All tagged sowing and reaping

439 God, the Devil, the Flesh (Conversations w/Mark)

Across a Christian's daily life different agents—God, the devil, and human flesh—play a role in what we do, or don't do; and those three definitely play a significant role in how we process our own misery. Mark and I discuss how daily, even little and constant, decisions shape our souls and define our character. In that process of becoming it is easy to blame the devil for misery or chaos, but as often as not we have made a whole trail of decisions that move us into situations that are uncomfortable. As examples Mark and I discuss: eating donuts, the nothingness of the Minneapolis Catholic-school murderer, and the recent "give me that baseball!" Karen-acting-out public embarrassment. What does it mean to live by the Spirit? Is the presence of God our reward for holy living or the source of our holy living? We explore all kinds of daily examples of pursuing Christ. Oh, and. . . the Bible is far more sophisticated than other world religions when it comes to understanding the causes of misery and suffering. How is that so? Come think and laugh with us! 

428 Being Blessable vs. Earning God's Favor (Conversing w/Mark)

First episode in a new series! Conversations with my friend Mark, "Blessable vs. Earning God's Favor." Psalms 1:1 reads, "Blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers." This verse echoes the whole Bible which teaches that God wants to bless, but that He especially wants to bless a certain kind of person. In this rolling mutual talk Mark and I work through the (apparent) tension of being a person God wants to bless versus thinking one has earned God's blessing by being virtuous (or any other number of means). Is it wrong, selfish even, to want to be blessed? Should we entirely eliminate personal desires when it comes to seeking God's blessings? Come and think with the two of us!

232 Job and Suffering (1) Job, the Wife, the Satan

(Image: Léon Bonnat, “Job” 1880) Why do we suffer? Did we bring it on ourselves or is God punishing us? Job's story shines an intense light on those questions. Here's another, why do we serve God? For the bennies or because He is God? And then, how should we think about Satan in light of his appearance in the book of Job? I also share personally about why I serve God. Come think with me!