Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, December 7, 2009
Memory Monday
I'm feeling a bit ambitious this week as I attempt to tackle four verses.
However, when reading this passage over the weekend, I was completely struck by the simplicity yet life changing message of these four verses.
Luke 21:1-4
As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. I tell you the truth, he said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.
However, when reading this passage over the weekend, I was completely struck by the simplicity yet life changing message of these four verses.
Luke 21:1-4
As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. I tell you the truth, he said, this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.
__________________________________
It's not out of His character to ask for everything.
- Francis Chan in Forgotten God
- Francis Chan in Forgotten God
Kingdom Come, Uganda
A friend of mine I went to college with is Lead Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. He and his lead staff recently returned from a trip to Uganda and this is what they came back with. Take a seat and watch this, its worth the time.
Kingdom Come, Part 2: Uganda
Kingdom Come, Part 2: Uganda
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Blind Side
Jeremiah and I went on a date recently and saw the new movie, The Blind Side.
We both really like it and highly recommend it.
This true story of a wealthy Memphis family and the son they adopted was based on the 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. With powerful performances the film is uplifting and holds some truly touching moments but is (refreshingly) not gushy or saccharine.
Be sure to watch the trailer.
For further reading, check out Family Man, a WORLD article about the book and the movie.
We both really like it and highly recommend it.This true story of a wealthy Memphis family and the son they adopted was based on the 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. With powerful performances the film is uplifting and holds some truly touching moments but is (refreshingly) not gushy or saccharine.
Be sure to watch the trailer.
For further reading, check out Family Man, a WORLD article about the book and the movie.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
ThankFull Week (Active Contentment)
Jeremiah and I did a contentment experiment last year that really taught us a lot.
I am reflecting on what we have fleshed out this year regarding being content.
And yes, this does relate to Thanksgiving.
I have learned that one does not just will oneself to be content. I can't tell myself "I am content" and...poof! It happens.
(If it worked that way I would next try telling Ezra "you are potty trained!" Ha!)
Like with all sin, when struggling with discontentment, one simply doesn't just remove the discontent. It has to be replaced with something else.
I have learned that contentment is gained by being actively and intentionally generous and thankful.
When I am focused on all that the Lord has blessed me with I cannot help but be content. When I am actively being thankful I cannot help but be overwhelmed with the goodness of the Lord. When I realize all that I have to be thankful for I cannot help but want to share with others.
Pastor Clay spoke a few weeks ago on the subject of biblical finances. He used an illuminating illustration on how when we are comparing ourselves to others in the aspect of "goodness" we always compare ourselves to people "below" us on the goodness scope...murderers, adulterers, etc. However, when we compare ourselves to others in the aspect of what we "have" we always compare ourselves to people "above" us on the possession scale...people with more cars, clothes, etc.
If we can retrain our minds to look at all we have been given and blessed with and have in our lives we cannot help but be thankful.
In turn, true thankfulness breeds generosity.
Generosity breeds contentment.
May your Thanksgiving this year bring about true contentment.
___________________________________________________
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I am reflecting on what we have fleshed out this year regarding being content.
And yes, this does relate to Thanksgiving.
I have learned that one does not just will oneself to be content. I can't tell myself "I am content" and...poof! It happens.
(If it worked that way I would next try telling Ezra "you are potty trained!" Ha!)
Like with all sin, when struggling with discontentment, one simply doesn't just remove the discontent. It has to be replaced with something else.
I have learned that contentment is gained by being actively and intentionally generous and thankful.
When I am focused on all that the Lord has blessed me with I cannot help but be content. When I am actively being thankful I cannot help but be overwhelmed with the goodness of the Lord. When I realize all that I have to be thankful for I cannot help but want to share with others.
Pastor Clay spoke a few weeks ago on the subject of biblical finances. He used an illuminating illustration on how when we are comparing ourselves to others in the aspect of "goodness" we always compare ourselves to people "below" us on the goodness scope...murderers, adulterers, etc. However, when we compare ourselves to others in the aspect of what we "have" we always compare ourselves to people "above" us on the possession scale...people with more cars, clothes, etc.
If we can retrain our minds to look at all we have been given and blessed with and have in our lives we cannot help but be thankful.
In turn, true thankfulness breeds generosity.
Generosity breeds contentment.
May your Thanksgiving this year bring about true contentment.
___________________________________________________
Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
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