Romans 2:17-29

v. 17-24: If you claim to love God and to be all knowing, you are fooling yourself and dishonoring God. Even teachers and leaders need a teacher/leader.

v. 29: God desires circumcision of the heart - to set our hearts aside for God.

Advent Conspiracy Theory

So at church we watch the promo for Advent Conspiracy - a group of churches dedicated to the idea of bringing the true meaning of Christmas above me, me, me. So, I think we (my family) might do it this year. No presents, or severely limited presents and using the money we would be spending on ourselves, friends, and family for something else. Something nobler, like helping those that cannot help themselves. Reminds me of:

James 1:27 (NIV)

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Great! Problem is, I was hoping for some big ticket items this Christmas. Bigger problem is that maybe I don't view Christmas as the true celebration of hope and redemption that it is. Yes, I know the true meaning of Christmas in the form of head knowledge. Does my heart know? I'm afraid to ask.

Punch you in the face

These past few months, I have felt like punching people and things in the face. Things like colic and people like car salesmen.

But two nights ago, as I was holding my baby boy in my arms and rocking him to sleep, I believe God was telling me something. I felt convicted.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Yes, my life has been a bit stressful with the new addition to the family. Going to work after a sleepless night; loving people, including my wife, even when I had no energy left in me; exercising ... But guess what? I recognize that God is the one who gives me strength. I have been able to endure through these times because of Him. God grants me the strength to work, when I'm too tired to work. He gives me the strength to love people, including my wife, when I'm too tired to love. And he gives me strength to do more than I could on my own.

So why would I want to punch anyone or anything in the face?

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

God, I confess that I haven't considered these times pure joy. But I thank you for giving me strength and the ability to take care of my family. You are an awesome God and I am in awe of who you are. Please continue to teach me and I ask for your wisdom and a grateful heart. ~Amen

With great power comes great responsibility

Thank you Spider-Man for those inspiring words ...

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

I've been going to a men's community group through my home church, Oasis Community Church, and it has been good. It's a mixed group of guys that have a lot of experiences, regrets, and godly wisdom. I see myself as having an amazing opportunity and great responsibility with the way I raise my son.

I want to raise Mateo in the way he should go. I want to be someone he looks up to (not just literally) and someone that has shows him an example of what a man is. I am thankful for having godly fellowship with guys that are humble enough to admit their mistakes, guys that admit they love Jesus, and guys that are determined to never give up on their families - ever! I am thankful that God can use them to teach me about being a godly husband, father, and man. I'm far from perfect, but that doesn't mean I can't try.

Having Plenty

Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Timothy 6:8-9 (NIV)

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."

So we say with confidence,

"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"

I have not learned how to be content in any situation. I don't really know what it is to be in need, but I know what it is to have plenty. I have felt increasingly selfish in anticipation for my birthday ... a day that's all about me? Right? Nope. Jesus never said be "selfless everyday except for your birthday."

Stuff is stuff. God, please help me in transforming my heart and my mind to be content with what I have and to always be thankful. Keep me from a life of seeking materialistic pleasures. Seeking the latest and greatest is empty, ungrateful, and leaves you hungry. Lord, especially now that we are shopping for a new car, give me wisdom in decision making - for I have a track record of making selfish decisions. Thank you for not being finished with me yet.

Rooted in the word

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Rooted. A tree has roots that run deep and they help it grow by gathering nutrients and water and keeping it stable. Even through the harshest, driest summer, the tree with deep roots can draw it's strength from it's great foundation. I must also be rooted in Christ Jesus if I want to live a life pleasing to God like I say I do.

How can I make sure that I'm rooted and built up in Christ? God, please continue to teach me from your word, through your people, and through my experiences. Give me a continual thirst for knowledge of you. Help me to stay focused on eternity, rather than just the moment, so that I may live in Christ Jesus. I want to learn from you how to be a husband and a father. Thank you for your love, freedom, and mercy. Amen.