BOLD is being held back

The only thing holding us back from having a revival, shouting our praises, pacing up and down the aisles because God is amazing … well, it’s us.

During the time of the New Testament, we read of people doing new things, different things, taking adventures, traveling all the way around their known world. These followers took great pride in showing the love of God to others and praising God for all He did. Through emperors such as Nero and persecution from neighbors, the “New Testament” followers of God still found time to meet together and share how God was providing.

So why doesn’t that happen today?

There are many possible answers, each describing a different person in our modern culture.

Money.

Money is valuable. When I cannot see what it is doing then I get worried. Why should I donate money to a church if they don’t tell me why I am giving, and then they don’t show me how the money is making an impact?

Time.

I have so much to do! I hardly have time for my spouse and kids; how can I spend time I don’t have going to church or helping with an outreach?

Saving face.

The people I work with or am friends with will think I’m odd if I go to church or talk differently or don’t smoke and drink. How can God expect me to be that different if He says we are to make disciples of all nations?

Resources.

I am only a 20something with hardly anything to my name. I don’t speak well in front of people, sometimes it is hard for me to carry on conversations, and I do not have a lot of knowhow when it comes to working with my hands. How can God ask me to work with these people or help with this project?

You are more concerned with how the world views you than if God is able to take care of you.

I realize that last sentence may be a little harsh, but it is a reality. When people perform, instead of just thanking or praising God, they are concerned about what other people think of them. The idea that “God is taking care of me” is replaced with “these other people think that God and I are tight.

So change something, anything, one thing. Pick one thing to change . . . it could be a sitcom you decide to skip watching, certain jokes you decide to keep to yourself, certain people you are kinder towards, whatever.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Balance

Balance: a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc... The meaning has a little extra significance today because of the winter storm. In fact, I learned a trick to staying on your feet when it is slick outside: lean forward an inch or two. The article read that it keeps your center of gravity more forward and under your feet. I have yet to fall while walking on ice since reading the article.

And now tonight I will fall. Hahahaha.

I am halfway through a book titled The Jesus of Suburbia. I recently set the book aside to create more time for my graduate class and because I now have another book. In chapter six, of The Jesus of Suburbia, Mike Erre writes that even as early as when we learn how to pray we are unintentionally deceived: God is interested in our devotions, a friend who is sick, and church.

But if Jesus is also God and God Jesus, then God is concerned with every part of our lives. Jesus did not only perform miracles and teach; He had friendships, acted as a mentor, showed compassion. And he prayed, spent time alone with God, and went to “church.” Jesus was interested in everything that was going on in the lives of the people around Him.

So how do we start to balance our lives? Can we separate secular and Christian? Or should we just lump it all together and call it life?

Right now, this moment, I am learning how to balance what I know about God, with what I am learning about God, with what I am learning about me. Let me give you an example:

I am angry with a certain person at church. The Bible reads in Romans that we are to live at peace with everyone around me, and Jesus said that I am to “love” my neighbors as myself. But how does all that work?

I am called by God to agape those around me. (Mark 12)

I am called to live at peace with those around me. (Romans 12)

I am advised to speak when I am calm. (Proverbs 15)

I am allowed to be angry. I am allowed to be hurt. I am allowed to not like someone, if I desire things to be right between us.

So I am beginning to find my balance. Balancing my emotions with Jesus’ teachings: my natural self with my spiritual self. It is hard.

My challenge to you is to listen to this song and make it your prayer for the following week. It will help you understand how to balance the way you want to react with how God wants you to love.

Love’s Not Easy, Francesca Battistelli

What do you need to discuss with God today?

If you are not sure, just pick a spot and go with it. God is concerned with all of your life.

Do or don’t . . . . . . but choose

I was reminded last night of Newton’s third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Later I was also reminded that every action has a consequence, severe or minimal.

I saw a former colleague in our local mall last night and mentioned that God has been taking care of me even though I still do not have a fulltime teaching position. We then chatted about her new 4^th grade class this year and how they are progressing through the curricula and how I am doing with substitute teaching. It was quick, short, and nice to see her again.

And that was it.

A few hours later I received a phone call from the secretary and she needed me to substitute Thursday. Cool!

For years God has provided for me: work, not going crazy because I still live at home, being able to pay my bills on time and completely, good friends, a small discussion group, etc… It is no small thing! God has truly provided for me. It may help to realize that although I live at home my education loan payments are ridiculous. Through it all God has given me work to earn money to pay all of my bills.

Back to Newton’s third law of motion; every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I praised God to a colleague and it seemed like God’s response was to flash a big smile at me and give me one more day of work.

Praise God enough?

I recently asked my Sunday school class to write out two praises every day of the week and bring the list back next Sunday. It was like I was tearing out their finger nails. Even these past few weeks, some days I really don’t feel like I have anything to praise God for, but I’m wrong. God is worthy of praise every day for every little thing.

Not every motion has an equally visible reaction to it; we need to understand this. Think of breathing in and out: it doesn’t take much thought, but they are equal and opposite actions. Perhaps that is what is missing in your life. You are praising God from your heart.

one day of thanks

            Choose a few things you are thankful for today, and for the rest of the day focus on what you thank God for instead of something you want or need. From dawn till dusk, praise the Lord.

the beginning

Recently I was asked to "help" teach a Sunday school class. As time progressed, I realized that I would need to plan the lesson for a few months at a time: this was exciting and unsettling. Who was I to tell these kids what Jesus expects from them? to tell them that "this is how you should live your life"? to try to help them see the differences in living between people who love God and people who do not?

And I realized why a few hours ago: I'm human.
I'm not saying that I am more qualified than the initial Sunday school teacher. She is phenomenal! I am merely qualified because I'm human. Just like the kids in the class.

And that is how I have approached this new year. I know I have made mistakes. I know that I'll probably make some more in the near future. All that is left is to follow God to the best of my ability, continually ask for His help, and keep my focus. And that is part of my resolutions.
I have decided to focus on something that will last the entire year: have a personal journal where I can write through my discussions with God.

Teaching Sunday school with these boys and girls has taught me that I have a lot to learn, and if I am going to continue teaching these kids God's Word accurately I need to really find God and improve our relationship.

The only advice I have found to be of great importance when dealing with goals is to stay positive. Instead of "I won't do ..." focus on something you will do.

What will you do differently this year? this month? tomorrow?