Analogies to think about (ponder)

Just a random thought. Although since it is now being typed out, not quite as random…but just something to think about:

An analogy to ponder

Today’s mega churches are to local churches as Wal-Marts are to mom-and-pop stores.

Or

Today’s mega churches are to local churches as Britney Spears, Justin Beiber, American Idol, and over produced pop are to Aretha Franklin, Freddie Mercury, The Beatles and raw emotive rock.

 

Put That in Your Theological Pipe…

The Days In Between

O Lord, I’ve praised you, raised you up
Lifted my hands and gave you thanks

In times of joy, in times of peace
I have recognized and acknowledged you
And only you

O Lord, I’ve sought you, when I was lost
When I was down, you found me there

In my pain, in my despair
Of my own making, I cried to you
And you answered

In good times
You
In bad times
You

But where O where are you O Lord?
In the days
In between

You are there
You are present
Not because I feel it
Not because I say it
Because you say so
Because that is who you are

Lord of the good
Lord of the bad
Lord of the days in between

So we got that coming to us

We hear about blessing (for some this is an evangelical codeword for money). We hear about peace, and joy…and yes those are ours in Christ.
What you don’t hear much about is trials and tribulations – which are also promised us in Christ.
Sounds like fun, huh?
Yes, we get to share in Christ’s glory (good). The Bible also says we get to share in His sufferings (uh, ouch).
Hey, I saw The Passion of the Christ – that did NOT look like fun.

Acts 14:22 says we must go through hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
Martin Luther, in his 95 Theses said, “And let them thus be more confident of entering heaven through many tribulations rather than through a false assurance of peace.”

Not raining on any parades, just giving food for thought, or something to smoke in your theological pipe.

The good news – are you going through tough things? If you are, rejoice, because you are entering the Kingdom of God.

Keep Praying

How many have been praying for something and are still waiting for an answer? Yes, I see those hands. (not really, I can’t see you, but I am imaging everyone would be saying, yes that has or is happening).
Well…keep praying. 7 times if necessary. The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective according to James…and this is true. but he also referenced Elijah and his praying for it to rain as an example. Guess how many times Elijah had to pray? 7 times!
So if you pray and nothing happens, pray again. And again. And again. And again. And again. And again…

Revolutionary

He’s extraordinarily revolutionary
The status quo squashing
Blood washing
Sin forgiving
Son of God

He did
He does
He will
He is
Revolutionary

You say you want one
He already gave one
A revolution
Just turn
Face Him
Trust Him
And be His
Be a part of the revolution
He is
Revolutionary

He is extraordinarily revolutionary
And He loves you, wants you, died for you
No denying you
Interceding for you
Always there for you
Never leaving
No forsaking
The earth shaking, sin taking, child of God making
Revolutionary