It is kind of scary to think that everything was created by God for His own purpose. Why is this scary? Because it means that God created some things for the purpose of destruction, or rather, He knew that they would be destroyed. Would you spend time on a masterpiece painting if you knew that it would some day, perhaps even in the near future, be totally destroyed?
When we think about God, we usually think about His "good qualities." God is the creator of all things. This means that all things come from Him, are subject to Him, and in some way are owned by Him. God is entitled to do whatever He wants with His things. It may not make sense, by a painter is perfectly within his own right to burn a masterpiece, because it is his. Keep in mind that God is not irrational, and that He does everything for a purpose. God's perspective on life, and death, are different from ours. The sooner we get that, the better. Because we belong to Him, He will defend us. F.F.Bruce elaborates on this point. "Whatever forces there are, of either kind, that hold human souls in bondage, Christ has shown Himself to be their Master, and those who are united to Him by faith need have no fear of them."
Christ is the divine Master of all things, and that includes us. But He is more than just our Master; He is our Friend, He is our Father, and He is our Lover. There are different expression of love in each of these relationships because that is who Christ is. He is the master, the conqueror, the victor who loves us on many different levels.
Living Life
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Losing Value, Becoming Priceless
We have been called slaves of sin, but we are servants of Christ. A slave has no choice and no free-will. It must do what it is commanded. A slave really is no longer a person; a slave is an "it." A slave has moved from being a someone to being a something. People are either worthless or priceless, depending on the perspective-these words denote the same thing but have different connotations God does not see us in term of value. He looks upon us through a completely different paradigm, one that does not involve cost, profit, value or money - the things which seems to run our world. He embraces us as people. Realizing that there has been this shift should be mind-altering and life-changing.
We have been set free from death, sin, being weighed on scales of worth, and the slavery of this world. Instead, we have been made into servants. The different between slaves and servants in that slaves are forms of currency, whereas servants are given forms of currency. And God does give us wonderful gifts.
God calls us to be more than just servants, He calls us to be good servants. Arthur Pink declares, "A good servant will have ready feet: ' I will run in the way of Your commandments" (Psalm 119:32). A good servant will have a submissive will; that is the primary and essential qualification -to have no will of my own - but to be completely yielded to the Lord."
Knowing what we have gained - freedom- compared to what was lost - slavery - it should not be difficult to motivate ourselves to be good servants.
Living Life
We have been set free from death, sin, being weighed on scales of worth, and the slavery of this world. Instead, we have been made into servants. The different between slaves and servants in that slaves are forms of currency, whereas servants are given forms of currency. And God does give us wonderful gifts.
God calls us to be more than just servants, He calls us to be good servants. Arthur Pink declares, "A good servant will have ready feet: ' I will run in the way of Your commandments" (Psalm 119:32). A good servant will have a submissive will; that is the primary and essential qualification -to have no will of my own - but to be completely yielded to the Lord."
Knowing what we have gained - freedom- compared to what was lost - slavery - it should not be difficult to motivate ourselves to be good servants.
Living Life
God is Faithful
What does it mean to be faithful? Faithful, according to some definitions, is being loyal, constand and steadfast. Faithful is never having a sexual or an intimate relationship with anyone other than your husband or wife. Faithful is being reliable, resolute, and true to the original.
Anyone who has been with Christ for more than a day, knows that we are not faithful to Him, even though this is what we are called to be. We constantly leave Him in pursuit of our own interests. We might have long moments of being intimate with God, but at some time or another, we will fall away from Him..
Thankfully, our God does not call us into His kingdom because of who we were or who we still are. God called us into His kingdom because of who HE is. Our salvation - and every other good gift we have - is from God. God gives us these things because of who HE is. James Smith writes, "His love never varies. His purposes never change. His promises are always true... The waves are always in motion - but the rock never moves... God is the same, and knows not the shadow of a turning."
Although we change day to day in how we respond to God, God's love doesn't. He always loves us immensely. He always has a plan and purpose for us, even when we fall away from Him. At the same time, He is always faithful to act in wrath and judgment on those who reject His name. How often are we faithful? Sometime. How often is God faithful? Every. Single. Time. So, even when we cannot have confidence in ourselves, we can still have confidence in our Christ.
Living Life
Anyone who has been with Christ for more than a day, knows that we are not faithful to Him, even though this is what we are called to be. We constantly leave Him in pursuit of our own interests. We might have long moments of being intimate with God, but at some time or another, we will fall away from Him..
Thankfully, our God does not call us into His kingdom because of who we were or who we still are. God called us into His kingdom because of who HE is. Our salvation - and every other good gift we have - is from God. God gives us these things because of who HE is. James Smith writes, "His love never varies. His purposes never change. His promises are always true... The waves are always in motion - but the rock never moves... God is the same, and knows not the shadow of a turning."
Although we change day to day in how we respond to God, God's love doesn't. He always loves us immensely. He always has a plan and purpose for us, even when we fall away from Him. At the same time, He is always faithful to act in wrath and judgment on those who reject His name. How often are we faithful? Sometime. How often is God faithful? Every. Single. Time. So, even when we cannot have confidence in ourselves, we can still have confidence in our Christ.
Living Life
The Lie of Self-Esteem
When we are tempted, Christ is faithful, and He will be there for us. We have been told a lie that we all too often believe. In our modern society, we are told that we can do anything if we put our mind to it. We have been told that we are winners, and if we aren't winners, we just need to try harder, or to have more self-esteem.
What's the lie here? That we can anything through our own strength and effort, even overcome our own sin. What's the problem here? We believe that we really can do anything we want, whenever we want, and then all of our good "self-esteem" transforms into pride. Galatians 6:14 states, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
We face an enemy who is powerful and who really does not like us. He will do whatever he can to keep us from God, and to make us be ineffective. This includes engulfing us in our own pride. We cannot defeat him in our power or our own strength, any more than we can conquer the world by ourselves. Mark Driscoll writes, "Here's the truth. Jesus is the winner. That's the truth. We're not victorious. He is. We're not righteous. He is. We don't redeem ourselves from slavery to sin."
In our lives and all that we say and do, it is far better for us to focus on Christ rather than on ourselves. Christ is faithful. When we are happy, sad, prideful, humble, at peace or in turmoil. Christ is faithful. Our emotional or spiritual state will never change that. Nothing will.
Living Life
What's the lie here? That we can anything through our own strength and effort, even overcome our own sin. What's the problem here? We believe that we really can do anything we want, whenever we want, and then all of our good "self-esteem" transforms into pride. Galatians 6:14 states, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
We face an enemy who is powerful and who really does not like us. He will do whatever he can to keep us from God, and to make us be ineffective. This includes engulfing us in our own pride. We cannot defeat him in our power or our own strength, any more than we can conquer the world by ourselves. Mark Driscoll writes, "Here's the truth. Jesus is the winner. That's the truth. We're not victorious. He is. We're not righteous. He is. We don't redeem ourselves from slavery to sin."
In our lives and all that we say and do, it is far better for us to focus on Christ rather than on ourselves. Christ is faithful. When we are happy, sad, prideful, humble, at peace or in turmoil. Christ is faithful. Our emotional or spiritual state will never change that. Nothing will.
Living Life
Unfaithfulness: Looking for Loopholes
Evil men will avoid jail terms and sentences because crafty lawyers find loopholes in the law. Whatever contracts are signed can always be broken and nullified. Divorce rates are climbing in both Christian and non-Christian homes. What does this say about our culture? What does this say about us? These are just a few examples that show our word is no longer our bond. Furthermore, these say unfaithfulness is ok. There are even website dating services for married men and women.
Unfaithfulness is not just a character problem; it is a cultural problem. It is not a new phenomenon that has suddenly sprung upon the current generation. Unfaithfulness, or betrayal, has been a common theme in the story of the world for a long time. It is who we, as people, all too often are.
But if unfaithfulness is a character trait of humanity, faithfulness is one of the essential character traits of God. Arthur Pink declares, " God is true. His Word of Promise is sure. In all His relations with His people God is faithful. He may be safely relied upon. No one ever yet really trusted Him in vain."
God did not promise a perfect or easy life, but He did promise that He would always be there with us, in spite of our circumstances. We need to stop running from the truth of who God is, and stop trying to find loopholes. We need o stop trying to find the loopholes in the Bible, and come to accept God for who He says He is" Always Faithful."
Living Life
Unfaithfulness is not just a character problem; it is a cultural problem. It is not a new phenomenon that has suddenly sprung upon the current generation. Unfaithfulness, or betrayal, has been a common theme in the story of the world for a long time. It is who we, as people, all too often are.
But if unfaithfulness is a character trait of humanity, faithfulness is one of the essential character traits of God. Arthur Pink declares, " God is true. His Word of Promise is sure. In all His relations with His people God is faithful. He may be safely relied upon. No one ever yet really trusted Him in vain."
God did not promise a perfect or easy life, but He did promise that He would always be there with us, in spite of our circumstances. We need to stop running from the truth of who God is, and stop trying to find loopholes. We need o stop trying to find the loopholes in the Bible, and come to accept God for who He says He is" Always Faithful."
Living Life
Relying on God
When your family experiences a crisis, do you turn to each other for support, or do you turn on each other? When we recognize that the attack is on our entire family, we typically band together. For example, if a family member has been in a life-threatening car accident, families often put aside personal disputes or problems and focus their attention on that family member. However, we don't recognize that an attack is from outside, but instead perceive a crisis within our family, we turn on each other. For example, sons or daughters who have embraced the pleasures of the world might cause their mother and father to fight over what to do next.
In the midst of our trials, whatever they may be, we are also challenged in our relationship with God.
One thing that we do know for sure; trials are coming. As we live for Christ more and more, Satan will rise up against us more and more. Whether our opposition is external or internal, we need to trust in our faithful Christ. Jamie Munson says, "Jesus opens up significant opportunities to preach the gospel and glorify Him. Be wise and be ready. Expect opposition, but don't be afraid. "[Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.]" (Eph. 6:10).
But notice here the expectation is that we are living for Christ, and not ourselves.Satan is coming for us, regardless of whether we are living for Christ or not. It is, then, far better to make sure that we are grounded in Christ, so that when Satan comes, we can withstand the devil through Jesus. Christ is faithful to support us. He is faithful to give us His strength in the midst of an attack, each and every time.
Living Life
In the midst of our trials, whatever they may be, we are also challenged in our relationship with God.
One thing that we do know for sure; trials are coming. As we live for Christ more and more, Satan will rise up against us more and more. Whether our opposition is external or internal, we need to trust in our faithful Christ. Jamie Munson says, "Jesus opens up significant opportunities to preach the gospel and glorify Him. Be wise and be ready. Expect opposition, but don't be afraid. "[Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.]" (Eph. 6:10).
But notice here the expectation is that we are living for Christ, and not ourselves.Satan is coming for us, regardless of whether we are living for Christ or not. It is, then, far better to make sure that we are grounded in Christ, so that when Satan comes, we can withstand the devil through Jesus. Christ is faithful to support us. He is faithful to give us His strength in the midst of an attack, each and every time.
Living Life
I AM: Faithful and Just!
We know God is good and faithful. We know we are not. We know that we should be doing more. We should pray more, have longer quiet times, memorize Scripture, take better care of our finances, spend more time with family, evangelize more, and in essence become perfect in every way. None of these things are bad. Nor are the things which we enjoy, inherently evil. Dancing, singing, drinking, eating, sleeping, etc. are not bad things which we can never do again.
Somehow, in the midst of all these ideas of what we can and can't do, we got trapped in a wrong belief about religion.
But that is the beauty of Christ. 1 John 1:9 illustrates this point well. "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteous." We are not called to do anything more than confess ours sins to God. He will take care of the rest. We are called to first admit that we do indeed have a problem. This passage depicts two characteristics of God. God calls Himself faithful. Every time you confess your sins, God declares, "I will pardon and purify you." Kevin Deyoung writes, "We are meant to live in the joy of our salvation. So when we sin - and we'll all sin (1 Kings 8:46; 1 John 1:8) - we confess it, get cleansed, and move on."
We might feel that we aren't good enough. God says, "You're right. You are not. But I am. Don't wallow in self pity. Come back to Me. You will always find Me, if you really want to. And let's move one, together."
Living Life
Somehow, in the midst of all these ideas of what we can and can't do, we got trapped in a wrong belief about religion.
But that is the beauty of Christ. 1 John 1:9 illustrates this point well. "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteous." We are not called to do anything more than confess ours sins to God. He will take care of the rest. We are called to first admit that we do indeed have a problem. This passage depicts two characteristics of God. God calls Himself faithful. Every time you confess your sins, God declares, "I will pardon and purify you." Kevin Deyoung writes, "We are meant to live in the joy of our salvation. So when we sin - and we'll all sin (1 Kings 8:46; 1 John 1:8) - we confess it, get cleansed, and move on."
We might feel that we aren't good enough. God says, "You're right. You are not. But I am. Don't wallow in self pity. Come back to Me. You will always find Me, if you really want to. And let's move one, together."
Living Life
25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9.
25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9
Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.By David Lowry, Ph.D.
Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-
Manner #1
When asking for something, say "Please."
Manner #2
When receiving something, say "Thank you."
Related: Kid-Made Thank You Notes
Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
Manner #6
The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
Manner #7
Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
Related: Raise Polite Kids
Manner #8
When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
Manner #10
Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
Manner #12
Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.
Related: Print and Color Cards for Birthdays, Thank-Yous and More!
Manner #13
Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.
Manner #15
Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
Related: Raise a Compassionate Kid
Manner #16
Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
Manner #17
If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."
Related: Quiz: What's Your Parenting Style?
Manner #18
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
Related: How to Handle Inappropriate Behavior
Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
Manner #20
If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.
Manner #21
When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
Related: Use this Table-Setting Map as a Guide
Manner #22
When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
Manner #23
Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
Related: Mrs. McVeigh Weighs in on Proper Utensil Use and More!
Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
Manner #25
Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.
See more on teaching manners to your toddlers and preschoolers.
Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine.
Quoted: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/25-manners-every-kid-should-know-by-age-9-2480238/
5 bad relationship habits to dump
5 bad relationship habits to dump
By Bob Strauss
OK, so you used to be married and now you’re not. You may be out there happily dating, but are the habits from your wedded days dogging you? Consider the fact that when you’re married, you have the luxury of a long, indefinite “’til death do us part” future in which to settle into a comfortable routine or slowly work through issues with your spouse. On a date, though, everything happens in accelerated time, with equally accelerated consequences. An indelicate remark on your first rendezvous may forever put the kibosh on a second. In fact, there are five key behaviors left over from your married days that can wreak havoc on your current romantic forays. We asked Marty Friedman, author of Straight Talk for Men About Marriage, to discuss how to recognize — and get rid of — these bad habits so your love life can prosper.
Bad Habit #1: Never ending your arguments. One of the dubious perks of being married, Friedman says, is being able to “stomp out of the room, cool yourself down, and bring up the issue again a few days or weeks later — or let it fester forever.” While having a knock-down, drag-out argument with someone you’ve just started dating isn’t exactly a good sign, you don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking, “If I ignore the problem, it’ll just go away.” That just won’t cut it when you’re dating.
Tactic to try: The challenge now, says Friedman, “is to hang in there and keep the lines of communication open.” You want to work through the issue, not allow it to linger.
Bad Habit #2: Letting yourself go. When two people are married for a long time, they stop trying to impress each other — thus fueling the market for dumpy sweatshirts, socks with sandals, and New York Yankees baseball caps. This may be fine for a lazy evening at home, but it’s a sure-fire date repellent, according to Friedman. “It’s easy to say, ‘I just want someone who likes me for who I am,’ but truthfully, the way humans operate is to feel more comfortable with and attracted to someone who cares enough about appearance to look presentable.”
Tactic to try: Simply put, make an effort. There is such a thing as dressing up, and it’s worth trying when wooing someone.
Bad Habit #3: Under-communicating your needs. Most married couples have the ability to read each other’s minds: to intuit, from an imperceptibly cocked eyebrow or a slightly fluttery tone of voice, that now may not be the best time to admit to spending junior’s college fund on a 72-inch plasma TV. Unless your date is a professional poker player, don’t expect her to interpret your tics and grimaces as a request for a nice glass of iced tea.
Tactic to try: “You need to state your needs and feelings out loud, in a responsible way,” Friedman says. “The good news is, by speaking up you can help shape how your new partner treats you.”
Bad Habit #4: Sniping instead of talking. The only time you’re allowed to treat constant bickering as a form of affection is when you’re both at least 75 and celebrating your golden wedding anniversary.
Tactic to try: Instead of criticizing your new partner, Friedman says, you should make an effort to “request what you need in a specific, caring way. For example: instead of shouting ‘You’re always late for everything,’ you can say gently, ‘This Saturday night, it would really mean a lot to me if you showed up on time or even a few minutes early.’”
Bad Habit #5: Not saying “thank you.” Common courtesy is one of the first casualties of an unsuccessful marriage — and even thriving couples can occasionally say things to each other that would make Emily Post blanch.
Tactic to try: “You should start your new relationship on a solid foundation of gratitude and appreciation, right from the beginning,” Friedman says. “Be thankful for the little things... even the fact that this person is spending the evening with you.” And while you’re at it, go ahead — say it out loud.
Bob Strauss is a freelance writer and children’s book author who lives in New York City. He’s also written the Dinosaur guide on About.com, the online information network owned by the New York Times.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=5433&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=751022
By Bob Strauss
OK, so you used to be married and now you’re not. You may be out there happily dating, but are the habits from your wedded days dogging you? Consider the fact that when you’re married, you have the luxury of a long, indefinite “’til death do us part” future in which to settle into a comfortable routine or slowly work through issues with your spouse. On a date, though, everything happens in accelerated time, with equally accelerated consequences. An indelicate remark on your first rendezvous may forever put the kibosh on a second. In fact, there are five key behaviors left over from your married days that can wreak havoc on your current romantic forays. We asked Marty Friedman, author of Straight Talk for Men About Marriage, to discuss how to recognize — and get rid of — these bad habits so your love life can prosper.
Bad Habit #1: Never ending your arguments. One of the dubious perks of being married, Friedman says, is being able to “stomp out of the room, cool yourself down, and bring up the issue again a few days or weeks later — or let it fester forever.” While having a knock-down, drag-out argument with someone you’ve just started dating isn’t exactly a good sign, you don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking, “If I ignore the problem, it’ll just go away.” That just won’t cut it when you’re dating.
Tactic to try: The challenge now, says Friedman, “is to hang in there and keep the lines of communication open.” You want to work through the issue, not allow it to linger.
Bad Habit #2: Letting yourself go. When two people are married for a long time, they stop trying to impress each other — thus fueling the market for dumpy sweatshirts, socks with sandals, and New York Yankees baseball caps. This may be fine for a lazy evening at home, but it’s a sure-fire date repellent, according to Friedman. “It’s easy to say, ‘I just want someone who likes me for who I am,’ but truthfully, the way humans operate is to feel more comfortable with and attracted to someone who cares enough about appearance to look presentable.”
Tactic to try: Simply put, make an effort. There is such a thing as dressing up, and it’s worth trying when wooing someone.
Bad Habit #3: Under-communicating your needs. Most married couples have the ability to read each other’s minds: to intuit, from an imperceptibly cocked eyebrow or a slightly fluttery tone of voice, that now may not be the best time to admit to spending junior’s college fund on a 72-inch plasma TV. Unless your date is a professional poker player, don’t expect her to interpret your tics and grimaces as a request for a nice glass of iced tea.
Tactic to try: “You need to state your needs and feelings out loud, in a responsible way,” Friedman says. “The good news is, by speaking up you can help shape how your new partner treats you.”
Bad Habit #4: Sniping instead of talking. The only time you’re allowed to treat constant bickering as a form of affection is when you’re both at least 75 and celebrating your golden wedding anniversary.
Tactic to try: Instead of criticizing your new partner, Friedman says, you should make an effort to “request what you need in a specific, caring way. For example: instead of shouting ‘You’re always late for everything,’ you can say gently, ‘This Saturday night, it would really mean a lot to me if you showed up on time or even a few minutes early.’”
Bad Habit #5: Not saying “thank you.” Common courtesy is one of the first casualties of an unsuccessful marriage — and even thriving couples can occasionally say things to each other that would make Emily Post blanch.
Tactic to try: “You should start your new relationship on a solid foundation of gratitude and appreciation, right from the beginning,” Friedman says. “Be thankful for the little things... even the fact that this person is spending the evening with you.” And while you’re at it, go ahead — say it out loud.
Bob Strauss is a freelance writer and children’s book author who lives in New York City. He’s also written the Dinosaur guide on About.com, the online information network owned by the New York Times.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=5433&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=751022
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