Christianity | Paths to Dwell In

Welfare Christianity

December 26, 2009 By robert 3 Comments

By Robert

Today’s article is taken from the best selling business book, “Good to Great.” It may challenge your thinking and theology. However, I believe there is a huge key here to what keeps people from fulfilling their destinies.

Good to Great Quote

“The ‘leadership is the answer to everything’ perspective is the modern equivalent of the ‘God is the answer to everything’ perspective that held back our scientific understanding of the physical world in the Dark Ages. In the 1500s, people ascribed all events they did not understand to God. With the Enlightenment, we began the search for understanding – physics, chemistry, biology, and so forth. Similarly, every time we attribute everything to leadership, we are admitting our ignorance. Not that we should become leadership atheists (leadership does matter), but every time we throw our hands up in frustration – reverting back to, “Well, the answer must be leadership!” – we prevent ourselves from gaining deeper, more scientific understanding about what makes great companies tick.”

Hyper-Spirituality

It is so easy to be hyper-spiritual. We have some sort of problem and we make comments like, “God will just have to give me His grace here,” or “God will just have to do a miracle.” It is not that there is not some truth to these statements, but what about stewardship or personal responsibility? Think of it this way. Your teenage son is going to mow the lawn as he has done many times before and the mower won’t start. He responds, “Dad, fix it.” This is not much different than, “God will just have to come through (and fix whatever problem).” At some point, we expect our teen to take a little personal responsibility, be a little proactive and problem solve. Did he check and see if there’s gas, is the switch on, does it smell flooded?

Depravity versus Treasure

We have this idea, based on a Calvinistic man’s a worm theology that says, “I can do nothing,” “in me is no good thing,” “it is only by God’s grace,” “that unless God comes through we are helpless.” God has invested in most of us many skills, understanding, faith and experiences. At some point He expects us to step up and do some problem solving, use our faith, apply some prayer, and look for some scriptural principles to apply. The depravity of man is a real doctrine, however, it is also true that God invests His treasure in us and He expects a return on His investment.

Filed Under: Christianity Tagged With: Chrisitianity, faith, responsibility

Unexpected Christmas

December 20, 2009 By cyndi 6 Comments

I sit here in my living room between a brightly lit up Christmas tree and a lawn mower. Yes, there is a lawn mower in my living room, as well as a weed eater, gas cans, miscellaneous hand tools, and an empty propane container. Why, oh why, you ask, is this stuff in my living room? Well, it is like this: we are in the process of painting the house. This necessitated pressure washing, which led to the discovery of rotten wood on the porch, and then the exposure of a plethora of termites. This, in turn, caused the porch to be torn down, which led to the lawn mower and other items from the porch coming into my living room.

Isn’t it interesting that we can start out with one plan and it gets drastically changed to another in a matter of moments? Just think of Mary and Joseph. I would presume the original plan was to go Bethlehem, take the census, visit some friends and family, and then return home. Having their baby boy born in a smelly stable was probably not on that script, yet it happened. Imagine Mary’s thoughts-God had done so many supernatural things from angelicvisitations, the prophecy from Elisabeth, and supernatural conception, and yet He did not provide a room for her in Bethlehem. But she continued to trust. Things sometimes just don’t work out as we plan.

Many times we get frustrated, angry, even depressed when our plans go awry, but God knows the end of a thing before the beginning (Isa.48:5). Mary and Joseph had no idea of the unforeseen ramifications from the birth of their son, the shepherds coming, or any of the other unusual events that later took place. We too, have no idea what the future holds or the understanding of the reasons why we are forced to experience certain things in our lives. However, Father God does, and He uses all things for our good (Rom. 8:28) to shape us into the person that can fulfill the unique calling and destiny He has for each one of us.

So “Merry Christmas to all,” I say, as I sit back and enjoy my cup of tea, relishing the smells of pine and terra firma. Whatever God has in store for you this season, it is going to be good-unexpected maybe, but good.

Filed Under: Christianity, Rest

Expressions of God

November 27, 2009 By cyndi 1 Comment

BY CYNDI

While walking through Home Depot the other day, I passed by the paint department and was drawn to the many color samples on the wall. I began looking at all the different shades and was somewhat humored by the names of the colors: Cheerful Hue, Crème Brulee, Medieval Forest, Chai Latte, Polar Bear, Woven Basket, just to name a few. With so many shades of colors, there must be one person whose only job is to come up with names!

Thinking about the sample names and stepping back to take in the realm of colors, it dawned on me that this is a great example of the many ways God creates people. Having traveled to different parts of the world, I have seen multiple “shades” of people. I am not just referring to skin tones here, but personalities, ways of looking at life, unique talents, distinctive abilities to bless and be life-giving to the world around them. Each and every person is uniquely made–an original–handcrafted by God Almighty Himself.

Looking at paint cards for Toasted Marshmallow and Blueberry Cobbler I think of how God knew who we would be before we were even formed (Eph.1:4). Before the foundation of the world He designed us–what we would look like, what parents we would have, when we would be born. He took the time to think through all these things, even down to how long our eyelashes would be. To me this is a very comforting thought since much of the world seems to believe in randomness and happenstance.

We each have our own color to bring to the world–different shades and nuances to reveal the nature of God, to paint a picture of Who He is. You may be Wild Honey and I might be Passionflower, but we each have something to contribute to the world, a facet of God to express to those around us. As we see the tints and hues of each other and ourselves, we gain a better picture of Who God really is. You have an expression of God the world needs!

Filed Under: Christianity

The Blank Page and the Goodness of God

November 20, 2009 By cyndi 5 Comments

Ah, the proverbial blank page. Now they are on computer screens so you cannot crumple them up when they have only one or two lines of dead ideas that are getting you nowhere and toss them purposefully to the trash can. At least then you could have racked up some points. But this morning as I open up my Word document to a glaring white rectangle staring at me, I must testify of the goodness of God.

Last night as my son was heading into the computer room to work on an English paper, it violently occurred to him that he forgot to bring home the article he was supposed to write about. His mood turned frantic, as this was an important paper, and he tried to think of all the ways possible to do it, but no one could help, so he might as well hope for the best and turn it in a day late. He never even got to the blank page.

Now is the part where the goodness of God comes in. As he conceded to his fate and I began washing the dishes it occurred to me that this article might possibly be on the internet. I relayed my idea to him, he quickly searched the web, joyfully found said article, and began writing his paper.

I continued washing the dishes smiling within at how full of loving-kindness Father God is. Oh, how He reveals things to me and guides me in such little things. Sometimes it is just simple help with my son’s homework, but His goodness is immeasurable.

And now this blank page in front of me has been filled. I could easily take many more words and use innumerable adjectives to describe how wonderful and caring my Father is, but it would probably be better if you opened up your own blank page and started yourself.

Filed Under: Christianity, faith, Father's Love Tagged With: Chrisitianity, Family, Father's Love

First Things First

November 13, 2009 By cyndi 3 Comments

I was reading a little devotional the other day and it made this statement: The things that are urgent are rarely important, and the things that important are rarely urgent. As I write these very words, I open up my calendar and place another task on my list that I just remembered needed to be done–today. So many things pile up on my list of “things to do,” and, unfortunately, I find my devotional time getting squeezed out and more pressing matters taking its place.

Urgent matters tend to scream louder, I think: wash the dishes, balance the checkbook, walk the dog, put the car in the shop, pick up the kids, mow the yard, write the bills off, call the plumber, and so on. We all have our lists and many of these things are quite important; however, what is the One thing that will enable us to do all these other things better? Phil. 4:13–I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

If I walk into a dark room and God is my only source of light, then it would be best to put the “Light” on before trying to navigate around the room. I could do it without Him, but it would probably take longer and I may stub a toe or two as I felt my way through. Bible 2

My prayer is that I see the urgency and necessity of having a “Light” to guide me through all the particulars on my “to do” list. Many things are critical to me, my family, our ministry, but with the Lord strengthening me, I can get them all done. Taking the time to acknowledge Father, listening to His words of love over me, seeing His promises in the scriptures, and connecting heart to heart with Him is putting first things first.

Filed Under: Christianity, Father's Love

Open Your Toolbox

November 7, 2009 By cyndi 5 Comments

By Cyndi

Last week we had a wonderful night of worship. We sang some encouraging songs and some uplifting prophetic words came forth. In the midst of it God was speaking to me and I kept hearing the verse that says He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Then I heard, “You have everything in your toolbox.” My toolbox? What is that supposed to mean?

In a flash the Holy Spirit revealed to me a picture of a toolbox behind me with everything I needed. It is like this: if I come upon something that needs to be cut, I get a saw out of my toolbox. If I have a plumbing problem, I pull out the wrenches and PVC pipes that I need. Other problems might just need to be hammered down or screwed in tight with the appropriate apparatus. Now, of course, I am not referring to actual problems in the natural, but in the spiritual realm.

In the days that we are living in, we are all facing challenges from many directions, but what the Lord was encouraging me with is the fact that we already have all that we need to face them. We already have every “tool” necessary to overcome, He has given them to us—His divine power has given them to us, the verse says. It is our job to unpack them, to open up our toolboxes and take them out. This may take some discernment as we do not want to bring a sledgehammer to work on a computer virus; or a needle and thread for cutting a tree down. But this is our part, taking the time to listen and find out what resource we need to accomplish the task and get the job done.

These tools may be used as weapons against the enemy, or ways we can stay encouraged, or even ways we can find a solution to the problem—look for a strategy and find a gadget tool for it. In addition, do not forget that the Word is one of the best devices we have. Jesus says in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” It is no surprise that we have troubles. However, He has given us everything we need to overcome. Therefore, open up your toolbox and see what you have.

Filed Under: Christianity, faith

My Father’s Workshop

October 3, 2009 By cyndi 6 Comments

By Cyndi

When I was a little girl, I used to love to go out back into my father’s workshop. It was a separate building behind our house where he had a big table saw, a long place to work on and tools hanging on nails all along the walls. Sheets of plywood of all different sizes from various projects were leaning on one side of the room, and a cabinet with multiple boxes of nails, screws, washers and other things was mounted on the far corner. Underneath the table my dad kept a bucket of scrap wood just for me. I could use anything in it to pound nails into or create and build whatever I wanted. Sawdust was everywhere so I got a bit dusty at times, but I liked the smell of it.

I loved hanging out with my father “out back,” as we would say, because he was always working on something and I just liked being around him. It was fun. We built all kinds of things, everything from shelves for the hall closet to a deck around our above-ground pool. My job was usually the holder, you know, the one who holds the end of the board while it’s being sawed so it doesn’t break off and fall. But for me it wasn’t so much about working on a project necessarily, it was about spending time together.

He would explain how all the different tools were used for different reasons, how sometimes it’s better to use screws instead of nails, how particle board is different from masonite, how sometimes you use fine sandpaper instead of rough, all that kind of stuff. One of my favorite things was using his chisel set to chisel out my name or some design in a piece of wood. He would show me how to gently tap it to make smaller dents or to use a thick one and hit it hard if I was taking a whole section out. It was a time of impartation, of communion. It was a time of sharing.

I often picture myself with Father God “out back” in a workshop. It’s not so much about what we’re working on—I have plenty of things in my life to work on, for sure—but it’s about having communion with Him. Sometimes I just read one or two scriptures and let Him explain it to me, like my dad did with the tools. Sometimes I pull thoughts or dreams from my “scrap bucket” and want to just create—thinking, talking, singing, joking—no real agenda. But that’s it—no real agenda. Simply fellowship. Much is imparted to me simply by being in His presence. We’re spending time together, and there are even moments when I think I smell sawdust.

Filed Under: Christianity, Father's Love Tagged With: acceptance, Chrisitianity, Father's Love, love

I Want to Be Michael Jordan

September 7, 2009 By robert Leave a Comment

Arthur Burk mentioned recently that he noticed a trend among businesses throughout the nation. Those in high up positions that have been seen as key to the company have been removed, whether through being let go, or just quitting. The common denominator is that these leaders had adopted a low grade cynicism and had lost their ability to be in awe. The company owners feared they could not survive without these people but in fact they have thrived without them.

God is moving among those who can still get in awe of what He is doing. Like asking the kid playing basketball in the ghetto what he wants to be when he grows up and he lights up and with great enthusiasm shouts, “Michael Jordan!”. God is looking for that child like faith, that sense of wonder and awe at what He can do.

It is easy to become cynical in this climate of fear we are living in, to become down on the economy or the president. Once we become judgmental we are no longer teachable, we have already decided and judged.

Ps 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. These are the people getting fresh ideas and direction from the Lord for the new season that we are in and have been able to step out in faith for the resources to implement these new ideas.

Scorn: open dislike and disrespect or derision often mixed with indignation

Pastor LA Joiner has a great new blog post along these lines.

Filed Under: Christianity, faith Tagged With: Arthur Burk, Chrisitianity, faith

I Want to Pray

September 5, 2009 By robert Leave a Comment

What leads us to make such a statement? Life is somehow not all put together without the element of prayer. There is a real sense of need. There is an incompleteness, an inability to cope with or adequately respond to life’s demands. We sense a need to fall back on prayer.

The needs of others, which duty or love or both demand we experience in some way as our own, do nudge us or even compel us to be in touch with our own needs-needs that are in fact very much the same.

There surface in us if we dare leave enough space in our rushed lives to allow it, or if circumstances, as they often do, trap us in a situation where we can’t avoid it, some of our own needs-above all, perhaps, our loneliness, our incompleteness, our lacks, our inability to be and to do what we want. Excerpt from Centering Prayer, M. Basil Pennington

Filed Under: Christianity Tagged With: Christianity, prayer

Getting Your Shoes Wet

August 21, 2009 By cyndi 2 Comments

As the end of summer closes in, I was reflecting back on some of the events that happened, one of which, was the trip to the Dominican Republic. One of my favorite parts of this trip was hiking up the mountain.

Knowing the hike consisted of about 2 ½ hours up and the same amount to come down, we all were trying very hard to not get our shoes wet crossing the river (more of a stream), especially since it was higher than normal from all the recent rain. We knew if we got them wet going up, we’d be more uncomfortable, they’d be dirtier, and there’d be a possibility of getting blisters on our feet. Well, as it just so happened, it rained while we were up there and everything got wet anyway, including our shoes. This actually made it much easier and faster to hike down the mountain because with our shoes already wet, we weren’t concerned about hopping over rocks to try to keep them dry. We just plunged right into the shin-to-knee-deep water, shoes and all, and kept walking.

There are certain things in our lives that we try to avoid–things we don’t want to “get wet.” We hop over many rocks and try to figure out the best way to hide or not deal with those issues. We don’t want to talk about them or even recognize them in any way, shape or form. This is what shame does. It wants us to hide things about us so no one sees who we really are. Why? Because people can hurt us, reject us, and abandon us. It’s about fear. Shame survives because fear keeps things hidden in the dark.

If we truly understood Father God’s cleansing “rain” over us, washing us of our guilt and shame, we would be willing to just plunge into the river of life, shoes and all. We would not worry about how it feels (comfort), how it looks (appearances), or what might possibly happen if we do “get our shoes wet.” Just knowing God loves us unconditionally and forgives us eternally lets us walk through life unhindered and unashamed–a faster and easier trip.

We pray that His love rain down upon you and soak you thoroughly this week. Now go traipse through the water and enjoy the freedom!