Writeous Living http://writeousliving.posterous.com Most recent posts at Writeous Living posterous.com Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:14:48 -0800 Get Your Hands Off My Stuff http://writeousliving.posterous.com/get-your-hands-off-my-stuff http://writeousliving.posterous.com/get-your-hands-off-my-stuff Wow. That's all I can really say... Have you ever believed something to be true, but then when you actually experience it - it completely knocks the wind out of you...you're stunned. This just happened to me...I just received a divine message from the Lord - "get your hands off My stuff." Lately, I've been experiencing a series of P&G (Patience & Grace) tests...I've failed most of them. :-) I'm not discouraged though because I know that God will work my impatient nature out of me eventually...There isn't enough room for it if He's going to stay in my life. Anyway...the more I learn about relationships, the more tests (I feel) have been set in front of me. Have you ever had a friendship in which you feel a little neglected at times? Your friend seems to be extremely busy at some points (or all of the time in some cases) and you feel as if you don't measure up on the importance scale. I've been the busy friend and I've been the neglected friend. In either situation, it is really easy to want to call up the other friend and tell them your feelings and how their actions are affecting you. Don't do it. Seriously - don't. You'll only exacerbate the hurt feelings. Last night, God stunned me. I was praying about a friendship in which I felt as if I'd been temporarily placed on the back burner. It was frustrating for me and I really wanted to take matters into my own hands. But I felt God saying, "get your hands off My stuff"...so I surrendered in the moment...giving the situation to Him. He got an earful from me about my feelings - not complaining...just informing. After sharing, I asked Him to take care of the situation for me because anything I would say (in my emotional state) to the friend would probably frustrate and perpetuate the problem. I asked Him if I could express my feelings at whatever point He saw as appropriate. Not even 30 seconds later, my friend called and said that s/he had been sleeping but woke up and thought of me...knowing that s/he should call me. I was able to share my feelings and we worked through finding a balance together. Stunned. Tell me there is no God and I'll know you're a fool (Psalm 14:1). Tell me God doesn't want to hear about your feelings and troubles and I'll reassure you that He cares. "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7  

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Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:09:35 -0800 Surrender in Order to Overcome http://writeousliving.posterous.com/surrender-in-order-to-overcome http://writeousliving.posterous.com/surrender-in-order-to-overcome Here's a learning experience for everyone...Make sure you have the correct receipt when you go to the store to exchange an item. This weekend, I picked out a ring that I really liked and my mom offered to buy it for me. Something was all jacked up with how the coupons worked during her transaction so they had to redo the whole order. Well, I guess in the process - it invalidated the items on the receipt. So, when I went to return the ring and exchange it for one that fit my finger, the receipt said that the item had already been returned. How wonderful since I found a ring I liked better (but also cost a little more) and wanted to just pay the difference. Here we go...the fiasco begins. Not only was the sales associate not understanding what the transaction was all about (because of the receipt), she was also extremely rude. To spare myself from repenting for bitterness again I won't go into detail. :-) But I will say that my sparks tend to be ignited when people are rude and inconsiderate. There's no need for it...I get heated quick-fast-& in a hurry! While I was standing there, I was praying for patience and that God would give me grace to deal with the woman...I was trying to help her (and the company out) by doing the right thing when they rang it up incorrectly the first time...and she's belittling ME! "Oh, Lord...come quick!" Shoot! I had calculated the difference to be about $7 or $8. After she tried to convince me that, in the second attempted transaction, she had credited the original ring and that I now owed x (which was actually the price of the new ring) I was REALLY frustrated. Where did the credit go from the original ring? Then she re-did all of it AGAIN and the difference came out to $2 and something...I didn't argue anymore...I accepted this as the reward for not flipping out when I felt like I could. What is my point in all of this? Not to rant and rave about my experience...but to tell you about what God is trying to work out of me...impatience. This is the latest P&G (Patience & Grace) test...there have been many others (that I've failed miserably). These P&G tests are not only tests about self-control...but also about my ability to love others - regardless of what they are doing. I can't keep my composure on my own...God has to keep me in line. In moments that are overwhelming like that - it helps to think of it as a test (because it very well may be)...it is then and only then that I am able to respond to the Holy Spirit and His peace. Which test seems to recur over and over in this season of your life? Perhaps God is trying to work something out of you to replace it with something more like Him. Surrender in the moment and you will be surprised with the strength He provides to overcome.

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Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:42:17 -0800 Shut Your Mouth! http://writeousliving.posterous.com/shut-your-mouth http://writeousliving.posterous.com/shut-your-mouth Where I live, the ground is frozen for 9 months out of the year, everywhere you look you will see white and everyone wears Ugg boots year round (regardless of the outfit...we make it work). Living in such a cold and tundra-like environment for a few years, it is plausible that some people may become used to the slap-in-the-face wintery air and the inability to walk normally on pavement without sliding around a bit (or wiping out). The truth is, however, most of us complain about it just as much as those who visit...none of us like the weather and it's always at the forefront of new conversation. Usually in the form of a complaint. I'm so guilty of this...I'll be straight up honest - I hate the weather here and I'm sure I encourage others to join in on my rants when I start raving. It seems like every time I complain though, there is a check in my spirit...a still, small Voice saying - quit complaining...just shut your mouth. Why though? I really do hate this weather! ... Well, here's why... Galatians gives us a list of all of the characteristics (fruit) that others should be able to identify when they interact with us or simply observe our behavior...Do we operate in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Tell me...when we are complaining about something (the weather)/someone or judging other people - which of the above "fruits" are we cultivating? Any? There are plenty of verses that tell us to shut our mouth...They speak against grumbling (Phil 2:14-15, 1 Peter 4:9) and judging others (Matt 7:1-2, Prov 3:30, James 5:9). We must have control over our tongue (Prov 13:3, Prov 21:23, Matt 12:36, 1 Peter 3:10) at all times. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. - Ephesians 4:29 Father, shut our mouths for us when we're too stubborn to do it ourselves...even in what seems like -68 degree weather.

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Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:48:36 -0800 Is God a "sore loser"? http://writeousliving.posterous.com/is-god-a-sore-loser http://writeousliving.posterous.com/is-god-a-sore-loser Sore loser: Someone who believes s/he is better than his/her competition, entitled to first place and will not succumb to anything but the best or highest position/honor. (That is my own creative definition...it's not dictionarial...and probably less than accurate...it's a working street definition.) I'm sure we all know someone who fits this definition. If you don't, it might be you. I've been a sore loser at some points in my life...no one really enjoys losing - that's not ever our goal when we set out to compete in something...but someone has to lose. So, if we insert God into this definition...does He qualify as a sore loser? Let's see... Someone (God) believes He is better than His competition, entitled to first place and will not succumb to anything but the best or highest position/honor. I do believe the shoe fits his (probably gigantic) foot...but consider the following with me, if you will. Given the definition above, these verses (NLT version) support the argument that God could be considered a sore loser: He says there is no other god but Him:
  • Exodus 20:3/Deut 5:7 “You must not have any other god but me.”
  • Isaiah 44:6 "This is what the Lord says - Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven's Armies: 'I am the First and the Last; there is no other god.'"
  • Psalm 96:4 "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods."
  • Deuteronomy 6:4-5/Mark 12:29-30 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”
  • Matthew 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need."
God comes before anyone else, it is Him or the other - not both:
  • Psalm 118:8 "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people."
  • Acts 5:29 “...'we must obey God rather than any human authority.'”
  • Romans 6:16 "Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living."
  • Matthew 6:24/Luke 16:13 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."
  • Galatians 4:7-9 "Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you His heir. Before you Gentiles knew God, you were slaves to so-called gods that do not even exist. So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world?"
  • Romans 1:25 "They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen."
I chose the term "sore loser" because the definition fits what God has said about Himself...however, "sore loser" implies that it is possible to be beaten by someone better. The fact of the matter is...there is no one like our God.
  • Exodus 15:11 "Who is like You among the gods, O Lord - glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?"
  • Psalm 113:5 "Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high?
  • Deuteronomy 33:26 "There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor."
  • 2 Samuel 7:22 "How great You are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like You. We have never even heard of another god like You!"
  • Jeremiah 10:6 "Lord, there is no one like You! For You are great, and Your name is full of power."
So no, God is not a sore loser - because He can't be beat. I'm sure there are plenty more verses to support each of these sections, but I'm hoping you get the point. If not, I'll tell you exactly what it is.

God is first - before everything and everyone. If you tend to your relationship with Him as the special thing that it is, everything else will fall into place.

Please understand that if you choose to follow God, you will struggle everyday of your life to put Him first. Following Christ requires endurance...it is not for the faint of heart. Distractions will bombard you and temptation will try to bust down your door day in and day out. But our testing and trials are not in vain (Galatians 6:9, James 1:2-3, Hebrews 10:36) and we will be blessed for remaining steadfast.

What would the world look like if Christians really allowed God to sit on His rightful throne in their life?

What would [insert your name here] look like?

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Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:57:36 -0800 Sick of My "Self" http://writeousliving.posterous.com/sick-of-my-self http://writeousliving.posterous.com/sick-of-my-self That's right...I'm sick of my "self." I'm sick of how she acts. For the past few weeks, I have been living Paul's conundrum. You know, the one where he says, "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate" (Romans 7:15 NLT). What is this all about? As good as our intentions may be, we still do what our "self" wants to do in the end. Paul says, "...I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway" (verses 18b-19). Why, at times, does this seem to be the headline for the story of my life? For a long time I prided myself as being the girl who did what she said and knew what she stood for. But that girl got saved.  Pride went out the window. Now, as the developing of a Godly woman ensues, there is no shortage of struggles or distractions in the way to deter the progress. So what's wrong with me? Why can't I just get my act together? How long will I continue to fight the same battles and struggle with the same things? Paul - "I have discovered this principle of life - that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?" (verses 21-24)... All I have to say is, preach it! My circumstance may be the same or very different from yours...if you struggle with binge drinking (or anything else that is so common today) - that's no different from filling my schedule with every pointless activity under the sun (which I tend to do) and leave no room for God (which happens far too often). No different from my surrendering something and then holding onto the corner of it in order to maintain some kind of control. What is the difference? Neither of us are getting to know God any better because our "self" is getting in the way and doing what s/he wants to do. "Self" is inhibiting our ability to trust God. So, what can we do??? I can't stay in this trap...I'm sick of it. I'm growing restless and...angry. There is more to life than what currently is. "Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin" (verse 25). Jesus already forgave us for letting our "self" run wild...but that doesn't give us the excuse to continue. Let's bust out of this joint because I'm sick of spending time with my "self"...I need Someone better...Someone who can teach me about the things I can only dream about. Are you sick of your "self" yet?

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Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:48:17 -0800 Street Smarts from Biblical Homeboys (and Homegirls) http://writeousliving.posterous.com/street-smarts-from-biblical-homeboys-and-home http://writeousliving.posterous.com/street-smarts-from-biblical-homeboys-and-home

(This is taken from the NLT Study Bible: "Who's Who in the Bible")

  1. AdamOur sins have far greater implications than we realize.
  2. NoahGreat rewards come from obeying God.
  3. Abraham - Faith alone makes one right in God's eyes.
  4. IsaacSeeking peace brings true respect.
  5. EsauIt is never too late to put away bitterness and forgive.
  6. AmalekThere are evil men and nations who seek to harm God's people.
  7. Israel (Jacob)While our sins may haunt us, God will honor our faith.
  8. JudahGod can change the hearts of even the most wicked people.
  9. TamarGod works His purposes even through sinful events.
  10. PerezYour background does not matter to God.
  11. BoazThose who are kind to others will receive kindness themselves.
  12. JesseNever take lightly the impact you may have on your children.
  13. DavidTrue greatness is having a heart for God.
  14. JoabThose who seek power die with nothing.
  15. AmnonGiving in to lust leads only to tragedy.
  16. AbsalomThose seeking to oust a God-appointed leader will have a difficult battle.
  17. Adonijah -  God must determine what is rightfully ours.
  18. BathshebaOne wrong act does not disqualify us from accomplishing things for God.
  19. SolomonHuman wisdom is foolishness without God.
  20. Reuben -  What is gained from a moment of passion is only perceived; what is lost is real and permanent.
  21. AaronDon't expect God's leaders to be perfect, but don't let them get away with sin either.
  22. Nadab -  Pretending to be God's representative is dangerous business.
  23. EleazarThose who are consistent in their faith are the best models to follow.
  24. Korah -  Rebelling against God's leaders is rebelling against God and will always be unsuccessful.
  25. JoshuaReal courage comes from God.
  26. SaulThose who say they follow God but don't live like it waste their God-given potential.
  27. Jonathan -  True friends always think of the other person, not just themselves.
  28. [[[ Insert Your Name ]]] - What would we learn from your life?
 

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Sun, 06 Feb 2011 01:25:08 -0800 Fighting God http://writeousliving.posterous.com/fighting-god http://writeousliving.posterous.com/fighting-god From a heart that has shed many tears, I can tell you that going through "the fire" isn't easy. There are times in life when God draws us into an uncomfortable place...whether for a moment or a season. Imagine a fiery wall built up all around you. Your vision is blurred, your senses play tricks on you and nothing makes sense. It seems as if no one is around and you are left to fend for yourself. Abandonment. Your heart is affected most severely...it breaks and wants nothing more than to escape. You long to find some kind of relief - even if it's temporary. All the while, you have voices surrounding you on every side - "give up," or "move on"...some say, "hang in there" and "keep fighting." There is a saying that is said in may different ways, but the essence of it is - "Anything worth having is worth fighting for." After listening to many different voices and opinions of how to get yourself out of the fire, this phrase seems empowering. It seemingly offers hope and strength when all that you've previously known seems to have disintegrated into ashes. But I want to pose this as somewhat of a counter-question...When we're in the uncomfortable place of refinement - where God strips us of ungodly things and makes us more like Him...What are we fighting for? To take it a step further...who are we fighting? Are we fighting back the tears that don't seem to end? The tears that flood from your heart when your eyes dry up.  Are we fighting to be strong for the voices surrounding us and the eyes recording our every move? Or...are we fighting against God for what we feel has been taken away from us? I would argue that, more often than not...we pick the wrong battles. I'm learning that the fight is against ourselves. We must fight the desire to hold onto what God is trying to free us from. Fight the inclination to entertain any voice other an God's. Most importantly, we must fight -daily- to nurture our connection with God. He is our Source of life...He promised to "guide [us] along the best path for [our] life. [He] will advise [us] and watch over [us]." (Psalm 32:8) If the best path for my life is through testing and trials to make me more like (and closer to) Him...I surrender, knowing full well that it won't be easy and it'll be the furthest thing from comfortable...But so was the cross. Lord, make us better. Send Your refining fire.

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Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:14:54 -0800 Sometimes I Wish I Didn't Even Have the "Other Cheek" http://writeousliving.posterous.com/sometimes-i-wish-i-didnt-even-have-the-other http://writeousliving.posterous.com/sometimes-i-wish-i-didnt-even-have-the-other There are moments where I hear the Word of God and I’m encouraged that I’m on the right track. But not even as much as two minutes after that, the Lord will send a test to show me that I’m still a mess. Thanks for that. Last night at our organization’s gathering, we had a guest speaker. He talked about relational wisdom that we glean from reading a few key verses in Proverbs. Unfortunately, the one that stood out to me was talking about people behind their back. One of my weaknesses has been expressing my negative opinions about someone in the form of “venting.” Venting is just an excuse to gossip or tear someone down. Later on at our “after party,” I was talking with an individual who I’ve never met before. Some time into the conversation, he began to talk about how Communication Studies wasn’t a real major and how there is no inherent value in it…we need more innovative people to keep the country running. :-) (For all of you who don’t know, I happen to hold a BA in Communication Studies…how ironic that he would pick that major out of all majors…) So, initially I took offense to it and all kinds of judgments (out of defense) flooded my mind. As soon as I escaped the conversation, my eyes were searching the room for someone I could vent to. But I remembered our speaker saying, “When you feel like [venting], take it to the Lord and pray about it for a week. See if you still feel the same when that week is up.” So I left and went home – on the way, I started my week of prayer. :-) Shoot…sometimes I wish I didn’t have to turn that other cheek…Matt 5:38-39. But this is a good test. A great reminder that I can’t do what I’m supposed to do in my own strength. My integrity suffers when I try to maintain it. The Lord doesn’t play…He doesn’t wait around – He’ll put you in check on the spot. I’m a witness. My prayer about this? Teach me how to love regardless of how others act. Diminish the offense and spirit of pride that tries to rise up within as a result. Yuck. Am I alone in this struggle? What's your strategy?

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Tue, 25 Jan 2011 02:34:10 -0800 Ode to a Postal Princess http://writeousliving.posterous.com/ode-to-a-postal-princess http://writeousliving.posterous.com/ode-to-a-postal-princess Today I braved the snow and slush to visit the post office. While there, I had both a good experience as well as an embarrassing experience (that you can read about at DIY Intercultural). Every time I’ve ever gone to the post office and a particular clerk is working, she has always been very upbeat and cheery. She makes the postal experience less irritating. So, I wanted to write a short little poem dedicated to her. For creative purposes, I have asked a dear friend of mine to co-author it with me. Here’s our pending-copyrighted dedication to Ms. Postal Princess: Dearest Postal Princess,

You’re truly elegant and quite lovely.

Your personality is just so bubbly!

You make my visit worth the while,

The room lights up with every smile.

This is not just for our postal princess, but is dedicated to all of the hard working cheery postal workers who deal with more than they signed up for. Thanks for all you do!  

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Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:52:52 -0800 23 Reasons I've Been Ruined By God http://writeousliving.posterous.com/23-reasons-ive-been-ruined-by-god http://writeousliving.posterous.com/23-reasons-ive-been-ruined-by-god In my post, “9 Reasons Why I Used to Be a Christian” I listed reasons that motivated me to become a Christian. But those reasons were not enough to convince me that there was any significance or merit to the title, “Christian.” We can all think of people who call themselves Christians but are the biggest hypocrites we know. I’m sure we can also think of times where we ourselves have been hypocrites and the finger should’ve been or was pointed at us. We all mess up – but being a Christian isn’t about us. It’s about Christ – and His awesomeness (…what an inadequately inefficient and grammatically incorrect way to describe God. Apologies.) Today I give you reasons why I can’t follow anyone but Christ…how God has ruined me for anyone but Himself… whether or not that makes me a Christian is up to you…
  1. God loved me first and He’s never stopped (Isaiah 46:3).
  2. He gave me the choice instead of forcing me to love Him in return (Ephesians 2:4-5) (1 John 4:9-10, 19-20).
  3. He doesn’t determine His love for me based on how I treat Him (Psalm 130:7) (Isaiah 54:10).
  4. God is patient (1 Timothy 1:16)…a complete gentleman that never forces His way but always waits for my response.
  5. He doesn’t flip out on me when I mess up (Exodus 34:6) (Psalm 86:15) (Psalm 103:8) (Nahum 1:3).
  6. He forgives every mistake I’ve ever made – regardless of what it is (Numbers 14:18).
  7. His standards are perfection and yet (because of Jesus) He accepts progression instead. No matter how many times I fail Him, He still accepts me with open arms (2 Timothy 2:13) (Titus 3:4-5).
  8. He sees everything I do (Job 34:21) (Psalm 11:4) (Psalm 139:2-4) (Proverbs 15:3) (Hebrews 4:13) but…
  9. He also sees everything I go through (Psalm 10:14)… He doesn’t miss anything (Psalm 56:8).
  10. He knows me intimately…every single detail... (Psalm 139: 1) He even knows my name (Isaiah 43:1).
  11. He knows what I need (Matthew 6:8).
  12. He knows what’s coming up for me…He helps me prepare for it (Proverbs 3:5-6) (Jeremiah 29:11).
  13. He wants me to spend time with Him (James 4:8)…to come looking for Him so that He can show me who He is (Jeremiah 29:13-14).
  14. He doesn’t leave me when others seem to disappear (Hebrews 13:5) (Psalm 27:10).
  15. He hears me…He listens to what I say… (Psalm 6:8-9) (Psalm 116:1-2).
  16. He never has a weak moment (Isaiah 40:28) (Ephesians 1:19-20).
  17. He rescued me from a dead-end life (Ephesians 2:4-5) that caused me heartache, confusion and disappointment (Psalm 18:16-19).
  18. He fixes what I’ve ruined (Joel 2:25). Not because He has to…simply because He wants to.
  19. He took my place because He considers me a friend (John 15:12-15) (Revelation 3:20).
  20. He is the only Man who has always kept His word (Joshua 23:14b) (Psalm 33:4) (Psalm 146:6).
  21. He has never ever lied (Numbers 23:19) (Titus 1:2) (Hebrews 6:18).
  22. He’s not indecisive (1 Samuel 15:29).
  23. He doesn’t change…I can always count on who He says He is (Malachi 3:6).
I don’t need another obligation for my calendar. What I need is a Friend who is committed to me regardless of how I act because I am so wishy-washy. All of the reasons in the other post for being a Christian are very common – but the problem is that they are all me-focused rather than God-focused. Those are all reasons that I benefit from or that have to do with me receiving credit or recognition for doing something. But, it’s not about me – it’s never been about me. And that my friends, is the mistake we’ve made as the Body of Jesus Christ. We’ve misrepresented Him because we each want to be seen/heard. It’s not about us…not then, not now, not ever. The message of the cross is essential, but it is just a demonstration of the love that God has been consistently showing for generations. Eternal life isn’t just being spared from hell…it’s about getting to know the One who sacrificed it all to be with us. Unwarranted love. So romantic! God has ruined me by revealing Himself to me. How could I settle for being a “Christian” (as in my other post) when I have the opportunity to know Christ personally?

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Fri, 21 Jan 2011 22:50:17 -0800 9 Reasons Why I Used to Be a Christian http://writeousliving.posterous.com/9-reasons-why-i-used-to-be-a-christian http://writeousliving.posterous.com/9-reasons-why-i-used-to-be-a-christian  
Living in the United States allows us the freedom to choose a religion (at least by law). Although we are granted the freedom legally, there are many reasons why we choose (or choose not) to follow a religion. The following are reasons I have used to justify being a Christian.
 
  1. Escaping Hell. Anyone who knows anything about hell would understand why becoming a Christian would be an intelligent decision. Since John 3:16 says that all I had to do was “believe” in order to escape hell, I had decided that I believed.
  2. Lack of Responsibility. Hell was taken care of because I believed. If I sinned, I knew Jesus would forgive me. So, no matter what I did – I believed that I wasn’t going to hell.
  3. Expectation. Since I was raised by a family professing to be Christian, naturally – it made sense that I would also proclaim to be one. It was the religion I was most familiar with and I knew the traditions and practices of the faith. Besides, I was confirmed so I was obligated to be a Christian – right?
  4. Being a Good Person. Aside from my family expecting me to be a Christian, I wanted to be considered a good person. Most good people are “Christians” and so if I was a Christian – that automatically made me a good person. Jesus was a good person, so following Him means I had to be a good person too. While being a good person, I often looked at those who weren’t and pointed out how much better I was because I did what was good.
  5. Rewards. Good people are often rewarded. If I prayed and asked for something, God would give it to me – right? Why wouldn’t He? I’ve heard a million times, “ask and you shall receive.” Who doesn’t enjoy gifts? Bring them on!
  6. In-Crowd, Identity. Who doesn’t want to belong? Since the U.S. has a history of being a Christian nation – it has been safe to be a Christian and easy to find others that identify themselves in the same manner. To be a Christian has been to have a recognizable/familiar identity and to have a network of “brothers” tied together that were always “available” to help you.
  7. A Fix for Bad Times. Who really wants to keep walking through bad times? Let’s face it – realistically, we are a people who like to complain…especially if you live in the tundra like I do. So, if God is a healer or provider – I will go to Him in hard times and ask for help. When things are going well though, I didn’t need Him as much though.
  8. Singing and Dancing. I started dancing to country music (I didn’t have a choice in the matter) when I was just a young lass and I started singing in choir when I was in third grade. Music has always held a special place in my heart. Attending a church that allows you to sing and dance during worship was like hitting the jackpot. If that’s what being a Christian meant – I was hooked.
  9. Supernatural Works. Who wouldn’t want to make people come alive after they’ve already been pronounced dead? Who doesn’t want to be able to tell the future? I do! Who doesn’t want to be able to make an arm grow back? This stuff all sounds like magic. Magicians are typically credited as being amazing! I wanted this kind of attention.
Hell sounds crazy scary – naturally we would want to escape it. We want to meet the expectations of others and please our family/friends. Being considered a good person is important to us, but there are plenty of bad people who call themselves Christians – or…plenty of Christians who do bad things. No one wants their efforts to go unnoticed, we all like to be recognized. Everyone wants to be accepted instead of ostracized or alienated. Where do we turn when we experience pain if no one is around? I need someone to help me when times are hard – I need some comfort and relief. I want to jump around and sing at the top of my lungs sometimes – just because I can. And I want to do crazy things that people have never seen before. But we all want to do that stuff…we all want this. But for me, these reasons weren’t enough to keep me around very long. These things are what most people know about Christianity and they don’t stick around either. As a people, we want more – and if this is what it means to be a Christian, it's too cheap of a religion. Count me out, I don't want to be a Christian.

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Thu, 20 Jan 2011 05:53:00 -0800 Sometimes We Don't Know What We're Doing http://writeousliving.posterous.com/sometimes-we-dont-know-what-were-doing http://writeousliving.posterous.com/sometimes-we-dont-know-what-were-doing This is a long one - think of it as a call to persevere... :-) A few days ago I began writing ideas that came to me while reading Joseph’s story (Genesis 37-50). One thing led to another and eventually I just had a jumbled mess of great ideas that I couldn’t seem to link to one another in a way that I’d be satisfied with.  Then, I decided I would write a series. After writing the first two posts, I decided I would write a mini e-book. Hopefully this will help me to clarify my thoughts and it will be logical and easy to understand for those who read it. So, I said all of that to say – that I will not be sharing my ideas with Joseph at this time. However, I will share how I even came across Joseph’s story. Monday I received a bit of news that could mean I’m about to walk through a few transitions. Since I don’t know what they look like – it’s a little frightening. Instead of letting me become disheartened, I felt the Lord enticing me into His presence. When I came home, all I wanted to do was read the Word or pray…I didn’t know what I’d read or what I’d really say – but it was that nagging feeling inside of me saying that nothing was more important at that time. Since the Psalms are encouraging, I opened my bible to the middle and landed on Psalm 105:17-22 where I read a brief snippet of Joseph’s life. This had me thinking about Joseph and I decided to read his story in its entirety. God lifted my spirit and covered me with His joy. He really is a good Dad…He knows what I need – even when I don’t. So, I said all of THAT to testify that He’s faithful and to tell you He’s back at it again. Tonight I came home and started cleaning/organizing to unwind from a long day at work. Most people’s idea of relaxing has to do with minimal movement…I’m probably a freak or something. Anyway, I was cleaning and felt the need to spend time with God. Once again, I didn’t know what I’d pray or where I should start reading. When I started praying, I was so distracted. I muttered two or three sentences about something, paused for about three minutes and then mumbled a few words about something completely different. Nice. As you can probably guess, praying lasted all of about 8 distracted minutes. So I went to the Word. I wanted to read one of Jesus’ parables for some reason…and wouldn’t you know – I flipped to a page in my NLT study bible (that I didn’t even know it had) which contained a list of all of Jesus’ parables. Get outta here! Now, to pick one…I felt the need to read about prayer (since I was so distracted). My options were: “The Unjust Judge” (Luke 18:1-8) and “The Friend at Midnight” (Luke 11:5-8). Right away I recalled what the first was about so I went to read the second thinking that it might tell me something about my inability to pray “efficiently.” Turns out, the friend at midnight is very similar to the unjust judge. Both teach us to pray again and again until we receive what we ask for. There are some stipulations to this (seeking the Kingdom first - Matthew 6:33, Luke 12:31), but I’ll save that for another post and another day. I didn’t have some extreme revelation descend on me from heaven while I was laying on my bedroom floor reading the passage. It was semi-encouraging but it wasn’t anything I was jumping up and down over (hence the laying on the floor). But, I started reading a book on intercession (praying or pleading on behalf of someone else) that a dear friend of mine gifted me for my birthday last year. It outlines and describes the different types of intercessors. The very first one was an issue intercessor…praying about issues that make you weep and pound the table because they aren’t right and they aren’t fair. If I really interceded for half of the issues that weigh on my heart, my fists would be bruised and my wrists might be broken. I’ve been lazy. God reminded me, through this book, that there are brothers and sisters risking their lives all over the world in order for others to know the Joy they’ve received. And what am I doing? Laying on my floor thinking about Humpty Dumpty and making a snack. Not really, but you know what I mean. Anyway, injustice is also another post for another day. My point is that, if you are discouraged from spending time with God because you don’t know what to say or where to start reading…do it anyway. Just try it. Keep going – because He will show up. This weekend, my pastor said he usually reads until he gets something that jumps out at him or gives him an “a-ha” type of feeling. Little by little, God is increasing the intimacy in our relationship – I can’t stay away from Him. Most of the time I come into His presence not knowing what to say or what to do. But He is loving and He’s always waiting for me. How I love Him.

Seek the Lord while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near. - Isaiah 55:6

No one loves you like He does. Go talk to Him. He’s waiting for you.

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Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:12:45 -0800 Yielding When You Feel Like Bolting http://writeousliving.posterous.com/yielding-when-you-feel-like-bolting http://writeousliving.posterous.com/yielding-when-you-feel-like-bolting Recently, a friend of mine asked if I would like to serve as one of the prayer leaders during our conference this weekend. Since I'm a little self-conscious about praying in front of others, I usually stay quiet. Being a prayer leader requires that I speak up. When I asked what all I needed to do, he said I'd be praying and prophesying. Excellent...not only do I tense up when it's my turn to pray, but I'll probably wig out when it comes to prophesying...I don't know what I'm doing. So, I told my friend I would get back to him (in order to come up with a good reason not to do it). Here's the thing though, I can only come up with one reason why I shouldn't - and it's not even a good one. My reason? Because I don't know what I'm doing and what if I don't have anything to say? What if I miss God's voice?Someone once told me, there are times when you're in the will of God and it doesn't make any sense. You can't see what's in front of you, you don't know where you're going and nothing makes sense. So what do we do? We plant the mustard seed-sized faith that we have and we ask God to bless it (and MULTIPLY that baby!). Think about this - no one likes to admit when they are wrong or that they really don't know what they are doing. However, what is the most common excuse used when it comes to doing God's will? We come up with all kinds of reasons why we can't do it or shouldn't be the one to do it, and most of them stem from "I'm not good enough" or "I'm too afraid." I remember hearing my pastor at Abiding Savior say, "God doesn't send the equipped, He equips those that He sends." Here's the thing, we are absolutely incapable of fulfilling God's will for our life on our own. So we need to quit having this pity party about how we're incapable of doing what God asks us to do. Our gift, Holy Spirit, was sent here to help us maximize our potential - if only we would yield to Him. My flesh, in its stubbornness, only wants to do the will of God when it's comfortable and convenient...when I'm able to control (or at least predict) the outcome. What a shame if I let my flesh rule my life...what a waste. So here is my reassurance that I am not in this alone this weekend: 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NLT) says, "Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives -- especially the ability to prophesy." If I should desire this from the Spirit, that means He's willing to give it. Bring out those mustard seeds! 2 Peter 1:20 (NLT) says, "Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding." Ha! This proves that the prophecy may not make sense to me...it doesn't have to - if it's from God, He'll use it how He wants to. I am still a little nervous, but I know I just need to relax and just trust Him. He's got it all worked out. If I don't do this, I fear there may be someone who God wants to speak to through me...who am I to inhibit someone from a word from the Lord? I don't know what will happen - but I know that if I yield, God will bless me for it! Is there something in your life that God is asking you to do, but you are unwilling to yield?

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Sun, 02 Jan 2011 18:31:19 -0800 Keepin' It Real...24:7 http://writeousliving.posterous.com/keepin-it-real247 http://writeousliving.posterous.com/keepin-it-real247 Think about the biggest stressor in your life right now. Got it? Now, listen carefully – the thing you are most worried about may not be your biggest problem in life. In fact, the real "biggest" problem we face is something we’re usually least worried about…Wanna guess what it is? Here’s something to get you thinking…

We talk ourselves into loving someone within a matter of minutes - but we don’t have a clue how to love the One who loved us first – the One who has always loved us. We spend hundreds of dollars on clothes to make us feel attractive and feel like we belong – but we don’t know the One we belong to and we allow ourselves to remain distanced from Him. We can spend hours with someone we care about (or are interested in), but we only have a few minutes for Him before we need to get other “stuff” done. We have a list of things we’d like for Him to do but are unsure if we have time or if we would be willing to do what He asks. We get riled up at football games but worship with one eye open and sing between yawns.

Here it is, as real as I can be – Jesus Christ thought of me and all of the junk I've done to mess things up. His love was strong enough, and my sin was great enough to keep Him hanging on my cross. He gave up His life to put our behinds back in line, enabling us to keep walking forward with Him…even though we’re a mess. Oscar de la Renta can’t design something more beautiful than this and it’s something Bill Gates can’t afford to buy. My biggest problem isn’t finding a job or waiting for my husband to come and get me. My biggest problem is not being honest with myself or Him about my apathy…and I fear that many have fallen short alongside of me. It’s easy to become wrapped up in our daily struggles…but the biggest problem we face? Not knowing who He is. About the time we start feeling like we have a handle on our relationship with Him is about the time we need to be hitting the floor on our knees because we’re walking the tightrope of apathy. Jeremiah 24:7 says,

“I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly.”

Praise God that we don’t have to try and get our act together on our own because I’d give up. He said He’ll give us the heart (the desire) – if only we recognize His place in our lives. I’m preaching to myself here… When you feel you’ve messed up too many times, or if you feel that your current circumstances are about to swallow you up – just remember to “keep it real,” 24:7. Let God put our priorities back in check.

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Sat, 01 Jan 2011 06:01:07 -0800 Here's to a Fruitful Year! http://writeousliving.posterous.com/heres-to-a-fruitful-year http://writeousliving.posterous.com/heres-to-a-fruitful-year Originally I had planned to get this blog up and running the first of December. That was quite an ambitious thought since I was facing finals and all kinds of other necessities leading up to graduation. Needless to say, I’m beginning now in hopes that I will have enough time to consistently write. I read a book about blogging, “Create Your Own Blog: 6 easy Projects to Start Blogging Like a Pro” by Tris Hussey, because I wanted to see what exactly I was getting myself into. As far as the first post, Tris assured me that all first posts are terrible. Apparently, everyone looks back at their first post a few months later and wonders what exactly they were thinking. So, there’s my disclaimer for why this post is nothing extraordinary. For the past few days I have been listing, editing, revising – formulating and calculating my goals for 2011, infinity and beyond. (Ok, Buzz Lightyear)…I must admit, I’m a tad overwhelmed and when that happens, I tend to re-strategize and recalculate my every move in order to accomplish what I’m setting out to do. Trying to make it easier to succeed and harder to fail. I’ve set up a page dedicated to listing out goals as I accomplish them. This is an attempt to keep me accountable – to keep me focused and well, interested in pursuing them when they seem tough and out of control. Why haven’t I listed them to begin with and then cross them off as I go? Isn’t that an easy cop-out? Well, most likely. However, my roommate and I have a theory about this that explains why I think it’s better to keep it on the DL (down low) until it’s done. Theory: If you verbally state your goal, it can (at times) seem like you’ve already done it (even though you haven’t even started). Explanation? Saying it aloud, especially in front of others, is like a binding process…you practically have to do it now. But something funny happens – your brain acts like you’ve already done it –or– it sucks out all of the goal's appeal and you are left thinking it wasn’t a worthy idea to begin with. I’ve found that telling someone you are going to do something, when it’s merely a fleeting thought or something that sounds like a good idea, is worthless. Goals take serious planning and serious strategy execution. (Whew, that sounds so serious – I’m getting all psyched up!) Whatever, the point is – I’m keeping them secret because revealing them one by one will be more exciting. I may write a post about my journey to completion when I add something to the page – I may not. Make sure you check the page though…it’s about to get crazy! Here’s to a safe, prosperous and fruitful new year. Blessings!

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