Friday, January 18, 2013

The Camel and the Eye of the Needle

So, I’ve heard about Trent Culver for awhile—especially about his knack for fly fishing and deep insights on life with Jesus…which he like to write down and share with his friends. Trent and I met over coffee a few weeks back and talked about life, fly fishing and his writing. It was good coffee... and great conversation. Trent’s a guy like any other guy who’s chasing after Jesus. He’s got all the struggles and ups and downs that we all go through…except he works out a lot of his stuff on paper…and we get to benefit. Trent’s been kind enough to share some of his thoughts with us.

It’s REALLY, REALLY good stuff. Enjoy!

—Dan

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“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:23-26

This verse is really scary if you stop reading too early. To gain perspective, we need to understand the context of the whole verse. This verse corresponds to the questions of a rich young man who wants to know how HE can gain access to heaven. Jesus tells His disciples, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Isn't that the whole essence of Christianity…God doing for us what we are unable to do for ourselves?

Thank God for this because we live in the most affluent society that this world has ever known. If it were otherwise, I'd be doomed to hell.

I'm rich. I've never known hunger. I've always had a roof over my head and a comfortable bed. I take these seemingly simple items for granted. The fact that I've never even questioned them is ridiculous when you consider the economic condition of humanity now—and throughout history. I don't consider things like proper healthcare, a solid retirement plan or braces and college education for my kids as luxuries. I consider them necessities. This considered…I fall into the top 1% of all the people that have ever lived on this planet. Thank you, Jesus, that despite my comfort in this life, you haven't denied me heaven. Forgive me for forgetting to acknowledge your abundant blessings.

Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, David, Joseph, and Job. These were all rich and powerful men. Despite their human flaws, God used them in incredible ways. Wealth isn't wrong, Money is neutral; neither good nor evil. It can however be used by Satan in very damaging ways.

What is the biggest lie in money? It promises self sufficiency. We are led to believe that we don't need God. We become greedy and selfish. Wealth frequently brings out the ugly in people.

Without exception, all of the wealthy men of the bible wrestled with demons; pride being the biggest one. Here's what Nebuchadnezzar had to say after spending 7 years in the wilderness being humbled by God:

“’At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.’” Daniel 4:36-37
--Trent

Friday, January 4, 2013

Addicted To Rehab

My good friend Dave Garrison passed along the following blog to share with you guys. He's got some good thoughts to kick off the New Year. Enjoy!

—Dan

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Hi. My name is Dave and I’m an addict (In unison: “Hi, Dave”).

I’m addicted to rehab shows like those on HGTV and the DIY Network. You know, the home improvement shows where the host convinces some un-expecting homeowner to surrender their dwelling for a couple of days, and in return, the homeowner gets an outrageous transformation unlike anything they ever imagined. The best of these shows focus on the interior space of the home, knocking down walls, tearing out old drywall and fixtures—putting in amazing finishes throughout the space. Sure there are shows that deal with curb appeal, landscaping, and how to get better grass, but that’s a different twelve-step meeting altogether.

I will confess: I’ve spent hours transfixed in front of the TV mesmerized by these programs wishing my house could go from dump to divine in 30 minutes-to-an hour.

Jesus is a rehab addict too…at least I like to think of Him as one. He wants to transform us from the inside out. He asks us to surrender our hearts to Him; to allow ourselves to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. It makes complete sense to turn myself, my heart over to the Master Carpenter Jesus, but just like some of the folks on those shows, I say, “No thanks” or “I don’t need you”…or I try to direct the process—believing I know better than Jesus.

Healing from addiction takes time. Real transformation often takes LOTS of time. So it only makes sense to give Jesus some time (not that He needs it, but I do).

So here’s what I’ve learned about being a rehab addict:

Sitting on my butt watching home improvement show after home improvement show does nothing to improve the quality or value of my own home. Same thing is true with my spirit. Sitting on my butt doing nothing, does nothing to improve my spirit and...

Real transformation starts from within. If I keep improving from within, maybe others will start to see the difference on the outside.

So, I figured it’s time for me to take 30 minutes a day—skipping just one of my home improvement shows—and break open my Bible. The Bible is full of stories about transformation. Want to join me?

Who knows what we’ll get, if we just say “yes” to Christ Jesus—the Carpenter of the Heart?