Monthly Archives: June 2012
The Invitation to the Life of Worship
I can remember when my boys were younger, I would be working on a task or job and they would sometimes come along with me. On some of those occasions, they would want to help out. Now, depending on their age, the amount that they were able to do was limited. However, I enjoyed spending time with them and wanted them to feel like they were helping out. So, if we were moving a table or something like that, they would help carry it. However, I would position myself towards the middle of the table, so that I was carrying the majority of the weight while they helped and “carried” their end of the table. In many ways, I think this provides a good picture of living the life of worship. In Matthew 11:25-30, Jesus offers us an invitation. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). It is the invitation to come and follow Him and to live a life of worship. But it is unlike any invitation offered by the world and by other religions. The wisdom of God is revealed to the child at heart. In Matthew 11:25-26, Jesus says that the Father has hidden things from those who think they are wise and important and He has revealed them to little children. In another passage, Jesus says that unless we become like a child, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-4). I believe … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Living, Good Works, Life of Worship
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Weathering the Storm
If you drive by the church where we attend, you will notice recently that there are a lot of shingles missing from recent storms. In fact, many of the shingles that remain are very friendly. They will even wave to you as you pass by. Thankfully, this situation will be resolved soon, thanks to the efforts of some people who worked hard to get it fixed. These shingles did not weather the storm very well. Churches sometimes don’t weather storms very well either. That is because they are made up of flawed people. However, those churches that endure are those that are built on a strong foundation and keep their eyes fixed on the call of Jesus Christ. It does not mean that there won’t be hard times. Storms may come through and they may do some damage. Unfortunately, this damage is almost always done through people within the church, not outside the church. Sometimes, we focus so much attention on those organizations and people who are trying to oppose the church and limit the reach of the gospel. I’ve got news for you. They don’t hold a candle to the devastation that can be caused by the people within the church. And no one is immune. It could be me. It could be you. There is a constant battle in this world. Jesus Christ has called us to shine the light of the gospel and share His love and salvation with others. However, our enemy will do all that … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Living, Church, God's Judgment
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Is it Possible to Obey the Greatest Commandment?
I am far from perfect. For some of you who know me well, this is no great revelation. I have many flaws and I am frequently discouraged with what I perceive as my lack of progress in growing in my relationship with God and my love for Him. It can be very depressing at times. I can very hard on myself. I am sure some of you can relate to this. You don’t need anyone else to criticize you. You are your worst critic. Self-critique can be helpful. However, it can also be unhelpful in a couple of different ways. First, if we are only looking at the here and now, we forget where we have come from. It is kind of like when I look and my children now. I don’t always remember what they were like when they were younger. However, then I look at some old photos or movies and I am amazed by how much they have changed and matured. In our spiritual lives, it can be like that. If we could see a snapshot of how we were 10 years ago, we would see that we have grown. On the other hand, we can overestimate our growth and maturity, especially if are filled with pride and overly impressed with our own abilities and accomplishments. We can think too highly of ourselves and, therefore, look down on those who are less “spiritual” than us. This is why, in both cases, it is important to have God’s … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Living, God's Love, Life of Worship
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The Life of Worship: The Greatest Commandment
I love my wife, Cheryl. I love her a lot. We have been married for almost 30 years. We have known each other for almost 40 years. She is my best friend. There is no one I would rather spend time with. No, things are not always smooth and tranquil in our relationship, but we are committed to one another, for life. And I do not want it any other way. Now, I could be committed to staying with Cheryl, honoring my marriage vows to remain true to only her. However, in our relationship, I could keep myself closed off and isolated from her. I could withhold my love and affection. I could go about my life and never do any acts of kindness for her. I could take care of my own needs and neglect hers. On the other hand, I could be unfaithful, and not remain true to the commitment I made to be faithful to her all the days of our lives together. At the same time, I could do all kinds of wonderful things for Cheryl, showering her with gifts, attention, and affection, while being unfaithful. In both of the situations, there would be a disconnect. Whether one way or another, Cheryl would be getting part of me, but not all of me. My life would be a contradiction. The actions of my life would be in opposition to each other. I would not be fully devoted to her as my wife. Unfortunately, when it comes … Continue reading
Posted in Christian Living, Life of Worship, Love, Marriage
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