Which would you rather have: 1) To be able to know the richness and fullness in a relationship with God for five years then lose it and hunger for it for the rest of your life or, 2) Never have a rich relationship with God at all and never have a hunger for it?
Think about it. Which would you choose, if you had to choose one?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Why Do I Sin?
Why do I choose not to follow God? Why do I sin? Paul the Apostle said, "I do the things I don't want to do. The things I know I should do I don't do and I do the thing I shouldn't do." But why? I think part of the answer lies in our rationalizing sin.
There is always a good reason to not follow God. Because sex feels good. Because having a lot of stuff makes me better than others. Because lying keeps me out of trouble. Because gossip gives me power. Because disrespecting others lets me vent frustration. Because jealousy calms my fears of losing what I have. Because stealing takes things from those who have too much (and they probably came by it dishonestly). Because lust means I can dwell on what I can't have. Because pride lets me feel better about myself and protects me from being vulnerable. Because drinking alcohol and doing drugs makes me feel euphoric. Because the leader of our country doesn't deserve respect. Because overeating makes us feels full and complete.
And so we justify our sin and rationalize good reasons for what we do. We want to blame others for our actions, as if that makes it OK. Ultimately, sin puts us in the drivers seat. But when we get caught, we want to blame it others. It certainly can't be my fault.
There is always an excuse for why we sinned. She tempted me. Because they made me feel bad about myself. They made me mad. Because she might be unfaithful. Because they have too much stuff and they flaunt it. Because no one else will look out for me. I was born that way. Because my friends were doing it. Because elected leaders are criminals. Because my mother taught me unhealthy eating habits. Because he hit me first (how many times did I say that as a kid, and how many times my sons use that one).
But we have to take responsibility for our sin before we can turn it over to God. I have to say. "It's me," "It's my problem," "It's my actions" so I can repent and turn it over to God. I have to acknowledge my sin so God can deal with it. I have to confess it. I have to ask for forgiveness. I have to turn back to God and acknowledge that His ways are right and true.
What do you think?
There is always a good reason to not follow God. Because sex feels good. Because having a lot of stuff makes me better than others. Because lying keeps me out of trouble. Because gossip gives me power. Because disrespecting others lets me vent frustration. Because jealousy calms my fears of losing what I have. Because stealing takes things from those who have too much (and they probably came by it dishonestly). Because lust means I can dwell on what I can't have. Because pride lets me feel better about myself and protects me from being vulnerable. Because drinking alcohol and doing drugs makes me feel euphoric. Because the leader of our country doesn't deserve respect. Because overeating makes us feels full and complete.
And so we justify our sin and rationalize good reasons for what we do. We want to blame others for our actions, as if that makes it OK. Ultimately, sin puts us in the drivers seat. But when we get caught, we want to blame it others. It certainly can't be my fault.
There is always an excuse for why we sinned. She tempted me. Because they made me feel bad about myself. They made me mad. Because she might be unfaithful. Because they have too much stuff and they flaunt it. Because no one else will look out for me. I was born that way. Because my friends were doing it. Because elected leaders are criminals. Because my mother taught me unhealthy eating habits. Because he hit me first (how many times did I say that as a kid, and how many times my sons use that one).
But we have to take responsibility for our sin before we can turn it over to God. I have to say. "It's me," "It's my problem," "It's my actions" so I can repent and turn it over to God. I have to acknowledge my sin so God can deal with it. I have to confess it. I have to ask for forgiveness. I have to turn back to God and acknowledge that His ways are right and true.
What do you think?
Monday, August 10, 2009
Pictures of Colorado
Here are some shots of Colorado. This picture is taken in Dark Canyon on Anthracite Creek. We hiked what felt like 100 miles...it was only 8 or so but when one is not acclimated to the altitude, it is a little tougher.
Looking up into the aspen trees on Kebler pass
Aspens on Kebler Pass
Waterfall below Billings Tunnel outside Salida.These are just four of 500 I took. They make me wonder why I live in Texas. What one will do for the love of a woman....
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Is God Interested in the Small Stuff?
We went four wheeling in the mountains around Salida, CO on Friday for six hours. WOW! We went through thick aspen and Colorado Blue Spruce groves, clear streams, ghost towns and high mountain passes for a dusty, fun-filled day....that is until we got back to the cabin and my son declared, "Oh no, I can't find my wallet." His wallet contains his learners permit and about $350, money he earned by teaching swimming lessons all summer.
So for about an hour we looked in our SUV, around the cabin and in his wad of disorganized clothes (he doesn't believe in folding clothes before putting them in his suitcase). He grew more and more frustrated, surly and generally unlikable; I get the same way when I lose important things, so I understand. I reminded him that my wife and I had asked him to put at least half his money in my wife's purse for safe keeping (always helpful to hear "Not only did you lose your wallet, but you are are also irresponsible"....I'm losing 'dad points' here, I know).
So I called the ATV rental place (All Seasons Adventures in Salida, CO) and asked them to look on the ATVs we rented and call me back. Nothing. My son was afraid he had dropped it on the 50 or so miles of ATV trails and was thoroughly being cynical concerning the goodness of anyone who found it. So finally I suggested to him to pray for his wallet's safe return (OK, it wasn't a "suggestion" it was more of a edit). He grumbled about that so I took away his cell phone until he sincerely prayed out loud for God to help him. (OK, OK, so probably not the best motivation for prayer at the time but you didn't see the eye rolling that I got). But, surprise, surprise, he prayed a really cool prayer for God to help him find his wallet (and got his phone back).
So we headed back to Texas with a grumpy teenager, trusting that God was going to help answer this prayer. So four hours later, we were driving through Clayton, NM when my cell phone rang. It was the ATV rental place....they had found his wallet with all the money in it. I told my son the news and he whooped like a crazy man and had a smile from ear to ear.
Back home at last from Colorado. Even though it was 45 degrees when we left Colorado and was 86 degrees when we pulled into Irving at 2 am last night....God is cool. What an awesome God we serve, that he would care enough to answer a 16 year old's prayer for a wallet to be found. And by the way, if you are ever in Salida, CO and want to go ATV-ing, call All Season Adventures. They are really nice (and honest) folks.
So for about an hour we looked in our SUV, around the cabin and in his wad of disorganized clothes (he doesn't believe in folding clothes before putting them in his suitcase). He grew more and more frustrated, surly and generally unlikable; I get the same way when I lose important things, so I understand. I reminded him that my wife and I had asked him to put at least half his money in my wife's purse for safe keeping (always helpful to hear "Not only did you lose your wallet, but you are are also irresponsible"....I'm losing 'dad points' here, I know).
So I called the ATV rental place (All Seasons Adventures in Salida, CO) and asked them to look on the ATVs we rented and call me back. Nothing. My son was afraid he had dropped it on the 50 or so miles of ATV trails and was thoroughly being cynical concerning the goodness of anyone who found it. So finally I suggested to him to pray for his wallet's safe return (OK, it wasn't a "suggestion" it was more of a edit). He grumbled about that so I took away his cell phone until he sincerely prayed out loud for God to help him. (OK, OK, so probably not the best motivation for prayer at the time but you didn't see the eye rolling that I got). But, surprise, surprise, he prayed a really cool prayer for God to help him find his wallet (and got his phone back).
So we headed back to Texas with a grumpy teenager, trusting that God was going to help answer this prayer. So four hours later, we were driving through Clayton, NM when my cell phone rang. It was the ATV rental place....they had found his wallet with all the money in it. I told my son the news and he whooped like a crazy man and had a smile from ear to ear.
Back home at last from Colorado. Even though it was 45 degrees when we left Colorado and was 86 degrees when we pulled into Irving at 2 am last night....God is cool. What an awesome God we serve, that he would care enough to answer a 16 year old's prayer for a wallet to be found. And by the way, if you are ever in Salida, CO and want to go ATV-ing, call All Season Adventures. They are really nice (and honest) folks.
Monday, August 3, 2009
WWOOF (er)
WWOOF (er). n. Willing Worker On an Organic Farm.
Last night, there came a knock on the door at my mom and dad's farm in Paonia, Colorado. It was Jim. Jim is a college student (UT Austin) who wants to learn how to do organic farming from the best (my dad). He found my parent's farm in the WWOOF (er) Catalog of Organic Farms and just showed up, introduced himself and is ready to work. He pitched his tent beside the farm house and constantly asks what he can do.
So he shows up, works for free for a week or so, then moves on to the next farm. Last night he ate dinner then cleaned off the table and did dishes. This morning, he is tying up raspberry canes, picking peaches, weeding the orchard (which always needs to be done), and basically learning the trade. He is bright, happy and seems to be a great worker.
So here is a new one: WWintCh. n. Willing Worker in the Church.
There are small churches everywhere in the world that need help. They need help with ministry, church repair, maintenance, youth, helping those in need, and encouragement. They need people to show up and say, "What can I do?" Then jump in a start helping. Churches of every denomination need help. They need someone who will "do the dishes" in humble servanthood.
What are you doing to help the church, not just your church? Are you a willing worker? Are you willing to show up and work? The church desperately needs you. If your church doesn't need you, find one that does.
Last night, there came a knock on the door at my mom and dad's farm in Paonia, Colorado. It was Jim. Jim is a college student (UT Austin) who wants to learn how to do organic farming from the best (my dad). He found my parent's farm in the WWOOF (er) Catalog of Organic Farms and just showed up, introduced himself and is ready to work. He pitched his tent beside the farm house and constantly asks what he can do.
So he shows up, works for free for a week or so, then moves on to the next farm. Last night he ate dinner then cleaned off the table and did dishes. This morning, he is tying up raspberry canes, picking peaches, weeding the orchard (which always needs to be done), and basically learning the trade. He is bright, happy and seems to be a great worker.
So here is a new one: WWintCh. n. Willing Worker in the Church.
There are small churches everywhere in the world that need help. They need help with ministry, church repair, maintenance, youth, helping those in need, and encouragement. They need people to show up and say, "What can I do?" Then jump in a start helping. Churches of every denomination need help. They need someone who will "do the dishes" in humble servanthood.
What are you doing to help the church, not just your church? Are you a willing worker? Are you willing to show up and work? The church desperately needs you. If your church doesn't need you, find one that does.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Reflection
I bought a mirror last night, a wedding present for my niece and her husband. It is a big honkin' thing, which I hope they can use somewhere in their house to bring light. Mirrors are interesting because they can only reflect light, not create it. Mirrors in the dark reflect nothing but...well, dark. But hang it where light hits it and makes the space look lighter, brighter and better.
Aubrey and Tyler, my prayer for you is that you will reflect the love of Jesus to one another. God wants to minister to the other using you, and He can only do that if you are willing to do God's work in the other's life. You can not "fix" each other nor can you fulfill each other; only Jesus, through you, can do that. I hope your connection with each other is secondary only to your connection with the Father. If you can do that, God will fill you with an extraordinary love. If you can do that, God will work miracles in your lives. Then, everyone else will be able to see the reflection of Jesus in your lives. Blessings.
Aubrey and Tyler, my prayer for you is that you will reflect the love of Jesus to one another. God wants to minister to the other using you, and He can only do that if you are willing to do God's work in the other's life. You can not "fix" each other nor can you fulfill each other; only Jesus, through you, can do that. I hope your connection with each other is secondary only to your connection with the Father. If you can do that, God will fill you with an extraordinary love. If you can do that, God will work miracles in your lives. Then, everyone else will be able to see the reflection of Jesus in your lives. Blessings.
Colorado, Here I Come
I will be spending the next week in the mountains of Colorado. My niece is getting married in Colorado Springs so my family and I will be driving up that way. I will be back in a week or so. If you know how to post a picture, leave a comment and I will post some pictures when I get back. I am a self proclaimed techno-tard and need help with all things computer.
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