Sunday, August 14, 2011

Backseat Faith

Have you ever had those times when you sort of, kind of are doing the whole walk with God thing? Yeah, you might listen to the Christian radio station in the car and even make it to church most of the time but as far as an active and thriving relationship with Him, it’s mostly not happening.

It can be so easy to slip into this pattern with countless social events, work obligations, family commitments, sports, extra curricular activities, etc. vying for our attention. If we’re not careful, these activities can creep in and relegate faith to a backseat role with limited day-to-day involvement.

Not only does keeping faith on the sideline open the door for temptation and sin to steal in but it also robs us of the abundant life offered in Christ. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” -John 10:10.

For faith to thrive, it must be fed and exercised. When this happens, it will produce fruit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” –Galatians 5:22-23.

Invite Jesus into your day no matter how packed or busy. Read the Bible. Sing and listen to worship songs that focus your heart and mind on Him. Talk to Him as you would a friend. Thank Him for blessings in your life, ask Him for wisdom, intercede for the needs of yourself and others and believe that He will answer.

Let us seek more than just a casual faith in God but rather one that is active, thriving, and an integral part of our lives.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Have you noticed faith taking a backseat role in your life recently?

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

The Land Between

Life sometimes brings us tough stuff and we find ourselves somewhere other than where we'd like to be. In The Land Between, Jeff Manion walks through various real life scenarios of people experiencing hardship and their responses to seeking God in the midst of it.

Manion also examines the Israelites during their time in the desert and how God took them through various experiences in order to prepare them for entering the promised land. Many times, they missed the opportunity to grow in their faith and deepening of their relationship with Him.

In speaking about difficulties, Manion says, "God intends to grow something beautiful and deep and lasting, but we must cooperate with Him for the season of hardship to work its intended transformation. Don't let your detour go waste. You are in training, and God is up to something good."

I read the book during a season of introspection and found it to be very good in helping with self examination and figuring out the relationship between my walk with God and difficult situations.

The book is not hard to read but I recommend reading it slowly to allow for sufficient reflection. It is not a do-these-5-steps-and-you'll-be-through-with-your-hardship-in-30-days type of book. But if you are open to examining circumstances and what God may be teaching you, it is an excellent guide.

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Validation

This video is guaranteed to make you smile.

Merit Badges Won't Get You Into Heaven

Achievement and accomplishment are encouraged and well engrained into the fiber of our culture. We celebrate those who run marathons, graduate from college, win awards, serve at the homeless shelter, receive promotions, rescue orphans, break records, write books, become wealthy, and a host of other accolades.

These are commendable and all fine and well but they will never truly fulfill us or get us into Heaven. Our achievements will always fall short of the holiness and righteousness of God. It is only by His grace that we can be saved from sin. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8-10 The inclination towards achievement and accomplishment can be harnessed and focused on good works that God has prepared for you.

Seek to bear fruit but rest in His grace and belief in Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9) rather than a false righteousness built on merit badges.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Has the desire for achievement ever clouded your spiritual focus?
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...