Organizing TC is like putting on a big production. There is a lot of planning to do, lines to memorize, props to setup and there are long, tough practices. You hope that in the end everything looks right and turns out the way you planned. We, the leaders, are like the stage managers. We set everything up and create an environment where the production will take place.
There is only one actor and He is Christ Himself.
We don't always set the stage perfectly and a lot of times we forget some props and don’t dim the lights at the correct moments but all we can do is show up and try our best knowing that He cares about our HEARTS rather than the results because He takes care of the results when we desire to serve humbly. When the night comes, and it's time for the show, we sit back and watch our Actor blow us away like He ALWAYS does.
We are all imperfect. We stumble to have the right words at the right times, we get nervous and frustrated when things don't go our way, we lack self-control when we are caught off guard. Ultimately, we are so afraid and none of us deserve to be in the leadership positions we've been given.
For me, when I'm overwhelmed, upset, scared and frustrated all at once because of my lack of leadership ability, I need to realize that it's exactly the place where God wants me.
'My grace is sufficient for you.
My power is made perfect in your weakness.'
Let's go into TC with CONFIDENCE that the Spirit of God will move when we come with hearts that are willing to serve and be used by Him.
*sam
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
What if Starbucks marketed like a church. A parable.
Watch this!
What were your thoughts as you watched the video?
Did you chuckle at the irony? Could you relate? Have you ever been a guest at a church?
My initial thoughts were.. If starbucks marketed like a church.. oh man. It would be a completely different business. Their casual and inviting atmosphere, and overall brand identity is quite successful as a business I would say. They've branched off everywhere. On their website the tagline is "Come in for a while. Make yourself at home. Can we get you anything?" I think our churches try to give off the same vibe but we are not always as successful.
I must say, though, that churches offer a much different 'product' than Starbucks. A religion is a much harder sell in any context, especially with all the negative connotations that Christians have these days. BUT watching the video is definitely an eye-opener to many things that we do as a church community that just don't make it too appealing for first time guests to want to come back.
The term 'church' can refer to both the universal body of believers, but it can also refer to the local body or community of believers like your own church. As a local body of believers who come together for TC, how do we 'market' the gospel? How do we represent it and make guests feel welcome? Do we do a good job of this?
As a follower of Christ, how do you feel you do in terms of this? If your actions and behaviours were observed, would people be able to make a mockery out of it?
Luckily for us, the Good News that Jesus brings is much more attractive than what we could ever give it justice for.
Let's continue to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) as we go about our day. You never know who is watching!
*rebecca
- - - - - - - - - -
At my high school fellowship, I remember 2 new people came in off the streets on a particular Friday. Before our main program, our youth pastor made a semi big deal of the fact that we had some 'first timers'. We all exchanged pleasantries, introduced ourselves in a circle and went about our evening. At the end, I remember distinctly giving them a quick glance, like in the video, and then proceeding to chat with my friends. I will forever remember that evening because a close friend called me out on my behaviour. She said 'I can't believe you're considered a Spiritual leader who will set an example but when you actually have the opportunity to show God's love by taking an extra few minutes just to hear their stories, you chicken out and selfishly do what's comfortable. If they never come back, I hope you consider yourself partially responsible'. They never did come back.
Why is it that we are so blantant about keeping traditions and making church about what we do but so easily forget that everything about church is not mandatory except the gathering and the presence of God? Why is it that we can focus so much on programs and schedules and forget to listen to the Lord when He is speaking to us in a gentle whisper?
I know in my example, I was afraid. I didn't want an awkward situation and, because the new-comers seemed a bit different, I didn't know exactly what to say to them so I said nothing and pretended like it was any other Friday. I feel like so often, as a body of believers, we break down a Sunday service or a Friday fellowship into tasks. We break down worship into songs, readings and prayer and we make Sunday into a routine. I'm not saying any of those things are wrong in and of themselves. However, we completely miss the point when we hide behind them by making them our primary focus, forgetting that we are called to be with God as a congregation.
It's time to stop making it about what we do and take the time to ensure that what we do is truly an expression of who we are in Christ, both as individuals and as a body.
*sam
What were your thoughts as you watched the video?
Did you chuckle at the irony? Could you relate? Have you ever been a guest at a church?
My initial thoughts were.. If starbucks marketed like a church.. oh man. It would be a completely different business. Their casual and inviting atmosphere, and overall brand identity is quite successful as a business I would say. They've branched off everywhere. On their website the tagline is "Come in for a while. Make yourself at home. Can we get you anything?" I think our churches try to give off the same vibe but we are not always as successful.
I must say, though, that churches offer a much different 'product' than Starbucks. A religion is a much harder sell in any context, especially with all the negative connotations that Christians have these days. BUT watching the video is definitely an eye-opener to many things that we do as a church community that just don't make it too appealing for first time guests to want to come back.
The term 'church' can refer to both the universal body of believers, but it can also refer to the local body or community of believers like your own church. As a local body of believers who come together for TC, how do we 'market' the gospel? How do we represent it and make guests feel welcome? Do we do a good job of this?
As a follower of Christ, how do you feel you do in terms of this? If your actions and behaviours were observed, would people be able to make a mockery out of it?
Luckily for us, the Good News that Jesus brings is much more attractive than what we could ever give it justice for.
Let's continue to be good ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) as we go about our day. You never know who is watching!
*rebecca
- - - - - - - - - -
At my high school fellowship, I remember 2 new people came in off the streets on a particular Friday. Before our main program, our youth pastor made a semi big deal of the fact that we had some 'first timers'. We all exchanged pleasantries, introduced ourselves in a circle and went about our evening. At the end, I remember distinctly giving them a quick glance, like in the video, and then proceeding to chat with my friends. I will forever remember that evening because a close friend called me out on my behaviour. She said 'I can't believe you're considered a Spiritual leader who will set an example but when you actually have the opportunity to show God's love by taking an extra few minutes just to hear their stories, you chicken out and selfishly do what's comfortable. If they never come back, I hope you consider yourself partially responsible'. They never did come back.
Why is it that we are so blantant about keeping traditions and making church about what we do but so easily forget that everything about church is not mandatory except the gathering and the presence of God? Why is it that we can focus so much on programs and schedules and forget to listen to the Lord when He is speaking to us in a gentle whisper?
I know in my example, I was afraid. I didn't want an awkward situation and, because the new-comers seemed a bit different, I didn't know exactly what to say to them so I said nothing and pretended like it was any other Friday. I feel like so often, as a body of believers, we break down a Sunday service or a Friday fellowship into tasks. We break down worship into songs, readings and prayer and we make Sunday into a routine. I'm not saying any of those things are wrong in and of themselves. However, we completely miss the point when we hide behind them by making them our primary focus, forgetting that we are called to be with God as a congregation.
It's time to stop making it about what we do and take the time to ensure that what we do is truly an expression of who we are in Christ, both as individuals and as a body.
*sam
Friday, February 27, 2009
Prayer!!
16 days until TC!!!!
For this week pray for all the volunteers.. for their health, strength and inspiration from the Lord!
Pray for the participants. We are FULL for junior and almost full for Senior. Pray for open and willing hearts.
Pray for the worship and media teams, that they may be of big impact to the participants in their ministry.
Pray for a fruitful ministry for yourself as a captain! That you may be a leader of influence, to influence your team to Jesus.
*rebecca
For this week pray for all the volunteers.. for their health, strength and inspiration from the Lord!
Pray for the participants. We are FULL for junior and almost full for Senior. Pray for open and willing hearts.
Pray for the worship and media teams, that they may be of big impact to the participants in their ministry.
Pray for a fruitful ministry for yourself as a captain! That you may be a leader of influence, to influence your team to Jesus.
*rebecca
Friday, February 20, 2009
Heroes
I've been watching the TV series called Heroes that follows a cast of ordinary people who have super powers. The previous series was on Villains, and it's interesting as you follow the character development. Those who were the good guys in earlier seasons have other motives, pushing them to the bad guy side. The people who started the company all had hidden motives for the formula, resulting in chaos around the world and chaos even in different timeframes.
Abraham Lincoln said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." In the book Developing The Leader Within, John C. Maxwell comments that, "The danger of power lies in the fact that those who are vested with it tend to make its preservation their first concern. Therefore, they will naturally oppose any changes in the forces that have given them this power. History tells us that power leads to the abuse of power and the abuse of power leads to loss of power."
Isn't this so true? For those in leadership positions, it is so easy to abuse and take for granted the power, influence and responsibilities given to you.
I believe the key to managing the kind of power/responsibility you have as a leader is to have people in your life keeping you accountable to it. What are your motives? What are your goals? Are you putting other's interest before your own? Do your deeds and words match up? These are tough questions to ask yourself. But they are so needed to keep us in line. Do you have someone to keep you in line? Maybe this person is your co-captain or coach. Maybe it is someone at your church. Maybe it is a close friend. Make sure you have someone(s) in your life to hold you accountable to your responsibilities. Whoever it is, ask them to ask you the tough questions.
I've had a few posts on accountability already because I believe it is key to your success, as a leader and also as a living witness for Christ. You need people around you who believe in you and keep you in check, pushing you on to do bigger, better things. You need to live a life of integrity (remember captain training #1) where no matter who you are, or what you are doing, you are still who you say you are. You need to understand your own motives and intentions behind what you do, so you stay focused on what is right.
When you have accountability for your actions and you start to model the life you want others to follow, your influence to impact others in a positive and Christ-centered way is increased exponentially.
Side note: Incidentally it was because of Heroes that I officially met and hung out with Sam! A few people went to his place to watch it one night and I tagged along.. and now - a number of good talks, get togethers and softball games later - we're serving together, sharing our insights and helping with TC. How cool is that? =D
*rebecca
- - - - - - - - - -
The verse I'm reminded of is Luke 12:48
I learned to play the guitar when I was 17 on a missions trip to the UK.
I came home all gung ho and ready to jump on stage to lead worship.
I remember approaching my pastor and sharing my missions experience with so much excitement and enthusiasm. I then remember the look of disappointment on my face when he told me I couldn't lead. I was angry, frustrated, upset and sad all at the same time. Why is it that I had been denied the request to serve in an area where I had so much passion and energy for the Lord? My pastor told me I wasn't ready - and he was right.
A few years later, I started serving in leadership at my university fellowship.
I remember getting together at a friend's house one Friday night after fellowship and just sitting there and jamming. We sang songs of praise and prayed however we were led to.
I remember looking around and seeing people worshipping and praising God with their hearts and it all hit me at once - congregational worship is about the people, connecting to the Lord is about listening and finding rest in His presence, and the best worship leading is done when we move out of the way and let the Spirit of God lead. I never saw it that way before.
Being a Spiritual leader is about being a servant of God.
At 17, I had a lot of passion and energy to serve but no understanding of any concept of worship.
Thank you becca for coming to watch heroes as a tag along... and for all the random chats about things that are actually important to us.
*sam
Abraham Lincoln said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." In the book Developing The Leader Within, John C. Maxwell comments that, "The danger of power lies in the fact that those who are vested with it tend to make its preservation their first concern. Therefore, they will naturally oppose any changes in the forces that have given them this power. History tells us that power leads to the abuse of power and the abuse of power leads to loss of power."
Isn't this so true? For those in leadership positions, it is so easy to abuse and take for granted the power, influence and responsibilities given to you.
I believe the key to managing the kind of power/responsibility you have as a leader is to have people in your life keeping you accountable to it. What are your motives? What are your goals? Are you putting other's interest before your own? Do your deeds and words match up? These are tough questions to ask yourself. But they are so needed to keep us in line. Do you have someone to keep you in line? Maybe this person is your co-captain or coach. Maybe it is someone at your church. Maybe it is a close friend. Make sure you have someone(s) in your life to hold you accountable to your responsibilities. Whoever it is, ask them to ask you the tough questions.
I've had a few posts on accountability already because I believe it is key to your success, as a leader and also as a living witness for Christ. You need people around you who believe in you and keep you in check, pushing you on to do bigger, better things. You need to live a life of integrity (remember captain training #1) where no matter who you are, or what you are doing, you are still who you say you are. You need to understand your own motives and intentions behind what you do, so you stay focused on what is right.
When you have accountability for your actions and you start to model the life you want others to follow, your influence to impact others in a positive and Christ-centered way is increased exponentially.
Side note: Incidentally it was because of Heroes that I officially met and hung out with Sam! A few people went to his place to watch it one night and I tagged along.. and now - a number of good talks, get togethers and softball games later - we're serving together, sharing our insights and helping with TC. How cool is that? =D
*rebecca
- - - - - - - - - -
The verse I'm reminded of is Luke 12:48
But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
I learned to play the guitar when I was 17 on a missions trip to the UK.
I came home all gung ho and ready to jump on stage to lead worship.
I remember approaching my pastor and sharing my missions experience with so much excitement and enthusiasm. I then remember the look of disappointment on my face when he told me I couldn't lead. I was angry, frustrated, upset and sad all at the same time. Why is it that I had been denied the request to serve in an area where I had so much passion and energy for the Lord? My pastor told me I wasn't ready - and he was right.
A few years later, I started serving in leadership at my university fellowship.
I remember getting together at a friend's house one Friday night after fellowship and just sitting there and jamming. We sang songs of praise and prayed however we were led to.
I remember looking around and seeing people worshipping and praising God with their hearts and it all hit me at once - congregational worship is about the people, connecting to the Lord is about listening and finding rest in His presence, and the best worship leading is done when we move out of the way and let the Spirit of God lead. I never saw it that way before.
Being a Spiritual leader is about being a servant of God.
At 17, I had a lot of passion and energy to serve but no understanding of any concept of worship.
Thank you becca for coming to watch heroes as a tag along... and for all the random chats about things that are actually important to us.
*sam
Friday, February 13, 2009
The infamous media
How many of you have seen this commercial online or on tv?
Dove Evolution Campaign
Pretty crazy eh?
Coming from a design background, I know that this kind of thing happens all the time. In high school, I remember taking those pictures at Pacific Mall, getting it a few hours later, and I don't even look like me because they touched up my face via photoshop. These 'evolutions' definitely happen. Not only is it just the image that is distorted, our whole perception of reality is distorted. How we view relationships, university life, sex, beauty and more, are all affected by media in some way. I don't think any one of us can deny the impact of media on our lives. Especially in this generation where we are bombarded by the internet and tv.
Everyday we are swayed to make decisions. What drink to have, what clothes to wear, where we will eat, who we hang out with. How much of our decision is of the world, and not of God? How much of the decision is purely selfish and how much is with others in mind? As a Christian I find one of the most challenging things is to be in the world but not OF it. How to be an impact on those around me rather than get impacted myself.
It's a fact that the media and the world influences our everyday lives.
But how much? And how can you be more aware of it's impact on you?
*rebecca
- - - - - - - - - -
I spoke with a friend recently who went through a very rough break-up. When all was said and done, the guy said 'my pridehas really been hurt'.
I was very surprised that rather than saying 'I've really been hurt', the first thing he addressed was his pride. In relation to the media entry becca has posted above, I find more and more the media puts so much focus into appearances and it doesn't only brainwash us deciding what to wear and what gadgets to buy, it poisons our mind and causes us to want to portray a certain image of ourselves to other
Ultimately, what I see is that the more we work on the image we portray, the more we become fake. We do our best to look and act a certain way around certain people. We put on so many different faces that we don't know who we are at all. Of course, this happens subtly at first but it eats away at our character in such a way that we are not aware until it's too late.
Is how you look and act more important to you than your character? Do you always think carefully about what you say in fear of being ridiculed at your true ideas? Do you act differently around different people because you don't want others to see certain things about you?
The media places so much value in things which are temporary, making secondary their primary focus.
*sam
Dove Evolution Campaign
Pretty crazy eh?
Coming from a design background, I know that this kind of thing happens all the time. In high school, I remember taking those pictures at Pacific Mall, getting it a few hours later, and I don't even look like me because they touched up my face via photoshop. These 'evolutions' definitely happen. Not only is it just the image that is distorted, our whole perception of reality is distorted. How we view relationships, university life, sex, beauty and more, are all affected by media in some way. I don't think any one of us can deny the impact of media on our lives. Especially in this generation where we are bombarded by the internet and tv.
Everyday we are swayed to make decisions. What drink to have, what clothes to wear, where we will eat, who we hang out with. How much of our decision is of the world, and not of God? How much of the decision is purely selfish and how much is with others in mind? As a Christian I find one of the most challenging things is to be in the world but not OF it. How to be an impact on those around me rather than get impacted myself.
It's a fact that the media and the world influences our everyday lives.
But how much? And how can you be more aware of it's impact on you?
*rebecca
- - - - - - - - - -
I spoke with a friend recently who went through a very rough break-up. When all was said and done, the guy said 'my pridehas really been hurt'.
I was very surprised that rather than saying 'I've really been hurt', the first thing he addressed was his pride. In relation to the media entry becca has posted above, I find more and more the media puts so much focus into appearances and it doesn't only brainwash us deciding what to wear and what gadgets to buy, it poisons our mind and causes us to want to portray a certain image of ourselves to other
Ultimately, what I see is that the more we work on the image we portray, the more we become fake. We do our best to look and act a certain way around certain people. We put on so many different faces that we don't know who we are at all. Of course, this happens subtly at first but it eats away at our character in such a way that we are not aware until it's too late.
Is how you look and act more important to you than your character? Do you always think carefully about what you say in fear of being ridiculed at your true ideas? Do you act differently around different people because you don't want others to see certain things about you?
The media places so much value in things which are temporary, making secondary their primary focus.
*sam
Monday, February 9, 2009
MJ
Recently I played Mah Jong at a friends place for a group gathering. No gambling of course, just for fun! As we were playing, I realized that I had forgotten to pick up a tile at some point, and I was one short (sew seung gong), which meant that there was no way I could win. I just had to continue playing and wait for someone else to win.
When I realized that I couldn't win, I quickly changed strategies. No longer was I playing with both offense and defense in mind, I quickly decided that if I couldn't win, than I would try to mess everyone else up by keeping their tiles or playing ridiculous defense. If I couldn't win, I might as well make it harder for everyone else!
It was an interesting thought as I kept playing.. I felt sort of bad because my strategies would obviously be different had I just played normally. I don't remember the outcome of the game but I do remember a couple things I extracted from the situation.
1. Not being able to win sucks. But hey, you gotta get over yourself and keep going. The game has to go on!
2. Being selfish is a lose-lose situation. It doesn't benefit you and it doesn't benefit all your peers. No one wins.
3. It doesn't make you feel very good to be selfish.
I wonder how often I go into self-centered mode. How often I only care about my own gain and not about others. It doesn't benefit you or others, nor does it feel good to be self-focused.
One sermon in the past sticks out to me, when I think about this topic. The analogy revolved around a throne representing the control over your life. It only sits one person. It is either you in the throne or God in the throne. And it is your choice who sits on this throne. Every day and every choice you make, you make a decision about who is sitting on the throne. When you drive, who sits on the throne? When you talk to your parents, who sits on the throne? When you spend your money, who sits on the throne? You get the point.
Who will it be in your throne? What will you choose?
*rebecca
- - - - - - - - - -
As a kid growing up and playing tons of hockey, I was always told the following
'It's not about whether your win or lose - it's how you play the game.'
There are many times when our coach entered us in tournaments well above our level so we could learn both to lose with class and appreciate the wins so much more if we ever got one. Entering any such game where we knew we were outmatched, our FOCUS was completely shifted. So often, if we know we're the better team going in, we get cocky. We play selfishly, trying to pad our stats and, often times, we play down to their level and lose because we're sloppy.
On the other hand, when entering a game where we know the other team is better, we don't take anything for granted, we're willing to try anything and, ultimately, we play like we have nothing to lose. We often end up playing the best hockey our team can play and we're not disappointed when we lose because we all learned so much.
To take this into my life, I find many of us stick to situations we know we can control and desire to remain kings of our world. We often take pride in the fact that we're better than others at what we do but in reality, this cockiness is just a weak attempt at hiding our insecurities. What are we so afraid of? Why can't we live like we have nothing to lose? Why can't we understand that in order to 'win', it takes many losses and failures.
I've lead many horrible Sunday worship sessions because I wasn't right with God, I've had many failed relationships, I've loved and been hurt and I can't even count the number of mistakes I make during any given day but I earnestly believe that God uses those things to mold my character.
He often tells me (in various ways) 'it hurts so badly because I [the Lord] am molding you and breaking down all the walls of pride in you'. I want to be able to say, in every situation, that regardless of the result, I 'played' my heart out and now I'm better for it.
*sam
When I realized that I couldn't win, I quickly changed strategies. No longer was I playing with both offense and defense in mind, I quickly decided that if I couldn't win, than I would try to mess everyone else up by keeping their tiles or playing ridiculous defense. If I couldn't win, I might as well make it harder for everyone else!
It was an interesting thought as I kept playing.. I felt sort of bad because my strategies would obviously be different had I just played normally. I don't remember the outcome of the game but I do remember a couple things I extracted from the situation.
1. Not being able to win sucks. But hey, you gotta get over yourself and keep going. The game has to go on!
2. Being selfish is a lose-lose situation. It doesn't benefit you and it doesn't benefit all your peers. No one wins.
3. It doesn't make you feel very good to be selfish.
I wonder how often I go into self-centered mode. How often I only care about my own gain and not about others. It doesn't benefit you or others, nor does it feel good to be self-focused.
One sermon in the past sticks out to me, when I think about this topic. The analogy revolved around a throne representing the control over your life. It only sits one person. It is either you in the throne or God in the throne. And it is your choice who sits on this throne. Every day and every choice you make, you make a decision about who is sitting on the throne. When you drive, who sits on the throne? When you talk to your parents, who sits on the throne? When you spend your money, who sits on the throne? You get the point.
Who will it be in your throne? What will you choose?
*rebecca
- - - - - - - - - -
As a kid growing up and playing tons of hockey, I was always told the following
'It's not about whether your win or lose - it's how you play the game.'
There are many times when our coach entered us in tournaments well above our level so we could learn both to lose with class and appreciate the wins so much more if we ever got one. Entering any such game where we knew we were outmatched, our FOCUS was completely shifted. So often, if we know we're the better team going in, we get cocky. We play selfishly, trying to pad our stats and, often times, we play down to their level and lose because we're sloppy.
On the other hand, when entering a game where we know the other team is better, we don't take anything for granted, we're willing to try anything and, ultimately, we play like we have nothing to lose. We often end up playing the best hockey our team can play and we're not disappointed when we lose because we all learned so much.
To take this into my life, I find many of us stick to situations we know we can control and desire to remain kings of our world. We often take pride in the fact that we're better than others at what we do but in reality, this cockiness is just a weak attempt at hiding our insecurities. What are we so afraid of? Why can't we live like we have nothing to lose? Why can't we understand that in order to 'win', it takes many losses and failures.
I've lead many horrible Sunday worship sessions because I wasn't right with God, I've had many failed relationships, I've loved and been hurt and I can't even count the number of mistakes I make during any given day but I earnestly believe that God uses those things to mold my character.
He often tells me (in various ways) 'it hurts so badly because I [the Lord] am molding you and breaking down all the walls of pride in you'. I want to be able to say, in every situation, that regardless of the result, I 'played' my heart out and now I'm better for it.
*sam
Friday, January 30, 2009
Keeping accountable part 2
Last time I was at Pacific Mall, I saw some cops handcuffing a dvd store owner. It was a store near one of the entrances, with people walking by, like myself, who were in clear view of this arrest. Some people walking by were making phone calls to warn others. The look on the face of the person being arrested wasn't shock, anger or fear. It was a face of annoyance. There was no remorse. Anyway, as we walked away, I noticed a number of other stores with closed doors, with movie posters covering up all the glass. I also know that this is not the only dvd store bust. It seems that the store owners just go on with business as usual.
And I wondered.. why do they keep their business going, even when they know they could get arrested and fined?
Perhaps the consequences are not serious enough for it to stop. Perhaps there is a big enough market for it to risk getting caught. Perhaps its just so rampant that people don't care. Who knows why the keep doing it.
Before I got too carried away in my thoughts of how bad these store owners were.. I was reminded of how as humans we are very similar in the way we treat sin (whether it be lust, greed, pride, anger, treating someone a certain way, whatever it is you call it, I'll call it sin here.) In Greek sin literally means to miss the mark. To not be on target of what God has in store for us.
We know it's not good.. we know there are consequences. Even worse, we know God does not approve. Why do we keep doing it then? Why is it so hard to turn the other way?
Is it because the consequences aren't serious enough? Is it because everyone is doing it, so it seems ok? Is it because we keep making excuses?
The Bible tells us that there are clear consequences for sin. The children of Israel in Isaiah's day were complaining about God's remoteness. Isaiah answered them by writing, "Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore." (Isaiah 59:1-2)
The Bible has many examples of sin's consequences, and they are not short of serious consequences. Adam and Eve were driven out of Paradise, and denied access to the tree of life because of their sin (Genesis 3). The ancient world was destroyed by a great Flood as a result of the wickedness of the day (Genesis 6-8). Israel was sentenced to wander in the wilderness for a generation because they refused to enter Canaan (Numbers 14).
Do you have any unconfessed sin in your life?
Don't let it have a grip on you. It will affect your ministry, your relationship with others, and ultimately your relationship with God. It is like a spiritual cancer that affects every area of your life. Find a trusted Christian peer or mentor to pray with you and keep you accountable to staying track. We need people in our lives, trusted Christian peers, to confide in and to keep us accountable for our actions, thoughts and motives.
Not only do we have a community that can help us, we also have a God who is one of mercy and grace. All He asks is that you connect with Him and surrender your sin at the foot of the cross. At a cross where our sins were already paid for. The journey to the cross to fully surrender, and the transformation that happens when we fully embrace the message of the gospel, often is just what we need to start afresh again.
*rebecca
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I have a friend from back home with whom I had a big falling out with many years ago. I felt very betrayed and upset. I couldn't even face him because I felt like what he did was so wrong. For a long time, since we had the same group of friends, when we all got together, there was tension and awkwardness. I kept thinking 'I have nothing to say to him' or 'why would he even be deserving of my conversation or presence!?'. After a few more get togethers, we began to be civil and were able to make small-talk. This is how it was for a long time. We just accepted it and let it be without any mention of the situation.
A few weeks ago, out of the blue, we brought up our disagreement. We talked it out, were bluntly honest and, for the first time, understood each others' sides of the story. We reconciled and became close again after almost 6 years of limbo. When I left the conversation, my thought was 'how come I didn't bring this up earlier!?'. I felt so distant from such a close friend for so long, I didn't even remember how good it was to be open, real and honest with him. I felt like I had denied a blessing from the Lord because I was too prideful to bring things up.
To shift the focus a bit from consequences as becca wrote above, I feel there are many of us who do sin and feel badly about it - at least for a short time. Similar to my falling out with my friend, we can't look at ourselves and feel so rotten at first. After a while though, the feelings fade and everything sort of becomes 'okay'. We live with it thinking it hasn't affected us, we cope and we move on.
My question here is what sorts of sins in your life are un-dealt with? Why is it, that at random times, you may feel guilty about things? Why do you get naturally angry or defensive when certain things are brought up? The reality is that with unreconciled sin, we are not okay; it slowly eats away at us from the inside out and changes our character. It makes us hard-hearted and more prideful. It eventually poisons our minds. In essence, by holding it in, we are denying so many blessings from the Lord. He is like the Father of the prodigal son holding his arms open waiting for us to come HOME so He can shower us with grace, mercy, love and PEACE but so often, we're stuck thinking things are 'okay' when they're not.
*sam
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Interrupting Heaven:
We recently had a couple news segments on the fairchild and omni2.. Pray for our reach into the community, that people who would not otherwise be reached by AFC would be reached and would be interested in attending TC!
And I wondered.. why do they keep their business going, even when they know they could get arrested and fined?
Perhaps the consequences are not serious enough for it to stop. Perhaps there is a big enough market for it to risk getting caught. Perhaps its just so rampant that people don't care. Who knows why the keep doing it.
Before I got too carried away in my thoughts of how bad these store owners were.. I was reminded of how as humans we are very similar in the way we treat sin (whether it be lust, greed, pride, anger, treating someone a certain way, whatever it is you call it, I'll call it sin here.) In Greek sin literally means to miss the mark. To not be on target of what God has in store for us.
We know it's not good.. we know there are consequences. Even worse, we know God does not approve. Why do we keep doing it then? Why is it so hard to turn the other way?
Is it because the consequences aren't serious enough? Is it because everyone is doing it, so it seems ok? Is it because we keep making excuses?
The Bible tells us that there are clear consequences for sin. The children of Israel in Isaiah's day were complaining about God's remoteness. Isaiah answered them by writing, "Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore." (Isaiah 59:1-2)
The Bible has many examples of sin's consequences, and they are not short of serious consequences. Adam and Eve were driven out of Paradise, and denied access to the tree of life because of their sin (Genesis 3). The ancient world was destroyed by a great Flood as a result of the wickedness of the day (Genesis 6-8). Israel was sentenced to wander in the wilderness for a generation because they refused to enter Canaan (Numbers 14).
Do you have any unconfessed sin in your life?
Don't let it have a grip on you. It will affect your ministry, your relationship with others, and ultimately your relationship with God. It is like a spiritual cancer that affects every area of your life. Find a trusted Christian peer or mentor to pray with you and keep you accountable to staying track. We need people in our lives, trusted Christian peers, to confide in and to keep us accountable for our actions, thoughts and motives.
Not only do we have a community that can help us, we also have a God who is one of mercy and grace. All He asks is that you connect with Him and surrender your sin at the foot of the cross. At a cross where our sins were already paid for. The journey to the cross to fully surrender, and the transformation that happens when we fully embrace the message of the gospel, often is just what we need to start afresh again.
*rebecca
- - - - - - - - - -
I have a friend from back home with whom I had a big falling out with many years ago. I felt very betrayed and upset. I couldn't even face him because I felt like what he did was so wrong. For a long time, since we had the same group of friends, when we all got together, there was tension and awkwardness. I kept thinking 'I have nothing to say to him' or 'why would he even be deserving of my conversation or presence!?'. After a few more get togethers, we began to be civil and were able to make small-talk. This is how it was for a long time. We just accepted it and let it be without any mention of the situation.
A few weeks ago, out of the blue, we brought up our disagreement. We talked it out, were bluntly honest and, for the first time, understood each others' sides of the story. We reconciled and became close again after almost 6 years of limbo. When I left the conversation, my thought was 'how come I didn't bring this up earlier!?'. I felt so distant from such a close friend for so long, I didn't even remember how good it was to be open, real and honest with him. I felt like I had denied a blessing from the Lord because I was too prideful to bring things up.
To shift the focus a bit from consequences as becca wrote above, I feel there are many of us who do sin and feel badly about it - at least for a short time. Similar to my falling out with my friend, we can't look at ourselves and feel so rotten at first. After a while though, the feelings fade and everything sort of becomes 'okay'. We live with it thinking it hasn't affected us, we cope and we move on.
My question here is what sorts of sins in your life are un-dealt with? Why is it, that at random times, you may feel guilty about things? Why do you get naturally angry or defensive when certain things are brought up? The reality is that with unreconciled sin, we are not okay; it slowly eats away at us from the inside out and changes our character. It makes us hard-hearted and more prideful. It eventually poisons our minds. In essence, by holding it in, we are denying so many blessings from the Lord. He is like the Father of the prodigal son holding his arms open waiting for us to come HOME so He can shower us with grace, mercy, love and PEACE but so often, we're stuck thinking things are 'okay' when they're not.
*sam
- - - - - - - - - -
Interrupting Heaven:
We recently had a couple news segments on the fairchild and omni2.. Pray for our reach into the community, that people who would not otherwise be reached by AFC would be reached and would be interested in attending TC!
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