Finished reading "The 10 Dumbest THings Christians Do" by Mark Atteberry. He is a long time Pastor from the beautiful state of Florida (home of the Buccaneers and Gators!).
The chapters that resonated with me discussed the issue of mediocrity, you know, doing enough to get by. It stuck with me probably because I feel this is one of my weaknesses. I have a tendency to be lazy and only do enough to get by. God has been showing me this by putting me in situations where I can see the difference between what hard work gets you and what complacency gets you.
Hard work.
Not trying to put anyone under condemnation, but don't you feel better about yourself when you know you did a task with all your wits and muscles? Don't you think God is honored when his kids do a job that just pops!
When my kids do a task, they do just enough to get by. On rare occasion, they have surpassed my expectations, and I am really proud, and I tell them! Don't you think that same feeling resides in our Father's heart when we try to surpass His expectations?
"Let your light shine in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Jesus (Matt. 5:16)
Don't just get by.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sin's Consequences Part II
I began a post several months ago that needs a part 2.
In that first post i asked what are the consequences of our sin? Are there any? Would I know it if I saw it, especially in light of a secret sin that no one know's about. As opposed to some obvious sin that effects other people around me.
Here is my own answer: whether anyone knows the sin or not and whether there are consequences or not my sin offends God. If we are looking for loop holes in our sin life, trying to hang on to those "darlings" of lust, anger, jealousy, vanity, envy, slander, gossip, gluttony, drunkenness, rebellion, etc infinity, then we had better be careful.
Why do we get worried over what will happen to us? Why aren't we more concerned with committing sin againt God. Do you wonder if Jesus rubs the scars in His hands everytime you sin?
Let our hearts be broken over our sin against our heavenly Father.
In that first post i asked what are the consequences of our sin? Are there any? Would I know it if I saw it, especially in light of a secret sin that no one know's about. As opposed to some obvious sin that effects other people around me.
Here is my own answer: whether anyone knows the sin or not and whether there are consequences or not my sin offends God. If we are looking for loop holes in our sin life, trying to hang on to those "darlings" of lust, anger, jealousy, vanity, envy, slander, gossip, gluttony, drunkenness, rebellion, etc infinity, then we had better be careful.
Why do we get worried over what will happen to us? Why aren't we more concerned with committing sin againt God. Do you wonder if Jesus rubs the scars in His hands everytime you sin?
Let our hearts be broken over our sin against our heavenly Father.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Survived Another Christmas
Like most of you I survived another Christmas. It has been a wonderful season of relaxing days off of work, playing more with my boys, spending time with my parents, working with my dad on various tasks like putting together a trampoline in the cold, and observing the celebration of Christ's advent more than the mall adventure.
My boys actually received fewer gifts this year (we are in get out of debt mode), yet they had a great time and there were no, "Is this it?", "Where's the XBox?" I was proud of my boys!
Although America is overly commercialized with newer and better, I am finding that a separated life from all the thrills and frills is quite possible. At one time I could not imagine not watching two or three movies a week, getting the newest CD available, or having the coolest new gadget or thing. Now, I realize how foolish most of those things have been. The Word of God tells me to be content with what I have and that true wealth is found in the knowledge and righteousness of God.
My prayer for you -- discover the wealth of God's righteousness and not the world's empty promises.
My boys actually received fewer gifts this year (we are in get out of debt mode), yet they had a great time and there were no, "Is this it?", "Where's the XBox?" I was proud of my boys!
Although America is overly commercialized with newer and better, I am finding that a separated life from all the thrills and frills is quite possible. At one time I could not imagine not watching two or three movies a week, getting the newest CD available, or having the coolest new gadget or thing. Now, I realize how foolish most of those things have been. The Word of God tells me to be content with what I have and that true wealth is found in the knowledge and righteousness of God.
My prayer for you -- discover the wealth of God's righteousness and not the world's empty promises.
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