A job application
This is how I used to read the help wanted ads:
“Wanted to fill immediate position: devout, perfect Christian for full-time service. Must be well kept in demeanor and stature. Must uphold ALL 10 Commandments and be able to recite them when asked. Should be able to quote scripture verses at any and all applicable situations. Would prefer candidate who is judgmental and critical; pious living is necessary.
The ideal candidate will have accumulated a lifetime of training in all things godly. Any tarnished history should be entirely removed. Mistakes or accidents will not be tolerated. Republican a plus. Please apply in person (wear your Sunday best!) at local churches in town.
It may appear as if I am exaggerating with the above statements; but I assure you, the exaggeration is minimal. Before I sold out my life to the Lord, I truly saw things this way. Because I was afraid of being exposed as a fraud, I have made some errors.
Because I was afraid of being lonely again, I decided to make it my mission to know as many people as possible at church. I did not want to be a loner or a loser in life any longer, so I became a politician instead.
Because I was afraid of failure, I decided to strive for perfection. I wanted everything to go perfectly in my life of service for the Lord, so I pushed myself to the brink of breakdown.
Because I was afraid of being called a phony, I became as involved as possible with ministries: many of them. I wanted to be validated as a Christian, so I spread myself as thin as possible.
Because I was afraid of losing God’s love, I tried to never sin. I wanted Him to love me, and when I failed at my attempts of a sinless life, I assumed I lost His love.
Because I was afraid of my past, I tried to figure out everything I was against. I wanted to set up safeguards to avoid temptation, so I prohibited everything and everyone who was not perfect and holy. In my opinion anyway.
Because I had made so many mistakes in my life before Christ, I tried to become pious and perfect. I wanted to change my life 180ยบ, so I became a hypocrite.
I did do some things right however:
Because I thought my story could help others, I decided to become completely transparent. If you think I am being too hard on myself, do not feel too badly for me. Today’s blog is still to help others. I know other people see Christians the way I described them in the help wanted ad. I want you to know that sometimes Christians seem uptight and judgmental because we are scared. We forget that we have all fallen short of the glory of God (see Romans 3.23) and we begin to think we have it all together. I am transparent in who I am and where I have been because for me, there is no other way to live.
How the real Help Wanted ad appears:
“…I am with you/to rescue and save you, declares the Lord. I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel.” (Jeremiah 15.20.b-21)
“I said, ‘you are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41.9-10)
“I tell you the truth; whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned…” (Jesus in John 5.24)
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (Jesus in John 12.26)
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last.” (Jesus in John 15.16)
It seems that this help wanted ad read differently than the one my head was telling me. The truth is that Jesus wants us exactly as we are. He made us, He knows us, and there are no surprises to Him. The most liberating part of this message is that God does not need us! I am not in a hurry to get myself cleaned up so I do not let Him down. Rather, I rest in Him; learning who He is and who I truly am in Him. And that is a job that lasts an eternity. Think about it.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
unshaken
There is no time for songs this week brothers and sisters. Once again, a Christian has proved that the dark side can overcome good. I was watching a television show a little while ago. There was a debate of some sort; the man said the only group of people who are still a target for ridicule is the morbidly obese. The other man said, “No, you can still ridicule Christians too.” I wondered why he would have to say something like that, and then I realized he was right. And when scandals erupt, it only gets worse. So why would someone want to be a Christian anyway?
“…I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse….Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4.8-9
I am a Christian because He saved me. It does not have to do with any preachers, any person. There is one thing that matters in the end; and that is the Cross. When I came to the Cross-, everything changed. Sure, being ridiculed hurts sometimes. My daughter told me today how hard it is in recess. She is in fourth grade, and most of the kids say ‘Oh my God,' and it bothers her. What can I tell her but to be strong?
I do not live this life for anyone else but Christ. I struggle with my thorns, do not get me wrong. I have to be aware that I carry the sin of pride. I need to be sure that my actions are for Jesus, not me. I strive more and more each day to die to myself.
What does that mean? “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’ God’s spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who He is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us-an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with Him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with Him!” Romans 8.15-17
When I became the Lord’s I ditched my old way of living for His way of living. I remove myself from the driver’s seat (I sucked at driving this life anyway) and He is taking over. It may sound strange, but it is really a huge relief.
If you are living a life that is heavy to carry around; if the stress is gnawing at the back of your head, then you need to read my words and think about this: Christ wants to carry your burdens. He wants you to lay all your junk, all your crap, at the Cross and leave it there.
Read this and let the words touch your heart, as they are meant to do.
“Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God will for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity He put us in right standing with Himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And He did it by means of Jesus Christ. Romans 3.23-24
See, this is not about any Christian who makes a mistake and sins. My faith is not shaken because people fall from grace. Your eyes need to be on the one who is in control. No, you never become a sinless person, that is impossible in this life. We will sin, it is inevitable. The decision then is to confess and keep right on going, with your eyes on the Cross. Do not pay any attention to what the world has to say about Christianity. He is real, He is in charge, and He does want you to love Him. More than that, He wants to love you. Even with all your mistakes, your scars, and your pain. Think about it.
There is no time for songs this week brothers and sisters. Once again, a Christian has proved that the dark side can overcome good. I was watching a television show a little while ago. There was a debate of some sort; the man said the only group of people who are still a target for ridicule is the morbidly obese. The other man said, “No, you can still ridicule Christians too.” I wondered why he would have to say something like that, and then I realized he was right. And when scandals erupt, it only gets worse. So why would someone want to be a Christian anyway?
“…I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse….Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4.8-9
I am a Christian because He saved me. It does not have to do with any preachers, any person. There is one thing that matters in the end; and that is the Cross. When I came to the Cross-, everything changed. Sure, being ridiculed hurts sometimes. My daughter told me today how hard it is in recess. She is in fourth grade, and most of the kids say ‘Oh my God,' and it bothers her. What can I tell her but to be strong?
I do not live this life for anyone else but Christ. I struggle with my thorns, do not get me wrong. I have to be aware that I carry the sin of pride. I need to be sure that my actions are for Jesus, not me. I strive more and more each day to die to myself.
What does that mean? “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’ God’s spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who He is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us-an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with Him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with Him!” Romans 8.15-17
When I became the Lord’s I ditched my old way of living for His way of living. I remove myself from the driver’s seat (I sucked at driving this life anyway) and He is taking over. It may sound strange, but it is really a huge relief.
If you are living a life that is heavy to carry around; if the stress is gnawing at the back of your head, then you need to read my words and think about this: Christ wants to carry your burdens. He wants you to lay all your junk, all your crap, at the Cross and leave it there.
Read this and let the words touch your heart, as they are meant to do.
“Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God will for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity He put us in right standing with Himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And He did it by means of Jesus Christ. Romans 3.23-24
See, this is not about any Christian who makes a mistake and sins. My faith is not shaken because people fall from grace. Your eyes need to be on the one who is in control. No, you never become a sinless person, that is impossible in this life. We will sin, it is inevitable. The decision then is to confess and keep right on going, with your eyes on the Cross. Do not pay any attention to what the world has to say about Christianity. He is real, He is in charge, and He does want you to love Him. More than that, He wants to love you. Even with all your mistakes, your scars, and your pain. Think about it.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Chris Tomlin - Indescribable
From the album Arriving
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea,
Creation's revealing Your majesty.
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring,
Every creature unique in the song that it sings. All exclaiming...
(Chorus)
Indescribable, Uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God.
All powerful, Untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim,
You are amazing God.
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go,
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow?
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light,
Yet conceals it to give us the coolness of night?
None can fathom...
(Chorus)
Incomparable, Unchangeable,
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same.
You are amazing God.
“Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Lisa,
Happy Birthday to you.”
Last Monday was my birthday. We will not go into the age I turned. I like to tell people it is my birthday. It’s actually quite amazing how I can work it into almost any conversation. I love hearing “Happy Birthday” and I guess I like to get gifts too.
My kids made me cards for my birthday. They included a dollar in each card and refused to take it back. I thought that was precious. I guess we must be doing something right with those kids. They have Jesus in their hearts, and they are becoming givers rather than receivers. I am blessed just to be in their presence.
See, my children are a present from God. He decided we could take care of them, and He wrote them into our lives. I am saddened for the days my children spent without hearing of Jesus, but I have to let that go. God knew that would happen. “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139.16)
This leads me to my thought for today. Why do I make my birthday such a big deal? Why do I want everyone to know so they can celebrate with me? Hold on; I have a theory!
I think we are born with an inner knowledge of God. I believe I am excited about the day I was born because God is excited about the day I was born! As a matter of fact, He says it in His word. Look- “The Lord you God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3.17)
Here’s another one: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43.1) It’s cool when you think about it. You have to believe that God is telling the truth and that He really does know you. Individually. He is madly in love with you, and there is no sin or no faults that can stop Him from loving you. “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give me in exchange for you, and people in exchange for you life. Do not be afraid for I am with you.” God in Isaiah 43.4-5)
Who says that and doesn’t mean it? It gives me reason to explore further. And when I do, I find Jesus, dying for the world. Dying to give the people on earth the choice to live forever. “My [children] listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” –Jesus in John 10.27-28
I have always enjoyed my birthday and I like other people to share in my joy. I know that my joy comes from God. He finds delight with me; why would he not celebrate my birthday too?
And just think; he celebrates your birthday too. think about it.
From the album Arriving
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea,
Creation's revealing Your majesty.
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring,
Every creature unique in the song that it sings. All exclaiming...
(Chorus)
Indescribable, Uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God.
All powerful, Untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim,
You are amazing God.
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go,
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow?
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light,
Yet conceals it to give us the coolness of night?
None can fathom...
(Chorus)
Incomparable, Unchangeable,
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same.
You are amazing God.
“Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Lisa,
Happy Birthday to you.”
Last Monday was my birthday. We will not go into the age I turned. I like to tell people it is my birthday. It’s actually quite amazing how I can work it into almost any conversation. I love hearing “Happy Birthday” and I guess I like to get gifts too.
My kids made me cards for my birthday. They included a dollar in each card and refused to take it back. I thought that was precious. I guess we must be doing something right with those kids. They have Jesus in their hearts, and they are becoming givers rather than receivers. I am blessed just to be in their presence.
See, my children are a present from God. He decided we could take care of them, and He wrote them into our lives. I am saddened for the days my children spent without hearing of Jesus, but I have to let that go. God knew that would happen. “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139.16)
This leads me to my thought for today. Why do I make my birthday such a big deal? Why do I want everyone to know so they can celebrate with me? Hold on; I have a theory!
I think we are born with an inner knowledge of God. I believe I am excited about the day I was born because God is excited about the day I was born! As a matter of fact, He says it in His word. Look- “The Lord you God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3.17)
Here’s another one: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43.1) It’s cool when you think about it. You have to believe that God is telling the truth and that He really does know you. Individually. He is madly in love with you, and there is no sin or no faults that can stop Him from loving you. “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give me in exchange for you, and people in exchange for you life. Do not be afraid for I am with you.” God in Isaiah 43.4-5)
Who says that and doesn’t mean it? It gives me reason to explore further. And when I do, I find Jesus, dying for the world. Dying to give the people on earth the choice to live forever. “My [children] listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” –Jesus in John 10.27-28
I have always enjoyed my birthday and I like other people to share in my joy. I know that my joy comes from God. He finds delight with me; why would he not celebrate my birthday too?
And just think; he celebrates your birthday too. think about it.
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