So a little boy I was watching during the women's bible study at my church. showed me a prime illustration of what this blog post is all about. Today in the nursery area was a new toy, I have no idea where it came from but it was pretty easy to figure out. You place the cars at the top pull the levers down and they go flying down four stories (in toy size mind you) of ramp shooting out the bottom, most not going that far. Now I know that does not seem too thrilling, especially since the only variation came from using either a wooden or a regular toy car, but I watched a four year old do it for his entire 55 minute play time.
As I watched him I saw how nothing could stop him for finding complete joy in the new toy, whether it be the car itself or the something else that goes on, he was ever persistent.
Now what does that have to do with Serial Sinners you ask (you guys ask a lot of questions), well it's that behavior that is repetitive (or in a series) without any knowledge that something is better that defines the human condition. Yes I am a Serial Sinner, and so are you. Now I'm not sure if you found this blog on accident or if you were actually checking up on me, but to be honest I hope that in some form you can understand some of the nature of your own depravity. I will have some bread for thought at the end for you to ponder about man's state of sinfulness.
But why am I posting this? Well I was thinking about how we as Christians can have a better than though approach but in truth we can't be that much better. We have heard that all have sinned so why do we act superior. The only difference between us and those playing with the toy car ramp, is that we know truth, and truth says we are separate from God. Does that mean that you're on the same level of morality of a serial killer or serial rapist, well of course not, but still the wages of sin is death. Besides in the scale of forgiveness think of what Jesus said in Luke 7:47 "But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Are you a Pharisee?
No I did not write this blog to convict people and simply step on people's toes because frankly I'm stepping on my own toes. I share what I'm learning and that's what God has revealed. I can be judgmental and that holds me back from really being honest and open in my witness to others. Why is my love not blind to a person's faults, yet I claim to walk with Christ? Can I see a person's sin and still love them? Well of course I can in God's strength, who shows through Christ the vastness of God's love. John 2:25 says "He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person." yet there are so many instances that Jesus was tender yet forthcoming with his knowledge of a person sin. We are called to love others because we are all Serial Sinners, who all need salvation. Just as I heard recently, 'if Mother Teresa, Hitler and the Dalai Lama were all on the Titanic, they would all need a lifeboat!' Don't forget that you need that lifeboat as well.
-A. Marie (A Serial Sinner)
BREAD For Thought:
Romans 3:21-31
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[b] Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
One Day Without Shoes
Today I went one day without shoes! That might not sound that bad for those of you who live in a place that knows that it is spring, but today when I walked to campus it was snowing. Yes I am nuts but I think this blog is even more important than just going barefoot in the cold while wearing my winter jacket. I was sure that I wouldn't be able to do it even before I knew what the weather would be. I thought that was too much of a pansy (thanks Johnny TenEyck) to every walk around all day on the hard gravel. But after a lot of inside barefoot practice and being able to encourage myself to be stronger that I think I am.
It seemed that God wanted to call my bluff today and make it snow just as I walked outside. The ground was wet and rocky but as I walked to campus trying my best not to step on any painful rocks finding that pain was inevitable and that my feet felt numb from the cold. I was able to finally walk in someone else's feet. I had never been able to walk outside from the slight discomfort on my feet. Walking outside on different types of sidewalk, slower than usual because of the lack of soft material under my feet I thought of what it would be like if this was your life everyday. I love shoes and this seems to be a devastating thought, but I never thought I could make one day so I know I can do anything when I believe in God's work in me!
This day led me to think of how privileged I am, and selfish for never thinking of anyone else but myself the majority of my life. I will never take shoes for granted again, or socks for that matter. I've been blessed to live in this country and yes my ancestors suffered oppression but I'm living the life they dreamed of. This being the Why Week it also made me think of how privileged I am to be a Christian in America. If I never wanted to take a risk in my faith I would never have to. This is sad but it's truly the state of most Christians in America. But I don't think that justifies any thing. Why are you a Christian?
Honestly I had to face that question myself two years ago as a scared sophomore who realized she didn't want to be persecuted for her faith. Now I see the same amount of uncertainty in church's around the country. How radical would Christianity be if people were willing to be persecuted. I'm not saying I want us to be persecuted or to even be without shoes, I'm just saying that from my experience that Godly selflessness changes you for the better. It's not that you automatically become a martyr and give away all of your possessions, but that you become even more aware of how you can be a coworker with God. And in the words of MercyMe, you never know why you're alive until you know what you would die for!
So take a step, maybe a barefoot one, to push yourself out of the way. Sure you might want to think you're the most awesome person in the world, but don't see your life as just some insignificant blip that will only last as long as you do, but as a Godly legacy that will last through out generations of believers.
Some BREAD for Thought:
Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Romans 8:18
[ Present Suffering and Future Glory ] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Philippians 3:8
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
Philippians 2:2-4 (New International Version, ©2011)
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others
It seemed that God wanted to call my bluff today and make it snow just as I walked outside. The ground was wet and rocky but as I walked to campus trying my best not to step on any painful rocks finding that pain was inevitable and that my feet felt numb from the cold. I was able to finally walk in someone else's feet. I had never been able to walk outside from the slight discomfort on my feet. Walking outside on different types of sidewalk, slower than usual because of the lack of soft material under my feet I thought of what it would be like if this was your life everyday. I love shoes and this seems to be a devastating thought, but I never thought I could make one day so I know I can do anything when I believe in God's work in me!
This day led me to think of how privileged I am, and selfish for never thinking of anyone else but myself the majority of my life. I will never take shoes for granted again, or socks for that matter. I've been blessed to live in this country and yes my ancestors suffered oppression but I'm living the life they dreamed of. This being the Why Week it also made me think of how privileged I am to be a Christian in America. If I never wanted to take a risk in my faith I would never have to. This is sad but it's truly the state of most Christians in America. But I don't think that justifies any thing. Why are you a Christian?
Honestly I had to face that question myself two years ago as a scared sophomore who realized she didn't want to be persecuted for her faith. Now I see the same amount of uncertainty in church's around the country. How radical would Christianity be if people were willing to be persecuted. I'm not saying I want us to be persecuted or to even be without shoes, I'm just saying that from my experience that Godly selflessness changes you for the better. It's not that you automatically become a martyr and give away all of your possessions, but that you become even more aware of how you can be a coworker with God. And in the words of MercyMe, you never know why you're alive until you know what you would die for!
So take a step, maybe a barefoot one, to push yourself out of the way. Sure you might want to think you're the most awesome person in the world, but don't see your life as just some insignificant blip that will only last as long as you do, but as a Godly legacy that will last through out generations of believers.
Some BREAD for Thought:
Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
Romans 8:18
[ Present Suffering and Future Glory ] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Philippians 3:8
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ
Philippians 2:2-4 (New International Version, ©2011)
2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
What Hellcats Taught Me
While watching a show that most would label as that dumb cheer show (Hellcats), I saw something deeper than just stunts and drama, I saw people standing together despite the consequences for the sake of doing what was right. Not what was easy, but what is right. As Christians today we sometimes fail to realize that we have to stand together,we are all for gathering in our churches and singing our worship music, but how willing are we to cry for another brother or sister in Christ? Are we willing to let them go with our very names on the line, to go into the jungle with them with our lives.
I can't say that I can right now, but I want to. I want to be a part of a unified body of believers, giving my all for them despite what hardships and 'lost' I might face. It's not easy to stand in that circle and punch my fist saying no matter what I'm in this with you. It's been almost two years since that fateful van ride that made me face the question of whether my faith is real. I decided that I would take the risk no matter what, but does that live out in my life. Do I uphold the Gospel despite the criticism, adversity and inconvenience. It not easy to let God use you, you have to make the effort and the choice. We battle everyday with our selfish nature. I have to tell myself to be purposeful to seek spiritual conversations. Thinking that it's just going to happen is like saying that the blind man will be able to get through a forest without our help. The people around us need us, and frankly I'd rather be that weird Jesus Freak, then to have to face Jesus and tell him I have no fruit to show from my walk with him.
The latest episode made me realize how much cheer-leading has in common with the church. I know how does short skirts and back flips have anything to do with being in the body of Christ. In this particular episode one cheerleader literally fell backwards into the waiting arms of her teammates. But here's the catch, she couldn't see them, which I physically don't think I could ever do, what with the fear of falling thing. But it was a symbolization of being a part of a team, and for this character it meant more, it meant changing her plans and thinking of how her decisions effect them. But she wasn't looking at them as assets, but as liabilities (I know that's the soon to be former major of mine coming out), she felt she owed them something that she was facing her choices alone. Yet when her team knew what she was facing and how all of their very livelihoods were on the line they still stood together, not knowing the outcome.
So in more cheer related metaphors, we have to be bases to those who are flying into the unknown for the sake of the gospel, because they need to know that we are willing to catch them when they fall. We need to give our all for the presentation of the gospel, our lives aren't a competition, and we don't practice to win at it, but we still need each other. The only time a cheerleader is by herself is during the tryouts (maybe some of us have forgotten what it was like to not walk with God). We are not just a religion, we are a family, we are responsible to and for each other. I am sure that God will even ask us questions on how good of a steward we were with other believers. It's not easy to stand in truth but it's even harder when you feel alone. I'm willing to strive to support and encourage you no matter what, I pray that you will do the same.
-A. Marie
I can't say that I can right now, but I want to. I want to be a part of a unified body of believers, giving my all for them despite what hardships and 'lost' I might face. It's not easy to stand in that circle and punch my fist saying no matter what I'm in this with you. It's been almost two years since that fateful van ride that made me face the question of whether my faith is real. I decided that I would take the risk no matter what, but does that live out in my life. Do I uphold the Gospel despite the criticism, adversity and inconvenience. It not easy to let God use you, you have to make the effort and the choice. We battle everyday with our selfish nature. I have to tell myself to be purposeful to seek spiritual conversations. Thinking that it's just going to happen is like saying that the blind man will be able to get through a forest without our help. The people around us need us, and frankly I'd rather be that weird Jesus Freak, then to have to face Jesus and tell him I have no fruit to show from my walk with him.
The latest episode made me realize how much cheer-leading has in common with the church. I know how does short skirts and back flips have anything to do with being in the body of Christ. In this particular episode one cheerleader literally fell backwards into the waiting arms of her teammates. But here's the catch, she couldn't see them, which I physically don't think I could ever do, what with the fear of falling thing. But it was a symbolization of being a part of a team, and for this character it meant more, it meant changing her plans and thinking of how her decisions effect them. But she wasn't looking at them as assets, but as liabilities (I know that's the soon to be former major of mine coming out), she felt she owed them something that she was facing her choices alone. Yet when her team knew what she was facing and how all of their very livelihoods were on the line they still stood together, not knowing the outcome.
So in more cheer related metaphors, we have to be bases to those who are flying into the unknown for the sake of the gospel, because they need to know that we are willing to catch them when they fall. We need to give our all for the presentation of the gospel, our lives aren't a competition, and we don't practice to win at it, but we still need each other. The only time a cheerleader is by herself is during the tryouts (maybe some of us have forgotten what it was like to not walk with God). We are not just a religion, we are a family, we are responsible to and for each other. I am sure that God will even ask us questions on how good of a steward we were with other believers. It's not easy to stand in truth but it's even harder when you feel alone. I'm willing to strive to support and encourage you no matter what, I pray that you will do the same.
-A. Marie
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