In the world of computing, once in awhile you see the acronym WYSIWYG (pronounced: wizz E wig). This stands for "What You See Is What You Get"... The program has been written so that whatever you are typing into an application or document is exactly what someone might see on the screen or out of the printer. No surprises or changes...you know exactly what to expect.
As we wrap up our look at being authentic..."naked" and real...I want you to think about this question... how many real people do you know? How many of your friends and family would you consider to be WYSIWYG?
In this week's scripture from John...Jesus is the perfect example of being real. He didn't pretend to be someone He wasn't...He didn't bend the truth to project an image...and He didn't allow the opinions of those around Him to change His way of doing things. Jesus is genuine. He got down on his hands and knees and scrubbed the feet of the men He was pouring His life into. A perfect example of leadership, humility, grace, and servanthood. Why was this so easy for Christ to do? Because it was who He is....
Pretending to act like somebody you aren't requires too much valuable energy. It distorts your thinking, ruins your ability to have authentic relationships, and forces you to remember which persona goes with which group of people. Lies develop...trust breaks...and people begin to attach themselves to the you from your brain rather than the you that's in your heart.
Dare to be different. Shed the artificial skin and embrace the way the all-knowing Christ created you to be. The Bible calls us "wonderfully made" and a "masterpiece". Why cover up God's handiwork with a cloud of fakery and deceptiveness. It make take some digging to find the real you again...but it's worth it. Discover who God made you to be and live it out...be real.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian
Showing posts with label nakedness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nakedness. Show all posts
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Tuesday - A Naked Heart
A note from Jesus this morning...and our response...
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, I am not the author of fear. Though My life was threatened many times, I was never afraid. Even when death called Me, My life was not taken by My enemy. I willingly gave My life in exchange for you. With boldness and assurance I completed every task necessary for My mission. Many recognized My authority because of My Father’s boldness in Me. Remember, when your knees are knocking, and your hands are trembling, My boldness is yours for the asking.
A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Your words were like daggers that pierced the heart. One command quieted a hurricane or raised the dead. One discerning statement embarrassed and infuriated Your accusers. Your teaching confused the most intellectual. I praise You, Lord, for Your example of boldness.
SIMPLE TRUTH
When faith comes in, fear goes out.
When Jesus had finished saying these things,
the crowds were amazed at his teaching,
because he taught as one who had authority.
Matthew 7:28Author: Rebecca Barlow Jordan
(Copied from http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/dailypresence/)When I read this great devotional, it hit me. Jesus Christ doesn't care if we screwed up...or failed...or dropped the ball... He will always be there...an authentic heart that welcomes us back and strengthens us when we call on Him. Today, I challenge you to get naked before God. Expose your weaknesses, your failures, and your struggles to Him... He will be there. That's why He came down from Heaven. For us. For you.
Live in faith..not fear.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian
Monday, July 7, 2008
Monday - "Serving"
This week we're going to talk about being real...genuine...authentic. I can think of no better way to kick off the week then this verse:
John 13:1-17
1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
7 Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
8 "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"
10 Jesus answered, "Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Take some time this morning and meditate on this verse. Reread it. Ingest it. When you get home tonight...please read it again.
Each time you do so, ask yourself these questions... am I modeling this? Am I getting "naked" by putting myself in a position where I am a servant to others?
Tough questions...but we've got to be real if we are going to continue our walk with Christ.
It is my prayer that you will enjoy the freedom that comes from living an authentic life...
See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian
John 13:1-17
1 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
7 Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
8 "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"
10 Jesus answered, "Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Take some time this morning and meditate on this verse. Reread it. Ingest it. When you get home tonight...please read it again.
Each time you do so, ask yourself these questions... am I modeling this? Am I getting "naked" by putting myself in a position where I am a servant to others?
Tough questions...but we've got to be real if we are going to continue our walk with Christ.
It is my prayer that you will enjoy the freedom that comes from living an authentic life...
See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian
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