2/15/2012

Perfectly Godly Love

Our goal is to be like God, perfect in all things. The creator of the universe is an excellent role model for he is perfect in all things. But what does perfection look like to God, and what can we learn about ourselves from God's view of perfection?

In Genesis, God makes three starts: first in the Garden, then with Noah, finally with Abraham, (and that's just in the first book of the Bible.) One can easily argue that these re-boots were all part of God's plan, for he is omniscient. But there is no denying that human beings are a pesky group for their creator.

In Job, God actually uses sarcasm when responding/arguing to Job. We often look at sarcastic people as sinful in someway. God is not sinful, so does that mean that sarcasm, while not necessarily tasteful, is not sinful either? If God can be sarcastic and perfect does the same rule apply to people?

Then there is Jesus' place in the great story of our lives.  Jesus is the perfect incarnation of God on earth. Jesus came to save us. The timing of his appearance seems to suggest yet another, and arguably the final, opportunity for humans to get God right. Jesus' paid for his perfect love for others with his life.

My purpose is to point out that God doesn't see perfect the way that we do. In God's eyes, it's not how many attempts you make, or the way you speak, or the things you sacrifice that makes you perfect or godly. It's your heart.

God's love for us is perfect. It never fails, it never ends. God is patient and will never, ever, abandon us. We are loved in a perfectly godly way that should inspire us to love others the same way, even when it's difficult and we get frustrated. And no price is too great to pay to demonstrate our love for others.

That's perfection.


2/08/2012

Job 38:5


Job 38:2-7


2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Dress for action[a] like a man;
   I will question you, and you make it known to me.

4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
   Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
   Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
   or who laid its cornerstone,
7 when the morning stars sang together
   and all the sons of God shouted for joy?



In verse 5 is God being sarcastic?


If he is, are there other examples of God's sarcasm in the Bible?


What is the significance of a sarcastic God?

1/23/2012

Still Fighting It

Good morning, son.
I am a bird
Wearing a brown polyester shirt
You want a coke?
Maybe some fries?
The roast beef combo's only $9.95
It's okay, you don't have to pay
I've got all the change

Everybody knows
It hurts to grow up
And everybody does
It's so weird to be back here
Let me tell you what
The years go on and
We're still fighting it, we're still fighting it
And you're so much like me
I'm sorry

Good morning, son
In twenty years from now
Maybe we'll both sit down and have a few beers
And I can tell you 'bout today
And how I picked you up and everything changed
It was pain
Sunny days and rain
I knew you'd feel the same things

Everybody knows
It sucks to grow up
And everybody does
It's so weird to be back here.
Let me tell you what
The years go on and
We're still fighting it, we're still fighting it
You'll try and try and one day you'll fly
Away from me

Good morning, son
I am a bird

It was pain
Sunny days and rain
I knew you'd feel the same things

Everybody knows
Tt hurts to grow up
And everybody does
It's so weird to be back here.
Let me tell you what
The years go on and
We're still fighting it, we're still fighting it
Oh, we're still fighting it, we're still fighting it

And you're so much like me
I'm sorry


-Ben Folds

1/22/2012

4 Simple Rules

1. Love God
Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

2. Eat Healthy
Genesis 9:3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.

3. Exercise Daily
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

4. Love Others
Luke 6:31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Where Are You Going?


Where are you going, with your long face pulling down?
Don’t hide away, like an ocean
But you can’t see, but you can smell
And the sound waves crash down

I am no superman
I have no answers for you
I am no hero, oh that’s for sure
But I do know one thing for sure
Is where you are, is where I belong
I do know, where you go, is where I want to be

Where are you going, where do you go?
Are you looking for answers, to questions under the stars?
If along the way you are growing weary, you can rest with me until a brighter day
It’s okay, where are you going, where do you go?

I am no superman
I have no answers for you
I am no hero, oh that’s for sure
But I do know one thing for sure
Is where you are, is where I belong
I do know, where you go, is where I want to be

Where are you going, where do you go?
Are you looking for answers, where do you go?

Where are you going?
Where do you go?
Let’s go.

-Dave Matthews