I had a conversation with a brother today, and I left pretty discouraged. I left feeling like I was not doing enough, and that the way to be happier is to do more, and that I need to be like other people who were busier. I got the impression that doing more, being involved with more things is the way to redeem people; and that "prospective" Christians- I hate that term- are only reached through programs and activities. I walked away hurt and discouraged. I walked away feeling like the people I have helped, the brothers in the body I have spent time with was all for nothing. I felt that my idea of discipleship and encouragement was not up to par with a program that brings people to a building and teaches people earthly knowledge with just a sprinkle of true life in Jesus on top. I was deeply crushed and hurt. But it made me think to myself how much this happens all the time. So, it led me to write my thoughts on "The Art and Deception of Being Busy"
The Art and Deception of Being Busy
There is Salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which me must be saved. (Acts 4:12) There are no programs, institutions, clubs, or seminars that result in salvation. Neither for ourselves, nor for those who are lost. The art of and deception of being busy is plaguing people with the idea that being busy saves and redeems God's people. Or that doing lots of activities brings happiness to those who are depressed, or comfort to those that are hurting. Jesus did not start Weight Watchers not did he teach English. He lived and taught Discipleship, Love, and that there is a remedy to the terminal illness of sin, and that He was it. (John 14:6)
The art of and deception of being busy. Lots of classes and hours of service do not save and they do not redeem people. They in and of themselves, are not wrong, nor are they bad. However, when we get Discipleship and true service confused with being busy, the Devil has won. The Devil loves people who work all the time. The Devil loves it when we are too busy to help the family of God and those who are truly seeking and are in need. The Devil loves busy people. Busy people forget the peace, rest, and comfort found in, and ONLY in the Lord.
Do serve, and do teach. Do encourage, and do help, but don't be busy. Be redemptive and humble. Don't have hidden agendas or ulterior motives. Be transparent and be open. Be supportive, but don't be busy.
1 Timothy 1:5-6 says, " Now the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion." The message of the Gospel is only for good, but as you can see, there were people who wanted to be BUSY rather than redemptive. And Paul warns against it.
The Enemies of Jesus, or Pharisees, were the best at being busy. Pharisees prayed loud prayers, in the open. They gave lots of money in the presence of others to show off. They held banquets, knowing that they would be invited to many others, and they made sure they taught people how to keep God's law. The Pharisees, were very busy people. They made Jesus sick. In Matthew 23 Jesus Rebukes them and their religious hypocrisy. They were looking BUSY for the people to see, but they were nothing but busy. Empty, and fruitless. We are called to not be busy, but to be fruitful and redemptive. We are called to relationship with God and his people.
The art of and deception of being busy. Joy and peace are not found in tasks, but in the bosom of our Lord. Rest is found in the words and heart of Jesus. Matthew 11:28-29 show that Jesus offers rest, and that we only find that rest when we take on the work of his will, and not being busy. Only true devotion to the Lord and submission to his will, will we find peace and rest. *Note: I am the worst of the worst in this area, I do not pretend to be an expert. I am just sharing with what I am learning and struggling with. I am not perfect.
Don't let being busy determine your thinking. Don't be so task oriented you look over those who are truly in need. Don't be so distracted with programs and clubs that you forge to live the abundant life Jesus came to give.(John 10:10) Open your eyes, escape, and see through THE ART AND DECEPTION OF BEING BUSY.
-- Darin Thompson
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Hmm...
Dear world, (at least those who read this thing)
I realized something today. I talk too much. I really, really hate it. I sometimes think I have something important to say, or something intelligent to share with the world. I am starting to realize that that usually is not true. I can accept this. I get a lot of comments from the people around me, most of them seem to be negative. I sometimes feel ignored or attacked. That may be true, I seriously, seriously feel that way sometimes. But maybe they have a point. I talk all the time, but never really say anything. So, I don't think I am going to talk much anymore. I seriously don't have anything good to say. Just filler to keep me busy.
I would like to think I could keep it up...we'll see. I think I seriously may try to live out the old time bit of wisdom, speak when spoken to. Sure that may be something parents say to get their kids to shut-up and pretend that those are polite manners, but I think I am going to try and live it out...For awhile at least. I will continue to write thoughts, and listen to music and things like that, but I just don't feel like talking anymore. Maybe I will learn something. I hope.
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.
I leave you all with this verse that stuck out to me today.
"By your endurance gain your lives."
- Luke 21:19
I realized something today. I talk too much. I really, really hate it. I sometimes think I have something important to say, or something intelligent to share with the world. I am starting to realize that that usually is not true. I can accept this. I get a lot of comments from the people around me, most of them seem to be negative. I sometimes feel ignored or attacked. That may be true, I seriously, seriously feel that way sometimes. But maybe they have a point. I talk all the time, but never really say anything. So, I don't think I am going to talk much anymore. I seriously don't have anything good to say. Just filler to keep me busy.
I would like to think I could keep it up...we'll see. I think I seriously may try to live out the old time bit of wisdom, speak when spoken to. Sure that may be something parents say to get their kids to shut-up and pretend that those are polite manners, but I think I am going to try and live it out...For awhile at least. I will continue to write thoughts, and listen to music and things like that, but I just don't feel like talking anymore. Maybe I will learn something. I hope.
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.
I leave you all with this verse that stuck out to me today.
"By your endurance gain your lives."
- Luke 21:19
Monday, November 10, 2008
Faith...is the victory that overcomes the world?
So, today the team was cleaning up the "garden" and the parking lot today. We were picking up trash obviously. And it wasn't like a cool, youth group project where there are 30 zealous kids, singing and laughing and making it a grand ole' time. I was by myself most of the time, and it left me with a lot of time to think about life and my decisions in life. FAITH was a big thing that came to mind.
I was thinking about what Faith really looked like, and how it played out in my life. In case you didn't know this about me, I tend to take things to the extreme or say bold things, that may be offensive or "off color". But while I was picking up trash I had this thought:
"What in the world am I doing. I am cleaning up trash in a Godless country, in FAITH, and hope that some spiritual deity in the great cosmos is going to make sense out of all of this seemingly insignificant task, some where in some point in time."
Then it only expanded from there. Where does my faith come from? Then I realized, it came from a book. Words on a page, are guiding my life. Or at least I try to let them guide me. Everything in my life is because of words on a page in a most significant order.
These words say there is a God who created everything around me. They tell me that he crushed nations, and he lifted them up. That from the beginning of time, he had a plan in motion to bring about relationship with peons. Little "grasshoppers" and this God, says he is going to send his son to wipe away sin from the earth so that we can enter in a pure and undefiled relationship with the this God, that gives and takes away. He also Tests, but doesn't tempt, He forgives and forgets sin, but knows everything at the same time. He knows the outcome of the world, yet we still have free will.
I know the historicity and credibility of the Bible, but still, FAITH requires you to take that step and let words on a page be a guide for your life.
I guess you could say that I was struggling with my faith, but I think I am slowly realizing more and more what it is. Sometimes Faith doesn't make any sense at all, and you are left stranded guessing and worrying. But Faith says I have grace. Needless to say, I will never run out of things to think about and ponder.
What does your faith look like? What is it telling you?
My faith is a mystery, and it is revealed to my a little everyday. My faith is a victory that will overcome the world. Will yours?
I was thinking about what Faith really looked like, and how it played out in my life. In case you didn't know this about me, I tend to take things to the extreme or say bold things, that may be offensive or "off color". But while I was picking up trash I had this thought:
"What in the world am I doing. I am cleaning up trash in a Godless country, in FAITH, and hope that some spiritual deity in the great cosmos is going to make sense out of all of this seemingly insignificant task, some where in some point in time."
Then it only expanded from there. Where does my faith come from? Then I realized, it came from a book. Words on a page, are guiding my life. Or at least I try to let them guide me. Everything in my life is because of words on a page in a most significant order.
These words say there is a God who created everything around me. They tell me that he crushed nations, and he lifted them up. That from the beginning of time, he had a plan in motion to bring about relationship with peons. Little "grasshoppers" and this God, says he is going to send his son to wipe away sin from the earth so that we can enter in a pure and undefiled relationship with the this God, that gives and takes away. He also Tests, but doesn't tempt, He forgives and forgets sin, but knows everything at the same time. He knows the outcome of the world, yet we still have free will.
I know the historicity and credibility of the Bible, but still, FAITH requires you to take that step and let words on a page be a guide for your life.
I guess you could say that I was struggling with my faith, but I think I am slowly realizing more and more what it is. Sometimes Faith doesn't make any sense at all, and you are left stranded guessing and worrying. But Faith says I have grace. Needless to say, I will never run out of things to think about and ponder.
What does your faith look like? What is it telling you?
My faith is a mystery, and it is revealed to my a little everyday. My faith is a victory that will overcome the world. Will yours?
Saturday, November 1, 2008
An open book..
Sorry for the next however long this becomes. This is a complete rant of how I "feel" at the moment.
I hate where I am. I don't want God as much as I want, I want to live for myself. I Hate living on the mission Field. I hate being away from my family. My heart hurts for many people and many things. I want so much out of life and I feel that is passing away in front on my eyes while I sit here and feel useless and wasteful. I don't have the courage or the strength or the motivation to change. I don't want to change. I enjoy where I am, and hate it at the same time. My life is such a paradox.
I am depressed, but joyful. hateful but thankful. confused but I know what I am doing. Lost, but found. Blind, but I see. I know what to do, but I don't do it. I want to complain. I want to do something else. I want to be home. I want to play music, I want to cry, and laugh. I want to be right with God, but I don't want to feel guilty for sin. I want to be with the girl of my dreams. I want to be where I want to be without the pain and growth, right now. I don't want to fear, I don't want to hurt, I don't want to doubt. I want to shout, and run. I want what I want, and I want it now. This post is so depressing and negative, but I have to say it. I can't hold it in.
I need to cry, but I can't. I need to repent, but I don't know how. I want my arm to quit twitching, but it won't. I want to worship, but I feel trapped. I want connection with God and the power to overcome sin, but I don't know how to get it. I want to have the faith I see on stage. I want to feel as though I have everything together. I want to have a huge faith. I want God to fit in my box. I want God to do what I want him to do, the way I want it done. I want my way to be effective. I want my way to be the best way. I want people to cater to my needs. I want to surf, and to play footbag. I want to play the drums in a band. I want my life to be a living sacrifice to the Lord. But I want it on my terms. I want to be humble, but I don't want it to hurt. I want to be submissive but I don't want to serve.
What is my problem, where have I gone wrong. I can't put my finger on it. I hate the lame simply answers to my problems. I only hate them because I know that they are the truth. I want to have my bad attitude and expect things to be good for me. I want a negative outlook and then things to be positive. I want, I want I want.
What a pathetic loser, I have become. Stuck in sin. Sometimes I care, and sometimes I don't. My prayers are cold, my faith is weak. My walk is more of a stumble. I am not growing, I am not maturing. I am dying and I can feel it. I hear the message, but I don't apply. I love the story, but don't want to be in it. I want praise from men, and I want all the Glory. I want to be on the throne, and I want my crown. How weak I am. Am I ranting? Am I just flying off the handle and don't mean anything I say? Who knows. Am I going crazy? What a wretch I am. I am definitely not strong. People doubt if I will make it here. I doubt myself. Maybe I won't make it. Maybe I will quit. I don't want to, but at the same time I do. I will continue to wake up every morning and put my feet in my shoes and walk. I will fall, and hate, I will sin and cry. I will be confused and I will sin. I will want, and I will curse. I will judge, and I will mock. I will be a hypocrite and I will criticize. I will expect things to be done a certain way, and I will be upset when they don't work out. God if you are there, hear my pray. Fix my broken spirit. Lift me up in my day of trouble.
Here is my prayer God:
God, I want to love you more than I do.
I don't want to sin, but I will, and I will want to when it happens.
I am afraid of the end, I am afraid of forever.
I doubt the power of your grace, and the journey I am on.
I don't talk to you enough nor do I read enough of your word.
You know me better than I know myself. You know me in and out.
You love it when I rant and rave, because you will be there when I look back and become embarrassed.
You love it when I hit wall after wall and realize you are what I am looking for the whole time.
You love it when I love you. You love it when I somehow get things right.
Lord, you know what I hate, you know where I hate being.
God, you know everything about me. Things are either going to change or they won't.
I just don't know what to do anymore. I am a "leader" and I am the worst of the worst.
I don't know what to say, or how to say, it So I am just going to end it right here...
I hate where I am. I don't want God as much as I want, I want to live for myself. I Hate living on the mission Field. I hate being away from my family. My heart hurts for many people and many things. I want so much out of life and I feel that is passing away in front on my eyes while I sit here and feel useless and wasteful. I don't have the courage or the strength or the motivation to change. I don't want to change. I enjoy where I am, and hate it at the same time. My life is such a paradox.
I am depressed, but joyful. hateful but thankful. confused but I know what I am doing. Lost, but found. Blind, but I see. I know what to do, but I don't do it. I want to complain. I want to do something else. I want to be home. I want to play music, I want to cry, and laugh. I want to be right with God, but I don't want to feel guilty for sin. I want to be with the girl of my dreams. I want to be where I want to be without the pain and growth, right now. I don't want to fear, I don't want to hurt, I don't want to doubt. I want to shout, and run. I want what I want, and I want it now. This post is so depressing and negative, but I have to say it. I can't hold it in.
I need to cry, but I can't. I need to repent, but I don't know how. I want my arm to quit twitching, but it won't. I want to worship, but I feel trapped. I want connection with God and the power to overcome sin, but I don't know how to get it. I want to have the faith I see on stage. I want to feel as though I have everything together. I want to have a huge faith. I want God to fit in my box. I want God to do what I want him to do, the way I want it done. I want my way to be effective. I want my way to be the best way. I want people to cater to my needs. I want to surf, and to play footbag. I want to play the drums in a band. I want my life to be a living sacrifice to the Lord. But I want it on my terms. I want to be humble, but I don't want it to hurt. I want to be submissive but I don't want to serve.
What is my problem, where have I gone wrong. I can't put my finger on it. I hate the lame simply answers to my problems. I only hate them because I know that they are the truth. I want to have my bad attitude and expect things to be good for me. I want a negative outlook and then things to be positive. I want, I want I want.
What a pathetic loser, I have become. Stuck in sin. Sometimes I care, and sometimes I don't. My prayers are cold, my faith is weak. My walk is more of a stumble. I am not growing, I am not maturing. I am dying and I can feel it. I hear the message, but I don't apply. I love the story, but don't want to be in it. I want praise from men, and I want all the Glory. I want to be on the throne, and I want my crown. How weak I am. Am I ranting? Am I just flying off the handle and don't mean anything I say? Who knows. Am I going crazy? What a wretch I am. I am definitely not strong. People doubt if I will make it here. I doubt myself. Maybe I won't make it. Maybe I will quit. I don't want to, but at the same time I do. I will continue to wake up every morning and put my feet in my shoes and walk. I will fall, and hate, I will sin and cry. I will be confused and I will sin. I will want, and I will curse. I will judge, and I will mock. I will be a hypocrite and I will criticize. I will expect things to be done a certain way, and I will be upset when they don't work out. God if you are there, hear my pray. Fix my broken spirit. Lift me up in my day of trouble.
Here is my prayer God:
God, I want to love you more than I do.
I don't want to sin, but I will, and I will want to when it happens.
I am afraid of the end, I am afraid of forever.
I doubt the power of your grace, and the journey I am on.
I don't talk to you enough nor do I read enough of your word.
You know me better than I know myself. You know me in and out.
You love it when I rant and rave, because you will be there when I look back and become embarrassed.
You love it when I hit wall after wall and realize you are what I am looking for the whole time.
You love it when I love you. You love it when I somehow get things right.
Lord, you know what I hate, you know where I hate being.
God, you know everything about me. Things are either going to change or they won't.
I just don't know what to do anymore. I am a "leader" and I am the worst of the worst.
I don't know what to say, or how to say, it So I am just going to end it right here...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Glass Case of Emotion
Glass Case of Emotion
Father God I am trapped
I am trapped by my fear of the great unknown
Free me from myself Lord, lift me up in my time of need
My God be present in my life
Bring my the comfort you have promised, heal me from the inside out.
You are my light and my salvation
I shall not fear
I shall not fear
You are my strength and my comfort
I shall not fear
I shall not fear
Father God I am trapped, Set me Free!
Father God I am trapped
I am trapped by my fear of the great unknown
Free me from myself Lord, lift me up in my time of need
My God be present in my life
Bring my the comfort you have promised, heal me from the inside out.
You are my light and my salvation
I shall not fear
I shall not fear
You are my strength and my comfort
I shall not fear
I shall not fear
Father God I am trapped, Set me Free!
Monday, September 15, 2008
We Shall See Landfall
I have written another song, I hope you like it.
We Shall See Landfall
In over our heads we have exhausted all possibilities
Our human efforts have proven to be a waste and our earthly wisdom is useless
The seas continue to roar and the winds don't cease
The Master continues to sleep
Don't you care that we are going to die (x3)
Peace, Be Still (x3)
Why do you fear Oh where is your faith
Hear my promise and believe
You will see landfall, you will be safe
We Shall See Landfall
In over our heads we have exhausted all possibilities
Our human efforts have proven to be a waste and our earthly wisdom is useless
The seas continue to roar and the winds don't cease
The Master continues to sleep
Don't you care that we are going to die (x3)
Peace, Be Still (x3)
Why do you fear Oh where is your faith
Hear my promise and believe
You will see landfall, you will be safe
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Are you there God? It's me.
ALONE!
Do you like the feeling of being alone? neither do I and that is how I felt just about all day. I think being or feeling alone is a very dark and scary feeling. A feeling that God doesn't want us to feel.
I felt truly alone today. I was out, with a band that I met here in Albania. They are some cool guys, but the spirit is not in them. Today, I was alone. I felt Satan's power of the world. I felt his angels in the world, working and hardening hearts and turning people away from their creator. And to be honest, it made me want to curl up and die. I don't think we were created to be alone. Even Jesus knew the necessity of companionship. We see this in The Gospel of Mark 14:32-42.
Here we see Jesus facing his impending doom head on. He knows he's about to be betrayed, and he knows he is about to suffer. And he doesn't want to face it alone. So he asks his 3 best and closest friends to be with him and keep watch. Peter, James, and John. But guess what. They fall asleep. How terrible Jesus must have felt. Jesus is facing death and all he wants is his best friends to be with him, and they dessert him because they are a little tired. We know the rest of the story. I don't say that to make light of it, but we do know the story.
My emphasis was on the fact that even the king of the world needed companionship and friendship in the spirit. We live in a dark world, don't try and face it alone. Be bold, be courageous, but do it with community, have accountability have friends. Don't be alone.
I encourage you to step up to the challenge and create the unity in the spirit. Go out and find the person who is alone, start a group that is all about christian community. Don't wait for it to come to you because it won't. I am telling you this from experience. Companionship is a necessity, and I believe with every aspect of my being that we were meant to be together. So let's live it.
God Bless.
Do you like the feeling of being alone? neither do I and that is how I felt just about all day. I think being or feeling alone is a very dark and scary feeling. A feeling that God doesn't want us to feel.
I felt truly alone today. I was out, with a band that I met here in Albania. They are some cool guys, but the spirit is not in them. Today, I was alone. I felt Satan's power of the world. I felt his angels in the world, working and hardening hearts and turning people away from their creator. And to be honest, it made me want to curl up and die. I don't think we were created to be alone. Even Jesus knew the necessity of companionship. We see this in The Gospel of Mark 14:32-42.
Here we see Jesus facing his impending doom head on. He knows he's about to be betrayed, and he knows he is about to suffer. And he doesn't want to face it alone. So he asks his 3 best and closest friends to be with him and keep watch. Peter, James, and John. But guess what. They fall asleep. How terrible Jesus must have felt. Jesus is facing death and all he wants is his best friends to be with him, and they dessert him because they are a little tired. We know the rest of the story. I don't say that to make light of it, but we do know the story.
My emphasis was on the fact that even the king of the world needed companionship and friendship in the spirit. We live in a dark world, don't try and face it alone. Be bold, be courageous, but do it with community, have accountability have friends. Don't be alone.
I encourage you to step up to the challenge and create the unity in the spirit. Go out and find the person who is alone, start a group that is all about christian community. Don't wait for it to come to you because it won't. I am telling you this from experience. Companionship is a necessity, and I believe with every aspect of my being that we were meant to be together. So let's live it.
God Bless.
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