American Idol

Last night during family devotions we were reading out of Matthew 6 where Jesus is telling His followers how to pray and to fast. The theme through it all is to do things in private and not let others know what you are doing. We have truly gotten away from this. It seems that everything we do for the Lord needs credit and accountability. At times it seems very nosey. The truth is we should do things in such way that only God knows what we are doing. But how do you help others without at least giving them some idea what you are doing? I believe if you are trying to make yourself look good then it is totally wrong. We need to get back to doing those things that are honoring to God in secret so that it is genuine and real.

You are probably thinking, what does American Idol have to do with what I writing about? It goes together because while we were discussing this topic Kyle says, “We aren’t supposed to have any idols before God, right?” I said yes. Then he asked “What is wrong with American Idol?” The premise behind the American Idol is that you create a person that people will like and in a way worship them by buying their music and following their career. How often do we put people up on a pedestal? This happens all the time in Christian circles where we take people and put them up almost as IDOLS. So often we put them up there because they talk so much about their good deeds and lifestyle. Jesus talks very clearly about this in our passage last night. He says to keep our deeds quiet. I want to do good in the eyes of my Lord. Later.

Loving My wife

As I told you in an earlier blog we are watching a video by Andy Stanley called IMarriage. It has been very good. This past week he spent a good portion of his message talking about how I should love my wife. It comes out of Ephesians 5 where Paul encourages husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. So how did Christ love the church? He left all of heaven and its’ luxuries to be with us. He came to earth lived with us and died on a cross for our sins even though he was sinless. Through this He gave us the greatest picture of grace ever given. He did all this and still gives us the choice to choose Him or not. No strings attached. Even though He has every right to force us to love and worship Him. He doesn’t. He still loves us and wants us to receive His grace. His love for us is unconditional.

In return I need to treat Laurie the same way. Unconditionally with no strings attached. I should desire to help her grow in Christ so that she becomes the woman she needs to be. There are times I put unwanted expectations on her but God is teaching me not to do this. Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Being Thankful

This past Sunday we watched a video called IMarriage by Andy Stanley. It is very good by the way. One of the things that I got out of the message was that I don’t say thank-you enough, especially to my wife, Laurie. I should thank her for doing the laundry, making the bed or any of the other mundane things of life. I try to thank her on the bigger things like when the boys are sick and throwing up and she takes care of it. But what Andy Stanley encouraged me to do is be thankful for all that she does. So I am going to try. I am even going to try to do it more with my boys and those around me. Being thankful should make life better for me and others.

Superbowl

Patriots vs. Giants
What a game! I’ve always like rooting for the underdog. Rooting for the underdog most likely started when I was young and I watched NC State beat a highly touted Houston Cougar team on a last second dunk. I love the underdog. When it comes to my relationship with Christ it seems like I am the underdog when I battle sin in my life. The truth is I am the underdog without Christ help. With the help of the Holy Spirit God’s Word promises me a victory in every area of my life. I just have to give it to Him so that he takes on the battle for me. With a cheering team like God - how can I lose in my journey with Him?