Ephesians 4:26
"Be angry and do not sin"
How do you do this? How do I be angry at something or someone and not sin? There has to be away but I haven't seemed to figure it out yet. Because as soon as I'm upset I want to "vent"... Venting is okay right? Just sharing your feelings with your friend...hmmmm then I speak all of sudden I'm speaking poorly about someone, I slander.
Romans 1:29-31
29They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
Look at this list that Paul writes to the Romans. Slander and murder, gossips and haters of God. Oh what a list. When I slander and when gossip leaves my lips I am put into the same list as murders and haters of God. I over look these sins but the truth is that they separate me from God. I can't compare myself to anyone. I can't look at the "bad" person and say I'm good. The only person I can compare myself to is Jesus and compared to him I am like Paul - the chief of all sinners.
And then I remember that Jesus went to the cross. He took my sin, my slander, my gossip, my strife, my foolishness and paid the price. So as I walk through this life I need to take seriously what we would call "little" sins and realize that they are not okay. That I need to take every thought and word captive, even when I am angry, when someone sins against me. I need to offer that same forgiveness to them that Christ gives to me everyday.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Day 30 - March 13
Well I think I've sat down to blog everyday this week and the busyness of each day just seemed to override it. Don't worry I didn't fall of the wagon and spend my days vegging out in front of the TV. Tim, Layla and I moving back into London in a few weeks so I've been packing.
I feel like I've been learning a lot this week. I've been listening to some podcast sermons as I've been packing and I'm really trying to put into practice these things that I am learning. One of the podcast that I listening to was all about us "taming the tongue" OK so I talk WAY to much! Sometime I'll say something and as the words are leaving my mouth I wish I could some how grab them and put them back in. If you have that problem too THINK before you speak
T - True - is what you are about say the truth
H - Helpful - so it may be true but is helpful to say it
I - Inspirational - is this going to help people move forward in there life
N - Necessary - OK this is the big one for me and self explanatory
K - Kind- Are my words kind
So if what you are about say meets these qualifications go ahead speak it out. If it doesn't maybe hold onto those words.
"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?"
James 3:2-11
I feel like I've been learning a lot this week. I've been listening to some podcast sermons as I've been packing and I'm really trying to put into practice these things that I am learning. One of the podcast that I listening to was all about us "taming the tongue" OK so I talk WAY to much! Sometime I'll say something and as the words are leaving my mouth I wish I could some how grab them and put them back in. If you have that problem too THINK before you speak
T - True - is what you are about say the truth
H - Helpful - so it may be true but is helpful to say it
I - Inspirational - is this going to help people move forward in there life
N - Necessary - OK this is the big one for me and self explanatory
K - Kind- Are my words kind
So if what you are about say meets these qualifications go ahead speak it out. If it doesn't maybe hold onto those words.
"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?"
James 3:2-11
Monday, March 9, 2009
Day 34 - March 9
I think the older I get the less I know. I swear when I was 16 I had it all figured out, well I least I thought I did. Maybe I should give myself more credit, I mean I do *know* things - I know how to make a mean batch of Chocolate chip, peanutbutter oatmeal cookies, how to smile while serving drinks during turbulence and as of recently I now know how to put 8 kids to bed with the help of a very wise 10 year old.
I know I can't go back in time, but I really wish I could impart some of the things I do know now to that 16 year old, or 8 year old or even that 22 year old. I would tell myself as an 8 year old to say thank you to my mom and dad way more. I love being a parent and I love watching my parents be grandparents. As child and up until you have your own kids you really can't understand the sacrifices that a parent makes for you. I'm not trying to boast myself up here. I'm learning how much my parents loved and love me because of how much I love Layla.
To the 16 year old I would just tell her to relax a bit. And say thank you to my mom and dad! To the 22 year old I would tell that the accumulation of things and of debt to buy those things is not what will make you satisfied. Serve, serve as much as you can. Pour your heart into serving people. Live a simpler life. Desire God and serve.
Even as my pastor spoke on Sunday about service it was such a reminder. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. As I spend the last 18 months of my 20's I really want them to marked by service and by learning how to serve.
I know I can't go back in time, but I really wish I could impart some of the things I do know now to that 16 year old, or 8 year old or even that 22 year old. I would tell myself as an 8 year old to say thank you to my mom and dad way more. I love being a parent and I love watching my parents be grandparents. As child and up until you have your own kids you really can't understand the sacrifices that a parent makes for you. I'm not trying to boast myself up here. I'm learning how much my parents loved and love me because of how much I love Layla.
To the 16 year old I would just tell her to relax a bit. And say thank you to my mom and dad! To the 22 year old I would tell that the accumulation of things and of debt to buy those things is not what will make you satisfied. Serve, serve as much as you can. Pour your heart into serving people. Live a simpler life. Desire God and serve.
Even as my pastor spoke on Sunday about service it was such a reminder. Jesus came not to be served but to serve. As I spend the last 18 months of my 20's I really want them to marked by service and by learning how to serve.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Day 35 - March 8
What I learned today... A day spent with friends is a well spent day. Short, simple and true.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Day 36 - March 7
Dictionary.com has the definition of the word abundant as the following:
1. present in great quantity; more than adequate; oversufficient:
2. well supplied;
3. richly supplied:
One could easily read John 10:10 and assume that an abundant life means many possessions or money in the bank or some sort of material item or even a relationship like marriage or kids. Yet when we look at what means to have an abundant life and follow Christ it doesn't necessarily mean physical blessings. When I look at this definition however I realize that I do have an abundant life. I have the grace of God that is present in great quantity. I am well supplied for this life and for eternity through what Jesus did on the cross. And I am richly supplied through the mercy, love and hope that I get to live in everyday. AND on top of all this God has blessed me with a marriage, a child, a home and so many other numerous blessings. Life is not easy and there is no promise of that in Bible. So in those moments when life feels like it might just break me this time I need to remember that because I walk with the Creator I can have joy because I have a Saviour. I don't need things to have an abundant life I just need Jesus. HIS grace is sufficient for me.
1. present in great quantity; more than adequate; oversufficient:
2. well supplied;
3. richly supplied:
One could easily read John 10:10 and assume that an abundant life means many possessions or money in the bank or some sort of material item or even a relationship like marriage or kids. Yet when we look at what means to have an abundant life and follow Christ it doesn't necessarily mean physical blessings. When I look at this definition however I realize that I do have an abundant life. I have the grace of God that is present in great quantity. I am well supplied for this life and for eternity through what Jesus did on the cross. And I am richly supplied through the mercy, love and hope that I get to live in everyday. AND on top of all this God has blessed me with a marriage, a child, a home and so many other numerous blessings. Life is not easy and there is no promise of that in Bible. So in those moments when life feels like it might just break me this time I need to remember that because I walk with the Creator I can have joy because I have a Saviour. I don't need things to have an abundant life I just need Jesus. HIS grace is sufficient for me.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Day 37 - March 6
In 1979, just a year before I was born, Gloria Gaynor topped the charts with "I will Survive". I think all of us have belted this song out. Those catchy lyrics will get you every time. Even as I type the song is rolling around in my head. However, I really am not a fan of the word survive. So often we hear or say "All I need to do is survive today". Yet if you are a Christ follower we are really called to much more then just surviving. In John 10:10 Jesus said "The thief comes only to steal , and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Today I caught myself simply just trying to survive and make it to tomorrow. I had a long to-do list, Layla was fussy, sleep was short the night before and I was feeling strangely alone. The first part of the John 10:10 verse was very applicable in my life today and I allowed it to happen. I allowed the thief to come in and steal my joy, kill my peace and destroy my focus. I was dragged into guilty, self pity state that left me in tears and feeling completely inadequate. I am so thankful that Jesus did not end the verse there. He came that we might have LIFE and not just any life but life in abundance. So I am still working this out in my brain and in my heart. So I think I will leave this here tonight and do some more processing tomorrow about the second part of this verse. Tomorrow I do not want to simply survive, tomorrow I want to live and live abundantly.
Today I caught myself simply just trying to survive and make it to tomorrow. I had a long to-do list, Layla was fussy, sleep was short the night before and I was feeling strangely alone. The first part of the John 10:10 verse was very applicable in my life today and I allowed it to happen. I allowed the thief to come in and steal my joy, kill my peace and destroy my focus. I was dragged into guilty, self pity state that left me in tears and feeling completely inadequate. I am so thankful that Jesus did not end the verse there. He came that we might have LIFE and not just any life but life in abundance. So I am still working this out in my brain and in my heart. So I think I will leave this here tonight and do some more processing tomorrow about the second part of this verse. Tomorrow I do not want to simply survive, tomorrow I want to live and live abundantly.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Day 38 - March 5
We just got back yesterday from a great vacation with my parents. Tim, Layla, Grandma, Grandpa and I headed to the Los Angeles area to simply hang out for a few days in the warm sunshine and escape from winter. We had a great time. One of my favorite moments of the trip happened on the day we arrived. We were walking at an outdoor outlet mall. Tim, Layla and my mom were walking ahead of my dad and me. I asked my dad "So how does it feel to see Layla" (my parents adore their only grandchild) he replied "Oh it makes my life". hmmmm that brought me to tears.
I am really learning how important people are. Relationships. Life really does come down to simply that. Relationship with Christ - which is amazing that we get to have that- Relationship with your spouse, with your kids, with your family, with your friends.
Possessions, nice house in the right neighbourhood, a nice car, the right title at work all these things really don't matter especially if you have to sacrifice relationship to achieve any of these things.
There is a Sara Groves song that I love (well one of many) Its called "Just One More Thing". The line I love is : "The end of your life your relationships are all you've got"
It so true. So I want to invest in people, in relationships, in experiences with my family. Cheese ball as its sounds I want those memories that last a life time. Those inside jokes with your friends and family. You know those jokes where all you have to do is say one line and you all crack up in laughter (Mom & Dad - "I can't feel my legs" )
I hope you enjoy this video
Thanks Tim, Mom and Dad for putting all the one things on hold for the past few days and for making memories that we can treasure and one day share with Layla
Here are the lyrics to "Just One More Thing'
There's always just one more thing
There's always another task
There's always I just have one more small favor to ask
And everything is urgent and everything is now
I wonder what would really happen if I stopped somehow
I'll be there in a minute
Just a few places to go
You wake up a few years later and your kids are grown
And everything is important
But everything is not
At the end of your life your relationships are all you're got
And love to me is when you put down that one more thing
and sayI've got something better to do
And love to me is when you walk out on that one more thing and say
Nothing will come between me and you
Not even one more thing
There will never be an end to
The request upon your time
It's your place to stand up and tell the world
You've got to rest awhile
And everything is important
But everything is not
At the end of your life your relationships are all you've got
And love to me is when you put down that one more thing and say
I've got something better to do
And love to me is when you walk out on that one more thing and say
Nothing will come between me and you
Not even one more thing
I am really learning how important people are. Relationships. Life really does come down to simply that. Relationship with Christ - which is amazing that we get to have that- Relationship with your spouse, with your kids, with your family, with your friends.
Possessions, nice house in the right neighbourhood, a nice car, the right title at work all these things really don't matter especially if you have to sacrifice relationship to achieve any of these things.
There is a Sara Groves song that I love (well one of many) Its called "Just One More Thing". The line I love is : "The end of your life your relationships are all you've got"
It so true. So I want to invest in people, in relationships, in experiences with my family. Cheese ball as its sounds I want those memories that last a life time. Those inside jokes with your friends and family. You know those jokes where all you have to do is say one line and you all crack up in laughter (Mom & Dad - "I can't feel my legs" )
I hope you enjoy this video
Thanks Tim, Mom and Dad for putting all the one things on hold for the past few days and for making memories that we can treasure and one day share with Layla
Here are the lyrics to "Just One More Thing'
There's always just one more thing
There's always another task
There's always I just have one more small favor to ask
And everything is urgent and everything is now
I wonder what would really happen if I stopped somehow
I'll be there in a minute
Just a few places to go
You wake up a few years later and your kids are grown
And everything is important
But everything is not
At the end of your life your relationships are all you're got
And love to me is when you put down that one more thing
and sayI've got something better to do
And love to me is when you walk out on that one more thing and say
Nothing will come between me and you
Not even one more thing
There will never be an end to
The request upon your time
It's your place to stand up and tell the world
You've got to rest awhile
And everything is important
But everything is not
At the end of your life your relationships are all you've got
And love to me is when you put down that one more thing and say
I've got something better to do
And love to me is when you walk out on that one more thing and say
Nothing will come between me and you
Not even one more thing
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