Self-examination

All her people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for meat to relieve the soul: see, O LORD, and consider; for I am become vile.   Lamentations 1:11

This verse hit me square in the gut today.  The prophet Jeremiah calls himself "vile".  Now I know that word is pretty harsh, especially when applied to yourself.  That's not the hard part.  The hard part is in context.  He calls himself vile right after pegging the sin of Israel.

Israel had turned its back on God.  This verse talks of their turning to the fun and pleasant things of the world to help relieve their pain.  This is the nation that God Himself rescued with His own hand.  The nation that God chose to dwell amongst in the tabernacle.  This is the nation that chose the things of the world to treat their pain and discomfort rather than the peace and covering of God.  Jeremiah is pointing out their transgression and then looks at himself and says, "I am vile."

Personally, I don't work like that.  I know that if I was railing against the obvious sin of someone my next thought is not to look at myself and think of my own short-comings.  No!  My usually thought is how much better I am than they are.  In fact, I may be able to justify a whole mess of sin and think I am okay, ESPECIALLY compared to the other's horrible behavior.  Yet, I can't find the God that saved me by sacrificing His own son writing down that any of us are graded on a curve, or in relation to each other.  Thankfully so!

Can you imagine being judged in relation to one of the apostles, Hitler or Jesus?  I would hands down pick Hitler, yet Jesus is the standard.  I encourage you to look at your own life.  Where are you needing some work?  Is there something that has been pushed under the rug because we are judging based on a relative standard?

New Church or Old Church

Is America hungry for a fresh way of "doing church"? One base on Jesus, led by Jesus, united under Jesus? "New" is not the right word, in fact "old" is. Real old. Before the dawn of time kind of old.

Ponder these things.

The Goodness of God by Randy Alcorn

The Goodness of God by Randy Alcorn

The Goodness of God  looks at the question of "If God is real and good, why is there evil?".  In looking for an answer, the author looks at questions about God's will and the murder of innocents as well as other arguments against the existence of a truly loving creator.  This book is not just a textual or theological argument, rather it looks at the character and actions of God and then answers the question through that world view.

I loved this book.  It made me think about my place in God through Jesus.  God is not sitting far away while there is suffering, He is with us.  Even more to the point, He sent Jesus into the middle of it all to endure the worst of pain, persecution and death.  There is nothing that God is shying away from in His fight for humanity.  The enemy comes to destroy, and God comes to give life.  We may not always see the whole plan, but we know that God is good and cares for us.  If we can focus there, then the answers to evil make sense.  There is evil because the world is fallen.  It still exists because God is calling all to Him that will believe.  One day, it will all be made right again through Jesus.

The perspective I gained from reading this book was fantastic.  It is a great anchor for your soul.

CLICK HERE TO READ CHAPTER 1

I'd give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Measuring Up

Now from those recognized as important (what they really were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism) — they added nothing to me.  Galatians 2:6 HCSB


In writing to the Galatians, Paul reminds them that social status, wealth, looks, anything that society places value on is worthless to God.  God is the one that determines value.  Even more hitting, it is not and cannot be earned.  All our value is the result of the gift of God.

The sacrifice of Jesus, the gift of love, being called into His service.  These are the things of value.

I have trouble with this.  I have my own internal scorecard.  Unfortunately, if I'm honest, there is a lot of worldly looking categories at the top.  What about your scorecard?  What's on it?  What things do you wish to be different to feel self-worth?

How would you answer?

Look at Isaiah 6:8. How would you respond to God's call? Would you say, "Send me"? I would like to think I would. In fact, I'd like to think I have, but did I only answer yes to the calls that looked like a favorable outcome? Read the rest of Isaiah 6 to see what God says Isaiah is to face because of his answer.

Walking With Bilbo by Sarah Arthur

Walking With Bilbo by Sarah Arthur

Walking With Bilbo is a guided journey through Christianity using the Tolkien classic The Hobbit as a map.  This book is not a review of The Hobbit, instead it looks at the aspects of Christianity that are found in the story.  By looking at Bilbo and other characters, the author examines the issue of our own hearts, our relationship to our Father God, the depth of sacrifice of Jesus and the glorious reunion to come.  Through 21 devotions the author spans the story of Bilbo and his own journey.

This is a great book.  The author is a Tolkien fan and it shows.  However, this is not a fan book that has Christianity slapped on top.  Instead, it is a thoughtful look at the building of our faith and the part we play in this world.  Each chapter looks to ourselves, the hobbit story and the Bible to see what God is speaking.  From there, the author provides scripture reading to expound the point and serve as focus for meditation.  I really enjoy this book and see it being used often in my study and recommending to others.

I'd give the book 5 out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers  as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Slowing Down

Since returning, one of my friends gave me a challenge in my weekly routine.  The challenge was simple, "Spend time with God every week."  Let me flesh that out a little.

Every week schedule a time and protect it.  Call it a meeting with you and God.  No interruptions, no texts or emails, just you and God.  Listen to Him and hear what He has to say.  Whoa.

Often we are so consumed in helping others (discipling, serving, doing) we forget about the needs we have.  How important is it to not just pay God lip service with a quick prayer?  How tough would it be to spend the time?

What about you?  Ready to get out your calendar and schedule that appointment?  Just see how quickly something shows up to take it away.