CONTENTMENT WAS NEVER SO HARD

"For the sake of Christ, then, I am CONTENT with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:10

Would I be CONTENT with these things? I am not wondering, as I normally do, whether or not I would accept these things, but would I really be CONTENT with them?

The true heart of reliance on God's strength is far more than accepting these things, but is truly content in and through them.

Helplessly Prayerful

My heart is prayerful. Not exactly sure for what, but it is simply prayerful. My heart is in need of focusing on my Lord, my Love, and my Wisdom. My heart is focusing on spiritual business amidst the physical concerns. My heart is choosing Christ over my circumstances. My heart is focusing on faith rather than fear. My heart is prayerful right now. My heart is resting in my physical, emotional, and personal inability so I can learn to trust in God's capability. My heart is prayerful right now.

Word has it "Amen" means "so be it", and at this time, when I have nothing to ask nor am I seeking or hearing something I am to do, I am content at this moment in the reality my God is here, he is able, and his plan.will.happen.

And to THAT I say

Amen

I Am Not A Preacher of the Gospel [of]

This quote has been wrecking me the last week: "I believe in justice: but I am not a preacher of the gospel of justice, but the Gospel of Christ who calls us to justice. I believe in love, but I am not a preacher of the gospel of love, but the Gospel of Christ who calls us to love. I am committed to peace, but I am not a preacher of the gospel of peace, but the Gospel of Christ who calls us to peace. I believe in the value of the simple life, but I am not the preacher of  the simple life, but of the Gospel of Christ who calls us to the simple life.

Let us beware of the ultimate plagiarism of borrowing some great concepts from Jesus then running off proclaiming these concepts and not sharing the Christ who embodies and empowers these concepts."

- Myron Augsburger

Back Story - Part 1

Today you all will playthe roles I give you. I am the author of your story today.

You may sit in my created scene, but you will obey my back story. Drink up and carry on, but know I am writing you.

We will begin with you, Nerd Runner. You are always here in runner's gear and a new pile of boring books. You.are.a... Self-proclaimed genius. Don't get me wrong; you are smarter than me, no doubt, but you are not Shoeless Sage.

Shoeless Sage. You are white-haired...looooooong white hair. No one can know the true length of your white hair because it is always pulled back in a pony tail. Each day you come in, remove your shoes, and sit "Indian-style" on a seat the rest of us have sat at one time. You.are.a... Computer gamer who will never be too old for W.O.W. You pull off the sage look, but your bike helmet and posture indicate you are better known as beastslayer69. You would make Doc shake his head in disappointment.

Doc You seem able to leave the craziness of medicine to enter the scene nearly every day wearing either full scrubs or that "Doctor Casual" look complete with cell phone belt holster. You.are.a... Doctor of some alternative medicine that your internet diploma indicates. It is more than "alternative"; it is top-secret. We only know that you always look dapper and yet prepared for spontaneous surgery. You are likely in cahoots with Lois.

Lois Your name really is Lois. I cannot even make satirical back story for you because your sweetness weakens me. You are always cuddled up in a chair (never a bench or booth) with whatever Michael Crichton novel you're on to now. You.are... FREAKING CUTE!!!

Gone Is The Written Word - A Preview

This post is a preview of next week here at Ragamuffin Ramblings. I have noticed with the frequency of blogging, I rarely pour out on the written pages of my journal. Since I have been been blogging more and more over the course of the last 6-7 years (has it been that long?!?!), I notice less and less physical writing in my journal; a pastime I cannot ever imagine being rid of (I'd likely die inside). So here is a preview of what all my posts next week will look like...

My Most Favorite Podcasts

- Relevant Magazine Podcast The weekly podcast of Relevant Magazine - You will never get bored listening to this crew and their insights into entertainment, culture, and current events. This is my FAVORITE podcast. - The Moth People telling stories live and without notes. - This can be very inspirational if not just pure enjoyment. I find it helps bring more lively writing of sermons as it relates to the art of telling a story. - Indie Feed Performance Poetry Cutting Edge Performance Poetry - I have recently become addicted to this podcast. Three new poems a week, and it is just great great great poetry by artists doing it right now. - Neue Weekly conversations with ministers and thinkers shaping the future of the Church. - I have only recently begun listening to this podcast. I have been a subscriber to Neue for  quite a while, and I love the quarterly magazine's material. So I expect the same from the podcast.

- Various sermons (Rick McKinley, Matt Chandler, Francis Chan, Rob Bell, etc.) - It is important, as a teacher and pastor, to always be listening to new voices of ministry and teaching. When you are frequently teaching, it is detrimental not to be taught as well.

God's Faith In You

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 Think of the temptation you face the most. What is the temptation it feels you constantly have before you? What is that thing which seems you will never get out from under?

Paul reminds us that no temptation is unique to you. Nothing you are tempted by is new to you. Countless people for centuries have faced the same temptation; you are not the only one.

We are also to remember that God is not going to let you be tempted by anything he didn't know you could overcome. When you are tempted, instead, think of how much faith the faithful God has in you.

This is NOT a "you can do it" statement, because it is important to recognize WHY God knows you could do it; because HE has provided a way to escape that temptation...should you choose to take that route. Many to most of us do not take the provided escape route. Otherwise we would not be speaking now of this recurring temptation, right?

Well perhaps we would, because temptation never ends. What can come to an end is the frequency by which we act on that temptation.

Though temptation will always come, God knows you can endure (without acting) only because he has always provided a way out (should you choose to take it).