What2Say2Day? I hope you read through Romans 12 a few times and began to digest what Paul might be trying to say. And since I'm a big believer in the bible will have different messages for different people I won't even begin to try and tell you what the "true" meaning of the message is, but instead will tell you what I think and feel.
Romans 12 begins with these words, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." WOW! Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. Those words ring loud and never stop echoing in my mind and heart.
Sacrifices at the time of Paul was how people pleased their gods. Whether that god was Caesar or Apollo one was expected to give something to make their god happy and ensure a good life. Paul is saying to let our bodies, our entire being, everything we are be a sacrifice to our God. Imagine living your life with every decision made, every word spoken, every action performed, and every thought done to make God happy.
The question now becomes, what makes God happy? I may have mentioned this in past posts, and it's definitely worth mentioning again. God is happiest when we (humanity) are in relationship with one another and creation. God is happiest when we do for others more than we do for ourselves. God is happiest when we have respect and live in harmony with all creation. God is happiest when we are happiest.
What does this all mean? Paul is reminding us that all we're expected to do as Christians is to make our entire life and reason for existing about bettering the lives of others. Not to difficult is it?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
A New Life
What2Say2Day? Our New pastor gave a very moving sermon yesterday about change. Not just change itself, but how best to react to and embrace it. He spoke on how we change all the time, and the importance of change being done to better our relationship with God first.
Change is one of the most difficult things for us to embrace, especially if it involves a new way of life. We like doing things the way we've always done it. We are comfortable in our lifestyle and honestly do everything we can to ensure things stay the same; unless the change benefits us. We accept that promotion at work without hesitation, or more duties in our life, as long as it comes with added "stuff" for us. But if that change takes away our comforts, or makes us uncomfortable we don't want any part of it.
The Apostle Paul has a few good words about change in his letter to the Romans. During the next few days I want to talk about a few of the passages (or all of them) in Romans 12. For today, though, read it, become familiar with it, and see how Paul is proposing to the Christians in Rome, both Judea-Christians and new Gentile Christians, how we should live a new life in Christ.
Change is one of the most difficult things for us to embrace, especially if it involves a new way of life. We like doing things the way we've always done it. We are comfortable in our lifestyle and honestly do everything we can to ensure things stay the same; unless the change benefits us. We accept that promotion at work without hesitation, or more duties in our life, as long as it comes with added "stuff" for us. But if that change takes away our comforts, or makes us uncomfortable we don't want any part of it.
The Apostle Paul has a few good words about change in his letter to the Romans. During the next few days I want to talk about a few of the passages (or all of them) in Romans 12. For today, though, read it, become familiar with it, and see how Paul is proposing to the Christians in Rome, both Judea-Christians and new Gentile Christians, how we should live a new life in Christ.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
One Happy Family
What2Say2Day? Yesterday I saw a post on Facebook showing 2 girls fighting another girl over a parking space. Really? It's a parking space. Get over it. I can understand getting upset if someone "takes" a spot you were waiting for. I can understand getting upset if someone parks so close to your car you can't get in, or out. I can even understand getting upset if you've been going around and around for 20 minutes only to lose a spot to someone who just got there. But to physically beat someone over a parking lot situation? I just don't get it.
This brings up a deeper seeded problem with our society. The tag line from Mother Teresa on my email account probably says it best; "Perhaps we have no peace because we have forgotten we belong to each other." People, please, take care of one another with patience and kindness. Reach out to one another with compassion. We are all connected by and through the Love of a Creator and in this way we belong to each other. What we do to or say about others affects everyone. Period.
Let's remember to be brothers and sisters of one family.
This brings up a deeper seeded problem with our society. The tag line from Mother Teresa on my email account probably says it best; "Perhaps we have no peace because we have forgotten we belong to each other." People, please, take care of one another with patience and kindness. Reach out to one another with compassion. We are all connected by and through the Love of a Creator and in this way we belong to each other. What we do to or say about others affects everyone. Period.
Let's remember to be brothers and sisters of one family.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Really, Men are &#!
What2Say2Day? I want to admit, here and now, what the absolute truth about men is. We don't get it. There's something missing from our thinking process that, for some unknown reason, prevents us from completely understanding what women really want. Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying men are idiots, we just don't get it - not right away, anyway.
Along with that admission I want to also proclaim that women are the more patient, understanding, and tolerant of the human species. They somehow understand we don't get it and try their best to teach us. If a man is lucky enough he will be blessed with a woman who'll stick around long enough so that in their later years he'll one day understand.
Okay. For those of you who think I'm in trouble, I'm not. My wife has invested 16 years in my training and I get it. This post is for those couples out there who may be in a time of "re-evaluating" their relationship. So, women please know with absolute understanding that a man in love will not make decisions which will purposefully hurt you in any way. Most decisions made by men are done so as not to bring you any hurt; even those decisions which seem to look like they are "hiding" something.
And men, please understand that what a woman wants more than anything is never to be lied to. The traits women look for in a relationship most are acceptance of them for the person they are, honesty, and companionship. Seems fair enough, right.
For you women out there, men just need to be boys sometimes, let them have this once in a while and know in your heart it's you he loves. Believe in the relationship and understand he loves you. Yes, there will be times you want to choke his neck, but the silent treatment works just as good.
For the both of you I say this; support each other, grow with one another, and help the other reach their dreams while keeping yourselves grounded. Do everything you can to stay together, even if it means going through the pain of deep-seeded emotions.
Like Jesus says in John 15:12-13, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Be friends first - maybe you can be each other's best friends...hmmmm.
Along with that admission I want to also proclaim that women are the more patient, understanding, and tolerant of the human species. They somehow understand we don't get it and try their best to teach us. If a man is lucky enough he will be blessed with a woman who'll stick around long enough so that in their later years he'll one day understand.
Okay. For those of you who think I'm in trouble, I'm not. My wife has invested 16 years in my training and I get it. This post is for those couples out there who may be in a time of "re-evaluating" their relationship. So, women please know with absolute understanding that a man in love will not make decisions which will purposefully hurt you in any way. Most decisions made by men are done so as not to bring you any hurt; even those decisions which seem to look like they are "hiding" something.
And men, please understand that what a woman wants more than anything is never to be lied to. The traits women look for in a relationship most are acceptance of them for the person they are, honesty, and companionship. Seems fair enough, right.
For you women out there, men just need to be boys sometimes, let them have this once in a while and know in your heart it's you he loves. Believe in the relationship and understand he loves you. Yes, there will be times you want to choke his neck, but the silent treatment works just as good.
For the both of you I say this; support each other, grow with one another, and help the other reach their dreams while keeping yourselves grounded. Do everything you can to stay together, even if it means going through the pain of deep-seeded emotions.
Like Jesus says in John 15:12-13, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Be friends first - maybe you can be each other's best friends...hmmmm.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Jesus>Religion
What2Say2Day? I think this guy said it all! Follow this link to a you tube video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
New Traditions
What2Say2Day? Yesterday, just as my day at job 1 was ending, I spoke with a co-worker whom I haven't seen since before our break. I like speaking with her because she's always upbeat, energetic, and generally sees the good side of life. A conversation with her always leaves me feeling positive.
I asked her how her break was which resulted in me being blessed by a story-telling which lasted 15 or 20 minutes. As she told her story I was able to smile, laugh, and chuckle along with her. She was also able to tell of a moment during her break where she finally realized that where she was in her life is where she was, and there was no turning back; not yet.
Her and her partner had come here to be in warmer weather so that muscle and bone pains he had from a bad childhood accident wouldn't be as excruciating during the winters. In the move, though, she had spent the first Christmas ever away from her parents, sister, niece and nephew and other family members. Of course there was Skype, but that's not the same.
As she told the story I watched as the twinkle in her eye faded for just a moment as she recalled the family's tradition of gathering in the home to have a bowl of "Daddy's Chili". It was in that moment I could see that she now knew she was living a new life. Her eyes soon brightened again as she continued telling of other stories involving her partner, jobs, and church. Before we all knew it the smiles and positiveness was flowing through the room again.
That made me think about what we are called to do in a life with Christ. Paul writes in the 13th chapter of his 1st letter to Corinth, "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways." When we begin living a new life in Christ we sometimes have to give up many of the things we used to do and begin new traditions. Of course, with the help of those around us and our God, the transition into a new life in Christ will become traditions we will celebrate every day.
I asked her how her break was which resulted in me being blessed by a story-telling which lasted 15 or 20 minutes. As she told her story I was able to smile, laugh, and chuckle along with her. She was also able to tell of a moment during her break where she finally realized that where she was in her life is where she was, and there was no turning back; not yet.
Her and her partner had come here to be in warmer weather so that muscle and bone pains he had from a bad childhood accident wouldn't be as excruciating during the winters. In the move, though, she had spent the first Christmas ever away from her parents, sister, niece and nephew and other family members. Of course there was Skype, but that's not the same.
As she told the story I watched as the twinkle in her eye faded for just a moment as she recalled the family's tradition of gathering in the home to have a bowl of "Daddy's Chili". It was in that moment I could see that she now knew she was living a new life. Her eyes soon brightened again as she continued telling of other stories involving her partner, jobs, and church. Before we all knew it the smiles and positiveness was flowing through the room again.
That made me think about what we are called to do in a life with Christ. Paul writes in the 13th chapter of his 1st letter to Corinth, "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways." When we begin living a new life in Christ we sometimes have to give up many of the things we used to do and begin new traditions. Of course, with the help of those around us and our God, the transition into a new life in Christ will become traditions we will celebrate every day.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
But, What If...
What2Say2Day? Yesterday's post on Tim Tebow and the craze surrounding his belief got me thinking about some things. Firstly, let me say that I agree with the author of yesterday's devotion in saying I don't think God would choose one team over another in such a way as to ensure their victory. That's not to say God doesn't have a favorite team, I'd be the last person to say yes or no to that one. I'm just saying God wouldn't allow special favors to be used for that purpose - or would God?
The bible is full of stories where God favors one person, or a people, and ensures their victory. Think about what happened to the Hittites, or who won the battle of David and Goliath. Think about the battle at Jericho or how Moses was able to save God's people time and time again. So, would it be unfair to say God doesn't have a favorite and maybe gives them an edge in battle?
The difference between what we read about in the bible and what people are saying about the Tebow craze is this - God's glory versus man's glory. If you ever listen to Tim Tebow speak after a game he never takes any credit for the win. All of his praise goes to God. Although, to listen to the various media people you would think it's all about Tebow. What if, just what if, God is trying to speak through Tebow and these small victories are just a way to have God's voice heard?
This is the year to begin listening. God has sent us many prophets in our history; Martin Luther King Jr, John Lennon, Mother Teresa, and a few others. What if, and this is a big if, Tim Tebow is one of them? Are we listening to what he has to say?
Hmmm
The bible is full of stories where God favors one person, or a people, and ensures their victory. Think about what happened to the Hittites, or who won the battle of David and Goliath. Think about the battle at Jericho or how Moses was able to save God's people time and time again. So, would it be unfair to say God doesn't have a favorite and maybe gives them an edge in battle?
The difference between what we read about in the bible and what people are saying about the Tebow craze is this - God's glory versus man's glory. If you ever listen to Tim Tebow speak after a game he never takes any credit for the win. All of his praise goes to God. Although, to listen to the various media people you would think it's all about Tebow. What if, just what if, God is trying to speak through Tebow and these small victories are just a way to have God's voice heard?
This is the year to begin listening. God has sent us many prophets in our history; Martin Luther King Jr, John Lennon, Mother Teresa, and a few others. What if, and this is a big if, Tim Tebow is one of them? Are we listening to what he has to say?
Hmmm
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