Most of the time when I think of sexual purity, I think of not having sex outside of marriage. But as I've been reading Ephesians 5:4-5, I've begun to think more about verbal sexual purity.
I have friends whose speech is always sprinkled with sexual innuendo. Or they tell sexy jokes - nothing truly filthy - but in my human, sinful mind they are funny and I laugh making myself agree with what is being said. Even on TV so much of what is said in comedy shows - the ones with real people and the ones that are cartoons - hinges on sex.
I don't have a problem when I get an email. If I start reading and decide it's not what I want to read, I just delete it and don't read all the way to the end. If I see or hear something on TV, I change the channel or turn it off. But when someone is speaking, especially in a group, I have trouble removing myself.
God's word says, "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place..." How easy it is to laugh with the world at what the world laughs at. Instead I need to keep all that out of my mind, my heart, my speech.
I want my heart to be so pure, so holy that I will NOT laugh or even smile when I hear something that is sexually impure or immoral. I want to speak the truth (Ephesians 4:25) to these friends who claim to be Christ followers. Yet I don't want to be the person with the log in his eye trying to remove the speck from his friends eye. Hopefully, someone will speak truth to me about things they see in me that need to change.
Friday, September 17, 2010
After the Conference
I am so tired this morning. The opportunities to serve at the NewSpring Leadership Conference were amazing but exhausting. I think I realize my age more after I participate in something like this. I don't really like to focus on "I'm not as young as I once was" but that is a fact of life.
I talked to some great people who were blown away by the service they were getting from our volunteers. People were amazed not to have to get up to throw their trash away after lunch and dinner. They were in awe that great snacks were provided - as much as they wanted - between every session. One was surprised that we just gave him a new conference booklet after his wife misplaced hers (he thought he would have to buy it). They couldn't believe that cards we gave out at the end of the day were actually hand written.
All the follow-up twitter traffic I have seen has been VERY positive - best conference I have been to kind of positive. The speakers were awesome by everyone's account. I only got to listen to sporadic minutes here and there but what I heard was great.
I also got to see some people I know - a pastor from New Orleans, a female friend who is on the board of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a guy on staff at FBC, Spartanburg. Plus I got to see the new set up for A Control, got a peak at the new Green Room, and arranged to get some training at the NewSpring, Greenville offices next week to do some volunteer work for Kevin and the production team.
In the days prior to the conference I got to go into the offices and laminate stuff and meet people I probably would not have met otherwise. I also saw the "creative" space where all the IT, web and video editing people work. Plus I got to speak to the one and only Perry Noble as he came in to say thank you to the volunteers who were putting packets together.
But what amazes me most is that God moved me from where I was to here. He had to do some serious tearing down to get me away from where I was. But since becoming submissive to His leadership, I have been blown away by all that He has allowed me to participate in. Our God is doing some AWESOME things in the lives of people and I get to see it and to help make it happen. That He would choose me...me! Who am I that He should choose me to be on His team, to see and do all that I get to do? Every time I think about it, I get tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.
I talked to some great people who were blown away by the service they were getting from our volunteers. People were amazed not to have to get up to throw their trash away after lunch and dinner. They were in awe that great snacks were provided - as much as they wanted - between every session. One was surprised that we just gave him a new conference booklet after his wife misplaced hers (he thought he would have to buy it). They couldn't believe that cards we gave out at the end of the day were actually hand written.
All the follow-up twitter traffic I have seen has been VERY positive - best conference I have been to kind of positive. The speakers were awesome by everyone's account. I only got to listen to sporadic minutes here and there but what I heard was great.
I also got to see some people I know - a pastor from New Orleans, a female friend who is on the board of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a guy on staff at FBC, Spartanburg. Plus I got to see the new set up for A Control, got a peak at the new Green Room, and arranged to get some training at the NewSpring, Greenville offices next week to do some volunteer work for Kevin and the production team.
In the days prior to the conference I got to go into the offices and laminate stuff and meet people I probably would not have met otherwise. I also saw the "creative" space where all the IT, web and video editing people work. Plus I got to speak to the one and only Perry Noble as he came in to say thank you to the volunteers who were putting packets together.
But what amazes me most is that God moved me from where I was to here. He had to do some serious tearing down to get me away from where I was. But since becoming submissive to His leadership, I have been blown away by all that He has allowed me to participate in. Our God is doing some AWESOME things in the lives of people and I get to see it and to help make it happen. That He would choose me...me! Who am I that He should choose me to be on His team, to see and do all that I get to do? Every time I think about it, I get tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Be Imitators of God
In Ephesians 5:1 Paul exhorts us to "be imitators of God". So what does that mean? How do I imitate God?
Paul starts this verse with "therefore" so I need to look back to see what leads up to that. The previous paragraph - starting at 4:25 - also begins with therefore so I go back even further to Ephesians 4:17. Now I am beginning to see what Paul is talking about.
The non-believers live in the futility of their minds, without understanding. I am to put off the old self with all the impurity of thought and action and to be renewed by the Spirit in my mind. Which is what he also said to the Romans.
So how do I get my mind renewed? It is the work of the Spirit as I read God's word. I can not be holy, faithful, truthful, loving, kind, giving, pure or any of the other traits of God's children without knowing how God would have me live. But, as Pastor P often says, I am to read my Bible not for information but for transformation.
I need to read asking and expecting the Holy Spirit to convict me of sin, to illuminate truth, to affirm what I am getting right, to change my way of thinking about God, about life, about people. Renewing my mind so that I have the mind of Christ.
Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God and love people. If I do that, and it is impossible without the Spirit of God living in me, I will be an imitator of God. It's not the loving God that gives me problems, it's the loving people. They can be annoying and obnoxious!! Help me, Lord, to love people as You do. You loved people - me - even as we were pounding the nails into your flesh.
Paul starts this verse with "therefore" so I need to look back to see what leads up to that. The previous paragraph - starting at 4:25 - also begins with therefore so I go back even further to Ephesians 4:17. Now I am beginning to see what Paul is talking about.
The non-believers live in the futility of their minds, without understanding. I am to put off the old self with all the impurity of thought and action and to be renewed by the Spirit in my mind. Which is what he also said to the Romans.
So how do I get my mind renewed? It is the work of the Spirit as I read God's word. I can not be holy, faithful, truthful, loving, kind, giving, pure or any of the other traits of God's children without knowing how God would have me live. But, as Pastor P often says, I am to read my Bible not for information but for transformation.
I need to read asking and expecting the Holy Spirit to convict me of sin, to illuminate truth, to affirm what I am getting right, to change my way of thinking about God, about life, about people. Renewing my mind so that I have the mind of Christ.
Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God and love people. If I do that, and it is impossible without the Spirit of God living in me, I will be an imitator of God. It's not the loving God that gives me problems, it's the loving people. They can be annoying and obnoxious!! Help me, Lord, to love people as You do. You loved people - me - even as we were pounding the nails into your flesh.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Leadership Conference
NewSpring Church is hosting a leadership conference this Thursday with some of the most influential leaders in the Church today...Jud Wilhite, Judah Smith, Mark Driscoll, Francis Chan, Steven Furtick, Rick Warren and our own Perry Noble.
I hope that I will be able to hear some of these guys during the day. I'm not familiar with Jud and Judah although I know their names. The rest of the men I know through their books or their blogs. These guys lead some of the most dynamic churches in America and have written some of the most read books.
I don't know yet where I will be serving but I do know it is going to be an exciting (but extremely tiring) day. SO looking forward to it.
I hope that I will be able to hear some of these guys during the day. I'm not familiar with Jud and Judah although I know their names. The rest of the men I know through their books or their blogs. These guys lead some of the most dynamic churches in America and have written some of the most read books.
I don't know yet where I will be serving but I do know it is going to be an exciting (but extremely tiring) day. SO looking forward to it.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Blessed Life
In yesterday's sermon from Perry at NewSpring, he was talking about the blessed life and how it is better to give than to receive. I believe that wholeheartedly. He also talked about not being able to out give God. I believe that wholeheartedly as well.
Perry told how he felt led to give someone $1000. He talked to his wife and then wrote the check. Later in the day he learned he had received a rebate check for $1348 so he made $348 off the deal. I know that happens but more money in my pocket may not be the end result of giving as God leads. Only in America do we equate blessing with cash. Getting more money back may or may not happen when I give as God directs.
I certainly don't believe that just because you are poor you will be more blessed by God. But in James we are told the those poor in the eyes of the world are often rich in faith. For those who love Jesus, being poor can be a blessing because they have to rely on Him rather than their money. One example of poverty in the Bible is the story of the widow's mite - she gave all that she had into the treasury of the church by giving two small coins. Jesus doesn't say she is more blessed than the rich people who gave lots of money but her story has been told for over 2000 years as an example of sacrificial giving. I have seen this lived out in Kenya!
By retiring I am taking a 42% cut in pay which actually puts me at poverty level - if I didn't have savings. I'm often asked if I have enough money in savings to live out my life and I always say I don't have a clue. I don't intend to get into my savings for daily expenses but I may give my savings away over time.
Even though I am at the poverty level financially, am I blessed? You betcha! I am breathing and walking around, I have friends, I have family, I have a home, I have food, I have a car, I have no debt except my house. God has given me opportunities to see life change in my family and in friends and acquaintances. My grandson has given his heart to Jesus. My son and his wife are becoming active in church. They are reading their Bibles and seeking to know God and how He would have them live. I wouldn't take a million bucks in exchange for those things. I truly am blessed beyond my wildest dreams!!
Perry told how he felt led to give someone $1000. He talked to his wife and then wrote the check. Later in the day he learned he had received a rebate check for $1348 so he made $348 off the deal. I know that happens but more money in my pocket may not be the end result of giving as God leads. Only in America do we equate blessing with cash. Getting more money back may or may not happen when I give as God directs.
I certainly don't believe that just because you are poor you will be more blessed by God. But in James we are told the those poor in the eyes of the world are often rich in faith. For those who love Jesus, being poor can be a blessing because they have to rely on Him rather than their money. One example of poverty in the Bible is the story of the widow's mite - she gave all that she had into the treasury of the church by giving two small coins. Jesus doesn't say she is more blessed than the rich people who gave lots of money but her story has been told for over 2000 years as an example of sacrificial giving. I have seen this lived out in Kenya!
By retiring I am taking a 42% cut in pay which actually puts me at poverty level - if I didn't have savings. I'm often asked if I have enough money in savings to live out my life and I always say I don't have a clue. I don't intend to get into my savings for daily expenses but I may give my savings away over time.
Even though I am at the poverty level financially, am I blessed? You betcha! I am breathing and walking around, I have friends, I have family, I have a home, I have food, I have a car, I have no debt except my house. God has given me opportunities to see life change in my family and in friends and acquaintances. My grandson has given his heart to Jesus. My son and his wife are becoming active in church. They are reading their Bibles and seeking to know God and how He would have them live. I wouldn't take a million bucks in exchange for those things. I truly am blessed beyond my wildest dreams!!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Who Is God?
Lately I've been reading Isaiah 42-45 over and over trying to really absorb who God is.
He is Creator. He is Redeemer. He is the Holy One. He is the first and the last. He pours out His Spirit. He renews the earth with water. He wants me to believe and be His witness and His servant. He formed man to bring glory to God. There are no other gods. He knows what will happen before it happens. He goes with me through times of trouble. He is the Lord Almighty. He forms light and creates darkness. He brings prosperity and creates disaster. He does new things. He speaks with integrity. Before Him every knee will bow and every tongue will swear. He is King. He is with me so I do not need to fear. He triumphs over His enemies.
This is just a little of what these chapters contain about God. I am so glad He wants me to know who He is. He took the time to tell Isaiah and the people of Israel almost 3000 years ago this story of who He is knowing that I would also benefit from this telling.
All that He was to Israel in those days, He is to me right now. My God never changes and I can depend on Him to do and be all that He says.
He is Creator. He is Redeemer. He is the Holy One. He is the first and the last. He pours out His Spirit. He renews the earth with water. He wants me to believe and be His witness and His servant. He formed man to bring glory to God. There are no other gods. He knows what will happen before it happens. He goes with me through times of trouble. He is the Lord Almighty. He forms light and creates darkness. He brings prosperity and creates disaster. He does new things. He speaks with integrity. Before Him every knee will bow and every tongue will swear. He is King. He is with me so I do not need to fear. He triumphs over His enemies.
This is just a little of what these chapters contain about God. I am so glad He wants me to know who He is. He took the time to tell Isaiah and the people of Israel almost 3000 years ago this story of who He is knowing that I would also benefit from this telling.
All that He was to Israel in those days, He is to me right now. My God never changes and I can depend on Him to do and be all that He says.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Time Off
I just spent a wonderful weekend with some really good friends at a house at Lake Junaluska. Quite a mix of people and life stories and walks with Christ.
We always have a great time talking and laughing and catching up on everything that is happening in everyone's life. Everyone was either congratulatory or jealous of my retirement. I am excited about what the future holds.
One thing one of the ladies told me over and over is to not get myself over committed in the volunteering area. I
could seem to make her understand that I will do what God leads me to do. If that is one day a week, I will volunteer one day a week. If that is 5 days a week, I will volunteer 5 days a week. But I don't plan to commit too fast to too much so I can give God time to direct me.
I am planning to take the next week off as a vacation week - a time to just relax and refresh and do a lot of thinking about God and where He wants me to go and what He wants me to do. I am NOT planning to do lots of yard work or closet cleaning or other household chores during this time. I AM planning to do a lot of Bible study and book reading and exercising (we ate soooo much food this weekend!).
Retirement (meaning a life spent doing only what I want to do or doing nothing at all) is not a biblical concept. Just because I will no longer be someone's paid employee, I am not giving up on using the gifts God has given me. I must continue to serve and work and touch lives wherever He leads me.
As a paid employee I did what was required by the job I had and spoke Jesus into the lives of my coworkers as often as I could. As a retiree I will be free to pursue interests that God has put on my heart and still use the abilities He has given me and hopefully will speak Jesus into a lot more lives without the restraints of "work".
We always have a great time talking and laughing and catching up on everything that is happening in everyone's life. Everyone was either congratulatory or jealous of my retirement. I am excited about what the future holds.
One thing one of the ladies told me over and over is to not get myself over committed in the volunteering area. I
could seem to make her understand that I will do what God leads me to do. If that is one day a week, I will volunteer one day a week. If that is 5 days a week, I will volunteer 5 days a week. But I don't plan to commit too fast to too much so I can give God time to direct me.
I am planning to take the next week off as a vacation week - a time to just relax and refresh and do a lot of thinking about God and where He wants me to go and what He wants me to do. I am NOT planning to do lots of yard work or closet cleaning or other household chores during this time. I AM planning to do a lot of Bible study and book reading and exercising (we ate soooo much food this weekend!).
Retirement (meaning a life spent doing only what I want to do or doing nothing at all) is not a biblical concept. Just because I will no longer be someone's paid employee, I am not giving up on using the gifts God has given me. I must continue to serve and work and touch lives wherever He leads me.
As a paid employee I did what was required by the job I had and spoke Jesus into the lives of my coworkers as often as I could. As a retiree I will be free to pursue interests that God has put on my heart and still use the abilities He has given me and hopefully will speak Jesus into a lot more lives without the restraints of "work".
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