We like to read this:
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52).
What about this?
“through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22b).
Archives for January 2009
The Opposite of God
This weekend I am leading worship for the Spiritual Breakthrough Retreat at APC. Pastor Jeff is talking about the power of God over the powers of darkness. I loved this illustration:
- The opposite of black is… white
- The opposite of night is… day
- The opposite of bad is… good
- The opposite of God is…?
For the last point we naturally say, “the devil”. Jeff taught us that this is not true. The opposite of the devil is Michael or Gabriel, who are angels. There is no opposite to God because there is only one true God.
That leads me to declare and appreciate this truth even more – “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31).
How’s that for perspective?
Honda's, Guardrails, and the Meaning of Life
Yesterday morning the snowfall was heavy. Yesterday morning the roads were horrible. Yesterday morning I swerved off the road, hitting a guardrail in my fairly new, 2004, black Honda Civic.
I like stuff. I like to take care of my stuff. When this incident occurred, my heart sank. Then I read this in my Bible reading this morning:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-20).
I’m simply reminded today that loving material possessions too much is stupid.
I’m reminded that when something difficult happens in my life, it’s another opportunity to thank God for what is eternal – for what cannot ever be taken away.
I want to be like Stephen
He:
- was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5).
- was full of grace and power (Acts 6:8).
- did great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 6:8).
- was so utterly committed to his cause that he received dispute for what he did (Acts 6:9).
- could not be withstood because of the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke (Acts 6:10).
- shone with the brightness of God’s glory (Acts 6:15).
- was a wise, convicting preacher (Acts 7).
- saw the glory of God & Jesus Christ (Acts 7:55).
- forgave his murderers (Acts 7:60).
- was a martyr for Jesus Christ (Acts 7:60).
How Do You Handle Entertainment?
It has been on my heart recently to discuss the matter of entertainment. Do you ever think about how much movie, music, TV, video game items you indulge in? Do you ever think about why you indulge? Do you blindly accept all Christian media simply because it has a Christian stamp on it? Do you accept any and all secular media without giving it a critical thought?
Due to the increasing amount of media in our day, it is crucial for followers of Jesus to think critically about what we consume. First John warns us not to love the world, and I fear we flirt with this quite a bit as Christians. If you listen to Christian and/or secular music, you need to think about it. Saying, “This is Christian..it’s OK”, will not suffice. Also, saying, “I just love the music”, referring to secular music, is a lazy answer. If you are letting anything in, have a biblical reason for it.
I listen to both Christian and secular music, but not all. I watch both Christian and secular movies, but not all. I am by no means a perfect example to follow, but I have thought about this and long to glorify Christ in all areas of my life.
Here are some random thoughts that help guide my choices:
- You are a Christian, filled with the Holy Spirit. Evaluate your entertainment based on what the Spirit is saying to you, not on what Hollywood says is OK (Yes, the ‘Passion of the Christ’ is rated R).
- Just because music is Christian doesn’t mean it is true theology and good art. Some of it is. A lot of it isn’t.
- Evaluate all secular music/movies/TV through the lens of your faith – if you think something is harmful, don’t be lazy and say you ‘just listen to the music’ or ‘close your eyes on the bad parts’. It most likely will affect your spirit and weaken your passion for holiness. On the other hand, some secular artists make beautiful art and present a true picture of the world and even faith, sometimes. Enjoy it and praise God through it.
All in all, fight to spend as much time in the Word as you can. Let your favorite entertainment be reading the Word and listening to the Holy Spirit. In my opinion, those are the best times.
Do you agree? I would love to hear your feedback on this one.
DS