He is risen! I'm sure that's the phrase we're all hearing today but do we ever really think about it. The gravity of that statement really hit me late last night. He is RISEN. Christ defied the very thing that makes us mortal... death. Not only physical death, but he conquered spiritual death on that third day. How amazing is that? That phrase should give us goosebumps. Our Savior overcame sin and death, how incredible is that? He did it so that we can overcome those things as well, through Him.
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them, In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered His words. Luke 24:1-8
This story altered the very course of human history. When Christ left the grave, our destiny was changed from death to life through Him. This is reason for us to celebrate, not just today, but every day. Happy Easter. HE IS RISEN!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
"Awake Tonight"
I just got back from the Skillet/Toby Mac concert a little while ago. It was a great show and I had a fantastic time, but it did get me thinking about something. What does it mean to be a "Christian" concert or "Christian" band? I mean, if people see more of you than they do God, is that wrong as a band? I'm not questioning the motives of any of the bands I saw tonight, I've been thinking about this for awhile.
We as humans strive for self-glorification and, if that comes in the way of worship or of people seeing Christ, aren't we living in sin? We should instead turn all that focus and attention to God. It's so hard to do I imagine, while trying to put on a show. Where is the balance? Is saying God's name while you perform enough, or what about singing songs about Him? How do we take that focus that is so clearly on us and return it to Him, or do we?You may wonder why I'm saying "we" instead of "them". It's because I put myself in the category of performers. When I lead worship on campus, I find it so hard to forget that it's not about me, but about a God so much bigger than I can imagine. I wonder what people see when they watch me play. Do they see Christ shining through or do they just see me strumming away on my guitar. It's why I have a hard time playing and singing around people, why I don't want to be "that guy" that I so often refer to disliking. This whole issue is as much an internal thing as it is a critique.
Is it ok then, to put on shows and label them as "Christian"? Is it necessary for performers to make sure they are all "holy" on stage? Maybe it's more about the heart, what God sees and we can't. If our hearts are in the right place, the rest of us should follow suit.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Shine
You ever had one of those weeks that you just couldn't wait til it was over? It's been like that for me this week. I've had a ton of stuff to do this week school-wise, whether it be tests or just regular assignments and I've just got more coming up this next week. I know I only have to make it a few more days, but the end just feels so far away. I doubt I'd be able to make it if it weren't for the free moments I have when I get to hang out with you people. It's great having friends that help to alleviate the stresses of a hard week or two. So I guess this is my way of saying thanks.... Thanks :P
This morning at church was very interesting. Brother Rob posed a very interesting question and it just kind of stuck with me today as I've been frantically going about my activities. He told a story this morning about a woman who came to Broadmoor for the first time last week. I don't know her name or really anything about her other than she came because a friend invited her. She didn't realize that it would be her first and last time to attend Broadmoor. She was killed in a senseless act of violence last Tuesday. Through tears, Brother Rob revealed his thoughts, he wondered if he presented the gospel in such a way that she had an opportunity to respond, if she understood the love of God in such a way that she believed and accepted it. He said that he wished he knew if she responded, but there is only the hope that she did. I thought I would share this because it hit me pretty hard. I mean, do I live my life in such a way that, if I were to have one opportunity to show someone the love of Christ, would it be effective? Do I live my life for Him, so that others can see Christ in me? How many opportunities have I missed to share because of the things in my life that keep me from living perfectly in God's will? Just something to think about....
This morning at church was very interesting. Brother Rob posed a very interesting question and it just kind of stuck with me today as I've been frantically going about my activities. He told a story this morning about a woman who came to Broadmoor for the first time last week. I don't know her name or really anything about her other than she came because a friend invited her. She didn't realize that it would be her first and last time to attend Broadmoor. She was killed in a senseless act of violence last Tuesday. Through tears, Brother Rob revealed his thoughts, he wondered if he presented the gospel in such a way that she had an opportunity to respond, if she understood the love of God in such a way that she believed and accepted it. He said that he wished he knew if she responded, but there is only the hope that she did. I thought I would share this because it hit me pretty hard. I mean, do I live my life in such a way that, if I were to have one opportunity to show someone the love of Christ, would it be effective? Do I live my life for Him, so that others can see Christ in me? How many opportunities have I missed to share because of the things in my life that keep me from living perfectly in God's will? Just something to think about....
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
"Great People, Great Prices"
I finished my last day of work with Brookshire's Grocery Company a few hours ago. It's really kinda bitter-sweet for me. I'm glad that I'm moving on from there but I'm also very sad that I'm leaving. I've worked for BGC for 5 years, it was my first real job. I never thought I'd stay until the end, but here I am. Maybe that's a little weird to be upset about losing a job, but to me it was so much more than that.
When I first started in February of 2005, I really didn't even want a job. My mom had dropped me off a month or so before and said she wasn't going to pick me up until I had an interview. I was extremely nervous and shy in the beginning and unsure what to do. The people there were incredibly friendly and more than willing to teach me the ins and outs of the grocery business my first few months. I've actually known the people at store #120 longer than I've known most of the group.
The people at Brookshire's are just like a family to me, I think that's why I'm kinda sad about this. Not just the employees, but the customers as well. One of my customers yesterday actually started crying when I told her I wasn't staying on with Kroger. We've all had an impact on each other, something far greater than just a regular job. My time at the store shaped my view on life in a lot of ways, from making me a more outgoing person to teaching me to love serving others to helping me decide on a career path. I seriously doubt I ever would have decided on business as a major if it hadn't been for that place.
One person in particular has had the most effect on me, and I've talked about her on many occasions. Mrs. Naomi Jackson has been a major role model for me for my entire career at BGC. She has always been one to call me out when she sees something wrong in my life, whether spiritually or otherwise. She always has a servants heart with everyone, she will literally stop whatever she is doing to talk to or pray for any customer that asks. To me, that is the ultimate way to serve, making your faith shine show much that people you don't even know come to you because they know you'll pray for them.
I could literally go on all night describing all the things that I learned at the store. That's why I'm gonna miss it so much, I really don't see how anything can replace that experience. How do you replace something that has helped to set the course for your life? It kinda reminds me of something Naomi told me when I was going through all that stuff a year ago. She said, "Sometimes, God brings people into your life for a season, to help grow or learn." I guess that is what the people at Brookshire's are, 'seasonal people'. I've learned from the experience and now it's time to move on. God has something better for me, a new set of people and experiences to learn from.
When I first started in February of 2005, I really didn't even want a job. My mom had dropped me off a month or so before and said she wasn't going to pick me up until I had an interview. I was extremely nervous and shy in the beginning and unsure what to do. The people there were incredibly friendly and more than willing to teach me the ins and outs of the grocery business my first few months. I've actually known the people at store #120 longer than I've known most of the group.
The people at Brookshire's are just like a family to me, I think that's why I'm kinda sad about this. Not just the employees, but the customers as well. One of my customers yesterday actually started crying when I told her I wasn't staying on with Kroger. We've all had an impact on each other, something far greater than just a regular job. My time at the store shaped my view on life in a lot of ways, from making me a more outgoing person to teaching me to love serving others to helping me decide on a career path. I seriously doubt I ever would have decided on business as a major if it hadn't been for that place.
One person in particular has had the most effect on me, and I've talked about her on many occasions. Mrs. Naomi Jackson has been a major role model for me for my entire career at BGC. She has always been one to call me out when she sees something wrong in my life, whether spiritually or otherwise. She always has a servants heart with everyone, she will literally stop whatever she is doing to talk to or pray for any customer that asks. To me, that is the ultimate way to serve, making your faith shine show much that people you don't even know come to you because they know you'll pray for them.
I could literally go on all night describing all the things that I learned at the store. That's why I'm gonna miss it so much, I really don't see how anything can replace that experience. How do you replace something that has helped to set the course for your life? It kinda reminds me of something Naomi told me when I was going through all that stuff a year ago. She said, "Sometimes, God brings people into your life for a season, to help grow or learn." I guess that is what the people at Brookshire's are, 'seasonal people'. I've learned from the experience and now it's time to move on. God has something better for me, a new set of people and experiences to learn from.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Identity
So I've finally given in, I got a blog. I've been intending on it for awhile, I just didn't think I'd have anything to write about. I still don't... but I guess I'll at least try.
I think lately I've realized that I want to better understand myself, like who I really am and where I'm going. That's the real reason for starting a blog I suppose, because I feel like a great way to know yourself is to write, to get these thoughts down on paper (or in this case, more of a digital parchment).
I guess the first thing to ask is,what does it mean to 'know yourself'? I mean, shouldn't we all know ourselves better than anyone else does? One would think but I know, in my case at least, I'm the most confusing person I know. I guess when I think of 'knowing myself' I think of understanding why I do what I do. Questions like "Why do I keep going down this same path when I know where it's going to take me" or "Why do I have so much trouble letting go of these things I hold on to" run through my head constantly. I don't know if you guys have ever felt like that, but I certainly do.
It's been said that your past forms who you are now. If I'm shaped by the person I used to be, frankly I'm screwed. Granted, I've learned from my mistakes and hope not to make the same foul-ups again, but no one wants to see themselves as who they'd prefer not to be.
A wise man once told me that, "It's not as important to know who you are as it is to know whose you are." Ultimately, maybe it is more important to have an identity somewhere outside of us that gives us purpose and value. For those of us that are believers, our identity is in Christ. Think about it for a second; if we have given our hearts and lives to Jesus, doesn't it also make sense to give him our identity? We say he's the 'center' of our lives but, if people look at us and don't see Christ shining out, our we for real? By giving Christ our identity, we are no longer responsible for our past and the things we've done. Jesus has taken those things and nailed them to the cross, not only our sins, but every part of our lives that aren't of him.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
What that verse is saying essentially is that, because of the cross, our old self, our identity, was put to death. We have instead taken on the identity of Christ. That's where the term "Christian" came from. People saw Jesus' followers and how much like him that they were that they dubbed them "little Christs". Why are we any different? Why do we look so different from the one who lives in us?
So we're back to where we started I suppose. What does it really mean to 'know yourself'? This little journey we've taken seems to indicate that, knowing yourself means knowing Christ, if your identity is in him, if you are saved by his grace and love. So the best way to know yourself is to know him, we are created in the image of God after all.
I think lately I've realized that I want to better understand myself, like who I really am and where I'm going. That's the real reason for starting a blog I suppose, because I feel like a great way to know yourself is to write, to get these thoughts down on paper (or in this case, more of a digital parchment).
I guess the first thing to ask is,what does it mean to 'know yourself'? I mean, shouldn't we all know ourselves better than anyone else does? One would think but I know, in my case at least, I'm the most confusing person I know. I guess when I think of 'knowing myself' I think of understanding why I do what I do. Questions like "Why do I keep going down this same path when I know where it's going to take me" or "Why do I have so much trouble letting go of these things I hold on to" run through my head constantly. I don't know if you guys have ever felt like that, but I certainly do.
It's been said that your past forms who you are now. If I'm shaped by the person I used to be, frankly I'm screwed. Granted, I've learned from my mistakes and hope not to make the same foul-ups again, but no one wants to see themselves as who they'd prefer not to be.
A wise man once told me that, "It's not as important to know who you are as it is to know whose you are." Ultimately, maybe it is more important to have an identity somewhere outside of us that gives us purpose and value. For those of us that are believers, our identity is in Christ. Think about it for a second; if we have given our hearts and lives to Jesus, doesn't it also make sense to give him our identity? We say he's the 'center' of our lives but, if people look at us and don't see Christ shining out, our we for real? By giving Christ our identity, we are no longer responsible for our past and the things we've done. Jesus has taken those things and nailed them to the cross, not only our sins, but every part of our lives that aren't of him.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
What that verse is saying essentially is that, because of the cross, our old self, our identity, was put to death. We have instead taken on the identity of Christ. That's where the term "Christian" came from. People saw Jesus' followers and how much like him that they were that they dubbed them "little Christs". Why are we any different? Why do we look so different from the one who lives in us?
So we're back to where we started I suppose. What does it really mean to 'know yourself'? This little journey we've taken seems to indicate that, knowing yourself means knowing Christ, if your identity is in him, if you are saved by his grace and love. So the best way to know yourself is to know him, we are created in the image of God after all.
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