1 Corinthians 7 (New Living Translation)
Instruction on Marriage
1 Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to live a celibate life.[a] 2 But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.
3 The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. 4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.
5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 I say this as a concession, not as a command. 7 But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. But God gives to some the gift of marriage, and to others the gift of singleness.
8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. 9 But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust.
32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife.
If the polygamy issue tweaks your interest, 1Corinthians 7 likely speaks at greatest length of any scripture with regards to marriage. I encourage you to read the whole chapter. I wasn't going to develop this any further, but a friend of mine on Facebook made a comment referring to people who are filled with the Holy Spirit. My last post had absolutely nothing do to do with Jesus, so I felt it appropriate to look at the issue of marriage among those who have been joined to Christ.
In this part of his letter, Paul is addressing a questions that was asked of him. It would be interesting to know what that question was exactly. Wouldn't it? He begins his answer by saying that it is good to live a celibate life. The primary reason for remaining celibate would seem to be because 'an unmarried person can spend their time doing The Lord's work and thinking about how to please Jesus.'vs 32.
If the Spirit of Christ doesn't live in you, then I guess I don't expect you to be concerned with doing 'the Lord's work.'
Married Christians aren't completely free to pursue their calling because they have to think about their earthly responsibilities to their spouse. vs.33 It's not that marriage is a sin. Thank God for that. For those of us who are single, it's better to stay single unless we are unable to control ourselves. vs. 8,9 It's better to be honest with ourselves than it is to intentionally live a celibate life. If we can't control our urges, it's better to find a spouse than to have your mug on the 6:00pm news for sexual charges. It happens. Doesn't it?
If your flesh dominates your life to the point where one mate isn't enough for you, I'm very sorry, but I'm not going to shake your hand and tell you that I'm fine with it. If any of you were to have more than one spouse, what I can definitively say it this-
You aren't all that concerned about doing The Lord's work. Are you? If our interests are divided between Jesus and our spouse, how much more so if we have more than one?
As for me, I have one wife. I'm told that my body no longer belongs to me, but to my wife. vs. 4 Even if she said that she would allow me to have another wife, I wouldn't. Just because your wife says it's ok to have another partner, doesn't mean it's a good idea. It didn't work very well for Abraham. Did it? By the way. I asked my wife and she said no. So it's no.
Basically - if you need even one wife (or husband) - you're weak. If you need two, I guess that makes you pathetic.
Have a nice day.
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Why I am Against Polygamy
As I start this entry, I remember back to a time that doesn’t seem too long ago. I think on when same sex marriage was being debated both in the courts and in the political sector. I really wish that I had saved some of the articles I was reading at the time. I remember opponents of same sex marriage claiming that if it were to be accepted, that it would open the door for other sexual practices that were then forbidden; practices such as polygamy for example. The responses that I recall hearing went something like this;
‘That’s crazy. This has nothing to do with bestiality or polygamy. How does this have anything to do with those issues? This won’t open the door for anything.’
Well, we still can’t have sex with Fido, but polygamy certainly has entered the arena of public debate, and I present to you that it likely won’t go away until it is decriminalized. To be honest, I have no idea of why a secularish government wouldn’t allow us to have intercourse with our livestock. In fact, if there is no God, is anything wrong with anything?
Polygamy is a little thornier for Christians than practicing sodomy or bestiality since many of the Old Testament men of faith had more than one wife. I can’t back it up, but it seems to me that polygamy wasn’t so much as a thing that God approved of, but rather something that He tolerated. In the days since Christ, having more than one wife excludes one from assuming the office of elder within the church. I won’t give you the references for that. Do your own legwork.
I have to be honest with you. It’s not that I have been openly accused of being a poor husband or a bad father. However, those are two roles in my life where I never feel like I quite give what is deserved. Last week I went for a date with my wife and we had a wonderful evening together. Whenever we get the chance to get away, we always remark at how we really should get away like that more often. Likewise, I really don’t find that I have sufficient time in this life for each of my children. In the summer, I make a point to have one date night with each of my kids individually and it’s difficult to find even the time for that.
All things being equal, if I were to have another wife and children, all of my available resources are immediately cut in half. If I manage to have even one night a month to get away with a wife, each wife will only have me once every two months. I’m sure the time can be divided equally, but even if it is, it’s half of what would be available to begin with.
For those of you who are husbands, do you really find that you have been there for your wife and children as much as you needed to be? Really now. Could you honestly tell me that you have been all that a father and all that a husband should be?
How about those of you who are wives? How many of you can honestly say the following?
‘My husband spends more time with me and the children than he should.’
‘I was so happy to find out that my husband has another woman to have sex with.’
My wife says that she hasn’t known anyone to have those kinds of complaints. In my own observations, it is FAR more common to hear things such as these,
“I wish he had more time for our family. “
“He spends so much time away at work.”
I know that my opinion doesn’t count for much, because my beliefs affect my opinions, but if the courts ever call me up and ask, I’ll link them to this post.
PS I asked my oldest son if he wants me to have another wife and other children. He said no.
‘That’s crazy. This has nothing to do with bestiality or polygamy. How does this have anything to do with those issues? This won’t open the door for anything.’
Well, we still can’t have sex with Fido, but polygamy certainly has entered the arena of public debate, and I present to you that it likely won’t go away until it is decriminalized. To be honest, I have no idea of why a secularish government wouldn’t allow us to have intercourse with our livestock. In fact, if there is no God, is anything wrong with anything?
Polygamy is a little thornier for Christians than practicing sodomy or bestiality since many of the Old Testament men of faith had more than one wife. I can’t back it up, but it seems to me that polygamy wasn’t so much as a thing that God approved of, but rather something that He tolerated. In the days since Christ, having more than one wife excludes one from assuming the office of elder within the church. I won’t give you the references for that. Do your own legwork.
I have to be honest with you. It’s not that I have been openly accused of being a poor husband or a bad father. However, those are two roles in my life where I never feel like I quite give what is deserved. Last week I went for a date with my wife and we had a wonderful evening together. Whenever we get the chance to get away, we always remark at how we really should get away like that more often. Likewise, I really don’t find that I have sufficient time in this life for each of my children. In the summer, I make a point to have one date night with each of my kids individually and it’s difficult to find even the time for that.
All things being equal, if I were to have another wife and children, all of my available resources are immediately cut in half. If I manage to have even one night a month to get away with a wife, each wife will only have me once every two months. I’m sure the time can be divided equally, but even if it is, it’s half of what would be available to begin with.
For those of you who are husbands, do you really find that you have been there for your wife and children as much as you needed to be? Really now. Could you honestly tell me that you have been all that a father and all that a husband should be?
How about those of you who are wives? How many of you can honestly say the following?
‘My husband spends more time with me and the children than he should.’
‘I was so happy to find out that my husband has another woman to have sex with.’
My wife says that she hasn’t known anyone to have those kinds of complaints. In my own observations, it is FAR more common to hear things such as these,
“I wish he had more time for our family. “
“He spends so much time away at work.”
I know that my opinion doesn’t count for much, because my beliefs affect my opinions, but if the courts ever call me up and ask, I’ll link them to this post.
PS I asked my oldest son if he wants me to have another wife and other children. He said no.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Can it be this simple?
You know, since becoming a believer, I have always believed the words of Jesus as found in the Gospel’s. Now I even have more reason to do so. You see, about two thousand years ago he said something like this;
23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.
26 “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! 27 For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man[e] comes. 28 Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.” Matthew 24
As Christians, we’re always looking for the Anti-Christ as if it’s kind of like a murder mystery where we need to look at clues and ask ourselves, “Is this the guy?” Jesus told us that other people would come claiming to be the Messiah, but we are often looking, not for AN anti-Christ, but THE anti-Christ.
There have been people throughout the ages who have been against Christ, but a friend of mine sent me an interesting video this morning of a guy who claims to be the other Jesus.
I’ve got to admit, I never anticipated THE anti-Christ to be so
forthcoming. I mean, we’re told that his number would be 666, (Rev 13:17-18) but I always figured that it would be some kind of riddle that we would have to figure out. Apparently he does some sort of miracle work, like we were told. He even proudly carries the whole 666 number.
What do you think? Do you think that he is THE anti-Christ or just one among many? Part of me wants this to be the guy. I mean, if the scriptures have made it this painfully obvious, that’s a glory halleluiah moment. How wonderful it would be if the lines really have been made this perfectly clear. It can’t be that simple can it? He isn’t even pretending to be the same Jesus. That would at least leave room for some guess work, but he has set himself against Jesus Christ. I guess that’s the point though isn’t it? He wouldn’t be much of an anti-Christ if he was pretending to play on the same team.
There are two possibilities; either he is The anti-Christ or one of many. If this is the man, then our world will find its conclusion within his lifetime. If that’s the case, I guess I don’t have to worry about growing old since he looks like he has a few years on me. If he’s just one among many, I guess the search continues. Obama anyone?
The guy says that Jesus isn’t coming back on the clouds like He told us. I don’t know about you, but if Jesus had this guy pegged nearly 2000 years ago, I’m going with Jesus of Nazareth. My weatherman can’t even accurately predict the rain for the next day. If Jesus of Nazareth could see 2000 years ahead, that’s the Jesus I’m sticking with.
If you have your doubts about the Jesus who died on the cross for your sins, don’t you ever wonder why there aren’t any alternative Muhammads? Don’t you ever wonder why you can visit the final resting place of every other major world leader, but the Man who divided history can’t be found? Don't you notice how people complain about televangelists who ask for money, but this guy isn't accused of fleecing people whatsoever. It's almost as if his financial success is portrayed as a good thing. Don't you see anything odd here?
I’m not here to convince you. You’ll meet the ultimate end of your choosing. Choose well.
23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.
26 “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it! 27 For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man[e] comes. 28 Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.” Matthew 24
As Christians, we’re always looking for the Anti-Christ as if it’s kind of like a murder mystery where we need to look at clues and ask ourselves, “Is this the guy?” Jesus told us that other people would come claiming to be the Messiah, but we are often looking, not for AN anti-Christ, but THE anti-Christ.
There have been people throughout the ages who have been against Christ, but a friend of mine sent me an interesting video this morning of a guy who claims to be the other Jesus.
I’ve got to admit, I never anticipated THE anti-Christ to be so
forthcoming. I mean, we’re told that his number would be 666, (Rev 13:17-18) but I always figured that it would be some kind of riddle that we would have to figure out. Apparently he does some sort of miracle work, like we were told. He even proudly carries the whole 666 number.
What do you think? Do you think that he is THE anti-Christ or just one among many? Part of me wants this to be the guy. I mean, if the scriptures have made it this painfully obvious, that’s a glory halleluiah moment. How wonderful it would be if the lines really have been made this perfectly clear. It can’t be that simple can it? He isn’t even pretending to be the same Jesus. That would at least leave room for some guess work, but he has set himself against Jesus Christ. I guess that’s the point though isn’t it? He wouldn’t be much of an anti-Christ if he was pretending to play on the same team.
There are two possibilities; either he is The anti-Christ or one of many. If this is the man, then our world will find its conclusion within his lifetime. If that’s the case, I guess I don’t have to worry about growing old since he looks like he has a few years on me. If he’s just one among many, I guess the search continues. Obama anyone?
The guy says that Jesus isn’t coming back on the clouds like He told us. I don’t know about you, but if Jesus had this guy pegged nearly 2000 years ago, I’m going with Jesus of Nazareth. My weatherman can’t even accurately predict the rain for the next day. If Jesus of Nazareth could see 2000 years ahead, that’s the Jesus I’m sticking with.
If you have your doubts about the Jesus who died on the cross for your sins, don’t you ever wonder why there aren’t any alternative Muhammads? Don’t you ever wonder why you can visit the final resting place of every other major world leader, but the Man who divided history can’t be found? Don't you notice how people complain about televangelists who ask for money, but this guy isn't accused of fleecing people whatsoever. It's almost as if his financial success is portrayed as a good thing. Don't you see anything odd here?
I’m not here to convince you. You’ll meet the ultimate end of your choosing. Choose well.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
I Just Don't Know
This afternoon, I read a blog post about youth groups. I have to admit, it has caused me to reflect on my life a great deal. The post asks the question, “Does youth group ruin teens?”
Shortly after having received Christ, my wife and I were led into what many people refer to as youth ministry. So I wonder, did our youth group ruin the lives of those who were a part of it? I don’t know for sure. The truth is, whenever I read articles from people who talk about what youth ministry or what the church should look like, I always walk away rather discouraged, because I really don’t know much about anything.
As much as I’ve tried, I don’t know the proper procedure for making disciples. I don’t even know how to disciple disciples. And even when I have it explained to me by someone who knows how to make a convert, it doesn’t stick. So whenever I reflect on my journey with Jesus, I tend to wonder what it was all for. I’m sure you make a disciple or two every week. Perhaps we should hang out.
My success as a would be youth pastor is questionable at best, so it’s not like you should take my words and use them as a basis for your own ministry, but here are the only things that I ever claimed to know about being used of God.
1. Love those whom God has entrusted into your care.
2. Share The Word with those who want to listen.
3. Pray for those whom God has entrusted into your care.
These are the things that I resolved to do. Whether or not these are acceptable, who knows for sure? I never regret my time with the young people of St. Paul's. In fact, I miss them dearly. Whether successful or not, I don't believe that love is ever a mistake. Being there when someone needs you might not make for a good program, but it has to be part of a faithful walk. Does it not?
Shortly after having received Christ, my wife and I were led into what many people refer to as youth ministry. So I wonder, did our youth group ruin the lives of those who were a part of it? I don’t know for sure. The truth is, whenever I read articles from people who talk about what youth ministry or what the church should look like, I always walk away rather discouraged, because I really don’t know much about anything.
As much as I’ve tried, I don’t know the proper procedure for making disciples. I don’t even know how to disciple disciples. And even when I have it explained to me by someone who knows how to make a convert, it doesn’t stick. So whenever I reflect on my journey with Jesus, I tend to wonder what it was all for. I’m sure you make a disciple or two every week. Perhaps we should hang out.
My success as a would be youth pastor is questionable at best, so it’s not like you should take my words and use them as a basis for your own ministry, but here are the only things that I ever claimed to know about being used of God.
1. Love those whom God has entrusted into your care.
2. Share The Word with those who want to listen.
3. Pray for those whom God has entrusted into your care.
These are the things that I resolved to do. Whether or not these are acceptable, who knows for sure? I never regret my time with the young people of St. Paul's. In fact, I miss them dearly. Whether successful or not, I don't believe that love is ever a mistake. Being there when someone needs you might not make for a good program, but it has to be part of a faithful walk. Does it not?
Sunday, November 21, 2010
How to Find A Man.
A little while ago, I was asked if I had any advice for ‘young women’ as they consider finding a husband. In my mind, even though men are different creatures, the same principles govern each gender. However, we all view truth as it relates to our own context, so I’m going to take a shot at this from a female perspective.
Treading carefully.
As I consider finding a spouse, I really wouldn’t want to be ‘in the market’. I really believe that love is growing cold and that even for the few who really are looking or authentic love, the pickings are slim. Even individuals who are in the search having a good head on their shoulders get burned, because there are fewer and fewer people who want to be committed in a way that husbands and wives are meant to be.
I don’t have any stats at my disposal, but people seem to be getting married later in life. When I was in my early twenties, my friends started dropping off like flies. Getting married after university just seemed to be the thing to do. It seems that marriage, for most people is like a prison sentence and the only way to escape it, is to remain single. I often hear the phrase, ‘settling down’ as being used in reference to marriage.
I say that, because I don’t want anyone to be surprised if they find someone who might be ‘the one’, but when it gets serious, they walk. In other words, don’t be surprised if you get burned. The person you find might be more deceptive than you think. The one who wants to hold your hand might tell you things that you want to hear and he might even believe himself when he says,
“I’ll never leave you.”
“I’ll always be there for you.”
“Leaving you would be the biggest mistake of my life.”
Just because they tell you those things doesn’t mean that they are true. I don’t want you to be cynical to the point where you aren’t able to enjoy how wonderful it can be to fall in love. I would like however if you would have the mind of Christ when it comes to the person who has caught your attention.
John 2:23-25 (New Living Translation)
Jesus and Nicodemus
23 Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. 24 But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. 25 No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.
This passage wasn’t written for us as a roadmap to finding the perfect mate, but we see in Him an attitude that can help us protect our heart. Jesus has a lot of people following him. By wordly standards, that would be a good thing. In the world, we value how many people buy our cd’s, watch our movies or follow us on Twitter. We use those as marks for success in a way. However, Jesus didn’t look at His huge Facebook following as an accomplishment. Even though they were with Him, even though they shook His hand and told him how much they liked His sermons, even though they packed the theatre to watch The Passion of The Christ, we’re told that they didn’t trust them, because He knew human nature.
I don’t want you to live being unable to trust, but I also hope that you have a decent grasp on human nature. Don't be deceived into thinking that this person can do no wrong. Just because he’s your biggest fan, just because he buys you flowers, just because he picks you up and takes you out for dinner, doesn’t mean that he actually cares for you. He might merely be in it for what he hopes to get for himself.
Dating tends to be one of the greatest deceptions played out in humanity. When a guy is ‘after you’, he’ll do things for you now that he might not do later in life. I don’t want you to place much value on the things that he is doing for you now. A lot of times, the flowers, the date nights, the wining and dining dry up once you’re married. Sadly, it often plays out as if you are a prize, and once you have been ‘won’, there is little need to maintain the facade.
Again, I don’t want you to be cynical to the point where you can’t enjoy life. What I hope that you are able to do is this; Try to envision what life will be like if he stops doing nice things for you. What is left? Imagine what it would be like if that butterfly feeling in your stomach were to subside? Is there anything left which is admirable about him? What will life with him be like when he’s gone all day long and you’re ‘stuck’ with a newborn and a teething toddler?
Love isn’t that feeling you get when he kisses you for the first few times. Love isn’t when he takes you out on a date. Love isn’t how he looks or how he smells. Love has more to do with what remains after everything else is stripped away, when the feeling is gone and the flowers stop coming.
Treading carefully.
As I consider finding a spouse, I really wouldn’t want to be ‘in the market’. I really believe that love is growing cold and that even for the few who really are looking or authentic love, the pickings are slim. Even individuals who are in the search having a good head on their shoulders get burned, because there are fewer and fewer people who want to be committed in a way that husbands and wives are meant to be.
I don’t have any stats at my disposal, but people seem to be getting married later in life. When I was in my early twenties, my friends started dropping off like flies. Getting married after university just seemed to be the thing to do. It seems that marriage, for most people is like a prison sentence and the only way to escape it, is to remain single. I often hear the phrase, ‘settling down’ as being used in reference to marriage.
I say that, because I don’t want anyone to be surprised if they find someone who might be ‘the one’, but when it gets serious, they walk. In other words, don’t be surprised if you get burned. The person you find might be more deceptive than you think. The one who wants to hold your hand might tell you things that you want to hear and he might even believe himself when he says,
“I’ll never leave you.”
“I’ll always be there for you.”
“Leaving you would be the biggest mistake of my life.”
Just because they tell you those things doesn’t mean that they are true. I don’t want you to be cynical to the point where you aren’t able to enjoy how wonderful it can be to fall in love. I would like however if you would have the mind of Christ when it comes to the person who has caught your attention.
John 2:23-25 (New Living Translation)
Jesus and Nicodemus
23 Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. 24 But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. 25 No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like.
This passage wasn’t written for us as a roadmap to finding the perfect mate, but we see in Him an attitude that can help us protect our heart. Jesus has a lot of people following him. By wordly standards, that would be a good thing. In the world, we value how many people buy our cd’s, watch our movies or follow us on Twitter. We use those as marks for success in a way. However, Jesus didn’t look at His huge Facebook following as an accomplishment. Even though they were with Him, even though they shook His hand and told him how much they liked His sermons, even though they packed the theatre to watch The Passion of The Christ, we’re told that they didn’t trust them, because He knew human nature.
I don’t want you to live being unable to trust, but I also hope that you have a decent grasp on human nature. Don't be deceived into thinking that this person can do no wrong. Just because he’s your biggest fan, just because he buys you flowers, just because he picks you up and takes you out for dinner, doesn’t mean that he actually cares for you. He might merely be in it for what he hopes to get for himself.
Dating tends to be one of the greatest deceptions played out in humanity. When a guy is ‘after you’, he’ll do things for you now that he might not do later in life. I don’t want you to place much value on the things that he is doing for you now. A lot of times, the flowers, the date nights, the wining and dining dry up once you’re married. Sadly, it often plays out as if you are a prize, and once you have been ‘won’, there is little need to maintain the facade.
Again, I don’t want you to be cynical to the point where you can’t enjoy life. What I hope that you are able to do is this; Try to envision what life will be like if he stops doing nice things for you. What is left? Imagine what it would be like if that butterfly feeling in your stomach were to subside? Is there anything left which is admirable about him? What will life with him be like when he’s gone all day long and you’re ‘stuck’ with a newborn and a teething toddler?
Love isn’t that feeling you get when he kisses you for the first few times. Love isn’t when he takes you out on a date. Love isn’t how he looks or how he smells. Love has more to do with what remains after everything else is stripped away, when the feeling is gone and the flowers stop coming.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Morale on the Job
I have a confession that might rock your world. Are you ready? Here it is.
I’m not entirely Blue Collar.
******gasp******
You see, I’ve really been in management since I was 18. Growing up on our family tobacco farm, I was responsible for our employees while still in High School because my dad was driving truck full time. After university, I continued on as plant manager for our sawmill.
In my first couple of years at The Mufflerman, I shed my managerial responsibilities as I started out as an apprentice mechanic. That period was short lived when I soon assumed the position of assistant manager. I often feel as if I’m stuck between two worlds – being responsible enough to be entrusted with a certain amount of responsibility, but I maintain a fond affinity for manual labour.
In my time, I have worked with so many individuals who hate their job. If you ever find yourself in such a place, I have encouraging news. Chances are, your employer wants exactly the same thing that you want; for you to move on. They probably want you to work somewhere else, but don’t have sufficient legal grounds to give you the boot.
In my 20 years in the workforce, from management’s perspective, I can count on one hand the number of people who have left their job where it was actually a surprise. In fact, at the moment, I can only think of one.
Ecclesiastes 3:22
So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot.
I often ponder what causes a person to enjoy their work. I have watched people whine and complain in order to get a raise, only to find their morale dip even lower a few weeks after getting it. I’ve watched people bounce from job to job, being just as dissatisfied with each career. It makes you think that perhaps, the job wasn’t the problem after all.
There is such a thing as being misplaced in one’s career. However, I tend to believe that being able to enjoy one’s work has more to do with having a right heart before God, and that when we walk with Him, we can endure whatever task lies before us; even slavery. Yes. I said slavery. No. I’m not advocating slavery. I’m saying that even a slave can experience the fullness of Christ. I believe that people who work at Tim Horton’s can experience life to the full and even find enjoyment in what they do.
If you hate your job, have you ever considered the possibility that the problem isn’t so much with your boss, your pay or your duties?
Whatever you are doing, I hope that you are able to enjoy your daily tasks. If you don’t, I want you to consider two possibilities.
1 There is a better job out there for you. In which case, you need to go find it.
2 Or this is about as good as it gets for the moment. I which case, be thankful and put on a smile before they terminate you for being a drain on morale.
Remember. Think happy thoughts.
I’m not entirely Blue Collar.
******gasp******
You see, I’ve really been in management since I was 18. Growing up on our family tobacco farm, I was responsible for our employees while still in High School because my dad was driving truck full time. After university, I continued on as plant manager for our sawmill.
In my first couple of years at The Mufflerman, I shed my managerial responsibilities as I started out as an apprentice mechanic. That period was short lived when I soon assumed the position of assistant manager. I often feel as if I’m stuck between two worlds – being responsible enough to be entrusted with a certain amount of responsibility, but I maintain a fond affinity for manual labour.
In my time, I have worked with so many individuals who hate their job. If you ever find yourself in such a place, I have encouraging news. Chances are, your employer wants exactly the same thing that you want; for you to move on. They probably want you to work somewhere else, but don’t have sufficient legal grounds to give you the boot.
In my 20 years in the workforce, from management’s perspective, I can count on one hand the number of people who have left their job where it was actually a surprise. In fact, at the moment, I can only think of one.
Ecclesiastes 3:22
So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot.
I often ponder what causes a person to enjoy their work. I have watched people whine and complain in order to get a raise, only to find their morale dip even lower a few weeks after getting it. I’ve watched people bounce from job to job, being just as dissatisfied with each career. It makes you think that perhaps, the job wasn’t the problem after all.
There is such a thing as being misplaced in one’s career. However, I tend to believe that being able to enjoy one’s work has more to do with having a right heart before God, and that when we walk with Him, we can endure whatever task lies before us; even slavery. Yes. I said slavery. No. I’m not advocating slavery. I’m saying that even a slave can experience the fullness of Christ. I believe that people who work at Tim Horton’s can experience life to the full and even find enjoyment in what they do.
If you hate your job, have you ever considered the possibility that the problem isn’t so much with your boss, your pay or your duties?
Whatever you are doing, I hope that you are able to enjoy your daily tasks. If you don’t, I want you to consider two possibilities.
1 There is a better job out there for you. In which case, you need to go find it.
2 Or this is about as good as it gets for the moment. I which case, be thankful and put on a smile before they terminate you for being a drain on morale.
Remember. Think happy thoughts.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
My Heart's Cry (The Hunting Report)
As most of you already know, I’m back home from my hunting trip up north. No, I didn’t catch anything, even though I shot at one poor deer. I didn’t draw any blood, but I sure scared the daylights out of him. You had envisioned me as being some great natural born killer didn’t you? I’m sorry to be such a disappointment.
The highlight for me was on my second day. We had just finished our morning drive at around 1:00pm and the guys were all headed to their own hunting spots. I don’t like it when I have to find something for myself to do. I much prefer to have someone tell me, “Kevin – you sit here and shoot anything that comes near you.” Or “Kevin – I want you to walk West North West until you reach the Watergglass ridge. Holler every few minutes so we know where you are and answer on the radio if we give you a call.”
Now that I have my own GPS and have much of our territory mapped out, I can normally navigate wherever I need to go. What I can’t do is think for myself. I mean, other hunting types seem to think that they know where the deer are, where the deer are going to be and where they need to wait in order to intercept them. Even though I’ve been hunting for over 20 years, I just haven’t developed that sort of intuition. Perhaps another 20 years or so might do it.
So I’m standing with the guys, and my dad isn't there to tell me what to do. There is another guy who often helps me named Steve, but he isn't there either. Ed is heading over to the white pail. Phil is going to sit on the bald rock. ‘What are you going to do Kevin?’
Oh no. What do I say? Where can I possibly go that will sound intelligent enough? Where can I go that won’t give away the fact that I have absolutely no idea where I should be?
“I’m going to walk out towards the blue trail, heading back through what we used to call the Waterglass drive. Maybe I’ll push something out to my dad.”
It worked. It sounded like it made sense. At least the guys seemed to be ok with it. It was much better than saying, “I think I’ll find a stump somewhere off of the trail and wait for the sun to go down.”
So I walk west for a few minutes and head north. On the way, I soon discovered that the beavers had damned up much of the area, which made my journey difficult. After having crossed the beaver damn, it seemed like a good time to sit down, eat my chocolate bar and have a pop.
It was a gorgeous day. The air was still, which allowed the surface of the beaver pond to appear as a dark mirror for the horizon. The sun cast a comfortably warm stare as I sat enjoying my afternoon snack. I had been reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians the night before and his thoughts became my own;
“For me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” Philippians 1:21
In that moment, I came to recognize my heart’s desire. If I live, I want to continue to be used of God. Otherwise, I just want to go home to be with Jesus. So I asked Him to honour just that. I told Him that if He doesn’t intend to use me for His glory anymore, that I would rather not leave that place alive. The gang knew where I was headed, so they should be able to find my body.
I’ve been in this place many times before. (Not the damn. I mean the attitude.) I have to believe that my prayer is the kind of prayer that He would honour. I have to believe, that since I am alive and back here in Pt. Burwell, that He still has good and productive work for me to do. I have to believe that. I can’t accept that my days might be spent doing little more than building an RRSP, eating food, being entertained and dying.
I don’t know what you want your life to count for. If you like my blogs, I prefer to think that you want your life to make some type of contribution to the Kingdom. I mean, if you’re the type who just wants to make money, drive a truck, champion a cause, eat exotic foods, go on vacations, listen to music and watch movies, why on earth would you connect with what I have to say?
I know I haven’t been perfect. I’ve given my share of bad advice over the years. Most of you have lived through it. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I don’t know how much I’ll be here in blog world. I had a pastor guy tell me that I needed to set a deadline to get my manuscript edited. Since he is a paid pastor, I suppose I should listen to him. If he wasn’t a paid pastor, but just a volunteer, I could discount what he says, but he’s full time now, so it sticks. I’m going to make a conscious effort of have my book edited by the new year, even if that means letting go of some other areas.
The highlight for me was on my second day. We had just finished our morning drive at around 1:00pm and the guys were all headed to their own hunting spots. I don’t like it when I have to find something for myself to do. I much prefer to have someone tell me, “Kevin – you sit here and shoot anything that comes near you.” Or “Kevin – I want you to walk West North West until you reach the Watergglass ridge. Holler every few minutes so we know where you are and answer on the radio if we give you a call.”
Now that I have my own GPS and have much of our territory mapped out, I can normally navigate wherever I need to go. What I can’t do is think for myself. I mean, other hunting types seem to think that they know where the deer are, where the deer are going to be and where they need to wait in order to intercept them. Even though I’ve been hunting for over 20 years, I just haven’t developed that sort of intuition. Perhaps another 20 years or so might do it.
So I’m standing with the guys, and my dad isn't there to tell me what to do. There is another guy who often helps me named Steve, but he isn't there either. Ed is heading over to the white pail. Phil is going to sit on the bald rock. ‘What are you going to do Kevin?’
Oh no. What do I say? Where can I possibly go that will sound intelligent enough? Where can I go that won’t give away the fact that I have absolutely no idea where I should be?
“I’m going to walk out towards the blue trail, heading back through what we used to call the Waterglass drive. Maybe I’ll push something out to my dad.”
It worked. It sounded like it made sense. At least the guys seemed to be ok with it. It was much better than saying, “I think I’ll find a stump somewhere off of the trail and wait for the sun to go down.”
So I walk west for a few minutes and head north. On the way, I soon discovered that the beavers had damned up much of the area, which made my journey difficult. After having crossed the beaver damn, it seemed like a good time to sit down, eat my chocolate bar and have a pop.
It was a gorgeous day. The air was still, which allowed the surface of the beaver pond to appear as a dark mirror for the horizon. The sun cast a comfortably warm stare as I sat enjoying my afternoon snack. I had been reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians the night before and his thoughts became my own;
“For me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” Philippians 1:21
In that moment, I came to recognize my heart’s desire. If I live, I want to continue to be used of God. Otherwise, I just want to go home to be with Jesus. So I asked Him to honour just that. I told Him that if He doesn’t intend to use me for His glory anymore, that I would rather not leave that place alive. The gang knew where I was headed, so they should be able to find my body.
I’ve been in this place many times before. (Not the damn. I mean the attitude.) I have to believe that my prayer is the kind of prayer that He would honour. I have to believe, that since I am alive and back here in Pt. Burwell, that He still has good and productive work for me to do. I have to believe that. I can’t accept that my days might be spent doing little more than building an RRSP, eating food, being entertained and dying.
I don’t know what you want your life to count for. If you like my blogs, I prefer to think that you want your life to make some type of contribution to the Kingdom. I mean, if you’re the type who just wants to make money, drive a truck, champion a cause, eat exotic foods, go on vacations, listen to music and watch movies, why on earth would you connect with what I have to say?
I know I haven’t been perfect. I’ve given my share of bad advice over the years. Most of you have lived through it. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I don’t know how much I’ll be here in blog world. I had a pastor guy tell me that I needed to set a deadline to get my manuscript edited. Since he is a paid pastor, I suppose I should listen to him. If he wasn’t a paid pastor, but just a volunteer, I could discount what he says, but he’s full time now, so it sticks. I’m going to make a conscious effort of have my book edited by the new year, even if that means letting go of some other areas.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Accepting Criticism
How well do you handle criticism? As for me, I really don’t handle it very well. When I come in contact with anyone who is critical of what I say or do, I tend to curl up in a little ball and have a pity party. If the criticism comes from someone who is more ‘conservative’ than I am, I grumble to myself and complain about what legalist they are. If the criticism comes from someone who is more ‘liberal’ than I am, I just get upset and try to reassure myself in that they are likely going to hell anyway.
How about you? Before I went up north hunting last week, I read a story about a lady whose son dressed up as a girl for Halloween. That would likely have went over alright in a public school setting, but her son happened to go to a Christian school. A few mom’s at the school expressed ‘concern’ over her son’s choice in costumes. So mom did what any other Christian mom would do. In her frustration, she wrote a lengthy blog, praising her son for having rocked his girly costume and charging her fellow mother’s as trying to bully her and her son.
I’m walking a fine line here. Our communities are at times a place where we abuse one another and try to force our personal convictions on the other. At the same time, there has to be something within us that is willing to listen to and consider the criticism brought before us. If you are familiar with this story of David, it will make more sense to you….
2 Samuel 16:5-13 (New Living Translation)
Shimei Curses David
5 As King David came to Bahurim, a man came out of the village cursing them. It was Shimei son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family. 6 He threw stones at the king and the king’s officers and all the mighty warriors who surrounded him. 7 “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. 8 “The LORD is paying you back for all the bloodshed in Saul’s clan. You stole his throne, and now the LORD has given it to your son Absalom. At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!”
9 “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?” Abishai son of Zeruiah demanded. “Let me go over and cut off his head!”
10 “No!” the king said. “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah! If the LORD has told him to curse me, who are you to stop him?”
11 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul[a] have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. 12 And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.” 13 So David and his men continued down the road, and Shimei kept pace with them on a nearby hillside, cursing as he went and throwing stones at David and tossing dust into the air.
In a strategic move, David and his men are leaving Jerusalem, as Absalom is on his way to take by force the throne of Israel from his father. While David is leaving, he is greeted with insults from this man Shimei. As we read the whole story, the curses hurled at David aren’t quite true. Shimei claims that David stole Saul’s throne and that God is paying him back. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it was God who took the throne from Saul and gave it to David.
David’s men respond by threatening to cut of Shimei’s head. Why not? David didn’t steal Saul’s throne. In fact, David had the opportunity to kill Saul himself, but had spared Saul’s life. Off with Shimei’s head. Complain to the pastor. Write a nasty blog in defiance. Stand up for yourself man!
David’s response is anything but human. ‘Let him curse me, for God told him to do it.’ There is no anger. There is no resentment or indignation. How many of us respond that way when we are criticized?
I know a couple who used to go be a part of a local Christian community. They were an active part of the church until someone shared their mind saying that perhaps the couple wore a little too much jewelry. So they did what any other responsible Christian would do. They left and found a church that told them the kinds of things that they wanted to hear.
When we’re criticized, there has to be a part of us which is willing to consider that the curses might be coming from God. We should be able to rest well enough in our relationship with Him, that if we are being wrongfully accused, that He will defend and bless us for our endurance.
Now, this isn’t making an excuse for nagging others into forced subjection. If we’ve voiced our ‘concerns’, unless it’s on SOLID biblical ground, we need to let it go and let them wear a ring on every finger.
I’ll be honest with you. I have a really hard time with this. I’m often afraid to publish some of my blogs and cartoons because I know that they might cut a little too deep. I just don’t want to hit that button that receives any criticism. Let’s face it, none of us like hearing things that go against what we currently believe. Whether we like a message or not isn’t supposed to be the concern; we’re supposed to be concerned with accepting the truth, whether or not it sounds agreeable to us.
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
We’re supposed to be willing to listen to sound teaching, whether we like the sound of it or not. There is a tendency for us to gather under teachers who tell us what we like to hear and it’s a sin that can be committed from either end of the theological spectrum. Perhaps the people around us are not supposed to approve of what we do or not do in the first place. Like Shimei, maybe God has put an objector in our life’s path for the very purpose of pronouncing a curse. The objections that come our way are either legitimate or they are not. If they are legitimate, then hopefully we have listened. If they are not legitimate, then we can expect to eventually be vindicated by our heavenly Father. Either way, if we are His, and if we’ll endure, we win.
I’m hoping that as I grow in the Lord, that I’ll be more willing to stand on His word and be willing to take objection in the process. I can confidently claim that I do say what I believe I need to say, but I do so with the constant fear of rejection. Hopefully I’ll grow out of that.
As for how much jewelry a Christian is ‘allowed’ to wear, I don’t know. I don’t know how many trips you are ‘allowed’ to take to Disney World either. How many video games am I allowed to have? Is there a number? Or course, if you are thinking of dressing up like the opposite sex, I won’t give you my opinion, but I will leave you with this scripture. If you are indwelt by His Spirit and actually care about what He thinks, I’m sure you can work through the matter yourself.
Deuteronomy 22:5 (New International Version)
5 A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.
How about you? Before I went up north hunting last week, I read a story about a lady whose son dressed up as a girl for Halloween. That would likely have went over alright in a public school setting, but her son happened to go to a Christian school. A few mom’s at the school expressed ‘concern’ over her son’s choice in costumes. So mom did what any other Christian mom would do. In her frustration, she wrote a lengthy blog, praising her son for having rocked his girly costume and charging her fellow mother’s as trying to bully her and her son.
I’m walking a fine line here. Our communities are at times a place where we abuse one another and try to force our personal convictions on the other. At the same time, there has to be something within us that is willing to listen to and consider the criticism brought before us. If you are familiar with this story of David, it will make more sense to you….
2 Samuel 16:5-13 (New Living Translation)
Shimei Curses David
5 As King David came to Bahurim, a man came out of the village cursing them. It was Shimei son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family. 6 He threw stones at the king and the king’s officers and all the mighty warriors who surrounded him. 7 “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. 8 “The LORD is paying you back for all the bloodshed in Saul’s clan. You stole his throne, and now the LORD has given it to your son Absalom. At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!”
9 “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king?” Abishai son of Zeruiah demanded. “Let me go over and cut off his head!”
10 “No!” the king said. “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah! If the LORD has told him to curse me, who are you to stop him?”
11 Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul[a] have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to do it. 12 And perhaps the LORD will see that I am being wronged and will bless me because of these curses today.” 13 So David and his men continued down the road, and Shimei kept pace with them on a nearby hillside, cursing as he went and throwing stones at David and tossing dust into the air.
In a strategic move, David and his men are leaving Jerusalem, as Absalom is on his way to take by force the throne of Israel from his father. While David is leaving, he is greeted with insults from this man Shimei. As we read the whole story, the curses hurled at David aren’t quite true. Shimei claims that David stole Saul’s throne and that God is paying him back. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it was God who took the throne from Saul and gave it to David.
David’s men respond by threatening to cut of Shimei’s head. Why not? David didn’t steal Saul’s throne. In fact, David had the opportunity to kill Saul himself, but had spared Saul’s life. Off with Shimei’s head. Complain to the pastor. Write a nasty blog in defiance. Stand up for yourself man!
David’s response is anything but human. ‘Let him curse me, for God told him to do it.’ There is no anger. There is no resentment or indignation. How many of us respond that way when we are criticized?
I know a couple who used to go be a part of a local Christian community. They were an active part of the church until someone shared their mind saying that perhaps the couple wore a little too much jewelry. So they did what any other responsible Christian would do. They left and found a church that told them the kinds of things that they wanted to hear.
When we’re criticized, there has to be a part of us which is willing to consider that the curses might be coming from God. We should be able to rest well enough in our relationship with Him, that if we are being wrongfully accused, that He will defend and bless us for our endurance.
Now, this isn’t making an excuse for nagging others into forced subjection. If we’ve voiced our ‘concerns’, unless it’s on SOLID biblical ground, we need to let it go and let them wear a ring on every finger.
I’ll be honest with you. I have a really hard time with this. I’m often afraid to publish some of my blogs and cartoons because I know that they might cut a little too deep. I just don’t want to hit that button that receives any criticism. Let’s face it, none of us like hearing things that go against what we currently believe. Whether we like a message or not isn’t supposed to be the concern; we’re supposed to be concerned with accepting the truth, whether or not it sounds agreeable to us.
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
We’re supposed to be willing to listen to sound teaching, whether we like the sound of it or not. There is a tendency for us to gather under teachers who tell us what we like to hear and it’s a sin that can be committed from either end of the theological spectrum. Perhaps the people around us are not supposed to approve of what we do or not do in the first place. Like Shimei, maybe God has put an objector in our life’s path for the very purpose of pronouncing a curse. The objections that come our way are either legitimate or they are not. If they are legitimate, then hopefully we have listened. If they are not legitimate, then we can expect to eventually be vindicated by our heavenly Father. Either way, if we are His, and if we’ll endure, we win.
I’m hoping that as I grow in the Lord, that I’ll be more willing to stand on His word and be willing to take objection in the process. I can confidently claim that I do say what I believe I need to say, but I do so with the constant fear of rejection. Hopefully I’ll grow out of that.
As for how much jewelry a Christian is ‘allowed’ to wear, I don’t know. I don’t know how many trips you are ‘allowed’ to take to Disney World either. How many video games am I allowed to have? Is there a number? Or course, if you are thinking of dressing up like the opposite sex, I won’t give you my opinion, but I will leave you with this scripture. If you are indwelt by His Spirit and actually care about what He thinks, I’m sure you can work through the matter yourself.
Deuteronomy 22:5 (New International Version)
5 A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.
Monday, November 8, 2010
One Song
Revelation 5:13-14 (New Living Translation)
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.
We're going through Revelation right now in our men's group on Thursday nights. This has been one part which has remained with me. We get a glimpse of heaven and earth. Every creature in heaven, every creature on earth, every creature under the earth and every creature in the sea are joined together singing one song.
I often get frustrated, as I'm sure many of you do, that the church on earth is as fractured as it is. We are anything but unified. I look forward to the day when this is no longer the case. I look forward to the day when we no longer fight over which song to sing, which holiday to celebrate and whether or not Obama is the antichrist. I look forward to the time when our own personal convitions are all brought in line with the will of the Father. I look forward to the day when my fellow unchurched believers stand beside me, and I with them.
In the meantime, we're stuck with a sectarian church. I'll be posting a cute/offensive video on how to find a church of your own.
Come Lord Jesus.
13 And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
14 And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb.
We're going through Revelation right now in our men's group on Thursday nights. This has been one part which has remained with me. We get a glimpse of heaven and earth. Every creature in heaven, every creature on earth, every creature under the earth and every creature in the sea are joined together singing one song.
I often get frustrated, as I'm sure many of you do, that the church on earth is as fractured as it is. We are anything but unified. I look forward to the day when this is no longer the case. I look forward to the day when we no longer fight over which song to sing, which holiday to celebrate and whether or not Obama is the antichrist. I look forward to the time when our own personal convitions are all brought in line with the will of the Father. I look forward to the day when my fellow unchurched believers stand beside me, and I with them.
In the meantime, we're stuck with a sectarian church. I'll be posting a cute/offensive video on how to find a church of your own.
Come Lord Jesus.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Another Let Down
I just finished watching The Blind side with my family. I don’t know about you, but whenever I watch a true story about some person pouring themselves into the life of another, I always walk away feeling like I haven’t done enough for those around me. Which is ok I guess. I mean, it’s good to be stretched and motivated to help others. The problem that I often run into is that I want to be more than what I can humanly be.
This coming week, I’m going up north hunting with my dad. I’m not really all that crazy about hunting. It’s not that I mind killing my own food. It’s not that I don’t like the people. I don’t know what it is. There isn’t anything that I don’t like, there are just other things that I’d rather be doing I guess. I mostly go to be with my dad.
The other night I’m talking to an old friend and I’m encouraging him to try and ‘get out more’. He asks me if he could spend some time with me. He’s a great guy, and fortunately a forgiving sort, but I feel like such a stooge.
“Bob. You should have more companionship in your life.”
“Gee Kevin. That’s such a swell Idea. Would you like to get together this weekend?”
“Sorry Bob. I’m too busy. When I was talking about seeking companionship, I was talking about finding someone else to spend time with.”
We can’t be all things to all people and I know you’ve heard me rant on this before. If you have only one person in your life, I suppose it shouldn’t be too difficult to be there when you’re needed. But what if you have two friends and they need you at the same time? I only have two friends, so these kinds of conflicts only arise once in a while. As for the rest of you who have 3 or more people in your life, how do you balance it all?
The sad reality is this – We all have to decide who we are going to say ‘no’ to. Bob. If you’re reading this, I hope you can forgive me for holding true to my commitment with my dad. Actually, I know you can and we’ve known each other long enough that we can rest comfortably and know that we are still loved by the other. I really hope it does work out for us some day.
I don’t always know when to say yes and when to say no, but have resolved to do this;
I do what I can, for those that I can. We’re not expected to do what we can’t do. I do try to honour previous commitments. I guess when my schedule just doesn’t fit with someone else’s; I should be able to sleep with that. Shouldn’t I?
Fortunately, even though our resources are limited, God isn’t so constrained. I have to trust that He is able to meet the needs and act in the lives of those where I have been inadequate. As much as I would like to be, I am not the world’s only God connection. That role has only ever been filled by the person of Jesus Christ.
Perhaps that’s part of my problem. I’m often trying to fill a hole that can only be filled by God. For me, trusting that God is able to minister to Bob’s need, either on His own or through someone else is difficult. What if Bob finds another believer that he likes more than me? What if Bob’s new Christian Super Hero looks better in tights than I do? Or what if his new Jesus Superman knows the Bible better than I do? Maybe Bob won’t read my blog posts anymore. Can I handle that?
Or what if God doesn’t send someone for Bob? Can I trust Him in that too? God doesn’t miraculously fix everything, so what if nothing gets better for Bob, and I wasn’t there to save him?
In short, for those of you whom I have let down, I release you to the mercies of our God. Yet I beg of you, if He sends you a smarter, more athletic Jesus connection, please keep reading my blog. I need the ratings.
This coming week, I’m going up north hunting with my dad. I’m not really all that crazy about hunting. It’s not that I mind killing my own food. It’s not that I don’t like the people. I don’t know what it is. There isn’t anything that I don’t like, there are just other things that I’d rather be doing I guess. I mostly go to be with my dad.
The other night I’m talking to an old friend and I’m encouraging him to try and ‘get out more’. He asks me if he could spend some time with me. He’s a great guy, and fortunately a forgiving sort, but I feel like such a stooge.
“Bob. You should have more companionship in your life.”
“Gee Kevin. That’s such a swell Idea. Would you like to get together this weekend?”
“Sorry Bob. I’m too busy. When I was talking about seeking companionship, I was talking about finding someone else to spend time with.”
We can’t be all things to all people and I know you’ve heard me rant on this before. If you have only one person in your life, I suppose it shouldn’t be too difficult to be there when you’re needed. But what if you have two friends and they need you at the same time? I only have two friends, so these kinds of conflicts only arise once in a while. As for the rest of you who have 3 or more people in your life, how do you balance it all?
The sad reality is this – We all have to decide who we are going to say ‘no’ to. Bob. If you’re reading this, I hope you can forgive me for holding true to my commitment with my dad. Actually, I know you can and we’ve known each other long enough that we can rest comfortably and know that we are still loved by the other. I really hope it does work out for us some day.
I don’t always know when to say yes and when to say no, but have resolved to do this;
I do what I can, for those that I can. We’re not expected to do what we can’t do. I do try to honour previous commitments. I guess when my schedule just doesn’t fit with someone else’s; I should be able to sleep with that. Shouldn’t I?
Fortunately, even though our resources are limited, God isn’t so constrained. I have to trust that He is able to meet the needs and act in the lives of those where I have been inadequate. As much as I would like to be, I am not the world’s only God connection. That role has only ever been filled by the person of Jesus Christ.
Perhaps that’s part of my problem. I’m often trying to fill a hole that can only be filled by God. For me, trusting that God is able to minister to Bob’s need, either on His own or through someone else is difficult. What if Bob finds another believer that he likes more than me? What if Bob’s new Christian Super Hero looks better in tights than I do? Or what if his new Jesus Superman knows the Bible better than I do? Maybe Bob won’t read my blog posts anymore. Can I handle that?
Or what if God doesn’t send someone for Bob? Can I trust Him in that too? God doesn’t miraculously fix everything, so what if nothing gets better for Bob, and I wasn’t there to save him?
In short, for those of you whom I have let down, I release you to the mercies of our God. Yet I beg of you, if He sends you a smarter, more athletic Jesus connection, please keep reading my blog. I need the ratings.
Friday, November 5, 2010
What I hope to Accomplish in Life
Paul said it best when he wrote this to the believers in Corinth;
2 Corinthians 12:14
... I don’t want what you have — I want you. (NLT)
And I don't want you for me. I want you for Jesus. Now you know. I don't want you to think that I have a hidden agenda.
2 Corinthians 12:14
... I don’t want what you have — I want you. (NLT)
And I don't want you for me. I want you for Jesus. Now you know. I don't want you to think that I have a hidden agenda.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Teenage Dream
Tonight was an evening that really helped me to appreciate my wife. It has been a rather discouraging day. I’m not saying that this is what wives need to be. I’m just saying that I don’t know how I could get through life without Barb. She is a living example of God’s goodness to me.
I came home to a warm meal and a soft kiss. My home is the one place where I can consistently come to and know that I’m wanted. Sitting on my supper plate were two Halloween candies from my boys. Don’t ask me where they got them. Perhaps they went trick or treating without my approval.
The things that make home life fulfilling are not of the same substance as your typical Katy Perry song. I don't know if any teenagers read my stuff any more, but if there are, I want to remind you of the things I used to tell other....
If you're a guy, just because she lets you put your hands in her pants, doesn't mean it's love or that she is 'the one'. I don't think teens ever believed me before. Why start now?
The things that make my marriage to be one of the most fulfilling relationships of my life (second only to that of my Savior) are not the same things that are glorified in popular music.
I often wonder if what we have as a married couple is something that is available to all couples. Is this a gift that is available to all couples who are both indwelt and living by the Holy Spirit? Can good counselling make this happen? I'm not advocating a ban on popular music, but in my opinion, the love that we have as man and wife should be the substance of any true love song. We don't 'sleep' together every night, we don't go out dancing on weekends and we don't party. I guess it doesn't sound much fun does it? You couldn't very well make a music video on the life that we live together. If you did, it wouldn't have many hits on You Tube.
There is a huge difference between a life that is fun verses a life that is fulfilling. I have found the latter of the two and am so thankful that I have a beautiful person to share it with.
Praise be to God.
I came home to a warm meal and a soft kiss. My home is the one place where I can consistently come to and know that I’m wanted. Sitting on my supper plate were two Halloween candies from my boys. Don’t ask me where they got them. Perhaps they went trick or treating without my approval.
The things that make home life fulfilling are not of the same substance as your typical Katy Perry song. I don't know if any teenagers read my stuff any more, but if there are, I want to remind you of the things I used to tell other....
If you're a guy, just because she lets you put your hands in her pants, doesn't mean it's love or that she is 'the one'. I don't think teens ever believed me before. Why start now?
The things that make my marriage to be one of the most fulfilling relationships of my life (second only to that of my Savior) are not the same things that are glorified in popular music.
I often wonder if what we have as a married couple is something that is available to all couples. Is this a gift that is available to all couples who are both indwelt and living by the Holy Spirit? Can good counselling make this happen? I'm not advocating a ban on popular music, but in my opinion, the love that we have as man and wife should be the substance of any true love song. We don't 'sleep' together every night, we don't go out dancing on weekends and we don't party. I guess it doesn't sound much fun does it? You couldn't very well make a music video on the life that we live together. If you did, it wouldn't have many hits on You Tube.
There is a huge difference between a life that is fun verses a life that is fulfilling. I have found the latter of the two and am so thankful that I have a beautiful person to share it with.
Praise be to God.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Halloween, Santa and The Tooth Fairy
Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
The highlight of my week so far has been a Facebook discussion on whether or not it is fitting for a believer to celebrate Halloween. You can imagine how peaceful that one went. Before I continue, I’ll just spill my guts.
No. I don’t take my kids trick or treating.
Yes, I think that it is possible to go out on Halloween and still be saved.
No. I don’t think that it is a sin to eat chocolate bars. (Those toffee twist wrapped things perhaps. Who likes those anyway?)
Yes, I think it tends to be a rather dark celebration.
Yes, I allow my kids to dress up. (All throughout the year in fact)
Yes, if you celebrate Halloween, you can come to my church.
Even if we wanted to participate, nobody comes to our house anyway out here in the country. Except that one time 3 years ago. I went to the fridge and grabbed a couple of pops for the neighbor kids. I suppose that makes me a hypocrite.
Can you handle that? If you celebrate Halloween and if you can handle that without getting all bent out of shape, congratulations. You have just demonstrated an admirable amount of maturity.
What should church look like? Should it be a place where we surround ourselves only with people who have the same personal convictions that we do? I’m not talking about blatant sin. I’m talking about extra biblical issues; the kind that aren’t specifically mentioned in scripture. Like the tooth fairy. Satan’s spawn I know, but not everyone has figured that out just yet. (Yeah. That was overkill.)
A friend of mine asked me a question a few weeks back,
“Have you ever tried to sharpen iron using something smooth? It doesn’t work.”
When we sharpen metal, what we are really doing is tearing off small pieces of the object. I know this passage in Proverbs isn’t speaking specifically on Church life. You can take away my Christian preaching stripes if you like. Do you ever wonder why the Holy Spirit only gifts some believers with the gift of discernment? And do you also wonder why He has chosen to bless YOU with that gift, and not the person beside you? :-)
For some reason, God hasn’t created the earthly body of His church to be a monolithic, uniform creature and I often wonder why that is. I know that this is speculation, but could part of the reason be, that some of our growth depends on having people in our lives who rub us the wrong way?
When we get into our debates over what holidays we should be celebrating, what movies we should watch and what kind of music should appeal to our regenerate nature, some people get terribly upset. If I can’t handle the personal convictions of another person, maybe I really am not all that secure in my own position in the first place.
I don’t know why, but the people that God has surrounded me with tend to be secure enough in their own convictions that they don’t get all bent out of shape when they hear that I don’t believe in Santa or the Easter Bunny. Fortunately, now that Halloween and Devil’s night are over, I have a new cause to champion. My friend just told me that the peace sign is an upside down broken cross. Looks like it’s time to mount my hobby horse and ride off into the sunset.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
The highlight of my week so far has been a Facebook discussion on whether or not it is fitting for a believer to celebrate Halloween. You can imagine how peaceful that one went. Before I continue, I’ll just spill my guts.
No. I don’t take my kids trick or treating.
Yes, I think that it is possible to go out on Halloween and still be saved.
No. I don’t think that it is a sin to eat chocolate bars. (Those toffee twist wrapped things perhaps. Who likes those anyway?)
Yes, I think it tends to be a rather dark celebration.
Yes, I allow my kids to dress up. (All throughout the year in fact)
Yes, if you celebrate Halloween, you can come to my church.
Even if we wanted to participate, nobody comes to our house anyway out here in the country. Except that one time 3 years ago. I went to the fridge and grabbed a couple of pops for the neighbor kids. I suppose that makes me a hypocrite.
Can you handle that? If you celebrate Halloween and if you can handle that without getting all bent out of shape, congratulations. You have just demonstrated an admirable amount of maturity.
What should church look like? Should it be a place where we surround ourselves only with people who have the same personal convictions that we do? I’m not talking about blatant sin. I’m talking about extra biblical issues; the kind that aren’t specifically mentioned in scripture. Like the tooth fairy. Satan’s spawn I know, but not everyone has figured that out just yet. (Yeah. That was overkill.)
A friend of mine asked me a question a few weeks back,
“Have you ever tried to sharpen iron using something smooth? It doesn’t work.”
When we sharpen metal, what we are really doing is tearing off small pieces of the object. I know this passage in Proverbs isn’t speaking specifically on Church life. You can take away my Christian preaching stripes if you like. Do you ever wonder why the Holy Spirit only gifts some believers with the gift of discernment? And do you also wonder why He has chosen to bless YOU with that gift, and not the person beside you? :-)
For some reason, God hasn’t created the earthly body of His church to be a monolithic, uniform creature and I often wonder why that is. I know that this is speculation, but could part of the reason be, that some of our growth depends on having people in our lives who rub us the wrong way?
When we get into our debates over what holidays we should be celebrating, what movies we should watch and what kind of music should appeal to our regenerate nature, some people get terribly upset. If I can’t handle the personal convictions of another person, maybe I really am not all that secure in my own position in the first place.
I don’t know why, but the people that God has surrounded me with tend to be secure enough in their own convictions that they don’t get all bent out of shape when they hear that I don’t believe in Santa or the Easter Bunny. Fortunately, now that Halloween and Devil’s night are over, I have a new cause to champion. My friend just told me that the peace sign is an upside down broken cross. Looks like it’s time to mount my hobby horse and ride off into the sunset.
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