For too many years, I've allowed myself to think that progress simply happens. Now, if you asked me, "Do you just naturally get smarter and accomplish goals without effort?" I would reply, "Why, no, that's simply ludicrous!" But in reality, I've allowed myself to live that way. Yes, I've pursued goals that I've had and followed routines in order to achieve an education. However, it's much harder now that I'm out to pursue the areas that seem important. It's not from a lack of desire, just a lack of organized time. When you don't organize your time, then your goals don't get accomplished. Thankfully there is a remedy: find out how much time you spend in different areas. Plan out your free time. Okay, so not orginal ideas, but they work! In my family, it can be a little hard to do this due to having a needy handicapped brother who likes to demand attention. However, when I look at the situation honestly, I realize I could be doing much more with my time, rather than wasting it. I think we have to start with the knowledge that time is God's, abilities are God's, and we can only make of ourselves what God wants us to by being good stewards of both of these aspects. Easy? No. Possible? Yes, most definitely.
Planning must involve wisdom and a practical outlook to what we can really do with our time. The idealistic approach doesn't generally pan out. But God doesn't tempt us with abilities that we can further. He provides a way. I'm not going to magically learn the areas of Greek such as present tense, present progressive (or whatever it's called) that will help me understand my Bible better. I'm not going to become fluent in another language by thinking about how necessary it is. It can be hard because life happens, other people tend to impose on your schedule, and flexibility is a must. But perseverance produces progress. And God can give you strength.
08 June 2011
06 April 2011
What's My Motivation - - Accolades?
What is my motivation for helping those in my family?
I think when I was younger and, sadly, even throughout many of my teen and young adult years it has been to hear a "Well-done." I enjoy recognition and proving my worth.
A very interesting thought hit me recently: Do I serve for the person or for the praise? Seriously, though, do I sacrifice my time and energy in order to make someone's life easier because I love them or because I want to get the praise I know will emanate from their lips after the fact?
I think this feeling surfaces when you are a people-pleaser and when the duty you're doing is for someone close to you -- someone whose praise means a lot to you.
I think also that these two feelings can be intertwined at times. But the difference surfaces when you perform the service regardless of whether that person consistently verbally recognizes your efforts or not. Also, you will continue to do so even when you know that person will not notice that you are the one who's accomplished this task on his or her behalf.
Feelings make a difference too. No, I'm not suggesting you only help other people that you love when you feel like it or when you can't think of anything else you'd rather do with your time so you might as well help someone in your family out. That's not what I'm talking about at all.
What I'm referring to is the desire to make someone's life easier. The desire to do so which produces the will power to do so. Praying for a servant's heart enables you to see people's lives and duties in a different perspective -- as an opportunity to see what they need and to feel that need. That comes from God.
Furthermore, just like the initial feeling or motivation is different so is the resulting feeling. You will be satisfied that you were able to help out, even if the person shows absolutely no verbal gratitude.
Rewards in heaven, right? But also the ability to make a difference just by noticing needs and acting. Do I serve for the person or for the praise? God knows our heart. Do we?
Psalm 139:23-14
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
I think when I was younger and, sadly, even throughout many of my teen and young adult years it has been to hear a "Well-done." I enjoy recognition and proving my worth.
A very interesting thought hit me recently: Do I serve for the person or for the praise? Seriously, though, do I sacrifice my time and energy in order to make someone's life easier because I love them or because I want to get the praise I know will emanate from their lips after the fact?
I think this feeling surfaces when you are a people-pleaser and when the duty you're doing is for someone close to you -- someone whose praise means a lot to you.
I think also that these two feelings can be intertwined at times. But the difference surfaces when you perform the service regardless of whether that person consistently verbally recognizes your efforts or not. Also, you will continue to do so even when you know that person will not notice that you are the one who's accomplished this task on his or her behalf.
Feelings make a difference too. No, I'm not suggesting you only help other people that you love when you feel like it or when you can't think of anything else you'd rather do with your time so you might as well help someone in your family out. That's not what I'm talking about at all.
What I'm referring to is the desire to make someone's life easier. The desire to do so which produces the will power to do so. Praying for a servant's heart enables you to see people's lives and duties in a different perspective -- as an opportunity to see what they need and to feel that need. That comes from God.
Furthermore, just like the initial feeling or motivation is different so is the resulting feeling. You will be satisfied that you were able to help out, even if the person shows absolutely no verbal gratitude.
Rewards in heaven, right? But also the ability to make a difference just by noticing needs and acting. Do I serve for the person or for the praise? God knows our heart. Do we?
Psalm 139:23-14
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.
19 February 2011
Taking a Stand: Take Courage
(referring to Martin Luther King Jr. during an address in Washington): "Nothing in his expression acknowledged the fact that death was waiting for him just around the corner. Perhaps he was genuinely unaware, in spite of the threats piling up around him. Perhaps instead, he'd come to terms with the fact that truth telling and dying often go hand in hand" (p. 212).
Notes from the Underground: "Never a coward at heart" though "always a coward in action."
"I do not see how we can rule anybody unless we start by ruling oursleves" Catherine of Siena.
"who willingly place themselves in danger for th esake of those less pwerful"(p. 237)
Notes from the Underground: "Never a coward at heart" though "always a coward in action."
"I do not see how we can rule anybody unless we start by ruling oursleves" Catherine of Siena.
"who willingly place themselves in danger for th esake of those less pwerful"(p. 237)
28 January 2011
Attention Please
"So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight--why the bush does not burn up.'" (Ex. 3).
Moses. Yep, we all know who he is. The man God rescued as a baby, had brought up in Pharoah's house, and who he used to lead his people across the wilderness in a mighty way.
We're pretty familiar with the story. I thought I was too, but as I was reading Sproul, a new angle came to mind. Remember the burning bush?
He used the passage from Exodus 3:2-5 of the scene where Moses is spoken to by God through the venue of the burning such. I started thinking, "Isn't that intriguing what Moses' response was to the burning bush: he went over to investigate." Now, this isn't a very deep thought, but God used something that would catch Moses' attention and that He knew Moses would go and look at.
This angle leads to some conclusions:
- God is an omniscient God. He knows our thoughts, feelings, actions(before they even happen), our daily routine;He knew which path Moses would take and where he would be at what time--it wasn't an accident.
- God is a personal God. He knew what would get Moses' attention, what would stir him to "go over and see."
- God doesn't make mistakes. His timing is impeccable. He knew all along what day he would appear to Moses. Unlike us, He can foresee the future and He always does what's best: our best and for his glory.
God is incredible and I'm so glad his word is alive and he teaches us.
Moses. Yep, we all know who he is. The man God rescued as a baby, had brought up in Pharoah's house, and who he used to lead his people across the wilderness in a mighty way.
We're pretty familiar with the story. I thought I was too, but as I was reading Sproul, a new angle came to mind. Remember the burning bush?
He used the passage from Exodus 3:2-5 of the scene where Moses is spoken to by God through the venue of the burning such. I started thinking, "Isn't that intriguing what Moses' response was to the burning bush: he went over to investigate." Now, this isn't a very deep thought, but God used something that would catch Moses' attention and that He knew Moses would go and look at.
This angle leads to some conclusions:
- God is an omniscient God. He knows our thoughts, feelings, actions(before they even happen), our daily routine;He knew which path Moses would take and where he would be at what time--it wasn't an accident.
- God is a personal God. He knew what would get Moses' attention, what would stir him to "go over and see."
- God doesn't make mistakes. His timing is impeccable. He knew all along what day he would appear to Moses. Unlike us, He can foresee the future and He always does what's best: our best and for his glory.
God is incredible and I'm so glad his word is alive and he teaches us.
13 January 2011
Sincerely Wrong
Many people think they are going to heaven. If you ask them, "Where will you go when you die?" they will reply, "To heaven." But if you press the issue, they usually add, "Well, most likely I will."
They're not completely sure, but hoping real hard. I met a man like this on a plane once. And he was just one story out of many that I've heard. It always makes me sad.
Jesus says we can know for sure we're going to heaven. He doesn't want us to have a "hope-so" kind of philosophy. He didn't say, "People who have not trusted in me as Savior nor received forgiveness for their sins can go to heaven IF they die for me." That's works and it's dependent on man. He did not say, "If you're really, really good and do all sorts of nice things for people and don't curse them out or take drugs or prostitute yourself then you will get to heaven." You see, that's not what he said, but we want to feel like we've done something.
The biggest problem is not wanting to need God or do things his way. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." He didn't say, "Laurie can make for herself the way, she can create her own truth, and bring herself eternal life by trying really hard."
What has been said is: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31b).
What Jesus showed is: Outstretched arms on the cross, pierced feet and hands, an intentional, sacrificial death (Matthew 26-27).
What Jesus gave is: Everything he had, both comfort in heaven and his all on earth (The four gospels). Yeah, that's kind of a lot.
If Jesus thought we could get there on our own then he wouldn't have given the ultimate sacrifice.
6For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5).
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Sinners. No chance of redemption or salvation on our own. Ever. So though some may be sincere in their belief that they can get to heaven apart from Christ, they are sincerely wrong.
It is a heartbreaking thought that many are confused or resisting the truth, but we can do something about it. We have a mission. Now that we have a new life (if we have turned from our sin, asked Christ's forgiveness and for him to save us) we are reconciled to God and when we follow him, he can use us. So cool!
Look what is said in I Corinthians 5:17-20:
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Not just justified and forgiven and ransomed, but reconcilers for the cause of Christ.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (I Cor 5:21)
MAKE AN APPEAL. People need to hear. I must remember where I was headed and how helpless I was (v.1) so that I will be passionate about telling others about how to know Christ. And how to know they have eternal life for sure. "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf" (I Cor 5:4-5).
I have a mission. I can make it happen through God. Only God can make my life matter. I want to show those who are sincerely wrong, living life in their own way, hoping for brighter day, that the hope they look for can be found tonight--Jesus Christ can set it right.
And they can be sincerely right.
They're not completely sure, but hoping real hard. I met a man like this on a plane once. And he was just one story out of many that I've heard. It always makes me sad.
Jesus says we can know for sure we're going to heaven. He doesn't want us to have a "hope-so" kind of philosophy. He didn't say, "People who have not trusted in me as Savior nor received forgiveness for their sins can go to heaven IF they die for me." That's works and it's dependent on man. He did not say, "If you're really, really good and do all sorts of nice things for people and don't curse them out or take drugs or prostitute yourself then you will get to heaven." You see, that's not what he said, but we want to feel like we've done something.
The biggest problem is not wanting to need God or do things his way. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." He didn't say, "Laurie can make for herself the way, she can create her own truth, and bring herself eternal life by trying really hard."
What has been said is: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31b).
What Jesus showed is: Outstretched arms on the cross, pierced feet and hands, an intentional, sacrificial death (Matthew 26-27).
What Jesus gave is: Everything he had, both comfort in heaven and his all on earth (The four gospels). Yeah, that's kind of a lot.
If Jesus thought we could get there on our own then he wouldn't have given the ultimate sacrifice.
6For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5).
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Sinners. No chance of redemption or salvation on our own. Ever. So though some may be sincere in their belief that they can get to heaven apart from Christ, they are sincerely wrong.
It is a heartbreaking thought that many are confused or resisting the truth, but we can do something about it. We have a mission. Now that we have a new life (if we have turned from our sin, asked Christ's forgiveness and for him to save us) we are reconciled to God and when we follow him, he can use us. So cool!
Look what is said in I Corinthians 5:17-20:
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Not just justified and forgiven and ransomed, but reconcilers for the cause of Christ.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (I Cor 5:21)
MAKE AN APPEAL. People need to hear. I must remember where I was headed and how helpless I was (v.1) so that I will be passionate about telling others about how to know Christ. And how to know they have eternal life for sure. "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf" (I Cor 5:4-5).
I have a mission. I can make it happen through God. Only God can make my life matter. I want to show those who are sincerely wrong, living life in their own way, hoping for brighter day, that the hope they look for can be found tonight--Jesus Christ can set it right.
And they can be sincerely right.
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