As many of you know, I got married last week. The wedding was amazing and the reception was a blast! Christine and I were just overwhelmed by how many great people love us. Plus, we were blown away when we began to open gifts by just how generous people are.
In between the wedding and opening gifts we got to go on a honeymoon. We went to the little town of Granby, Colorado. Granby is a small town nestled in the mountains just west of the Continental Divide. It is beautiful!
Each day of our honeymoon we were wowed a little more by the mountainous landscape. Beginning with alpine sliding and a scenic chair lift to zip lining and then the unmatchable Rocky Mountain National Park; we were astounded by God's creation.
On Tuesday of our honeymoon we took a scenic chairlift to the top of a mountain where we had lunch. On the way down from the mountaintop as my new wife and I sat slack jawed in the air we looked and worshipped. It was a breathtakingly worshipful experience. It was then, as we talked about how this stunning view made our hearts worship, that I turned to my wife and said, "The same God that made these mountains with one word wanted us to get married. Even better than that He calls us His son and daughter."
Did you get that? The same God that made the mountains with one word calls us His sons and daughters!
The next thing we did was quote this psalm:
"I lift my eyes up to the hills,
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD
the maker of heaven and earth."
Psalm 121: 1-2
Now, get this. You don't have to go on a honeymoon and look down from a 11,000 foot mountain to know that God is great and His creation is good. You can know this in Iowa, Oklahoma, Wisconsin or even boring looking Nebraska (no offense we just took too long to go through that state). Look out your window and see that God is great and His creation is good. But don't stop your thoughts there. Look at His handiwork and remember that the same God who made all creation, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the intricate eyeball on your sweetheart's face, calls you beloved. Know that the creator of the universe desires a relationship with you.
Remember that the Maker of Heaven and Earth has called you. If you have never responded to that loving call do it today.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Unity
"How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows His blessing,
even life forevermore."
Psalm 133
Unity of the saints is so important to God. This psalm is all about that. Jesus' last prayer was about that. Therefore, it must be important.
The Church is more beautiful when she is unified. Make the bride of Christ lovely. Strive for unity today.
when brothers live in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows His blessing,
even life forevermore."
Psalm 133
Unity of the saints is so important to God. This psalm is all about that. Jesus' last prayer was about that. Therefore, it must be important.
The Church is more beautiful when she is unified. Make the bride of Christ lovely. Strive for unity today.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I Want to be in Awe
Last night I saw one of the most beautiful displays of God's glory. The clouds were indescribably beautiful. Pink, blue, indigo, orange, white, gold and purple were some of the colors painted across the sky. Social media in my town was loaded with photos of the evening sky. I was in awe of God's beautiful handiwork. In fact, I turned upward and said, "Now you're just showin' off."
My fiance (soon to be wife) Christine and I stood outside marveling. We drove around just amazed at the unspeakable beauty over our heads. We were in awe.
As we drove back to my house Christine turned to me and said, "I want to be in awe of God again."
There we were at that moment in awe of God and her desire was to be in awe of God. She spoke of how when she was a brand new believer how she came back from even the simplest Bible study in awe of her God. While gazing at God's glory she wanted to be in awe of Him.
I'm not sharing this story to say, "Duh, Christine! You are in awe of God right now. What's wrong with you?"
No, I'm sharing this story because she had the perfect response to being in awe of God. She was in awe and wanted more. She was in awe of His painting called the sky and wanted to be in awe of another part of Him and His ways.
Her desire has convicted me. While I spent a little time recommending ways that she could be in awe of God more, I found myself listening to my own words. I want to be in awe.
In my "Christian maturity" I have become calloused to the wonder and mystery of God. I have many explanations for why and how God does things, but does that make me a mature Christian? I think the answer is "no".
Maybe the mature Christian is the one blown away by the "simplest" of truths.
Think about it. "Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so." This is a children's song. This is something we move by rather quickly. "Yeah, Jesus loves me." But that should not be a nonchalant statement. That statement should blow us away.
Truths like: We are now called children of God, the God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet, God made the heavens and the earth, God has existed forever and will exist forever; these are not truths to pass by quickly. These should bring us to our knees. These should cause our brains to hurt. These truths should make us awe.
Today, I'm going to try to have fewer answers to the questions of God. Today, I'm going to try to be lost in wonder of God. Today, I'm going to think about who God is in comparison to me. Today, I want to be in awe. Join me. Be in awe of our God today.
My fiance (soon to be wife) Christine and I stood outside marveling. We drove around just amazed at the unspeakable beauty over our heads. We were in awe.
As we drove back to my house Christine turned to me and said, "I want to be in awe of God again."
There we were at that moment in awe of God and her desire was to be in awe of God. She spoke of how when she was a brand new believer how she came back from even the simplest Bible study in awe of her God. While gazing at God's glory she wanted to be in awe of Him.
I'm not sharing this story to say, "Duh, Christine! You are in awe of God right now. What's wrong with you?"
No, I'm sharing this story because she had the perfect response to being in awe of God. She was in awe and wanted more. She was in awe of His painting called the sky and wanted to be in awe of another part of Him and His ways.
Her desire has convicted me. While I spent a little time recommending ways that she could be in awe of God more, I found myself listening to my own words. I want to be in awe.
In my "Christian maturity" I have become calloused to the wonder and mystery of God. I have many explanations for why and how God does things, but does that make me a mature Christian? I think the answer is "no".
Maybe the mature Christian is the one blown away by the "simplest" of truths.
Think about it. "Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so." This is a children's song. This is something we move by rather quickly. "Yeah, Jesus loves me." But that should not be a nonchalant statement. That statement should blow us away.
Truths like: We are now called children of God, the God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet, God made the heavens and the earth, God has existed forever and will exist forever; these are not truths to pass by quickly. These should bring us to our knees. These should cause our brains to hurt. These truths should make us awe.
Today, I'm going to try to have fewer answers to the questions of God. Today, I'm going to try to be lost in wonder of God. Today, I'm going to think about who God is in comparison to me. Today, I want to be in awe. Join me. Be in awe of our God today.
Monday, July 15, 2013
D.I.Y. Christianity
We American Christians have bought a lie.
We American's pride ourselves on self-sufficiency. D.I.Y. (do it yourself) is part of the lexicon. We love to do things all by ourselves. We pay to go to a restaurant where we can grill our own steaks. We search the aisles of Menard's and the Home Depot so we have the right equipment to do it ourselves.
Those who are D.I.Y.ers feel superior to those of us that call the plumber for help and in some ways they may be. D.I.Y. is a source of pride and I'm not saying that this is completely wrong.
But D.I.Y. Christianity is not what Christ has planned for us. When I say "D.I.Y. Christianity" I don't mean someone who is trying to earn heaven on their own without Jesus. When I say "D.I.Y. Christianity" I mean someone who thinks that needing others is a sign of weakness and that strong Christians can will themselves to righteousness.
First, we are never called to be self-sufficient Christians. We are called to be semi-self-fed, mature Christians, but not self-sufficient. We are called to pursue God and stay faithful to Him together. As my pastor says, "staying faithful to Jesus is a community project." A brave Christian is not one that suppresses his/her needs and does it himself/herself. No, a brave Christian is one that bares his/her weakest points to another in the Church and says, "Help me."
Secondly, we are not called to will ourselves into righteousness. Far from that, we are called to submit ourselves to righteousness. We are not purified by our sweat. No, we are purified by allowing Christ Jesus to work in us. We are purified by letting God do His work. Does this require some effort? Yes. But it isn't our doing, it is all God's doing.
So, submit yourself to God's working. Stop trying to do it yourself. Also, bare yourself to a brother or sister in Christ. Let them see your weakness and help you grow up into Christ. We are not called to be D.I.Y. Christians. We are called to be brothers and sisters submitting mutually to one another out of love under the headship of Christ.
Let go of your attempts at self-sufficient righteousness today.
We American's pride ourselves on self-sufficiency. D.I.Y. (do it yourself) is part of the lexicon. We love to do things all by ourselves. We pay to go to a restaurant where we can grill our own steaks. We search the aisles of Menard's and the Home Depot so we have the right equipment to do it ourselves.
Those who are D.I.Y.ers feel superior to those of us that call the plumber for help and in some ways they may be. D.I.Y. is a source of pride and I'm not saying that this is completely wrong.
But D.I.Y. Christianity is not what Christ has planned for us. When I say "D.I.Y. Christianity" I don't mean someone who is trying to earn heaven on their own without Jesus. When I say "D.I.Y. Christianity" I mean someone who thinks that needing others is a sign of weakness and that strong Christians can will themselves to righteousness.
First, we are never called to be self-sufficient Christians. We are called to be semi-self-fed, mature Christians, but not self-sufficient. We are called to pursue God and stay faithful to Him together. As my pastor says, "staying faithful to Jesus is a community project." A brave Christian is not one that suppresses his/her needs and does it himself/herself. No, a brave Christian is one that bares his/her weakest points to another in the Church and says, "Help me."
Secondly, we are not called to will ourselves into righteousness. Far from that, we are called to submit ourselves to righteousness. We are not purified by our sweat. No, we are purified by allowing Christ Jesus to work in us. We are purified by letting God do His work. Does this require some effort? Yes. But it isn't our doing, it is all God's doing.
So, submit yourself to God's working. Stop trying to do it yourself. Also, bare yourself to a brother or sister in Christ. Let them see your weakness and help you grow up into Christ. We are not called to be D.I.Y. Christians. We are called to be brothers and sisters submitting mutually to one another out of love under the headship of Christ.
Let go of your attempts at self-sufficient righteousness today.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Psalm 112
I've been reading a Psalm a day during the summer for the past two years. I'd highly recommend this reading plan. Below is my Psalm for today.
"Praise the Lord.
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who finds great delight in His commands.
His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn will be lifted high in honor.
The wicked man will see and be vexed,
he will gnash his teeth and waste away;
the longing of the wicked will come to nothing."
Psalm 112
Sure makes you want to fear the Lord and find delight in His commands. Fear God. Find delight in His commands today.
"Praise the Lord.
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who finds great delight in His commands.
His children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor,
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn will be lifted high in honor.
The wicked man will see and be vexed,
he will gnash his teeth and waste away;
the longing of the wicked will come to nothing."
Psalm 112
Sure makes you want to fear the Lord and find delight in His commands. Fear God. Find delight in His commands today.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Declaration of Dependence
I posted this the last couple of years and I think it's perfect again for this year.
Declaration of Dependence
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary of one man to dissolve the bands which have connected him to his self, and to reject the Powers of the earth, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires he should declare the causes which impel him to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that all men fall short of the glory of God, and that the wages of sin is death. When any Form of Living instituted by Men becomes destructive to man he should abolish it and institute a new Life. laying its foundation on such powers that will provide life.
I, therefore, do declare that I am abolished from the Allegiance to the self and the Powers of the earth. Not that I would be free and independent from all control, but rather that I would place my life in the hands of one who would fulfill my needs and provide me with life.
I declare dependence to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
The foregoing Declaration was engrossed and signed by the following members:
Matt Ray
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that all men fall short of the glory of God, and that the wages of sin is death. When any Form of Living instituted by Men becomes destructive to man he should abolish it and institute a new Life. laying its foundation on such powers that will provide life.
I, therefore, do declare that I am abolished from the Allegiance to the self and the Powers of the earth. Not that I would be free and independent from all control, but rather that I would place my life in the hands of one who would fulfill my needs and provide me with life.
I declare dependence to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
The foregoing Declaration was engrossed and signed by the following members:
Matt Ray
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Blessed by Discipline
"Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law;" Psalm 94:12
Does this verse feel like an oxymoron? "Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord,".
If you're like me, you hate being disciplined. You hate the idea of being disciplined. Yet we all applaud well disciplined people. "Wow! Your kids are so well behaved." "That team plays a discipline style of basketball." We appreciate the idea that well disciplined individuals and groups are better off than undisciplined individuals and groups; so, why don't we appreciate the Lord's discipline?
When I think of discipline, I think of getting a spanked or grounded. When I think of discipline, I think of punishment. But my fiance Christine made an excellent point a few weeks ago while we were reading Hebrews 12. She said that discipline does not necessarily equal punishment.
Discipline does not necessarily equal punishment.
With this in mind Psalm 94:12 makes a lot more sense. "Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law;" See, this isn't a sentence with two main points, it is one thought.
A parent can discipline a child not to play in the street by simply saying, "Don't play in the street." Parents don't wait for their children to frolic in traffic and then beat them to teach them not to play in the street. Parents discipline their children through their teaching and through their lifestyle.
God is no different. When God is teaching us His law He is disciplining us. Now, does God also punish us? Absolutely, but as a wise Father that is not His first resort in discipline. God teaches us His law to discipline us for our good.
Look at the next verse. "... you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked." Psalm 94:13.
See, God disciplines us through His law in order to keep us from trouble. And much more than that, he will dig a pit from the wicked. God will destroy wickedness because our trouble doesn't just come from our own wickedness. Our trouble can also come from living in a wicked, unrighteous world. God disciplines us now to help remove us from trouble and He will soon rise up against wickedness to remove us from every trouble once and for all.
"Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law; you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked." Psalm 94:12-13
Embrace the discipline from God's Word before you endure unnecessary days of trouble and punishment. Do yourself a favor and live your life according to God's Word today.
Does this verse feel like an oxymoron? "Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord,".
If you're like me, you hate being disciplined. You hate the idea of being disciplined. Yet we all applaud well disciplined people. "Wow! Your kids are so well behaved." "That team plays a discipline style of basketball." We appreciate the idea that well disciplined individuals and groups are better off than undisciplined individuals and groups; so, why don't we appreciate the Lord's discipline?
When I think of discipline, I think of getting a spanked or grounded. When I think of discipline, I think of punishment. But my fiance Christine made an excellent point a few weeks ago while we were reading Hebrews 12. She said that discipline does not necessarily equal punishment.
Discipline does not necessarily equal punishment.
With this in mind Psalm 94:12 makes a lot more sense. "Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law;" See, this isn't a sentence with two main points, it is one thought.
A parent can discipline a child not to play in the street by simply saying, "Don't play in the street." Parents don't wait for their children to frolic in traffic and then beat them to teach them not to play in the street. Parents discipline their children through their teaching and through their lifestyle.
God is no different. When God is teaching us His law He is disciplining us. Now, does God also punish us? Absolutely, but as a wise Father that is not His first resort in discipline. God teaches us His law to discipline us for our good.
Look at the next verse. "... you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked." Psalm 94:13.
See, God disciplines us through His law in order to keep us from trouble. And much more than that, he will dig a pit from the wicked. God will destroy wickedness because our trouble doesn't just come from our own wickedness. Our trouble can also come from living in a wicked, unrighteous world. God disciplines us now to help remove us from trouble and He will soon rise up against wickedness to remove us from every trouble once and for all.
"Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law; you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked." Psalm 94:12-13
Embrace the discipline from God's Word before you endure unnecessary days of trouble and punishment. Do yourself a favor and live your life according to God's Word today.
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