What is love? Is it a feeling? An emotion? Is it an action? What are the characteristics of love? What does it look like? Where can I find love? Does it come from someone or something else? Or does it come from within me? How does one express love? How can I show love to someone else? How do I know if I am a loving person? What is love? So many questions... are there any answers?
What does the scriptures say about love? Perhaps the best description of love can be found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 which is written as follows:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
At first glance it looks pretty easy, doesn't it? It doesn't look like it would be too hard to do. Well, not quite. Try replacing the words love and it with your own name and re-reading the passage. It would look something like this (put your name in the blanks):
"____ is patient, ____ is kind. ____ does not envy, ____ does not boast, ____ is not proud. ____ does not dishonor others, ____ is not self-seeking, ____ is not easily angered, ____ keeps no record of wrongs. ____ does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ____ always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Now be completely honest with yourself. If you are, you can clearly see that this is something that is way beyond yourself. It's much harder than it looks, if not nearly impossible. Is that it then? Is love so far beyond us that we can't possibly obtain it? Humanly speaking it is. The thing is, we've forgotten who love is. It's clearly not us. So who is love then? God. God is love. Jesus, whose selfless, self-sacrificing death on the cross being the most perfect example of love, is love. So we can put Jesus's name in the blanks. The passage would then look like this:
"Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. Jesus does not envy, Jesus does not boast, Jesus is not proud. Jesus does not dishonor others, Jesus is not self-seeking, Jesus is not easily angered, Jesus keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Jesus always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
No we have a much clearer view of what love is. Love is not a what, but a who. Jesus is love. Without him in your life, you can never experience, nor can you show the kind of love mentioned in this passage. This love is real; this love is true; this love is perfect. This is the kind of love that I want for my life. Do you?
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Speechless
Speechless. Have you ever been speechless? Where you have found words to be so inadequate to describe a situation or how you feel? Where you have stood before God in awe and amazement and the only words you can say - if any at all - is thank you over and over again? That's how I feel right now. Speechless.
I just had an amazing day with an amazing person that God - who is truly amazing - brought into my life. We have only known each other for five weeks, but the experience has been... amazing! It's just... so... incredible the way God works! Truly everything happens for a reason and nothing is random. Well, it may seem random at the time, but it's really all apart of His perfect plan, so it's really not random at all. The events that took place that brought me to meeting this person seemed random, but looking back, I'm beginning to see God's hand in it all. It's just.... wow... so...... incredible and amazing! It's like the puzzle pieces of life are falling into place, and beginning to form a beautiful picture!
What can I say God but thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
I just had an amazing day with an amazing person that God - who is truly amazing - brought into my life. We have only known each other for five weeks, but the experience has been... amazing! It's just... so... incredible the way God works! Truly everything happens for a reason and nothing is random. Well, it may seem random at the time, but it's really all apart of His perfect plan, so it's really not random at all. The events that took place that brought me to meeting this person seemed random, but looking back, I'm beginning to see God's hand in it all. It's just.... wow... so...... incredible and amazing! It's like the puzzle pieces of life are falling into place, and beginning to form a beautiful picture!
What can I say God but thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Identity Crisis
Who or what is my identity? Who or what gives me value? Is it my car? Is it my apartment? Is it my job? Is it how much money is in my checking account? Is it the cloths that I ware? Is it my body? Is it my life? Is it the people in my life? My family? My friends? The church I attend? The bible study that I am apart of?
What do all of the things mentioned above have in common? One thing: they are temporal. These are things that, in a moment, a blink of an eye, can be taken away from you. One moment there, the next, gone. If my identity, my value, was found in one of the things above, what would happen if it was taken away? Where, then, would be my value, my identity? Take a the game of monopoly for example. In the context of the game, the money has value. Its identity is found in the game. But take away the game board and the game pieces. What value does the monopoly money have now? None. Zero. Zip. Ziltch. It has been reduced to nothing more than colored sheets of paper with ink on it.
Our culture is facing an identity crisis. It has placed its value in the things mentioned above, the temporal things. Things that do not last and can quickly vanish. What will happen when these things are gone? Where then will be their value? Many who have experienced the loss of these things have have been absolutely crushed and devastated. Their hopes and dreams gone, dashed on the rocks.
Who or what is my identity? Who or what gives me value? It is none of those things mentioned above. It is not found in something temporal that can be taken from me. My identity, my value, is found in the one who is the rock. The rock that is unshakable, unmovable. The chief cornerstone. Jesus Christ. My savior. My lord. My God.
What do all of the things mentioned above have in common? One thing: they are temporal. These are things that, in a moment, a blink of an eye, can be taken away from you. One moment there, the next, gone. If my identity, my value, was found in one of the things above, what would happen if it was taken away? Where, then, would be my value, my identity? Take a the game of monopoly for example. In the context of the game, the money has value. Its identity is found in the game. But take away the game board and the game pieces. What value does the monopoly money have now? None. Zero. Zip. Ziltch. It has been reduced to nothing more than colored sheets of paper with ink on it.
Our culture is facing an identity crisis. It has placed its value in the things mentioned above, the temporal things. Things that do not last and can quickly vanish. What will happen when these things are gone? Where then will be their value? Many who have experienced the loss of these things have have been absolutely crushed and devastated. Their hopes and dreams gone, dashed on the rocks.
Who or what is my identity? Who or what gives me value? It is none of those things mentioned above. It is not found in something temporal that can be taken from me. My identity, my value, is found in the one who is the rock. The rock that is unshakable, unmovable. The chief cornerstone. Jesus Christ. My savior. My lord. My God.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Potter and His clay
The potter had a clay jar. He loved this clay jar. It was warn and old. It was filled with holes and cracks. It was disfigured and marred and beyond repair. Yet the potter loved this jar. He loved this jar, even though in its present state it was useless to him; it could not serve its purpose. The potter knew what he must do. Though it caused the potter great pain and agony, out of love for the jar, he broke it. He broke it and shattered it to pieces. Despite this, he knew the hardest part was yet to come. He then took new clay and began to shape it. He took fragments of the old pot and worked them into the new clay. Knowing the pain that was to come, he brought the mixture of old and new clay over to the wheel. The wheel spun to life and the potter began shaping the clay with his hands. The fragments and jagged edges of the old pot cut into the potter's hands, causing his blood to flow over the new pot being formed. Though the pain was intense, the potter continued his work, for he loved the pot he was forming out of the fragments of the old jar. So great was the potters love that he did not stop until the new pot was formed exactly how he wanted it. Satisfied with his work, the potter lit up the kiln to and placed the new pot into the fire to burn. After being fired under intense heat, the new jar was ready. The potter took the new jar out of the fire to cool. At last, the jar could be used to serve its purpose, and serve it well. For this new jar, because of the fragments from the old jar, is twice as strong as the old.
Sometimes I feel like that old jar. Worn and old, marred and filled with cracks and holes. It reminds me of my life, how it can become so messed up, jagged, wretched and torn. It reminds me of what I become, because of my sin. Sometimes I feel so messed up. I have knowledge of the scriptures, but it does not travel from my head to my heart. I sometimes feel that if I am not happy, then I must be doing something wrong. I can become angry easily over petty little things. I lust after woman, even though they are my sisters in Christ. I loose my focus on God and chase temporal things. The things I want to do, I do not do; and the very things I don't want to do, I do. I cry out as Paul cries out in Romans 7:24, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"
I confess my sins to God. I confess that I do not want to live my life this way. I confess that I do not have the power to change myself, to clean up my own life. I ask the Lord for change. I ask the Lord that He would make me new. I ask the Lord that he would break me and mold me, and make me into a new creation.
Brokenness. It is not a pleasant experience. It brings you to your knees in tears before a holy God. In those moments, you come to fully grasp just how weak, fragile, frail you are. But it is also in those moments where you come to fully experience just how vast, infinite, unconditional God's love is for you. It is Christ's blood that covers the crimson stains of your sin; cleanses you and makes you into a new creation. You don't have to clean up your own life before coming to him; he is the one who changes your life. Brokenness. It is not a pleasant experience, but a beautiful one.
The fire. Clay does not become pottery until it is placed in the fire. The fire removes the impurities. It binds the elements together; makes them stronger. The trials, the tests, the tribulations we face in life have a similar purpose. They bring to light our hidden faults. They show us how weak and frail we are. But through the trails, if we submit ourselves to God and allow him to work in our lives, if we surrender ourselves to him and ask for his strength, if we fully trust and treasure him, then these trials, these tests, these tribulations will make us stronger.
I love the imagery of the potter and the clay. It reminds me of my sin and imperfections. It reminds me to seek brokenness; that my old life would be broken down to be build into something new. It reminds me how it is by the blood of Jesus through what he did for me on the cross that I am cleansed and made new. It reminds me that there is purpose in the fires, trails, tribulations of life, and that I will ultimately be stronger because of them.
Father, break me and mold me. Make me into a new creation that I may be used for your purposes and for your glory. Father, I confess my sins to you. I know that I am not perfect. My sins are always before you; they are not hidden from your sight. You know my hidden faults. You foreknew every sin that I would ever commit even before I was born; but yet despite this, you still love me. Your love for me is not something I can fully grasp or understand. I do not understand how you could love a sinner like me, but you do. What amazing love! Thank you father! There is truly none like you in all creation. You are the potter. I am the clay. Mold me and make me. Amen.
Sometimes I feel like that old jar. Worn and old, marred and filled with cracks and holes. It reminds me of my life, how it can become so messed up, jagged, wretched and torn. It reminds me of what I become, because of my sin. Sometimes I feel so messed up. I have knowledge of the scriptures, but it does not travel from my head to my heart. I sometimes feel that if I am not happy, then I must be doing something wrong. I can become angry easily over petty little things. I lust after woman, even though they are my sisters in Christ. I loose my focus on God and chase temporal things. The things I want to do, I do not do; and the very things I don't want to do, I do. I cry out as Paul cries out in Romans 7:24, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"
I confess my sins to God. I confess that I do not want to live my life this way. I confess that I do not have the power to change myself, to clean up my own life. I ask the Lord for change. I ask the Lord that He would make me new. I ask the Lord that he would break me and mold me, and make me into a new creation.
Brokenness. It is not a pleasant experience. It brings you to your knees in tears before a holy God. In those moments, you come to fully grasp just how weak, fragile, frail you are. But it is also in those moments where you come to fully experience just how vast, infinite, unconditional God's love is for you. It is Christ's blood that covers the crimson stains of your sin; cleanses you and makes you into a new creation. You don't have to clean up your own life before coming to him; he is the one who changes your life. Brokenness. It is not a pleasant experience, but a beautiful one.
The fire. Clay does not become pottery until it is placed in the fire. The fire removes the impurities. It binds the elements together; makes them stronger. The trials, the tests, the tribulations we face in life have a similar purpose. They bring to light our hidden faults. They show us how weak and frail we are. But through the trails, if we submit ourselves to God and allow him to work in our lives, if we surrender ourselves to him and ask for his strength, if we fully trust and treasure him, then these trials, these tests, these tribulations will make us stronger.
I love the imagery of the potter and the clay. It reminds me of my sin and imperfections. It reminds me to seek brokenness; that my old life would be broken down to be build into something new. It reminds me how it is by the blood of Jesus through what he did for me on the cross that I am cleansed and made new. It reminds me that there is purpose in the fires, trails, tribulations of life, and that I will ultimately be stronger because of them.
Father, break me and mold me. Make me into a new creation that I may be used for your purposes and for your glory. Father, I confess my sins to you. I know that I am not perfect. My sins are always before you; they are not hidden from your sight. You know my hidden faults. You foreknew every sin that I would ever commit even before I was born; but yet despite this, you still love me. Your love for me is not something I can fully grasp or understand. I do not understand how you could love a sinner like me, but you do. What amazing love! Thank you father! There is truly none like you in all creation. You are the potter. I am the clay. Mold me and make me. Amen.
Friday, July 15, 2011
My weakness - God's strengh.
Weakness. The world tells us that we should not be weak. That we should stand tall with our head held high at all times. The world tells us that we must not show weakness. To show weakness, even for a moment, is a sign of failure. The world tells us that weak people will never win at life. If we are week, the world tells us that we must overcome our weakness on our own. We must rise above it by our own boot straps. If we are week, the world tells us that we must hide it. Others must not know that we are weak. The world says they will look down on us. See us as lesser beings. The world says allot of things. But I know the one who is in the world. The one who roams back and forth through it. The one whom is like a lion seeking whom he may devour. The one who comes only to steal, kill and destroy. This beast has a name: Satan. He who is the father of lies.
This worldly view of weakness is in direct contrast to what the bible has to say about weakness. The following is from one of my favorite portions of the bible, 2 Kings 6:8-19 with the focus on verses 15 though 17. The passage is as follows:
8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.
19 Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria.
I often feel like the servant in verse 15. I look out before me and see Satan's vast army surrounding me. From a distance, Satan calls to me. He reminds me of my weaknesses. He reminds me of my sin, of how I often loose my focus on God. I loose my focus on God and his will for my life and seek to do things my own way. He reminds me of how I often seek after my own selfish desires. That instead of using the blessings God has given me and using them for His glory, I use them for my own. He reminds me of how I often feel crushed because of my weakness and frailty. When I am in despair, how I am reduced to tears and fall on my face trembling. He then tells me that there is no hope for me. That I will always feel this way. He tells me that it is futile to fight him, to stand against him. That I am all alone in my struggle. He tells me that I should surrender to him. That he has so much more to offer me. He reminds me of my past and the things I used to chase. The pleasure and the lust that I so dearly held on too. He shows me all the things he has to offer. The wealth, the power, the pleasure, the things in life that I don't have and should strive to obtain. He presses closer; his army draws near. I cry out. Lord! What shale I do?
I hear his answer. It is not far off. It is very near, right next to me. His voice so sweet, so soothing. Clam despite the storm around me. Jesus says to me: "Do not be afraid, for greater are the ones who are with us than those who are with them."
My eyes are opened. I look to the hills and see where my help comes from. I see a vast army of flaming chariots and horses; frighting in their power, majestic in their beauty. My fear leaves me. I wipe the tears from my eyes and stand next to my Lord and Savior. I watch as the giants cower in fear and terror before the armies of the Living God. They trip over themselves in their haste to flee before His presence. I hear Satan's voice over the din, saying he will return. I am not shaken.
I am now beginning to understand what Paul is talking about in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 where Paul talks about the thorn in his flesh. I could ask God to take this weakness from me. This brokenness that brings me to my knees. But why? It is this brokenness that reminds me of my flesh and my frailties. That I cannot make it through this life alone. That I am in need of a Lord and Savior. One who will light up my sky to show me that He is with me. One who gives me strength when I am weak, for His power is made perfect in this weakness. This weakness brings my focus back to God, and I am brought to a place where I realize that when I am week, then I am strong.
Oh Lord, I thank you for this brokenness. That you use it to bring me back to you, when I have lost my focus and my way. Lord, help me keep my focus on you. To use the blessings that you have so richly lavished on me for your glory. To live my life according to your purposes and your will for my life. Lord I thank you that you open my eyes so that I can see you all around me. You are my fortress, my strength. My rock; the chief cornerstone upon which the foundation of my life is laid. Lord, all around me is sinking sand. This world and the things in this world are temporal. They will pass away. But you, oh Lord. You will never fade. In you I place my trust. Amen!
This worldly view of weakness is in direct contrast to what the bible has to say about weakness. The following is from one of my favorite portions of the bible, 2 Kings 6:8-19 with the focus on verses 15 though 17. The passage is as follows:
8 Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”
9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”
12 “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”
13 “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.
15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.
16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
18 As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the LORD, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.
19 Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria.
I often feel like the servant in verse 15. I look out before me and see Satan's vast army surrounding me. From a distance, Satan calls to me. He reminds me of my weaknesses. He reminds me of my sin, of how I often loose my focus on God. I loose my focus on God and his will for my life and seek to do things my own way. He reminds me of how I often seek after my own selfish desires. That instead of using the blessings God has given me and using them for His glory, I use them for my own. He reminds me of how I often feel crushed because of my weakness and frailty. When I am in despair, how I am reduced to tears and fall on my face trembling. He then tells me that there is no hope for me. That I will always feel this way. He tells me that it is futile to fight him, to stand against him. That I am all alone in my struggle. He tells me that I should surrender to him. That he has so much more to offer me. He reminds me of my past and the things I used to chase. The pleasure and the lust that I so dearly held on too. He shows me all the things he has to offer. The wealth, the power, the pleasure, the things in life that I don't have and should strive to obtain. He presses closer; his army draws near. I cry out. Lord! What shale I do?
I hear his answer. It is not far off. It is very near, right next to me. His voice so sweet, so soothing. Clam despite the storm around me. Jesus says to me: "Do not be afraid, for greater are the ones who are with us than those who are with them."
My eyes are opened. I look to the hills and see where my help comes from. I see a vast army of flaming chariots and horses; frighting in their power, majestic in their beauty. My fear leaves me. I wipe the tears from my eyes and stand next to my Lord and Savior. I watch as the giants cower in fear and terror before the armies of the Living God. They trip over themselves in their haste to flee before His presence. I hear Satan's voice over the din, saying he will return. I am not shaken.
I am now beginning to understand what Paul is talking about in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 where Paul talks about the thorn in his flesh. I could ask God to take this weakness from me. This brokenness that brings me to my knees. But why? It is this brokenness that reminds me of my flesh and my frailties. That I cannot make it through this life alone. That I am in need of a Lord and Savior. One who will light up my sky to show me that He is with me. One who gives me strength when I am weak, for His power is made perfect in this weakness. This weakness brings my focus back to God, and I am brought to a place where I realize that when I am week, then I am strong.
Oh Lord, I thank you for this brokenness. That you use it to bring me back to you, when I have lost my focus and my way. Lord, help me keep my focus on you. To use the blessings that you have so richly lavished on me for your glory. To live my life according to your purposes and your will for my life. Lord I thank you that you open my eyes so that I can see you all around me. You are my fortress, my strength. My rock; the chief cornerstone upon which the foundation of my life is laid. Lord, all around me is sinking sand. This world and the things in this world are temporal. They will pass away. But you, oh Lord. You will never fade. In you I place my trust. Amen!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The discovery
One of the things I have been learning allot about recently is to view people - woman in particular - as discoveries and not as interests. Growing up, I struggled with this allot. The only time I would ever hang out with a girl was if I was interested in that person, and as soon as that interest was gone, so was I. But I have learned that this is not the way it should be!
In a sermon given by John Fisher in August 5 of 1973, he describes two principals for relationships between people as they seek to pursue loving one another in the Lord. But before one can understand these principles, one must first understand the standard of love which is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 which goes as follows:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
This is the true standard for love. This is an incredibly hard standard to live by if not impossible for us to do on our own in these bodies. This kind of love is only possible if Jesus is at the center of our lives, living in us.
The first principle mentioned is acceptance. To accept and discover a person for who they are, and not to hold that person up to my own standards of who I think that person ought to be. God created that person for who they are and accepts them and loves them as they are.
Very recently I have been getting to know and discovering a particular individual, and let me tell you, it has been an amazing, indescribable experience! Discovering this person for who they are is like digging for buried treasure, finding it, and uncovering more and more valuable treasure the deeper I dig! It's been like discovering a new music artist that I have never listened to before and loving all of their songs! What an incredible experience! Not only can I accept this individual for who they are, but I am accepted as I am! I can truly be myself! I can be funny, weird, silly, serious... it has just been incredible.
The second principle is commitment. It's that scary word we naturally want to avoid. What almost always seems to happen, and I've experienced this numerous times, is that as you are getting to know someone of the opposite gender better, there comes a point when things get awkward. Feelings start to develop for the other person which may or may not be shared by the other. One begins to wonder if this other person is the one, but what often happens is no communication of one's feelings is shared. One becomes more emotionally involved only to realize the other doesn't share the same feelings. Feelings are crushed, worlds are shattered, and hopes are dashed against the rocks.
There have been a couple times in my life where I have reached that awkward stage in my friendships with woman; where I have developed feelings that were not shared by the other. It was not easy sharing those feelings, but we were able to work things out and continue in our friendships. These friendships have been a huge blessing from God in my life, and I am thankful that we were able to reach an understanding. The key is commitment. Staying committed to the friendship, and communicating my feelings openly and honestly.
Pursuing one another in love - love as defined in God's word - though acceptance and commitment - accepting and discovering the person for who they are; and staying committed to the relationship through the hardships and awkward phases - is the key to having long lasting, meaningful friendships and relationships.
In a sermon given by John Fisher in August 5 of 1973, he describes two principals for relationships between people as they seek to pursue loving one another in the Lord. But before one can understand these principles, one must first understand the standard of love which is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 which goes as follows:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
This is the true standard for love. This is an incredibly hard standard to live by if not impossible for us to do on our own in these bodies. This kind of love is only possible if Jesus is at the center of our lives, living in us.
The first principle mentioned is acceptance. To accept and discover a person for who they are, and not to hold that person up to my own standards of who I think that person ought to be. God created that person for who they are and accepts them and loves them as they are.
Very recently I have been getting to know and discovering a particular individual, and let me tell you, it has been an amazing, indescribable experience! Discovering this person for who they are is like digging for buried treasure, finding it, and uncovering more and more valuable treasure the deeper I dig! It's been like discovering a new music artist that I have never listened to before and loving all of their songs! What an incredible experience! Not only can I accept this individual for who they are, but I am accepted as I am! I can truly be myself! I can be funny, weird, silly, serious... it has just been incredible.
The second principle is commitment. It's that scary word we naturally want to avoid. What almost always seems to happen, and I've experienced this numerous times, is that as you are getting to know someone of the opposite gender better, there comes a point when things get awkward. Feelings start to develop for the other person which may or may not be shared by the other. One begins to wonder if this other person is the one, but what often happens is no communication of one's feelings is shared. One becomes more emotionally involved only to realize the other doesn't share the same feelings. Feelings are crushed, worlds are shattered, and hopes are dashed against the rocks.
There have been a couple times in my life where I have reached that awkward stage in my friendships with woman; where I have developed feelings that were not shared by the other. It was not easy sharing those feelings, but we were able to work things out and continue in our friendships. These friendships have been a huge blessing from God in my life, and I am thankful that we were able to reach an understanding. The key is commitment. Staying committed to the friendship, and communicating my feelings openly and honestly.
Pursuing one another in love - love as defined in God's word - though acceptance and commitment - accepting and discovering the person for who they are; and staying committed to the relationship through the hardships and awkward phases - is the key to having long lasting, meaningful friendships and relationships.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The brevity of life
A six inning shutout, the pitcher was on fire. The next day, struck by a drunk driver; killed. This is a true story. This man, on top of the world one day; the next day, gone. His life, taken away in the blink of an eye.
James 4:13-15: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"
Twenty two years have gone by in a blur. It seems life goes by like trees that I pass by on the express way. Life's a lead foot on the excelerator, causing each day to go by faster than the last. James puts it so well: "You are but a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes". I am but a blip on God's radar screen.
Life is too short to live with regrets. I can honestly look back at my life thus far and say that I have no regrets. I'm not perfect. I know I've made mistakes. I have my fair share of skeletons in the closet. But if I could, I wouldn't change a thing. I see now how the seemingly random events in my life have lead me to where I am now. To change anything about my past, even my mistakes, would certainly effect were I am today. I would not be the man I am today if not for those past events. God has used those events to shape me and mold me, and I pray that He continues to do so. He is the potter, I am the clay. My life is in His awesome, powerful, and capable hands. Life is too short to be lived any other way.
James 4:13-15: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"
Twenty two years have gone by in a blur. It seems life goes by like trees that I pass by on the express way. Life's a lead foot on the excelerator, causing each day to go by faster than the last. James puts it so well: "You are but a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes". I am but a blip on God's radar screen.
Life is too short to live with regrets. I can honestly look back at my life thus far and say that I have no regrets. I'm not perfect. I know I've made mistakes. I have my fair share of skeletons in the closet. But if I could, I wouldn't change a thing. I see now how the seemingly random events in my life have lead me to where I am now. To change anything about my past, even my mistakes, would certainly effect were I am today. I would not be the man I am today if not for those past events. God has used those events to shape me and mold me, and I pray that He continues to do so. He is the potter, I am the clay. My life is in His awesome, powerful, and capable hands. Life is too short to be lived any other way.
Monday, July 11, 2011
My Testimony
I grew up in a Christian family with two loving parents whom I am really grateful for. I went to Church twice every Sunday; I had regularly attended Sunday school; and I had even made profession of faith when I was 16. At that point in my life, I knew Christ as my Savior, but I didn’t know him as Lord. One of my biggest struggles growing up was with lust. From the end of my high school years in 2007 to my early college years this had a real impact on my life; and specifically with my relationships with girls. In those relationships, I selfishly pursued physical pleasure; I was often dishonest about my feelings, and manipulative.
It wasn’t until spring time of 2009 that I started making changes. I had recently gone through a difficult breakup with a girlfriend, and I was telling a friend about it and what she said really struck me. She had said, “Ben, take this time while you are single to grow in your relationship with God.” A few weeks later I was thinking about that, and came to the conclusion that it was time to make a change; time to stop living life my way and to start giving God some control. It hasn’t been an easy road sense then; and over the past two years, I have been challenged in many ways in my walk with Christ. But God has brought me to this place where I have met some truly amazing people who have been such a blessing and an encouragement to me in my life; and for that I am forever thankful.
One of the things that I have been learning recently is that when Jesus died on the Cross, he died to save me from my sins. He died so that my sinful nature would be put to death; and he rose again on the third day so that I may have a new life. Not a life to be lived according to my own selfish desires, but for his will and his plan for my life. Romans 6:1-4 says:
“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
This is what baptism is all about. Putting to death and being cleansed from the old self, and being washed and made new in the new self. A new self with a new life now lived for Christ. And now I proclaim that Jesus is not just the savior of my life, but the Lord of my life.
It wasn’t until spring time of 2009 that I started making changes. I had recently gone through a difficult breakup with a girlfriend, and I was telling a friend about it and what she said really struck me. She had said, “Ben, take this time while you are single to grow in your relationship with God.” A few weeks later I was thinking about that, and came to the conclusion that it was time to make a change; time to stop living life my way and to start giving God some control. It hasn’t been an easy road sense then; and over the past two years, I have been challenged in many ways in my walk with Christ. But God has brought me to this place where I have met some truly amazing people who have been such a blessing and an encouragement to me in my life; and for that I am forever thankful.
One of the things that I have been learning recently is that when Jesus died on the Cross, he died to save me from my sins. He died so that my sinful nature would be put to death; and he rose again on the third day so that I may have a new life. Not a life to be lived according to my own selfish desires, but for his will and his plan for my life. Romans 6:1-4 says:
“What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
This is what baptism is all about. Putting to death and being cleansed from the old self, and being washed and made new in the new self. A new self with a new life now lived for Christ. And now I proclaim that Jesus is not just the savior of my life, but the Lord of my life.
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