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Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
"Organized" Religion
As of late, I've been reading A.W. Tozer. There are several short sermon/chapters - so poignant and relative. The one I read today was about organized religion.
One of my biggest peeves in the world is the "I don't believe in organized religion" statement. Don't get me wrong ... I understand where it comes from. Much horror has been committed in the name of religion. In fact, the ones in my life who have caused me the most harm and had the worst intentions for me were very "religious" people. But shunning all organized religion in response to crimes against humanity performed under the flag of religion is a dangerous overreaction.
Nevermind Red Cross and over 95% of all worldwide poverty relief. Forget the clear historical roots of women's liberation and the anti-slavery movement. Forget the very foundation of the United States of America. Let's just blame all our ailments on "organized" religion. Murder, war, discrimination ... what do they all have in common? Religion of course! NO!!! What do they truly have in common? HUMANS!
People will use whatever excuse they can find and will fly whatever banner they need to in order to steal, kill, claim, and destroy. Doing away with organized religion will NEVER do away with our global, national, and community ailments (* please see history: Soviet Union, China, and every other state that banned organized religions). You think the U.S. is bad? Please note the violence, rape, murder, degrading women and children, sex trafficking, and government corruption of atheist countries. Removing organized religion only removes a key adversary of ORGANIZED human corruption.
Anyways (post rant), Tozer has a way of dissecting issues and bringing them in plain sight:
"A certain amount of organization is necessary everywhere throughout the created universe and in all human society. Life requires organization. Life ... cannot exist as a thing in itself independent of any organized body. Where there is body and form there is organization. When, for any cause, the parts become disorganized life departs and the man dies.
"The man who would oppose all organization in the church must be ignorant of the facts of life. Art is organized beauty; music is organized sound; philosophy is organized thought; science is organized knowledge; government is merely society organized. And what is the true church of Christ but organized mystery?
"Without substance, form and order this divine life would have no dwelling place, and no way to express itself to the community."
One of my biggest peeves in the world is the "I don't believe in organized religion" statement. Don't get me wrong ... I understand where it comes from. Much horror has been committed in the name of religion. In fact, the ones in my life who have caused me the most harm and had the worst intentions for me were very "religious" people. But shunning all organized religion in response to crimes against humanity performed under the flag of religion is a dangerous overreaction.
Nevermind Red Cross and over 95% of all worldwide poverty relief. Forget the clear historical roots of women's liberation and the anti-slavery movement. Forget the very foundation of the United States of America. Let's just blame all our ailments on "organized" religion. Murder, war, discrimination ... what do they all have in common? Religion of course! NO!!! What do they truly have in common? HUMANS!
People will use whatever excuse they can find and will fly whatever banner they need to in order to steal, kill, claim, and destroy. Doing away with organized religion will NEVER do away with our global, national, and community ailments (* please see history: Soviet Union, China, and every other state that banned organized religions). You think the U.S. is bad? Please note the violence, rape, murder, degrading women and children, sex trafficking, and government corruption of atheist countries. Removing organized religion only removes a key adversary of ORGANIZED human corruption.
Anyways (post rant), Tozer has a way of dissecting issues and bringing them in plain sight:
"A certain amount of organization is necessary everywhere throughout the created universe and in all human society. Life requires organization. Life ... cannot exist as a thing in itself independent of any organized body. Where there is body and form there is organization. When, for any cause, the parts become disorganized life departs and the man dies.
"The man who would oppose all organization in the church must be ignorant of the facts of life. Art is organized beauty; music is organized sound; philosophy is organized thought; science is organized knowledge; government is merely society organized. And what is the true church of Christ but organized mystery?
"Without substance, form and order this divine life would have no dwelling place, and no way to express itself to the community."
Sunday, November 13, 2011
God's Work Begins Where Our Ability Ends
God created each and every one of us for a distinct purpose. Many of us have several purposes. He plants these in our souls and lives, but it seems that few people find their true, specific purpose. Why? Distractions. The 'volume' of the world around them. Fear. Cynicism. The "I'm a realist" viewpoint. Pride. Over confidence in their own abilities.
How sad. Our creator infused us with specific passion, launches us with a distinct purpose, and opened the possibility of communicating with Him through His own personal sacrifice ... AND WE MISS IT!
So how do you find it? It's not as hard as you think to find it, but it takes faith, guts, and relentless persistence to follow through. You have to fight back naysayers, the cultural norm, pressure from family and friends, and sometimes what seem like impossible circumstances. But here's a dose of reality. God's work begins where our ability ends.
I'll say it again: GOD'S WORK BEGINS WHERE OUR ABILITY ENDS.
So if you are not willing to believe enough to have the faith to step past your barriers of logic ... if your faith isn't strong enough to take a risk and to step out where God has called you ... then you will never see an ounce of your purpose. If you don't truly believe in the power of the Creator of the universe, then you will complain, moan, grow bitter, fall into depression, get hooked on meds or drugs ... but you will not live a fulfilling life. You will wallow in your mediocre existence ... accomplishing next to nothing for the Kingdom of God. And you call yourself a Christian?
So where do we begin? Self Dissection. What makes you tick? You've probably heard people say that your area of genius in life is something that you would be willing to do for free. God has planted passion in you. Seek it out.
Here's the deal: Take a notebook and write on it "Study of Andy Shivers" (of course use your own name). Start with areas of life and then fill in the blanks. What subjects are you passionate about? What things on earth would you change if you could? What do you love to teach or share with others? What motivates you? I could list these forever, so I'm just going to open up my life and show you mine:
Spiritual
Daily Time with God
Spiritual Authority - The True Church
Grace (Power)
Worship and Praise
Serving
Health and Wellness Ministry
Ichthys
The Science of Creation
FAMILY
Role of the Husband-Father
Solutions for the Homeless
Racial & Cultural Reconciliation
The Science & Benefits of:
Hiking
Martial Arts
Nutrition
Exercise
Genetic Testing
Specific Diet
Fasting
Finance & Business
FairTax
Financial Responsibility
"Buzzworthy" Business
Networking w/ Give First approach
Pleasantly Persistent Sales
The list grows. This was step #1. Next? PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. SET GOALS. WRITE THEM DOWN. GET TO WORK.
In other words, what you do DAILY is who you are. Once you have dedicated daily/weekly/monthly time to your specific goals ... LET NOTHING STOP YOU!
WARNING: Once you step out on faith, spend daily power time with God and begin actively pursuing His purpose in your life, the enemy will attack ... full force. It's what Satan is scared of the most.
NOW DO IT!
How sad. Our creator infused us with specific passion, launches us with a distinct purpose, and opened the possibility of communicating with Him through His own personal sacrifice ... AND WE MISS IT!
So how do you find it? It's not as hard as you think to find it, but it takes faith, guts, and relentless persistence to follow through. You have to fight back naysayers, the cultural norm, pressure from family and friends, and sometimes what seem like impossible circumstances. But here's a dose of reality. God's work begins where our ability ends.
I'll say it again: GOD'S WORK BEGINS WHERE OUR ABILITY ENDS.
So if you are not willing to believe enough to have the faith to step past your barriers of logic ... if your faith isn't strong enough to take a risk and to step out where God has called you ... then you will never see an ounce of your purpose. If you don't truly believe in the power of the Creator of the universe, then you will complain, moan, grow bitter, fall into depression, get hooked on meds or drugs ... but you will not live a fulfilling life. You will wallow in your mediocre existence ... accomplishing next to nothing for the Kingdom of God. And you call yourself a Christian?
So where do we begin? Self Dissection. What makes you tick? You've probably heard people say that your area of genius in life is something that you would be willing to do for free. God has planted passion in you. Seek it out.
Here's the deal: Take a notebook and write on it "Study of Andy Shivers" (of course use your own name). Start with areas of life and then fill in the blanks. What subjects are you passionate about? What things on earth would you change if you could? What do you love to teach or share with others? What motivates you? I could list these forever, so I'm just going to open up my life and show you mine:
Spiritual
Daily Time with God
Spiritual Authority - The True Church
Grace (Power)
Worship and Praise
Serving
Health and Wellness Ministry
Ichthys
The Science of Creation
FAMILY
Role of the Husband-Father
Solutions for the Homeless
Racial & Cultural Reconciliation
The Science & Benefits of:
Hiking
Martial Arts
Nutrition
Exercise
Genetic Testing
Specific Diet
Fasting
Finance & Business
FairTax
Financial Responsibility
"Buzzworthy" Business
Networking w/ Give First approach
Pleasantly Persistent Sales
The list grows. This was step #1. Next? PRAY. PRAY. PRAY. SET GOALS. WRITE THEM DOWN. GET TO WORK.
In other words, what you do DAILY is who you are. Once you have dedicated daily/weekly/monthly time to your specific goals ... LET NOTHING STOP YOU!
WARNING: Once you step out on faith, spend daily power time with God and begin actively pursuing His purpose in your life, the enemy will attack ... full force. It's what Satan is scared of the most.
NOW DO IT!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Be Strong & Courageous
Moses the servant of the Lord had died. God wasted no time and commissioned Joshua to fill some huge shoes. Not only that, God told Joshua to cross the Jordan (the people of Canaan had counted on the Jordan to act as a barrier against Israeli invasion).
Then God tells Joshua what he will do (or better what he had already done) - "Every place on which the soul of your foot treads, I have given it to you."
"No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life ... I will not fail you or forsake you. (vs 6) Be strong and courageous. (vs 7) Only be strong and very courageous. (vs 9) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!"
God gave his promise. He made it clear. He told Joshua what he had to do:
#1 be strong and courageous
#2 walk the narrow Way – keep the law
#3 meditate on God's word day and night
In order to receive God's promises, Joshua had to stand up and take it. No doubt. No hesitation. No turning from it right or left. He was to armor himself with God's word and go and take what God had given His people. He was limited only by the places he didn't place his foot upon.
How much our Father wants to give us – how much he's already given us and we don't receive. Doubt, feelings of unworthiness, worldly distractions, fear, hesitation, Sin ... We allow them to rob us of our promises. Why?
Brothers and Sisters, be strong and courageous! For the Lord your God is with you where ever you go.
Then God tells Joshua what he will do (or better what he had already done) - "Every place on which the soul of your foot treads, I have given it to you."
"No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life ... I will not fail you or forsake you. (vs 6) Be strong and courageous. (vs 7) Only be strong and very courageous. (vs 9) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!"
God gave his promise. He made it clear. He told Joshua what he had to do:
#1 be strong and courageous
#2 walk the narrow Way – keep the law
#3 meditate on God's word day and night
In order to receive God's promises, Joshua had to stand up and take it. No doubt. No hesitation. No turning from it right or left. He was to armor himself with God's word and go and take what God had given His people. He was limited only by the places he didn't place his foot upon.
How much our Father wants to give us – how much he's already given us and we don't receive. Doubt, feelings of unworthiness, worldly distractions, fear, hesitation, Sin ... We allow them to rob us of our promises. Why?
Brothers and Sisters, be strong and courageous! For the Lord your God is with you where ever you go.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
"My Word. My Life. My Purpose"
I've done a poor job lately of going to God. My goal is to spend power time in God's Word, in prayer, and in praise every single day. I haven't been doing it and I can feel my spirit weakening. I can feel my flesh and lusts growing.
Today I came to God in prayer. I started slow and scattered. In frustration and angst I cried out and asked God what to do. Without a moment of hesitation I heard His response: "Read My Word."
I opened my Bible to where it was ribbon-marked: Proverbs 18. Then I went to read where I had left off in the New Testament: John 5.
After reading I started praying and asking God to renew my mind and spirit. As I was praying I felt Him say, "Shut up and listen!" I did.
The first thing He spoke to me was "My Word." That's it. My mind started wandering and chasing. Again He said, "Shut up!" Then He finished:
"My Word. My Life. My Purpose."
I've had so many plans lately and a few failures. I've prayed fervently over some of them and they failed anyways. I've begun lately to question God and lose an amount of faith because He told me to speak to the mountain and I did ... but it didn't move. Today He stopped me in my tracks:
"My Word"
It begins here: God's Word. Power, knowledge, truth, conviction, comfort, wisdom.
"My Life"
I'm on borrowed time. I died to myself and now it is not my life but His. I am not my own.
"My Purpose"
I can have all the plans I want but it is the purpose of God that will stand (Proverbs 19:21). The plans I have that are outside His will ... thank God He makes them fail. Otherwise, I'd waste my life chasing rabbits.
Today I came to God in prayer. I started slow and scattered. In frustration and angst I cried out and asked God what to do. Without a moment of hesitation I heard His response: "Read My Word."
I opened my Bible to where it was ribbon-marked: Proverbs 18. Then I went to read where I had left off in the New Testament: John 5.
After reading I started praying and asking God to renew my mind and spirit. As I was praying I felt Him say, "Shut up and listen!" I did.
The first thing He spoke to me was "My Word." That's it. My mind started wandering and chasing. Again He said, "Shut up!" Then He finished:
"My Word. My Life. My Purpose."
I've had so many plans lately and a few failures. I've prayed fervently over some of them and they failed anyways. I've begun lately to question God and lose an amount of faith because He told me to speak to the mountain and I did ... but it didn't move. Today He stopped me in my tracks:
"My Word"
It begins here: God's Word. Power, knowledge, truth, conviction, comfort, wisdom.
"My Life"
I'm on borrowed time. I died to myself and now it is not my life but His. I am not my own.
"My Purpose"
I can have all the plans I want but it is the purpose of God that will stand (Proverbs 19:21). The plans I have that are outside His will ... thank God He makes them fail. Otherwise, I'd waste my life chasing rabbits.
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Meek Man
"The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God's estimate of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God has declared him to be, but paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance than angels. In himself, nothing; in God, everything. That is his motto. He knows well that the world will never see him as God sees him and he has stopped caring. He rests perfectly content to allow God to place His own values. He will be patient to wait for the day when everything will get its own price tag and real worth will come into its own. Then the righteous shall shine forth in the Kingdom of their Father. He is willing to wait for that day."
~ A.W. Tozer
~ A.W. Tozer
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