattered... right? WRONG!
If there was ever a master of perfect, unconditional love, it's Jesus Christ. If there was ever a man who treated his bride like a princess, it's Jesus Christ. If there was ever a man we could talk to about anything, it's Jesus Christ. If there was ever a man who can solve every problem, it's Jesus Christ. See, Jesus is that perfect man, the one we've been looking for, our "Mr. Right." And yet, we find it so hard to be content with him until we find our earthly "Mr. Right." Why? It doesn't make any sense!
You might have heard the expression "Dance with God; He'll let the perfect man cut in." I love this analogy-- it's so perfect. Think about it. The dance is like life. Think of it like a waltz; the guy leads, and the girl follows his lead. If God is the guy in the dance of our life, we will follow His lead. We will submit to His will for our lives. 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time." His plans are better than any of our plans could ever be, and if we'll only let Him work it in our lives, it'll be better than anything we ever dreamed. To be a good dance partner, we can't "step on God's toes", so to speak, and try to put our plans before His. But let's go a little deeper. Would you want to dance with someone who was dying to dance with somebody else? Something tells me that wouldn't be too enjoyable. If we're not content with Jesus, we can never be happy, and I can't imagine He likes that too much. Now, I'm not saying romantic love is bad, or that we shouldn't fall in love with an earthly person. God certainly doesn't think it's bad-- He's the one who instituted romantic love in the first place! But right now, we're dancing with God, and He needs to be the focus of our heart. If we look into His eyes, someday He'll say, "There's this guy I know that would be great for you." And introduce us to the man that's right for us. Of course, this is where the analogy falls apart, because our dance with God doesn't stop when we meet our earthly Mr. Right. A relationship without God will ultimately fail no matter what; but if a relationship between two people is centered on God, it is the strongest relationship possible. "A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." -Ecclesiastes 4:12
Here's the clincher: whatever relationship we're in, it all comes down to the fact that we're dancing with God. It's up to Him to let a man step into our lives, and He is to be in control of our lives no matter what. Until then, we're to be content in Him and leave our lives up to His plans.
"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." -Hebrews 12:2
~green eyes :)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Using Your Barriers
At my church camp, we play a game called the Flour War. It's basically Capture the Flag, but with a little twist: each team is given "flour bombs" (tissues rolled up like sleeping bags with flour inside them) to throw at the opposing team and "kill" them. Oftentimes there are cars parked all along the battlefield, some belonging to the Blue Team (or the winning team) and some belonging to the Green Team (the losing team). Before we started last year, our Blue Team general told us to use the other team's barriers against them. While they set up their cars to hide behind and defend themselves, we can use the cars offensively to sneak closer to the enemy flag.
Obviously, our war with Satan is much more serious than a church camp Flour War, but there are some similarities. First, there is a war, and as Christians we are soldiers of Christ. We don't get involved with the sins of the world because we want to please our "general", Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4). The other "team," Satan wants to win just as bad as we do; he is not a passive enemy. He can sneak around in the woods of our lives just as easily as a person playing capture the flag, so we have to be on the lookout for him (1 Peter 5:8). God has given us both an offensive weapon, His Word, and defensive armor in the form of faith, truth, righteousness, and salvation (Eph. 6:10-17). And just like in the Flour War, we can use the Devil's barriers against him.
How often does God use bad things for good? Look at the story of Joseph in Genesis. Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery by his own brothers, then put in jail for a crime he did not commit. Personally, I can't think of many situations worse than that. However, the story doesn't end there. God used his awful situation to bring Joseph up to second in command in the most powerful nation in the world at the time. Look at Jesus' crucifixion. No event in history can possibly compare with the horror and agony caused the day men killed the Son of God. But through that event comes the greatest blessing we have ever received: forgiveness and salvation from sin! If we allow him to work in our lives, God can turn these bad things, things we would see as the Devil's barriers, into good things that we can use to work against Satan.
The first one to come to my mind is health problems. I have a very good friend who has a LOT of health problems and she's a teenager about my age. You have no idea how much I admire her. Personally, in her situation, I would have given up hope. I would have been mad at God for all my struggles. But my friend uses her health problems to reach people. Her joyful attitude alone is enough to make people wonder why she's different, giving her the opportunity to lead them to Christ. But she doesn't just take opportunities, she MAKES opportunities. When she's in the hospital, she goes to visit other kids who are sick and encourage them. She is the PERFECT example of using barriers for God and against the Devil.
However, not all of us have health problems. A more common barrier is technology. Now, I say "barrier"; but technology is in itself a neutral thing. Just like the cars during Flour War, its "goodness" or "badness" all depends on who's using it and what we're using it for. The first thing that comes to my mind is Facebook. I am a self-proclaimed Facebookaholic. Chances are you got to this blog by clicking a link on my Facebook page. Like I said, Facebook is a neutral thing, but how much time do we spend on it? Are we wasting valuable time we could be using for the Lord? Do we spend more time harvesting for the Lord, or harvesting our crops on Farmville? Do we spend more time "facing the Book" than on Facebook?* Not only this, but there are several quizzes and applications on Facebook that Christians simply should not be a part of. One in particular that bugs me is Mafia Wars. I'm not saying you're going to hell if you play Mafia Wars or anything, but it's a game all about killing and stealing. As Christians, can we really be okay with that?
However, we can use Facebook for such great GOOD in the Lord's church. I have 404 friends. That's FOUR HUNDRED AND FOUR PEOPLE that see my statuses every day (in theory). That's how many people I can potentially affect. Pretty awesome, huh? So if I post a Scripture on my status, 404 people will see it. Some of those 404 people aren't Christians, so I'm potentially reaching out to them. Some of those 404 people ARE Christians, so I'm potentially encouraging them. And all I have to do is type a few words. Like I said, pretty awesome. And not only do people see what we do post, they see what we DON'T post. If any of you have non-Christian friends, you've probably seen some pretty raunchy things on people's Facebooks. Non-Christian people are going to wonder why we don't curse, why we don't post inappropriate pictures, why we don't take dirty quizzes. And that gives us an opportunity to TELL them why-- because Christ has saved us and we're living our lives for Him. (My suggestion for friends who post dirty things on Facebook-- we don't need to see that. However, they do need to see what we have to say about God. Unless they comment on your statuses or post on your wall a lot, I would hide them instead of deleting them. That way, you don't have to see their inappropriate postings, but THEY can see the Scriptures you post and your example and you can potentially lead them to Christ.)
In a completely different way, hard times in our lives can also be barriers. However, when we're at our lowest, God is at His highest. These hard times in our lives, these tests of our faith, lead to endurance (James 1:3). We have to keep in mind at all times that WE'RE CHRISTIANS. Even during hard times. That means that God is going to take care of us as long as we live for Him (Matthew 6:25-34). Hard times are another opportunity to praise God and thank Him for His goodness and His care. It seems to me the times we need to rely on God most are the times we try to rely on ourselves, but we can't do that! The more we need Him, the more He takes care of us if we'll let Him, and the more reason we have to praise and thank Him!
Henry Ford once said, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." The trick is to not see barriers as barriers, but to see them as assets to our faith and the faith of others. If we keep our eyes on God and our goal, Heaven, everything else will be okay.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28
~green eyes :)
Obviously, our war with Satan is much more serious than a church camp Flour War, but there are some similarities. First, there is a war, and as Christians we are soldiers of Christ. We don't get involved with the sins of the world because we want to please our "general", Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4). The other "team," Satan wants to win just as bad as we do; he is not a passive enemy. He can sneak around in the woods of our lives just as easily as a person playing capture the flag, so we have to be on the lookout for him (1 Peter 5:8). God has given us both an offensive weapon, His Word, and defensive armor in the form of faith, truth, righteousness, and salvation (Eph. 6:10-17). And just like in the Flour War, we can use the Devil's barriers against him.
How often does God use bad things for good? Look at the story of Joseph in Genesis. Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery by his own brothers, then put in jail for a crime he did not commit. Personally, I can't think of many situations worse than that. However, the story doesn't end there. God used his awful situation to bring Joseph up to second in command in the most powerful nation in the world at the time. Look at Jesus' crucifixion. No event in history can possibly compare with the horror and agony caused the day men killed the Son of God. But through that event comes the greatest blessing we have ever received: forgiveness and salvation from sin! If we allow him to work in our lives, God can turn these bad things, things we would see as the Devil's barriers, into good things that we can use to work against Satan.
The first one to come to my mind is health problems. I have a very good friend who has a LOT of health problems and she's a teenager about my age. You have no idea how much I admire her. Personally, in her situation, I would have given up hope. I would have been mad at God for all my struggles. But my friend uses her health problems to reach people. Her joyful attitude alone is enough to make people wonder why she's different, giving her the opportunity to lead them to Christ. But she doesn't just take opportunities, she MAKES opportunities. When she's in the hospital, she goes to visit other kids who are sick and encourage them. She is the PERFECT example of using barriers for God and against the Devil.
However, not all of us have health problems. A more common barrier is technology. Now, I say "barrier"; but technology is in itself a neutral thing. Just like the cars during Flour War, its "goodness" or "badness" all depends on who's using it and what we're using it for. The first thing that comes to my mind is Facebook. I am a self-proclaimed Facebookaholic. Chances are you got to this blog by clicking a link on my Facebook page. Like I said, Facebook is a neutral thing, but how much time do we spend on it? Are we wasting valuable time we could be using for the Lord? Do we spend more time harvesting for the Lord, or harvesting our crops on Farmville? Do we spend more time "facing the Book" than on Facebook?* Not only this, but there are several quizzes and applications on Facebook that Christians simply should not be a part of. One in particular that bugs me is Mafia Wars. I'm not saying you're going to hell if you play Mafia Wars or anything, but it's a game all about killing and stealing. As Christians, can we really be okay with that?
However, we can use Facebook for such great GOOD in the Lord's church. I have 404 friends. That's FOUR HUNDRED AND FOUR PEOPLE that see my statuses every day (in theory). That's how many people I can potentially affect. Pretty awesome, huh? So if I post a Scripture on my status, 404 people will see it. Some of those 404 people aren't Christians, so I'm potentially reaching out to them. Some of those 404 people ARE Christians, so I'm potentially encouraging them. And all I have to do is type a few words. Like I said, pretty awesome. And not only do people see what we do post, they see what we DON'T post. If any of you have non-Christian friends, you've probably seen some pretty raunchy things on people's Facebooks. Non-Christian people are going to wonder why we don't curse, why we don't post inappropriate pictures, why we don't take dirty quizzes. And that gives us an opportunity to TELL them why-- because Christ has saved us and we're living our lives for Him. (My suggestion for friends who post dirty things on Facebook-- we don't need to see that. However, they do need to see what we have to say about God. Unless they comment on your statuses or post on your wall a lot, I would hide them instead of deleting them. That way, you don't have to see their inappropriate postings, but THEY can see the Scriptures you post and your example and you can potentially lead them to Christ.)
In a completely different way, hard times in our lives can also be barriers. However, when we're at our lowest, God is at His highest. These hard times in our lives, these tests of our faith, lead to endurance (James 1:3). We have to keep in mind at all times that WE'RE CHRISTIANS. Even during hard times. That means that God is going to take care of us as long as we live for Him (Matthew 6:25-34). Hard times are another opportunity to praise God and thank Him for His goodness and His care. It seems to me the times we need to rely on God most are the times we try to rely on ourselves, but we can't do that! The more we need Him, the more He takes care of us if we'll let Him, and the more reason we have to praise and thank Him!
Henry Ford once said, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." The trick is to not see barriers as barriers, but to see them as assets to our faith and the faith of others. If we keep our eyes on God and our goal, Heaven, everything else will be okay.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28
~green eyes :)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Secret Life of the Christian Teenager?
Most of us have heard of the TV show "The Secret Life of the American Teenager." The show centers on a girl dealing with teenage pregnancy/motherhood and her friends, their relationships, and their all-around "drama." Although it airs on the ABC Family channel, "Secret Life" is anything BUT a family show. I've never actually watched an episode, but I Googled it for this post... I was appalled. The plot includes MANY sexual relationships outside of marriage, a gay character, and perhaps the most shocking, a "Christian" girl considered crazy and annoying until she breaks her vow of purity and loses her virginity to her boyfriend. And yet, one reporter could say "the show's themes are presented in a relatively wholesome, heartfelt context that's both entertaining and non-threatening." If this is non-threatening and wholesome, I'd hate to see unwholesome.
Whether she's intended to or not, this reporter has captured our culture's attitude toward teenagers: raunchy is the new wholesome. The title of the show says it all; the "secret life of the American teenager" is sin and corruption. Teenagers aren't expected to be innocent, pure, or spiritual; we're expected to be sexual, reckless, and worldly. Here's my question: as Christians, particularly Christian teens, are we going to take this? Are we going to let the world hold us to the stereotype? Are we going to let the world keep this view of us?
NO!
"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." -1 Tim. 4:12
As teens, we love this verse. I can't speak for everyone, but I always used to think, "Ha, world! You can't look down on me! It says right here in the Bible!" and stick out my metaphorical tongue. However, this verse has a but. And it's a big but.
"BUT RATHER in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."
This isn't an instruction to the people trying to look down-- it's an instruction to the youth! We are to be so exemplary and Christlike in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity that it is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to logically look down on us.
As Christians, we are not to have "secret lives." These secret lives can take one of two forms. The first is having a secret sinful life. Are we Sunday/Wednesday Christians? Do we take off the armor of God the moment we step outside the church building?
We can't be hypocrites in our faith. See how well that worked out for the Pharisees?
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." (Matt. 23:27).
Not a very pleasant image, is it? Simply going through the motions, going to worship, singing songs, taking the Lord's Supper, isn't going to get us to heaven, or make us right with God. Take a look at Hebrews 10:5-7. (No, really. Open your Bible and read it.) Even under the Old Law, God didn't want robots practicing rituals. He wants our obedience to Him. Now we ARE commanded to gather with the saints (Heb. 10:25), take the Lord's Supper (Luke 22:19), and sing praises to God (Eph. 5:19). But if in fulfilling these commandments we are only "going through the motions," these are of no value to God, to ourselves, or to the people watching us as examples of Christians.
The other secret life is just as bad: having a secret CHRISTIAN life. We all know the song: "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." As children, we refused to hide our light under a bushel, or let Satan blow it out. Do those promises made in song carry into our lives today?
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 5:14-16).
There are two points in that last part. First, men are to be able to see our good works. Are we living Christlike lives? Are we serving Him both in the church and in the world? Are we acting like the set-apart people we are? Francis of Assisi once said "Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." Do our actions preach the gospel at all times? Second, our good works are to lead them to glorify God. Do our friends think we're simply "good people," or do they know we're Christians? Do we share the gospel verbally and point people to God?
So, are you a Christian teenager with a "secret life?" Get rid of it! As Christians we are to be black and white, clear followers of God, no matter what company we're currently keeping, no matter what situation or setting we're placed in.
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
~green eyes :)
Whether she's intended to or not, this reporter has captured our culture's attitude toward teenagers: raunchy is the new wholesome. The title of the show says it all; the "secret life of the American teenager" is sin and corruption. Teenagers aren't expected to be innocent, pure, or spiritual; we're expected to be sexual, reckless, and worldly. Here's my question: as Christians, particularly Christian teens, are we going to take this? Are we going to let the world hold us to the stereotype? Are we going to let the world keep this view of us?
NO!
"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." -1 Tim. 4:12
As teens, we love this verse. I can't speak for everyone, but I always used to think, "Ha, world! You can't look down on me! It says right here in the Bible!" and stick out my metaphorical tongue. However, this verse has a but. And it's a big but.
"BUT RATHER in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."
This isn't an instruction to the people trying to look down-- it's an instruction to the youth! We are to be so exemplary and Christlike in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity that it is IMPOSSIBLE for anyone to logically look down on us.
As Christians, we are not to have "secret lives." These secret lives can take one of two forms. The first is having a secret sinful life. Are we Sunday/Wednesday Christians? Do we take off the armor of God the moment we step outside the church building?
We can't be hypocrites in our faith. See how well that worked out for the Pharisees?
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." (Matt. 23:27).
Not a very pleasant image, is it? Simply going through the motions, going to worship, singing songs, taking the Lord's Supper, isn't going to get us to heaven, or make us right with God. Take a look at Hebrews 10:5-7. (No, really. Open your Bible and read it.) Even under the Old Law, God didn't want robots practicing rituals. He wants our obedience to Him. Now we ARE commanded to gather with the saints (Heb. 10:25), take the Lord's Supper (Luke 22:19), and sing praises to God (Eph. 5:19). But if in fulfilling these commandments we are only "going through the motions," these are of no value to God, to ourselves, or to the people watching us as examples of Christians.
The other secret life is just as bad: having a secret CHRISTIAN life. We all know the song: "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." As children, we refused to hide our light under a bushel, or let Satan blow it out. Do those promises made in song carry into our lives today?
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 5:14-16).
There are two points in that last part. First, men are to be able to see our good works. Are we living Christlike lives? Are we serving Him both in the church and in the world? Are we acting like the set-apart people we are? Francis of Assisi once said "Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." Do our actions preach the gospel at all times? Second, our good works are to lead them to glorify God. Do our friends think we're simply "good people," or do they know we're Christians? Do we share the gospel verbally and point people to God?
So, are you a Christian teenager with a "secret life?" Get rid of it! As Christians we are to be black and white, clear followers of God, no matter what company we're currently keeping, no matter what situation or setting we're placed in.
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
~green eyes :)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Can You Imagine?
Lent makes no sense to me. That might sound a little harsh, but it just doesn't. Never has. I don't find Lent anywhere in the Bible, and that alone is enough to tell me God doesn't require it. However, that isn't the part that confuses me the most. What I don't understand is the disproportionality of the whole idea. People give up one thing. I've heard everything from facebook to chocolate. The most devout Catholics give up food all together except for one meal a day. That seems like a great sacrifice, but nothing we can ever do can compare to what Jesus sacrificed for us.
"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself
taking the form of a bond-servant
and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance a man,
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death,
even death on a cross." (Phil. 2:5-9).
Notice the downward trend. Sometimes it is easy for us to remember Jesus' sacrifice of His life, but how often do we remember his former status? He was with God in the beginning (John 1:2). HE LIVED WITH GOD. As Christians we can appreciate the desire to be with God; after all, that's the entire reason why Heaven can be greater than this earth. Now imagine being with God, being in Heaven, and having to leave. As humans we can appreciate the pain of knowing what we're missing. Can you imagine walking this earth, fully aware of how wonderful Heaven is, completely comprehending its splendor, knowing EXACTLY what you're missing?
Not only did He leave Heaven, but he took the form of a bond-servant. He could have been a king, or someone with great power, but He chose to be a carpenter's son. Not only this, but He humbled Himself, both to men and to His Father. In John 13, we see He washes His disciples' feet. Keep in mind that people in Jesus' time either wore sandals or no shoes at all on dusty, dirty roads. It was usually a slave's job to wash a guest's feet when they entered a house. Jesus took on that responsibility. Can you imagine having your feet washed by the SON OF GOD? It's an amazing thought. That's how humble Jesus was.
He also humbled Himself to God and his plan. Think about it-- Jesus knew long before anyone else exactly what God's purpose for Him on earth was, including His impending death on the cross. Can you imagine living years of your life knowing you were going to die the most painful death possible? That's exactly what Jesus did. In the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before his arrest, he prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matt. 26:39). That is PERFECT submission.
Imagine the physical terror of the cross. Before the crucifixion was flogging; pieces of glass or broken pottery were often tied to the tails of the whip in order to rip flesh from the victim's back. The crown of thorns woven by the spectators would have been made up of four to five centimeter long spikes which would have dug deep into Christ's scalp. Crucifixion itself was invented by the Romans, and they knew better than anyone how to induce pain. Nails were most likely placed between the radius and the ulna (the two bones of the lower arm); this spot not only kept the nails in place (instead of ripping through the arm due to the weight of the body) but also was the most painful place for the thick wrought-iron nails. Clothes were taken anyway to violate modesty. What actually killed the person being crucified was suffocation. The body was positioned on the cross such that one had to raise himself to take a breath. Once he could no longer push himself up for air, the victim would suffocate. The entire process could last hours; Jesus' crucifixion lasted roughly six hours. Can you imagine the intense pain, the agony? What is even more amazing is that He was there for the creation of those nerves. As every cell, every atom in Jesus' body cried out in pain, He knew the exact science of why they hurt. He had designed them with the ability to go through that much pain. Incredible.
And then you have the even greater spiritual terror of the cross. As He was slowly dying, Jesus cried, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46). We know God cannot tolerate sin (Hab. 1:13), and Jesus bore our sins on the cross. God had to literally turn His back on His only son to carry out His plan for our salvation. Can you imagine the intense, unbearable pain on both sides? A perfect Father turning His back completely on His son; a perfect Son rejected by His Father, knowing He had not committed any of the sins He was dying for.
So often we sing the song: "He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free." (That's based on Matt. 26:53). Do we realize how true that is? No power on earth could have kept Him on that cross against His will. Another song goes, "The nails that were used weren't enough, it was His wondrous love for me... Love held Him to the cross. Love held Him captive and set me free." Nothing but Jesus' perfect, selfless, boundless love for us could have kept Him on that cross. He loves you THAT much.
"I'm giving up Facebook for 40 days because Jesus died for me."
It just doesn't fit, does it? My point is, Jesus doesn't want you to give up part of your life for Lent. We are commanded to give up our entire life to Him when we become a Christian, and that includes all areas of our lives.
"I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me. The life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me." -Gal. 2:20
~green eyes :)
"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself
taking the form of a bond-servant
and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance a man,
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death,
even death on a cross." (Phil. 2:5-9).
Notice the downward trend. Sometimes it is easy for us to remember Jesus' sacrifice of His life, but how often do we remember his former status? He was with God in the beginning (John 1:2). HE LIVED WITH GOD. As Christians we can appreciate the desire to be with God; after all, that's the entire reason why Heaven can be greater than this earth. Now imagine being with God, being in Heaven, and having to leave. As humans we can appreciate the pain of knowing what we're missing. Can you imagine walking this earth, fully aware of how wonderful Heaven is, completely comprehending its splendor, knowing EXACTLY what you're missing?
Not only did He leave Heaven, but he took the form of a bond-servant. He could have been a king, or someone with great power, but He chose to be a carpenter's son. Not only this, but He humbled Himself, both to men and to His Father. In John 13, we see He washes His disciples' feet. Keep in mind that people in Jesus' time either wore sandals or no shoes at all on dusty, dirty roads. It was usually a slave's job to wash a guest's feet when they entered a house. Jesus took on that responsibility. Can you imagine having your feet washed by the SON OF GOD? It's an amazing thought. That's how humble Jesus was.
He also humbled Himself to God and his plan. Think about it-- Jesus knew long before anyone else exactly what God's purpose for Him on earth was, including His impending death on the cross. Can you imagine living years of your life knowing you were going to die the most painful death possible? That's exactly what Jesus did. In the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before his arrest, he prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matt. 26:39). That is PERFECT submission.
Imagine the physical terror of the cross. Before the crucifixion was flogging; pieces of glass or broken pottery were often tied to the tails of the whip in order to rip flesh from the victim's back. The crown of thorns woven by the spectators would have been made up of four to five centimeter long spikes which would have dug deep into Christ's scalp. Crucifixion itself was invented by the Romans, and they knew better than anyone how to induce pain. Nails were most likely placed between the radius and the ulna (the two bones of the lower arm); this spot not only kept the nails in place (instead of ripping through the arm due to the weight of the body) but also was the most painful place for the thick wrought-iron nails. Clothes were taken anyway to violate modesty. What actually killed the person being crucified was suffocation. The body was positioned on the cross such that one had to raise himself to take a breath. Once he could no longer push himself up for air, the victim would suffocate. The entire process could last hours; Jesus' crucifixion lasted roughly six hours. Can you imagine the intense pain, the agony? What is even more amazing is that He was there for the creation of those nerves. As every cell, every atom in Jesus' body cried out in pain, He knew the exact science of why they hurt. He had designed them with the ability to go through that much pain. Incredible.
And then you have the even greater spiritual terror of the cross. As He was slowly dying, Jesus cried, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matt. 27:46). We know God cannot tolerate sin (Hab. 1:13), and Jesus bore our sins on the cross. God had to literally turn His back on His only son to carry out His plan for our salvation. Can you imagine the intense, unbearable pain on both sides? A perfect Father turning His back completely on His son; a perfect Son rejected by His Father, knowing He had not committed any of the sins He was dying for.
So often we sing the song: "He could have called ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free." (That's based on Matt. 26:53). Do we realize how true that is? No power on earth could have kept Him on that cross against His will. Another song goes, "The nails that were used weren't enough, it was His wondrous love for me... Love held Him to the cross. Love held Him captive and set me free." Nothing but Jesus' perfect, selfless, boundless love for us could have kept Him on that cross. He loves you THAT much.
"I'm giving up Facebook for 40 days because Jesus died for me."
It just doesn't fit, does it? My point is, Jesus doesn't want you to give up part of your life for Lent. We are commanded to give up our entire life to Him when we become a Christian, and that includes all areas of our lives.
"I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me. The life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me." -Gal. 2:20
~green eyes :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)