Tolerance

Good morning everyone!

I really shouldn’t be up so early this morning. I quite literally spent all of yesterday finishing a term paper and a take-home final exam (now all I have left is my research paper and then I am done, I was very productive!). But, our wonderful little “fur-ball ‘o’ fun,” or Brandi, as my Dad calls her, relentlessly bit away at my hands and feet and barked loudly in my ears. Oh the joys to having a dog!

Anyway, I have been thinking this week. You know what I have realized? … I realized that “shenanigan” is a rather funny word. Say it with me: [shuh-nan-i-guhn], Shenanigan! lol

Ok, in all seriousness, now. I have really been thinking this week about tolerance and its effect on our spiritual lives. This is going to be rather difficult for me to discuss with much authority, because tolerance is not a spiritual concept, but a political/social one. There aren’t many verses on tolerance in the Bible.

You see, I was walking down the halls at UM (it is great to be a Miami Hurricane!) and a sign caught my attention. It was advertising for a student tolerance group. Essentially, from what I gathered, the group was promoting the tolerance of all societal “sects” in UM. From the Christians, to the Rockers, to the Gays, to the Muslims, to the Atheists, to whomever you wish, this group said that in order to coexist peacefully, we must be willing and able to tolerate and respect each others beliefs. Now, on the outside, this seems like a glorious proposition. Almost utopian, even. Here is the problem:

If we set our minds onto tolerance, two things – in my opinion – will result…

1) The first is its effect on the entire culture. Tolerance will lead to cultural relativism. Of course, we are seeing this now. There is no absolute. If everyone is allowed to have their own beliefs, then there is no ultimate or supreme truth. Everyone believes that what they believe is truth to them. Your truth is your truth and their truth is their truth and they are equally true, even when they apparently negate one another. Oh how dangerous! Like I said, we are seeing this now in our culture. By tolerating each and everyone’s belief, we are subtly accepting this as truth. On a more personal level, I believe that this affect leads to a lack of assertiveness and an inability to properly defend your faith. If everyone is going to have their own beliefs, what is the point of speaking out for your own or knowing why you believe it?

2) The second is tolerance’s effect on the individual. Once we get into the habit of tolerating other people and their opinions, we begin to tolerate other things in our own lives. The most critical area is sin. When we get in the habit of tolerating things we know are wrong, or things we disagree with, we will begin to tolerate those same types of things in our own life (i.e. sin). You let one small, insignificant thing pass by without addressing, and before you know it you are on a slippery slope in rampant sin.

So what’s the solution? We stop tolerating? If only it were that easy. Satan has crafted society so that we seem bigoted and hateful if we cannot learn to tolerate and respect other people/beliefs.

Honestly, I do not know if I have a fail-proof solution to this conundrum. I think we need to learn how to separate the two aspects of toleration and not to allow that in your personal life. Accountability will help with this.

What do you think?

MTI

Ramblings of a hopeless ADD man

Hey guys I have not blogged in a while. I have felt empowered by God over the last week. Even though I lost my job, I still feel like his is working in my life with a purpose. This morning I might have been refreshed by a "truthful" dvd that happened to be left out on someone's desk. So, other than giving me a whole new perspective or I should say a cleared one on truth in the Bible, it gave me an epiphany on this scene in the Bible.

Think back to when Jesus met Pilate, the king of all the universe is before a man who is supposed to be a ruler over his people. And don't forget that he was before Herod after this. These were the examples of leaders the world had to offer for Jesus to examine first hand. The first, Pilate, was worried over his position and being a people pleaser. He was worried about a rebellion by the Jews if he did not handle Jesus the way they wanted they would threaten his position. When questioning Jesus he asked if He was a king. Jesus responded,"Is this from you, or did others talk to you about me?" In other words "Do you really want to know or do you just want to appease the people?" Jesus saw through to his heart and questioned him instead. Even more, when Jesus said that he came to "testify the truth", Pilate answered, "What is truth?" So he really did not care whether or not Jesus was who he claimed to be but, only wanted to know what he had to in order to shut up the Jews outside. Just imagine what Jesus is thinking at this point, I used to think that when this played out in movies that he was being conceited but now, I see he is disappointed. So, at first he sent him away to be someone else's problem. When Jesus was in front of Herod and was asked to perform signs for him. He did not even respond to him. This ruler wanted to be entertained by Jesus with no faith involved but he only cared in his own pleasure. Then he was handed over back to Pilate and he just gave him to the people to avoid responsibility. He washed his hands of the problem, because that's what leaders are supposed to do right.
By stepping back we can see that Pilate's problem was failure to stand and lead. Even though his opinion may not be popular it is the right thing to do. And his lack of strength and direction is one of the biggest problems men have these days. We just fade and let the world walk on us. Then the next example is Herod, the idiot who just wants to feel good. He does not care about his people, only how they can provide for him. He has pride and exalts his own pleasure above the needs of the people.
I think we could talk about this all day. Comparing them to leaders today in the world and comparing them to Jesus, who set the needs of the entire world above his own life.
This is an open forum to comment on, let's see how we can lead with the example of Christ in mind.

On my next blog I will sum up my last two blogs and their lingering thoughts.

May God pour grace and understanding into all our lives abundantly. It might also help for all of us to sincerely ask Him to do so daily. Later guys.

Passion

Hello everyone!

How are you all doing? I am writing this e-mail in place of doing actual HW. I am at Starbucks with Emme and I just found out that my 10 page research paper isn’t due until May 7 (rather than this Thursday, like I originally thought), so I figured I could spare the time and write this a day early. Hope this doesn’t throw off your perfectly fashioned routine. =D

My mind has been all over the place these short days following last Friday’s meeting. Thoughts of passion, of forgiveness, of unfaltering love, of diligence (… etc.) have bombarded my mind. Glimpses and instances of humble service, and considerate fellowship have rehearsed themselves in my head combining into a sort of Christian utopia. Then BAM… the supposed “reality” sinks in. The lewd and lascivious (public) billboard averts my attention. The “religion” class riddled with Godlessness and evolution permeates the constructs of my intellect. Confusion, apathy, helplessness, complacency… (yadda, yadda, yadda.) settle in. It’s a vicious cycle, I tell ya.

I can’t help but wonder how what we spoke about last Friday is related to all this. Can you imagine the impact that our church alone would make in this society if we were all gung-ho (i.e. passionate) towards our relationship with Christ? Do you understand the gravity and vastness of that question? Really, think about it. Think about what that entails. Passion is the manifestation of our acknowledgement and surrender to Christ’s actions on the cross. A passionate relationship with Christ is the constant realization that we need to imitate Christ, and that our best efforts fall drastically short. It is a joyous revelation coupled with an element of ineptness and unworthiness.

I kept thinking and thinking, though… (I have a long drive =P). Why? Why must we constantly have that aspect of unworthiness as an integral part of relationship with God? Why? … Epiphany!

We must always have that “woe to me” factor (as Isaiah 6 puts it) because it humbles us and forces to rely on God and His sovereignty. Notice how Isaiah reacts when he was faced with the apparent frailty and incompetence: “‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.’" (Isaiah 6:5) He immediately took notice of his frailty and his incompetence. But also, he was aware of the shortcomings of his culture – of the people around him.

An angel then approached him; the seraph removed his guilt and atoned for his sins by cleansing his lips with burning coal (foreshadowing Jesus). What did Isaiah then do?: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’" (Isaiah 6:8).

His realization led to action; an action that impacted both himself and the culture with which he resided.

So I ask again, can you imagine the impact that our church alone would make in this society if we were passionate towards our relationship with Christ? This impact rests on your shoulders. I cannot do anything to make you more passionate towards God. I can only live my life in accordance with how I know Christ wants me to. But I am sure of this: living passionately is a choice. It is a decision you must make NOW! Do not settle for a second-rate religion when you can have a genuine, no holds barred relationship. “Choose this day whom you will serve!”

Well, as for this Friday… Same Bat time, same Bat channel (You are awesome if you get that reference!). We are doing something rather special and unique. I do not want to spoil it via e-mail, though. But, as I say every week, please make it a priority to be there.

I am praying for you,

MTI

CCA Canceled tonight

Due to The Rock Woodstock Annual Picnic, we will not be having CCA today. Email me if youi have any questions...

I will be going to go see "expelled" tonight. Call me or email me asap if you want to join me...

Two for the Price of One

Good morning!

Thankfully, I was able to sneak away some time now. I figured should take advantage of it and write the e-mail now, as opposed to waiting until around midnight to spam it out. I actually almost sent it out last night; that would have thrown everyone for a loop, so I decided against it... plus, I was tired =)

I have been wrestling over 2 things this week. The first one is simple: I/We need memorize more scripture. I wish it were as easy as Sunday school back in the day. You memorize one a week and get a candy if you recite it correctly. Sadly, those times are gone. There are multiple reasons and benefits to memorize verses, which I am sure you all know, but that just doesn't change the fact that we need more Scripture committed to memory. You with me? I am doing 1 Corinthians 15:57 and Psalms 84:11.

The second thing I have been pondering is God's qualities as a leader. Time and again, God's role as a leader has been standing out to me and how I need to mimic those qualities above all else. The trait that remains at the forefront of my mind is God's role as an initiator. 1 John 4:19 says that "we love because He first loved us." Our knowledge of love is a direct result of what Christ did on the cross. That holds true even when you compare it to the "love" of this world. The biased, conditional, lustful "love" is nothing more than an attempt for man to experience heavenly love without the Heavenly Father. It is a perversion of the truth. How many times do we fall for the counterfeit? In what areas of our life are we refusing to accept God's leadership in our life and settling for a perversion of this world? God initiated a relationship with us so that we wouldn't have to settle for second-rate, yet we still do. Think about it...

MTI

Questions to Ponder.

I'm reading a book by Ravi Zacharias called I Isaac Take Thee Rebekah. It is a more in depth and convicting look at romantic relationships in Biblical terms. On page 12 he quotes Mortimer Alder, a philosopher, who comments on the need to acknowledge the God.
"More consequences for life and action follow from the affirmation or denial of God, than any other basic question in life."

For the promises of the Bible and of God to hold true we must recognize the scripture as an authority in our lives. Content with out acknowledgment or conviction to carry it out is useless.

Like Mikey said earlier in Put in Place, we must be put in our place and realize how big God is and the weight that his word carries with it. It is a life decision in life, even as a Christian, to give that weight to God. God's power is already there, do not misunderstand in thinking that we determine God's potency of strength in reality that is set in stone, but that he can only work with what we allow to be watered. If we do not sincerely look at him as a father and king in life, then how can we take him seriously? Do you take advice seriously from someone you don't respect or believe to be validated in what they know? Oh course not. So what do we do with this knowledge?

This is the question, are we recognizing the authority of God in our lives and what that entails?

Update

Good morning!

Are you sitting down? You should be; what I have to say now is momentous! Yesterday morning, I actually listened to Chris Tomlin on my trek down to Miami... not Casting Crowns. lol

All kidding aside, how are you all doing? So often I feel that this e-mail has become a one-way street. You know, part of the purpose of this e-mail is to encourage you (Heb 10:25), but also so that you can reciprocate and encourage us by what the Lord has been teaching you and what you have been going through. We would love to read it!

Personally, I have been making it an effort to enjoy my relationship with Christ. I don't want to take it for granted. Think about it, we have the ability to be intimate with the most transcendent and powerful being; wouldn't you want to take advantage of it?! Honestly, people who see me driving on the highway must think I am some sort of psycho. My commute has consisted, lately, of me riding with music blasting and my singing quite emphatically. However, I am making it a point to have those songs lead me into worship and prayer. I don't know, I guess I am just spending time with God, and it's nice. He knows my wants, desires, aches, hurts, yadda yadda yadda... and I trust that He is going to take of it, because He promises to.

MTI

Wisdom Demonstrated

"Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom." - James 3:13

Check out my latest post in my personal BLOG: Click Here

:: LOVE ::

1 John 4:19 - Wow... I have been meditating on 1 John... I hope to post my thoughts on it soon. Come and join us today (4.5.08); we will be discussing the topic of "love."

Announcement: CCA will be meeting as usual tonight at 5:30pm at the Serene Bean... Joins us :)

Flawless Imperfections

" I suggest we learn to love ourselves before it's made illegal." -Incubus "Warning"

I've had to hear this song at least a million times and I never paid attention to the power of that phrase. We live in a world full of botox, silicone, and mountains of make-up. Companies make billions of dollars based on our insecurities. I myself find myself looking in the mirror with disgust. I say to myself " Wow, my teeth are crooked" or " Why are my biceps not big?" or my favorite " I'm ugly". Now as I grow in my walk with Christ, I realize that saying this is a MAJOR offense to GOD. How do I know? Well, initially, I look to Genesis 1:27, which says " So He created man in his own image, in the image of GOD he created him; male and female he created them". I doesn't take long to ponder about the fact that we are made in the image and likeness of GOD! What flaws can I find in myself if I'm made in the mold of perfection???

GOD didn't stop his work with our outer appearance. He went all the way. Psalm 139 13-14 says "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. Wow! I'm fearfully and wonderfully made!! Be insecure...for what??

Finally, if we do not love ourselves unconditionally, how can we love others in that same way? How can we go out and give the gospel if we're worried about unchangable parts that GOD has given us?

I'm simply saying love yourself. GOD made you wholly without flaw because he's flawless. So everytime you look in the mirror and you find an "imperfection" or flaw. Remember who made it. His imperfections are flawless.

-Dennis-

Being the "Acorn"

Just re-read Kyle's post... Can't wait to become the oak tree! ;) Phil. 1:6!

Read Kyle's Post: Click Here

Awesome!

Ok, now this is totally wicked (as the boy from The Incredibles so eloquently puts it)!

I read chapter 1 of I Corinthians during my QT not too long ago. These verses were screaming at me: "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men...but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God." (I Corinthians 1:25, 27-29, NASB)

How awesome is that?!

MTI

Put in Place

So what I have been learning? My word, this question has been plaguing me all week! I've had no idea what I would I share here. I can't say that I've learned some vast, profound truth straight from the mouth of God Himself. I feel as if the Lord is merely putting me in my place and showing me where I stand - but not necessarily in the tear jerking manner that I normally associate with being humbled. It seems to be more of an understanding: a realization, or sorts. Several thoughts have been bouncing around my mind:

1) This morning I listened to 2 sermons by James MacDonald about the "Awesomeness of God." He is only point in the entire broadcast was that God is awesome. So often we overuse words (i.e. love); which in turn, dilutes the meaning of the word... really think about this: God is awesome! We tend to focus on God's intimacy and proximity that we completely forget about His transcendence and sovereignty. We forget how truly awesome He is! Read Psalms 8:4, Isaiah 40:10-31 and 55:9

2) I have not been able to get this song out of my head... for good reason, too.

Tal Como Soy
by Jesus Adrian Romero

Tal como soy Señor,

sin nada que ofrecer
mas que mi canción.
No tengo mas que darte
pues todo es tuyo Señor.

Tal como soy Señor,
sin nada que entregar
mas que el corazón.
Me rindo todo a ti;
tómame Señor, tal como soy.

Aceptame
como ofrenda de amor;
como un sacrificio
agradable en tu honor;
grato perfume
yo quiero ser Señor.

The song talks about how we can just come to God as we are. Forget the pretenses. Forget the façades. Forget it all. We have nothing to legitimately offer God that will surprise Him. Think about it, what can we give Him that he doesn't already have? The only reason He loves us and initiated a relationship with us is because He chooses too! (Now doesn't that make you feel special?! =D ). That's the beauty of Christianity; it's not a religion, it's a relationship. We can only give Him our hearts; our lives. In the grand scheme of things, nothing else really matters.

I suppose this is just another one of those dichotomy's in the Christian faith. God is so big and so powerful and so awesome. We are so small and so insignificant and so petty. But God loves us; He loves us enough to not leave us alone, but also be involved in our growth. I hope this puts you in your place, as it did me =)

MTI

Accepting His Grace

Hey guys, the faithful few who read this at the moment. How is everyone? Forgiven and Free glad to hear it. It's good to hear that God is working in all our lives even if we won't accept it's direction.

Warning: some of you may or may not get what I'm trying to say.

Today I started my day with Community Service at a homeless shelter in Marietta. Yes, I am a very bad driver but i am doing my time for it. Anyway, I spent this morning cleaning and making pack lunches. After that I picked trash up off the side of the road. Least to say that it was not the best morning, especially since the pollen is making me sick. If this blog sounds loopy I'm blaming it on that.
Later on today i got a coffee to clear my head and calm me down. As I handed the cashier my two dollars, she handed one of them back to me. She said "your good honey, " and told me to have a good day. My first action was to hand that dollar straight back to her, and she like wise handed it back. I finally said thank you and got my coffee with a hesitant attitude.

This occurred to me immediately afterward, I had resisted to accept an act of grace towards me. I was caught up in what i was supposed to do in that situation normally, instead of seeing the blessing that was there.

I want all of us to think about this. Where in my life am i refusing the Lord's grace?

CCA News Letter - Vol. 1 Issue 2

It's finally here!... Our second issue of the official CCA News Letter.

To Read (Download) The PDF of our News Letter click the link below...

CCA April 2008 News Letter (PDF)
File Name: cca_vol1_issue2.pdf

Feel free to leave your comments about the news letter in this post. All feedback and add-on comments are welcomed.

(_)D God Bless - JJ