My right or not

Why do I feel the right to tell you what to do? Why do I feel the right to be offended when you don't pursue me for direction? Why do I feel hurt when you make that decision? Why do I desire to be close yet hold my arms out to keep my distance?

People are so interesting... We define contraditions on a daily basis. I have started to feel compasion for people that I used to judge (either in a good way or bad).

Making Disciples

I watch those same people walk and talk... So... empty so alone. Searching for the next neat item that will assist in filling the gap. I hurt for them. I hurt that it seems so complicated to tell them of a simple way. Is it me that complicates it? How do I embrace the idea that is shared in Gal 5:14 or in Mark 16:16? It seems that one leads to the other. If I have an understanding or a truth that is life altering (in a good way ultimately) then the loving your neighbor as yourself leads to the making disciples doesn't it? So, I guess that means that I am failing at both.... How come it reads so basic yet feels so complicated? I am so glad that the examples of many of the people used by God in a big way in the Bible were such losers. I can't wait to be used in a big way... Perhaps I am discounting the role that is set before me... I am a father and husband perhaps I should attempt to conquer those a little better before I go and conquer the world. :)

Finding Truth

Why do I spend more time reading insights of people who have studied the Bible rather then studying the Bible myself? Why are they capable of finding practical truth in the Bible but I have to find it through them? Why do I spend more time trading names of good authors and good book titles with friends rather then scripture references? If truth is... well the Bible then why go elsewhere so often for it?

Because it is easier. Because I know how to read a book but the Bible??? Because that is what is normal and what I have always done. Because everyone tells me of great books and yet few tell me of great insights in their study time in the Bible. Because I want to be spoon fed, it goes down easier. Because I think that others are more spiritual then I am. Because I want to obey the Bible and find many wise counselors Prov 15:22. Because I am insecure and want truth handed to me. Because I can't stay awake reading the Bible but some authors are really good at keeping my attention. Because books are so much more practical for today. Because I don't want to have to work at seeing what God is wanting to show me.

I think that perhaps I will try to spend a little more time reading the source and a little less time letting people tell what it says.

What is a Disciple/Christian.....

A Christian loves his neighbor as himself Gal 5:14
A Christian contends for the "Faith" Jude 1:3
A Christian endures suffering 1 Peter 4:12-16
A Christian follows Jesus first and foremost Matt 8:21
A Christian hates his mother, father, siblings, and even his own life Luke 14:25
A Christian give up everything Luke 14:33
A Christian loves Christ more then even his own children Matt 10:37
A Christian is bold in truth even when it is not convenient Acts 24:13
A Christian no longer lives for himself 2 Cor 5:14-21
A Christian moves to the end of the line, lets others go first and volunteers to move to the kiddy table Matt 20:24-28
A Christian disciples Matt 28:16-20
A Christian sacrifices his own body Rom 12:1
A Christian does not conform Rom 12:2
A Christian obeys the above things and many others (the Bible) John 14:23-24, 1 John 2:3-7




Wow! I think that I will stop for a while I am feeling challenged already and want to stop before it turns to defeat. Perhaps when I have some of these things more evident in my life I will pursue other areas that reflect Christ active in my life.

Sneaky Slippery Sinners

The concept of a sneaky person slipping into a church with the intention of diluting or polluting is a hard pill to swallow for me. I understand that there are evil people out there (perhaps that is a little weak) but the idea that someone would actually purpose to sneak into a body of believers and destroy them seems a little far fetched. But I realized that I am one of those Sneaky Slippery Sinners who sneak into the church and attempt to destroy it. I am the one that Jude is talking about in 1:4. He is talking about the people in the church (not an outsider) that allow themselves to loose track of the message of Christ and the purpose we hold and begin trading convenience and ease for what is true and right. May it never be! I pray that I will not allow myself to be one of those that is used to infiltrate the kingdom and dilute the message.

If I totally lost you read Jude (it is short).

Perspective

It is interesting to see how different the same thing can appear depending on perspective. I have been trying to see things fresh...to see things the way they really are rather then the way I think they are. It is hard because I think that my tendency is to see them from two skewed vantage points rather then one correct one. Recently I have started to see some things from, what appears to be, the correct angle and it has been so fresh and exciting (although that doesn't really express it correctly).... I am of course doing what I am best at which is rambling with no apparent direction.