I haven't posted in awhile but I just read something that changed me so much I had to post about it: the book "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. I do a lot of reading, but never "Christian Fiction" because they're always so sappy and corny. Anyway, I finally read this book (it's supposed to be like the story of Hosea) and it totally opened my eyes to grace in everyday life. Grace is one of those words I feel like I can't ever use in conversation except when talking about God, but really if you want to share the Gospel through words and actions showing grace to someone is how you do it. Forgiveness and grace are two different words and meanings, for sure- so why do so many people talk about how we should show forgiveness and show love but never grace? My "new thing" is to show grace to people. Michael Hosea, the character in "Redeeming Love" is the man who showed grace to his wife (the one who represents Gomer). If Gomer were a prettier name I'd name of my future children Gomer so she'd always remember that she comes from a God who shows us grace the way Hosea gave his wife grace. Or maybe I'll change my own name to Gomer so I'll remember that.
Other books I've read lately (and you should too):
"Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, "Love & Respect" by Emerson, "The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:15-16
Sunday, December 13, 2009
"I'm not just a whimsical figure who wears a charming suit and affects a jolly demeanor. You know, I.. I... I'm a symbol. I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to supress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives. If... you can't believe, if you can't accept anything on faith, then you're doomed for a life dominated by doubt."
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Profile of a Lukewarm Christian- Francis Chan
1) Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly either because it’s expected of them or because they like the people there. It’s what “good Christians” do.
2) Lukewarm people give money and time to the church as long as it doesn’t impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it’s easy and safe to give, they do so.
3) Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right in conflict. They want to fit in both inside the church and outside of it. They care more about what people think of their actions than what God thinks of their heart.
4) Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want to be saved from the penalty for their sin. They don’t genuinely hate sin and are not truly sorry for it; they’re merely sorry because God is going to punish them.
5) Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones. These people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all of his followers.
6) People rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.
7) Lukewarm people love God, but they don’t love him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much but that sort of devotion is only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.
8) Lukewarm people want pastors that will point out to them their gifts, but not pastors who will point out to them their sin.
9) Lukewarm people are continually concerned with safety and comfort. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.
10) Lukewarm people ask:
“How far can I go before it’s considered a sin?” instead of “How can I keep myself pure as a temple of God’s Spirit?”
“How much do I have to give?” instead of “How much can I give?”
“How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible?” instead of “I wish I didn’t have to go to work so I could sit here and be with God longer.”
2) Lukewarm people give money and time to the church as long as it doesn’t impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it’s easy and safe to give, they do so.
3) Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right in conflict. They want to fit in both inside the church and outside of it. They care more about what people think of their actions than what God thinks of their heart.
4) Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want to be saved from the penalty for their sin. They don’t genuinely hate sin and are not truly sorry for it; they’re merely sorry because God is going to punish them.
5) Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such action is for “extreme” Christians, not average ones. These people call “radical” what Jesus expected of all of his followers.
6) People rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected, nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.
7) Lukewarm people love God, but they don’t love him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much but that sort of devotion is only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.
8) Lukewarm people want pastors that will point out to them their gifts, but not pastors who will point out to them their sin.
9) Lukewarm people are continually concerned with safety and comfort. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.
10) Lukewarm people ask:
“How far can I go before it’s considered a sin?” instead of “How can I keep myself pure as a temple of God’s Spirit?”
“How much do I have to give?” instead of “How much can I give?”
“How much time should I spend praying and reading my Bible?” instead of “I wish I didn’t have to go to work so I could sit here and be with God longer.”
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Thursday, March 26, 2009
I need wonder to explain what is going to happen to me, what is going to happen to us when this thing is done, when our shift is over and our kids’ kids are still on the earth listening to their crazy rap music. I need something mysterious to happen after I die. I need to be somewhere else after I die, somewhere with God, somewhere that wouldn’t make any sense if it were explained to me right now. - Donald Miller, "Blue Like Jazz"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
