Loving someone can do alot of things. As we know, love can be difficult sometimes. When it comes to 'loving life' into someone, this is when it requires us to get some dirt underneath our fingernails.
As a Christian myself, I know Jesus died for me because He loved me. I know that, through His death, I was given life. However, when it comes to me loving, most of the time, that's where it stops. I'm prepared to love someone for a moment, to do something randomly, to do an act of kindness that other's notice, but that's literally it! Nothing else is achieved apart from an act of love. Is it?
Surely love deserves to give more than a moment's peace, pleasure or hope? I think, when Jesus died on that brutal cross, He didn't intend, for us all to accept it and say 'aww thats nice'. No, I'm sure He didn't.
Jesus' act, I'm sure, intended us to accept the act of extreme love, but to recieve life too!
How often when we love do we breathe life into others? Why do we love them, should be our first question. If it's because we should, then we've lost the plot. But if it's because Jesus does, then we're got to move on from just loving them, but to breathe life in them.
Everyone deserves to be loved, and everyone deserves life. The two go hand in hand. I read somewhere once, those that love alot, and give alot, enjoy life alot more, than those who just recieve.
We've got to prove its Jesus that gives life. To prove it, love and breathe life into the weary, lost and broken! Jesus did for us.
6/08/2010
6/04/2010
"Your Kingdom Come, here on earth."
Why is it, that we get so boiled up at being territorial? Why do we try compete with other Christians and other churches? Why is it, when we see something done, that is actively building God's Kingdom, we find it within ourselves to either compete, or demolish it?
Recently, I've realised that although I am employed and get paid by one particular 'church', I actually belong to Jesus' church. I've become less protective of my churches' territory and more open to widening God's territory here on earth.
When we pray to see God's Kingdom come, here on earth, its actually going to come through God working in us. God's Kingdom doesn't belong to any one church - it deserves to belong in God's created people.
When God created us in Genesis, He was pleased and noted that we were 'very good'. We were not perfect! That means there's still work to do - and we are the means to get it done. God wants us to be the hands and feet in building God's kingdom here on earth. A work in progress.
I want to see heaven on earth. As soon as we accept that our focus needs to be on building God's people first, only then, can our mini-kingdoms, territories and boundaries be demolished. And so they should!
It's sad when one church becomes jealous of another. If we were 'one church' this wouldn't exist. Surely, we're all in this together, and if you're not - maybe reaccess.
Recently, I've realised that although I am employed and get paid by one particular 'church', I actually belong to Jesus' church. I've become less protective of my churches' territory and more open to widening God's territory here on earth.
When we pray to see God's Kingdom come, here on earth, its actually going to come through God working in us. God's Kingdom doesn't belong to any one church - it deserves to belong in God's created people.
When God created us in Genesis, He was pleased and noted that we were 'very good'. We were not perfect! That means there's still work to do - and we are the means to get it done. God wants us to be the hands and feet in building God's kingdom here on earth. A work in progress.
I want to see heaven on earth. As soon as we accept that our focus needs to be on building God's people first, only then, can our mini-kingdoms, territories and boundaries be demolished. And so they should!
It's sad when one church becomes jealous of another. If we were 'one church' this wouldn't exist. Surely, we're all in this together, and if you're not - maybe reaccess.
6/22/2009
Who's is it?
When it comes to material things and faith, people can become aggitated and frustrated. By why I wonder? As a human, we are always striving to be in competition with someone else. To be better, to look better, to feel better. But actually, we only become in competition with ourselves at the end of the day.
One thing I completely regret is buying a private car registration plate L55 KBY - Lee Kirkby. £250! This was about two years ago now, and only recently has it been playing on my mind. What's God trying to say....
Why did I buy it (especially for a Fiat Punto - hardly something to show off!)? Because I wanted to be noticed, different, special, feel good when driving. The more I learn about Jesus and grow in faith, the more I deteste the way us Christians are pressured into secular materialism, idolism and worship. It's so hard to be a Christian in a 'celebrity' world, where one is always seeking to be centre of attention. Quite often Christians seek to be that 'celebrity' in their own world! We musn't get sucked in. Do you ever wonder what it would be like if as many people came to church as they did visiting the Trafford Centre?!?!
We have to be so careful and conscious of our image in the world as Christians. What message does it give out when we wear top of the range fashion, but preach to help the poor? What does it say when we spend money on things that are petty but the money vitally spent in other parts of the world? Let's begin to reflect and critique how much we spend and what on. "I have come to set the oppressed free and bring good news to the poor" - driving around in a Ferrari??? Umm...
Let's not do Jesus another injustice. Let's not give people another reason or argument not to believe or see the truth. Let's live as Jesus lived. Live with only what we need, but giving all that we have.
And as for my number plate...well at the moment it would cost more to take it off than it would to keep it! Any offers anyone....?
One thing I completely regret is buying a private car registration plate L55 KBY - Lee Kirkby. £250! This was about two years ago now, and only recently has it been playing on my mind. What's God trying to say....
Why did I buy it (especially for a Fiat Punto - hardly something to show off!)? Because I wanted to be noticed, different, special, feel good when driving. The more I learn about Jesus and grow in faith, the more I deteste the way us Christians are pressured into secular materialism, idolism and worship. It's so hard to be a Christian in a 'celebrity' world, where one is always seeking to be centre of attention. Quite often Christians seek to be that 'celebrity' in their own world! We musn't get sucked in. Do you ever wonder what it would be like if as many people came to church as they did visiting the Trafford Centre?!?!
We have to be so careful and conscious of our image in the world as Christians. What message does it give out when we wear top of the range fashion, but preach to help the poor? What does it say when we spend money on things that are petty but the money vitally spent in other parts of the world? Let's begin to reflect and critique how much we spend and what on. "I have come to set the oppressed free and bring good news to the poor" - driving around in a Ferrari??? Umm...
Let's not do Jesus another injustice. Let's not give people another reason or argument not to believe or see the truth. Let's live as Jesus lived. Live with only what we need, but giving all that we have.
And as for my number plate...well at the moment it would cost more to take it off than it would to keep it! Any offers anyone....?
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