By now, we've all probably heard the man who is assuring the world that tomorrow is the end of days. He even has it narrowed down to the very hour that Christ will return.
I've heard many things about this man, and his followers. They've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to tell the world that "Judgement Day is coming". No doubt do we as Christians believe that Christ is coming again. Just as it was prophesied that he would be born, and was, he will return just as he has promised us.
Now, here is something to consider. Pay attention to the tone of the guys telling us about their "mathematical analysis" of the Bible. They are out with signs saying "Judgement Day is coming". Think about that. If someone came to Christ out of fear, out of a "Oh, crap, Saturday's a comin'... better do something now"... do they actually understand God's love for them through Christ? Not to say that one couldn't, it just seems hard. Additionally, I have a tough time thinking that God would be glorified with people who are scared to go to Hell, so they "believe" in him for a few days to "ensure" they are good to go.
This focus on the end of the world doesn't have to be like this. What if it opened a door to actually sharing the Gospel, sharing the whole Gospel, with those asking questions? What if, when someone asked whether we believed that Christ would return, we ACTUALLY shared why we believe he will return at ANY time. What we can't proclaim at all, much less "beyond the shadow of a doubt", is when Christ will return. Christ himself doesn't know.
To end, we should be less occupied with the time and day that Christ will return and live every day like it's the last day of our lives. We should show God's love, glorify Him alone, submit to him as Lord of our entire being, and celebrate that his promises are true and that he'll return one day. It'll be a glorious day for believers.
The end may come tomorrow. It may come today. It may come in the year 2100, 3000 or beyond. That's not what we're to be preoccupied with. Our focus should be his grace on our lives each day, that he even allows us to breathe, to have a home, to enjoy family, to exist at all. Our focus is to be to praise his name for what he's done for us through the cross, so that we could be with God. Some of us have seen our last Christmas. Some of us may see 50 more. All that matters is "living he loved me, dying he saved me, buried he carried my sins far away, rising he justified, freely forever, one day he's coming... Oh GLORIOUS day."
So, to end, I'll probably see my friends on Sunday. Or I will be with the saints glorifying the King of ALL. Either way, Christ is King and God is to be glorified. Years ago, I felt God telling me that I was going to have a child of my own. We began that journey, thinking it wouldn't take too long. Then, it took 13 months. Glad I didn't think I knew God's timing better than Him... or I could've been one frustrated man. He knows when he's coming back. Let's praise him all the more.
For now, I'll prepare for the birth of our son. I'll continue to pray for his salvation in the years to come. I'll continue to pray that God reveals more of himself each day to my wife and I. He loves us. He sent him who knew no sin to be sin so that we could become the righteousness of God through him. That's what my family will cling to.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Our sons and daughters. Our greatest gift to the world.
As I prepare for life as a husband, father and follower of Christ, I am completely looking forward to it. I've dreamed of having my boy play golf with me. I've dreamed of my girl looking just like her momma, doubling my dose of sweetness each day. We are nearly just 5 months away from this day. God has blessed us with a child, and I will be on my knees in awe of the Creator who creates life. I've seen mountains, sunsets, beautiful coastal scenes. But nothing can compare to his gift of life.
As I look forward to being a father, I am constantly reminding myself that life as a father is not merely having a baby and enjoying it everyday. If it terminates on that, I've not captured the essence of God's gift to me.
God created man to be a representation of Himself on this earth and to glorify Himself. He created Adam, then Eve to be as one. Marriage is such a representation of God. Such a union, all parts completely their own, yet one. This same thing applies to my relationship with my child. My son or daughter should see Christ through my constant love for them, my constant forgiveness, my constant guidance, my constant outreach to their lives.
God pursues us and pursues us in an awesome way. We sometimes don't realize it, but he loves us SO much. It was evident with the sacrifice of his son on our behalf! I want my son/daughter to experience much the same from me. The hope doesn't lie there alone, the hope is that through me, they see Christ and come to know the Lord.
The other challenge with this is that only God can save. I can't muster up enough "goodness" in my home to save them. God alone can do it. I am constantly praying that God reveals himself to my child so that they become heirs to the Kingdom just as I have. It is my responsibility, as the man, to create an environment that is conducive to my child seeing Christ. They will look up to me and Rachael for everything. It requires a selflessness that I have never really experienced.
Looking back on my life, I realize how great of a father I have. He came home from work to a very energized son. I never remember him telling me that he was too tired to play games, play catch outside, head to the golf course, watch my favorite shows. He had to be just as tired as I am throughout the workday, but it didn't matter to him, he was going to enjoy his family and create an environment that enabled Christ to be seen. Through his faithfulness and efforts, he was successful.
At a conference this weekend, JR Vassar stated that our sons and daughters are the greatest gift we will ever have to the world. I want to remember this everyday as a father and understand what it means to me as a husband, father and Christ follower. It has eternal implications. We are able to experience God in a deep way through children. A man's fatherhood is not the end in itself. No, it's going through fatherhood and experiencing and loving His Fatherhood.
I am excited. I am nervous. I am thankful for this incredible blessing in my life. Rachael and I are so excited about what is in store for the rest of our lives. I am incredibly grateful that God brought Rachael into my life, because she is going to be the most amazing mother. I know this because she is the most amazing wife.
As I look forward to being a father, I am constantly reminding myself that life as a father is not merely having a baby and enjoying it everyday. If it terminates on that, I've not captured the essence of God's gift to me.
God created man to be a representation of Himself on this earth and to glorify Himself. He created Adam, then Eve to be as one. Marriage is such a representation of God. Such a union, all parts completely their own, yet one. This same thing applies to my relationship with my child. My son or daughter should see Christ through my constant love for them, my constant forgiveness, my constant guidance, my constant outreach to their lives.
God pursues us and pursues us in an awesome way. We sometimes don't realize it, but he loves us SO much. It was evident with the sacrifice of his son on our behalf! I want my son/daughter to experience much the same from me. The hope doesn't lie there alone, the hope is that through me, they see Christ and come to know the Lord.
The other challenge with this is that only God can save. I can't muster up enough "goodness" in my home to save them. God alone can do it. I am constantly praying that God reveals himself to my child so that they become heirs to the Kingdom just as I have. It is my responsibility, as the man, to create an environment that is conducive to my child seeing Christ. They will look up to me and Rachael for everything. It requires a selflessness that I have never really experienced.
Looking back on my life, I realize how great of a father I have. He came home from work to a very energized son. I never remember him telling me that he was too tired to play games, play catch outside, head to the golf course, watch my favorite shows. He had to be just as tired as I am throughout the workday, but it didn't matter to him, he was going to enjoy his family and create an environment that enabled Christ to be seen. Through his faithfulness and efforts, he was successful.
At a conference this weekend, JR Vassar stated that our sons and daughters are the greatest gift we will ever have to the world. I want to remember this everyday as a father and understand what it means to me as a husband, father and Christ follower. It has eternal implications. We are able to experience God in a deep way through children. A man's fatherhood is not the end in itself. No, it's going through fatherhood and experiencing and loving His Fatherhood.
I am excited. I am nervous. I am thankful for this incredible blessing in my life. Rachael and I are so excited about what is in store for the rest of our lives. I am incredibly grateful that God brought Rachael into my life, because she is going to be the most amazing mother. I know this because she is the most amazing wife.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
2011. Going to be a great year.
I love celebrating the new year. There's something about the "fresh start" that we get on January 1, though it's not a reality. It's more of a "I want to get here this year, and I wasn't there last year" outlook.
2010 was an incredible year that I will eternally be thankful for. 2011 can be better than that.
As I began thinking about how I view things in life, I think I'm a pretty content person. I don't typically look at the outside at what others are doing and let that drive me. Well, unless it's in the realm of sports. If I find a better golfer or athlete, I want to beat them, doing anything I can. Other than that, I can keep to myself, be myself and be happy.
But, this question popped in my head and it's been on my mind for a while. What if I'm too content externally, which leads to being content in the realm of my relationship with God?
Philippians 3 is a great reference. Paul discusses all that he has done. He's legit. He's seen it all, bad and good. Yet, he says that he still has not obtained the goal. He writes that he still longs for the things of Christ, that he has more to do.
What if I took that attitude in 2011? What if we had a "holy discontentment" and just wanted more of God in everything that we do? This scripture says to forget what lies behind and look at what's ahead. A great perspective! I can forget all mistakes, because of the grace of our God, and completely focus on what He has for me this year.
I do it in business. I have goals of where I should be, where I'd like to see my clients be. Why not do everything we can to help us get more of God in 2011?
I don't see a reason why not. I want to praise him for every given day this year. I want to thank him for his grace when I lack due praise for him.
2011. It's time. Again.
2010 was an incredible year that I will eternally be thankful for. 2011 can be better than that.
As I began thinking about how I view things in life, I think I'm a pretty content person. I don't typically look at the outside at what others are doing and let that drive me. Well, unless it's in the realm of sports. If I find a better golfer or athlete, I want to beat them, doing anything I can. Other than that, I can keep to myself, be myself and be happy.
But, this question popped in my head and it's been on my mind for a while. What if I'm too content externally, which leads to being content in the realm of my relationship with God?
Philippians 3 is a great reference. Paul discusses all that he has done. He's legit. He's seen it all, bad and good. Yet, he says that he still has not obtained the goal. He writes that he still longs for the things of Christ, that he has more to do.
What if I took that attitude in 2011? What if we had a "holy discontentment" and just wanted more of God in everything that we do? This scripture says to forget what lies behind and look at what's ahead. A great perspective! I can forget all mistakes, because of the grace of our God, and completely focus on what He has for me this year.
I do it in business. I have goals of where I should be, where I'd like to see my clients be. Why not do everything we can to help us get more of God in 2011?
I don't see a reason why not. I want to praise him for every given day this year. I want to thank him for his grace when I lack due praise for him.
2011. It's time. Again.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Die Hard
Alot of us have things we follow very closely. For women, it's about the latest fashion, a singer, and a ton of other things. For men, it's usually in the realm of sports. Some men follow the latest gadgets and Apple products. Thank goodness I'm the former, naturally.
It's no secret that I've followed the Rangers my entire life. I've been a Cowboys fan, a Mavericks fan, a Bulls fan, and a fan of many teams or indidivual players. Nothing has compared to my incredible passion for my baseball team, or "our" team as I often call them.
For years, I wondered when I would get to see them make the playoffs. For years, I dreamed of watching them go to the World Series. I wondered every year, what would it feel like to be there when my team wins. It was always a "wonder".
In 2010, I followed 158 games and caught the highlight reel of every single game. I followed every possible pitch of the postseason. They were making it, winning, winning and more winning. I was loving every minute of it, like a kid all over again. I was giddy, and still am giddy about where they're at right now!
But there was a moment where it all happened. I was with my dad, both of us die hards for our team. We were hoping to see a W and watch them close out the final series and head to the World Series. Inning by inning, all I could do was smile. It was going to happen. The 9th inning came. The ENTIRE crowd was on their feet. As the first out happened, it got louder. Louder again when they got the second out.
With two strikes on the batter, the man I who I happen to hate the most, you could feel that the whole city was plugged in and watching! The third strike came, A-Rod struck out and the crowd went CRAZY! Hat in hand, the strap came loose, my other hand had the pom-pom they gave us and it was whipping back and forth. High fives to dudes I didn't even know, to moms I didn't know. Heck, even high fives to little old ladies outside of the stadium!
About two minutes after celebrating, I tried to tell my dad something. All that came out was "Ahh eehhh cann ttt aaammmm innng". Nothing but a muttering man I became! I was so in awe of what I saw, what moment I got to experience with the one I wanted to spend it with the most!
Why did I just tell you about this? As a believer, I've gotten so much from this! I truly believe that God created everything for our good, for our enjoyment in Him. Even baseball.
I began to really think about the power of God. Alot of us think about the day that we see God and worship Him forever. If I was speechless after my team won and only smiles all over my face.... I can't wait to experience something a million times greater when I see my God who created me, who saved me and who blesses my life each and every day! I can't wait to celebrate with the millions of believers that are with me for eternity. It was great to celebrate a baseball game with fans who truly loved the team, but how much greater will it be to celebrate the God of the universe with an infinitely greater number of people?!
My wish until that day is that I grow in my passion for the God of the universe. Not that I can't continue my baseball passion, because that won't fade. I just want to be an 80 year old man who can tell his friends and family about all that God has done in his life and the amazing grace that God has shown in his life.
I want to be a die hard. In more ways than one.
It's no secret that I've followed the Rangers my entire life. I've been a Cowboys fan, a Mavericks fan, a Bulls fan, and a fan of many teams or indidivual players. Nothing has compared to my incredible passion for my baseball team, or "our" team as I often call them.
For years, I wondered when I would get to see them make the playoffs. For years, I dreamed of watching them go to the World Series. I wondered every year, what would it feel like to be there when my team wins. It was always a "wonder".
In 2010, I followed 158 games and caught the highlight reel of every single game. I followed every possible pitch of the postseason. They were making it, winning, winning and more winning. I was loving every minute of it, like a kid all over again. I was giddy, and still am giddy about where they're at right now!
But there was a moment where it all happened. I was with my dad, both of us die hards for our team. We were hoping to see a W and watch them close out the final series and head to the World Series. Inning by inning, all I could do was smile. It was going to happen. The 9th inning came. The ENTIRE crowd was on their feet. As the first out happened, it got louder. Louder again when they got the second out.
With two strikes on the batter, the man I who I happen to hate the most, you could feel that the whole city was plugged in and watching! The third strike came, A-Rod struck out and the crowd went CRAZY! Hat in hand, the strap came loose, my other hand had the pom-pom they gave us and it was whipping back and forth. High fives to dudes I didn't even know, to moms I didn't know. Heck, even high fives to little old ladies outside of the stadium!
About two minutes after celebrating, I tried to tell my dad something. All that came out was "Ahh eehhh cann ttt aaammmm innng". Nothing but a muttering man I became! I was so in awe of what I saw, what moment I got to experience with the one I wanted to spend it with the most!
Why did I just tell you about this? As a believer, I've gotten so much from this! I truly believe that God created everything for our good, for our enjoyment in Him. Even baseball.
I began to really think about the power of God. Alot of us think about the day that we see God and worship Him forever. If I was speechless after my team won and only smiles all over my face.... I can't wait to experience something a million times greater when I see my God who created me, who saved me and who blesses my life each and every day! I can't wait to celebrate with the millions of believers that are with me for eternity. It was great to celebrate a baseball game with fans who truly loved the team, but how much greater will it be to celebrate the God of the universe with an infinitely greater number of people?!
My wish until that day is that I grow in my passion for the God of the universe. Not that I can't continue my baseball passion, because that won't fade. I just want to be an 80 year old man who can tell his friends and family about all that God has done in his life and the amazing grace that God has shown in his life.
I want to be a die hard. In more ways than one.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Ministry. The Weight of It.
Have you ever heard when someone "goes into the ministry"? Have you ever really considered that question? It implies that there are some Christians that minister, and others that don't.
Often times we consider our weeks like this: On Sunday, the family heads to church. On Monday, from 8-5, we'll all head to work to make some cash. From 5-6, we'll head home, and be the jerk on the road in traffic. From 6-10, 8 if you have a baby, we'll play with our kids or enjoy time with our wives, husbands if your a lady. But that often times consists of turning on the TV, turning the brains off, saying one or two things to each other every hour, then heading to bed.
What if we considered our own life as our own ministry for the sake of Christ? What if everything we had, money, time, family, job, houses, what if it all was set for His sake?
Sometimes I think we get too wrapped up in this church atmosphere. I tell people I go to The Village Church and they instantly picture something out of me. Others will say Prestonwood, and still others will say First Baptist Fill-in-the-blank. What if, instead, we considered Sundays as a day of really digging in to an expert of the Bible whom you have decided to be under for a season, then digging in during the week on our own and really viewing everything as our own ministry? Would it be a different atmosphere?
What if we quit caring where people get their teaching, so long as it is Christ-centered and driven by the message of the Gospel?
The truth is that The Village Church will not be responsible for my growth in Christ or my sharing it with others. God will not look at Matt Chandler and ask why Ben Taylor was a loudmouth when it came to sports but didn't say a word about Christ or live out the Gospel.
He put us here to cultivate. I think it's time we only cultivate everything for the message of Christ. Church is a good thing, if we don't think it's just a Sunday hobby, followed by an afternoon of lunch, golf, football, shopping, etc.
He's called us to follow Him. Let's quit studying it and actually take it to someone. We don't just study how to mow the yard, we mow it. Let us do that with our walk with Christ.
Often times we consider our weeks like this: On Sunday, the family heads to church. On Monday, from 8-5, we'll all head to work to make some cash. From 5-6, we'll head home, and be the jerk on the road in traffic. From 6-10, 8 if you have a baby, we'll play with our kids or enjoy time with our wives, husbands if your a lady. But that often times consists of turning on the TV, turning the brains off, saying one or two things to each other every hour, then heading to bed.
What if we considered our own life as our own ministry for the sake of Christ? What if everything we had, money, time, family, job, houses, what if it all was set for His sake?
Sometimes I think we get too wrapped up in this church atmosphere. I tell people I go to The Village Church and they instantly picture something out of me. Others will say Prestonwood, and still others will say First Baptist Fill-in-the-blank. What if, instead, we considered Sundays as a day of really digging in to an expert of the Bible whom you have decided to be under for a season, then digging in during the week on our own and really viewing everything as our own ministry? Would it be a different atmosphere?
What if we quit caring where people get their teaching, so long as it is Christ-centered and driven by the message of the Gospel?
The truth is that The Village Church will not be responsible for my growth in Christ or my sharing it with others. God will not look at Matt Chandler and ask why Ben Taylor was a loudmouth when it came to sports but didn't say a word about Christ or live out the Gospel.
He put us here to cultivate. I think it's time we only cultivate everything for the message of Christ. Church is a good thing, if we don't think it's just a Sunday hobby, followed by an afternoon of lunch, golf, football, shopping, etc.
He's called us to follow Him. Let's quit studying it and actually take it to someone. We don't just study how to mow the yard, we mow it. Let us do that with our walk with Christ.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
What could stand against?
How many of us, once we became believers, started to see God as a policeman once we understood what sin was? I know that haunted me when I'd say something inappropriate, do something stupid or just be me.
As I have been through yet another job loss and am nearing two months of unemployment, it's easy to think that there's no hope. No matter how many times someone speaks of hope in the worldly essence, I just can't force myself to rely on people to help me. Good advice can go pretty far, but it can't go far enough.
As I sit here wasting away everyday until I find my next job, I began to listen to a new song from Chris Tomlin. It's called Our God. It reinforces a thought that has carried me through my life that I often forget.
Our God is not here to condemn me for doing something, not doing something. I am His. So that means that I can overcome all of this for His glory. What good would it be to think that I'll never find something? What good would it do to think that we won't have enough money in a few months to play the game of life.
Rather, God is with me. He's not a policeman. He's showing me that I can do all things through him. I can nail that interview, because he is with me. I can help someone come to know Christ, because he is with me. I can put myself aside and my worries aside, because he is with me.
I don't rely on Him to give me good things. I don't go to him to get "things". Instead, I , well, attempt to live my life in such a way that says "Not I, but YOU, are in control of my life. Do with it as you please." With that mindset, it is refreshing to see that I could end up in a non-marketing job, in a marketing job, in ministry, in whatever, and God will get the glory. This also relates to any "sin" we are stuck in. I can stop being arrogant, as God will give me the power I need to see what humbleness is. We can stop anything, knowing that God will give us the power over whatever it is. If we get to the heart of the issue, change our heart and turn, God will take over and show us a passion for him that is beyond you, beyond me.
He's not a policeman anymore. I was seperated from him and now I am not. Therefore, he will be with me everywhere, every time. If our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? If our God is with us, then what could stand against?
As I have been through yet another job loss and am nearing two months of unemployment, it's easy to think that there's no hope. No matter how many times someone speaks of hope in the worldly essence, I just can't force myself to rely on people to help me. Good advice can go pretty far, but it can't go far enough.
As I sit here wasting away everyday until I find my next job, I began to listen to a new song from Chris Tomlin. It's called Our God. It reinforces a thought that has carried me through my life that I often forget.
Our God is not here to condemn me for doing something, not doing something. I am His. So that means that I can overcome all of this for His glory. What good would it be to think that I'll never find something? What good would it do to think that we won't have enough money in a few months to play the game of life.
Rather, God is with me. He's not a policeman. He's showing me that I can do all things through him. I can nail that interview, because he is with me. I can help someone come to know Christ, because he is with me. I can put myself aside and my worries aside, because he is with me.
I don't rely on Him to give me good things. I don't go to him to get "things". Instead, I , well, attempt to live my life in such a way that says "Not I, but YOU, are in control of my life. Do with it as you please." With that mindset, it is refreshing to see that I could end up in a non-marketing job, in a marketing job, in ministry, in whatever, and God will get the glory. This also relates to any "sin" we are stuck in. I can stop being arrogant, as God will give me the power I need to see what humbleness is. We can stop anything, knowing that God will give us the power over whatever it is. If we get to the heart of the issue, change our heart and turn, God will take over and show us a passion for him that is beyond you, beyond me.
He's not a policeman anymore. I was seperated from him and now I am not. Therefore, he will be with me everywhere, every time. If our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? If our God is with us, then what could stand against?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Clunkers
Have you ever considered Billy Graham or Joel Osteen as something almost like a saint? What about your grandfather? Or a close friend that has everything going seemingly perfectly?
I'd contend that none of the above are any "better" than me or you. Do you remember "Cash for Clunkers" (if you forgot, you might have failed alot of tests in school with a memory as short as that)... I'd introduce this: Christ for Clunkers.
I think about myself, I haven't become any more perfect than I was many years ago when I accepted Christ as Lord of my life. Osteen hasn't. Graham... hadn't.
The thing that cracks me up about this is that Cash for Clunkers only accepted the beat up cars that needed to be traded in for a new life. Nobody that owned a perfectly okay Mercedes could enter the program. So it is with Christ.
It's only when we realize that we are nothing without Christ when we truly understand God's design for our life. We cannot act as though what we had was great, we have to understand that it was worthless, meaningless.
In churches these days, you often see members bickering about that jerk who came in dressed inappropriately, or that girl that was too revealing, or this or that or the other. The truth is: They are just as busted up as we were without Christ. There is no "class" in the world. You're either a clunker who won't accept Christ or a clunker who has Christ and experiences his grace and mercy every day of your life.
It isn't about the church being "good" to its community. It isn't about a person doing a bunch of acts to try to win Christ by "being him" on earth without accepting Him. I'd rather be a clunker that accepts Him as Lord than a BMW who thinks my works are good enough.
I'd contend that none of the above are any "better" than me or you. Do you remember "Cash for Clunkers" (if you forgot, you might have failed alot of tests in school with a memory as short as that)... I'd introduce this: Christ for Clunkers.
I think about myself, I haven't become any more perfect than I was many years ago when I accepted Christ as Lord of my life. Osteen hasn't. Graham... hadn't.
The thing that cracks me up about this is that Cash for Clunkers only accepted the beat up cars that needed to be traded in for a new life. Nobody that owned a perfectly okay Mercedes could enter the program. So it is with Christ.
It's only when we realize that we are nothing without Christ when we truly understand God's design for our life. We cannot act as though what we had was great, we have to understand that it was worthless, meaningless.
In churches these days, you often see members bickering about that jerk who came in dressed inappropriately, or that girl that was too revealing, or this or that or the other. The truth is: They are just as busted up as we were without Christ. There is no "class" in the world. You're either a clunker who won't accept Christ or a clunker who has Christ and experiences his grace and mercy every day of your life.
It isn't about the church being "good" to its community. It isn't about a person doing a bunch of acts to try to win Christ by "being him" on earth without accepting Him. I'd rather be a clunker that accepts Him as Lord than a BMW who thinks my works are good enough.
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