Counselor's Blog

Book Review: Easy Chairs, Hard Words

2012-01-26T07:15:00.000-08:00

Easy Chairs, Hard Words (conversations on the Liberty of God)

by Douglas Wilson,

Published by Canon Press

149 pages

$15.00

Easy Chairs, Hard Words is a book that teaches reformed theology, specifically the five points of Calvinism, and aims to reveal the fallacy of Arminianism and Pelageism. Douglas Wilson does this in an uncanny fashion as he creates conversations between a young curious seeker of truth and a Pastor. Douglas Wilson himself says, “I have put most of truths into a fictional setting merely to make them more readable, and hence more understandable.” (pg.8) The book is very readable, and adds some warmth and humor throughout it, as Douglas Wilson uses his creativity and an artistic flair to make the meetings between the young man and Pastor most interesting.

The book begins with the young man who is part of a church that believes man can lose his salvation, and he has heard a lot of rumblings within his own congregation, talking about the Calvinist Church across the street. The young man is curious about this conspicuous church because they hold to such different teachings, especially the fact that they believe you can’t lose your salvation. So the young man decides to set up a time to meet with this Pastor, and one conversation turns into numerous visits. The book reads like fiction more than non-fiction because of the conversation between the two men. This was not a dry book on theology as the added character’s conversing, tackling hard questions, and thoughtful answers, allow the reader to feel like they are in the room learning with the young man.

Douglas Wilson’s strong points are exhibited in his readability, interest factor, and understanding of the topics discussed. Also, some of the explanations Douglas Wilson shares reveals his depth of insight in the Word of God. Furthermore, the book is only 149 pages which can be a read in a span of one or two weeks. Finally, the author puts extreme emphasis on the glory of God. He argues that everything God is doing is for His glory, instead of man’s. Douglas Wilson expands the reader’s view of God while placing us in our position as creation who are here to worship God.

The only drawback to this book is that those who come from the Arminian/Peligian (freewill) camp may feel slighted. The author makes it crystal clear that “diving down into the depths of grace,” is code for embracing and growing in reformed theology. The book is written from the notion that the young man came out of the freewill perspective and embraced the whole counsel of God’s Word, especially God’s sovereignty, which is intertwined in every area of the five points of Calvinism.

I thought Easy Chairs, Hard Words was a great read. I loved how Douglas Wilson turned theology into these great dialogues between the young man and the Pastor. The questions posed to the Pastor, and the responses were well thought out, and clearly answered. The reformed believer will say “amen” to everything Douglas Wilson says, while the freewill believer will be challenged with the arguments made by the author. It is important for all of us regardless of our theology to think and be challenged where we are at in our faith with Christ. This book magnifies and expands God’s glory as we are here for nothing but His glory!

A Call To Pray

2012-01-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

"What is both surprising and depressing is the sheer prayerlessness that characterizes so much of the Western church. It is surprising, because it is out of step with the Bible that portrays what Christian living should be; it is depressing, because it frequently coexists with abounding Christian activity that somehow seems hollow, frivolous and superficial."--D.A. Carson

Would this characterize your church? Your home? Your life? How is your prayer life today?

God's Word tells us to "pray without ceasing."--1 Thessalonians 5:17

Why Does God Need My Money?

2012-01-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

by: Fred Mundie
Have you ever asked yourself that question? Or, have you ever been in a conversation with someone and they asked you to explain to them why God wants their hard-earned, hard-to-come-by, not-enough money? Or, even better, have you ever spoken with someone who said (perhaps you thought in your own mind) "God knows I love Him, and God knows I work hard, and God knows I am having a difficult time financially right now, so God is OK with me not giving to Him right now?"

The problem with all of the above is the initial premise is wrong–God does not want, nor does God need, our money. How could we be so arrogant to think the Creator of all the heavens and earth, of the entire universe, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega, would need anything from us? He does not need us or anything we have. He can squash us like a bug today, and he will not change one bit from the way he is, the way he was, and the way he will always be, in all of eternity.

God wants us to love Him. He wants us to love one another. And He wants us to obey Him. One of the areas in which he wants us to obey is money. When we pay our tithe to our local church, we are not giving money to God, the money is going to the church. The payment of the tithe is an act of obedience toward God. In Malachi 3:10, God says: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." That verse is a straight-up command from God to us to tithe. He is so adamant about the fact that we should obey Him in the area of tithing that He even says "Test me in this." This is the only place in the entire Bible where God tells us to test Him. Imagine the depth of love and the commitment he has to us to tell us to test Him. Who are we to test Him?

Our obedience to God comes from our faith in God. Faith that God knows what is best for us, faith that He knows what we are capable of, and faith that God will take care of us in all things, great and small. Our obedience to God in not only monetary areas but all areas of our life will allow us to love Him in the way He intended: completely and unconditionally, with full confidence and faith that God will provide for all of our needs.

Combating Spiritual Drift

2012-01-24T12:27:00.000-08:00

From time to time we are all faced with circumstances, thoughts, or people, that force us to question what we believe. For some, it is a trial in life that sets a person on his heels and secretly (or openly) causes him to wonder if God really exists...and if He does, is He really a loving God? For others, it is a series of nagging thoughts or questions that just never seem to be satisfied. "Does the doctrine of election teach that God created some people who are predestined to go to Hell?" "Is Jesus really the only way to Salvation?" Still, for others, it is a person of another Faith (or no Faith at all) who knows just the right questions to stump the believer about his Bible knowledge. There are many opportunities for Satan to derail a Christian, but this is nothing new. The Bible is filled with examples of Christians who were tempted to leave the Faith. In fact, Adam and Eve's original sin has far more to do with man questioning the legitimacy of God than simple disobedience.

The book of Colossians provides an encouraging example of how to combat the Spiritual drift than can take place as one is pulled away from a true knowledge of the Bible. In short, this book is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church at Colossae. But, this is not just any letter. It is a response to the desperate concern of the church's leader, Epaphras. Although the church at Colossae had not fallen away, heresy was sweeping the land and Epaphras feared the church would turn away from the Truth. So, he traveled a great distance to seek help from the Apostle Paul. The book of Colossians is Paul's response the the concern of Epaphras. It is, in fact, an appeal to stand firm in the Faith (Colossians 1:23).

So, what did Paul encourage the Colossians to do? Avoid sinning? Go to church more frequently? Pray more? While he does encourage all of these, the Apostle Paul does not begin by challenging the Colossians to do more. Instead, he spends a significant amount of time directing their attention to the supremacy of Christ. After all, He is the Creator, Sustainer, and everything that is exists is because of and for Him (Colossians 1:16-17)!

Are you experiencing Spiritual drift today? The Apostle Paul is clear that the remedy is Christ. Spend some time getting to the Jesus of the Bible. When you develop a proper view of Him, you will find that your questions, circumstances, and doubts suddenly become smaller as Christ becomes larger. Why not start by reading the book of Colossians? Pray that God will soften your heart and receive His Word in humility. After all, only He can maintain your Spiritual heading.

A Word from Dr. Jay Adams

2012-01-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

I am reading a Jay Adams book, “What to do on Thursday” and enjoying it thoroughly! I love His books because Dr. Adams writes with wisdom, clarity, and practical application. His books are concise and to the point, with a Biblical accuracy that comes from truly knowing God. He is an amazing man of God, who has given his life to love God and others as a Pastor, Counselor, Theologian, Writer, and fellow Christian brother. May we continue to read and learn from such men who truly are led by the Spirit!

Here is a breakdown of a section in “What to do on Thursday,” pages 6-7, looking at a known passage of God’s Word.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

--2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV

1. Teaching

“The Scriptures teach us all that we need to know about God, man, and the creation to be able to live a life that is pleasing to God. They set the standard for faith (what we must believe) and for practice (what we must do).”

2. Reproof or Conviction

“The Spirit uses the Scriptures to convict us of our sin as, in various ways, we fail to measure up to the standards set forth in them. All change from sinful practices to those that please God must begin with conviction of sin.”

3. Correction

“The Scriptures show us how to repent and find forgiveness of sins and how to begin life afresh. They help us get out of the messes we often get ourselves into.”

4. Disciplined training in righteousness

“The Scriptures also show us how to stay out of those messes in the future, and they point us to biblical alternatives to our sinful ways. They discipline us in order to make these new ways a habitual part of our everyday living.”

Do You Worry?

2012-01-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

“Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God, and yet it is a sin that Christians commit perhaps more frequently than any other.” --John MacArthur

Jerry Bridges calls worry, the Christian’s “respectable sin.” That is saying it nicely considering most Christians don’t even recognize worry as a sin. We worry because we are under a delusion that we are in control of our lives, and that we can solve our own issues. The antithesis of trust in God is disbelief, which is what we are doing when we let worry control us. The appalling part of worry is that we become independent and self-sufficient, and in a sense become our own god.

Peeling away the layers of worry reveals the ugliness of a tolerated sin that needs to be repented of, like any other sin! Worry is a big deal that is often overlooked. God’s Word tells us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

Examine Yourself
Do you trust God in the midst of the life’s struggles or do you take matters into our own hands? Are you full of worry or strong in faith? What is your first reaction to tragedy, prayer or panic? Who are you really depending on?

Is it possible to love Jesus, but hate religion?

2012-01-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

If you're on Facebook, chances are you've seen Jefferson Bethke's video entitled, "Why I Hate Religion, but Love Jesus." This video has inspired both Christians and non-Christians, but his statements have also caused quite a bit of controversy. We sat down to formulate our thoughts regarding this video and stumbled across a great review by Kevin DeYoung on the Gospel Coalition Blog. In his review, DeYoung lovingly confronts the message communicated by Bethke and shares some hard hitting criticism. The day after his review, DeYoung posted a follow-up in which he shares Bethke's response to his criticism. While we agree with DeYoung's stance on Bethke's video, it is the loving interaction between the two that we want to highlight. This is an excellent example of what the dialogue between Christians who disagree should look like.

To see the video and read the articles, please click the following links:
The video
DeYoung's Response
The Follow-up

Obedience is the Key to Change Your Money Behavior

2012-01-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

by: Fred Mundie, Financial Counselor

Jesus Christ tells us to obey everything He has commanded. Matthew 28:20. When Abraham obeyed God, He told Abraham ". . . through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed . . . ." Genesis 23:18. God promised many blessings to His people after he led them out of Egypt if they obeyed him, but He warned against their disobedience. Leviticus 26. God is so adamant about obedience that He commanded parents to have their disobedient son’s stoned to death. Deuteronomy 21:18. With all of these and many more passages, why do we keep ignoring His Word? If we are obedient to God, He trusts us, and like any good parent, He will give us more rope and allow us to go a little further. Jesus was very clear in Luke 16, v. 10, when He said "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."

Obedience is a behavior–it is something we have to set our mind to do and carry it out. Larry Burkett said financial planning is 80% behavior and 20% head knowledge. I agree with Larry, and I also know from experience that with most people, their behavior is what gets them in trouble every time. It is not the big, bad bank, or even the fact that they lost their job. They THINK the world is against them, but that is not the case. Their behavior put them in a dire financial position, and a change in their behavior is the only thing that will bring them out.

If we would behave like Jesus, we would be obedient to God ALWAYS. If we would be obedient to God ALWAYS, we would listen to His sound financial advice contained in the Bible. So why don't we listen to Him and do what He tells us to do with the money we are entrusted with? Because we are conditioned from a very early age to misbehave financially. Did you know there are over 2,000 references to money in the Bible? I believe there are so many references to money because God knew we just would not "get it" when it comes to good stewardship. Why else would He talk about one subject so much?

How we can learn to behave in this area will be covered in future installments. For now, read the above passages, and find others on your own that relate to obedience to God, and begin to condition your mind to be obedient to the one and only true living God and his son, Jesus Christ. You have to walk before you can run; you have to float before you can swim; and you have to be obedient to God before you will find happiness and contentment in your financial situation.

Reflecting the Power of the Gospel

2012-01-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

As Christians, we are given the opportunity to reflect the Gospel in our homes, in the workplace, in the Church and throughout the world. This is both a tremendous privilege and an incredibly daunting task. In a world full of distractions, it is easy to allow ourselves to lose sight of this important responsibility. In this message from Colossians 4:2-6, TJ Freeman highlights the teachings of the Apostle Paul who reminds us to put our Faith into action as we reflect Christ in all we do.

Am I reflecting the power of the Gospel? from Viewpoint Church on Vimeo.

God's Working Through A Single Man--Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)

2012-01-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

The impact of one godly father, Jonathan Edwards. This famous early American pastor, writer, and one-time president of Princeton University had 11 children.

Of his known male descendants:

More than 300 became pastors, missionaries or theological professors

120 were professors at various universities;

110 became attorneys;

60 were prominent authors;

30 were judges;

14 became presidents of universities or colleges;

3 served in the U.S. Congress;

1 became vice president of the United States.

Author Unknown

The "Self" Cult

2011-12-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

"It would be well for us all to remember that every person is pitiably poor — until they are rich in faith, and rich toward God." ~ J.C. Ryle

This quotes flies in the face of our culture as they try to boost the "self" at every opportunity. J.C. Ryle is saying that we are poor, destitute, and worthless without Christ. The "self" craze is not something new, considering Eve was tempted "to be like God," way back in the Garden. (Genesis 3) We are all prone to think MORE of ourselves and LESS of God and others. The Greatest Commandment is love God and others AS yourself. (Mark 12:30) This is the daily battle Jesus is talking about when He tells us to deny ourselves. The problem we deal with today is that most of the churches have become so psychologized that they buy into the "self" movement too. Self-esteem, self-love, self-forgiveness are regarded as truth in the pulpit!

Let us take off the cultural blinders and see life through the lens of Scripture. The Church must begin to define themselves by the Bible instead of the culture! Paul's attitude about himself was that he was "a wretched sinful man!" (Romans 7:24) Paul new the reality of himself as the holiness of God shined on his wicked heart. That is why Paul was so joyful of the sacrifice of Christ as the grace of God was poured out on him. Paul knew he was a Great sinner, yet he was full of joy because he knew that Christ was an even Greater Savior! Let us lose ourselves as we are in awe of God's glory!

A Godly Husband

2011-12-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

“The husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church.” (Ephesians 5:23, GWT) Paul compares the husband’s role in marriage with Christ’s role to the church.

In understanding the husbands role, let’s look at how Christ led the church. God’s Word tells us, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8, NIV) Christ being God, made Himself nothing, and became a servant. The word for servant in the Greek literally means slave! Christ became a slave, and died for His Church! Christ sacrificed everything for the Church because it is what brought glory to the Father.

Just as Christ sacrificed everything for the church, husbands are called to selflessly give their all to their wives. This means putting your wife’s interest above your own. This means being willing to serve your spouse even if you don’t feel like it. It also means we are to lead our wives spiritually.

Here are some practical ways to follow Christ's example:

Initiate a time to read the Bible with your wife.

Pray with your wife.

Share what God is teaching you with your wife.

Plan a date night that your wife would enjoy.

Help your wife with some of her household chores.

The Gospel Frees Us From Ourselves!

2011-12-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

‎

"The gospel isn't what you need to do to make yourself more happy. It is what Christ has done to free you from such self-centeredness." Elyse Fitzpatrick

What is your initial reaction to this quote? It seems so contradictory to the church culture we live in today. It seems wrong to say that the Gospel isn't supposed to make me happy! I can turn on the TV and listen to tele-evangelist tell me all day that God wants me to be financially prosperous, live in a mansion, and drive the car of my dreams! Plus, God wants me to have the best marriage, and perfect children. This is the message many hear on TV, in their churches, and what is talked about amongst many Christian circles. This theology sells because it plays on what we already want before we come to Christ. I am programmed from the womb to think, focus, act in my world as if I was at the center. I want this, I need that, I wish I could have this or that...and if God will give me what I want than I will be on His team because He is my Cosmic Santa Claus who gives me whatever I want! No one would say it that way, but isn't that what is going on?

The problem with this theology is that it places us as "god" instead of God! This was the temptation that caused the world to fall into sin in the first place. Satan said to Eve, "for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:5, NIV) We still want to be god instead of follow and submit to the True God! Adam and Eve aren't the only ones who struggle with this, it is hereditary, in our natural nature. It is actually against our nature to follow God, listen to Paul when he says, the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God Laws; indeed, it cannot." (Romans 8:7, ESV) This where we all start before Christ draws us to Himself.

The Gospel is not for our happiness because it frees us from the selfishness that continues to draw us back into our old life before Christ changed us. We were in bondage, controlled by Satan, and under the wrath of God! (Ephesians 2:1-3) The Gospel breaks the bondage of the flesh and strips Satan of his power over us. As the Holy Spirit empowers us to follow God by His eternal grace! The Gospel gives us the ability to Live for God's glory instead of our own! We become His children, heirs of God's Kingdom. May we continue to be in awe of God's glory and die to our own!

What is the condition of your marriage?

2011-12-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

The seeds that we are planting in our marriages today will mature into fruit or weeds tomorrow.

What is fruit? Good fruits in your marriage begins with a heart sold out for Christ. You must be controlled by the Holy Spirit to live a life that will produce godly fruit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” How patient are you with your spouse? When is the last time you served your wife/husband for no reason? Are you building your spouse up by the encouraging words?

What are weeds? Wicked weeds are what you produce naturally if you are not walking with Christ. You are more focused on getting your agenda accomplished than loving God or your spouse. “The acts (weeds) of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” How often are you fighting with your spouse? When is the last time you looked at someone other than your spouse with lust? Are you harboring anger and frustration towards your spouse?

Fruit or Weeds are growing in your marriage all the time. Good fruit takes time and energy to cultivate as you surrender your heart to the Lord individually and as a couple. But weeds grow effortlessly in your marriages when you react, and work in your own strength. Are you planting seeds that will turn into weeds or spiritual fruit that will last for eternity?

Why Biblical Counseling?

2011-12-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Biblical counseling is based on God’s Word. Secular counseling is based on a variety of human theories that may or may not coincide with God’s Word.

Secular counseling emphasizes high self-esteem and following your heart. Biblical counseling highlights that humanity is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever. Biblical counseling says that we need to follow God, instead of our deceitful heart.

Secular counseling aims to help you become more effective for society or to at least make you feel better about yourself. Biblical counseling trains us to love God and others instead of self, which leads to radical heart change for true life and true joy.

Secular counselors are trained to counsel based on relative truths of the day. Biblical counselors are trained to lovingly counsel with absolute truth, God’s Word. It is the truth that sets you free.

Revealing Your Foundation

2011-12-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

What do you talk about the most?

How do you handle life’s struggles?

What would your spouse say you are most passionate about?

How we answer these questions reveals what is number one in our hearts! What takes first place in our lives shows our foundation. What kind of foundation have we invested in? Is your foundation reliable and strong or faulty and weak?

Christ tells us that "everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash," -Matthew 7:24-27.

We can build a solid foundation in Christ alone. He will give us the real hope we need to withstand whatever trials may come our way. God builds an eternal foundation in our hearts that will never fall in times of trouble because God carries us through them! We learn not to rely on our own ingenuity or ability, but on God who works mightily through us as we depend on Him. He is preparing His children for eternity. So let us read God’s Word and live it out daily, knowing the only secure foundation is found in Christ alone.

We See What We Want

2011-12-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit.” --Proverbs 16:2, ESV

What does this passage say about humanity?

We naturally have a skewed view toward our own ways of thinking and acting. We will look at our own bad actions, and often give numerous reasons (excuses) for the ungodly behavior exhibited. This happens in marriage all the time. We naturally give ourselves the benefit of the doubt. For example, I can give my wife five reasons why I say something hurtful to her. Some of these excuses include being tired, hungry, sick, tough day at the office, and my her (wife’s) attitude. All five of these reasons ignore the real culprit, which is ME! The Bible says that “out of the abundance or overflow of the heart the mouth speaks!” (Matthew 12:34) What I say is actually a reflection of what is in my heart.

What does this passage say about God?

God does not label people on a whim. God’s judgement is pristinely accurate because He looks beyond or below appearances, past the personalities, and goes right to the heart of who we are. God sees the core of who we are. We are fully exposed to the eternal God of the universe. We can’t trick or fool Him because God knows us better than we can ever know ourselves. What a sobering thought to recognize that God can see the inner being of who we are all the time. We can’t run or hide from God, we must continue to confess, repent, and depend on the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out. Thanks be to His grace as He continues to shape us for His glory on honor.

Is Jesus your life?

2011-12-05T06:43:00.000-08:00

We live in a world that constantly calls for our attention and affection. It is easy to get lulled into a lifestyle that is neither focused on God nor intentional about the Gospel. In Colossians 3:1-4, the Apostle Paul shows us our need to focus on God and explains how to keep this focus as we go about our busy lives. Watch this video for more...

Is Jesus Your Life? from Viewpoint Church on Vimeo.

Article :: Condition of the Heart

2011-11-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

Most people who come to counseling are looking for a solution to a problem. In this article, Terry Hoskins provides a Biblical framework for discovering our true problem - the heart. (Click the article to enlarge)

The Revolution of the Heart

2011-11-29T10:43:00.000-08:00

Chances are, if you've been to a science fair, you've seen the classic Styrofoam solar system. Although it is a very simple illustration of how the universe works, it takes an abstract scientific reality and communicates it in a clear, tangible form. The sun, of course, is placed in the center, and all of the planets are hung at various distances and revolve around it. I don't question that model today, but I remember being a bit surprised when I first saw a model solar system. From my perspective, it seemed that the Earth should have been placed at the center because as far as I could tell, the sun, moon, stars, and other planets all revolved around us! Even today, I am convinced that the Earth is not at the center of the Universe, but when I look out my window, it sure appears that way.

I believe that many Christians look at their lives in much the same way as I viewed the solar system. We know in our minds that God is at the center of everything, but we are often misled by our perceived reality. Maybe we wouldn't admit it, but the truth is that the world seems to revolve around us. We get upset when cars pull out in front of us on the highway. We become disappointed or angry when our husbands or wives fail to meet our "needs." We are hurt when our employers fail to recognize the hard work we've been doing. We become indignant when someone falsely accuses us and we fight to clear ourselves. Although most of us would never say it, our problem is that deep down, we really believe that this life is about us.

The problem with allowing anything other than God to be at the center of our lives is that it reveals nothing else was designed for the task. Everything that God created was designed to point us to Him, but many times we allow creation to steal the affection of our hearts. For example, marriage was created to portray the relationship between Jesus and the Church (Eph. 5:23-32). However, many couples find themselves placing all of their trust, hope, desires, and expectations in each other. When this happens, the couple has effectively placed their relationship at the center and allowed their hearts to revolve around something other than God. If then, something goes wrong in the relationship, trust is broken, or expectations go unmet, the couple is thrown out of orbit and everything comes crashing down. That relationship was never meant to sustain or maintain that couple. Only God can provide true satisfaction. The same is true for the husband who allows his career to take center stage, the mother who devotes everything to her children, or the man who finds his worth in his possessions. Of course, we should strive to do and be our best, but we cannot allow anything, or anyone to capture the affection of our hearts. Anything that we begin to value more than a pure relationship with God is a sinful perversion of His intended purpose and we will be forever disappointed as creation fails us.

The words written by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 help to give us a more proper perspective. He states that "Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." The truth is that God is at the center, and we were created to revolve around Him. Our purpose is not to find happiness, fulfillment, or value in this life - it is to bring glory to the One who Created us! Paul is not simply encouraging us to pray more, to spend more time in Scripture, or to be nicer to those around us, he is pointing to the fact everything we do, from the simple to the complex, is meant to bring glory to God. He is commanding us to remove ourselves, our relationships, or status, and our possession from the center of our lives and to give Him the glory He rightfully deserves. It is time that we recognize our perversion and allow our hearts to revolve around Christ - for His glory!

Welcome to Oasis

2011-11-28T14:17:00.000-08:00