"Apparently the greatest form of loneliness isn’t being alone in the desert. It’s being in the presence of someone who knows you a fraction of what they should. Or respects you a fraction of what they should. Or loves you a fraction of what they should."
Follow the Link to the whole article by Pastor Steven Furtick
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Image is everything. Right?
We have all heard the saying "Image is everything." Most would argue that this is a worldly phrase and refers to materialistic concerns. In most cases I would have to agree. I wonder, though, could this also have a biblical basis?
Let's look for a moment at Gen 1:27 which says "So God created human beings in his image...." (TNIV). According to this verse, God has created us in his image. But how many of us can actually say that we are a true image of God? I believe that we all have become sad "photocopies" of a great, amazing image. When people look at Christians, what do they see? Chances are, unfortunately, they see somebody who is judgmental, controlling, very out spoken (not really in a good way), hypocritical, etc. I could go on but I think you get the point. I'm not saying that all Christians are like that, but there are a lot that are and those are the ones that most people see. Not many people see the guy that was in the youth group I used to lead with the piercings, long hair, baggy pants and see a Christian, but he is one of the most faithful people I know.
I recently was in a local Bible book store, buying a gift for someone. While I was in line I was behind a lady who was standing at the counter. The lady was yelling for someone to help her, for someone to come check out. At the top of her lungs she was yelling "Customers!" or "Customer service up front!". This is a store that is usually pretty busy and not many people work at so the people that were working were through out the store helping other customers and getting to other's as quickly as possible. Under her breath, the lady was saying how ridiculous this was and causing quite a scene. I couldn't help but wonder what someone who was a new believer would think if they came in. Maybe they would be there to buy their first Bible and this is one of the first examples of Christian she sees. Is that showing an image of God?
I believe that this is something that all Christians can work on. Myself included. Being a Christian does not mean wearing a suit every Sunday or having a fish emblem on your car. Christians are supposed to be understanding, caring, compassionate, faithful, forgiving, honest, humble people. After all, is that not how our God is, or His son? If we are an image of them, should we not reflect the same attributes. Personally I look for opportunities where I can practice living what I preach. For example, I lost my job recently and the timing could not be worse as I am planning my wedding this summer. But I have faith that God will provide. I make sure that I do not react poorly but instead show my faith. Especially around my non-Christian friends so when they look at me, they see the faith, the understanding of my God.
So I close with this: do you try to accurately reflect the image in which you were created? Or do you think that you could fall into the negative stigma that has been created, if you are completely honest with yourself?
If image is everything, what are you an image of?
Let's look for a moment at Gen 1:27 which says "So God created human beings in his image...." (TNIV). According to this verse, God has created us in his image. But how many of us can actually say that we are a true image of God? I believe that we all have become sad "photocopies" of a great, amazing image. When people look at Christians, what do they see? Chances are, unfortunately, they see somebody who is judgmental, controlling, very out spoken (not really in a good way), hypocritical, etc. I could go on but I think you get the point. I'm not saying that all Christians are like that, but there are a lot that are and those are the ones that most people see. Not many people see the guy that was in the youth group I used to lead with the piercings, long hair, baggy pants and see a Christian, but he is one of the most faithful people I know.
I recently was in a local Bible book store, buying a gift for someone. While I was in line I was behind a lady who was standing at the counter. The lady was yelling for someone to help her, for someone to come check out. At the top of her lungs she was yelling "Customers!" or "Customer service up front!". This is a store that is usually pretty busy and not many people work at so the people that were working were through out the store helping other customers and getting to other's as quickly as possible. Under her breath, the lady was saying how ridiculous this was and causing quite a scene. I couldn't help but wonder what someone who was a new believer would think if they came in. Maybe they would be there to buy their first Bible and this is one of the first examples of Christian she sees. Is that showing an image of God?
I believe that this is something that all Christians can work on. Myself included. Being a Christian does not mean wearing a suit every Sunday or having a fish emblem on your car. Christians are supposed to be understanding, caring, compassionate, faithful, forgiving, honest, humble people. After all, is that not how our God is, or His son? If we are an image of them, should we not reflect the same attributes. Personally I look for opportunities where I can practice living what I preach. For example, I lost my job recently and the timing could not be worse as I am planning my wedding this summer. But I have faith that God will provide. I make sure that I do not react poorly but instead show my faith. Especially around my non-Christian friends so when they look at me, they see the faith, the understanding of my God.
So I close with this: do you try to accurately reflect the image in which you were created? Or do you think that you could fall into the negative stigma that has been created, if you are completely honest with yourself?
If image is everything, what are you an image of?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Care For Creation Book Review
The nice people over at Tribute Books contacted me a couple weeks ago and asked if I would like to do some book reviews for them, and the first one they gave me is Care for Creation by Christy Baldwin.
This is a children's book and being a part time "Manny" has given me the opportunity to test it out first hand. I have to say that initially I had mixed feels about the book.
The information was very thorough and the use of scriptural helped shed light on the the ideas expressed. After reading I felt as if I had learned something new.
On the other hand, it did not keep the attention of the boys very well. It was a bit long, and they seemed to not enjoy it very much. The illustrations were even a tad boring.
That being said I think the area that this book shines in the information. It would be a great resources to help teach from.
Author Bio: Christy Baldwin
Writing has been a passion of Christy's since she was very young. As a child, she loved to write stories for her grandfather and poems just for fun. She lives in Mason, Ohio with her family and is active in church, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and volunteering with various organizations. Christy has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville University and a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Scranton. She is a stay at home mom who enjoys spending time with her kids and being involved in their schools. Her previous children's titles include Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night and Remembering Wilma.
If you wold like to hear more about Tribute Books you can check out their website, Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.
This is a children's book and being a part time "Manny" has given me the opportunity to test it out first hand. I have to say that initially I had mixed feels about the book.
The information was very thorough and the use of scriptural helped shed light on the the ideas expressed. After reading I felt as if I had learned something new.
On the other hand, it did not keep the attention of the boys very well. It was a bit long, and they seemed to not enjoy it very much. The illustrations were even a tad boring.
That being said I think the area that this book shines in the information. It would be a great resources to help teach from.
Author Bio: Christy Baldwin
Writing has been a passion of Christy's since she was very young. As a child, she loved to write stories for her grandfather and poems just for fun. She lives in Mason, Ohio with her family and is active in church, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts and volunteering with various organizations. Christy has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville University and a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Scranton. She is a stay at home mom who enjoys spending time with her kids and being involved in their schools. Her previous children's titles include Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night and Remembering Wilma.
If you wold like to hear more about Tribute Books you can check out their website, Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Is Church Life Stifling Your Creativity? by Donald Miller
"There is a difference between what the the Church wants you to do and what God wants you to do. Do what God wants you to do. Go and create, even as you were made to create."
Read the whole post: Is Church Life Stifling Your Creativity?
Read the whole post: Is Church Life Stifling Your Creativity?
Monday, January 3, 2011
What I Learned In 2010 by Kyle Reynolds
In no particular order, here ya go:
1. I was ridiculously selfish. Lincoln made me realize how much better life is when it's not about me.
2. Bubbles are amazing! Have you seen one lately? Well, they're miraculous! It's funny how the things we take for granted appear awe inspiring to a toddler. It's refreshing to see the world through his eyes.
3. I'm an incredible poker player. No, seriously, I can see into peoples souls. It's scary how good I am. I have no idea how this ability is at all useful to a 32 year old husband, father, and ex-pastor but it's there.
4. The worst feeling in the world might be to feel forgotten.
5. A friend cares how you're doing. Need to pursue friendships that are two-sided and healthy.
6. I really like to cook for people. Epic sushi nights are really rewarding for me.
7. A great band, speaker, people, and food can't grow a church. Only God can grow a church. That used to be a cliche I would nod my head to but not really believe. Now I believe it.
8. God is sovereign. He does what he wants. Sometimes he says, "No." I fear him more now than I used to.
9. Churches should look more like pubs. Think about it. The pub is the only place in the world you can confess your worst mistake. You know the ugly mistake that was all your fault? Inevitably, someone will put their arm around you and buy you a beer. Acceptance. Pure and simple. The church could learn a lot from a pub.
10. Handy Manny may or may not be a cartoon about a hardware store fronting for a meth lab and a womanizing drug dealer. Talking tools and Kelly always has bags under her eyes? Just sayin.
10. I'm awkwardly introspective for a dude.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)