We are private people. I think more by design than by choice, though many cherish and protect their privacy.
I wonder why that all goes out the window at church?
We pass the basket so that everyone can see who is giving and who is not (although it really does not tell the whole story).
I even know for a fact that some churches require that a prospective member submit their W-2 forms so that the pastor can review that they are "tithing" according to their income. This is of course so that the pastor can gauge the spiritual health of his flock (ahh...no...I 'm too speechless to comment on that).
Some churches are even performing credit checks.
I'm glad Jesus doesn't perform any of that. I wouldn't have made it.
Neither would you.
We were bankrupt and Jesus "paid it forward".
In fact, some of the "stuff" we do at church, appears at least on the surface, to actually conflict with what Jesus requires (as I scratch my head).
For example:
Matt. 6:3-4
"(3) But when you give to charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) So that your deeds of charity may be in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you openly."
Jesus says that we are to be so private in our giving (for one thing) that even even our left hand wouldn't know what our right hand is doing. That's pretty private.
Of course that can't really happen, but He is trying to show us that we are to keep some things intimately between us and God.
But why? What's the big deal? Wouldn't it be better if others know who the high rollers and the skinflints are?
Not in God's methodology.
He knows that if we set our eyes on what people give or don't give, the truth of who's doling out the rewards would be at the least shaded.
He wants us to know that He is the Giver. Of everything.
In fact, any other process is called hypocrisy by Jesus in the first two verses of this same chapter.
He says that if we do contrary to how God has designed it, we will get NO reward!
Hmmm...wouldn't it be funny if all the church's woes hinged on that simple oversight?
He wants it His way so that regardless of how much we give or how often, people would see the results rather than the actions.
He doesn't want us to focus on the flesh. Just the supernatural reward.
That way people know and witness the power of God free from any distracting interference of the possibility of "good works" being involved.
All Him. None of us.
I think we have a long way to go on that one. Humanity loves it's slaps on the back.
We'll hide our shame, but we'll flaunt our pomposity.
God will have none of it.
So, be a giver in what you have decided in your heart to give (2 Cor. 9:7). And God will not forsake you.
In fact He will reward you in such a fashion that others will know, but they will know that God has done it, and He will get all the glory!
That's really evangelism without all the hokey programs.
All people need to see is God blessing His people, and they will want to "get some a dat"!
My prayer today is that we will give as our heart directs, and that our purpose will be to edify Him, not ourselves. Put this principle into effect and watch how God rewards!
Run it all past Jesus first today! Strive to be second!
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Check out my blog at: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
"I'm In Labor" by Pastor Kevin Lynch
Hey, it's Labor Day.
Couldn't ask for a better lead in. lol!
In case you haven't lived long enough, here's a life hint:
Every day is labor day.
And I don' t mean the holiday.
I mean when at the end of the day you are generally asking "Can't somebody else do this?"
It's not just work that qualifies as labor either.
It's weariness caused by cares and concerns.
It's been my experience over the years that nothing will wear a person down faster than hauling bricks, than worry, anxiety and stress caused by problems, bills, failing marriages, broken relationships, addictions, and just some good old fashioned everyday stuff that most everybody goes through.
That's why the world needs Jesus so badly.
He not only takes care of your future, but your present as well.
Matthew 11:28 (Amplified Bible)
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]"
I don't care who you are. I don't even care if you're an atheist. Those words even at the surface level have got to sound real good!
Who wouldn't cash in all of their chips for some relief and refreshment?
You'd be surprised.
Some folks who know better wouldn't.
Maybe even you wouldn't.
There are even people sitting in church Sunday after Sunday who wouldn't. And haven't. And won't.
It's as if some people enjoy holding on to their trials, tribulations, and tragedies.
It's become who they are for them.
I think it's like being overtired. You know how you can get so tired that you pass the point of being able to sleep?
I think some folks can get so overburdened that they just can't get out from under it.
Even with Jesus' help.
In fact, they might even start blaming the very God who can help them!
It qualifies as a syndrome, but I haven't thought of a name yet.
Too much effort into anything can cause a reverse reaction.
That's what makes Jesus so appealing. He's fail proof!
All He says is "Come"! The Amplified Bible says He will "cause you to rest".
Almost as if there is no other alternative! It's simple!
"Come to Me all...and I WILL CAUSE you to rest!"
That's my prayer for all who read this and beyond. That you will stop trying to find the "solution" and turn to the One who will so powerfully give you peace and rest, that it will be as if He has actually forced you to be anxiety and stress free! That's Jesus. It's what He does. He never fails.
I hope you run it all past Jesus today!
Be blessed!
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Couldn't ask for a better lead in. lol!
In case you haven't lived long enough, here's a life hint:
Every day is labor day.
And I don' t mean the holiday.
I mean when at the end of the day you are generally asking "Can't somebody else do this?"
It's not just work that qualifies as labor either.
It's weariness caused by cares and concerns.
It's been my experience over the years that nothing will wear a person down faster than hauling bricks, than worry, anxiety and stress caused by problems, bills, failing marriages, broken relationships, addictions, and just some good old fashioned everyday stuff that most everybody goes through.
That's why the world needs Jesus so badly.
He not only takes care of your future, but your present as well.
Matthew 11:28 (Amplified Bible)
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]"
I don't care who you are. I don't even care if you're an atheist. Those words even at the surface level have got to sound real good!
Who wouldn't cash in all of their chips for some relief and refreshment?
You'd be surprised.
Some folks who know better wouldn't.
Maybe even you wouldn't.
There are even people sitting in church Sunday after Sunday who wouldn't. And haven't. And won't.
It's as if some people enjoy holding on to their trials, tribulations, and tragedies.
It's become who they are for them.
I think it's like being overtired. You know how you can get so tired that you pass the point of being able to sleep?
I think some folks can get so overburdened that they just can't get out from under it.
Even with Jesus' help.
In fact, they might even start blaming the very God who can help them!
It qualifies as a syndrome, but I haven't thought of a name yet.
Too much effort into anything can cause a reverse reaction.
That's what makes Jesus so appealing. He's fail proof!
All He says is "Come"! The Amplified Bible says He will "cause you to rest".
Almost as if there is no other alternative! It's simple!
"Come to Me all...and I WILL CAUSE you to rest!"
That's my prayer for all who read this and beyond. That you will stop trying to find the "solution" and turn to the One who will so powerfully give you peace and rest, that it will be as if He has actually forced you to be anxiety and stress free! That's Jesus. It's what He does. He never fails.
I hope you run it all past Jesus today!
Be blessed!
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Saturday, September 5, 2009
"Can't Someone Else Be Jesus?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Joey 5,and Tommy 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say,‘Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.’ Joey turned to his younger brother and said, “Tommy, you be Jesus!”
That's one way of getting around it!
Let someone else be Jesus.
I want mine and I want it now.
Someone else will always step up.
Until no one does.
There's only one "first" pancake to go around.
After that it's second.
It's not always fun being second, even when we have understood the importance of that concept and have decided to accept that role.
If we step outside the proper context of that ideal for even a moment, a disgruntled spirit will rise up.
Perspective is hard to maintain even when the tree is bearing good fruit.
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
I have to keep this in mind every day. If I hear one more debate on health care, one more report on the unemployment rate, one more excuse...ahh... but the Word makes too much sense.
There is love in the midst of hatred. Peace in the midst of war. Patience in the midst of frustration. Kindness in the midst of cruelty. Goodness in the midst of wickedness. Faithfulness in the midst of disloyalty. Gentleness in the midst of roughness. Self-control in the midst of rashness.
These are not things that get turned on or off. I am amazed at times at just how much they are beyond my control.
If self-control were up to me I would have no self-control.
But it's not up to me. It's up to the Holy Spirit, and He does good work.
It's not up to you either and if you find yourself struggling and failing and feeling guilty later there is a good chance that you are not allowing Him to do His work.
It's the fruit of the Spirit. So that means the Spirit has to planted and rooted in you to bear this good fruit.
It's a good day to check if that's the case or not.
But you already know if it is or not. Don't you? Sure you do.
Why not settle it today and begin experiencing the benefits that God provides.
You will be thankful, and everyone around you will be thankful.
Be blessed!
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
That's one way of getting around it!
Let someone else be Jesus.
I want mine and I want it now.
Someone else will always step up.
Until no one does.
There's only one "first" pancake to go around.
After that it's second.
It's not always fun being second, even when we have understood the importance of that concept and have decided to accept that role.
If we step outside the proper context of that ideal for even a moment, a disgruntled spirit will rise up.
Perspective is hard to maintain even when the tree is bearing good fruit.
Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
I have to keep this in mind every day. If I hear one more debate on health care, one more report on the unemployment rate, one more excuse...ahh... but the Word makes too much sense.
There is love in the midst of hatred. Peace in the midst of war. Patience in the midst of frustration. Kindness in the midst of cruelty. Goodness in the midst of wickedness. Faithfulness in the midst of disloyalty. Gentleness in the midst of roughness. Self-control in the midst of rashness.
These are not things that get turned on or off. I am amazed at times at just how much they are beyond my control.
If self-control were up to me I would have no self-control.
But it's not up to me. It's up to the Holy Spirit, and He does good work.
It's not up to you either and if you find yourself struggling and failing and feeling guilty later there is a good chance that you are not allowing Him to do His work.
It's the fruit of the Spirit. So that means the Spirit has to planted and rooted in you to bear this good fruit.
It's a good day to check if that's the case or not.
But you already know if it is or not. Don't you? Sure you do.
Why not settle it today and begin experiencing the benefits that God provides.
You will be thankful, and everyone around you will be thankful.
Be blessed!
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Friday, September 4, 2009
"How Well Is Well Enough?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch
"How Well Is Well Enough?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch
Jesus says He knows.
He knows your heart.
He knows your dedication, your depth of love for Him, your appreciation.
He knows your failures, your inabilities, your good intentions gone awry.
He knows you better than you know yourself.
This would include any pathetic attempt to pacify Him with your feeble excuses.
Trust me. They are paper thin. They do not even fool the mortal.
Jesus knows. He always knows. He always has known.
He knows when your love starts to grow cold.
Check it out: (all verses from Revelation, Chapter 2)
"I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance."
See. Nothing gets by Him.
"I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary."
See. He knows. He acknowledges.
"BUT I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]."
There it is. You have abandoned Him. You have deserted Him.
You have failed Him.
Wow.
I bet you're thinking, "I was doing so well."
Depends on "how well is well enough".
Is well enough popping into church a couple of times a month, without ever really becoming a part of the community of Christ?
Is well enough blowing off basically every opportunity to study His Word and spend time in prayer?
Is well enough invoking His presence during a crisis only?
Is well enough obstinately or carelessly refusing to support the work of His hands?
None of this is without consequence.
We tend to think of God sometimes as being so loving that He's squishy soft and cuddly.
Not so. The Risen Christ is still the Christ who bristles at the injustice of His people neglecting Him!
Read on:
"Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent."
"I will visit you and remove your lampstand."
The lampstand is the local church. Remove it and a light goes out.
Kind of like writing the word "Ichabod" (the glory of God has departed from this place) over the front door.
They say Nero fiddled while Rome burned.
Christians have the tendency to "fiddle" with other things while the flame in the lamp dims until it is nothing more than a dying ember. They fiddle while their sandy foundations shift until they collapse.
I'm sick to death of hearing how the struggling church is simply a result of a struggling economy and government.
What's the word I'm looking for here? Oh yeah...BALONEY!
It's not the struggling economy, it's the individual struggling with believing that their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is capable of doing all that He says!
Good Lord! We need a rescue today, and it ain't from petty problems and difficulties.
We need a rescue from a heart that's growing cold.
My prayer is that our hearts would be warmed and the flame of our lamp would grow stronger! That we would not forsake our first love, and that we would conform our inner self to the will of God.
Are you really running it all past Jesus first? No...really...are you?
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Visit my blog at: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/
Jesus says He knows.
He knows your heart.
He knows your dedication, your depth of love for Him, your appreciation.
He knows your failures, your inabilities, your good intentions gone awry.
He knows you better than you know yourself.
This would include any pathetic attempt to pacify Him with your feeble excuses.
Trust me. They are paper thin. They do not even fool the mortal.
Jesus knows. He always knows. He always has known.
He knows when your love starts to grow cold.
Check it out: (all verses from Revelation, Chapter 2)
"I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance."
See. Nothing gets by Him.
"I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary."
See. He knows. He acknowledges.
"BUT I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]."
There it is. You have abandoned Him. You have deserted Him.
You have failed Him.
Wow.
I bet you're thinking, "I was doing so well."
Depends on "how well is well enough".
Is well enough popping into church a couple of times a month, without ever really becoming a part of the community of Christ?
Is well enough blowing off basically every opportunity to study His Word and spend time in prayer?
Is well enough invoking His presence during a crisis only?
Is well enough obstinately or carelessly refusing to support the work of His hands?
None of this is without consequence.
We tend to think of God sometimes as being so loving that He's squishy soft and cuddly.
Not so. The Risen Christ is still the Christ who bristles at the injustice of His people neglecting Him!
Read on:
"Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent."
"I will visit you and remove your lampstand."
The lampstand is the local church. Remove it and a light goes out.
Kind of like writing the word "Ichabod" (the glory of God has departed from this place) over the front door.
They say Nero fiddled while Rome burned.
Christians have the tendency to "fiddle" with other things while the flame in the lamp dims until it is nothing more than a dying ember. They fiddle while their sandy foundations shift until they collapse.
I'm sick to death of hearing how the struggling church is simply a result of a struggling economy and government.
What's the word I'm looking for here? Oh yeah...BALONEY!
It's not the struggling economy, it's the individual struggling with believing that their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is capable of doing all that He says!
Good Lord! We need a rescue today, and it ain't from petty problems and difficulties.
We need a rescue from a heart that's growing cold.
My prayer is that our hearts would be warmed and the flame of our lamp would grow stronger! That we would not forsake our first love, and that we would conform our inner self to the will of God.
Are you really running it all past Jesus first? No...really...are you?
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Visit my blog at: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 3, 2009
"Casual Or Casualty?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch
"Casual Or Casualty?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch
The weightier matters of the counsel of God.
Things that are never considered, or if by chance they are, are quickly dismissed and relegated to the dark recesses of the heart where they become shut up in the futile effort to hide them from man and God.
Write a check under some false assumption of absolution.
Light a candle.
Shoot up a blurb which one loosely considers a prayer.
Target some obscure religious icon to invoke protection from.
Consider God only as the very last resort as the weight of daily living threatens to squeeze out every drop of life.
Finally appeal to God as the snow globe bursts, and then quickly abandon Him when the provision is secured.
Gather in His house because of religious obligation.
Gather in His house when there is nothing else going on.
I hope God has an insulated heart.
I hope He is not like me.
I wonder if He has to battle the negative feelings that arise when He sees His Church neglected?
Jesus was so incensed at the mishandling of God's house that He picked up a whip and went to town on some religious heinies.
He went to visit a temple and instead He found a flea market.
Matt. 23:23: "For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."
Things we ought to do.
Things we neglect.
Soothing our guilt by doing one thing and using it as an excuse to not do another.
Casual Christianity.
The enemy advances inch by inch.
Rarely are there sweeping decisive victories by the enemy over the Christian.
More like small, incremental and subtle wins which add up.
The Kingdom of God becomes smaller and smaller in the rear view mirror.
"Lost" is not just a TV drama.
Casual sounds way too close to casualty for me.
My heart breaks when I see poor choices being made.
The road to heaven is paved with the bleached bones of those who dropped out of the race.
Matthew 7:13:
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many."
Always remember this very simple and direct teaching by Jesus.
Never take the easy way out when it comes to spiritual matters.
It will kill your soul.
But you will have lots of company.
Casual leads to casualty.
Enter the heartbreak.
*sigh*
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Visit my blog at: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/
The weightier matters of the counsel of God.
Things that are never considered, or if by chance they are, are quickly dismissed and relegated to the dark recesses of the heart where they become shut up in the futile effort to hide them from man and God.
Write a check under some false assumption of absolution.
Light a candle.
Shoot up a blurb which one loosely considers a prayer.
Target some obscure religious icon to invoke protection from.
Consider God only as the very last resort as the weight of daily living threatens to squeeze out every drop of life.
Finally appeal to God as the snow globe bursts, and then quickly abandon Him when the provision is secured.
Gather in His house because of religious obligation.
Gather in His house when there is nothing else going on.
I hope God has an insulated heart.
I hope He is not like me.
I wonder if He has to battle the negative feelings that arise when He sees His Church neglected?
Jesus was so incensed at the mishandling of God's house that He picked up a whip and went to town on some religious heinies.
He went to visit a temple and instead He found a flea market.
Matt. 23:23: "For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."
Things we ought to do.
Things we neglect.
Soothing our guilt by doing one thing and using it as an excuse to not do another.
Casual Christianity.
The enemy advances inch by inch.
Rarely are there sweeping decisive victories by the enemy over the Christian.
More like small, incremental and subtle wins which add up.
The Kingdom of God becomes smaller and smaller in the rear view mirror.
"Lost" is not just a TV drama.
Casual sounds way too close to casualty for me.
My heart breaks when I see poor choices being made.
The road to heaven is paved with the bleached bones of those who dropped out of the race.
Matthew 7:13:
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many."
Always remember this very simple and direct teaching by Jesus.
Never take the easy way out when it comes to spiritual matters.
It will kill your soul.
But you will have lots of company.
Casual leads to casualty.
Enter the heartbreak.
*sigh*
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Visit my blog at: http://keepinitrealpastorkevin.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
"Why Not Dream?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch
"Why Not Dream?" by Pastor Kevin Lynch
Dreams are biblical.
In fact it may be one of the most common topics in all of scripture.
Dreams are different than hopes, but may intersect often.
My dreams tend to be while I am awake and perhaps more in the form of visions.
They are almost always spiritual, most always concern the church and people, and hardly ever concern myself or my own personal life.
My dreams are a longing to see the desires of Christ fulfilled in His Church.
I dream of the day when the Kingdom work is supported so fully that the Church makes a difference in the community it serves.
I dream of the day when the Church overflows with lives so changed that four walls will not contain them.
I dream of the day when men will man up in Christ and take their proper place in the plan of God and stop passing off that responsibility to their wives.
I dream of the day when people will gather around the study of the Word of God in great numbers not just when it is convenient for themselves, but because they recognize how vital and necessary it is to their spiritual health.
I dream of the day when people stop talking about being #2 to Jesus and actually step down and relinquish that spot to Him.
I dream of the day when people realize how badly they are missed when they routinely disregard church for other activities.
Why the opening of the heart today?
It's biblical. Even though it rubs against the grain for me, it's biblical. I MUST share.
Jeremiah 23:28 (Amplified Bible)
"The prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream; but he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully."
It's a package. It's a responsibility. It's a burden.
I speak His word.
I fail to tell the dream.
I'm always afraid I'll hurt someone.
God tells me to let Him worry about that.
After all, I am starting to qualify for "...your old men shall dream dreams." (Joel, Acts)
Well oldER men anyway. lol!
The joy is in Him and I long to see that manifest for everyone.
Hey, I can dream, can't I?
Run it all past Jesus first.
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Dreams are biblical.
In fact it may be one of the most common topics in all of scripture.
Dreams are different than hopes, but may intersect often.
My dreams tend to be while I am awake and perhaps more in the form of visions.
They are almost always spiritual, most always concern the church and people, and hardly ever concern myself or my own personal life.
My dreams are a longing to see the desires of Christ fulfilled in His Church.
I dream of the day when the Kingdom work is supported so fully that the Church makes a difference in the community it serves.
I dream of the day when the Church overflows with lives so changed that four walls will not contain them.
I dream of the day when men will man up in Christ and take their proper place in the plan of God and stop passing off that responsibility to their wives.
I dream of the day when people will gather around the study of the Word of God in great numbers not just when it is convenient for themselves, but because they recognize how vital and necessary it is to their spiritual health.
I dream of the day when people stop talking about being #2 to Jesus and actually step down and relinquish that spot to Him.
I dream of the day when people realize how badly they are missed when they routinely disregard church for other activities.
Why the opening of the heart today?
It's biblical. Even though it rubs against the grain for me, it's biblical. I MUST share.
Jeremiah 23:28 (Amplified Bible)
"The prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream; but he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully."
It's a package. It's a responsibility. It's a burden.
I speak His word.
I fail to tell the dream.
I'm always afraid I'll hurt someone.
God tells me to let Him worry about that.
After all, I am starting to qualify for "...your old men shall dream dreams." (Joel, Acts)
Well oldER men anyway. lol!
The joy is in Him and I long to see that manifest for everyone.
Hey, I can dream, can't I?
Run it all past Jesus first.
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
"Schmooze Makes The World Go 'Round" by Pastor Kevin Lynch
Elaine: "Is it possible that I'm not as attractive as I think I am?"
Jerry: "Anything's possible."
It sure is.
In fact, I would venture a guess that you are never as good looking as YOU think you are.
Mirrors lie.
Makeup camouflages.
People tell you what YOU want to hear.
Others never see you as attractive as you see yourself. (Trust me on this...NEVER!)
They just tell you that.
Yes I know. It's a rude awakening.
Especially for those who need to feed the ego beast.
I am convinced that the greater portion of the population functions exclusively on schmooze.
If schmooze could be bottled it would be the most sought after commodity on the planet.
Schmooze could be traded on the stock market and pull this country out of debt.
Schmooze soothes the savage ego.
So when someone craves the schmooze and doesn't get it, guess what happens?
SDD sets in (Schmooze Deficiency Disorder).
Schmooze Deficiency Disorder interrupts the feeding cycle of the ego, which in turn causes depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, bulimia, panic attacks, and just an all around feeling of worthlessness.
Come on, let's be honest. How can anybody possibly feel good about themselves if someone is not telling them how great they look, or how smart they are, or how wonderful they are, or how peachy keen they are.
I don't think I could live without being told I'm peachy keen.
Well, not really.
I know I'm not peachy keen.
However....
I do happen to trust the good judgment of Jesus Christ.
He thinks I am just cool enough to die for.
Jesus thinks I'm to die for.
No need for schmooze when the Lord God Almighty thinks you are worthy of His shed blood.
Who's opinion, good or bad, is going to top that?
In fact, in light of the love of Christ, having wonderful things said about us becomes more distasteful than something derogatory.
It's because in Christ we recognize our alleged worthiness is only because of what He has accomplished in us.
Without Him I am a failure undeserving of anyone's praise. Without Him I am running on pure high octane schmooze.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but rather Christ lives in me." (Gal. 2:20)
That's what I want people to see. I want people to see their absolute helplessness without Christ.
I want the cycle of schmooze to grind to a halt in the face of Glory.
You are NOT "all that".
Jesus is.
My prayer is that we begin to esteem Jesus more then ourselves. We don't need more "self" esteem. We need more "Jesus esteem". Our lowly self pity needs to be erased in the light of the extension of His glory toward us!
Run it all past Jesus first!
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
Jerry: "Anything's possible."
It sure is.
In fact, I would venture a guess that you are never as good looking as YOU think you are.
Mirrors lie.
Makeup camouflages.
People tell you what YOU want to hear.
Others never see you as attractive as you see yourself. (Trust me on this...NEVER!)
They just tell you that.
Yes I know. It's a rude awakening.
Especially for those who need to feed the ego beast.
I am convinced that the greater portion of the population functions exclusively on schmooze.
If schmooze could be bottled it would be the most sought after commodity on the planet.
Schmooze could be traded on the stock market and pull this country out of debt.
Schmooze soothes the savage ego.
So when someone craves the schmooze and doesn't get it, guess what happens?
SDD sets in (Schmooze Deficiency Disorder).
Schmooze Deficiency Disorder interrupts the feeding cycle of the ego, which in turn causes depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, bulimia, panic attacks, and just an all around feeling of worthlessness.
Come on, let's be honest. How can anybody possibly feel good about themselves if someone is not telling them how great they look, or how smart they are, or how wonderful they are, or how peachy keen they are.
I don't think I could live without being told I'm peachy keen.
Well, not really.
I know I'm not peachy keen.
However....
I do happen to trust the good judgment of Jesus Christ.
He thinks I am just cool enough to die for.
Jesus thinks I'm to die for.
No need for schmooze when the Lord God Almighty thinks you are worthy of His shed blood.
Who's opinion, good or bad, is going to top that?
In fact, in light of the love of Christ, having wonderful things said about us becomes more distasteful than something derogatory.
It's because in Christ we recognize our alleged worthiness is only because of what He has accomplished in us.
Without Him I am a failure undeserving of anyone's praise. Without Him I am running on pure high octane schmooze.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but rather Christ lives in me." (Gal. 2:20)
That's what I want people to see. I want people to see their absolute helplessness without Christ.
I want the cycle of schmooze to grind to a halt in the face of Glory.
You are NOT "all that".
Jesus is.
My prayer is that we begin to esteem Jesus more then ourselves. We don't need more "self" esteem. We need more "Jesus esteem". Our lowly self pity needs to be erased in the light of the extension of His glory toward us!
Run it all past Jesus first!
Keepin' it Real,
Pastor Kevin <><
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