Tagged With: Bible
Jesus-lite
I’ve been drinking diet pop for a long time (that’s soda for you northerners, and the non descriptive, uber generic ‘Coke’ for you in the south).
I’ve been drinking it for so long, it not only tastes good, it tastes better than regular pop. I understand that the previous sentence is probably the single most controversial statement I have ever posted on this blog, but you will just need to deal with it.
It’s kind of a pattern for chronic dieters like myself:
You make the decision to go lite
You endure the transition
You get used to it
You get comfortable with it
It becomes normal
You can do this with almost any habit, whether its food, drink, entertainment, political affiliation and even… faith.
Yep, you can choose to go lite. It may feel awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it.
Jesus-lite is the new rage all around the world. All the love with none of the conviction. You can enjoy 100% of your daily requirement of feel good, with none of that commitment aftertaste.
Harvard University is a sterling example of embracing the Jesus-lite lifestyle.
The school motto is “Veritas,” the latin word for truth, but it wasn’t always that catchy little word. The University’s original motto was “Veritas pro Christo et ecclesia,” or “Truth for Christ and his Church.”
Hmmm…
Continue reading
So, what’s with the Old Testament
It’s been one of those months. Everything I read, listen to and talk about seems to have a common theme. I should be excited, because when that happens it’s almost always God trying to speak. I guess it’s time to listen (c’mon McFly… McFly!). Although there is a bit more depth to it than this, … Continue reading
Pardon me Lord may I have this seat
G.K. Beale has said, “Whatever your heart clings to or relies on for ultimate security is your object of worship.”
Most of my fellow churchgoers would not argue with this definition of worship. In fact, I have personally defined worship as anything that captures your attentions and affections.
What strikes me most though is the verb “clings” used by Beale. In my mind I can picture myself latching onto the thought of having a girlfriend in the 7th grade… I knew what I was worshiping.
I can vividly recall my almost sociopathic pursuit of great grades and accolades through high school… bowing low at the altar of achievement.
There’s no denying the idolatry of my early 20s when, even in ministry, I was worried about who I knew and who knew me… in the cult of personality.
I could go on and on, but the examples from the latter half of my life are still a bit too fresh. Actually they’re still open wounds. Continue reading
The biggest moon ever
Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by an incredible moon rise, or moon set?
You know, one of those moments when your breath is taken away by the hugeness of the moon hanging low in the sky. You may have even thought, or said something like, “The moon is huge tonight!”
You might find it disturbing to know that your eyes are playing tricks on you. It’s still a beautiful moon and totally worthy of your pause and admiration of its Creator, but just so that you know… you’re wrong.
Wow, quit being so sensitive. I’m just trying to teach you something.
The truth is that what you see when the moon is “so big” is really an optical illusion in fact, the moon is always the same size in the sky. Continue reading
My Christmas List
It was a first for me. It was gentle, it was loving, it was sweet pillow talk, but it was definitely my very first Christmas scolding. After a great night with my family filling our home, eating way too much (my wife can really rock the holiday turkey), and watching the kids tear into the … Continue reading
Thankful for the complaints
Happy Thanksgiving.
For most of us, plans are in full swing and expectations are high. Finishing a shortened work/school week leading into a day of over indulgence (fancy talk for pigging out) followed by even more decadence (another fancy word for waste) as we shop till we drop, we see why it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
At least, it better be, since we will be paying for it on the treadmill and out of the checkbook for months.
Still, Happy Thanksgiving!
If I asked most people what Thanksgiving was about, we’d get the standard three “F”s:
* Family
* Food
* Football
Then, once we got past all that honesty we’d remember that somewhere between the trip to Grandmas and the tryptophan coma, we’re supposed to be thankful for something, right? Continue reading
No Lukewarm Turkey, Please
Normally, I do not blog more than once a week, but in my personal devotional time today the Lord gave me a pre-Thanksgiving message today. Let me stress, this was given to me, which means it was for me. I have no idea if this is anything anyone else needs to hear, but I will publicly process this and if it’s a blessing to anyone else, so be it.
Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. 15 “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”In the book of Revelation, Jesus spoke directly to seven different church communities, and there was a pattern:
He introduced Himself
He commends the church
He rebukes the church
He offers a solution
He warns
He promises
Oddly, this last church on the list (Laodicea) is missing one of these elements… a commendation.
Ouch.
Apparently, what Jesus has to say to the church at Laodicea has to differ from the way He talked to others because He has nothing good to say about them.
Again, I say, ouch. Continue reading
Forgiveness
I have been on a mini-Sabatical for the last two weeks and I am looking forward to reconnecting with my fellow CrossPointers this weekend. While I was away, I got to spend some time with people and in places that had significant meaning to me. The last spot I was in was Little Rock, Arkansas. … Continue reading
Where’s your happy button?
This is the time of year that I am usually giddy with anticipation. In fact, when I see Halloween decorations creeping out at Wal-Mart, feelings of joy start to gurgle up from deep down inside. Nope. You can cancel your plans for the letter explaining to me the evils of October 31st, that’s not what … Continue reading
A Trajectory of Destruction
Have you ever heard of “hurry up sickness”?
Even if you haven’t heard of it, you have probably suffered from it. Don’t be confused, hurry up sickness is not busyness. Being busy might be a symptom, but most of us who are trying to make a difference in someone else’s life, our families life, or even our own life will be busy to some degree.
What i’m talking about is a schedule that leads to a behavior that causes a mindset which produces irritability, feelings of futility, difficulty in relationships and a general displeasure with things that should be fun and/or satisfying.
When busy turns your everyday into something like this, you have hurry up sickness. This has been the subject of my daily devotions in a journal thatI am working through recently. It’s been a challenge to hear words like slowdown, process, and “be in the moment you’re already in”.
Most of us seldom sit down long enough to enjoy the moments of our day. In fact, wherever we are at any given point on the timeline of our lives we are usually rushing to get on to the next point. So, during these devotional times I have been required to slow down, meditate and really try and let the Lord speak.
The Lords prayer which is so familiar to us is easy to skim over because we think we’ve already covered it. But, that seems to be the point. I was instructed to go over each line of that incredible prayer, chewing on each word and thought, journaling what the Lord was saying. I want to encourage you to do the exact same thing.
It might take you a half an hour, or an hour, or maybe even a weekend. But, one thing I know for sure… it will be worth it!
I don’t want this to influence your own experience, but let me share with you right out of my journal as an example of what I hope god will produce in your life. The following reflects my reflections of the Lord’s prayer back to God.
After you read this, scratch out your own time where you are alone and in relative quiet… read through the Lords prayer slowly (Matthew 6:9–13)… write down everything you think and feel.
There are no wrong answers, just the opportunity to spend some time with your Maker.
Our Father- I have never really known a father, but I desire that role for my own life more than all others. I believe a father to be loving, caring, correcting, and protecting. To see You my God as a Father is difficult for me at times, but I do pray that I will (daily) see this aspect of how You want to relate to me- not just own or control me- but to have a relationship that exceeds friendship. That you actually desire to be my Father.
In Heaven- no doubt you are “other.” As a resident of heaven by definition You are holy and able beyond all measures that I could offer. Your address means Your position is one of power, influence and ability beyond my comprehension. Continue reading
CrossEyedLife
My name is Andy Addis and I want to welcome you to the CrossEyedLife. I pastor a multisite church and love to speak and teach around the country and occasionally around the world.
Please read, watch and listen throughout these posts and then, contribute. I'd love for you to be in the discussion. Many blessings and I look forward to hearing from you.
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