How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk

Faith in real life

psalm 96

October 15th, 2008

psalm 96

9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
       tremble before him, all the earth.

When was the last time you trembled at worship? I can’t help but think of the old hymn, “Were You There”-

…sometimes, it causes me to tremble, tremble, temble…

What causes you to tremble? Nothing? How much of God are you willing to see before the tembling starts? Maybe being more open and more ready is a start.

Pray for God to reach into your soul.

want some popcorn?

October 13th, 2008

Had a great time at the Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention. Went to some sessions and introduced the DVD series to a new group of friends. I had a booth at the end of the aisle in a huge exhibit hall, right behind a gigantic screen that blocked everything from sight. Yet, I had no problem meeting people because I had fresh, hot, popcorn (thanks for the idea, Buzz!) and I had snakeman, my new buddy Chad from youthbytes.org. He had a big, live boa constrictor that you could

nice snakey...

nice snakey...

put around your neck or run from, depending on who you are. So, you were either attracted or repelled to come pay a visit. It was great!

One of the things I learned this weekend is you meet a lot of new friends who are introducing their ministries, schools, and such. It is like a bunch of carnies without the grease from the Ferris Wheel. Since I have always thought carnies are kind of cool, and I now know how to pop corn at lightening speed…well, who knows? You might see me a the popcorn stand at a carnival near you.

psalm 95

October 10th, 2008

psalm 95

 

 9 where your fathers tested and tried me, though they had seen what I did.

 

Do you test God’s patience, even though you know he gives you life and every blessing? Join the club…But, don’t stay a member long.

 

Pray for actions that please God to be what you think of. 

psalm 94

October 9th, 2008

psalm 94

 

7 They say, “The LORD does not see; 
the God of Jacob pays no heed.”

When those who don’t follow God’s ways but do believe he exists, they are not being foolish, at least with the believe part.

 

Pray for those who treat God too lightly.

psalm 93

October 8th, 2008

psalm 93

 

2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.

 

In the teaching of the world’s greatest thinkers from ancient times, the idea of an eternal God who creates a universe that has a beginning, well, that’s unknown. Except in the biblical God. That is exactly what is being said.

 

Thank God for creation.

psalm 92

October 7th, 2008

psalm 92

 

 14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,

 

When God is working through us, we never retire. We are expanded when the Holy Spirit fills us with power to bring love and a message of hope to those who desperately need to hear. The “golden years” can, indeed, bring gold in the treasure of doing God’s work.

 

Pray for renewal exactly where you are.

psalm 91

October 6th, 2008

psalm 91

 7 A thousand may fall at your side, 
ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

 

This is one of my favorite sections in the whole Bible. When you think of who is in charge of all of life and how he covers those who trust in him, God is way bigger than even my oldest brother…and he is tough!

 

God protects those he loves. Many times it takes place in this life; always forever.

 

Pray for protection.

 

 

 

 

psalm 90

October 3rd, 2008

psalm 90

        

“May our sovereign God extend his favor to us! Make our endeavors successful! Yes, make them successful!”

 

Some people are wary of using “success” language when it comes to life and faith, yet, what is the alternative? “Lord, failure is what I seek?” I want my life to go well. I want to be successful. On God’s terms and in God’s ways.

 

Pray for success.

psalm 89

October 2nd, 2008

psalm 89

 

“I will give you an eternal dynasty and establish your throne throughout future generations.”

 

Christians see this psalm as referring to Jesus and why not? He is on the throne. That’s a good thing.

 

Pray for Jesus to rule on the throne of your life.

nephew’s bar mitzvah

October 1st, 2008

What a wonderful time I had in Chicago attending my nephew’s bar mitzvah. I had the privilege of witnessing Luke’s ritual from youth to manhood. This also gave me a chance to meet all of my Jewish “in-laws and relatives” who are dear people. I had three days of festivities- eating, more eating, and many, many conversations (good practice for “not being a jerk” with people of a different faith). Making those connections is very meaningful to me, as I haven’t been to an event with these folks since my brother’s wedding 14 years ago. Here is my nephew Luke, with the Rabbi.

Mazal Tov!

How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk

Faith in real life