Month: December 2011

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Eternal Swag

I am getting this out late today because I had to take the kitty to the vet this morning – and then attempt to catch up at work. So just a short thought today.

This past weekend I was teaching some junior high boys about Ananias and Paul and how that Ananias guy was impressive risk taker. As we transitioned from a history lesson to life in the middle schools of America, they suggested the followers of the Christ had “no swag”.

The sad part is I understand what they are talking about somewhat,  because as they put it sometime those that follow the Way, can be “lame”.   However, there’s not much lame, in my opinion about getting out and treating others the way they should be treating.  It may not be as flashy or as exciting as some other things in life, but it probably makes a much larger impact. 

Personally, I think the lameness of followers of the Christ come when they stop following the man who died on a cross for an act he didn’t commit and start after the judgements and short-term visions in their own hearts.  And actually I think that is what they were talking about as well.

I dunno, this one is a real brain stumper to me, and the reason I even write about it is not as much for encouragement to you, as it is to challenge you today – in two ways.

First, why do those that follow the Christ come off as lame?

and Second, are you focused on having ‘swag’ here and now, or as I told the boys, are you thinking about have “eternal swag”.   ( I am not even sure what that really is, but I know that is how the followers of Christ really live.)

 

  16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV)

And I guess, the tertiary challenge is to think about how this next generation is thinking.  I know it has stayed in my head all week so far.

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Simple Transformation

Well lookie here. Transformed from that boring thing on Friday!!

20111212-072334.jpg

And so should it be with us, each day changed from a boring selfish person, to someone who emits that light of the Father.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 New International Version (NIV)

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It’s Beginning To Look Like…

Here we go, into the last weekend before the last weekend before Christmas.  The mad rush that is the Christmas season is really starting to pick up.  Many students are heading into the dreadful week of finals and the stores are beginning to push their “almost last-minute” Christmas sales.  As for me, I still need to get started.

I guess I actually got started last night, when I put up the Christmas tree, but boy it looks drab this morning.

It’s missing something!  It appears to be in dire need of a transformation. And you know I love transformations, so I can’t wait to share what this little tree will look like once the master gets her hands on it this weekend. (I am sure you will be waiting with much anxiety all weekend to find out what this guy will look like on Monday morning!)

But I digress, on this Friday, as you head into the weekend that I am sure is full of lots of great Holiday fun, take a moment to remember that without the gift we have been given we are drab like this artificial tree.  Go throughout the weekend focusing on the fact that  “unto us a child is born!  and to us a son is given! (Isaiah 9:6)”  That’s no myth.  It’s real life changing stuff.  To US!  Wow! That should bring a smile to your face all weekend, no matter where you park your car, nor how long the lines are!  And maybe those words will bring a song to your lips!

 

 

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McFly, McFly

Hey, This is a pretty cool day today. Today is Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day! Head on over to your local TARDIS or jump in the DeLorean, it’s time to go back in time! Or maybe you want to go forward in time?  Which would it be for you?

Given this time of year, and some of the thoughts I have had this week, if I could go back in time today, I would head back to a pasture 2000 years ago.

 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2 NIV

 

I can’t imagine what those dudes were thinking. All of the sudden an angel appears and reveals the greatest message ever given.  Wow, I would love to see that!  Can you imagine?

So today, lets all find our inner Marty McFly or go find the Doctor and spend some time traveling, or at least pretending to travel, through time! 

And as you go, sing “Glory to God in the highest” just like those angels!

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Mary’s Response

Yesterday I was directed sort of unknowingly to this particular part of the ‘Christmas  Story’ in Luke. It’s a short passage immediately after Mary has a simple but powerful conversation with the Angel of the Lord.

I had read this passage so many times in the past, but yesterday it seemed these words were a lot closer to home than before. No, I did not have an angel talk to me. And no, I am not pregnant!. But I do struggle with submitting myself to the commands and directives of the creator of the world. I do struggle hearing those commands and saying “sure if that is what you want!”

But, that’s exactly what that young girl, Mary did.

 

38And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 English Standard Version (ESV)

Could you imagine if we actually responded that way to the commands of our Lord? I believe we would see incredible things happening! Her response, is quite an example. Might be worth following that example today?

Let it be to me.