Work SUCKS!...or Does It?

²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.(Colossians 3:23-24; NIV 2010 edition)

Yep...it's that time again. Or should I say, that DAY again.

Good ole Monday. *insert BBM/GChat "Where has the weekend gone?!" face*

While Monday is typically the day that job sites such as CareerBuilder and Monster see the most job applications, I'd ask you to consider a different point of view about your job.

Maybe it's not the job that sucks but your attitude towards it.

What have You done for me lately? How soon do we forget the moments before we had the job. We may have been broke, we may have been in school praying for that dream job to come it's way but all of a sudden this wonderful opportunity came about that we couldn't stop telling everyone about. After a while we grew restless for whatever reason: no new promotion, we think we have the boss from hell, or maybe they just ran out of your favorite snack in the snack machine and never replaced it. We forget that God's will got us there.

You've been delivered. Let's take a birds-eye view through Biblical history. Whether it was Adam or the Israelites, God never lead anyone into a land that He did not intend for them. God is a God of purpose and intent. Not to mention He loves us! He wouldn't put you someone to cause you are or to take away His promise of abundant life. If you truly feel like God got you the job that you are in, do you think He would put you someplace sucky? I doubt it. Sometimes we have to check our flesh and that can be the hardest thing.

Entropy of the flesh. One of the common things that you'll probably see throughout my blog is the concept of the entropy of the flesh. In science, entropy basically means that in a closed system without outside interference, stuff is just bound to break down. If you don't work out and eat right, your body breaks down. If you don't nurture relationships with loved ones and friends, they're bound to break down. Every Earthly portion of ourselves (mind and body, not spirit/soul) is meant to die. And if you don't walk into work every day with the Colossians 3:23-24 mindset towards your job, guess what: you're GOING to find a reason to hate it. You know what, the job may suck, but you were put there for a reason.

Our purpose. Our work. Christians on Earth are God's ambassadors. It is our responsibility to take what life gives us and turn around and show the love of Christ towards the situation. In other words, if life throws you lemons, you take them, pray over them, turn them over to God and let HIS fruit show through you. For every nagging coworker there should be a compassionate ear to hear them out. For every micromanaging boss there should be a desire to be transparent in your work and understand that they desire the best interest of the company. And every dollar that comes up short on payday should be met with an evaluation of our spending and what idols we may be placing over service to God (and don't forget to tithe!).

This is probably not the news you wanted to hear to jump start your week and if not, I'm going to be praying for you (lol)! Just remember that at the end of the day we as Christians are called to be servants of the mindset of Christ. We've been called to give up the right to feel "ownership" of anything here on Earth because our sights are set towards the greater reward which is unbreakable relationship with the Father in Heaven. In turn, God rewards that by providing for our needs as long as we are obedient to His will:

   ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

   ²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:25-34; NIV 2010 edition)

Now enough reading blogs and get back to work!

Lay Down Your Harp and Lead

"27 But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, 29 so that no one can boast in his presence. 30 He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31

----

The bass guitar has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I've been playing for basically half my life and some would say, and I wouldn't argue, that it is a dominant portion of what defines "me."

Through music I have been blessed to meet some amazing people, some of whom I call dear friends. I've ministered to the lives and hearts of many, travelled the united states, ministered inside the heart of a major woman's correctional facility, recorded albums, won honorable mention for a Billboard song writing award and more because of this gift.

I'm grateful, but it's time to move on.

In my current season of life, one of the men of the Bible who I've gravitated to is David. David was a shepherd boy who grew up in obscurity and was oftentimes overlooked for his physical statue and humility but would one day become one of the greatest kings of all time. He stands out because of our similarities. He too played his harp faithfully before the king and had the ability not only to groove but to soothe. David played in the kings court but little did he know that he would become one.

But that would require sacrifice.

One of the cool things about being in the presence of a king is that you pick up kingdom minded thinking. My bass playing has allowed me to sit under great biblical teaching and other kingdom minded things that I wouldn't have gotten without it. In me playing bass for God and David playing harp for Saul, we've learned kingdom leadership. But just like with David, I've realized that elevation for me might only come by laying my harp down.

New identities.

In laying my bass down effective at the end of March, I realize that I will be taking on a new identity that may not look like the old. But sometimes that's needed to grow. Comfort here on Earth to most people means living a defined niche. You may have always been known as "the [insert thing you do really well or that people admire about you] guy" to your friends so comfort is in keeping that life up even though it might not be your true calling. Who you've always been isn't necessarily who you will always be meant to be.

The next chapter.

In closing, I just want to encourage you to examine your heart and find not only where God is leading you but also where He isn't. It's a sign of disobedience to continue to operate in a mindset or skill set that God no longer wants for your life. Don't feel like you have to be ashamed about God reinventing your life and reassigning you. It will lead you closer to your purpose.

Don't be afraid to lay down your harp in order to pick up your crown.

Anger and Forgiveness Pt. 3

TGIF!!! Today is going to be pretty light. It's the final part that I'll cover of Charles Stanley's sermon on Anger and Forgiveness! If you're interested in learning more there are a few more parts, just YouTube it.

Anger and Forgiveness Pt. 3:


- Unforginvess is a divider and a destroyer
- God has positions for us but unforgiveness stops us dead in our tracks because He does not like that.
- Ephesians 4: 30-32 | Colossians 3:12

Ephesians 4:30-32 (New International Version, ©2010)³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:12 (New International Version, ©2010) ¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

- God always forgives us but we must come to Him correct.
- Genuine confession means to "agree with." To confess your sin is to agree with God about the nature of it and what needs to be done about it.
- How many times do we forgive? Every time we are hurt.
- Forgiveness doesn't always happen instantaneously.
- It is our responsibility to take the initiative in dealing with forgiveness.
- Forgiveness isn't easy.
- Don't allow anger to be deep-rooted bitterness. Forgiveness does take time though.
- There's a shock that comes with forgiveness (The questions like why? how? I don't understand)
- Forgiveness is the most unselfish act we could perform.
- You can't be in a right relationship with God and have an unforgiving heart towards someone.


I challenge you to examine your heart and see if there is any unforgiveness towards anyone left to be resolved.  Forgiveness won't always happen overnight and take the time that you need but don't let it enslave you. There is freedom in forgiveness!

People NEED People

Note: The views expressed in this piece are those of the writer. There are a million opinions on this topic (and I'd like to hear yours) but don't be offended if our opinions don't align!

It's a quarter after one 

I'm all alone 

And I need you now 

- Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"

In God's massive and glorious ecosystem of life He created animals of all shapes and sizes. The common denominator between them all is that each animal looks to its own kind for social needs. You never hear about female independent lions or male elephants who choose not to wife up a female elephant because of the responsibility it entails. No, balance is made whole in God's ecosystem.

We humans? Not so much.

I've heard on several occasions by several different people that some people are just meant to be single. That I can agree with. But should that be a person's desire or should that be God's will revealed to them for their life?

Here's Paul the [single] Apostle on singleness:

" I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." (1 Corinthians 7: 7, NIV 2010 edition)

In life we meet and come into relationship with people who have gifts. While I don't believe in soul mates, I do believe that God can allow you to come in contact with someone with complimentary gifts. Someone who challenges you to be better (better = more like Christ) because what they bring to the relationship is something you may not have been built to either see, do, consider, or think about. These gifts, as Paul mentions, come from God and they are for a designed purpose. Where you are weak, they are strong and vice versa. Relationships should bring God glory and if you come across someone who "fits" with your gifting - and more importantly their gift fits you! - that is giving God glory at it's finest. What better way to use your God given gifts than in the ultimate ministry of marriage and relationships? Our flesh will fail us at times and question our reason for being and imperfections will seep through but...

No one is perfect.

No relationship is going to be without heartache or pain or disagreement (or even a few personality mismatches). Any Christian can tell you that even our personal relationship with Christ can be filled with those feelings and challenges. However God's love is bigger than all of those things. Relationships produce fruit, and that comes through a process. No one said the process would be painless (I bet any mother can tell you how painful a "process" can be).

What fruit is coming out of your relationship?

Undoubtedly, God had a calling on Paul's life. One that extended beyond a home life and one that would impact generations of Christians to come. Paul's life was special and God knew what He was doing. Imagine the pain and lack of fulfillment that his wife and children would feel. So should singleness be an option or a calling?

Why would God create a humanity that doesn't need/depend on/appreciate it's own humanity?

What are your thoughts?

Anger and Forgiveness Pt. 2

Continued coverage of the Charles Stanley sermon on Anger and Forgiveness (Part 2 of 3)



Obstacles to Forgiveness (Cont.)
8. Partial forgiveness (just like partial obedience is disobedience, partial forgiveness is unforgiveness. If you wait until you feel like forgiving someone then you probably never will.)
9. Justifying someone else's wrong doing for the sake of not wanting to forgive.

"12 And forgive us our debts,  as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

(Matthew 6:12 - 15; NIV 2010 Edition)

Why we must forgive:
-God forgives our sins only if we forgive the sins of others
- God does not condone willfully refusing to forgive others. Therefore it is an example of living in sin.
- Unforgiveness will destroy your life and separate your fellowship (not your relationship) with Christ.
- If you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive you.

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

(Matthew 18:21-22; NIV 2010 Edition)

- God does not give us a measuring rod to count the number of times we should forgive sin. There is no end to our need to forgive.

The Parable of The Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18 22-35)
- Have mercy on those who owe you in the same way that The Master has mercy on us.

-There is no justifiable reason to not forgive someone.

Part 3 to be posted tomorrow!

Anger And Forgiveness Pt. 1

Today and tomorrow I want to spend time on the subject of anger and forgiveness through a message taught by Charles Stanley (Andy Stanley's father). We've all either been angry at someone or experienced anger towards us and know that neither feels any good. Anger is such a attitude of bondage and only forgiveness can unlock the key. Pray for those who have done you wrong and examine your heart to see if there are any areas where you may hold anger. Amen.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32; NIV 2010 Edition)

The pain and the promise of anger and forgiveness:

Sermon Notes:
Who are you angry with?
- Who are you angry with? What did they do or say? How did they heap on something that you can hardly live with?
- If you're angry you don't' want to see them and want to avoid them at all cost
- You can't just get rid of anger by replacing your destination, something on the inside has to happen to you.
- Anger, bitterness and resentment are enslaving attitudes.
-Physically you cannot avoid the affects of anger even if you don't show it on the outside.

Definitions:
Anger:  A strong feeling of intense displeasure, hostility or indignation as a result of a real or imagined threat, insult, frustration or injustice towards yourself or others important to you.

Forgiveness: The giving up resentment against someone and our right to get even no matter what has been done to us. It is the surrendering of my right to hurt you back. It's giving up our right to get even with someone.

Unforgiveness: The deliberate, willful refusal to give up one's resentment and the right to get even based on the wrongful thought that somebody needs to pay.

Obstacles to Forgiveness:
1. Wanting to forgive somebody
2. Rehearsing whatever they did to you
3. Pride
4. Fear (of being taken advantage of)
5. Rejection (feeling like it is a weakness to forgive)
6. Being Misunderstood
7. Negative advice (Sometimes friendly advice is not Godly advice. Discern between the two).

Part Two will be posted tomorrow! What are your thoughts thus far?

Fire Power!

"⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, " (1 Peter 1:6-8; NIV 2010 Edition).

This past Saturday I was meeting up with some friends for a dinner party. I had all day to get ready...and I took advantage of every minute. Clothes ironed by 9am, car cleaned/washed by 2pm, and I even had time to relax and take care of some errands. Everything was going on schedule until this:

Brush fires in the state of Maryland.

Now I don't know the science behind brush fires because I missed that episode of The Magic School Bus, but it got me thinking...

How does God use fire?

In the natural sense, I found this out about wildfires:

Wildfires consume vegetation that would otherwise become overgrown, creating ideal conditions for a catastrophic wildfire. Wildfires allow more open spaces for new and different kinds of vegetation to grow and receive sunlight. This, in turn, provides fresh nutrients and shelter for forest plants and animals. Wildfires also keep our forests healthy by consuming harmful insects and diseases.(From Here)

If you've ever experienced a fire in your life, you know that that is exactly what happens.

God uses fire, or trials, in our lives to not only add but to subtract. Trials show us what has become overgrown and what needs to be scaled back or even killed. Trials also add by deepening our faith and allowing us more creative ways to give God glory. Like Paul says in the scripture above, the value of our faith is even greater than gold. Our faith is the catalyst that takes a bad situation and turns it around for God's glory. There is a change that happens - a transformation - that happens only because of God's testing us by fire. When it's all over and the dust has settled, you've become a new person. And sometimes this is a new person you would not have been if you let things overgrow in your life that needed pruning or removing.

Thank God for the fire in our lives!

Paid In Full

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. ²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin^[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5: 17-21; NIV 2010 Edition)

Imagine being out at your favorite restaurant with some friends for a huge celebration or random get together. Now imagine that the appetizers and food and drinks just keep coming and coming. Everyone is having a good time laughing and joking and eating but at the same time everyone is racking up a huge bill! The costs silently creep up on everyone and next thing you know, here comes the bill.


You look at your portion of the bill and realize that you've spent more than you budgeted for and honestly don't have that amount of money in your account. Embarrassed to say anything to anyone, you sorta just sit there and debate whether or not to just "charge it" and take the overdraft fees (which, by the way, are a pain in the neck!). As everyone is calculating their portion of the bill plus tip, the manager makes his way to your table and gives you the best news of the night that you've heard all evening...


"I just wanted to thank you all for choosing our restaurant tonight. You guys were such a lively crowd and had such great spirits about you that I don't want you to worry about your meal, I'll take care of it. Just be sure to spread our good name and come back from time to time, ok?"


Whoa. You just went from not being able to pay the costs of your food and drinks to the manager stepping in and not only paying the bill for you but also charging you to go and share the good news about the restaurant. There HAS to be a word to describe what just happened here...

Reconciliation: The concept of having the debt of sin (and all of it's unhealthy side effects) to pay but Christ stepping and not only paying the cost but also being your advocate come Judgment Day. 

Just like the manager who paid for your bill at the restaurant, Paul describes reconciliation as Christ's way of paying the debt of your sins and restoring the right relationship with God the Father. Reconciliation happened not because of anything we did, but instead because Jesus came down to Earth, took on our sin, paid for all of it for eternity, and then invites us to allow Him to be the one who pardons our debt of sin. It's almost like having an American Express card and He is the one who pays the bill each month. It's God's way of making us perfect. That which we cannot pay on our own to make us perfect, Jesus steps in to cover. The truth is we couldn't pay for any of it, which makes this process even that much greater!


You may be without Christ and have some outstanding debts that, at some point, will need to be paid for. Why wait to accept Him? He's already paid the bill.




(Bonus Coverage: Sanctus Real - Forgiven)

"In this lifeI know what I’ve been

But here in your armsI know what I am

[chorus]

I’m forgiven

I’m forgiven

And I don’t have to carry

The weight of who I’ve been

Cause I’m forgiven"

We've Got Work To Do

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."- Ephesians 2:10 (NIV 2010 Edition)

Back when I was in undergrad, one of the cool things about college was that you could pick from a TON of courses to fill the requirements for your major. To fulfill your English class you could take regular English, Poetry 101, Shakespeare, or some other courses. The same would go for math, science, etc. etc.


The interesting thing about all of these classes is that no matter which class I'd pick, I would get the syllabus at the beginning of the semester and freak out. "You want me to write a 25 page paper on what?!?!" I'd say as I go back to the registration website and look for new classes. But the bottom line was that a class had to be picked and a class had to be completed. Imagine my amazement when I'd reach the end of the semester and receive a passing grade on the course when prior to the class I may have known little to no information about the subject matter. I had learned so much along the way that it all actually prepared me for the exams and papers at the end of the class.


That's a little bit like how God works.


Before we were even born, God knew us. Not only did He know us in the past tense but He knew what we would become, who we would marry, what jobs we would have, and so on and so on. As we came into the world and continued to live out our days, we would come across different life hurdles or challenges that test us or prove us in a certain way. Sort of like an invisible syllabus. 


See, God has already scripted out our lives and allows us to go through learning, growing and doing good things along the way. That is what the passage in Ephesians teaches us. Life is not a matter of happenstance or luck of the draw. Instead it is a set collection of opportunities that God set in our path long before we even knew we'd get there. 


If you've been studying and learning along the way, that will help you pass every test!

Correction Vs. Protection

This is the stuff that gets under my skin 

But I've got to trust You know exactly what You're doing 

It might not be what I might choose 

But this is the stuff you use

- Francesca Battistelli - This Is The Stuff

Today's Window Seat Thought is about correction and protection. God uses both to sharpen us and put us on the path that we are supposed to be on.

Correction/Discipline: In correction, God does not remove the sin (what I mean is that He does not look past them but He DOES forgive them*) but removes some benefit experienced while in our reckless sinful state and inflicts a consequence directly relating to the actions that occurred. This is sort of like the parent who doesn't fight to remove your bad grades on your report card but will put you on punishment as a result of them. Correction is used to allow us to see the errors of our ways and then work at them so that they are no longer a barrier to our right relationship with someone or something. Biblical examples of correction include : 

• Adam and Eve: God didn't remove the serpent, he removed the joy of carefree living. He also made life that much harder for Adam and Eve and well, you know how the rest of the story goes (Genesis 3:16-19). 
• David and Bathsheba, god did not restore David's mistakes but he removed the oneness that David felt with God. Not only that, God set a curse upon his house which had an immediate and public impact (2 Samuel 12: 11). 

Just like in the natural sense where we must work to improve our grades in order to restore our privileges, In spiritual correction it is always our responsibility to learn the lesson and restore our right relationship with Christ.

Protection/Grace: God removes the potential for sin or danger regardless of whether we are at fault for something or not. Ever run late for work and see that you just missed and accident? Ever be somewhere where you shouldn't have been and something bad happened but you were kept safe? That's God's protection. Evidence of His grace and mercy that He willingly pours out to us to protect us from harm. Biblical examples include:

• God protects Lot from destruction (Genesis 19) 
• Saul becomes Paul (Acts 9) 
• Jesus calms the sea (Mark 4: 35-41)

Both correction and protection are forces that god uses to show his unfailing love for us. Sometimes they can happen at the same time (correction protects you from further sin as long as you obey). Also, protection is not always given as a result of a potential or desire to sin. The bottom line is that its a crazy world out there and just as many forces work against you that work for you. Isn't it great to know that someone is working on your behalf to save you from the decay and destruction that the world throws at us?

Might not be what we choose but these are the things he uses.

Francesca Battistelli - This Is The Stuff:

Has you experienced God's correction or protection in your life? Have you witnessed it in the Bible or the lives of others? I want to hear about it!

Dormant But Not Dead

"But every seed dies before it grows...

Do you love me enough to let me go?

Do you love me enough to let me go?

To let me follow through

To let me fall for you, my love

Do you love me enough to let me go?"

Switch Foot - Enough to Let Me Go

A couple months ago I went on a spur of the moment road trip with some friends up to Philly. While in the car, I put this CD (Hello Hurricane) on and the car was pretty much silent. Everyone had a chance to individually meditate on the lyrics and melodies and it became almost a surreal, in-car meditative worship experience. Yep, Switchfoot will do that to you.

This song is one of my favorites because it connects on so many levels, it represents true love. Love is not always about being up under someone, or having them long for you. Love is also patient, accepting of space, and allows both individuals to feel comfortable being themselves whether that means being together or apart.

That sounds a lot like Christ's love for us:

 ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 ⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.                                                                      (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8; NIV 2010 edition)

God loves us so much that in order to pay the price of our sins, He sent His only Son to die on our behalf many many years ago. His ministry and His ultimate sacrifice represents the depth of His love for us. It was a seed that was sown long long ago that He desires to see grow some day in all of our hearts and one day bring forth good fruit.

God doesn't push us to love Him nor does He make it an obligation for us to reciprocate His love for us. What He does is love in the shadows. His love is wound up so tightly within that seed within us that when it bursts,  it can't help but bring about good fruit. As the title states, our love towards Christ may be dormant but it's not dead. Even in the death of a seed, there is the expectation and anticipation of new life! Yes He loves us enough to let us go. Yes, He loves us enough to let us follow through on our own and fall in love with the seed He placed in our hearts long, long ago. Love is a two way street and God is fully aware of that. He's going to keep loving you until you're ready to make a move!

Whenever your seed is ready, it'll grow! It's not dead, just dormant.





(Bonus Coverage: Jon Foreman explains "Enough To Let Me Go"):


Jon Foreman- "I was thinking about how love (not just lust or codependency that commonly flood the tunes on the airways) actually involves quite a bit of faith. There's a lot of letting go involved. Two souls in love is an intricate dance of give and take. I can be a fairly solitary person from time to time. Sure, I love being with people, but I also need time alone. I guess I thrive on the poles. So this song is about the dance involved in a relationship the coming together and letting go. The song equates love with breathing- pulling in and releasing. Or a seed, for the seed to grow it has to be dropped and buried.

In our barcode media, love is often portrayed as consumption. As consumers in a commercial driven culture we can begin to view other souls as objects, or potential cures for our deepest fears and insecurities. "Perhaps if I found the right lover I would no longer feel this deep existential despair." But of course no human soul could be the Constant Other, the face that will never go away. Only the infinite can fill that role. But the silence can be deafening. It's a fearful thing to be alone. Do you love me enough to let me go? "I can't live without you"- "I would die if you ever left me"- These are not the songs of love, these are the songs of consumption."

Good Lovin' is On The Way!

"There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet"
- Brandon Heath (Wait And See)

Ah, Valentine's Day...one of the most polarizing holidays ever in life. You're either for or against it and there's no in between. But for the ones out there who see this "holiday" as a day of sorrow or remorse for not having what you desire, just remember that God isn't finished with you or your life just yet!

 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " (Jeremiah 29:11; NIV Edition 2010)

Just like Brandon says in the song, God reveals his plans to us on a step by step basis. We won't know the full plan because then we might not appreciate the value and beauty of His plans for us. We also won't know the fullness of it because it might require us to willingly submit to somethings that right now we really just don't feel like doing. But the key in all of this is to continue to press towards what is right and to be wise about it.

So what are two of the keys needed in order for God to do the work in us that's needed to fulfill his plan? Simple:

Direction: The more seemingly ambiguous of the two keys is God's sense of direction for our lives. But when you think about it, it's not too complicated. Matthew 6:33 tells us that we are to seek His kingdom and righteousness first and all things will be added unto us. So am I saying that God isn't going to place us in the position to secure a relationship with someone until we first secure a relationship with Him? Pretty much. It is only until we begin to seek Him does He begin to reveal the direction for our lives. In order to move forward you must first look up.

Discipline: If God showed you what it would take to achieve oneness and true Christ-like love in your ultimate relationship up front, you'd probably quit! Not only would it be hard to see your imperfections and the fact that you have to overcome them but imagine the feeling of seeing your mates imperfections that you will have to grow to love and either look past or challenge them to grow on. (For real God? You want me to love this person and they have THEE MOST STANK FEET IN THE UNIVERSE?!?). Yeah, it's like that. Perfect love doesn't involve perfect people, it involves imperfect people extending God's grace and mercy towards one another and at the same time being rewarded knowing that their relationship honors God. 1 John 4: 17 summerizes it best by saying:

 

"This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus." (1 John 4:17, NIV 2010 Edition)

So I guess the lesson for Valentine's day for those who have yet to find that special one or that have not found peace in singleness is to not lose hope, God isn't done with the works for your life yet. Seek His direction in all things and follow the discipline required in loving even your friends, family, enemies, haters, etc. so that His perfect love can be revealed in you.

And God's love never returns void.

 

Positive Daily Affirmation

Mark 10:15 "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.

I honestly watch this video at least every other day. It's a reminder that often times the first step to happiness and peace is speaking it into existence. So don't forget to affirm yourself and others today - dancing like a Disney pirate is optional lol!


Here are some of the benefits of positive thinking (courtesy of MayoClinic.com): 

The health benefits of positive thinking:

Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

Some scripture affirmations:

Mark 9:23..........If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.

John 16:33.........In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Rom 8:18...........consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Rom 8:28..........And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

2Tim 4:7............Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith.(paraphrased)

Phil 4:13...........I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1Jn 4:4.............(You) have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world. 

Phil 1:6............(Be) confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...


So! Next time you're in the mirror, pull a "Jessica." When you start thinking about the things in life that you like, you'll see that you're life is pretty cool!

Break My Heart For What Breaks Yours

Heal my heart and make it clean 

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart from what breaks yours

Everything I am for your kingdoms cause

As I go from nothing to 

Eternity

- Hillsong United "Hosanna"

The bottom line of the Christian faith is that once you accept Christ into your life as your personal savior, you automatically gain the privilege of everlasting life and a peaceful eternity in Heaven. One of the clearest examples of the simplicity of accepting Jesus and gaining salvation is shown when Jesus forgives/pardons the sins of one of the criminals that hung beside Him when He was on the cross.

But in our Christian walk, sometimes you have to dig a little deeper if you want to go a little higher.

The Bible tells us way back in Genesis that we as humans were created in God's own image. And as you can recall, when Jesus came to Earth to die for our sins He didn't come back as a camel, or a dog or any other animal. He came as a human. A human who was found blameless in the eyes of God and man because He did no wrong and continually found ways to share The Gospel and promote the responsibilities of Christian Living.

Image (n.): 
3. exact likeness ; semblance "God created man in his own image — Genesis 1:27(Revised Standard Version)
-Definition courtesy of Merriam-Webster

So if we are to really push our selves towards fulfilling a life that is in the image of God, that means we must hurt for what he hurts for and make a change in our lives accordingly. It's not that God can't use us in our willfully sinful state but God calls us to be more. And that means growing and transforming into having both the physical image AND the mental/spiritual image of Christ as well.

"Do not conform 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 12:2; NIV 2010 Edition)

God's heart breaks for the world. His heart is hurting when He sees the things that we place over him: Sex, Money, Careers, Laziness, Greed, and so much more! So our -challenge- minimum requirement is to have the same heart. A heart made in His image. Does your heartcrave the lustful desires listed above? If so, God is calling you to more. His HEART is calling you to more. When Hillsong says break our hearts for what breaks Yours, it's not to cause us deep remorse and agony, but instead it's to put us in a position where we are even THAT much closer to God's heart and His will for our lives. That alone brings so much joy and clarity that is far above what any worldly vice or sin could provide.

Break. So that you can be rebuilt. In. His. Image.

Are you a solider or a sheep?

Are you a solider or a sheep?

^"1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  ² He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, ³ he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. ⁴ Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23: 1-4; NIV 2010 version)

Have you ever found yourself fighting for your life? You know, trying your hardest to overcome the challenges that life undoubtedly throws your way? Stuff like finances, the purpose and plan for your life, a crazy boss, and even the [crazy] opposite sex. If the answer is yes then I can definitely relate. There's so much power and control when you grab life by the horns and pour all of yourself into trying to fix the situation based on your own understanding and power. But let me ask you another question:

How'd that turn out for ya?

Did you come out on top victorious or did it leave you drained, frustrated, and no closer to a solution or resolution? I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess it was/is the second one.

Welcome to the life of a solider.

The purpose of this blog is to share with you that when it comes to the problems in our lives, God does not call us to be soldiers who fight the battles on our own but rather sheep who lay our problems on His shoulders. He WANTS to be your advocate, He WANTS to be your peace, and He WANTS to be your soldier! And honestly, who or what can take Him on and win?

What it means to be a solider:

When you soldier through life fighting your battles, you run into a few problems. Every soldier take orders from their General. If you aren't yielding to God's wisdom and direction then just who do you think you're really taking orders from? The same frickin' dude that got you into this situation! (His name is Satan, btw lol!). How much sense does it make to take orders from the same person who spun you into the web of trouble you're in? God calls us to turn our problems over to Him and let Him fight our battles.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."                (Matthew 11:28; NIV 1984 Edition)

What it means to be a sheep:

I've never met a sheep who suffered from the weight of his problems. Why? They aren't responsible for any! It's not that sheep in a herd are dumb and mindless, it's actually the opposite. A Good Shepherd does everything He can to protect the best interest of His flock. Again, just like the Teacher, the Shepherd is the one who has all the answers and it's really His desire and purpose to solve things for you. There is so much peace and freedom in laying your troubles before The Shepherd and humbling yourself to allow Him to move in your situations!

"’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”                                                                                 (Louisa M. R. Stead, 1882)

In life we're always going to be met with challenges. Whether they be financial, family related, school, social life, even the weight and penalty of our own sin. The redeeming point of it all though is that we don't have to be the one to fight those battles. Turning them over to God and letting Him handle these situations gives the ultimate peace.

Time to lay down the rifles...we don't have the right weaponry anyway...

Even the Line Leader Must Follow His Lead

You should never forget some of the lessons that you learn as a kid.

Do you remember back in the day when you were in school and you had to line up to go from class to class? Remember how everyone would rush to the line to be line leader? Man, those were the days. We were all going the same place and at the same time but it just felt good to be the line leader. As the line leader you are the first person to see the road ahead. You're the first person to see any challenges that might come to the class like other lines, trash cans in the way, and any other thing. Yes, you are the head visionary for your class.

But don't forget the teacher.

Your teacher was the one who walked side by side with you as you lead the rest of the class to your destination. Sure you may have known WHERE you are going but your teacher knew the where, why, how, and all those other things. The teacher is there to let the line have it's [disciplined] freedom in terms of getting to the destination but she also made sure no one stepped out of line.

Especially the leader.

When you are a leader, whether that be in a school line, at work, in a relationship, or just life in general, you have to remember the Teacher/Line Leader relationship. God allows us to lead in our lives but he also has very specific instructions on how to get to your destination and you have to follow his lead:

Visionary Direction/Focus:  The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." That tells you your focus. This is the "big picture" goal which is to first of all walk in a direction that leads towards Him.

Discipline: The Bible also says in John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This instills the discipline needed to get to your destination. We must walk with Jesus in a Teacher/Line Leader relationship. The ONLY way you're going to get where you're supposed to go is by submission to the direction of the Teacher.

Timing/Restraint: This is where I've personally fell quite a few times. And yes I was the kid in school who got detention or a red star for not wanting to wait on the rest of the class LOL!...But yeah back to the lesson. God shares with us in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." People, you HAVE to wait on God. He appointed you as line leader so what He shows you in glimpses and faith can and will come true but the caveat is that you have to wait on Him to lead you there. You remember how the teacher would yell at you for moving too fast? (Maybe that was just me, ha!) When you go too fast you begin to lose your direction. You lose the ability to progressively learn what it takes to fully appreciate and fully be able to handle the end result. Never rush past the speed God is moving because HE knows the plans. And they are all for your good.

I hope you remember that as you walk through life you may feel like the leader but you have to remember that the Teacher still has control and is guiding you. Focus, Discipline, and Restraint are the tools God instills in us to help carry out his vision for our lives. And honestly, I wouldn't want anything else.

Time for me to hop back in line...

JVP