Thursday, August 28, 2008

American Idolatry

The first commandment given to Moses from God is You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. (Exodus 20:3-4)

So this seems like a pretty simple thing to follow, and as a kid i thought it was... i thought it meant that i couldn't worship many gods like the Romans did or the Greeks did. so i though i was clear with no problem, but that wasn't really the case.

In this day in age we are no different that the greeks, romans, or native americans in worshipping many gods. we still worship multiple things just like they did. sin is sin. the only difference is that they gave individual names to things. they worshipped the god of wine...do many of us not worship at the feet of Jack Daniels? they worshipped the gods of sex....how much money and resources do people spend each day towards pornography?

As i said earlier i once thought that idolatry never affected me, but the more i grow as a Christian i learn how much of an idol worshipper i was and in some cases still am. This saturday 86,000 people will pour into auburn to watch a football game that has no eternal value. there will be several of these events going on around the country every saturday through the end of this year, and you have to ask yourself What are we worshipping? Where is our time and money being spent?

Now there is nothing wrong with going to a football game on saturday...and there is nothing wrong with watching it every weekend. But i ask you next time you are sitting in those stands or laying on your couch eating chips and dip...ask yourself...what are the desires of my heart? Do i crave God like i crave college football. and this is something that i battle with all the time...even right now writing this blog as i look forward to the upcoming season.

God sent his son Jesus Christ to the earth to die and atone for our sins so that it may be possible to be saved by God for eternity. So as this football season goes on...or whatever it is you think you spend to much time replacing God with....remember the reason for your life. remember to worship the creator and not the creator.

1st Corinthians 9:25-27 says this--25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Look Who's Watching Now

So yesterday me and some bros went to Campus Crusades for Christ and man I tell you I felt weird. the whole time when planning to go there all i could think about was "i wonder how many people are just coming to come tonight?" and while i was there i continued thinking about it and even started to think about my Christian walk and comparing to other people in the room.

Wow! i mean can you believe it I was the person that I was looking for.

I was singing a song in the middle of the service and that is when i had that little epiphany. I was singing a song and until five minutes ago i didn't even know the meaning to it, and i realized i was just singing to sing. i was just moving my lips because everyone else was and i didn't want to be seen not singing. My act of worshiping God was changed into an act of worshiping matt. I mean what happened? Why did my heart change? It is a strange feeling to be in Church, be a Christian, and know your heart isn't in it at the moment. But it is a terrific feeling when you realize that apart from God you are nothing. When you realize your earthly actions and put them down to truly connect with God. It is awesome.

Judgement and Self Righteousness are such a struggle for me sometimes. I allow my mind to get consumed with it at times. One thing builds on another that builds on another. it is hard man, hard. But you just have to realize that in your earthly body you will have earthly desires, and in those moments when you actually realize those desires do as CT said earlier-Turn your eyes upon Jesus. I mean just sit there and say forgive me and take this away from me. Because at those moments of subconscious sinning when you do it before you give it any thought..those are the times when you realize that Paul was right when he said for a Christian to die is gain. Because once i die my earthly body will be forever gone and i will be united in Heaven. and at that time i will never have any of these shameful and sinful moments.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

World Wide Web Resource Sharing

For some time now I have been wanting to get kicked off what I have now called the "World Wide Web Resource Sharing" section of Blog1820 (brought to you by Matt Bean and Associates).

The idea is simply highlighting a website that we believe to be very helpful. The help could be free resources like sermons or devotionals or other blogs. Or it could also be a bookstore website. Or even a website that is not necessarlily "Christian" like a good news site or a blog that has insightful cultural commentary. So basically any site that we think would be worth you browsing around.

The first site I would like to write about is the one that I visit most often as it has helped me tremendously, that is desiringGod.org.

The official sub-title of the website is "God-centered resources from the ministry of John Piper", and the reason I check out this site so often is just that. From the blog posts to the sermons to the audio interviews to the books at the bookstore, all of it is incredibly "God-centered". Not to mention all of the resources are free. Even the bookstore (which already has good discounts) has what they call a "anything you can afford policy" in which they will send you books for free. Literally. Of course they ask that this not be abused, but nonetheless Desiring God is a solid group of folks.

I must admit what largely draws me to this website is "expositional exaltation". This is the preaching style that Piper demonstrtes as he powerfully proclaims the word of God in every sermon.

"Expositional" is used to describe his style because the Bible is exposed. These are not some light-hearted, fancy-pancy, "life-message", Bible-tip-toeing-around sermons. The Bible saturates every message, and typically a single text is unfolded as the message is unfolded and applied. As opposed to a Bible passage being read at the beginning and then not really having too much connection to the rest of the message.

"Exaltation" is the second word used in describing Piper's preaching style. This is so because he does not merely teach the Bible or talk about the Bible. Rather he aims to exalt the Bible, to proclaim it, to herald it. If this is the word of God we have received there must be passion in our hearts as we preach, and Piper is a wonderful example of God's grace stirring this passion until it overflows.

I conclude: Give this site a look and at the very least check out at least one of Piper's sermons. There is a great search tool that can link you with any topic or passage of Scripture in which you desire deeper understanding. You can read the manuscript, listen to audio, or watch the video, and once again all for no cost.

C.T.

Friday, August 15, 2008

I....I.....I

So Wednesday night i was sitting in my room thinking about my actions last week in biloxi, and how i was feeling in the casino and what not and i came to a few very interesting conclusions.

the first- is just an analogy about sin....it is really just an interesting picture to think about, and here is how it goes. Satan is a casino...and he lets off this image and then he can provide with everything you have ever wanted. He says come on in...get some free money...free alcohol...strippers...anything you want. its all inside and its all free. and we fall to it...we go inside. and we stay there until we finally come to the understanding that we aren't winning. we are losing are lives and actions are getting more and more fractional. You look around and see that the casino is just a massive illusion of false desires. And then we finally count our losses and leave not because someone made us or because we realize what is outside the casino is real...it is liberating it is life...it is everything. Satan is a delusion and it is sad that we fall for it due to the sins of Adam. Because as Paul said about God "Who can resist his will"(Romans 9). But we must rejoice because God gives us the chance to leave because he has conquered all things.

Now i am sure there are many more analogies to be made, and i am sure there are exceptions to the post. But the point is what it is...

Second...I picked up the Bible...which by the way is a pretty good thing to do whenever your mind seems to be clouded...considering it is like the Word of God and all. Anyway i started reading 1st Corinthians because i love how in the beginning Paul says "I praise God for the amount of Grace he given you through Christ Jesus" because to many times i just have to sit here and thank God because he has given me ample amounts of grace. Going on i read a part that really touched me at the end of the first chapter. In verses 18-31..Paul speaks of how God is everything. and how God uses the things that we think make us powerful to make us weak. Sometimes all I do is think about what i have done to further my walk with God, but what i must remember is that God did it. I did nothing. Apart from God there is no good in me. You know think about this...God is the Creator of all things. he is the owner of all things. You think you have a lot of money..God created the concept of finance. You think you are good public speaker...God invented speaking....it is pretty interesting to think about and it shows you just how infinitesimal we are. And is it says in the end the only thing we have to boast in is God.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Over the past week and a half or so my time spent in the mornings at Panera Bread have been kicked off with a wonderful glimpse into Pslam 119.

What a sweet song. There are so many "one -liners" that are incredibly rich for my soul. I sure hope I get the opportunity to study some of the broader themes. As it is I will attempt to bring one of the "one-liners" to light in this post.


"[35]Direct me in the paths of Your commands, for there I find delight.
[36]Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
[37]Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word."
Psalm 119: 35-37

"There are worthless things this I know for the Bible tells me so." That should have been a line in a song in children's Sunday school class. And there must be something about the way that these worthless things look for he asks God to turn his eyes away from these things.

Amazing! He asks God to turn his eyes from these things! God is his hope for his eyes!

Working backwards now to verse 36: There is selfish gain to be had. Who could not affirm this? O how the mantra of our day is "Gain, gain, gain. Consume, consume, consume."

And again the psalmist shows his and our only hope is God. "[You, God] turn my heart to Your statutes." It is there in His word that we hear of "treasures in heaven" and "an inheritane that can never perish, spoil, or fade." In other words not worthless things. And we hear "Worthy is the Lamb" whose "precious blood" bought us. Jesus is the epitome of selflessness, and He is infinitely full of worth.

Now to verse 35: Aha, the turning of the eyes from eye-appealing worthless things, and the turning of the heart from the surface-level success of selfish gain does not leave one unsatisfied! It does not leave one unfulfilled! It does not leave one discontent! It does not bring us to monotonous, empty obedience! "Direct me in the paths of Your commands, for there I find delight." The delight that seems to be in worthless things is at best a mirage. The satisfaction from selfish gain always leads to misery. It is in the paths of the commands of God where delight is found:
"You have made known to me the path of life; You fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Psalm 16:11

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked...But his delight is in the law of the Lord." Psalm 1:1a-2

"I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches...I delight in Your decrees." Psalm 119:14-16a

"Open my eyes that I may see the wonderfull things in Your law." Psalm 119:18

"I run in the path of Your commands for You have set my heart free!" Psalm 119:32

"If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction." Psalm 119:92

"Oh, how I love Your law!" Psalm 119:97a

"How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103

I pray it may be all that is precious to us in such a way that all our other desires bring fame to Christ's gospel, and in on the same note that all of the rubbish that deceitfully attractive would lose its luster.

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace."

C. T.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Este fin de semana

so i have been a little unsure and a little uneasy about this weekend. why? well i am going on a bachelor party to biloxi. and what is wrong with that...absolutely nothing. Bachelor parties can be good things..i mean All things were created by God and for God. The problem is i know my limits...and i know that i can not handle myself down in that environment. I am weak when it comes to gambling, drinkning, and sex. weak. Now don't think i am chastizing this things because as i said earlier All things were created by God. When Mark Driscoll was asked if masturbation is a sin he said, "No....but lust is" and that is where my problems and most other peoples lie.

Today though i was praying in the steamroom at Moores Mill... and i basically asked God to just take this situation and weekend and do with it whatever He wills. Afterall He is the only good that is in me. Without God i am an evil, godless, sinner. I have no hope in anything else. But with Christ i am righteous by my faith.

My God is a loving, faithful, and strong God. He will do for me whatever is in His will, but i must be willing to follow Him no matter where he leads me. Biloxi, Africa, or Auburn. And so this weekend i will sin...whether it is greed, lust, pride, or anything. But before and after this weekend Jesus Christ will remain the most important thing in my life and my only true desire.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Put something up

ok ok i am putting something up...see thing is i read something and i am like man i need to share that and then by the time i get around to i don't. Why? Because i am lazy. I am come to that understanding. it is hard for to me to admit sometimes, but it is the truth. And laziness isn't just something that is to be laughed at and thought of as just something that is a by product of my personality.Laziness has come to effect a lot of things in my life not just my dedication to put things up on the blog. Laziness effects my spiritual growth, my physique, my friendships, and my work. Laziness is something that i truly battle. Whenever i just lay around and do nothing the devil always strikes. It is true with me that idle time is the devils playground, and unfortunately i have learned this the hard way.

It took me 2 months to finish my last book "When I Don't Desire God" and it has been one of the most influential things i have ever read. Why? Not because i "Don't Desire God" but because i do desire God. I desire God all day, but too many times i fall into a time of spiritual despair and need help because my laziness has allowed the devil to overcome my life. But back to the book...it taught me so much. It had some many good little nuggets in it that seemed to point directly to my life. i need to read the book again so i can fully devour it, but i will say from my initial perspective it gave me so many things to use in my life to fight laziness and sin and i will give you a few examples here.

1. Pray...for so long i have always thought as my prayer life to be the same as everyone else's prayer life. You know i lay in bed or get on my knees or simply bow my head...tell God how great He is, ask for His forgiveness, pray for other peoples needs, pray for my desires, and keep everything in accordance with His will. But in the last few days i have found that there is more to prayer than that. In fact in three days... i was randomly confronted through video sermons and book by Andy Stanley, Mark Driscoll, and John Piper on prayer. I am pretty sure this was God telling me i needed help with prayer. Anyway in the end i learned these things

--Andy Stanley pray according to Gods will..As it says "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done." too many times without even realizing i try to conform Gods will to mine. I do this by saying stuff like God help me to stop lusting...then i go watch some tv show that promotes sex. See praying for Gods help was good. But i wasn't praying for His will to be done. I was just praying for him to save me without me even putting up any effort. Andy Stanley made a reference to when Jesus was praying in the Garden the night He was captured and how He prayed all night long...and at the very end He says "Not what I will, but what Thou wilt" i mean that is prayer right there. So the first thing i remember is to always keep things according to His will. Turn whatever it is you or are holding over to God. Because it is His will that must be done.

--Mark Driscoll be respectful yet original in prayer. Mark speaks of how when you are coming to prayer there isn't anything special or any kind of prayer that must be quoted exactly every time. Mark speaks of how in the end you are coming to your Father. You are coming to the One who has saved you...so say exactly and whatever you want to say but say it in a respectful way. Big words and elaborate thoughts don't impress God. Humility and Love are what He is after.

--John Piper says pray often. Pray in a regimen however many times a day and follow that regiment everyday. Find a quiet place where you can come everyday at the same time and offer up to God all that is on your heart. John Piper makes a reference to Daniel...who if you have read the story had an incredible prayer life. Daniel was told only to pray to the king, and Daniel being a faithful follower of God wouldn't pray to the earthly king. He prayed to God the same way he had done always...at the same time...at the same window. And what happened to Daniel-he was thrown in the lions den-and what did Daniel do-he prayed-and what did the lion do-he didn't eat Daniel. Why? Because Daniel had supreme faith in God to deliver him from evil. He was a consistent and diligent prayer his entire life.

So the first thing i learned was prayer

The other thing I learned was to look around. "The Heavens declare Your wonder." Look at all God has done. Look not just at each day being a day. Realize that each day is an individual and different. Each day and everything around was created by God. And if that doesn't humble you then look harder. Look at people not just as people, but as individual creations by God. I tell you it is a completely different perspective on life if you do this it is truly amazing.


Whew...i tell you i could go on and on about what i learned. Things about reading your Bible, learning about other religious scholars, memorizing scripture. I tell you "When I Don't Desire God" by John Piper is truly an amazing book and i think all people should read it. Whether they are in spiritual despair or not.

But in the end i have to end this in by just saying thank-you to God...because He is the only good in me.