As a kid I was easily talked into doing anything! I was just always one of those guys that loved to get a laugh, a shock factor, and a second glance of "I can't believe he just did that!". In college, I ran into deadbolted doors for laughs, jumped off of 3rd story fire escapes, and tackled a security guard out of a golf cart. All of which were not the best of choices, but they accomplished my goal... to get a laugh or chuckle. Not to mention, I thought they were all pretty funny myself. I gave the scripture in 1 Corinthians "All things are lawful for me, not all things are profitable..." a very literal meaning!
As I've grown older I've matured and grown up, naturally. It's a natural progression. As I've worked in the ministry and been in leadership, I've learned a lot about leadership as well. As a young leader, my decisions/ideas were easily swayed or transitioned, simply because I wasn't as confident in my leadership decisions. Now, my above motives/decisions weren't detrimental to me... may not have been bright, but not detrimental. They were simply stupid.
As I read in Luke 23 the story of Jesus being brought before Pilate I see a leader that was trying. A leader that felt as if he had the tools, abilities, capabilities, and opportunities to be a great leader. Someone that had the chance to really lead people well. But, I see a leader that wasn't confident in his leadership skills. A leader that was scared, and listened a whole lot more to people than to God. A leader that was more infatuated with position than with progression. A leader that wasn't worried about doing the right thing, but the popular thing.
"But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted." (Luke 23:23-24, NASB)
Their voices BEGAN TO PREVAIL... and he gave instructions THAT THEIR DEMAND BE GRANTED. A leader that is not confident in leading will always give in. That doesn't mean that leaders lead with an iron fist, comparable to a dictator. It means that a leader knows the direction and goal in which they are to achieve, and journey that road with those that follow.
Leaders too often give up. They give in. They give in to what seems to be the demands of their followers. They are FOLLOWERS because they are FOLLOWING your LEAD! Pilate wanted Jesus released, but the people did not. And because of that, the innocence of Christ hung on a humiliating and embarassing cross. The pure innocent Lamb was crucified to a death that only the worst criminals were to partake. Why? Yes because God the Father ordained it this way for our sacrifices... but also because Pilate wasn't a compotent or confident leader.
As you lead today, whether it's your ministry, family, classroom or other area of influence, lead with the confidence that God will not lead you astray. If God truly placed you in your area of influence, He's given you the ability to confidently follow Him, as others follow you! Lead today and lead with confidence. Your family WILL follow and so will others... all because leadership anointing attracts followers.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Watching
"The word of the Lord came to me saying, 'What do you see Jeremiah?' and I said 'I see a rod of an almond tree.' Then the Lord said to me, 'You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it." (Jeremiah 1:11-12)Ephesians 1:4 says that we were created in Him and chosen in Him before the Earth was even created. So, WE were created before the very place of our inhabitance. We were also consecrated, or set a part for a specific purpose, before the Earth. What does this mean?
Well, since we know that God's WORDS spoke everything into existence, and set the boundaries of it's limitations and specific purposes, we can believe that the same is true for us. God spoke a word into our hearts/spirits when we were created in order to set our boundaries of our specific purpose.
He tells Jeremiah that He is watching over His word to make sure it is performed well. Wow! God is looking down from above, watching us... not to critique, to criticize, nor to "dog out" what we are doing... rather, as a loving father, to help us perform well our purpose!
See, growing up, my dad only wanted me to succeed. When I had a reason/purpose to complete something He told me to do, he wanted me to do it and do it right. That could be why I have such a desire/passion to accomplish everything with excellence now. He wouldn't look for things I'd done wrong, but ways to make sure I was performing at my best.
God is doing the same with us. He doesn't want to beat us up over something, He simply wants to help us accomplish our task with excellence, and to the best of our ability. Why? Because it brings HONOR to Him, and makes His creation look good.
So, whatever it is that God has spoken into your spirit. Maybe it was years ago, maybe days ago, maybe hours ago... but whatever it is. If you've buried it, uncover it. If you've forgotten it, ask God to bring it back to memory. If it's not important, please make it an object of prayer... because He spoke that into you on purpose. And He's waiting to help you perform it... the way He intended. Just listen to Him.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
In Me
I am a fairly hyper active person. Always have been, however, I'm not quite as bad I once was. Just ask my mom - she's got some stories... on second thought, DON'T ask her. But, being hyper active, I always had a pretty active imagination. I would make toys out of anything, and would play cops and robbers, all by myself if the time called for that. And you know what, I was never really at loss for things to do, or places to visit, simply because all of that was inside of me.
So, essentially inside of me was locked up all kinds of possibilities and opportunities. As a kid I never saw anything as impossible. Sometimes things were difficult, they were hard, and maybe I had to work a little harder to make it happen, but impossible was not in my vocabulary. One time I wanted a tree house, and I wanted to build it myself. I never asked my dad or brother or anyone for help. Me and my friend Chad went out into the woods in front of my house, and began to build a tree house out of BRANCHES! Needless to say it was pretty bad. NOT a good idea... the point is this: I wanted it, and it never crossed my mind how difficult it might be. I just knew that's what I wanted/needed and I did what I had to in order to make it happen.
In life, many times we look at the impossibilities instead of the possibilities. We look at the difficulties rather than the opportunities. Sometimes I long to go back to childhood, merely for the reason of knowing that ANYTHING was actually possible. Maybe it was the covering of protection from parents, or something else. Either way, it wasn't a problem, it was an opportunity. As life goes on, many of us need something or want something, or see something that we are "drawn" to or "called" to, but then the problem/difficulty raises up... and our destination becomes nothing more than something to strive for, instead of something to get to.
"Now to Him who is able to do FARE MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND all that we ask or think, ACCORDING to the POWER THAT WORKS WITHIN US..." (Ephesians 3:20)
Yes, God can do whatever He wants, and He can do MORE than we could ever even imagine, however, there's a key part of that verse. "...according to the power that works within us..." What is that power?
"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11)
What works within us is the same power that worked within Christ when He was actually DEFEATING DEATH! Think about it - it says "...who raise Jesus from the dead..." Why was He raised from the dead? TO DEFEAT DEATH! So, the same power that conquered death, is the same power that can conquer our difficulties!
Does that mean that you will get EVERYTHING you want? Well, if your desires are His, sure... if they aren't, then probably not honestly. I'm just encouraged in the fact that if I believe in the power within me and I know what it can accomplish - then God can do above what I've ever even WISHED! When Jesus returned to His hometown, Matthew says "He didn't preform many miracles because of unbelief..."
In order for God to really rock out and do something greater than we can imagine, I must put myself in places to trust in and believe in the power He's placed within me! It's not about me... it's not about what I can't accomplish, but about what He can. And with Him - NOTHING is impossible!
Will you trust the power within you today? If you haven't, will you pray and ask God to help you trust His power?
So, essentially inside of me was locked up all kinds of possibilities and opportunities. As a kid I never saw anything as impossible. Sometimes things were difficult, they were hard, and maybe I had to work a little harder to make it happen, but impossible was not in my vocabulary. One time I wanted a tree house, and I wanted to build it myself. I never asked my dad or brother or anyone for help. Me and my friend Chad went out into the woods in front of my house, and began to build a tree house out of BRANCHES! Needless to say it was pretty bad. NOT a good idea... the point is this: I wanted it, and it never crossed my mind how difficult it might be. I just knew that's what I wanted/needed and I did what I had to in order to make it happen.
In life, many times we look at the impossibilities instead of the possibilities. We look at the difficulties rather than the opportunities. Sometimes I long to go back to childhood, merely for the reason of knowing that ANYTHING was actually possible. Maybe it was the covering of protection from parents, or something else. Either way, it wasn't a problem, it was an opportunity. As life goes on, many of us need something or want something, or see something that we are "drawn" to or "called" to, but then the problem/difficulty raises up... and our destination becomes nothing more than something to strive for, instead of something to get to.
"Now to Him who is able to do FARE MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND all that we ask or think, ACCORDING to the POWER THAT WORKS WITHIN US..." (Ephesians 3:20)
Yes, God can do whatever He wants, and He can do MORE than we could ever even imagine, however, there's a key part of that verse. "...according to the power that works within us..." What is that power?
"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11)
What works within us is the same power that worked within Christ when He was actually DEFEATING DEATH! Think about it - it says "...who raise Jesus from the dead..." Why was He raised from the dead? TO DEFEAT DEATH! So, the same power that conquered death, is the same power that can conquer our difficulties!
Does that mean that you will get EVERYTHING you want? Well, if your desires are His, sure... if they aren't, then probably not honestly. I'm just encouraged in the fact that if I believe in the power within me and I know what it can accomplish - then God can do above what I've ever even WISHED! When Jesus returned to His hometown, Matthew says "He didn't preform many miracles because of unbelief..."
In order for God to really rock out and do something greater than we can imagine, I must put myself in places to trust in and believe in the power He's placed within me! It's not about me... it's not about what I can't accomplish, but about what He can. And with Him - NOTHING is impossible!
Will you trust the power within you today? If you haven't, will you pray and ask God to help you trust His power?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Not JUST a Story
Hebrews 1:3 "And He is the radiance of His glory and the EXACT representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," (NASB, emphasis mine)
Couple that scripture with:
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)
"Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus. by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh," (Hebrews 10:19-20)
I'm in unspeakable awe of what all of that really entails. Just reading the first verse (Heb. 1:3), I had to stop and pause for a few minutes to soak it in... and during my time of soaking in the Word - I began to be overwhelmed by the very words printed in my Bible. It's not that I never understood Jesus before. It's not that I never knew what He represented, it's something about that verse that brings it all home.
Jesus was a man, yes I know that. He was on earth, yes that is understood. But, what I often forget is that He was the "EXACT representation" of God. Not just some man, not just some guy, not just some dude walking around trying to make it. (which He was) - But He was the EXACT representation of God's grace, beauty, forgiveness, love, and mercy. He wasn't trying to achieve that - He WAS that!
And the fact that God chose to bless us with the opportunity for HIM to come to OUR place of life is incredible. Yet, the verse goes on to say that He made PURIFICATION of sins. He didn't eliminate them... He didn't forget them... He didn't throw them away... He made them PURE. Think about it - sin: dirty, grimy, disgusting acts of disobedience covered in disrespect. Yet, God said - If I TAKE them away, it's not love anymore because you don't CHOOSE your love to me, you're forced to it. But, if I leave them and make the PURE to those who love me - then there's a true love and passion...
God's EXACT representation, God's very being was put to death - in a brutal manner - so that we could CHOOSE to be purified through Him. But, couldn't He have done that in a different way?
"For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:18, NASB)
He sent His very self down to earth for 1 reason: To learn more about us, so He could make us pure. And as He lived our life, as He encountered our culture, and as He loved our loved ones... He realized that purification through death was the way to defeat the fear of death. (2:14)
So, at this point the story of Jesus can't be just a story of forgiveness so I can live my life... but a story of the beauty and grace of indescribable forgiveness so that we can live His life. Today, you have the chance to live with Him and for Him. It's not a decision to be thought about it - it's a decision that must be realized. That through Him my life is made purposeful. And that will never change!
Couple that scripture with:
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)
"Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus. by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh," (Hebrews 10:19-20)
I'm in unspeakable awe of what all of that really entails. Just reading the first verse (Heb. 1:3), I had to stop and pause for a few minutes to soak it in... and during my time of soaking in the Word - I began to be overwhelmed by the very words printed in my Bible. It's not that I never understood Jesus before. It's not that I never knew what He represented, it's something about that verse that brings it all home.
Jesus was a man, yes I know that. He was on earth, yes that is understood. But, what I often forget is that He was the "EXACT representation" of God. Not just some man, not just some guy, not just some dude walking around trying to make it. (which He was) - But He was the EXACT representation of God's grace, beauty, forgiveness, love, and mercy. He wasn't trying to achieve that - He WAS that!
And the fact that God chose to bless us with the opportunity for HIM to come to OUR place of life is incredible. Yet, the verse goes on to say that He made PURIFICATION of sins. He didn't eliminate them... He didn't forget them... He didn't throw them away... He made them PURE. Think about it - sin: dirty, grimy, disgusting acts of disobedience covered in disrespect. Yet, God said - If I TAKE them away, it's not love anymore because you don't CHOOSE your love to me, you're forced to it. But, if I leave them and make the PURE to those who love me - then there's a true love and passion...
God's EXACT representation, God's very being was put to death - in a brutal manner - so that we could CHOOSE to be purified through Him. But, couldn't He have done that in a different way?
"For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:18, NASB)
He sent His very self down to earth for 1 reason: To learn more about us, so He could make us pure. And as He lived our life, as He encountered our culture, and as He loved our loved ones... He realized that purification through death was the way to defeat the fear of death. (2:14)
So, at this point the story of Jesus can't be just a story of forgiveness so I can live my life... but a story of the beauty and grace of indescribable forgiveness so that we can live His life. Today, you have the chance to live with Him and for Him. It's not a decision to be thought about it - it's a decision that must be realized. That through Him my life is made purposeful. And that will never change!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Radical Righteousness
Righteousness. A religious term, only applicable to those who attend church, sit in pews, and enjoy church music. Right?
Merriam-Webster defines "Righteousness" as: 1-free from guilt or sin. 2- morally right or justifiable.
Good ol' Merriam. He's such a smart guy to know so many words. He'll never know the impact of this one definition on me. It puts the book of Proverbs into such reality and simplicity.
Check out Proverbs 13:
5 "A righteous man hates falsehood..."
6 "Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless..."
9 "The light of the righteous rejoices..."
Righteousness... it's the idea of being free from sin. It's the act of being burdened no more by the stresses and frustrations of the world, simply because you know God has it all. It's the evidence of grace, mercy, love, and understanding all wrapped into one characteristic. It's pleasing God... and according to Proverbs 13 it's reward is protection, favor, and joy.
You see when righteousness becomes a reality to me, I begin to HATE being around sin and sinful things. I begin to despise having it evident in my life. I don't want anything to do with it. Which in most definitions would make someone a "radical".
My friend Merriam-Webster does it again:
Radical: 1- very different from the usual or traditional, 2- favoring extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions.
So to be a radical, would be to be different... extremely different from the "norm". I think what I am in need of in my life, and in the church across America is simple: Radical Righteousness. When people leave groups of friends, family, and other habits behind to be closer to God we see it as strange or radical. When in all reality, it's the realization of righteousness. RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS will cause me to HATE sin and anything associated with it. Which makes Proverbs 13:20 completely relevant all of a sudden. "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Now, it's not so crazy or radical, but it's now a Godly side effect of the covering, favor, and protection that righteousness creates!
Does that mean never associate with sinners? No, how else can we win them to Christ? It means don't WALK with them. Meet them, talk with them, hang out with them, but your steps can't be the same as their steps. Why? Because you now have radical righteousness - and that causes you to be different from the existing views/mindsets.
So, don't even question favor, protection, or understanding from God - if righteousness isn't even something you're striving for. I realized something today. It's ok to be a "black sheep" or to be different from the norm. I don't HAVE to look like, act like, talk like, or be like other pastors, youth pastors, or leaders. I can learn from them, respect them, and be mentored by them... but I don't have to BE them! As long as we are all walking in radical righteousness, who should care who we are anyway? As long as we are who God created us to be.
From now on, I'm me. I'm Brandon. No questions, no apologies, no worries. It's me and God. Radical Righteousness is my destination... God is my process. I love Him - THAT'S why!
Merriam-Webster defines "Righteousness" as: 1-free from guilt or sin. 2- morally right or justifiable.
Good ol' Merriam. He's such a smart guy to know so many words. He'll never know the impact of this one definition on me. It puts the book of Proverbs into such reality and simplicity.
Check out Proverbs 13:
5 "A righteous man hates falsehood..."
6 "Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless..."
9 "The light of the righteous rejoices..."
Righteousness... it's the idea of being free from sin. It's the act of being burdened no more by the stresses and frustrations of the world, simply because you know God has it all. It's the evidence of grace, mercy, love, and understanding all wrapped into one characteristic. It's pleasing God... and according to Proverbs 13 it's reward is protection, favor, and joy.
You see when righteousness becomes a reality to me, I begin to HATE being around sin and sinful things. I begin to despise having it evident in my life. I don't want anything to do with it. Which in most definitions would make someone a "radical".
My friend Merriam-Webster does it again:
Radical: 1- very different from the usual or traditional, 2- favoring extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions.
So to be a radical, would be to be different... extremely different from the "norm". I think what I am in need of in my life, and in the church across America is simple: Radical Righteousness. When people leave groups of friends, family, and other habits behind to be closer to God we see it as strange or radical. When in all reality, it's the realization of righteousness. RADICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS will cause me to HATE sin and anything associated with it. Which makes Proverbs 13:20 completely relevant all of a sudden. "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Now, it's not so crazy or radical, but it's now a Godly side effect of the covering, favor, and protection that righteousness creates!
Does that mean never associate with sinners? No, how else can we win them to Christ? It means don't WALK with them. Meet them, talk with them, hang out with them, but your steps can't be the same as their steps. Why? Because you now have radical righteousness - and that causes you to be different from the existing views/mindsets.
So, don't even question favor, protection, or understanding from God - if righteousness isn't even something you're striving for. I realized something today. It's ok to be a "black sheep" or to be different from the norm. I don't HAVE to look like, act like, talk like, or be like other pastors, youth pastors, or leaders. I can learn from them, respect them, and be mentored by them... but I don't have to BE them! As long as we are all walking in radical righteousness, who should care who we are anyway? As long as we are who God created us to be.
From now on, I'm me. I'm Brandon. No questions, no apologies, no worries. It's me and God. Radical Righteousness is my destination... God is my process. I love Him - THAT'S why!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Oh Crimson Flow...
When it's dark... it's easy to hide. It's easy to go unnoticed, unseen, and even uncared for. Or is it?
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13)
Life is difficult. It's frustrating. It's hurtful and painful. It's confusing. Life is difficult.
But, NOTHING is hidden or too dark for God to see through. Your life, is seen by God... in every way... and He cares!
As we go through life, it's inevitable that something will take place, and offer us some kind of hurt or confusion. Maybe it's financial, maybe it's personal, maybe it's physical... there's a myriad of ways that it could come. But, remember who roams the earth... the enemy. Therefore, the earth will be painful as long as he is roaming it. However, there is greatness in the Crimson flow...
"Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus." (Hebrews 10:19)
We can be made whole again through the blood of Jesus. It's not that we are separated from God because we have difficult times, it's simply that we need to lean on Him even more, because He is the source of our strength. And because of His blood, the Crimson Flow, we can lean upon His strength.
Isaiah talks about seeing God in the throne room in Isaiah 6. He says that as he passed by his robe filled the temple. Here's the kicker: in the days of kings and kingdoms, when a king would battle another king... the winning king would cut off a portion of the losing kings train (the back of the robe) and attach it to his own... making his robe longer. Which gives all new meaning to God's robe filling the temple. That means He's won an awful lot of battles. How?
Oh crimson flow once shed for me
My life I owe my saving king
His blood has paid my ransom fee
Oh crimson flow that set me free
Oh the blood of Christ
It washes over me
(Oh Crimson Flow, Christ for The Nations)
So, an encouragement... don't worry about your day. Don't worry about hardships. Don't fret the small things, nor sweat the large. Because when it's hard, there's a God that desires you to lean upon Him for strength. He's won the battles... His robe fills the temple! Let his robe fill the temple of your heart, and the realization of His love comfort your mind today.
Just live life to the fullest... with God as your center salvation.
{credit to Chuck Barrineau for some of the historical reference here}
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13)
Life is difficult. It's frustrating. It's hurtful and painful. It's confusing. Life is difficult.
But, NOTHING is hidden or too dark for God to see through. Your life, is seen by God... in every way... and He cares!
As we go through life, it's inevitable that something will take place, and offer us some kind of hurt or confusion. Maybe it's financial, maybe it's personal, maybe it's physical... there's a myriad of ways that it could come. But, remember who roams the earth... the enemy. Therefore, the earth will be painful as long as he is roaming it. However, there is greatness in the Crimson flow...
"Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus." (Hebrews 10:19)
We can be made whole again through the blood of Jesus. It's not that we are separated from God because we have difficult times, it's simply that we need to lean on Him even more, because He is the source of our strength. And because of His blood, the Crimson Flow, we can lean upon His strength.
Isaiah talks about seeing God in the throne room in Isaiah 6. He says that as he passed by his robe filled the temple. Here's the kicker: in the days of kings and kingdoms, when a king would battle another king... the winning king would cut off a portion of the losing kings train (the back of the robe) and attach it to his own... making his robe longer. Which gives all new meaning to God's robe filling the temple. That means He's won an awful lot of battles. How?
Oh crimson flow once shed for me
My life I owe my saving king
His blood has paid my ransom fee
Oh crimson flow that set me free
Oh the blood of Christ
It washes over me
(Oh Crimson Flow, Christ for The Nations)
So, an encouragement... don't worry about your day. Don't worry about hardships. Don't fret the small things, nor sweat the large. Because when it's hard, there's a God that desires you to lean upon Him for strength. He's won the battles... His robe fills the temple! Let his robe fill the temple of your heart, and the realization of His love comfort your mind today.
Just live life to the fullest... with God as your center salvation.
{credit to Chuck Barrineau for some of the historical reference here}
Sunday, October 24, 2010
I Want Weakness
"...But on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses." 2 Corinthians 12:5b
I hate admitting faults and weaknesses. Maybe it's because I'm human, maybe because I'm male, or maybe because I'm prideful... then again, it could be all of the above. I mean, who really wants to walk around admitting or asking for a WEAKNESS?
"Man, I had a pretty good game at basketball yesterday. I'm getting pretty good..."
"Oh yeah? I'm really bad at that! REALLY WEAK! and I LOVE IT! YES!!!"
Negative... you'll never hear me having that conversation unless it's in a sarcastic manner. But, what if there was something to having a weakness. Trust me, my fingers are shaking just typing that statement, but what if there was? What if somehow through our weakness, it was a good thing? It actually, I don't know, HELPED us?
I was reading through 2 Corinthians the other day and ran across the opening scripture. I found it quite odd actually. I won't boast in anything but my WEAKNESS? I mean, who's gonna brag about being REALLY BAD at bowling? No one! I've always admired, looked up to Paul... yet, this statement somehow caught me off guard. Then as I continued to read, I saw what he actually meant.
"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
WOW! Here's the deal... it's not just about how great I am at something or how talented I am at a certain thing... it's about how weak I am as well. My talent, desires, passions, and goodness will get me places... and God even desires that we become GREAT in our endeavors... yet, I should still recognize my weaknesses.
In life, it's natural to recognize and appreciate our strengths. That's what we want to focus on, and sometimes we even over commit based upon them. But, according to Paul, if I would recognize and even respect my weaknesses then Christ becomes even stronger in me. Therefore, If Christ is stronger in me THROUGH my weakness, then my strength becomes stronger because of Christ.
So, I struggle in things. I struggle with sometimes listening intently to people, trusting people, shoot, trusting God sometimes! I struggle with understanding reasoning, I struggle with prayer, I struggle with being a good husband. I struggle with the thought of not being a good pastor, or even a good father one day (in the near future!) I struggle with quiet time sometimes, I'm weak in my stress, I'm weak in time management. I know what I'm strong at, and I rejoice in that. But, beginning today, I will also rejoice in my weakness... because just as I'm becoming weak, I am also becoming strong, because THEN Christ becomes stronger than me... and isn't that the goal anyway?
So, GO... Be WEAK... and be strong at the same time... just live your life, and let it please God.
I hate admitting faults and weaknesses. Maybe it's because I'm human, maybe because I'm male, or maybe because I'm prideful... then again, it could be all of the above. I mean, who really wants to walk around admitting or asking for a WEAKNESS?
"Man, I had a pretty good game at basketball yesterday. I'm getting pretty good..."
"Oh yeah? I'm really bad at that! REALLY WEAK! and I LOVE IT! YES!!!"
Negative... you'll never hear me having that conversation unless it's in a sarcastic manner. But, what if there was something to having a weakness. Trust me, my fingers are shaking just typing that statement, but what if there was? What if somehow through our weakness, it was a good thing? It actually, I don't know, HELPED us?
I was reading through 2 Corinthians the other day and ran across the opening scripture. I found it quite odd actually. I won't boast in anything but my WEAKNESS? I mean, who's gonna brag about being REALLY BAD at bowling? No one! I've always admired, looked up to Paul... yet, this statement somehow caught me off guard. Then as I continued to read, I saw what he actually meant.
"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
WOW! Here's the deal... it's not just about how great I am at something or how talented I am at a certain thing... it's about how weak I am as well. My talent, desires, passions, and goodness will get me places... and God even desires that we become GREAT in our endeavors... yet, I should still recognize my weaknesses.
In life, it's natural to recognize and appreciate our strengths. That's what we want to focus on, and sometimes we even over commit based upon them. But, according to Paul, if I would recognize and even respect my weaknesses then Christ becomes even stronger in me. Therefore, If Christ is stronger in me THROUGH my weakness, then my strength becomes stronger because of Christ.
So, I struggle in things. I struggle with sometimes listening intently to people, trusting people, shoot, trusting God sometimes! I struggle with understanding reasoning, I struggle with prayer, I struggle with being a good husband. I struggle with the thought of not being a good pastor, or even a good father one day (in the near future!) I struggle with quiet time sometimes, I'm weak in my stress, I'm weak in time management. I know what I'm strong at, and I rejoice in that. But, beginning today, I will also rejoice in my weakness... because just as I'm becoming weak, I am also becoming strong, because THEN Christ becomes stronger than me... and isn't that the goal anyway?
So, GO... Be WEAK... and be strong at the same time... just live your life, and let it please God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)