Monday, July 31, 2006
I'm Back....I think...No Really, I Am
It has been a long time since I have posted. I can make may excuses as to why, but one main thing sticks out: I became not only lazy, but caught up in material things, and not giving the rightful amount of time that I need to give to the Lord on a daily basis.
Before I complete my "Lonely, Impatient Christian" posting, I figured I would quickly address what happened, in a non-specific, sort of way.
Our July Revival Sermon Series this year is about God's Promises. This week's sermon was about God's Promise of Presence. Now some of this will probably be recycled into the "Lonely, Impatient Christian" posting, but I have a specific reason for talking about this right now.
Hebrews 13:5-6 tells us, "Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, 'I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,' we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?" (The Message)
When Christians fail to recognize all the blessings that the Lord provides, and they compare themselves to the standards set by society, we begin to lose touch with our Lord and the promises He has made to us.
I am GUILTY of that. Whether I have over-indulged in TV or the internet, or thought that time spent cleaning my truck was more important than keeping up with my daily reflection time, I have neglected taking the time to keep up with my blog and at times my family. I have overlooked those blessings that God has given me.
When we stray, lifting other things above our relationship with Jesus, Satan has gotten exactly what he wants: sights taken off the one true Lord, Jesus Christ, and focused on the new gods of money, sex, material items.
When you get some time, read through the entire book of Hebrews (The Message Version at Biblegateway.com). It is a perfect reminder of what Christians are missing when they stray from their calling.
Max Lucado's introduction to Hebrews in his Devotional Bible suggests that the book of Hebrews was written for "Jewish believers that were torn between their new faith and their old ways. The temptation was to slip back into familiar routines and rituals, settling for second best." As Christians, we are called not to settle for second best. Our lives in Christ are first rate and no matter what distractions come along, we should remember that everything else in this world is inferior in comparison to Christ's love for us and a life in His presence. As Max Lucado summarizes his introduction, he asks one, poignant question, "Once you've known the best, why settle for anything less?
Prayer
Lord, as I rise and work through each day of my life, let me be reminded, when tempted, that there is nothing that compares to you. No drug, no distraction, no material item, no sort of temptation, once chosen, will ever compare to Your beauty...Your intensity....the undeniable, euphoric effect as being in Your presence. By your grace, forgive me of my waywardness, wash me of my sins, and give me the strength to turn from Satan's lies and live in the truth....forever. I ask this in Your Most Holy Name, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Before I complete my "Lonely, Impatient Christian" posting, I figured I would quickly address what happened, in a non-specific, sort of way.
Our July Revival Sermon Series this year is about God's Promises. This week's sermon was about God's Promise of Presence. Now some of this will probably be recycled into the "Lonely, Impatient Christian" posting, but I have a specific reason for talking about this right now.
Hebrews 13:5-6 tells us, "Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, 'I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,' we can boldly quote, God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?" (The Message)
When Christians fail to recognize all the blessings that the Lord provides, and they compare themselves to the standards set by society, we begin to lose touch with our Lord and the promises He has made to us.
I am GUILTY of that. Whether I have over-indulged in TV or the internet, or thought that time spent cleaning my truck was more important than keeping up with my daily reflection time, I have neglected taking the time to keep up with my blog and at times my family. I have overlooked those blessings that God has given me.
When we stray, lifting other things above our relationship with Jesus, Satan has gotten exactly what he wants: sights taken off the one true Lord, Jesus Christ, and focused on the new gods of money, sex, material items.
When you get some time, read through the entire book of Hebrews (The Message Version at Biblegateway.com). It is a perfect reminder of what Christians are missing when they stray from their calling.
Max Lucado's introduction to Hebrews in his Devotional Bible suggests that the book of Hebrews was written for "Jewish believers that were torn between their new faith and their old ways. The temptation was to slip back into familiar routines and rituals, settling for second best." As Christians, we are called not to settle for second best. Our lives in Christ are first rate and no matter what distractions come along, we should remember that everything else in this world is inferior in comparison to Christ's love for us and a life in His presence. As Max Lucado summarizes his introduction, he asks one, poignant question, "Once you've known the best, why settle for anything less?
Prayer
Lord, as I rise and work through each day of my life, let me be reminded, when tempted, that there is nothing that compares to you. No drug, no distraction, no material item, no sort of temptation, once chosen, will ever compare to Your beauty...Your intensity....the undeniable, euphoric effect as being in Your presence. By your grace, forgive me of my waywardness, wash me of my sins, and give me the strength to turn from Satan's lies and live in the truth....forever. I ask this in Your Most Holy Name, Jesus Christ. AMEN.
