Something that has been on my heart recently is acting Christlike. I know, I've written posts about this already, but I just need to say more, and how it's affecting me on a more personal level.
I truly believe that the best way to know and love Jesus Christ is by living and loving like He did. I know we can't be perfect, but as my orchestra teacher always said, "Excellence is as close as it gets." So why can't we excell at being Christians?
We forget. We don't want to change. We don't want to be different. I'm a good enough Christian already.
Excuses. Excuses.
The other day someone was upset by everyone's Unchristian behavior at our 'Christian' college. He sent an e-mail to the entire campus, telling us we were acting Unchristian. It caused a lot of talk around campus, and a lot of people believe it was an overreaction, but I can't help but think, is it?
I'll let you think that one over yourself. I want to go on with this acting Christlike thing.
If you read my last lecture, you'll know that I talked to a man named Roger, who is my prayer warrior and sort of spiritual counselor. When I talked to Roger last fall, I asked him how I could grow closer to God. His answer was telling me to read His Word, and obey it. Do you know how many verses are in the Bible about obeying the Word? There's a lot. The book of James is a good one to read.
Let's take a look at James 1:22-25:
Do not merely listen to the word,
and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.
Anyone who listens to the word
but does not do what it says is
like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and,
after looking at himself, goes away and immediately
forgets what he looks like.
But the man who looks intently into the perfect law
that gives freedom, and continues to do this,
not forgetting what he has heard,
but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does.
I think a lot of the time when people read their Bible, or go to church or some other worship event, they walk away feeling uplifted and inspired. It's a good thing, but how long do we usually feel that spiritual high? A week? A few days? A few hours?
What gives us that spiritual high is usually the message we receive. The words we hear inspire and encourage us, and give us instructions on how to live better for God. We know what to do, and how we're supposed to be, and that confidence gives us the high we're looking for. But why does it die so quickly?
We forget. We get distracted. We don't want to make those changes we need to.
Do I sound like I'm repeating myself?
The point I'm trying to make is that for the most part, Christians know what we're supposed to do. Like Princess Mia says in Princess Diaries, "The concept is grasped, the execution is a little elusive!"
We know what we have to do, the trouble comes in actually applying what the Bible says to our lifestyles. It is hard, and I struggle with it myself. But the best way to go about it is to gather all our courage and do what we're supposed to. We may have to ask a friend to be an accountability partner, it's always easier if you have someone going through the same thing with you.
Pray. Study your Bible. Talk with an accountability partner. Pray some more. Journal. Whatever it is that will help you focus and grow as a Christian.
It will feel be a struggle, but it will make you stronger and grow closer to God and those around you.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Times - Song Interpretation
The song "Times" by Tenth Avenue North has been my prayer song lately. I'll post a link under the lyrics so you can listen to the song while you read this.
This song is one of my favorites because it never fails to describe what I'm going through in my relationship with God.
Verse One:
I know I need you.
I need to love you, Lord.
And I'd love to see you,
But it's been so long.
I long to feel you.
I feel this need for you.
And I need to hear you.
Is that so wrong?
Verse 2:
Now you pull me near you.
When we're close I fear you.
Still I'm afraid to tell you
All that I've done.
Are you done forgiving?
Or can you look past my pretending, Lord?
I'm so tired of defending what I've become.
What have I become?
Verse 3:
I hear you say:
My love is over, it's underneath,
it's inside, it's in between.
The times you doubt me.
When you can't feel.
The times that you question: Is this for real?
The times you're broken,
The times that you mend.
The times you hate me,
and the times that you bend.
Well my love is over, it's underneath,
it's inside, it's in between.
These times you're healing
and when your heart breaks.
The times that you feel like you've fallen from grace.
The times you're hurting.
The times that you heal.
The times you go hungry and attempted to steal.
In times of confusion and chaos and pain,
I'm there in your sorrow,
under the weight of your shame.
I'm there through your heartache.
I'm there in the storm.
My love, I will keep you by my power alone.
I don't care where you've fallen,
or where you have been.
I'll never forsake you.
My love never ends.
It never ends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRN0QPXrdR8
I really love the first two verses of this song. I don't know how many times I've had prayers that sound like that, almost word for word. So the first time I ever heard this song, however many years ago it was, I fell in love with it and it sort of became my power ballad for God.
The third verse is my favorite. God really speaks through to me and every time I hear this song I am comforted and relieved and ready to continue my conversation with Him. That's about all I have to say, since I want you to listen to the song yourself and see what you get out of it.
This song is one of my favorites because it never fails to describe what I'm going through in my relationship with God.
Verse One:
I know I need you.
I need to love you, Lord.
And I'd love to see you,
But it's been so long.
I long to feel you.
I feel this need for you.
And I need to hear you.
Is that so wrong?
Verse 2:
Now you pull me near you.
When we're close I fear you.
Still I'm afraid to tell you
All that I've done.
Are you done forgiving?
Or can you look past my pretending, Lord?
I'm so tired of defending what I've become.
What have I become?
Verse 3:
I hear you say:
My love is over, it's underneath,
it's inside, it's in between.
The times you doubt me.
When you can't feel.
The times that you question: Is this for real?
The times you're broken,
The times that you mend.
The times you hate me,
and the times that you bend.
Well my love is over, it's underneath,
it's inside, it's in between.
These times you're healing
and when your heart breaks.
The times that you feel like you've fallen from grace.
The times you're hurting.
The times that you heal.
The times you go hungry and attempted to steal.
In times of confusion and chaos and pain,
I'm there in your sorrow,
under the weight of your shame.
I'm there through your heartache.
I'm there in the storm.
My love, I will keep you by my power alone.
I don't care where you've fallen,
or where you have been.
I'll never forsake you.
My love never ends.
It never ends.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRN0QPXrdR8
I really love the first two verses of this song. I don't know how many times I've had prayers that sound like that, almost word for word. So the first time I ever heard this song, however many years ago it was, I fell in love with it and it sort of became my power ballad for God.
The third verse is my favorite. God really speaks through to me and every time I hear this song I am comforted and relieved and ready to continue my conversation with Him. That's about all I have to say, since I want you to listen to the song yourself and see what you get out of it.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Passion
Okay, first off, I must apologize for not posting anything in a while. But I don't think anyone's been checking in daily either, so ya.
Well, I recently went to Texas for spring break. I went with a couple of other students from the college, and we went to Camp Eagle to help them get ready for the summer. And boy, was it beautiful down there.
I think sometimes I forget what I really love. I love being outside and being in nature. Here in the middle of small-town Nebraska living in a college dorm I don't get a lot of outdoor time, besides walking to classes. And being in the Texan wilderness really revived my love and excitement for being outside.
What I really love about being outside though, is that it gives me such peace and joy and contentment that nothing else can. I feel safe and like there are no worries in the world. Especially when I'm in the wilderness hardly tainted by man. At Camp Eagle I got some free time and wandered off by myself. I went down by the river and found an old dock and just went out and laid on it.
I just sat there and looked at the fish in the water, a turtle popped it's head out of the water every once in a while to get air, and a duck was swimming around, diving under the water to try to catch a bite to eat. I also got to watch a little sparrow fly around the cliffside trying to catch insects to eat, and there was a black squirrel that occassionally peeked out of the rocky wall.
And that's all I did. I sat there and took everything in. I prayed a little and thanked God for His wonderful creation and told Him other things that were on my mind, but out there in His creation, I felt closer to Him than ever before. And even though I was giving Him all my problems, I felt content and assured that everything was okay.
You know how long I sat there? Well, I don't think I even know how long. I don't know when I went off on my own, but it had to have been at least an hour, because I was fifteen minutes late for dinner.
Anyways, even though we worked hard down in Texas, we got enough free time so that I could go off on my own for a little bit everyday. And it was when I was on my own, in the wilderness, that I felt closest to God.
Now, I have a feeling that if you're passionate about something, and if you apply it to God, it's an easy way to make a connection with your Heavenly Father. So if you love being outside like me, find a private place in God's creation where you can sit comfortably and talk with Him. Maybe you're a people person, and spending time with people and sharing your faith with them is what makes you feel closest to God. If you're a server and just love to help others, praise God while you serve. I don't know what your passion is, but use it to grow closer to God.
Well, I recently went to Texas for spring break. I went with a couple of other students from the college, and we went to Camp Eagle to help them get ready for the summer. And boy, was it beautiful down there.
I think sometimes I forget what I really love. I love being outside and being in nature. Here in the middle of small-town Nebraska living in a college dorm I don't get a lot of outdoor time, besides walking to classes. And being in the Texan wilderness really revived my love and excitement for being outside.
What I really love about being outside though, is that it gives me such peace and joy and contentment that nothing else can. I feel safe and like there are no worries in the world. Especially when I'm in the wilderness hardly tainted by man. At Camp Eagle I got some free time and wandered off by myself. I went down by the river and found an old dock and just went out and laid on it.
I just sat there and looked at the fish in the water, a turtle popped it's head out of the water every once in a while to get air, and a duck was swimming around, diving under the water to try to catch a bite to eat. I also got to watch a little sparrow fly around the cliffside trying to catch insects to eat, and there was a black squirrel that occassionally peeked out of the rocky wall.
And that's all I did. I sat there and took everything in. I prayed a little and thanked God for His wonderful creation and told Him other things that were on my mind, but out there in His creation, I felt closer to Him than ever before. And even though I was giving Him all my problems, I felt content and assured that everything was okay.
You know how long I sat there? Well, I don't think I even know how long. I don't know when I went off on my own, but it had to have been at least an hour, because I was fifteen minutes late for dinner.
Anyways, even though we worked hard down in Texas, we got enough free time so that I could go off on my own for a little bit everyday. And it was when I was on my own, in the wilderness, that I felt closest to God.
Now, I have a feeling that if you're passionate about something, and if you apply it to God, it's an easy way to make a connection with your Heavenly Father. So if you love being outside like me, find a private place in God's creation where you can sit comfortably and talk with Him. Maybe you're a people person, and spending time with people and sharing your faith with them is what makes you feel closest to God. If you're a server and just love to help others, praise God while you serve. I don't know what your passion is, but use it to grow closer to God.
This is one of the great sights down in Texas.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
My Last Lecture
Okay, by request one of my friends asked that I post an essay I wrote. This essay was for my freshman seminar class, and basically we had to give a last lecture, what we would want to share with the world before we leave it. So I wrote mine and shared it with Lindsay and a few other friends. Well, here it is:
What Would Jesus Do?
A lot of you don’t know me very well, so first I’ll share a little bit about myself. I grew up in Appleton, WI. My parents are still married, and I am the oldest of five kids. I was raised in the Church of Christ, which I am extremely grateful for. I’m sure I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t been raised in that church.
Honestly, I came to York College solely for the spiritual aspect. I was afraid if I didn’t go to a Christian college, my faith would slip away. I am so glad I ended up here. I have met so many amazing people who have supported me and helped me with my spirituality. Today I want to share with you what I have learned in my time here.
When I arrived at York, I wasn’t sure where I stood in my faith. I believed, but I felt wasn’t praying enough and that I just didn’t have that ‘spark’ in my relationship with God. I wasn’t sure what was wrong, why did I feel like God just wasn’t there? If I was sure I believed, then why was I still having all these questions?
I was struggling with this for a while, but during high school days my answers came. One of my ‘prayer warriors,’ Roger Dunnam, came to visit that weekend, and I got a lot of time to talk to him.
I was very blunt with him, and jumped into what I was dealing with. I asked him, “I’ve been struggling a lot lately with my relationship with God. Why don’t I feel something, I mean, I’m praying as often as I can, but I feel like I have a one-sided relationship. I see other Christians who seem to be so excited for Jesus, they worship and are raising their hands when they sing, they seem to have it all down.”
Roger stopped me right there. He said, “Amber, first of all, people worship in different ways. There isn’t a right way to worship, except that you’re actually worshipping. Some people lift their hands and sing their hearts out, while others, like you, may be quieter about it. There’s isn’t a set in stone way, it just matters that you are worshipping.”
As soon as he said it, I felt like it was the most obvious thing ever, but already I felt my burden starting to lift. But my heart was still heavy; I still wasn’t sure why I wasn’t feeling anything.
Roger asked me how often I was reading my bible. Apparently, not often enough. He had me open to the book of James, where he shared some eye-opening verses with me. He had me read James 1:22-25:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.”
What? This wasn’t the answer I was looking for. Roger sensed my confusion, and explained the verses to me.
Most of us know the Ten Commandments, what the greatest command is, and know what is good and bad. We may have them memorized, and for the most part we are living like Jesus told us. But the answer to my question was becoming clearer as Roger went over these verses with me. We know what the bible tells us to do, but like the man in the mirror, when we’re not reading our bibles, we forget what we’re supposed to do. The bible tells us that if we look into the perfect law and not forget, and do what we have heard, then we will be blessed.
As I thought deeper into it, it made more and more sense to me. If we follow Jesus’ will, and obey his word, we grow closer to him.
I see it like this: when I’m not getting along with someone, I try to put myself in their shoes. If we do this with Jesus, we could better understand him and feel closer to him. By obeying his word, and living like Jesus did, we grow that much closer to knowing him.
How many of you remember when the phrase “What would Jesus do?” was popular? I had a WWJD bracelet and thought it was the coolest thing ever. But I was young enough that I didn’t truly understand the meaning behind it. It’s possible that a lot of people didn’t get it either. It was just cool to wear something that had to do with Jesus. Because Jesus is cool.
But how many of us took those words to heart? I know I didn’t, but now as I’ve had this epiphany, I realize someone was on to something when they said “What would Jesus do?”
I have a New Year’s resolution, though I plan to put it into action before the New Year even comes. If I remember to put myself in Jesus’ shoes, and ask myself, “What would he do?” then I can grow closer to him.
I’m still a work in progress, but these are my words of wisdom for today. And I don’t expect immediate results. Living a life like Jesus did, accepting and loving everyone, putting others first, it’s going to take a lot of work. I expect it to be hard at first, and very trying. It may take time before my heart’s fully in it, like Jesus’, but I’m sure that with time, it will get easier, and maybe not a challenge anymore, but a lifestyle.
I want to challenge you to this lifestyle as well. I thought I was alone in that I thought I had no ‘spark’ for God. Roger told me I wasn’t, and by continuing to live a Christ-like life, eventually that spark would come. It takes time, but the results will be rewarding and life changing.
Cheesy as it is, I want to leave you with these words today. What would Jesus do?
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Power of Prayer
I think often times we don't realize the power prayer has. We may say our prayers before our meals, or before we go to sleep at night, and sometimes, maybe those are the only prayers we say in our day. I understand that we often get so busy and lost in the commotion of the day, and we forget to take some time off to talk to God.
For me, sometimes I find it easier to pray if I just consider it talking to God. There's songs I sing at church camp or in chapel, and a lot of them describe God as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, alpha and omega, so on and so forth. But there's one name that we have for our Father that really hits me - friend.
I don't think that in my journey I've yet hit the stage of calling God my friend. I think we're still at accquaintances, somewhat friends. But I long for Him to be my best friend, and when I think of it that way, I'm that much eager to get to know and talk to God. And when I think of Him as a friend, I can think of Him in ways similar to my earthly friends.
For instance, I can't go a day without talking to my closest friends. It's hard. Have you ever tried? Not that I ever have, but when I was back home for Christmas break, I went days without talking to any of my college friends, and it drove me crazy. Imagine if our relationship with God was like that.
What if He's driven crazy when we don't talk to Him? God wants the most intimate and personal relationship with us, and sometimes we can't find time in the day to say hi. All it takes is a few minutes set aside to pray and talk to God. Sometimes I even pray when I'm in the middle of something. If I'm working, and my task isn't all thought-consuming, I take the time to thank God for the day. I pray in the shower, or whenever I have a few moments of downtime.
I want to be so close to God, and be such good friends with Him, that when I'm having the busiest day of my life, I'll be driven crazy until I can talk to Him. And at the same time, I don't think that should be possible. Really, praying doesn't require stopping and dropping all you're doing to pray. If I'm walking to a class alone, I pray, or even sitting here on the computer, I stop typing every few minutes to say something to God.
Praying doesn't have to be scary, like I once thought it was. I used to be really unsure in my prayers. I didn't want to say something wrong, or sound to selfish talking about all my problems. Sometimes I thought I wasn't sincere enough in my praises. And a lot of the time, I would stop praying because I thought it was getting me nowhere.
There are many different ways to pray, I've learned. Sometimes just taking a few minutes to talk to God, and I always mentally tell Him, "God, I invite you into my mind and heart," and then as I think of everything that's on my heart and mind, I don't feel alone, because I know that God is with me.
Sometimes my prayers are songs. If I'm singing in chapel or church, or even just listening to some good Christian/gospel music, I just lift up the lyrics to God, praising Him, thanking Him, and telling Him what's on my heart.
A lot of the time, I like to open my bible to the book of Psalms. When I read them, I can relate to a lot of them, and lift up the words of them in prayer to God.
And this is one of my favorite quotes, by an anonymous, but seemingly-wise person: "God hears your prayers, even the ones that aren't fitting into words."
So even if you don't know the words to say, God is all-knowing and there for you. He doesn't need you to speak to know what you're going through.
I could probably write a novel on all my thoughts on prayer and all the ways to pray. But I want to leave you with one last idea. With every person you know, you're relationship exists because of communication. You can't know someone you've never talked to. It's like that with God.
If you're not sure you believe, or maybe you're where I'm at, or maybe even further in your journey and stronger in your faith, I want to remind you that you can't get anywhere in your relationship with God unless you pray to him. Talk to him. If you're not sure you believe in Him, tell Him. He'll open your eyes eventually. If you're just beginning your walk with Him, talk to him, pour out your heart, you have nothing to lose with God. And if you're far down the path, I shouldn't need to tell you what to say, but thank and praise Him everyday.
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." -Romans 8:26
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7
"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer." -Psalms 4:1
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." -Matthew 7:1-2
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petetion, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Phillipians 4:6
For me, sometimes I find it easier to pray if I just consider it talking to God. There's songs I sing at church camp or in chapel, and a lot of them describe God as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, alpha and omega, so on and so forth. But there's one name that we have for our Father that really hits me - friend.
I don't think that in my journey I've yet hit the stage of calling God my friend. I think we're still at accquaintances, somewhat friends. But I long for Him to be my best friend, and when I think of it that way, I'm that much eager to get to know and talk to God. And when I think of Him as a friend, I can think of Him in ways similar to my earthly friends.
For instance, I can't go a day without talking to my closest friends. It's hard. Have you ever tried? Not that I ever have, but when I was back home for Christmas break, I went days without talking to any of my college friends, and it drove me crazy. Imagine if our relationship with God was like that.
What if He's driven crazy when we don't talk to Him? God wants the most intimate and personal relationship with us, and sometimes we can't find time in the day to say hi. All it takes is a few minutes set aside to pray and talk to God. Sometimes I even pray when I'm in the middle of something. If I'm working, and my task isn't all thought-consuming, I take the time to thank God for the day. I pray in the shower, or whenever I have a few moments of downtime.
I want to be so close to God, and be such good friends with Him, that when I'm having the busiest day of my life, I'll be driven crazy until I can talk to Him. And at the same time, I don't think that should be possible. Really, praying doesn't require stopping and dropping all you're doing to pray. If I'm walking to a class alone, I pray, or even sitting here on the computer, I stop typing every few minutes to say something to God.
Praying doesn't have to be scary, like I once thought it was. I used to be really unsure in my prayers. I didn't want to say something wrong, or sound to selfish talking about all my problems. Sometimes I thought I wasn't sincere enough in my praises. And a lot of the time, I would stop praying because I thought it was getting me nowhere.
There are many different ways to pray, I've learned. Sometimes just taking a few minutes to talk to God, and I always mentally tell Him, "God, I invite you into my mind and heart," and then as I think of everything that's on my heart and mind, I don't feel alone, because I know that God is with me.
Sometimes my prayers are songs. If I'm singing in chapel or church, or even just listening to some good Christian/gospel music, I just lift up the lyrics to God, praising Him, thanking Him, and telling Him what's on my heart.
A lot of the time, I like to open my bible to the book of Psalms. When I read them, I can relate to a lot of them, and lift up the words of them in prayer to God.
And this is one of my favorite quotes, by an anonymous, but seemingly-wise person: "God hears your prayers, even the ones that aren't fitting into words."
So even if you don't know the words to say, God is all-knowing and there for you. He doesn't need you to speak to know what you're going through.
I could probably write a novel on all my thoughts on prayer and all the ways to pray. But I want to leave you with one last idea. With every person you know, you're relationship exists because of communication. You can't know someone you've never talked to. It's like that with God.
If you're not sure you believe, or maybe you're where I'm at, or maybe even further in your journey and stronger in your faith, I want to remind you that you can't get anywhere in your relationship with God unless you pray to him. Talk to him. If you're not sure you believe in Him, tell Him. He'll open your eyes eventually. If you're just beginning your walk with Him, talk to him, pour out your heart, you have nothing to lose with God. And if you're far down the path, I shouldn't need to tell you what to say, but thank and praise Him everyday.
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." -Romans 8:26
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7
"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer." -Psalms 4:1
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." -Matthew 7:1-2
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petetion, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Phillipians 4:6
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Decisions
There's so much on my mind, I don't even know where to begin.
I've somewhat recently finished reading a book called 'Crazy Love' by Francis Chan. Normally I'm a speedy reader, but at first I had to take this book slow because there was so much to digest.
I've read many Christian self-help books, but I guess all of them had to do with purity and God. 'Crazy Love' dealt with our relationship with God, and only God. It was really eye-opening and makes me want to change the way I live my life.
There was so much to process that I can't write it all down - my hand would get severe arthritis.
The point is, now I want to drastically change my life, but I'm scared. I want to change so much it'll even take other Christians by surprise.
But I'm afraid - I had to talk to Brenna (my best friend) about it. I lent the book to her, and though she hasn't finished reading it yet, we had a deep, heart to heart conversation.
It turns out, I'm not alone in my fear to make theses changes.
Talking to Brenna got a lot off both of our chests. We both want to change our lifestyles to become better Christians. We shared our flaws, our fears, our hopes.
One thing we discussed was quitting facebook. It may not seem like the biggest step towards a better relationship with God, but when you think about it, it can be.
Brenna and I decided we were both unhealthily addicted to facebook. It replaces God in that all the pointless time we spend on the computer, we could be getting to know our Father better.
Brenna and I decided to think about the whole quitting facebook thing. I haven't heard her decision yet, but I think I know mine.
It's time to quit. I know it'll be hard, but seriously, most of my 'friends' I have on facebook are just accquaintances. The people I do actually talk to, I see them in person often enough, or have some other means to communicate with them.
Without facebook, I'll have so much more time, and hopefully be less distracted. I'm scared to quit, and scared that when I do, something else will step in and serve as my distraction from God.
But with Brenna as my accountability partner, and trust in God, I know I can do it.
Faith is about risks, and it's a risk I'm willing to take.
"Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
-Romans 12:1-2
I've somewhat recently finished reading a book called 'Crazy Love' by Francis Chan. Normally I'm a speedy reader, but at first I had to take this book slow because there was so much to digest.
I've read many Christian self-help books, but I guess all of them had to do with purity and God. 'Crazy Love' dealt with our relationship with God, and only God. It was really eye-opening and makes me want to change the way I live my life.
There was so much to process that I can't write it all down - my hand would get severe arthritis.
The point is, now I want to drastically change my life, but I'm scared. I want to change so much it'll even take other Christians by surprise.
But I'm afraid - I had to talk to Brenna (my best friend) about it. I lent the book to her, and though she hasn't finished reading it yet, we had a deep, heart to heart conversation.
It turns out, I'm not alone in my fear to make theses changes.
Talking to Brenna got a lot off both of our chests. We both want to change our lifestyles to become better Christians. We shared our flaws, our fears, our hopes.
One thing we discussed was quitting facebook. It may not seem like the biggest step towards a better relationship with God, but when you think about it, it can be.
Brenna and I decided we were both unhealthily addicted to facebook. It replaces God in that all the pointless time we spend on the computer, we could be getting to know our Father better.
Brenna and I decided to think about the whole quitting facebook thing. I haven't heard her decision yet, but I think I know mine.
It's time to quit. I know it'll be hard, but seriously, most of my 'friends' I have on facebook are just accquaintances. The people I do actually talk to, I see them in person often enough, or have some other means to communicate with them.
Without facebook, I'll have so much more time, and hopefully be less distracted. I'm scared to quit, and scared that when I do, something else will step in and serve as my distraction from God.
But with Brenna as my accountability partner, and trust in God, I know I can do it.
Faith is about risks, and it's a risk I'm willing to take.
"Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
-Romans 12:1-2
Sunday, January 23, 2011
UNCHRISTIAN
I have a lot on my mind right now, so I'm not sure where to start. What I know for sure though, is that my inspiration for today's blog comes from church this morning.
Today's scripture was from Romans 2:12-16:
"All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." NIV
The lesson had to do with God being the ultimate judge, but often times we become judges ourselves. The man giving the sermon had many example stories, and I'll admit I was tired and it was hard to follow, but when he was making his main point, I was on alert.
A lot of the lesson had to do with how other people view Christians. This really struck me, especially the stories I heard. And now I'll repeat one that really impacted me.
We all know who Gandhi is, right? Well, in his younger years, he was a lawyer and was working in South Africa. Gandhi was Hindu, but he had a Christian friend who kept trying to convince him to go to church with him. Gandhi was reluctant, but eventually he gave in. Except here's the clincher: when Gandhi tried to enter the church, the members wouldn't let him because he was 'brown.'
Whoa. That would really change someone's perspective, and this was a Christian congregation. Gandhi has many famous quotes, but have you heard these?:
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
"If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today."
Do I need to say more?
Well, yes, I do. I was just going for dramatic impact.
The point is, Gandhi still loved God and the stories of Jesus. But because of the Christians he met that one time he went to church, he didn't pursue Christianity.
How sad is it that people generally don't have a problem with God, but with the Christians? There's a change that needs to be happening.
Now, I'm not accusing all Christians of being like this, not at all. But it takes one person to make an impression on someone who wants to take a glimpse at our Christianity.
I just want you to remember, that maybe next time you have a visitor in your church, or if someone asks about your beliefs, don't drive them away like so many people have done. Gandhi didn't think we were Christ-like, but if we were, the world would be a much different place.
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:16, NIV
Today's scripture was from Romans 2:12-16:
"All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares." NIV
The lesson had to do with God being the ultimate judge, but often times we become judges ourselves. The man giving the sermon had many example stories, and I'll admit I was tired and it was hard to follow, but when he was making his main point, I was on alert.
A lot of the lesson had to do with how other people view Christians. This really struck me, especially the stories I heard. And now I'll repeat one that really impacted me.
We all know who Gandhi is, right? Well, in his younger years, he was a lawyer and was working in South Africa. Gandhi was Hindu, but he had a Christian friend who kept trying to convince him to go to church with him. Gandhi was reluctant, but eventually he gave in. Except here's the clincher: when Gandhi tried to enter the church, the members wouldn't let him because he was 'brown.'
Whoa. That would really change someone's perspective, and this was a Christian congregation. Gandhi has many famous quotes, but have you heard these?:
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
"If Christians would really live according to the teachings of Christ, as found in the Bible, all of India would be Christian today."
Do I need to say more?
Well, yes, I do. I was just going for dramatic impact.
The point is, Gandhi still loved God and the stories of Jesus. But because of the Christians he met that one time he went to church, he didn't pursue Christianity.
How sad is it that people generally don't have a problem with God, but with the Christians? There's a change that needs to be happening.
Now, I'm not accusing all Christians of being like this, not at all. But it takes one person to make an impression on someone who wants to take a glimpse at our Christianity.
I just want you to remember, that maybe next time you have a visitor in your church, or if someone asks about your beliefs, don't drive them away like so many people have done. Gandhi didn't think we were Christ-like, but if we were, the world would be a much different place.
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:16, NIV
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Way Beyond Myself
I don't know why, but I thought it seemed appropriate to have a different post explaining the title of my blog.
Anywho, ever heard of the band Newsboys? Well, 'Way Beyond Myself' is a song on their newest album, the one with the new lead singer (the guy from dcTalk whose name I can't remember)... it's a good album, but this song is my favorite. You'll have to look it up, it's a song that really gets me pumped up for God.
One of my favorite things to do is listen to and interpret music. I really love a song with good lyrics, and if it's got a good rythym, that's even better. So I'm going to recite the lyrics and give an interpretation, even if you look up the song yourself.
The song starts out:
"I've been thinking it's about time,
to win the war that fights against all these lies invading my mind.
You have brought me to my senses.
Even though you built this world to shake,
you still love me in a personal way.
So I think it's time to leave my doubt behind."
{Interpretation:
Well, every time I interpret a song it's different depending on my mood and what I've been going through recently. The first time I ever heard this song I was struggling a lot with the whole God thing. I'm the type of person who thinks too much, and sometimes I overthink things, making them more complex than they really are. So at the time I was having a lot of doubt in God, whether He existed, what I was really supposed to feel in my relationship with him, all that kind of stuff. And then I heard this song, and that line "to win the war that fights against all the lies invading my mind." That really hit me. That was exactly what I was feeling, overwhelmed and confused by this whole issue. The lyrics go on to say "Even though you built this world to shake, you still love me in a personal way." This is so true, even if you don't feel yet, or are still doubting me, it's true. God loves you in a way that no one else ever will. Even though I had my doubts, I was sure I believed, and just the idea that God loves me that way gave me the hope and motivation to keep trying.}
Next part:
"There's so much more than meets the eye of what's going on inside,
I believe in something way beyond myself.
Like the wind that moves the leaves,
Lord, you move me to my knees
Giving in to something way beyond myself
I'm giving in to something way beyond myself."
{Interpretation:
This is the chorus, but my favorite part of the song. There is so much more than what meets the eye. And this can be interpreted in a lot of ways. For me, I thought there is so much going on inside of me, and no one can tell. Some things good, some things bad. (But that leads to a different story to be told later.) When I first heard this song I wasn't feeling the inspiration to worship and believe like the lyrics suggest, but the more I listened to the song and the more I began to build my faith, the more the lyrics move me.}
Continued:
"Oh, the way we build our empires
hoping to impress our friends
we've forgotten how to inspire
those who fall to rise again
Oh my God you built this world to shake,
you still love me in a personal way
so I think it's time to leave my doubt behind
*Chorus*"
{Interpretation:
The 'empires' the Newsboys are talking about here are not the kingdoms you may first think of. No, the empires are something everyone has, something that is different for each person. It can be your new car, your iPod or even your boyfriend/girlfriend. Something near and dear to our hearts that we want everyone to know about and show off. Maybe it's even in the place where God should be. And the part about how forgetting to inspire... It seems that we get so carried away in life, as Christians we forget how we're supposed to be living our lives and being Christ-like examples for others. Well, I'm about to get carried away with this verse, so I may save the idea for a different post. Anyways, even though we act like this and maybe replacing God with something or someone else, He still loves us in that personal way.}
Last Verse:
"Storms are going to come my way I know
some things are out of our control
but there's a hope beyond myself
It's you, and you will never let me go
and now I want my life to show
and you got me thinking beyond myself
way beyond myself
*Chorus*"
{Interpretation:
As I think about what to write for this verse, I realize it's probably the most important. The storms are an obvious metaphor for everything that will challenge us in our lives and our faith. We can't control what will happen, but we can look to the one hope we have - God. And He will always be there for us, and still love us. The verse goes on, 'I want my life to show, and you got me thinking way beyond myself.' No longer are we selfish, but thinking about others, and I realize I've reached the level the last verse is asking us to go. Thinking beyond ourselves to share and help others meet God.}
Haha, well, you were spared the essay length interpretations I'm sure I could come up with. And maybe later on I'll go further in depth with this song, but hopefully this has given you a glimpse what this blog will be about. I'm still working on my faith, but I want to help others find theirs. And help them think beyond themselves, just as I am.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-C_ug44siA&feature=related
Anywho, ever heard of the band Newsboys? Well, 'Way Beyond Myself' is a song on their newest album, the one with the new lead singer (the guy from dcTalk whose name I can't remember)... it's a good album, but this song is my favorite. You'll have to look it up, it's a song that really gets me pumped up for God.
One of my favorite things to do is listen to and interpret music. I really love a song with good lyrics, and if it's got a good rythym, that's even better. So I'm going to recite the lyrics and give an interpretation, even if you look up the song yourself.
The song starts out:
"I've been thinking it's about time,
to win the war that fights against all these lies invading my mind.
You have brought me to my senses.
Even though you built this world to shake,
you still love me in a personal way.
So I think it's time to leave my doubt behind."
{Interpretation:
Well, every time I interpret a song it's different depending on my mood and what I've been going through recently. The first time I ever heard this song I was struggling a lot with the whole God thing. I'm the type of person who thinks too much, and sometimes I overthink things, making them more complex than they really are. So at the time I was having a lot of doubt in God, whether He existed, what I was really supposed to feel in my relationship with him, all that kind of stuff. And then I heard this song, and that line "to win the war that fights against all the lies invading my mind." That really hit me. That was exactly what I was feeling, overwhelmed and confused by this whole issue. The lyrics go on to say "Even though you built this world to shake, you still love me in a personal way." This is so true, even if you don't feel yet, or are still doubting me, it's true. God loves you in a way that no one else ever will. Even though I had my doubts, I was sure I believed, and just the idea that God loves me that way gave me the hope and motivation to keep trying.}
Next part:
"There's so much more than meets the eye of what's going on inside,
I believe in something way beyond myself.
Like the wind that moves the leaves,
Lord, you move me to my knees
Giving in to something way beyond myself
I'm giving in to something way beyond myself."
{Interpretation:
This is the chorus, but my favorite part of the song. There is so much more than what meets the eye. And this can be interpreted in a lot of ways. For me, I thought there is so much going on inside of me, and no one can tell. Some things good, some things bad. (But that leads to a different story to be told later.) When I first heard this song I wasn't feeling the inspiration to worship and believe like the lyrics suggest, but the more I listened to the song and the more I began to build my faith, the more the lyrics move me.}
Continued:
"Oh, the way we build our empires
hoping to impress our friends
we've forgotten how to inspire
those who fall to rise again
Oh my God you built this world to shake,
you still love me in a personal way
so I think it's time to leave my doubt behind
*Chorus*"
{Interpretation:
The 'empires' the Newsboys are talking about here are not the kingdoms you may first think of. No, the empires are something everyone has, something that is different for each person. It can be your new car, your iPod or even your boyfriend/girlfriend. Something near and dear to our hearts that we want everyone to know about and show off. Maybe it's even in the place where God should be. And the part about how forgetting to inspire... It seems that we get so carried away in life, as Christians we forget how we're supposed to be living our lives and being Christ-like examples for others. Well, I'm about to get carried away with this verse, so I may save the idea for a different post. Anyways, even though we act like this and maybe replacing God with something or someone else, He still loves us in that personal way.}
Last Verse:
"Storms are going to come my way I know
some things are out of our control
but there's a hope beyond myself
It's you, and you will never let me go
and now I want my life to show
and you got me thinking beyond myself
way beyond myself
*Chorus*"
{Interpretation:
As I think about what to write for this verse, I realize it's probably the most important. The storms are an obvious metaphor for everything that will challenge us in our lives and our faith. We can't control what will happen, but we can look to the one hope we have - God. And He will always be there for us, and still love us. The verse goes on, 'I want my life to show, and you got me thinking way beyond myself.' No longer are we selfish, but thinking about others, and I realize I've reached the level the last verse is asking us to go. Thinking beyond ourselves to share and help others meet God.}
Haha, well, you were spared the essay length interpretations I'm sure I could come up with. And maybe later on I'll go further in depth with this song, but hopefully this has given you a glimpse what this blog will be about. I'm still working on my faith, but I want to help others find theirs. And help them think beyond themselves, just as I am.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-C_ug44siA&feature=related
Introduction
Well, this is my second attempt at blogging. The first time I tried I only wrote two posts, but then I forgot my own blogsite and could never find it again, much less remember my account username... but this time I won't forget. I promise.
Anyways, what I hope to get out of this blog is keeping track of my spiritual life. Well, that may seem like something really personal to some people, and it is, so I may not share all the details, but this blog is for me to keep track of my faith as it develops, and maybe give inspiration and hope to people also in search of Christ.
Enjoy, and God bless.
Anyways, what I hope to get out of this blog is keeping track of my spiritual life. Well, that may seem like something really personal to some people, and it is, so I may not share all the details, but this blog is for me to keep track of my faith as it develops, and maybe give inspiration and hope to people also in search of Christ.
Enjoy, and God bless.
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