Monday, September 29, 2008

Happy Meals

I had my first post-childhood McDonalds Happy Meal tonight. They actually have a big kid size - six chicken nuggets, small fries, small drink, and a toy. It was surprisingly good and the perfect size. I did feel a little awkward reaching towards the drive-thru window to grasp the colorful cardboard container. Oh, and I almost got in a wreck on the way home playing with the little toy. It's this penguin looking guy that is riding a vehicle of some sort that shoots dual torpedo thingies. Some people send txt messages while driving or play with the radio. Not me. I play with Happy Meal toys. Four bucks well spent.

Stop Labeling

I read an interesting article on Zen Habits today (http://zenhabits.net/2008/09/11-refreshing-ways-to-bring-out-the-awesomeness-in-life/). Of the 11 ways suggested to bring out the awesomeness in life, #2 is particularly interesting. It's got me thinking - what is a label? when are they necessary? when do they complicate? is a truth only as solid as its label?.. hmm... thoughts?

"2. Stop labeling. It’s amazing how much we think we’re experiencing life, but we’re really just thinking about it. I want you to try a little exercise with me. Take a look at something around you. Maybe it’s a photo, a plant, or your keyboard. Our normal state of mind is to think about the object we’re looking at, to conceptualize it in our mind and place labels on it. Now look at the same object and don’t think about it. If this is difficult for you, that’s okay. Relax and just look. Let go. Notice a difference? That’s because when you’re not thinking about what you’re things, you’re actually experiencing life directly. The labels in our mind are simply abstractions, they’re not reality itself. Try doing this more often: when you’re in line at the grocery store, walking your dog, listening to music, etc. You’ll start to enjoy your experience much more."

Saturday, September 27, 2008

How do I figure out God's will for my life?

A hot topic among Christians is “how do I know the will of God for my life?”

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Before plunging into this topic, let me clarify that this is only for those who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus. If you’re not a believer, go read the Gospel of John and ask God to speak to your heart and show you how to respond. http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/tools/printer-friendly.pl?book=Jhn&chapter=1&translation=nkjv#top

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“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ....Rom..... 12:1-2

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People often think that God’s will is something that has to be found – like it’s lost or hidden. Not so. God’s will is not tough to discern. Paul writes the simple formula for knowing God’s will.

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1. Give your body to the Lord

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When I read this, I realize that my body is far from “holy and acceptable.” This discourages a lot of people. They think that they’re disqualified. They say, “Until my body is holy and acceptable, I can’t give it as a living sacrifice to the Lord. I struggle with sin constantly. I better get my act together first.” The first eleven chapters of Romans that lead up to these two verses explain that God sees us IN Christ. God sees our bodies as holy and acceptable already. You and I see the mistakes and shortcomings but, simply put, God does not. He sees you and me hidden IN Christ and sees the righteousness of Christ wrapped around us like a robe.

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What’s this idea of a living sacrifice? In Gen 22, Abraham was told to take his adult son Isaac up on a mountain and sacrifice him to the Lord. You may know the story. Just before Abraham’s hand plunged the dagger into his son’s chest, the Lord stopped him. It was a test and Abraham passed the test. Centuries later, God would offer up His Son Jesus on the very same mountain as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. That’s a living sacrifice. But, how does that look for me personally? Well, I become a living sacrifice when I climb up onto the altar and say, “Lord, I’m yours. I love you more than anything or anyone. Have your way with me.” The problem with being a living sacrifice is that I have the tendency to climb off the altar and go do my own thing. I squirm and regularly escape! That’s why it’s important for me to continually return back to the place where I say, “Lord, I’m sorry. I’m tired of trying to figure out where I should go. I’ve done my own thing, tried my own way, and failed miserably. I’m tired of steering the car. I let go of the controls once again. Take my life..”

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Once you’ve given your body to the Lord and opened up your life to His complete control..

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2. Keep your mind on the Lord

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Avoid being squeezed into the world’s mold. Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. The word “transformed” comes from the Greek word “metamorphoo” which is where we get our word “metamorphosis.” It’s a radical change. This same word is used to describe the change that Jesus experienced in Matt 17. He was talking with Moses and Elijah about his death (hint, hint – living sacrifice) and started shining and glowing. Just as radical as a caterpillar metamorphosizing into a butterfly, my mind is changed and renewed as I keep my thoughts on the Lord.

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So, give your body to the Lord and keep your mind on the Lord, and you will know what God’s perfect will is for your life.

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Sounds good, right? The question is – how does that actually work for me today in my situation?

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John 14. Jesus was telling his freaked out disciples that He was going to leave them in order to prepare heaven for them. Jesus told them not to be worried or troubled. He then said “where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas replied in John 14:5 “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

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Here’s the key to this whole “how do I know God’s will” thing:

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John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

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See, the disciples were trying to get instruction, direction, information. Jesus basically said, “I’m not going to tell you the way. I AM the way. It’s not information I give to you. It’s who I’ll be for you. It’s ME.”

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We keep saying, “Lord, tell me what to do. Give me instructions. Give me directions.” The Lord says, “I never said I would tell you the way. I am the way.” All I have to do is (#1) Give my body to the Lord and (#2) keep my mind on the Lord, and I’ll end up in the right place without struggling at all. I’ll stop trying to figure out what to do and just hang on to the Lord. It’s radical. It’s Jesus – day by day by day.

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Not only that but ....Col.... 3:15 says that the peace of Christ will rule in my heart and Heb 10:16 says God’s will will be written on my heart. God is simply going to change my heart. I don’t have to struggle and wonder what He wants me to do or where He wants me to go. Hey, if my heart’s desire is to do this or that, I can go for it. I don’t have to agonize over it. If I make a mistake, the Lord will shut the door and open a different door (see Rev. 3). All I do is rest. I keep my body open to Him, keep my mind on Him, let His peace rule in my heart, and let Him put His impressions on my heart.

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Ps. 37:4 – As I delight in the Lord, he gives me the desires of my heart. I climb onto his shoulders and go along for the ride. Suddenly, I find that the desires I have in my heart constitute his will for my life. It’s that simple. Just like Augustine said, as I love God with all of my heart, I can do whatever I want. Vocationally, romantically, physically, emotionally, spiritually, practically – I’ll find myself in the center of God’s will.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Jesus Loves You, Fluffy..

Hey Guys -

Found this recent public announcement for a local church (Christian Church - Disciples of Christ denomination). Any thoughts or opinions?..

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - Pets should be brought on a leash or in a suitable carrier to the gathering, which will be held on the front lawn of the church. All pets are welcome, but photos of pets also are welcome. The service will include readings, prayers, music, a blessing for all living pets, as well as for those pets who are no longer with us. There will also be an opportunity for the individual blessing of pets.


Thoughts? I have a reoccurring discussion with a close friend of mine regarding animals/pets, their spiritual state, etc. This friend tends to believe that pets will be in heaven but there is no scriptural backing for this and I personally don't believe that animals have eternal spirits whatsoever. As far as this gathering that is being advertised, I'm undecided as to the validity of blessing animals..