2 Timothy 1:9 "For God saved us AND called us to live a holy life."
I would hate working at a job that put me "On Call". It literary makes no sense.
When you're "on call" - you're not WORKING. You're not using your talents, your skills or your abilities... you're not even getting paid. You're just sitting... waiting for the phone to ring. And the reality is, sometimes the phone NEVER rings.
I think far to many Christians live "On Call"
Think about it. We KNOW what we WON'T do. "I don't go to those kind of parties" - "I don't Smoke" - "I don't talk like that" etc...
And the world asks, "Why not?"
And we say, "Well... Because I'm "On Call"... That's just not what a Christian does."
That's all fine and good... but here's the point, what do you say when the world asks: "Well, who are you then? What DO you DO?"
Too many of us describe our Faith by saying who we AREN'T instead of describing WHO WE ARE. We live "On Call" - We're sitting around, waiting patiently for Jesus to appear and tell us what to do. We're simply "on reserve" so to speak; steering clear from sin but wildly IN-ACTIVE in our faith.
But there's some good news. The Bible says that Jesus didn't put us "on call", Jesus picked up the phone and CALLED US!
You are Called.
Called people don't talk about who they AREN'T, they talk about WHO THEY ARE.
Called people don't sit around waiting for Jesus to show up. They realized he SHOWED UP - they trust Him, they move for Him and they become His HANDS and FEET wherever they're at in life.
Being called is not about the BIG THING God want's you to do. It's about being faithful with living for Jesus every day. It's about understanding that God has placed you at your Job, your School, or your Church for a HIGHER PURPOSE and TODAY is the day to reach people far from God wherever you're at in life.
So don't worry about missing the BIG THING God has for you. Understand that you're CALLED today. Be faithful in the little things, the little conversations, the every-day opportunities to love.
Consider yourself called.
K.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Busy?
Philippians 4:9 "Be anxious in nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
I find it increasingly interesting that when I ask, "How are you doing" to people around me, close to 9 out of 10 give me the answer, "BUSY"
I'm like... Really? You're not GOOD, you're not BAD, you're not EXCITED, you're not FRUSTRATED... you're busy...
I'll tell you what that word means to me - out of control.
If you're busy you're anxious. Life is coming at you so fast that you can't handle it, and you feel OVERWHELMED. Busy means - "I HATE WHERE MY LIFE IS AT RIGHT NOW."
And yet - 9 out of 10 people, without fail, say "Busy"
This is a problem.
The funny thing is, I don't think this 90% statistic of busy people says that 90% of people are totally overwhelmed and out of control - I think "busy" is just the new cool word to say.
Busy makes you feel IMPORTANT. If we say we're busy, people think that we have "important things to do", it's a mask we put on to cover our laziness or self-consciousness. Probably half of the people who tell me they're busy don't have kids... or jobs for that matter. lol.
Here's the point: Let's take the word "busy" out of our vocabulary. Instead of sounding like we're OUT OF CONTROL let's remain IN CONTROL of our lives! There's a thought.
Instead of "Busy" let's say "My schedules pretty full"
Instead of "Busy" let's say "HAPPY", "GREAT", "FANTASTIC" Let's speak some positive words over our life.
Instead of "Busy" let's say "It's a frustrating season" Let's be honest and get real. I'm all good with that.
The Bible says "Be anxious in nothing", in other words, Don't vent to others about how busy you are - especially in casual conversation. Let's just take it to God and allow him to give us peace. He's GRACED you for this season - he's not called you to be BUSY, he's called you to be IN CONTROL and at PEACE.
If you're feeling overwhelmed + busy, there's a great Biblical solution. Pray. You'll realize how busy you aren't.
K.
I find it increasingly interesting that when I ask, "How are you doing" to people around me, close to 9 out of 10 give me the answer, "BUSY"
I'm like... Really? You're not GOOD, you're not BAD, you're not EXCITED, you're not FRUSTRATED... you're busy...
I'll tell you what that word means to me - out of control.
If you're busy you're anxious. Life is coming at you so fast that you can't handle it, and you feel OVERWHELMED. Busy means - "I HATE WHERE MY LIFE IS AT RIGHT NOW."
And yet - 9 out of 10 people, without fail, say "Busy"
This is a problem.
The funny thing is, I don't think this 90% statistic of busy people says that 90% of people are totally overwhelmed and out of control - I think "busy" is just the new cool word to say.
Busy makes you feel IMPORTANT. If we say we're busy, people think that we have "important things to do", it's a mask we put on to cover our laziness or self-consciousness. Probably half of the people who tell me they're busy don't have kids... or jobs for that matter. lol.
Here's the point: Let's take the word "busy" out of our vocabulary. Instead of sounding like we're OUT OF CONTROL let's remain IN CONTROL of our lives! There's a thought.
Instead of "Busy" let's say "My schedules pretty full"
Instead of "Busy" let's say "HAPPY", "GREAT", "FANTASTIC" Let's speak some positive words over our life.
Instead of "Busy" let's say "It's a frustrating season" Let's be honest and get real. I'm all good with that.
The Bible says "Be anxious in nothing", in other words, Don't vent to others about how busy you are - especially in casual conversation. Let's just take it to God and allow him to give us peace. He's GRACED you for this season - he's not called you to be BUSY, he's called you to be IN CONTROL and at PEACE.
If you're feeling overwhelmed + busy, there's a great Biblical solution. Pray. You'll realize how busy you aren't.
K.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Just Bounce.
Proverbs 20:19 "A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don't hang around with chatters."
We need to bounce our gossip like we need to bounce our eyes.
I was taught by some great preachers to "bounce" my eyes when confronted with an opportunity to lust. For example, when a good looking woman walks by, every moral man has a choice - look... OR "bounce" our eyes the other way. Sometimes us men will use mental excuses to look in the inappropriate direction; something like, "I think I know her!" - The reality is, you DON'T know her but your sub-conscious is trying to make a legitimate excuse for your lustful look.
And you thought women were complicated...
Here's the point - I think GOSSIP works in a similar way. We're having a conversation and then, all of a sudden, we're confronted with the opportunity to gossip. Sometimes we reason in our minds, "This isn't gossip, we're just having a discussion" or "I'd say this to her face". But at the end of the day, let's call a horse a horse. It's gossip.
And I am not innocent of this...
What if Christians worked on a new spiritual discipline. When somebody starts gossiping - just bounce.
Gossip is going down... you just check out, leave the room, stop them. Just BOUNCE.
You're going to bring honor to God, save your reputation and probably keep someone from putting their foot in their mouth.
K.
We need to bounce our gossip like we need to bounce our eyes.
I was taught by some great preachers to "bounce" my eyes when confronted with an opportunity to lust. For example, when a good looking woman walks by, every moral man has a choice - look... OR "bounce" our eyes the other way. Sometimes us men will use mental excuses to look in the inappropriate direction; something like, "I think I know her!" - The reality is, you DON'T know her but your sub-conscious is trying to make a legitimate excuse for your lustful look.
And you thought women were complicated...
Here's the point - I think GOSSIP works in a similar way. We're having a conversation and then, all of a sudden, we're confronted with the opportunity to gossip. Sometimes we reason in our minds, "This isn't gossip, we're just having a discussion" or "I'd say this to her face". But at the end of the day, let's call a horse a horse. It's gossip.
And I am not innocent of this...
What if Christians worked on a new spiritual discipline. When somebody starts gossiping - just bounce.
Gossip is going down... you just check out, leave the room, stop them. Just BOUNCE.
You're going to bring honor to God, save your reputation and probably keep someone from putting their foot in their mouth.
K.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Purpose of Your Purity
1 Corinthians 6:18 "Run from sexual sin."
Sometimes after reading this scripture, I focus on the SIN I'm running from. AHH, SEXUAL SIN, RUN!
The unfortuante result is I'm so focused on what's behind me that I forget where I'm going. It's like all of a sudden, I transform my life with Jesus into a list of DON'TS.
Don't lust
Don't lie
Don't cheat
Don't watch Jersey Shore (lol)
And if I DON'T DO all these things, then I'm called a Christian. In other words, I'm defined by who I'm not...
This is certainly NOT what God intends.
Purity isn't about WHAT you're running FROM - It's about WHO you're running TO
Listen - It's less about running FROM sin, and more about running TO Jesus. That's literally what "Repentance" is, turning to Jesus.
The incredible truth is, it is IMPOSSIBLE to follow Jesus and sin at the same time. As I run into the presence of God, I simultaneously reject the sin that tries to hold me back. When I run TO Jesus, I finally discover my life's greater purpose.
Instead of being defined by what I'm NOT, I'm defined by who I am - A child of the Most High God. A carrier of the current of the power of Christ. A world changer because of who Jesus is in me.
And thus - the purpose of Purity. To guard your identity. To protect your purpose. To give you intimacy with the only being in this universe who can truly define you.
Jesus.
K.
Sometimes after reading this scripture, I focus on the SIN I'm running from. AHH, SEXUAL SIN, RUN!
The unfortuante result is I'm so focused on what's behind me that I forget where I'm going. It's like all of a sudden, I transform my life with Jesus into a list of DON'TS.
Don't lust
Don't lie
Don't cheat
Don't watch Jersey Shore (lol)
And if I DON'T DO all these things, then I'm called a Christian. In other words, I'm defined by who I'm not...
This is certainly NOT what God intends.
Purity isn't about WHAT you're running FROM - It's about WHO you're running TO
Listen - It's less about running FROM sin, and more about running TO Jesus. That's literally what "Repentance" is, turning to Jesus.
The incredible truth is, it is IMPOSSIBLE to follow Jesus and sin at the same time. As I run into the presence of God, I simultaneously reject the sin that tries to hold me back. When I run TO Jesus, I finally discover my life's greater purpose.
Instead of being defined by what I'm NOT, I'm defined by who I am - A child of the Most High God. A carrier of the current of the power of Christ. A world changer because of who Jesus is in me.
And thus - the purpose of Purity. To guard your identity. To protect your purpose. To give you intimacy with the only being in this universe who can truly define you.
Jesus.
K.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Sex in September Part 1 (re-cap + freebies)
Hey everyone,
I wanted to RE-CAP the message from this week at Wildfire + give some freebies for those who missed out. If you don't know, we're preaching a series called SEX in SEPTEMBER - it's all about what the Bible has to say about sex, relationships and why we are the way we are:
*For all the haters* - I'm a firm believer that the Church needs to be the PRIMARY source for Sex Education - partnered, of course, with a healthy family. If we're not teaching young people what the Bible says about sex, you better believe that MTV is. And that is NOT cool with me.
Your calling is BETTER than your Booty Call
1. If you know what Sex is you'll know what to do with it
You're going to think God is awesome after reading this next statement:
God created Sex. Boom.
Guess what - everything God creates is good and everything He creates has a purpose - and God created Sex. Hallelujah, Glory to God, Amen!
So what is the purpose of Sex? The Bible is actually CRYSTAL CLEAR about this topic - God created Sex to develop INTIMACY between a man and a woman in Marriage. Many scriptures support that fact but the clearest is in the second chapter of the Bible. God creates Eve so her and Adam can have a flourishing marriage relationship. After God gives His daughter Eve into marriage with Adam, the Bible says:
Genesis 2:24-25 "This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the TWO are united into ONE. Now the man and his wife were both NAKED and knew NO SHAME.
God's purpose for sex is:"To unite a married man and woman into ONE". And listen up: When we use sex in this context, it is beautiful, powerful and spiritual - no shame is involved. Can I get an AMEN?
And don't get me wrong - in it's intended context - it's for so much more than just pro-creation! It's fun, it's intamate, it's BEAUTIFUL and it's AWESOME. (see Song of Solomon. Glory.)
So why is sex such a controversial topic in our society? Why has it caused so much pain?
Sin.
Since the devil hates us, he PERVERTS what God intends for good.
Most of us don't understand sin - we simply think sin means "bad". That might be true, but it's not a helpful explanation.
Sin literally means "Missing the Mark"
When we sin - we miss the mark of God's intended purpose, and God's purpose is always the BEST for us and for others.
God hates sin because sin hurts us.
So sexual sin is sex used outside of the context of it's purpose. God hates sexual sin because he knows it hurts us and MISSES His intended purpose for sex .
The Bible speaks clearly about sexual sin. Here are a few of the many scriptures to help clarify:
Proverbs 5:17-23 | Matthew 5:27-30 | Romans 1:26-27 | 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
The Bible also gives us incredible advice on what to do when face to face with sexual sin:
1 Corinthians 6:18 "Run form sexual Sin!"
Are you dealing with sexual sin? God gives us great advice. RUN! When it raises it's ugly head in your life GET OUT, GET AWAY! RUN!
Don't think, "how far is too far?" Instead think, "how pure is too pure?" or "How close to Jesus is too close?"
Sex can so quickly become an Idol in our life - something that we get our value, purpose + significance from - and God wants us to get our value, purpose and significance from Him. Listen - God can satisfy you more than sex can. Times infinity.
If you're confused. If you're hurt. If you have feelings you don't understand - here's my personal advice for you. Take this season of your life to seek God instead of seeking boys and/or girls. Go to the creator of the universe - he loves you, cares for you and created you. Find your purpose in Him.
2. Your calling is BETTER than your booty call
If you know who you are, you'll know what to do
You are a Child of God. You were created by God on purpose for a purpose.
I believe Matthew 22 gives us one of the clearest glimpses into OUR eternal purpose:
Matthew 22:36-40 (read it): I'll paraphrase it: "Love God with all your heart, and love people. These two commands sum up the whole Bible"
Did you catch that? Our purpose is to Love God, and allow that love to overflow into the people in our life.
Love can transform your family
Love can transform your school
Love is why you were created.
Love is your calling. And your calling is BETTER than your booty call.
God created us to LOVE people, not USE people.
When we live in sexual sin - we USE people as objects instead of LOVING them with the love of Jesus.
Only in the life-long commitment of marriage can sex be used to LOVE the way God intends. Even when our society says different, the creator of the universe understands us better than we understand ourselves.
Let's let our lives glorify God, let's obey and trust Him. He want's good for us and not evil.
If you have dealt with sexual sin, if you've been abused, hurt or confused - know that Jesus loves you, he loves you like CRAZY. He died so you could be pure and have a relationship with a holy God. I want to encourage you to seek God instead of relationships that won't satisfy you. He's got the perfect mate for you anyways. He has grace, forgiveness and love for you in Jesus. Trust Him, love Him and he will guide you.
Hope this helps some people. Love y'all.
K.
I wanted to RE-CAP the message from this week at Wildfire + give some freebies for those who missed out. If you don't know, we're preaching a series called SEX in SEPTEMBER - it's all about what the Bible has to say about sex, relationships and why we are the way we are:
*For all the haters* - I'm a firm believer that the Church needs to be the PRIMARY source for Sex Education - partnered, of course, with a healthy family. If we're not teaching young people what the Bible says about sex, you better believe that MTV is. And that is NOT cool with me.
Your calling is BETTER than your Booty Call
1. If you know what Sex is you'll know what to do with it
You're going to think God is awesome after reading this next statement:
God created Sex. Boom.
Guess what - everything God creates is good and everything He creates has a purpose - and God created Sex. Hallelujah, Glory to God, Amen!
So what is the purpose of Sex? The Bible is actually CRYSTAL CLEAR about this topic - God created Sex to develop INTIMACY between a man and a woman in Marriage. Many scriptures support that fact but the clearest is in the second chapter of the Bible. God creates Eve so her and Adam can have a flourishing marriage relationship. After God gives His daughter Eve into marriage with Adam, the Bible says:
Genesis 2:24-25 "This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the TWO are united into ONE. Now the man and his wife were both NAKED and knew NO SHAME.
God's purpose for sex is:"To unite a married man and woman into ONE". And listen up: When we use sex in this context, it is beautiful, powerful and spiritual - no shame is involved. Can I get an AMEN?
And don't get me wrong - in it's intended context - it's for so much more than just pro-creation! It's fun, it's intamate, it's BEAUTIFUL and it's AWESOME. (see Song of Solomon. Glory.)
So why is sex such a controversial topic in our society? Why has it caused so much pain?
Sin.
Since the devil hates us, he PERVERTS what God intends for good.
Most of us don't understand sin - we simply think sin means "bad". That might be true, but it's not a helpful explanation.
Sin literally means "Missing the Mark"
When we sin - we miss the mark of God's intended purpose, and God's purpose is always the BEST for us and for others.
God hates sin because sin hurts us.
So sexual sin is sex used outside of the context of it's purpose. God hates sexual sin because he knows it hurts us and MISSES His intended purpose for sex .
The Bible speaks clearly about sexual sin. Here are a few of the many scriptures to help clarify:
Proverbs 5:17-23 | Matthew 5:27-30 | Romans 1:26-27 | 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
The Bible also gives us incredible advice on what to do when face to face with sexual sin:
1 Corinthians 6:18 "Run form sexual Sin!"
Are you dealing with sexual sin? God gives us great advice. RUN! When it raises it's ugly head in your life GET OUT, GET AWAY! RUN!
Don't think, "how far is too far?" Instead think, "how pure is too pure?" or "How close to Jesus is too close?"
Sex can so quickly become an Idol in our life - something that we get our value, purpose + significance from - and God wants us to get our value, purpose and significance from Him. Listen - God can satisfy you more than sex can. Times infinity.
If you're confused. If you're hurt. If you have feelings you don't understand - here's my personal advice for you. Take this season of your life to seek God instead of seeking boys and/or girls. Go to the creator of the universe - he loves you, cares for you and created you. Find your purpose in Him.
2. Your calling is BETTER than your booty call
If you know who you are, you'll know what to do
You are a Child of God. You were created by God on purpose for a purpose.
I believe Matthew 22 gives us one of the clearest glimpses into OUR eternal purpose:
Matthew 22:36-40 (read it): I'll paraphrase it: "Love God with all your heart, and love people. These two commands sum up the whole Bible"
Did you catch that? Our purpose is to Love God, and allow that love to overflow into the people in our life.
Love can transform your family
Love can transform your school
Love is why you were created.
Love is your calling. And your calling is BETTER than your booty call.
God created us to LOVE people, not USE people.
When we live in sexual sin - we USE people as objects instead of LOVING them with the love of Jesus.
Only in the life-long commitment of marriage can sex be used to LOVE the way God intends. Even when our society says different, the creator of the universe understands us better than we understand ourselves.
Let's let our lives glorify God, let's obey and trust Him. He want's good for us and not evil.
If you have dealt with sexual sin, if you've been abused, hurt or confused - know that Jesus loves you, he loves you like CRAZY. He died so you could be pure and have a relationship with a holy God. I want to encourage you to seek God instead of relationships that won't satisfy you. He's got the perfect mate for you anyways. He has grace, forgiveness and love for you in Jesus. Trust Him, love Him and he will guide you.
Hope this helps some people. Love y'all.
K.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Live a "Luke 15" kind of life
I'll never forget that moment of desperation when I thought God hated me.
I had made LOTS of mistakes. I had DELIBERATELY lived a lifestyle that I knew wasn't God's best and I found myself in a place that was very far from Him. To say I felt hopeless would be an understatement.
And then God used Luke 15 to change my life. Read it, you'll know why.
In that scripture I realized that the price of the cross was enough to bridge the gap between me and God. I discovered HOPE in Jesus. It was an incredible moment I will never forget.
Here's the point: Let's live a Luke 15 kind of life.
When I reflect on these verses, I realize that if we're not about brining hope to people, then we're not about much. If we don't understand God's passion for those far from him, have we missed the point?
What an awesome calling we have to personify and preach Jesus to this world who is in such desperate need of Him! My prayer is that others like me could discover the hope I found and experience the faith I know.
Let's live a Luke 15 kind of life.
K.
I had made LOTS of mistakes. I had DELIBERATELY lived a lifestyle that I knew wasn't God's best and I found myself in a place that was very far from Him. To say I felt hopeless would be an understatement.
And then God used Luke 15 to change my life. Read it, you'll know why.
In that scripture I realized that the price of the cross was enough to bridge the gap between me and God. I discovered HOPE in Jesus. It was an incredible moment I will never forget.
Here's the point: Let's live a Luke 15 kind of life.
When I reflect on these verses, I realize that if we're not about brining hope to people, then we're not about much. If we don't understand God's passion for those far from him, have we missed the point?
What an awesome calling we have to personify and preach Jesus to this world who is in such desperate need of Him! My prayer is that others like me could discover the hope I found and experience the faith I know.
Let's live a Luke 15 kind of life.
K.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
You Are Graced
The following statement has been changing my life recently:
"God has given you EVERYTHING you need to do EVERYTHING He's called you to do"
It's so refreshing + empowering to know that we're equipped for our calling. God has litterally "graced" us to do what he's called us to do. This makes me ponder 3 things:
1. In his grace, God PURPOSED and CREATED you for your calling. Before the foundation of the earth, God was thinking of you. He literally shaped you to achieve what He called you to achieve. God knew every challenge, every mundane detail of your life, and EQUIPED you to face those challenges head on. You are graced.
2. God knew every mistake you would ever make, INCLUDING SIN, and he still called you. LISTEN: if he loved you YESTERDAY, he'll love you TODAY. If he called you YESTERDAY, He's called you TODAY. You are graced.
3. Grace is received by faith. In order to live the life God intends, we need to take daily steps of faith. It's hard to step out when we don't feel competent or equipped, but faith remembers that God has CALLED us and GRACED us so we step out in spite of our fear. You are graced.
God's given you everything you need to do everything He's called you to do, now live like it! Change the world. You are graced.
K.
"God has given you EVERYTHING you need to do EVERYTHING He's called you to do"
It's so refreshing + empowering to know that we're equipped for our calling. God has litterally "graced" us to do what he's called us to do. This makes me ponder 3 things:
1. In his grace, God PURPOSED and CREATED you for your calling. Before the foundation of the earth, God was thinking of you. He literally shaped you to achieve what He called you to achieve. God knew every challenge, every mundane detail of your life, and EQUIPED you to face those challenges head on. You are graced.
2. God knew every mistake you would ever make, INCLUDING SIN, and he still called you. LISTEN: if he loved you YESTERDAY, he'll love you TODAY. If he called you YESTERDAY, He's called you TODAY. You are graced.
3. Grace is received by faith. In order to live the life God intends, we need to take daily steps of faith. It's hard to step out when we don't feel competent or equipped, but faith remembers that God has CALLED us and GRACED us so we step out in spite of our fear. You are graced.
God's given you everything you need to do everything He's called you to do, now live like it! Change the world. You are graced.
K.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
God's Will For Your Life
Romans 12:2 "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
How do I figure out God's will for my life? Christians ask that question a lot!
To clarify, when I say "God's will", I'm talking about God's divine CALLING and PURPOSE. You know, your DESTINY.
Romans 12 gives a clue about our calling, "Let God Transform you" by "Changing the way you think" - some translations say, "By the renewal of your mind" - THEN, the Bible says we will know His will for our life.
I think this scriputre makes it clear that we learn God's will when we get to know God. When we spend time with Him, in His word, in prayer and in praise, we get to know Him and His presence transforms us. The incredible by-product of knowing Him is knowing His Will.
So I encourage you as I encourage myself, don't waste time worrying about your calling - simply love Him, seek Him, talk to Him, and as you do, you will discover your destiny.
K.
How do I figure out God's will for my life? Christians ask that question a lot!
To clarify, when I say "God's will", I'm talking about God's divine CALLING and PURPOSE. You know, your DESTINY.
Romans 12 gives a clue about our calling, "Let God Transform you" by "Changing the way you think" - some translations say, "By the renewal of your mind" - THEN, the Bible says we will know His will for our life.
I think this scriputre makes it clear that we learn God's will when we get to know God. When we spend time with Him, in His word, in prayer and in praise, we get to know Him and His presence transforms us. The incredible by-product of knowing Him is knowing His Will.
So I encourage you as I encourage myself, don't waste time worrying about your calling - simply love Him, seek Him, talk to Him, and as you do, you will discover your destiny.
K.
Friday, August 26, 2011
A Perfect Work In Progress
Hebrews 10:14 "For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy."
When it comes to living a moral life - I find the New Testament gives lots of HINTS and TIPS but far less ABSOLUTES than I would like it to. In other words, I wish there was a book called, "How to live a perfect Christian life" in the Bible... But alas, much of the time, it isn't that cut and dry.
As I'm contemplating this, I remember the Old Testament LAW. Jews had to kill animals to pay for sin and follow hundreds of other rules, day in day out. To me, that seems like a more clear depiction of how to live a perfect Christian life - a list of rules to follow.
But then comes Jesus. Instead of bringing rules, Jesus brought transformation. Instead of law, Jesus brought Grace.
In Jesus we see that the Law was perfect and good, but we were never good enough to fulfill it - therefore He offered himself to make us pure. He died so we might be transformed.
Hebrews 10 is so helpful to me - Jesus "Forever made perfect those who are being made holy." WOW. There are two important elements here:
1. He forever made me perfect through the Cross. He forgave my past, present and future sin when I believed in Him. Now, when God sees me, He sees the perfection of Jesus! That is incredible.
2. The scripture says those who are "BEING MADE Holy". I'm, quite obviously, NOT 100% HOLY YET! I make mistakes, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, grace covers my mistakes and love transforms me day by day to be more set apart, to be stronger in faith, to be different... to be HOLY.
So we don't need a "RULE BOOK" in the Bible - we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us. And His power can produce so much more than a rule book ever could.
We're all just a perfect work in progress... :)
K.
When it comes to living a moral life - I find the New Testament gives lots of HINTS and TIPS but far less ABSOLUTES than I would like it to. In other words, I wish there was a book called, "How to live a perfect Christian life" in the Bible... But alas, much of the time, it isn't that cut and dry.
As I'm contemplating this, I remember the Old Testament LAW. Jews had to kill animals to pay for sin and follow hundreds of other rules, day in day out. To me, that seems like a more clear depiction of how to live a perfect Christian life - a list of rules to follow.
But then comes Jesus. Instead of bringing rules, Jesus brought transformation. Instead of law, Jesus brought Grace.
In Jesus we see that the Law was perfect and good, but we were never good enough to fulfill it - therefore He offered himself to make us pure. He died so we might be transformed.
Hebrews 10 is so helpful to me - Jesus "Forever made perfect those who are being made holy." WOW. There are two important elements here:
1. He forever made me perfect through the Cross. He forgave my past, present and future sin when I believed in Him. Now, when God sees me, He sees the perfection of Jesus! That is incredible.
2. The scripture says those who are "BEING MADE Holy". I'm, quite obviously, NOT 100% HOLY YET! I make mistakes, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, grace covers my mistakes and love transforms me day by day to be more set apart, to be stronger in faith, to be different... to be HOLY.
So we don't need a "RULE BOOK" in the Bible - we have the power of the Holy Spirit in us. And His power can produce so much more than a rule book ever could.
We're all just a perfect work in progress... :)
K.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Empowered by Grace
I'm obsessed with the book of James right now.
James is like an old school Pentecostal preacher who pauses after every convicting point and waits for the congregation to shout AMEN!
James 1:22 has been stirring me:
"Don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise you are only fooling yourselves."
This scripture continues to become more and more challenging for me. It SOUNDS simple. But that is exactly the issue - Gods word is EASY to read, but is very DIFFICULT to apply.
It sounds simple to stay married - just love your wife! But the reality is that 50% of marriages end in divorce.
It sounds simple to have faith in difficult situations. But then we loose our job and think, "God where are you?"
If our FAITH is alive, we should ACT on God's word - so how do we live this life of FAITH? How do we become DOERS of Gods word instead of simply HEARING Gods word?
I think my Pastor, John Burns, has an incredible answer. He says:
"When you see His Grace, He sees your Faith."
When I see his Grace, I have strength to unconditionally love my Wife and Son. When I see his Grace, I am empowered to boldly pray and minister to others. When I see his Grace, I understand and trust His faithfulness even when my faith is weak.
So let the goodness and grace of God empower you gladly DO his word. Not out of obligation, but because He's just that good.
K.
James is like an old school Pentecostal preacher who pauses after every convicting point and waits for the congregation to shout AMEN!
James 1:22 has been stirring me:
"Don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise you are only fooling yourselves."
This scripture continues to become more and more challenging for me. It SOUNDS simple. But that is exactly the issue - Gods word is EASY to read, but is very DIFFICULT to apply.
It sounds simple to stay married - just love your wife! But the reality is that 50% of marriages end in divorce.
It sounds simple to have faith in difficult situations. But then we loose our job and think, "God where are you?"
If our FAITH is alive, we should ACT on God's word - so how do we live this life of FAITH? How do we become DOERS of Gods word instead of simply HEARING Gods word?
I think my Pastor, John Burns, has an incredible answer. He says:
"When you see His Grace, He sees your Faith."
When I see his Grace, I have strength to unconditionally love my Wife and Son. When I see his Grace, I am empowered to boldly pray and minister to others. When I see his Grace, I understand and trust His faithfulness even when my faith is weak.
So let the goodness and grace of God empower you gladly DO his word. Not out of obligation, but because He's just that good.
K.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Who do you Worship?
John 12:42-43 (ESV) "Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God."
This scripture always shocks + challenges me. In the NLT it says "For they loved human praise more than the praise of God." In other words, instead of honoring and fearing God by saying "I follow Jesus", they decided to honor and fear their friends, co-workers and leaders by keeping silent.
I always have to ask myself this question, "Who's applause am I playing for?" Is it for my fellow staff to say "Great job!" or the church to say, "Great preaching!" or, instead, do I long to honor God?
Sometimes, if not most of the time, standing for Jesus and striving for His approval is going to cost you something. In John 12, Standing for Jesus meant the disapproval of powerful leaders, maybe even getting thrown out of the Synagogue.
Will I strive to honor God even when all around me disapprove? Even in the little things? Even when the stakes are high? I hope the answer is YES!
K.
This scripture always shocks + challenges me. In the NLT it says "For they loved human praise more than the praise of God." In other words, instead of honoring and fearing God by saying "I follow Jesus", they decided to honor and fear their friends, co-workers and leaders by keeping silent.
I always have to ask myself this question, "Who's applause am I playing for?" Is it for my fellow staff to say "Great job!" or the church to say, "Great preaching!" or, instead, do I long to honor God?
Sometimes, if not most of the time, standing for Jesus and striving for His approval is going to cost you something. In John 12, Standing for Jesus meant the disapproval of powerful leaders, maybe even getting thrown out of the Synagogue.
Will I strive to honor God even when all around me disapprove? Even in the little things? Even when the stakes are high? I hope the answer is YES!
K.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Masterpiece
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
A masterpiece is the best work of an accomplished, professional artist. The Mona Lisa - the Sistine chapel - the Masterpiece.
I've often pridefully read this scripture and thought that humanity itself was God's masterpiece - the best of all creation - but that is certainly not the truth, we are simply the imperfect piece of the puzzle. The real art is God's fulfilled plan - the gift of Grace that makes humanity perfect at the moment we accept Christ. The depth of this mysterious act of Grace is exhaustingly measurable and totally deals with the horror of our sin, yet to understand the practical life transforming qualities of Grace would be an infinite process fully grasped only by God himself. A child could understand the simplicities of Grace yet the most brilliant mind couldn't begin to explain its complexities.
Instead of getting the hell we deserve, we get the heaven we don't deserve. Thieves become pastors, prisoners become prophets.
The masterpiece of the first artist - the only real artist - is grace.
K.
A masterpiece is the best work of an accomplished, professional artist. The Mona Lisa - the Sistine chapel - the Masterpiece.
I've often pridefully read this scripture and thought that humanity itself was God's masterpiece - the best of all creation - but that is certainly not the truth, we are simply the imperfect piece of the puzzle. The real art is God's fulfilled plan - the gift of Grace that makes humanity perfect at the moment we accept Christ. The depth of this mysterious act of Grace is exhaustingly measurable and totally deals with the horror of our sin, yet to understand the practical life transforming qualities of Grace would be an infinite process fully grasped only by God himself. A child could understand the simplicities of Grace yet the most brilliant mind couldn't begin to explain its complexities.
Instead of getting the hell we deserve, we get the heaven we don't deserve. Thieves become pastors, prisoners become prophets.
The masterpiece of the first artist - the only real artist - is grace.
K.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
K's Confession: Why I do what I do.
I love people. I've always loved people.
Through my teenage years, I valued those close to me - seriously, I VALUED them, my friends were my family; however, I didn't treat those outside of my close circle with much respect. I was a bit of a loud mouth and a scrapper. The funny thing is, I still had this inner sense of "respect" for those I would verbally abuse. I now realize I valued them, just not as much as I valued myself.
But something changed. One night I felt shame. Crippling shame. I hated who I was and knew I was going straight to hell. My love for people was gone. There were evil things in my heart and I felt like even the pictures on the wall were condemning me. I felt God had given up on me - my prayers for mercy could not be heard. I was simply doomed.
In that moment I prayed for the last time - "God, speak to me now or I'll know you've forgotten about me." I picked up my dusty old Bible, opened it and read the first words I saw.
It was Luke 15:11-32. Read it. You will know why it changed me in that moment.
I knew God spoke to me. I knew I was forgiven and to be honest, I've never been the same.
What's changed is I believe in something. Like, I REALLY believe in something. I don't have a Bart Simpson "death bed repentance" kind of faith anymore. I've literally dedicated my life to a real relationship with God because I really, really believe in God.
I do what I do because I came to terms with the reality of life and death. I explored the very edge of hopelessness. I knew God existed and that he was good - and I knew I was not good. The shame of that reality was unbearable.
What I found is something my mind can still hardly comprehend. The moment I felt hopeless - the very moment I felt my life had no meaning - was the very moment I found the answer.
What if you found the answer? What if God was so good that he provided an answer for all people everywhere - and this answer was your choice. Would you choose it?
I did. And because I love people, I can't shut up about it.
K.
Through my teenage years, I valued those close to me - seriously, I VALUED them, my friends were my family; however, I didn't treat those outside of my close circle with much respect. I was a bit of a loud mouth and a scrapper. The funny thing is, I still had this inner sense of "respect" for those I would verbally abuse. I now realize I valued them, just not as much as I valued myself.
But something changed. One night I felt shame. Crippling shame. I hated who I was and knew I was going straight to hell. My love for people was gone. There were evil things in my heart and I felt like even the pictures on the wall were condemning me. I felt God had given up on me - my prayers for mercy could not be heard. I was simply doomed.
In that moment I prayed for the last time - "God, speak to me now or I'll know you've forgotten about me." I picked up my dusty old Bible, opened it and read the first words I saw.
It was Luke 15:11-32. Read it. You will know why it changed me in that moment.
I knew God spoke to me. I knew I was forgiven and to be honest, I've never been the same.
What's changed is I believe in something. Like, I REALLY believe in something. I don't have a Bart Simpson "death bed repentance" kind of faith anymore. I've literally dedicated my life to a real relationship with God because I really, really believe in God.
I do what I do because I came to terms with the reality of life and death. I explored the very edge of hopelessness. I knew God existed and that he was good - and I knew I was not good. The shame of that reality was unbearable.
What I found is something my mind can still hardly comprehend. The moment I felt hopeless - the very moment I felt my life had no meaning - was the very moment I found the answer.
What if you found the answer? What if God was so good that he provided an answer for all people everywhere - and this answer was your choice. Would you choose it?
I did. And because I love people, I can't shut up about it.
K.
Friday, January 28, 2011
David + Jonathan
Hey All,
A few years ago I wrote a song called 'David + Jonathan'. I've always had young people asking me how to play it so I decided to shoot a quick video of the song. I hope it helps you - Chords + Lyrics below.
Sorry for the mess ups :). I haven't played it in a while.
David and Jonathan
Capo 5
(all bar chords)
Verse: C, Am, F, G, C
Chorus: F, G, Am
Verse 2: C, Am, F, G, Am | F, G, C
Verse:
I've known you not to long now, I think you would agree
There's something strage and wonderful that happens when we meet
I think that we could be best friends
It's not a special formula you work on from the start
It's always supernatural and always from the heart
I think that we could be best friends
Chorus:
Take me to your place and we'll take photographs and sing
We could do this life together
Bake me a cake, build a castle for our King
Best friends forever
Verse 2:
And when this life is over, and all is said and done
We'll have all sorts of memories of tricks and games and fun
I'll know that we have been best friends
I know you and me are best friends.
Enjoy :).
Monday, January 17, 2011
K's Twitter Do's + Don'ts
I like twitter.
Some think it's a waste of time but I think it's nothing short of genius.
Here are some things that I've learned. I hope these tips inspire you to come alongside all of us tweeters and experience the world in 140 characters.
Do:
1. Keep your "Follow" list tight and specific.
Twitter actually gives you a window into the lives, blogs and leadership of people you might be able to learn from. Don't follow a bunch of celebrities just because you can. Unless, of course, you really care about what club Snookie is throwing up in tonight...
Because I love learning from Preachers and Church leaders I follow guys like Rick Warren, Judah Smith, Brian Houston, Steven Furtick and Craig Groeschel. They always post insightful words of wisdom and link to great blogs and resources. You'd be surprised what I've learned.
2. Have fun.
Ok - I understand why you always want to post the "deep quote of the day" but c'mon guys, we're allowed to have a little fun on the internet. Unless you're a professional, keep the tweets light. Everyone loves to laugh.
Don't:
1. Use twitter only for promotion.
Unfortunately, I've been guilty of this in the past. If you've already posted a link to your blog or an update for your event, trust me, your followers got it the first time. It's totally appropriate to give a shout out for your event but it is annoying to give 10. It's not a billboard it's twitter. Keep it light, fresh and informative.
2. Mis-quote people.
Yes, I am also guilty of this. I mis-understood a story that Carl Lentz had talked about and tweeted it. I promptly received a message in my inbox saying, "Bro, I think something got lost in translation, I never said that". It was embarrassing. Get the facts straight - people are listening.
All in all I highly recommend twitter. And with this easy to follow guide, you'll have hundreds of followers in no time.
So get ready to explain your memorable moments, triumphs and failures in 140 characters or less. The wild world of twitter awaits!
K.
Some think it's a waste of time but I think it's nothing short of genius.
Here are some things that I've learned. I hope these tips inspire you to come alongside all of us tweeters and experience the world in 140 characters.
Do:
1. Keep your "Follow" list tight and specific.
Twitter actually gives you a window into the lives, blogs and leadership of people you might be able to learn from. Don't follow a bunch of celebrities just because you can. Unless, of course, you really care about what club Snookie is throwing up in tonight...
Because I love learning from Preachers and Church leaders I follow guys like Rick Warren, Judah Smith, Brian Houston, Steven Furtick and Craig Groeschel. They always post insightful words of wisdom and link to great blogs and resources. You'd be surprised what I've learned.
2. Have fun.
Ok - I understand why you always want to post the "deep quote of the day" but c'mon guys, we're allowed to have a little fun on the internet. Unless you're a professional, keep the tweets light. Everyone loves to laugh.
Don't:
1. Use twitter only for promotion.
Unfortunately, I've been guilty of this in the past. If you've already posted a link to your blog or an update for your event, trust me, your followers got it the first time. It's totally appropriate to give a shout out for your event but it is annoying to give 10. It's not a billboard it's twitter. Keep it light, fresh and informative.
2. Mis-quote people.
Yes, I am also guilty of this. I mis-understood a story that Carl Lentz had talked about and tweeted it. I promptly received a message in my inbox saying, "Bro, I think something got lost in translation, I never said that". It was embarrassing. Get the facts straight - people are listening.
All in all I highly recommend twitter. And with this easy to follow guide, you'll have hundreds of followers in no time.
So get ready to explain your memorable moments, triumphs and failures in 140 characters or less. The wild world of twitter awaits!
K.
Friday, January 14, 2011
K's New Bible
So I got a new Bible today.
This Bible is different. It's called "YouVersion". It's digital and it was free.
Yes, that's right, I said digital - not made of paper or leather bound. It's the whole Bible in digital form. There's an app for phones and a great online version. And yes, it's totally 100% free in every way. Free download. Free online content. No ads. No gimmicks. Totally free.
Now that's my kind of Bible.
YouVersion has dozens of different reading plans and even a free audio Bible! Just plug in some head phones and listen to the Bible being read to you... For free! The audio quality and production is amazing, there's even music. And it's FREE... FREE! (you get the picture)
Today I started a "One Year" Bible reading plan and I'm pretty darn excited about it. I would encourage you to go and find a reading plan that works for you. I started reading YouVersion on my phone when I get up in the morning. It's great because I don't need to turn on a light and wake up my Wife to read it.
I'm definitely going to be spending a lot more time on YouVersion this year. Technology rules.
Here's the Link: www.youversion.com
K.
This Bible is different. It's called "YouVersion". It's digital and it was free.
Yes, that's right, I said digital - not made of paper or leather bound. It's the whole Bible in digital form. There's an app for phones and a great online version. And yes, it's totally 100% free in every way. Free download. Free online content. No ads. No gimmicks. Totally free.
Now that's my kind of Bible.
YouVersion has dozens of different reading plans and even a free audio Bible! Just plug in some head phones and listen to the Bible being read to you... For free! The audio quality and production is amazing, there's even music. And it's FREE... FREE! (you get the picture)Today I started a "One Year" Bible reading plan and I'm pretty darn excited about it. I would encourage you to go and find a reading plan that works for you. I started reading YouVersion on my phone when I get up in the morning. It's great because I don't need to turn on a light and wake up my Wife to read it.
I'm definitely going to be spending a lot more time on YouVersion this year. Technology rules.
Here's the Link: www.youversion.com
K.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
K's Gangster Rap
Sam, Dan and I wrote a rap today. It is Gangster.
Make sure there is something that you do to blow off steam. Like go for a run. Or read. Or write a totally gangster Rap song.
Sometimes I just need to do something silly to have fun. It's always worth it.
And one day, I'll bring out the ol' stereo and pop in the CD of all the rap songs I've ever recorded and embarrass the heck out of my Son - hopefully in front of all his friends. And on that fine day, I'll realize that wasting a whole evening laughing and rhyming in Dan's bedroom was totally worth it.
Jay Z eat your heart out.
Make sure there is something that you do to blow off steam. Like go for a run. Or read. Or write a totally gangster Rap song.
Sometimes I just need to do something silly to have fun. It's always worth it.
And one day, I'll bring out the ol' stereo and pop in the CD of all the rap songs I've ever recorded and embarrass the heck out of my Son - hopefully in front of all his friends. And on that fine day, I'll realize that wasting a whole evening laughing and rhyming in Dan's bedroom was totally worth it.
Jay Z eat your heart out.
Welcome to K's Blog
Hey all,
Welcome to my new blog. My megaphone. Read at your own risk.
I'm a young pastor who recently got married and is about to have his first kid. This is simply a window into my brain.
My hope is to help you - I'm going to write about about what I'm learning, the books that are inspiring me, the videos that are making me laugh, my joys, my frustrations and everything in between.
So if twitter and facebook just isn't enough, welcome to my digital self. Welcome to K's Blog.
Welcome to my new blog. My megaphone. Read at your own risk.
I'm a young pastor who recently got married and is about to have his first kid. This is simply a window into my brain.
My hope is to help you - I'm going to write about about what I'm learning, the books that are inspiring me, the videos that are making me laugh, my joys, my frustrations and everything in between.
So if twitter and facebook just isn't enough, welcome to my digital self. Welcome to K's Blog.
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