Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, March 6, 2009
Yahweh
The following lyrics are from the U2 song "Yahweh." As I sit here in a class where we are dealing with the issue of "spiritual formations" and how we are growing in Christ, this song came to mind. In this class we are looking at developing ways for us to grow so that we may be healthy Christian leaders. At Multnomah Seminary there is the statement (As their goal for us): "Demonstration of commendable spiritual life and Christian Character in accordance with the seminary's code of conduct." Going through their "code of conduct" we see that everything is based off of guidelines for living found in the Bible. The interesting thing is that ultimately it is not about me and my power accomplish them per say, but in the transformative power of God in our lives. That's where the lyrics in this song come in…to be able to have healthy spiritual formation and development, it involves me turning over…surrendering my life over to God.
I think that for those that have a relationship with the God of the Bible, Yahweh, that this would be a good song to contemplate the focus of your life. Are you asking God to "take" whatever it is in your life and transform it? I struggle with this as much as anyone, but I think it's something good for me to focus on, and hope that you all find it encouraging too.
"Take these shoes…Click clacking down some dead end street
Take these shoes…And make them fit
Take this shirt…Polyester white trash made in nowhere
Take this shirt…And make it clean, clean
Take this soul…Stranded in some skin and bones
Take this soul…And make it sing
Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I'm waiting for the dawn
Take these hands…Teach them what to carry
Take these hands…Don't make a fist
Take this mouth…So quick to criticise
Take this mouth…Give it a kiss
Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, Yahweh
Still I'm waiting for the dawn
Still waiting for the dawn, the sun is coming up
The sun is coming up on the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean
This love is like a drop in the ocean
Yahweh, Yahweh
Always pain before a child is born
Yahweh, tell me now
Why the dark before the dawn?
Take this city…A city should be shining on a hill
Take this city…If it be your will
What no man can own, no man can take
Take this heart
Take this heart
Take this heart…And make it break"
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Keeping one's focus...on Christ
So tonight I had a great conversation with a couple of friends and it was passionate, motivating & convicting all in one. We were talking about things such as faith and politics, as well as other areas of life, and how we are focused.
The point was made and I agree wholeheartedly, that too many Christians on the right primarily, though some on the left as well...end up elevating politics to a point that is higher then even Christ. I have probably been guilty of this at times too, and it's because I let my passions in that area distract me from what should be my primary passion and focus: growing in my relationship with Christ and sharing the gospel message with the world around me.
As a Christian I need to make sure that at the end of the day I can look at my words and deeds and be able to know they pointed to Christ and gave glory to Him alone. I need to interpret or view, everything I do, through the Word of God and illumination of the Spirit. EVERYTHING! From the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep...everything! A few years ago the popular thing was "WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do) and its basic thought was to keep in mind how Jesus would act if He were there in any given situation. While good in its intentions, I think it was lacking in substance of the reality of being a Christian. In Colossians we read "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." The fullness of who God is, is in Christ AND we have been given fullness in Christ. The Bible also teaches us that we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. We should not be asking "What would Jesus do?" as if He were some faroff notion, but instead..."Jesus, help me make my decision in You. What should we do in this situation so that it shines the reality of Your presence in my life right now?"
I say this in light of where I started this blog because it is in my passions in every area of life that the biggest passion needs to be shining the truth and reality of Christ in my life. God gives us all passion and abilities in life to use. He gives every person uniqueness of personality and talents that are but a mere aspect or part of His creative work. Some are talented artists., while others are statesmen. Some can connect with and understand wildlife/nature. while yet others can design buildings and cities. Some may be gifted to develop programs that organize people locally or globally and yet others may be gifted in entertaining and helping people escape for a short while.
Without God however, a person is unable to realize their full potential and purpose of their abilities and all to often end up using their abilities for evil and destructive purposes. Once a person becomes a Christian, God then adds to these abilities, spiritual gifts.
Without going into all the dynamics and details of spiritual gifts in contrast to abilities, etc...the point is to be made that they all are given by God and ultimately need to be seen and used through our focus lens of Christ, their creator...our creator. The passion that realizing and having these abilities can bring, needs to be focused like a lazer beam through Christ, so that all of who we are in HIM shines through to the world around us. And yes...a primary purpose and focus of a Christian is spreading the good news/the Gospel, which is Christ crucified and rose again! All of the gifts/abilities He has given us should be used to love people and share the good news, that they can have the reality of Christ in their life beginning now through eternity. Part of spreading the good news is helping the person/s realize their need for it. They, just like every person on this planet before them, with the exception of Christ, was a sinner and needs to be saved. They have a fatal disease and Christ is the cure. We can not...we must not, give up sharing the gospel and keeping Christ at the forefront of all we are about. We are all individuals and how we build relationships and with whom will be different for all of us, but one thing in common is that it is only through Christ that anyone comes into the reality of new life in Him. This reality is both in the here and now as well as the future.
All this to say...whatever you are gifted in and passionate about, make sure that you submit that passion into the fullness of your life in Christ. Make sure that your passion is surrendered to the giver of passion. I believe that in fact, when we do that...when we surrender those passions and abilities, we will find them become even more passionate and able, because we can never outpassion Christ or have abilities greater then His. But He that began a good work in you WILL carry on to completion in Christ Jesus. Stay involved where you are for only you can reach all the people in your life in the ways that GOD has gifted you, but make sure that your focus never leaves Christ. Ultimately it needs to be Him using our abilities and passions since He is the one who created them.
ok...I've rambled enough now and probably confused anyone who may attempt reading this. If I did...I apologize and let me know, cause I would love to hopefully make it clearer. Also...feel free to simply make a comment:-)!
The point was made and I agree wholeheartedly, that too many Christians on the right primarily, though some on the left as well...end up elevating politics to a point that is higher then even Christ. I have probably been guilty of this at times too, and it's because I let my passions in that area distract me from what should be my primary passion and focus: growing in my relationship with Christ and sharing the gospel message with the world around me.
As a Christian I need to make sure that at the end of the day I can look at my words and deeds and be able to know they pointed to Christ and gave glory to Him alone. I need to interpret or view, everything I do, through the Word of God and illumination of the Spirit. EVERYTHING! From the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep...everything! A few years ago the popular thing was "WWJD" (What Would Jesus Do) and its basic thought was to keep in mind how Jesus would act if He were there in any given situation. While good in its intentions, I think it was lacking in substance of the reality of being a Christian. In Colossians we read "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." The fullness of who God is, is in Christ AND we have been given fullness in Christ. The Bible also teaches us that we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. We should not be asking "What would Jesus do?" as if He were some faroff notion, but instead..."Jesus, help me make my decision in You. What should we do in this situation so that it shines the reality of Your presence in my life right now?"
I say this in light of where I started this blog because it is in my passions in every area of life that the biggest passion needs to be shining the truth and reality of Christ in my life. God gives us all passion and abilities in life to use. He gives every person uniqueness of personality and talents that are but a mere aspect or part of His creative work. Some are talented artists., while others are statesmen. Some can connect with and understand wildlife/nature. while yet others can design buildings and cities. Some may be gifted to develop programs that organize people locally or globally and yet others may be gifted in entertaining and helping people escape for a short while.
Without God however, a person is unable to realize their full potential and purpose of their abilities and all to often end up using their abilities for evil and destructive purposes. Once a person becomes a Christian, God then adds to these abilities, spiritual gifts.
Without going into all the dynamics and details of spiritual gifts in contrast to abilities, etc...the point is to be made that they all are given by God and ultimately need to be seen and used through our focus lens of Christ, their creator...our creator. The passion that realizing and having these abilities can bring, needs to be focused like a lazer beam through Christ, so that all of who we are in HIM shines through to the world around us. And yes...a primary purpose and focus of a Christian is spreading the good news/the Gospel, which is Christ crucified and rose again! All of the gifts/abilities He has given us should be used to love people and share the good news, that they can have the reality of Christ in their life beginning now through eternity. Part of spreading the good news is helping the person/s realize their need for it. They, just like every person on this planet before them, with the exception of Christ, was a sinner and needs to be saved. They have a fatal disease and Christ is the cure. We can not...we must not, give up sharing the gospel and keeping Christ at the forefront of all we are about. We are all individuals and how we build relationships and with whom will be different for all of us, but one thing in common is that it is only through Christ that anyone comes into the reality of new life in Him. This reality is both in the here and now as well as the future.
All this to say...whatever you are gifted in and passionate about, make sure that you submit that passion into the fullness of your life in Christ. Make sure that your passion is surrendered to the giver of passion. I believe that in fact, when we do that...when we surrender those passions and abilities, we will find them become even more passionate and able, because we can never outpassion Christ or have abilities greater then His. But He that began a good work in you WILL carry on to completion in Christ Jesus. Stay involved where you are for only you can reach all the people in your life in the ways that GOD has gifted you, but make sure that your focus never leaves Christ. Ultimately it needs to be Him using our abilities and passions since He is the one who created them.
ok...I've rambled enough now and probably confused anyone who may attempt reading this. If I did...I apologize and let me know, cause I would love to hopefully make it clearer. Also...feel free to simply make a comment:-)!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Amazing Story Behind Tho Global Warming Scam
The reason I am posting a link to this website about the scam that is called "Global Warming" is that it does directly impact how people are treated, including such issues as poverty and "social justice." The regulations that have been happening from people who believe in this faulty scientific theory are having a devastating impact around the world. we saw fuel prices soar these last few years because people refuse to allow us to drill for more fuel for various reasons. Soaring fuel prices impact the cost of food among goods and services. Soaring prices end up meaning that companies need to cut costs and/or raise prices. The do things like lay people off and charge more. This doesn't effect the rich so much as it does the poor. Some humanitarian groups are even asking that we stop focusing so much on converting our corn crop to ethanol because it is hurting their ability to bring food to those in need around the world.
For a good summary article on some of the issues with the ethanol debate go here
I would argue that while we need to take care of what God has given us, that does not mean that just because some people says one thing is bad (oil for example), that it is. Ultimately our biggest concern and priority needs to be people and what is most beneficial for them to have their needs met. Many of these environmental policies hurt that.
For a good summary article on some of the issues with the ethanol debate go here
I would argue that while we need to take care of what God has given us, that does not mean that just because some people says one thing is bad (oil for example), that it is. Ultimately our biggest concern and priority needs to be people and what is most beneficial for them to have their needs met. Many of these environmental policies hurt that.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Why Christians should serve in the Military
One thing I have come to believe is that Christians in America above all, should be willing to serve in the military or at least absolutely support those who do. I understand that war is distasteful to hopefully most everyone...but until Christ comes back it is an inevitability.
The fact is, there are many people in the world that operate without having Christ as their moral compass. They do not know the love of Christ and in fact operate from the polar opposite. They hate and they act on that hate in ways that are at times beyond comprehension. Many others in the world find themselves helpless in the face of such hate and at it's mercy...which of course never comes. What is needed is for those who have the freedom to fight against such enemies and hate, to come and rescue them. It boggles my mind though, that there are many who would argue that we should not stand and fight against such evil...that Christ wants us to "turn the other cheek", as if when He came to earth He also did away with His moral code. Where in scripture, when there were Godly people in power, did he instruct them to not come to the defense of those who were being persecuted?
The interesting thing for us as citizens of the United States is that WE...YOU & I, are the government! WE are the authority and it is always the authority's responsibility to defend and look out for the weak...taking up the sword if necessary. (Rom 14) A Christian in the United States who refuses this is shirking their God given responsibilities.
YES...I understand that first and foremost, we are citizens of Heaven! AMEN! However, nowhere does God say to not partake in society within the areas where we can do good. There are times where it is immoral for us to not take up the sword...especially when one has the freedom to do so within the context of their society. If we have the opportunity to help the defenseless by standing in the face of evil then we should be!
Click the following link for a much more eloquent account of the idea of the: "Biblical View of War"
The other aspect is that in war, many on the "just side" also have made wrong choices within the context of the battlefield. To minimize this, we need to have as many people as possible who have Christ as their moral compass doing the fighting as well as being around those that are. The military has many who don't know Christ and need a relationship with him for their own lives, which in turn will impact how they conduct themselves in other areas such as the battlefield.
Maybe I am wrong on this and if you have solid Biblical proof showing how I am wrong I would welcome seeing it...but first, read the article above because I think it refutes most arguments I've heard fairly well.
The fact is, there are many people in the world that operate without having Christ as their moral compass. They do not know the love of Christ and in fact operate from the polar opposite. They hate and they act on that hate in ways that are at times beyond comprehension. Many others in the world find themselves helpless in the face of such hate and at it's mercy...which of course never comes. What is needed is for those who have the freedom to fight against such enemies and hate, to come and rescue them. It boggles my mind though, that there are many who would argue that we should not stand and fight against such evil...that Christ wants us to "turn the other cheek", as if when He came to earth He also did away with His moral code. Where in scripture, when there were Godly people in power, did he instruct them to not come to the defense of those who were being persecuted?
The interesting thing for us as citizens of the United States is that WE...YOU & I, are the government! WE are the authority and it is always the authority's responsibility to defend and look out for the weak...taking up the sword if necessary. (Rom 14) A Christian in the United States who refuses this is shirking their God given responsibilities.
YES...I understand that first and foremost, we are citizens of Heaven! AMEN! However, nowhere does God say to not partake in society within the areas where we can do good. There are times where it is immoral for us to not take up the sword...especially when one has the freedom to do so within the context of their society. If we have the opportunity to help the defenseless by standing in the face of evil then we should be!
Click the following link for a much more eloquent account of the idea of the: "Biblical View of War"
The other aspect is that in war, many on the "just side" also have made wrong choices within the context of the battlefield. To minimize this, we need to have as many people as possible who have Christ as their moral compass doing the fighting as well as being around those that are. The military has many who don't know Christ and need a relationship with him for their own lives, which in turn will impact how they conduct themselves in other areas such as the battlefield.
Maybe I am wrong on this and if you have solid Biblical proof showing how I am wrong I would welcome seeing it...but first, read the article above because I think it refutes most arguments I've heard fairly well.
Veterans Day!
As someone who served in the military and someone who loves this great country, I want to thank all of you who have served in the military! As a Christian I believe the principle that there is no greater demonstration of love then this: that just as Christ laid down His life for us, we ought to be willing to lay down our lives for others.
Serving in the military is not easy, but you do it...thank you!
Serving in the military is not easy, but you do it...thank you!
Monday, November 10, 2008
What is the Christ & Culture Intersect?
In the last few months I have been a part of and heard many conversations about the connection between Christianity and culture...aka: The Christ and Culture Intersect! They have covered a large array of issues ranging from what the connection should be between Christianity and media...or politics...or social justice issues. These are obviously not all the issues that I have heard talked about or that could be talked about, but they are issues that should be talked about.
During my undergrad, I took a class that dealt specifically with the idea of developing a Biblical Perspective on Current Issues. It was a great class and really helped stimulate thinking on this issue. One thing I loved is that the professor encouraged you to think about this intersect, but did not expect you to agree with him on everything...which is good, because I disagreed with him on a few things. He did however, expect us to be able to defend our positions and make sure they were based on Biblical ideas and thoughts. In that principle, I want to give a couple of Bible passages that I think are very applicable as a base perspective in looking at issues, as well as developing opinions & actions based in reaction to them. The first is Colossians 3 (with a centerpoint being verses 8-17 & 23).
During my undergrad, I took a class that dealt specifically with the idea of developing a Biblical Perspective on Current Issues. It was a great class and really helped stimulate thinking on this issue. One thing I loved is that the professor encouraged you to think about this intersect, but did not expect you to agree with him on everything...which is good, because I disagreed with him on a few things. He did however, expect us to be able to defend our positions and make sure they were based on Biblical ideas and thoughts. In that principle, I want to give a couple of Bible passages that I think are very applicable as a base perspective in looking at issues, as well as developing opinions & actions based in reaction to them. The first is Colossians 3 (with a centerpoint being verses 8-17 & 23).
We first see some things that should not be a part of the discussions or our lives for that matter: "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth; Do not lie to one another". I will make it my goal to avoid these things for myself and ask that those who want to post do the same. The goal of this blog is to promote, in a healthy way, the topics that are being approached. In a healthy diet, one of the top issues is to make sure that one is not ingesting harmful things...things that are unhealthy or poisonous both right away or ones whose side effects are seen over time. We need to conduct ourselves in ways that helping people to draw nearer to God and His Body, NOT build barriers. It is Ok to be passionate, in fact, I encourage it...but try to not use the above methods. Equally important to remember is that we are human and prone to resort to these ways many times...in that, Grace and Forgiveness needs to be remembered as well.
The flip side of the things we should not do is that there are things we should: "put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you". We need to make sure our diet is filled with things that help us grow in size and stature. We need energy food. We need to eat in ways that enable healthy growth (Patience..."slow down when you eat"...talk through issues).
Please...join along and feel free to express your ideas/thoughts and know that you can do so passionately. Those that know me, know that I am passionate about a few things but I try to stay informed on them, so as to discuss them intelligently. I don't expect everyone to agree with me, just as I will probably disagree with others at times...but that is how we refine each other, but we can only refine and build up each other if we do it in the above ways.
Feel free to state your own opinions and to also include articles, links, videos, etc...that you feel add to the discussion. Please make sure that you cite your sites :-)! No Plagiarism! I know there are times when it can be hard to articulately make a point, but that doesn't take away the validity of your perspective...feel free to refer to someone who makes your point in an understandable way.
I look forward to our discussions...or at least hope there will be discussions. I'm just hoping the that people will even come to this page at this point. :-)
~James
The flip side of the things we should not do is that there are things we should: "put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you". We need to make sure our diet is filled with things that help us grow in size and stature. We need energy food. We need to eat in ways that enable healthy growth (Patience..."slow down when you eat"...talk through issues).
Here is the ultimate way of thinking about it: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."
It's the whole "What Would Jesus Do?" aspect in a way. Basically, in view of Christ's life and sacrifice on account of you and I, we need to live as if that is the most important thing. We need to let our lives and language be seasoned with Christ in every aspect of it.
In looking at the intersect of Christ & Culture we need to remember that we have an enemy in Satan who seeks to deceive and divide and he is extremely devious in his schemes. Another class I had during undergrad was one on World Civilizations. The prof had everyone memorize Colossians 2:8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ."
Recently we have seen the rise of Christian groups that are basically seeing & approaching God and the Bible through the lens of their culture. When they don't match up, they opt to adjust their view of God and the Bible. They are questioning THE standard of truth, rather then adjusting their view of the culture. As Christians, we are to view everything...EVERYTHING, though the lens of God and the Bible. When they don't match up, we need to question the culture NOT God.
It's the whole "What Would Jesus Do?" aspect in a way. Basically, in view of Christ's life and sacrifice on account of you and I, we need to live as if that is the most important thing. We need to let our lives and language be seasoned with Christ in every aspect of it.
In looking at the intersect of Christ & Culture we need to remember that we have an enemy in Satan who seeks to deceive and divide and he is extremely devious in his schemes. Another class I had during undergrad was one on World Civilizations. The prof had everyone memorize Colossians 2:8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ."
Recently we have seen the rise of Christian groups that are basically seeing & approaching God and the Bible through the lens of their culture. When they don't match up, they opt to adjust their view of God and the Bible. They are questioning THE standard of truth, rather then adjusting their view of the culture. As Christians, we are to view everything...EVERYTHING, though the lens of God and the Bible. When they don't match up, we need to question the culture NOT God.
Feel free to state your own opinions and to also include articles, links, videos, etc...that you feel add to the discussion. Please make sure that you cite your sites :-)! No Plagiarism! I know there are times when it can be hard to articulately make a point, but that doesn't take away the validity of your perspective...feel free to refer to someone who makes your point in an understandable way.
I look forward to our discussions...or at least hope there will be discussions. I'm just hoping the that people will even come to this page at this point. :-)
~James
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