I have spent most of the afternoon doing Internet maintenance things.
Such as setting up a Facebook page and account so that I could join the Christian Bloggers Network.
Joining the Christian Bloggers Network.
Working on Loralie's Indieheaven page.
Finding old friends and family to link to in the these various accounts.
In some ways, this all seems like a black hole, a big time waster. But I am taking precautions and setting up boundaries so that they can't suck me too dry. I used an e-mail account that I can only access after work and on weekends. And I am keeping in mind that the goal of all this is to put me in contact with others so that relationships can develop.
So i don't feel like I am wasting my time. But I was reminded that I need to have boundaries in other areas of my life so that I don't get sucked in to things that are not furthering the kingdom of God. Limiting what I watch on TV and in movies and what books and magazines I read.
Where I go and when and who I spend time with.
Do I still follow the policy of not being alone with another woman other than my wife, daughter or mother?
Boundaries are not confining. When set early, they free us for if we know where the boundaries are we can stay well away from them and enjoy all that God has to offer us.
It's when we flirt with and test the boundaries that we seem to find a way to climb over, under or through and then we get into trouble.
Wasted of time? No.
I think I was reminded of something important today.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Corporate Repentance
Corporate repentance.
I am not sure that is the correct term for it but it is the best I can come up with right now.
What I mean by "Corporate Repentance" is the idea of a group repenting of sins.
The Old Testament is full of examples of this. The Israelites turned often from God and He called them back. They had to humble themselves and turn again to God to find His favor. The Ninevites also repented as a nation (Book of Jonah).
As individuals we are told to repent. I think that it is also important that when a church or other body sins and doesn't follow God the body as a whole needs to repent. I need to repent of my sin as a part of the body, but the body also needs to acknowledge that they have fallen short of God's will.
This is a tough thing to do especially if the group or its leaders think that they are operating in God's will. But I think all too often we confuse what we can do in our humanness and own abilities with God's provision and plan.
And when we do that we have sinned.
And when we sin we need to acknowledge that sin and ask for forgiveness.
Whether it is as an individual, a small group, a church, a denomination, a city or a nation.
I am not sure that is the correct term for it but it is the best I can come up with right now.
What I mean by "Corporate Repentance" is the idea of a group repenting of sins.
The Old Testament is full of examples of this. The Israelites turned often from God and He called them back. They had to humble themselves and turn again to God to find His favor. The Ninevites also repented as a nation (Book of Jonah).
As individuals we are told to repent. I think that it is also important that when a church or other body sins and doesn't follow God the body as a whole needs to repent. I need to repent of my sin as a part of the body, but the body also needs to acknowledge that they have fallen short of God's will.
This is a tough thing to do especially if the group or its leaders think that they are operating in God's will. But I think all too often we confuse what we can do in our humanness and own abilities with God's provision and plan.
And when we do that we have sinned.
And when we sin we need to acknowledge that sin and ask for forgiveness.
Whether it is as an individual, a small group, a church, a denomination, a city or a nation.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Halo
OK, I confess: I like to play video games.
Kind of different for a guy of my advancing age, but I do enjoy them.
I get a real sense of accomplishment when I finish one.
I finished Halo 3 (Christmas gift from my son) tonight.
Great game. Looking forward to Halo Wars in March and Halo 3: Orbital Drop Shock Trooper in November (hopefully).
But that's not my point.
As I played through Halo 3, there were several points that for me were pretty tough to get past. One was where the two Scarab tanks drop in and have to be destroyed while flying in the Hornet (if you don't know what I am talking about that is OK, just bear with me). It took me over 50 times to get past it. Pretty frustrating.
I was reminded of this process of God's work in out lives. We are going along and we make a mistake. I can not progress until the problem is fixed. It might take me failing 50 or 100 or more times until I learn the lesson. If I keep doing the same thing I will keep getting the same results. But if I turn to the Lord for help and rely on Him I can get through the tough spots.
And just like a video game, there are usually more tough spots ahead.
I can quit and put the game aside. But it gnaws at me. I want to finish and I want to finish as strong as I can.
I can give up the Christian life and try to live the way the world wants me to, but the Holy Spirit will keep gnawing at me until I pay attention. And I want to finish as strong as I can.
Most of the popular video games have strategy guides to help find the way. Even with a strategy guide, I still make lots of mistakes and lose my way and run into road blocks. Sometimes I have to call my son for help in getting past the real tough spots.
God has also given us a strategy guide: The Bible. But even more than the Bible he has given us a strategy guide interpreter: the Holy Spirit.
And if I pay attention to both, I have a much better chance of getting past those trouble spots and getting to the end.
Kind of different for a guy of my advancing age, but I do enjoy them.
I get a real sense of accomplishment when I finish one.
I finished Halo 3 (Christmas gift from my son) tonight.
Great game. Looking forward to Halo Wars in March and Halo 3: Orbital Drop Shock Trooper in November (hopefully).
But that's not my point.
As I played through Halo 3, there were several points that for me were pretty tough to get past. One was where the two Scarab tanks drop in and have to be destroyed while flying in the Hornet (if you don't know what I am talking about that is OK, just bear with me). It took me over 50 times to get past it. Pretty frustrating.
I was reminded of this process of God's work in out lives. We are going along and we make a mistake. I can not progress until the problem is fixed. It might take me failing 50 or 100 or more times until I learn the lesson. If I keep doing the same thing I will keep getting the same results. But if I turn to the Lord for help and rely on Him I can get through the tough spots.
And just like a video game, there are usually more tough spots ahead.
I can quit and put the game aside. But it gnaws at me. I want to finish and I want to finish as strong as I can.
I can give up the Christian life and try to live the way the world wants me to, but the Holy Spirit will keep gnawing at me until I pay attention. And I want to finish as strong as I can.
Most of the popular video games have strategy guides to help find the way. Even with a strategy guide, I still make lots of mistakes and lose my way and run into road blocks. Sometimes I have to call my son for help in getting past the real tough spots.
God has also given us a strategy guide: The Bible. But even more than the Bible he has given us a strategy guide interpreter: the Holy Spirit.
And if I pay attention to both, I have a much better chance of getting past those trouble spots and getting to the end.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Living Water: Lessons from Esau 2
One of my goals for the years is to read three chapters a day of the Bible.
One of the chapters for today is Hebrews 2.
I was struck by how closely it relates to the Lessons from Esau from Living Water.
The chapter starts: We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
And it ends: Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
In between is the case for Christ as a man and as God, but those two verses struck me as being directly related to Living Water.
See, I don't think we pay careful attention to what we have heard. All too often we take it for granted. We don't chew on it and mull it over and ponder. The sermons and Bible studies and radio and TV shows and conferences are all really nice but we don't let them impact our lives,(And to be honest some of them we shouldn't let impact our lives). We just slowly fade away from our faith.
We forget too that Christ was a man, tempted as we are tempted. He was sinless and he overcame that temptation. We try to overcome the temptations in our lives through our own strength and we turn to the Lord as a last resort...if we remember to turn to Him at all.
How sad it is to forget what we have heard and not use the tools that God has given us and slowly fade away to a dirty shade of beige...
One of the chapters for today is Hebrews 2.
I was struck by how closely it relates to the Lessons from Esau from Living Water.
The chapter starts: We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
And it ends: Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
In between is the case for Christ as a man and as God, but those two verses struck me as being directly related to Living Water.
See, I don't think we pay careful attention to what we have heard. All too often we take it for granted. We don't chew on it and mull it over and ponder. The sermons and Bible studies and radio and TV shows and conferences are all really nice but we don't let them impact our lives,(And to be honest some of them we shouldn't let impact our lives). We just slowly fade away from our faith.
We forget too that Christ was a man, tempted as we are tempted. He was sinless and he overcame that temptation. We try to overcome the temptations in our lives through our own strength and we turn to the Lord as a last resort...if we remember to turn to Him at all.
How sad it is to forget what we have heard and not use the tools that God has given us and slowly fade away to a dirty shade of beige...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Living Water: Lessons from Esau
The next chapter of Living Water by Brother Yun is Lessons from Esau.
I hadn't thought too much of Esau as having lessons for me before now.
I always thought that Esau was one of those Old Testament stories that is nice to read about how Jacob stole Esau's inheritance.
Brother Yun points out that there are lessons to be learned.
The Bible says that Esau: "despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:34).
This relates to us today. God has given us a tremendous gift of eternal life. And yet all too often I despise it for a "bowl of stew."
Esau wanted that bowl of stew to satisfy his own desires, his immediate needs of the flesh. When I satisfy the immediate needs of my flesh at the expense of my walk with God, I am doing the same thing as Esau.
There are so many stories in the news of Christian leaders who have given into the immediate needs of the flesh and been caught at it. Their testimony is damaged and the world's view of the church suffers for it. In fact, many times it seems as if the world takes glee at the downfall of the Christian.
And while we often think of the needs of the flesh as being sexual, it is not always true. Our "bowl of stew" may be prestige, food, money, toys, sleep, golf, career or any other thing that we put between us and God's call for our lives.
Brother Yun points out that "it is only the grace of God that can help and train us to overcome temptation." This is so easy to forget. I too often try to do things in my own strength and ability because after all, I am an American Man. I have an image to uphold.
And the other thing I take away from this is not only can I lose my way but churches and nations can lose their way. Churches trade their birthright to be Politically Correct instead of being Christ Correct. Or making people be comfortable instead of confronting them with the truth of the Gospel. Or of being the biggest or the most popular.
I must remember I have to let go and let God be God. For no matter what structures and rules I put in place they will fail me unless I am relying on God's grace to get me through the trials and temptations that I don't have to look very far to see.
And I must always take heed lest I fall.
I hadn't thought too much of Esau as having lessons for me before now.
I always thought that Esau was one of those Old Testament stories that is nice to read about how Jacob stole Esau's inheritance.
Brother Yun points out that there are lessons to be learned.
The Bible says that Esau: "despised his birthright" (Genesis 25:34).
This relates to us today. God has given us a tremendous gift of eternal life. And yet all too often I despise it for a "bowl of stew."
Esau wanted that bowl of stew to satisfy his own desires, his immediate needs of the flesh. When I satisfy the immediate needs of my flesh at the expense of my walk with God, I am doing the same thing as Esau.
There are so many stories in the news of Christian leaders who have given into the immediate needs of the flesh and been caught at it. Their testimony is damaged and the world's view of the church suffers for it. In fact, many times it seems as if the world takes glee at the downfall of the Christian.
And while we often think of the needs of the flesh as being sexual, it is not always true. Our "bowl of stew" may be prestige, food, money, toys, sleep, golf, career or any other thing that we put between us and God's call for our lives.
Brother Yun points out that "it is only the grace of God that can help and train us to overcome temptation." This is so easy to forget. I too often try to do things in my own strength and ability because after all, I am an American Man. I have an image to uphold.
And the other thing I take away from this is not only can I lose my way but churches and nations can lose their way. Churches trade their birthright to be Politically Correct instead of being Christ Correct. Or making people be comfortable instead of confronting them with the truth of the Gospel. Or of being the biggest or the most popular.
I must remember I have to let go and let God be God. For no matter what structures and rules I put in place they will fail me unless I am relying on God's grace to get me through the trials and temptations that I don't have to look very far to see.
And I must always take heed lest I fall.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Bad to Better
I was talking with a friend after church today.
He made an interesting comment: "I can conjure up a worst case scenario in my head that is twisted and convoluted and almost impossible to happen and imagine that it is the only possible outcome."
How true! I am just like him. I often find myself fixating on the one least likely outcome of the stituation rather than what is most likely to happen. I lose sleep and worry over what I can not control.
And you are probably just like me and my friend Dave.
Chances are, in the middle of a dark situation, things will get better. Don't get me wrong: sometimes they get worse. But sometimes they get better in ways that we don't expect and weren't looking for.
And my worrying about them and losing sleep hasn't helped one bit.
He made an interesting comment: "I can conjure up a worst case scenario in my head that is twisted and convoluted and almost impossible to happen and imagine that it is the only possible outcome."
How true! I am just like him. I often find myself fixating on the one least likely outcome of the stituation rather than what is most likely to happen. I lose sleep and worry over what I can not control.
And you are probably just like me and my friend Dave.
Chances are, in the middle of a dark situation, things will get better. Don't get me wrong: sometimes they get worse. But sometimes they get better in ways that we don't expect and weren't looking for.
And my worrying about them and losing sleep hasn't helped one bit.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Calm Assertiveness
We've occasionally been catching The Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel on cable lately.
Very interesting to see Ceasar Milan get a dog to respond to him as "pack leader" in just a few minutes and change all types of bad behavior in a short period.
The dog owners often are nervous dealing with their own pets. The dog is able to pick up on the owner's insecurity and acts insecure in turn. Ceasar sometimes spends as much time training the owners as the he does training the dogs.
One of the key things that he preaches is "Calm Assertiveness." This is being calm and assertive around the animal in order to keep the animal calm and submissive.
We've been working with our dog to implement some of these strategies and get her to behave better especially on walks. Nikki has a tough time dealing with meeting other dogs.
I am finding that as I try and stay calm and assertive, she does a much better on the walks. Nikki doesn't pull as hard or try to go running of as much as she did in the past. It is much easier for me to keep her at my side. We're still working on meeting other dogs, but I am much more comfortable taking her out on walks.
But I am also finding that I can think of using the idea of calm assertiveness in others areas of my life. When I am in a tense situation , I find myself reminding myself to stay calm and assertive where appropriate. I am not getting so worked up about things and letting them rattle me. And I am trying to keep things in perspective.
Interesting how a pet show can influence our human behavior.
Very interesting to see Ceasar Milan get a dog to respond to him as "pack leader" in just a few minutes and change all types of bad behavior in a short period.
The dog owners often are nervous dealing with their own pets. The dog is able to pick up on the owner's insecurity and acts insecure in turn. Ceasar sometimes spends as much time training the owners as the he does training the dogs.
One of the key things that he preaches is "Calm Assertiveness." This is being calm and assertive around the animal in order to keep the animal calm and submissive.
We've been working with our dog to implement some of these strategies and get her to behave better especially on walks. Nikki has a tough time dealing with meeting other dogs.
I am finding that as I try and stay calm and assertive, she does a much better on the walks. Nikki doesn't pull as hard or try to go running of as much as she did in the past. It is much easier for me to keep her at my side. We're still working on meeting other dogs, but I am much more comfortable taking her out on walks.
But I am also finding that I can think of using the idea of calm assertiveness in others areas of my life. When I am in a tense situation , I find myself reminding myself to stay calm and assertive where appropriate. I am not getting so worked up about things and letting them rattle me. And I am trying to keep things in perspective.
Interesting how a pet show can influence our human behavior.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Commitment
A person signs up for a fitness class and promises to attend but then when they don't someone else is left holding the bag to pay the instructor.
People say they will attend a function yet never show, never call and offer no explanations.
A lady at church is constantly 15 minutes late to every service.
Debts pile up with no intent to repay.
Campaign promises are just that, promises only good for the campaign.
Divorce, adultery.
Promises not kept. Words mean nothing.
Whatever happened to commitment in our society?
A man's word used to be his bond. Now it is often means nothing. Unless it is in writing or you have a recording (better have the video too) you can't prove anything. You can't pin me down. I can say what i want to get what I want and listener beware.
Problem is that I want to believe people. And I want people to believe me.
And if I am loose with my commitments and don't keep my word than you want believe me. And I won't believe you.
And I won't trust you.
And you won't trust me.
Not a nice way to live is it?
People say they will attend a function yet never show, never call and offer no explanations.
A lady at church is constantly 15 minutes late to every service.
Debts pile up with no intent to repay.
Campaign promises are just that, promises only good for the campaign.
Divorce, adultery.
Promises not kept. Words mean nothing.
Whatever happened to commitment in our society?
A man's word used to be his bond. Now it is often means nothing. Unless it is in writing or you have a recording (better have the video too) you can't prove anything. You can't pin me down. I can say what i want to get what I want and listener beware.
Problem is that I want to believe people. And I want people to believe me.
And if I am loose with my commitments and don't keep my word than you want believe me. And I won't believe you.
And I won't trust you.
And you won't trust me.
Not a nice way to live is it?
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Living Water: Repentence 2
First time today on the book Living Water by Brother Yun.
It was interesting to see how different guys are impacted by different sections of the book.
I think it is the Holy Spirit at work.
Some thought it was interesting that a Lutheran missionary in China was so "hard core" in telling others to repent. Others were impacted by different sections of the chapter.
Others thought that grace is so preached much that we lose sight of actually working for the Lord. This really hit home. As a Lutheran, we are taught that we are saved by the blood of Christ and that He foreknew who was chosen before the world began. In effect: we have absolutely nothing to do with our salvation.
So that begs the question: Where does repentance come in to Lutheran theology? And I am not sure so sure that I can answer that. And to be honest, I am not sure that I really care that much. Because I am not concerned with Lutheran theology, I am concerned with theology. That means that I am more concerned with what the Bible says rather than what a denomination says.
You see there are all these rules and structures that are put in place to prop up and justify our form of worship and a lot of these tend to divide us into groups and separate us from other believers. Don't get me wrong though, I do not think that there is one religion that has a lock on salvation. Religion is the man made structure we put in place to worship.
It is the doing.
And Christ is about done.
No church can save me.
I do not have eternal life through a church I have it through Christ's death on the cross.
And it is not enough to believe (after all even the demons believe), I have to turn from my sins and repent.
And this is an action that I have to take.
It was interesting to see how different guys are impacted by different sections of the book.
I think it is the Holy Spirit at work.
Some thought it was interesting that a Lutheran missionary in China was so "hard core" in telling others to repent. Others were impacted by different sections of the chapter.
Others thought that grace is so preached much that we lose sight of actually working for the Lord. This really hit home. As a Lutheran, we are taught that we are saved by the blood of Christ and that He foreknew who was chosen before the world began. In effect: we have absolutely nothing to do with our salvation.
So that begs the question: Where does repentance come in to Lutheran theology? And I am not sure so sure that I can answer that. And to be honest, I am not sure that I really care that much. Because I am not concerned with Lutheran theology, I am concerned with theology. That means that I am more concerned with what the Bible says rather than what a denomination says.
You see there are all these rules and structures that are put in place to prop up and justify our form of worship and a lot of these tend to divide us into groups and separate us from other believers. Don't get me wrong though, I do not think that there is one religion that has a lock on salvation. Religion is the man made structure we put in place to worship.
It is the doing.
And Christ is about done.
No church can save me.
I do not have eternal life through a church I have it through Christ's death on the cross.
And it is not enough to believe (after all even the demons believe), I have to turn from my sins and repent.
And this is an action that I have to take.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Living Water: Repentance
Tomorrow (Tuesday) we start looking at Living Water by Brother Yun during our Tuesday morning Bible Study.
Brother Yun is a Chinese Christian evangelist who has had both persecution and miracles in his life. This is a call to radical faith.
This is a very interesting book. During the study we are going through it roughly a chapter each week. The first Chapter is titled: Repentance.
As I read through the chapter I was struck by several things that I have been feeling for sometime. The first is summed up in this quote:
"thousands of sermons are preached every Sunday in which Jesus is presented as Savior only, but not as Lord and Master. People are told "Jesus will help you, bless you, forgive you and empower you." But very little is said about repentance, humility and sacrifice."
This really hits home. Sermons are taught where we here the salvation message but not how to live as Christians. Or we are told to continue in the way we currently live just relabel ourselves from nonbeliever to Christian.
As the Brother Yun points out: "The result of the false gospel so prevalent today can be seen in churches full of half hearted Christians whose lives are still centered on selfishness and the principles of the world."
I remember attending a new members class a few years ago and as the leader went around the room asking why each couple was there, most of the people responded that "it was time for the kids to have some training in the church." And that is why so many people are in church: my father made me go so I am going to make the kids go. There is no change of heart.
Brother Yun's central thesis here is that repentance is the first step in maturing as a believer. consequently we end up with churches (and pulpits) filled with immature Christians who are unsure of what it means to be a Christian and who are not growing in their faith. Don't get me wrong, many of these people are good people who do good things (from time to time) but they are not living their Christian walk to the fullest.
As I heard it put one time: their faith is a mile wide and an inch deep.
The roots are what make our faith stand against the storms that will come if we are truly following Christ. The roots have to be more than an inch deep to stand against anything other than a light breeze.
I found myself convicted on reading through this chapter. I tend to do the normal thing of trying to fool myself that things are alright with me and God and not truly repenting of my sins. Especially those sins that I kind of like so I don't want to let God deal with them. Or the sins that I don't want God to deal with because I think that they will be painful for me to confront.
But if I am going to live the life that God wants me to live to the fullest I must:
"Ask the Holy Spirit to take full control of my life and to help me daily walk in humility and dependence on Him."
Brother Yun is a Chinese Christian evangelist who has had both persecution and miracles in his life. This is a call to radical faith.
This is a very interesting book. During the study we are going through it roughly a chapter each week. The first Chapter is titled: Repentance.
As I read through the chapter I was struck by several things that I have been feeling for sometime. The first is summed up in this quote:
"thousands of sermons are preached every Sunday in which Jesus is presented as Savior only, but not as Lord and Master. People are told "Jesus will help you, bless you, forgive you and empower you." But very little is said about repentance, humility and sacrifice."
This really hits home. Sermons are taught where we here the salvation message but not how to live as Christians. Or we are told to continue in the way we currently live just relabel ourselves from nonbeliever to Christian.
As the Brother Yun points out: "The result of the false gospel so prevalent today can be seen in churches full of half hearted Christians whose lives are still centered on selfishness and the principles of the world."
I remember attending a new members class a few years ago and as the leader went around the room asking why each couple was there, most of the people responded that "it was time for the kids to have some training in the church." And that is why so many people are in church: my father made me go so I am going to make the kids go. There is no change of heart.
Brother Yun's central thesis here is that repentance is the first step in maturing as a believer. consequently we end up with churches (and pulpits) filled with immature Christians who are unsure of what it means to be a Christian and who are not growing in their faith. Don't get me wrong, many of these people are good people who do good things (from time to time) but they are not living their Christian walk to the fullest.
As I heard it put one time: their faith is a mile wide and an inch deep.
The roots are what make our faith stand against the storms that will come if we are truly following Christ. The roots have to be more than an inch deep to stand against anything other than a light breeze.
I found myself convicted on reading through this chapter. I tend to do the normal thing of trying to fool myself that things are alright with me and God and not truly repenting of my sins. Especially those sins that I kind of like so I don't want to let God deal with them. Or the sins that I don't want God to deal with because I think that they will be painful for me to confront.
But if I am going to live the life that God wants me to live to the fullest I must:
"Ask the Holy Spirit to take full control of my life and to help me daily walk in humility and dependence on Him."
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Community
Interesting sermon over at Lord of Life Church today.
Pastor Burt Garwood talked about Missional Community.
Mission and community must go together.
Mission without community has no passing on of work.
That means that there can be work but if community is not built, then the work fails to continue.
Community without mission is just a clique.
A group of believers without a mission to reach out into the world outside is just a social club.
A social club can add new members and grow but without mission there is no growth. By that I mean that hearts are not changed.
The Pastor also talked about the concept of Gather and Deploy.
We gather to worship and then deploy to serve others.
Good sermon.
Pastor Burt Garwood talked about Missional Community.
Mission and community must go together.
Mission without community has no passing on of work.
That means that there can be work but if community is not built, then the work fails to continue.
Community without mission is just a clique.
A group of believers without a mission to reach out into the world outside is just a social club.
A social club can add new members and grow but without mission there is no growth. By that I mean that hearts are not changed.
The Pastor also talked about the concept of Gather and Deploy.
We gather to worship and then deploy to serve others.
Good sermon.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Emergency Fund
Clutch went out on the car this week.
Just got it back today.
It was really nice having a fully funded emergency fund to draw from to pay for the repair.
No panic or concern over putting it on a credit card or how we were going to pay for it.
Now we just have to rebuild the fund a bit over the next couple of months. Shouldn't be too difficult.
Part of this is that we have to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us no matter how large or how small. It is also being prudently prepared for what comes our way without being anxious about anything.
Means that we don't get all worried about what may happen, but we prepare realistically for what probably might happen. The emergency fund covers whatever may come up even though we don't know what it will be. So I don't have to worry about the car breaking down or the insurance deductible on the roof or anything like that.
God will provide, but in some cases he has already provided and we have to be good managers of that provision without being overly worried or proud.l
Just got it back today.
It was really nice having a fully funded emergency fund to draw from to pay for the repair.
No panic or concern over putting it on a credit card or how we were going to pay for it.
Now we just have to rebuild the fund a bit over the next couple of months. Shouldn't be too difficult.
Part of this is that we have to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us no matter how large or how small. It is also being prudently prepared for what comes our way without being anxious about anything.
Means that we don't get all worried about what may happen, but we prepare realistically for what probably might happen. The emergency fund covers whatever may come up even though we don't know what it will be. So I don't have to worry about the car breaking down or the insurance deductible on the roof or anything like that.
God will provide, but in some cases he has already provided and we have to be good managers of that provision without being overly worried or proud.l
Thursday, January 15, 2009
MLS Draft
Bit of news today.
The Wizards (Kansas Cities' pro soccer team) drafted a local player in the first round: Matt Besler.
Matt played at Notre Dame and was all academic everything. He attended elementary school with Ellen and I played in the "old man's soccer league" with Matt's dad, Greg.
But Matt is the first player that I have reffed that will play in the MLS.
I reffed the team that he was playing on several times over the first four years I reffed.
Kind of neat.
The Wizards (Kansas Cities' pro soccer team) drafted a local player in the first round: Matt Besler.
Matt played at Notre Dame and was all academic everything. He attended elementary school with Ellen and I played in the "old man's soccer league" with Matt's dad, Greg.
But Matt is the first player that I have reffed that will play in the MLS.
I reffed the team that he was playing on several times over the first four years I reffed.
Kind of neat.
Walk to Work
I walked to work today.
In the normal course of things, not a big deal. It is only about a kilometer.
But the challenge was that it was -2 and a -19 wind chill and pretty much straight north into the wind.
Coldest day of the winter so far and probably of the winter since it will be in the 60's next week.
Some may think it was foolish but I enjoyed it as well as the walk home and back at lunch and home after work. No radio to distract me.
See, this was a small challenge, to prove to myself that I could do it.
I think that from time to time we need to take those small challenges that come our way and stretch ourselves. And these challenges will vary for every individual.
Going to walk again tomorrow and it will be cold...
In the normal course of things, not a big deal. It is only about a kilometer.
But the challenge was that it was -2 and a -19 wind chill and pretty much straight north into the wind.
Coldest day of the winter so far and probably of the winter since it will be in the 60's next week.
Some may think it was foolish but I enjoyed it as well as the walk home and back at lunch and home after work. No radio to distract me.
See, this was a small challenge, to prove to myself that I could do it.
I think that from time to time we need to take those small challenges that come our way and stretch ourselves. And these challenges will vary for every individual.
Going to walk again tomorrow and it will be cold...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Material
Another quote from Matt Furey yesterday: "Nothing bad ever happens to a writer, its all material."
I like that.
As I go through the exercise of daily writing I find myself looking for material throughout the day in hopes of having a subject to write about in the evening. I find myself looking at things slightly differently.
But as far as the quote above goes, I have found myself relating it to the Christian life. Nothing bad ever happens to a Christian, it is all material.
By that I don't mean that bad things don't happen to a Christian, I mean that in the course of the Christian life it will all turn out for good. We often don't know during the course of trials what the end result will be even if it seems bad at the time. Our tendency is to focus on the bad and not look for the good. We don't rejoice in all things.
Even the worst experience is just that, experience. We can draw on the worst experiences to get us through the future challenges that we will encounter in this life. God, through his Holy Spirit, is right there with us. We get so focused with charging through in our own strength that we fail to see that he is right next to us ready to help us if we only ask and often getting us through even when we don't ask. It is only in hindsight that we see that He was there.
The material of the Christian life is our testimony of who God is and how he has worked in our lives to draw us to Him.
But in order for it to be material we have to reflect on it in such a manner as to be able to articulate those experiences and tell our story to others.
I like that.
As I go through the exercise of daily writing I find myself looking for material throughout the day in hopes of having a subject to write about in the evening. I find myself looking at things slightly differently.
But as far as the quote above goes, I have found myself relating it to the Christian life. Nothing bad ever happens to a Christian, it is all material.
By that I don't mean that bad things don't happen to a Christian, I mean that in the course of the Christian life it will all turn out for good. We often don't know during the course of trials what the end result will be even if it seems bad at the time. Our tendency is to focus on the bad and not look for the good. We don't rejoice in all things.
Even the worst experience is just that, experience. We can draw on the worst experiences to get us through the future challenges that we will encounter in this life. God, through his Holy Spirit, is right there with us. We get so focused with charging through in our own strength that we fail to see that he is right next to us ready to help us if we only ask and often getting us through even when we don't ask. It is only in hindsight that we see that He was there.
The material of the Christian life is our testimony of who God is and how he has worked in our lives to draw us to Him.
But in order for it to be material we have to reflect on it in such a manner as to be able to articulate those experiences and tell our story to others.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Trials
So in checking my e-mail this morning, I came across one from Matt Furey (yes, that's his real name). He links to a video where he describes a tough time in his life where he did some stupid things and paid a heavy price for it.
A couple of comments really jumped out at me. The first comment was made by his cousin: "God never gives a human being a trial unless he also gives them a means to rise above it."
I was immediately reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:12-13: "So, if you think you are standing firm be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted , he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
And of I Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
See - I am not sure that I agree with the part of the statement that "he also gives them a means to rise above it." I think it is more accurate that God gives us a means to endure it and that distinction is a big difference. We are promised that trials will come our way and that we will suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
The statement was also made on the video that "people don't need to heal outer scars they need to heal inner scars." And this is so true.
In this society, we are so concerned with outer appearances and not concerned with what is going on inside. We judge people on the outer appearance when we shouldn't be judging them at all.
There are a lot of hurting people around us and we aren't even aware that they are hurting. We don't know what is going on behind closed curtains, on the Internet, at the office, with the kids and the family. We don't know the hurts and loses from long ago that are so scarred on their hearts that they can't see hope. Yet they put on the brave front so well we have no idea there is anything wrong.
A couple of comments really jumped out at me. The first comment was made by his cousin: "God never gives a human being a trial unless he also gives them a means to rise above it."
I was immediately reminded of 1 Corinthians 10:12-13: "So, if you think you are standing firm be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted , he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
And of I Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
See - I am not sure that I agree with the part of the statement that "he also gives them a means to rise above it." I think it is more accurate that God gives us a means to endure it and that distinction is a big difference. We are promised that trials will come our way and that we will suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
There may not be a way out except to endure until the trial is over. But God will be there right along side of us through it all.
The statement was also made on the video that "people don't need to heal outer scars they need to heal inner scars." And this is so true.
In this society, we are so concerned with outer appearances and not concerned with what is going on inside. We judge people on the outer appearance when we shouldn't be judging them at all.
There are a lot of hurting people around us and we aren't even aware that they are hurting. We don't know what is going on behind closed curtains, on the Internet, at the office, with the kids and the family. We don't know the hurts and loses from long ago that are so scarred on their hearts that they can't see hope. Yet they put on the brave front so well we have no idea there is anything wrong.
It is so easy to think that nothing is wrong. We don't get to know our neighbors and coworkers other than on a superficial basis. Or we are so concerned with our own outer appearance that we don't look beyond the superficial with others.
We can't heal the inner scars of others but we can introduce them to the Great Healer. And we can realize that there is a human being behind whatever outer appearance we have trouble getting past.
And maybe, just maybe, we are to be there to help them through the trials we are promised.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Mortgage Meltdown
Actions often have unintended consequences.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York just issued a report that examined the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. This Act had some interesting consequences as reported on by Dan Margolies of the Kansas City Star.
In a nutshell, prior to the Act in 2005, someone facing severe financial problems could declare bankruptcy, wipe out their consumer debt (credit cards, etc) and then use the cash to get caught up on their home. The goal of the Act was to force "better off" borrowers to pay off all the debts and not escape through filing Chapter 7. Now they are forced to file Chapter 13 which means that they are much more likely to lose their home.
Bankruptcies did go down at first but I think this was probably due to the rise right prior to the Acts implementation of people wanting to beat the deadline for filing under the old law.
Currently this Act is contributing to the large rise in foreclosures. And it is not having an effect on the "high-income deadbeats", it is impacting the average income American most of all. These are the people who are most likely to be so far in over their heads that they can not pay their debts and their house value has fallen so that they have negative equity in their homes.
I don't like debt (especially consumer debt) in the first place and I firmly believe that we should pay our debts whether they are put aside due to bankruptcy or not. But this is a good example of a government imposed solution that caused more problems than it cured. Granted it is not the only reason the country is in the economic mess that it is in right now but it is contributing to the slow recovery in housing markets.
But now a proposal is gaining steam in financial and political circles to let bankruptcy courts alter the terms of a mortgage to keep people in their homes.
I wonder what problems this new proposal will cause if it is enacted?
As the article points out: "it is one of the Ten Commandments that those shalt not alter the terms of a mortgage."
Rather than try and fix the bad Act with a band aid, maybe the new law should just be scrapped and the old bankruptcy laws put back in place.
Of course, when has Congress ever gone for less regulation?
I strongly doubt the cure will work as cleanly as those who want this new revision expect.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York just issued a report that examined the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. This Act had some interesting consequences as reported on by Dan Margolies of the Kansas City Star.
In a nutshell, prior to the Act in 2005, someone facing severe financial problems could declare bankruptcy, wipe out their consumer debt (credit cards, etc) and then use the cash to get caught up on their home. The goal of the Act was to force "better off" borrowers to pay off all the debts and not escape through filing Chapter 7. Now they are forced to file Chapter 13 which means that they are much more likely to lose their home.
Bankruptcies did go down at first but I think this was probably due to the rise right prior to the Acts implementation of people wanting to beat the deadline for filing under the old law.
Currently this Act is contributing to the large rise in foreclosures. And it is not having an effect on the "high-income deadbeats", it is impacting the average income American most of all. These are the people who are most likely to be so far in over their heads that they can not pay their debts and their house value has fallen so that they have negative equity in their homes.
I don't like debt (especially consumer debt) in the first place and I firmly believe that we should pay our debts whether they are put aside due to bankruptcy or not. But this is a good example of a government imposed solution that caused more problems than it cured. Granted it is not the only reason the country is in the economic mess that it is in right now but it is contributing to the slow recovery in housing markets.
But now a proposal is gaining steam in financial and political circles to let bankruptcy courts alter the terms of a mortgage to keep people in their homes.
I wonder what problems this new proposal will cause if it is enacted?
As the article points out: "it is one of the Ten Commandments that those shalt not alter the terms of a mortgage."
Rather than try and fix the bad Act with a band aid, maybe the new law should just be scrapped and the old bankruptcy laws put back in place.
Of course, when has Congress ever gone for less regulation?
I strongly doubt the cure will work as cleanly as those who want this new revision expect.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
One Minute Religion
In a syndicated article, Duke Helfond of the Los Angles Times examined the proliferation of books designed for short term interaction with God.
With names like the One Minute Bible and One Minute Prayers From the Bible, these books offer spiritual guidance on the fly.
And it is not just limited to Christianity, there are quick hit books for the Buddhist and other religions as well.
I have a problem with this approach to spirituality. While I can see the need for a quick dip during a busy day for spiritual refreshment and guidance, the temptation tends to using such guides exclusively without deeper study and reflection.
Relationships are developed through time spent with another person. God wants us to have a relationship with him and this relationship goes deeper than a text message. By spending time in the book that God wrote that we can learn more about Him and His plan for us. Quick hits from truncated and abridged passages only lead to shallowness and misunderstanding just as text messages and IM chats leave a lot of room for misinterpretation.
I am reminded also that a conversation is a two way street. I can't just tell God my problems, I have to take the time to listen to what he is telling me. Without that I am just looking for confirmation that I am right and not looking for direction.
With names like the One Minute Bible and One Minute Prayers From the Bible, these books offer spiritual guidance on the fly.
And it is not just limited to Christianity, there are quick hit books for the Buddhist and other religions as well.
I have a problem with this approach to spirituality. While I can see the need for a quick dip during a busy day for spiritual refreshment and guidance, the temptation tends to using such guides exclusively without deeper study and reflection.
Relationships are developed through time spent with another person. God wants us to have a relationship with him and this relationship goes deeper than a text message. By spending time in the book that God wrote that we can learn more about Him and His plan for us. Quick hits from truncated and abridged passages only lead to shallowness and misunderstanding just as text messages and IM chats leave a lot of room for misinterpretation.
I am reminded also that a conversation is a two way street. I can't just tell God my problems, I have to take the time to listen to what he is telling me. Without that I am just looking for confirmation that I am right and not looking for direction.
Conflict
Today on the front page of the local paper (the Kansas City Star) there was an article about the the conflict that consumers are facing in the current economy.
Basically it comes down to save versus spend: The tendency in times of trouble and uncertainty is to not spend on anything other than necessities while the cure for a down economy is for consumers to spend more. Consumers spending less means less demand for stuff which means fewer jobs. Spending, not saving, is what drives the economy today.
It is a fascinating look at the dilemma facing consumers today. Do I want to help the economy out of the doldrums or do I want to do what I think should be done to prepare for an uncertain future?
The article points out that consumers since the turn of the decade have saved an average of one cent for every dollar spent and are now pulling back on discretionary spending.
For me it comes down to what is prudent and right to do for me? Loralie and I don't have any consumer debt. The Dave Ramsey class really drove that idea home. In fact, we hate debt and are very comfortable not having any.
We've been moving this way for a long time but it is only in the past yhear that we have been able to reach this goal.
It has been a long time since we bought a car using a loan. And our next car will probably be a used one that we buy for cash.
But we will spend when we have the need and we have the cash. For example, we just bought a new bed since we didn't have place for guests to sleep (furniture went out the door to stock kids apartments and houses). But we did our research to get a good deal and we picked it up at the warehouse rather than pay extra for delivery.
When the question: "What's in your wallet?" can be answered: "Cash!" there is a sense of power and security that I can handle the emergency that will happen. I don't have to worry that if the car breaks down I won't have the money to pay for repairs.
And when I have an emergency fund, I know that I can weather a job loss without losing the house.
I guess that what it comes down to is that I am not going to change my behavior just because someone tells me it is good for the country, economy, environment, etc. I am going to change my behavior because I am convinced that it is the right thing for me and my family to do in our situation.
So I'll stick with a budget and with saving and with buying stuff with cash not credit. And maybe it is time for others to do the same...
Basically it comes down to save versus spend: The tendency in times of trouble and uncertainty is to not spend on anything other than necessities while the cure for a down economy is for consumers to spend more. Consumers spending less means less demand for stuff which means fewer jobs. Spending, not saving, is what drives the economy today.
It is a fascinating look at the dilemma facing consumers today. Do I want to help the economy out of the doldrums or do I want to do what I think should be done to prepare for an uncertain future?
The article points out that consumers since the turn of the decade have saved an average of one cent for every dollar spent and are now pulling back on discretionary spending.
For me it comes down to what is prudent and right to do for me? Loralie and I don't have any consumer debt. The Dave Ramsey class really drove that idea home. In fact, we hate debt and are very comfortable not having any.
We've been moving this way for a long time but it is only in the past yhear that we have been able to reach this goal.
It has been a long time since we bought a car using a loan. And our next car will probably be a used one that we buy for cash.
But we will spend when we have the need and we have the cash. For example, we just bought a new bed since we didn't have place for guests to sleep (furniture went out the door to stock kids apartments and houses). But we did our research to get a good deal and we picked it up at the warehouse rather than pay extra for delivery.
When the question: "What's in your wallet?" can be answered: "Cash!" there is a sense of power and security that I can handle the emergency that will happen. I don't have to worry that if the car breaks down I won't have the money to pay for repairs.
And when I have an emergency fund, I know that I can weather a job loss without losing the house.
I guess that what it comes down to is that I am not going to change my behavior just because someone tells me it is good for the country, economy, environment, etc. I am going to change my behavior because I am convinced that it is the right thing for me and my family to do in our situation.
So I'll stick with a budget and with saving and with buying stuff with cash not credit. And maybe it is time for others to do the same...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Negotiable
Went to the Sport and Boat show today.
First time we have been there. Very interesting.
We didn't look at any boats but we did see every RV they had in the place. We also wandered all the aisles and picked up a lot of literature.
Loralie had an interesting conversation with a sales rep from a resort town down in Arkansas. This woman was encouraging people to sign up (and pay) for a vacation package. This package included a couple of shows and lodging and a voucher for meals and you have to attend a sales meeting but it is not like those sales meetings at the other vacation spot to the Northwest.
The woman said that the package was normally $198 but the shopw special was a $139. Not bad. But since the attendance at the show was down, her boss had just called and told them to offer the package for $98. Tempting.
But I don't want to be tied into going to Arkansas sometime in the next year and I don't to lose $98. And it wasn't in the budget. And I don't want to hear a sales pitch for a time share or a condo.
So Loralie told her "no." And the woman immediately asked if we would do it for $89.
Again we said no and walked off.
What struck me about this after the fact is that it now appears the whole thing is negotiable. I don't know how low they would go.
Simply saying no would have saved us $10 if we were interested. I don't know what we could have gotten the package for if we persisted.
But I do know that I don't want to spend $5 on a vacation where I have to listen to a sales pitch.
Just isn't worth it.
First time we have been there. Very interesting.
We didn't look at any boats but we did see every RV they had in the place. We also wandered all the aisles and picked up a lot of literature.
Loralie had an interesting conversation with a sales rep from a resort town down in Arkansas. This woman was encouraging people to sign up (and pay) for a vacation package. This package included a couple of shows and lodging and a voucher for meals and you have to attend a sales meeting but it is not like those sales meetings at the other vacation spot to the Northwest.
The woman said that the package was normally $198 but the shopw special was a $139. Not bad. But since the attendance at the show was down, her boss had just called and told them to offer the package for $98. Tempting.
But I don't want to be tied into going to Arkansas sometime in the next year and I don't to lose $98. And it wasn't in the budget. And I don't want to hear a sales pitch for a time share or a condo.
So Loralie told her "no." And the woman immediately asked if we would do it for $89.
Again we said no and walked off.
What struck me about this after the fact is that it now appears the whole thing is negotiable. I don't know how low they would go.
Simply saying no would have saved us $10 if we were interested. I don't know what we could have gotten the package for if we persisted.
But I do know that I don't want to spend $5 on a vacation where I have to listen to a sales pitch.
Just isn't worth it.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Follow Up
It's the small things that can make a big difference.
Last Sunday Loralie and I visited a new church. It is in the neighborhood and seems to be growing.
The church is nondenominational (not affiliated with a denomination).
A couple of observations: They made it real easy to like.
There were couples at the door to open it as we walked in as well as parking lot attendants to direct the parking.
A couple of people came up to us to make sure that any questions we had were answered.
When the sermon started, ushers came down the aisle and passed out Bibles to anyone who needed one. The pastor said that you could do what you wanted with it, leave it, turn it in or keep it. In the Bible was tucked the sermon outline.
The sermon outline was on the video screen also.
But the follow up after the service is one thing that most impressed me. When visiting a church we are used to a post card acknowledging our visit or maybe a phone call from someone on the "visitation team."
Today we got a handwritten personal note from the senior pastor thanking us for our visit and mentioning that his wife met Loralie several years ago. And inviting us back to hear the rest of the sermon series.
And as I was checking the messages on the answering machine, there was a message from one of the other pastors thanking us for attending and asking us to call if there were any questions.
Quite the contrast from some of the other churches we have visited in the past.
And I do think that I want to hear the rest of that sermon series...
Last Sunday Loralie and I visited a new church. It is in the neighborhood and seems to be growing.
The church is nondenominational (not affiliated with a denomination).
A couple of observations: They made it real easy to like.
There were couples at the door to open it as we walked in as well as parking lot attendants to direct the parking.
A couple of people came up to us to make sure that any questions we had were answered.
When the sermon started, ushers came down the aisle and passed out Bibles to anyone who needed one. The pastor said that you could do what you wanted with it, leave it, turn it in or keep it. In the Bible was tucked the sermon outline.
The sermon outline was on the video screen also.
But the follow up after the service is one thing that most impressed me. When visiting a church we are used to a post card acknowledging our visit or maybe a phone call from someone on the "visitation team."
Today we got a handwritten personal note from the senior pastor thanking us for our visit and mentioning that his wife met Loralie several years ago. And inviting us back to hear the rest of the sermon series.
And as I was checking the messages on the answering machine, there was a message from one of the other pastors thanking us for attending and asking us to call if there were any questions.
Quite the contrast from some of the other churches we have visited in the past.
And I do think that I want to hear the rest of that sermon series...
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Norwegian Blood
Twice today I have been reminded about Norwegian blood.
The first was an article about a woman in Duluth, Minnesota who fell and couldn't get up. She ended up crawling to her car but couldn't get up to get into it. So she lay in the driveway in subfreezing temperatures for over four hours.
Her body temperature dropped to 60 degrees (Fahrenheit) before it was all said and done. She will be fine after incredible efforts from the doctors.
The other reminder was talking with my daughter where I reminded her that she has Norwegian blood flowing in her veins. I grew up thinking that there is a stoicism that goes with that heritage. You don't want to get too excited about anything because people might think you are getting too uppity.
It is the classic Garrison Keillor portrayal of the Norwegian American.
Humility is part of it as well as enduring hardship without complaint and thriving on your won efforts.
Modesty also comes into play for if you toot your own horn you "don't know your place."
There is a problem with all this: it makes it difficult to ask for help when you need it. If I ask for help I am weak. Which is a load of crap! Part of living is being in community with others and helping others when they need it. Part of living is having the courage to ask for help and giving others the chance to help us.
I am reminded of the life expectancy of the mountain men of the 19th century. These men often had a string of horses and supplies with them but most were lucky to make it out of their 30's. Many lived alone and had to do everything themselves. There was no one to share the burdens of just living with them. So many died young. (Of course I know there were exceptions to this generalization so you don't need to point them out to me.)
But if anything I have to remind myself daily that I live in community with others and not in a vacuum. I need that community to truly live and help others to live.
The first was an article about a woman in Duluth, Minnesota who fell and couldn't get up. She ended up crawling to her car but couldn't get up to get into it. So she lay in the driveway in subfreezing temperatures for over four hours.
Her body temperature dropped to 60 degrees (Fahrenheit) before it was all said and done. She will be fine after incredible efforts from the doctors.
The other reminder was talking with my daughter where I reminded her that she has Norwegian blood flowing in her veins. I grew up thinking that there is a stoicism that goes with that heritage. You don't want to get too excited about anything because people might think you are getting too uppity.
It is the classic Garrison Keillor portrayal of the Norwegian American.
Humility is part of it as well as enduring hardship without complaint and thriving on your won efforts.
Modesty also comes into play for if you toot your own horn you "don't know your place."
There is a problem with all this: it makes it difficult to ask for help when you need it. If I ask for help I am weak. Which is a load of crap! Part of living is being in community with others and helping others when they need it. Part of living is having the courage to ask for help and giving others the chance to help us.
I am reminded of the life expectancy of the mountain men of the 19th century. These men often had a string of horses and supplies with them but most were lucky to make it out of their 30's. Many lived alone and had to do everything themselves. There was no one to share the burdens of just living with them. So many died young. (Of course I know there were exceptions to this generalization so you don't need to point them out to me.)
But if anything I have to remind myself daily that I live in community with others and not in a vacuum. I need that community to truly live and help others to live.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Biggest Loser
Last night (Tuesday) was the premiere of the latest edition of The Biggest Loser on NBC.
This is one of the few reality shows that I watch semi regularly.
The contestants are often grossly over weight (obese) and at the end of their ropes. They think that they have no hope. Many have tried multiple other methods of losing weight without success. Their only hope is to surrender control of their life over to someone else so that they can gain control of their life for the long term.
I have recently been struck by how similar this is to the Christian life. We have to turn control of our life over to God in order to gain control over our eternal life. We have to totally surrender.
The contestants on The Biggest Loser have to surrender to the trainers, producers, doctors and dietitians on the show. Some succeed at this better than others. But some only temporarily surrender and after the "game" is over go back to the way things were before and gain back some if not all of what they had lost before.
If we totally surrender to God we can never go back to the way things were before, it is an irrevocable change that is started. If we turn our back on God and take back control we tend to become more wretched than we were before until we surrender again. It becomes a daily and even a minute by minute surrender.
This is one of the few reality shows that I watch semi regularly.
The contestants are often grossly over weight (obese) and at the end of their ropes. They think that they have no hope. Many have tried multiple other methods of losing weight without success. Their only hope is to surrender control of their life over to someone else so that they can gain control of their life for the long term.
I have recently been struck by how similar this is to the Christian life. We have to turn control of our life over to God in order to gain control over our eternal life. We have to totally surrender.
The contestants on The Biggest Loser have to surrender to the trainers, producers, doctors and dietitians on the show. Some succeed at this better than others. But some only temporarily surrender and after the "game" is over go back to the way things were before and gain back some if not all of what they had lost before.
If we totally surrender to God we can never go back to the way things were before, it is an irrevocable change that is started. If we turn our back on God and take back control we tend to become more wretched than we were before until we surrender again. It becomes a daily and even a minute by minute surrender.
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