For those of you who regularly check this blog, I wanted to let you know that I will not be posting here for a short period of time. I will instead be posting on my other site "Sinners Anonymous". Why? Because I believe that addressing the issue of sin, not only in my life, but the church in general is more important right now. On Molded To Worship, my intent is to discuss and dive into topics related to worship, and increase our awareness to what worship is and how God seeks those who worship in spirit and in truth.
The bible says in Romans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." If we are born into sin, it stands to reason that we ought to learn how to address our sin before we can bring our worship to God.
So I would like to encourage you to join me at Sinners Anonymous as we address sin head on. It is the one thing that keeps us from God, therefore; I want to make sure that on a personal level, I am not ignoring it, but dealing with it. I would encourage you to do the same. Join me!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sinners Anonymous
I havn't been able to get this off my mind, so today I added yet another blog to my site. I created a site where people can go and anonymously confess what they are struggling with. Granted taking complete ownership of your sin is where healing begins, but I thought I would give people a place to start. Just writing it down and posting it makes me start to own up to the fact that I do things that I ought not to. I believe it can be a step in the right direction if we start talking about our sin. So consider yourself, do you follow James 5:16
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."?
Or do you, like many others, hide it inside and put a mask on it so no will ever know. I want us to begin to own up to what we really are, sinners, only then can we begin the process of healing through Jesus Christ. Join me.
www.christiansinnersanonymous.blogspot.com
or use the link on my front page.
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."?
Or do you, like many others, hide it inside and put a mask on it so no will ever know. I want us to begin to own up to what we really are, sinners, only then can we begin the process of healing through Jesus Christ. Join me.
www.christiansinnersanonymous.blogspot.com
or use the link on my front page.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Why
My last post was kind of a set up. It's true in its entirety, but I didn't tell you why I went to the AA meeting. Yesterday at church someone asked me why in the world I went. I didn't get a chance to give them an answer, but I know they read this, so here it is.
My experience and desire to go to the AA meeting was two fold, maybe even three fold.
First, I work with someone who has struggled with alcohol for quite some time, and has had several legal problems because of it. So in trying to relate to this person, I thought attending a meeting might give me insight to how they think about their addiction, and maybe show me how to help them.
Second, I thought it wouldn't hurt for me to experience something different. It is a blessing for the church, that we can offer the place for them to meet 6 days a week. Lives are being changed there everyday little by little, sometimes in a spiritual way, sometimes just in a way that will keep them from alcohol.
Third, this is the main reason I went. I had heard from several people (folks without an alcohol dependency) that the meetings they had the opportunity to go to with a friend, were very refreshing. Why refreshing you ask? Well for the same reasons I stated in my first post. There is a level of honesty that exists among AA members that is not seen or heard in other places. There is a common goal (a unity if you will) of being delivered from their dependency of alcohol. They have one goal in mind, and they are all committed to helping not only themselves, but others reach that goal. There is encouragement that flows almost every time someone speaks. Before each person speaks, they must state their name and the fact that they have a problem with alcohol. The first two reason I gave were enough for me to attend, however; my desire to experience this kind of atmosphere caused me to finally go.
As I sat there listening and observing REAL life, I viewed the meeting through spiritual glasses. I wondered what the church would be like if we were to admit publicly that we are sinners, (sometimes explaining what we struggle with in detail), and to do so without the fear of being judged from those who think they don't sin.
I thought about how fast we could heal hurts and relationships, if we would freely express and deal with our sin. James 5:16 tells us to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Why is it so hard for us to listen to someone without judging them?
Maybe I can explain it better this way, think about this.....
Sunday comes, and you decide to go to church. Having stuggled all week with sin, you walk into church and are greeted by a brother that welcomes you with a hand shake and a smile. He asks you how your week has gone, and instead of giving him the patented "every thing's going great" line of bull, you tell him that you really struggled this week with pornography and lusting.
Instead of the expected reaction, you know "the one that makes you feel like you just fell off some pedestal and you should have kept your mouth shut because now it's going to spread like wild fire; and everyone on the face of the earth is going to look at you differently" feeling, Instead of that, you get a sincere reply from someone that recognizes that they too are a sinner and that they too fall short of the grace of God. You don't get judged, instead you get encouragement and prayer for the week to come. You get teaching and training that will help you overcome the temptation to sin again.
You are surrounded by people who are all pushing for the same goal, to be free from sin, to live their lives in a way that pleases God, and build others up instead of tearing them down.
This is why I went to the AA meeting, because I wanted to see how the church should act toward others, and how, when all are united for the same purpose, lives can be changed.
Hello my name is Chris and I am a sinner! I struggle with lying, lust, pride, greed, and anger. God please forgive me!
My experience and desire to go to the AA meeting was two fold, maybe even three fold.
First, I work with someone who has struggled with alcohol for quite some time, and has had several legal problems because of it. So in trying to relate to this person, I thought attending a meeting might give me insight to how they think about their addiction, and maybe show me how to help them.
Second, I thought it wouldn't hurt for me to experience something different. It is a blessing for the church, that we can offer the place for them to meet 6 days a week. Lives are being changed there everyday little by little, sometimes in a spiritual way, sometimes just in a way that will keep them from alcohol.
Third, this is the main reason I went. I had heard from several people (folks without an alcohol dependency) that the meetings they had the opportunity to go to with a friend, were very refreshing. Why refreshing you ask? Well for the same reasons I stated in my first post. There is a level of honesty that exists among AA members that is not seen or heard in other places. There is a common goal (a unity if you will) of being delivered from their dependency of alcohol. They have one goal in mind, and they are all committed to helping not only themselves, but others reach that goal. There is encouragement that flows almost every time someone speaks. Before each person speaks, they must state their name and the fact that they have a problem with alcohol. The first two reason I gave were enough for me to attend, however; my desire to experience this kind of atmosphere caused me to finally go.
As I sat there listening and observing REAL life, I viewed the meeting through spiritual glasses. I wondered what the church would be like if we were to admit publicly that we are sinners, (sometimes explaining what we struggle with in detail), and to do so without the fear of being judged from those who think they don't sin.
I thought about how fast we could heal hurts and relationships, if we would freely express and deal with our sin. James 5:16 tells us to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." Why is it so hard for us to listen to someone without judging them?
Maybe I can explain it better this way, think about this.....
Sunday comes, and you decide to go to church. Having stuggled all week with sin, you walk into church and are greeted by a brother that welcomes you with a hand shake and a smile. He asks you how your week has gone, and instead of giving him the patented "every thing's going great" line of bull, you tell him that you really struggled this week with pornography and lusting.
Instead of the expected reaction, you know "the one that makes you feel like you just fell off some pedestal and you should have kept your mouth shut because now it's going to spread like wild fire; and everyone on the face of the earth is going to look at you differently" feeling, Instead of that, you get a sincere reply from someone that recognizes that they too are a sinner and that they too fall short of the grace of God. You don't get judged, instead you get encouragement and prayer for the week to come. You get teaching and training that will help you overcome the temptation to sin again.
You are surrounded by people who are all pushing for the same goal, to be free from sin, to live their lives in a way that pleases God, and build others up instead of tearing them down.
This is why I went to the AA meeting, because I wanted to see how the church should act toward others, and how, when all are united for the same purpose, lives can be changed.
Hello my name is Chris and I am a sinner! I struggle with lying, lust, pride, greed, and anger. God please forgive me!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Something Refreshing
Today, I experienced something new. Something that I hope to experience more often. I entered a place where the truth was told, where most people were honest with themselves and others. I mean heart poured out, gut wrenching, no holds bared, like it or not honesty. It was a place where every person there was pushing for the same goal; where there was one thing to accomplish, and most all were committed to it. A place where people cared genuinely and sincerely for others success. A place where you could talk about how you felt and what you have done, WITHOUT being judged for it. A place full of encouragement and hope. Today I attended my first alcoholics
anonymous meeting.
anonymous meeting.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Conflicting Views
The knock at the door, or the ringing of the doorbell usually brings excitement as we think, "Someone came to see me, who could it be?" Only to find a salesman or a Jehovah's Witness. Well this happened to us this week. I was up getting the kids to bed, and I heard a knock at the door. Lisa was fortunate enough to answer it and was greeted by two young men from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I came down the steps and stood at the door as they gave their spiel, and then proceeded to ask us some questions. Now usually at this point, I say, I am a Christian and pull the worship pastor card out and they say thanks and leave. This time I wanted to talk to them. I felt a desire to question them, talk with them, explore their mind a little. I stepped out side with my wife, and she made the same move only she went inside and disappeared. Chicken :-) just kidding she had to go finish with the kids.
I talked with these folks for about an hour. Their shared their views, and I shared mine. They quoted scripture, I did as well. They expressed concern for me like I was missing out on something. I expressed concern for them know they were. right before they left, the more confident of the two, encouraged me to pray with an open mind tonight and to ask God to reveal to me the truth. He was confident that God would tell all about Joseph Smith and the Mormon faith and how real it is. I told him not only would I pray to God that night. I would also pray for them. I told them I would pray that if they were wrong, (as I believe they are) that God would reveal himself to them, as only God can do, and redirect their paths to Jesus Christ and a life serving Him only.
After we said our goodbyes and they left, I went in and prayed for them. For the first time in my life, I took an opportunity that was given to me when it came to someone of another faith, and stood toe to toe with them about what the bible says. It felt good to stand up for what I believe in, and to do so without fear of what they thought about me or how they felt about what the bile said. God's word has power, and I believe that if they investigate for themselves the things we talked about, they will find God waiting with open arms.
1 Peter 3:15 says; "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,.."
And Isaiah 7:96 says; "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
Stand firm in your faith, so when the opportunity arises for you to share it, you may do so with the boldness of Jesus Christ. I am still learning this attribute, and I must say, I like it.
I talked with these folks for about an hour. Their shared their views, and I shared mine. They quoted scripture, I did as well. They expressed concern for me like I was missing out on something. I expressed concern for them know they were. right before they left, the more confident of the two, encouraged me to pray with an open mind tonight and to ask God to reveal to me the truth. He was confident that God would tell all about Joseph Smith and the Mormon faith and how real it is. I told him not only would I pray to God that night. I would also pray for them. I told them I would pray that if they were wrong, (as I believe they are) that God would reveal himself to them, as only God can do, and redirect their paths to Jesus Christ and a life serving Him only.
After we said our goodbyes and they left, I went in and prayed for them. For the first time in my life, I took an opportunity that was given to me when it came to someone of another faith, and stood toe to toe with them about what the bible says. It felt good to stand up for what I believe in, and to do so without fear of what they thought about me or how they felt about what the bile said. God's word has power, and I believe that if they investigate for themselves the things we talked about, they will find God waiting with open arms.
1 Peter 3:15 says; "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,.."
And Isaiah 7:96 says; "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
Stand firm in your faith, so when the opportunity arises for you to share it, you may do so with the boldness of Jesus Christ. I am still learning this attribute, and I must say, I like it.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Approaching God
Every morning I get up before the rest of the family and get ready for work. With Lisa's new work schedule, I leave before she gets out of bed. She is usually always either sleeping or going back to sleep as I leave, and I always give her a good bye kiss before going. The other morning, I was in a hurry, and as I bent down to kiss her head, my approach was a little quick, and I hurriedly kissed her and started walking out the door. She asked if everything was OK, and I said yes why? She said the way I kissed her didn't seem right and she thought I was mad or something. I assured her everything was OK I was just running late.
She drifted back off to sleep and I headed out for work.
As I was driving to work saying my morning prayers, I thought about what she said and it caused me to think about how I approach God. Do I approach God in a hurry so I can get on with life? Or do I approach with the intent of lingering in his presence for awhile? I thought about how many times I throw up a prayer on the way to work, or right before I go to bed, and I wonder if God ever says, "What's wrong? The way you approached me didn't seem right."
To Lisa it might have been a fairly insignificant thing, but to me it was a lesson. How we approach those we love tells that person something.
What are you telling God by how you approach him?
She drifted back off to sleep and I headed out for work.
As I was driving to work saying my morning prayers, I thought about what she said and it caused me to think about how I approach God. Do I approach God in a hurry so I can get on with life? Or do I approach with the intent of lingering in his presence for awhile? I thought about how many times I throw up a prayer on the way to work, or right before I go to bed, and I wonder if God ever says, "What's wrong? The way you approached me didn't seem right."
To Lisa it might have been a fairly insignificant thing, but to me it was a lesson. How we approach those we love tells that person something.
What are you telling God by how you approach him?
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