I was reading today in 1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
The verse strung a unique chord with me. How often do we try to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand. Strangely enough, I think as Christians we often do try to humble ourselves. It is a common lesson we are taught: pride goes before a fall, etc. So why is it that I found this verse to be so unique? What touched me that last part of the verse, "that he may lift you up in due time." For one thing we often forget what God will do for us.
Let's look at the word humble. I did a quick glance at dictionary.com, not the best source for finding the biblical use of a word in a verse but it gives some reference. There were two definitions they had for the word that I think applies to this verse. 1) not proud or arrogant; modest and 2) courteously respectful. By no means is this exhaustive research but we have at least skimmed the surface to set up to the point I want to make.
God will lift us up, how he lifts us up is never certain but he will, but how often are we willing to wait for the next part of the verse, "in due time." Humans have this issue with wanting things now. Why is it so hard for us to wait? One thing I learned when I was in school was, if you wait until the last minute it only takes a minute. Well, I get the feeling sometimes that God wants to show me he can do better and applies the idea that if you wait until the last second in only takes a second. I can't do something in a second but God sure can and I believe that he does that to remind us that what he does for us could only be him. So with humility and patience we will be lifted up...in due time.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
God's Plans
This video is from the TV show KINGS. Modern adaptation of the story of David and Saul from the Bible. What is shared is so true, what we need to do is remember that God's plans are much better than ours.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Faith...
...is best when put to practice. Thanks God, I thought I learned to use faith. Guess there are a few things I still need to learn.
If anyone is hiring...
If anyone is hiring...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Put in Awe of God
A good friend of mine got me into this habit of asking in my prayers to be put in awe of God, on a daily basis. I've been trying to ask that every day. Today, a huge burden was lifted...postponed which has put me in awe of God.
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Time of Harvest...should it matter?
Today I was in a discussion about whether it was a time of harvest for Christians or a time of waiting? The person who brought it up seemed to be pretty adamant on the fact that it is not a time of harvest for Christians, which leads me to believe that he believes that not much is being reaped for the Kingdom of God.
I have to disagree with that fully. I know God is at work in parts of this world and even in Hollywood and that should be proof enough that there is a harvest out there. Then the question comes up, should we be concerned about whether it is time of harvest or not? In my opinion the answer is, NO! Does a farmer get frustrated with the fact that after he has planted a seed in the ground that it does not produce fruit immediately? I should hope not. A farmer continually cultivates what he has planted. He waters it, fertilizes it, all the things a farmer does in order to ensure that the plant will grow. I would assume that the farmer has an idea of when the crop will be ready based on years of experience and the cycle in which his crops grow and begin to produce, but do you think he thinks about it from day one? Again, I hope not.
We are given the here and now and we should focus on that. Planted the seeds is the first step in producing a crop and if that first step is skipped the likeliness of seeing a crop to harvest goes down rather significantly. When the time is right we will know because God will work the miracle, he will save the lost, and forgive the broken hearted. One of my favorite quotes is from Saint Francis of Assisi, "Go into the world and preach the gospel, and if necessary use words."
Be bold with the way you live, bold with your moral stance, aim to misbehave from the norm of complacency, but remember that your actions must match what you preach and are often times far more effective. Don't worry about the harvest, it will come, it may already be here, but don't let your foresight into finding the harvest distract you from the need to plant the seed, cultivate it and make it ready for harvest.
I have to disagree with that fully. I know God is at work in parts of this world and even in Hollywood and that should be proof enough that there is a harvest out there. Then the question comes up, should we be concerned about whether it is time of harvest or not? In my opinion the answer is, NO! Does a farmer get frustrated with the fact that after he has planted a seed in the ground that it does not produce fruit immediately? I should hope not. A farmer continually cultivates what he has planted. He waters it, fertilizes it, all the things a farmer does in order to ensure that the plant will grow. I would assume that the farmer has an idea of when the crop will be ready based on years of experience and the cycle in which his crops grow and begin to produce, but do you think he thinks about it from day one? Again, I hope not.
We are given the here and now and we should focus on that. Planted the seeds is the first step in producing a crop and if that first step is skipped the likeliness of seeing a crop to harvest goes down rather significantly. When the time is right we will know because God will work the miracle, he will save the lost, and forgive the broken hearted. One of my favorite quotes is from Saint Francis of Assisi, "Go into the world and preach the gospel, and if necessary use words."
Be bold with the way you live, bold with your moral stance, aim to misbehave from the norm of complacency, but remember that your actions must match what you preach and are often times far more effective. Don't worry about the harvest, it will come, it may already be here, but don't let your foresight into finding the harvest distract you from the need to plant the seed, cultivate it and make it ready for harvest.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Stimulus Package to Stimulate what? Debt?
I was watching C-SPAN today to see what was being said about the Stimulus Package that is being voted on today. I am rather surprised at how indirect people are, specifically the Democrats, everything that is said is opinions and they often disregard what was proven to be absurd or even flat out wrong.
As it stands from what I can see:
Democrats: Yes on bill
Republicans: No on bill
I, being a Republican, side with the idea that this bill should not be passed. I feel like this bill is an excuse to spend on the "accessories" to stimulate our economy. One thing I have learned in my few years of having to manage my money that the first thing to save money is to cut unnecessary spending. This bill is full of unnecessary spending, rails from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for one. But what about the big question is, who is going to pay for this?
A big question I would have is how many people work for a large company with 100+ employees and how many lost their jobs because they were working for a smaller business? No answers but I'm sure there is a way to stimulate the economy without throwing money at it. As working in the entertainment industry I hear the shortcut that often times is solved in a more economical way -- "Just throw some money at it and hope that it goes away." Well, does it? Not from my experience, the problem always comes back.
The new Republican Rep from Illinois hit the nail on the head. He concluded with a quote from Abraham Lincoln "What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself."
If you are a Rep. in the House - Vote no.
As it stands from what I can see:
Democrats: Yes on bill
Republicans: No on bill
I, being a Republican, side with the idea that this bill should not be passed. I feel like this bill is an excuse to spend on the "accessories" to stimulate our economy. One thing I have learned in my few years of having to manage my money that the first thing to save money is to cut unnecessary spending. This bill is full of unnecessary spending, rails from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for one. But what about the big question is, who is going to pay for this?
A big question I would have is how many people work for a large company with 100+ employees and how many lost their jobs because they were working for a smaller business? No answers but I'm sure there is a way to stimulate the economy without throwing money at it. As working in the entertainment industry I hear the shortcut that often times is solved in a more economical way -- "Just throw some money at it and hope that it goes away." Well, does it? Not from my experience, the problem always comes back.
The new Republican Rep from Illinois hit the nail on the head. He concluded with a quote from Abraham Lincoln "What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself."
If you are a Rep. in the House - Vote no.
Monday, February 02, 2009
What does it mean to lead?
So I have made some rather curious observations recently that has spawned my brain into thinking. What makes a leader? What is the duty of a leader? Why is it so hard for people to get what it means to lead?
My recent encounters have shown to me that there are often times two very distinct flaws in leadership or in those who are designated as "leaders". Arrogance and Selfishness.
The more I thought about it the more I realized that arrogance is a flaw that could very easily creep into anyone's way of thinking, especially when they are in a position of authority. Being the head of something or the person who organizes everything and even the person who is supposed to bring balance to a group/society/people they are prone to fall into the mentality of people owe them for their service or that they know better when it comes to any situation or event that may take place. For example, and this could be taken way out of proportion but their is a hint of truth to it, someone may ask how things went - it could be a party, event, job, gathering of any sort, the idea could be they are aware of something in ones life that they know is important to that person and in this case let's say it is a gathering that they were invited to - and the person responds stating that that person was not there. Instead of giving a reason or even stating that they weren't that interested in what it was, just gives a flat answer of nope.
Probably a bad example but the idea that a leader does not take interest in the people he is trying to lead for whatever reason is a sign of arrogance. A sign that they feel they are better than the "flock" that they are leading and in turn makes me believe that they are just another one of the sheep trying to lead the rest of the sheep and have no more knowledge than those around them.
This all leads me to my second thought. Selfishness. This, I believe, is spawned from arrogance. A leader should know that they are serving. Don't expect to receive exuberant amounts of gratitude and praise, time or even money. The job of a leader should be the exact opposite of selfishness and should be a state of selflessness. You may give people food, a place to hang out, advice from time to time, but what really shows a character of selflessness is one that truly shows interest in those they are leading. The job of a leader is more than just saying you care about the people you lead but truly showing a sign of caring, put yourself out there and support your friends or "flock". As a child did you like it when your parents agreed to let you play in little league or supported you participating in drama or music, or did you find a value and pride in the fact that your parents were at your game, show or concert. That they took the time out of their schedule to support you in person and be able to physically be present to tell you "good job, well done."
I know of one person who does this correctly but never gets the recognition or hardly gets it, yet is there every time and if we respond to him we will see him tell us how to improve, when we did good and encourage us to never give up. That leader is Jesus Christ.
From his example, a leader should not be arrogant or selfish, rather they should be humble, a constant servant, encouraging, guide others, selfless, not expect anything in return and hopefully notice when someone is trying to offer something in return. One thing, though, that should not be forgotten is that if our leaders fail, they show arrogance, they are selfish, they do not support us in our endeavors and are not servants - forgive them, remind them what a leader is, but always, always, always forgive them and be to them what they failed to be to you. A friendship is better left in stitches then torn to shreds.
My recent encounters have shown to me that there are often times two very distinct flaws in leadership or in those who are designated as "leaders". Arrogance and Selfishness.
The more I thought about it the more I realized that arrogance is a flaw that could very easily creep into anyone's way of thinking, especially when they are in a position of authority. Being the head of something or the person who organizes everything and even the person who is supposed to bring balance to a group/society/people they are prone to fall into the mentality of people owe them for their service or that they know better when it comes to any situation or event that may take place. For example, and this could be taken way out of proportion but their is a hint of truth to it, someone may ask how things went - it could be a party, event, job, gathering of any sort, the idea could be they are aware of something in ones life that they know is important to that person and in this case let's say it is a gathering that they were invited to - and the person responds stating that that person was not there. Instead of giving a reason or even stating that they weren't that interested in what it was, just gives a flat answer of nope.
Probably a bad example but the idea that a leader does not take interest in the people he is trying to lead for whatever reason is a sign of arrogance. A sign that they feel they are better than the "flock" that they are leading and in turn makes me believe that they are just another one of the sheep trying to lead the rest of the sheep and have no more knowledge than those around them.
This all leads me to my second thought. Selfishness. This, I believe, is spawned from arrogance. A leader should know that they are serving. Don't expect to receive exuberant amounts of gratitude and praise, time or even money. The job of a leader should be the exact opposite of selfishness and should be a state of selflessness. You may give people food, a place to hang out, advice from time to time, but what really shows a character of selflessness is one that truly shows interest in those they are leading. The job of a leader is more than just saying you care about the people you lead but truly showing a sign of caring, put yourself out there and support your friends or "flock". As a child did you like it when your parents agreed to let you play in little league or supported you participating in drama or music, or did you find a value and pride in the fact that your parents were at your game, show or concert. That they took the time out of their schedule to support you in person and be able to physically be present to tell you "good job, well done."
I know of one person who does this correctly but never gets the recognition or hardly gets it, yet is there every time and if we respond to him we will see him tell us how to improve, when we did good and encourage us to never give up. That leader is Jesus Christ.
From his example, a leader should not be arrogant or selfish, rather they should be humble, a constant servant, encouraging, guide others, selfless, not expect anything in return and hopefully notice when someone is trying to offer something in return. One thing, though, that should not be forgotten is that if our leaders fail, they show arrogance, they are selfish, they do not support us in our endeavors and are not servants - forgive them, remind them what a leader is, but always, always, always forgive them and be to them what they failed to be to you. A friendship is better left in stitches then torn to shreds.
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