True Religion

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:50:00 +0000

The Secret - O Segredo, Rhonda Byrne
Originally uploaded by grave-digger

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:33:00 +0000

The Secret Is For Christians, Too
Part 1

If you're heard of the movie/book The Secret, you no doubt know that there are some very interesting topics that are discussed. The secret is the law of attraction, but how does that fit in with Christian theology? Can we really attract specific circumstances, events, and people to us? If so, where does God fit in? And isn't this just another name for faith?

My take on the law of attraction is this. I believe God made the law of attraction just like he made the law of gravity and the laws of thermodynamics, and I thank him for it. I use it and it works. Each time it does, I give God the glory - and mean it - to keep my heart in check.

Consider this familiar story in Genesis 11:

1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As men moved eastward, ^[a] they found a plain in Shinar ^[b] and settled there.

3 They said to each other, "Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. 6 The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other."

I want you to also consider what Jesus says in Mark 11:

23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Remember, we were created in God's own image. (Gen. 1:27) I'm not entirely sure what that means, but I believe we have more control over things than the Church gives humanity credit for.

To be continued...

[What do you think? Post your comments below!]

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:06:00 +0000

For the love of God
Originally uploaded by Fernando Delfini

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:41:00 +0000

The Story Isn't Over Yet

I've been through a couple difficult times in my life. They were times that I really believed I could not (and would not) go on. I remember something my mother told me each time. "Peter, just hold on. You don't know how this ends. The story isn't over yet."

Whatever it is that you're going through, please know that God is there. He is there in the midst of the divorce. He is there in the midst of the recent death. He is there in the midst of your financial trouble. He is there in the midst of your miserable job. He is there in the middle of your dysfunctional family relations.

James, Jesus' brother, said: "Draw near to God and he will draw near to you..." (James 4:8)

You don't have to become a Christian, sell all your stuff and give it to the poor. If you're at a point where you feel you just can't go on, whatever you believe, try something.

Call on God.

Something as little as: "God, I don't know you. But if you're there. Help. Show me you're here."

And leave it at that. I guarantee you he will show up. It might not be in the way you expected, but he will show up. He's promised it. And God doesn't go back on his promises.

Whatever you're going through, remember: this is not the end. Your story isn't over yet. If you need to, just call on God. He's there.

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:07:00 +0000

Prayer
Originally uploaded by Timhaiti

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:58:00 +0000

Three Great Ways To Get Closer To God

There are more than four, but here are four that, when consistently implemented, can have a dynamic impact in your life. You will not only feel closer to God, but will be able to hear his voice better. Some don't think God talks today, but God ardently wants to speak to us and does so often:

1. Prayer - whether it's a one-word "Help!" or a four-word "Please heal my wife." The more you pray, the more you connect with God. In many respects, prayer is simply communicating. Do relationships last without communication? I didn't think so. Same with God.

2. Meditation - but not like you may think. If you can tune out all other sounds, noises, and people, and just focus on one passage in scripture - even a couple words from a verse - you are halfway to meditating. The other half is listening. A lot of times, God will speak.

3. Fasting - ok, not the most fun or easy, but powerful. While our bodies are like spoiled children when we don't eat, it's been proven that fasting once a week is quite healthy for the body. Whether you fast a day or a meal spend time in either prayer, silence, or meditation. It can be a powerful experience, and very helpful if you're looking for specific direction.

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:46:00 +0000

To Beseech Thee
Originally uploaded by The Wandering Angel

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Don't Taze Me, Bro

So there's this verse that I love. Psalm 118:6:

The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

I find comfort in the last line: "What can man do to me?" Sometimes I say that to myself. What can man do to me? It gives me confidence. I am a child of God. He's my Father. He takes care of me now. He will take care of me in the future. He is faithful.

There is nothing that I will go through that God can't and won't help me with.

If we call on him, He has promised to answer us. Remember that.

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:51:00 +0000

Jason's Take

The Gift of Not Getting What You Want

It is said that there are two real tragedies in life: not getting what one wants, and getting it. I can certainly see this to have been the case in my experience.

When I graduated from college in 2004, life didn't seem to fall into place like it should have. I had goals, but didn't know how I would make them happen financially. I was broke, unemployed, and my parents had to help me out with my bills. In an effort to jump start my career, I tried applying for the Air Force officer candidate school, but my application was passed over. Admittedly, that career path was in the opposite direction of where I wanted to go, but the pressure to get my life together was more real to me than what was ultimately best for me. When my recruiter told me I had not been picked up for officer training, I was disappointed to put it mildly; crushed is probably a more accurate description. But eventually I was able to feel relieved--relieved that God knew what was best for me and was not going to let me make a mistake out of desperation.

After that, things still didn't fall into place immediately. It took a couple more years to really find where I was supposed to be. But I felt that God was with me that whole time, through all of the uncertainty and doubt and worry. And even in my efforts to do what I thought was best for me, I am thankful to have not gotten what I thought I wanted.

God knew better.

[Check out more of what Jason has to say at beginners-mind.blogspot.com]

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:30:00 +0000

this is not real
Originally uploaded by od1ug

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:07:00 +0000

The Appeal of Real

I can't stress enough how important it is to be real with people. Maybe it's because I've learned that it's a successful way to communicate - and I love to do that, communicate (because I love people). But it is also imperative when it comes to talking about matters of faith.

So often people freeze when conversations shift to spiritual topics. People either think:

"Oh great, this is when Sue here is going to blast me and tell me how I'm a sinner."

Or, from a different perspective.

"Bob can probably tell I have no idea what I'm talking about. I didn't memorize the Bible! I thought this witnessing stuff was easier!"

Relax.

Be yourself. We were all created in God's image, not just the successful ones. We each represent something unique and different that another person does not offer. I don't believe Jesus made people feel uncomfortable because he didn't know how to talk to them. He genuinely loved every person. Do you think that made it easier or harder to talk to them?

That doesn't mean you need to go out and hug everyone you meet. You will be punched. But understand that things are never as complicated as we think. Be yourself. Be comfortable in your own skin. And know that there isn't a cute, little angel sitting on your shoulder with a notepad grading everything you say. That's only in the movies.

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:34:00 +0000

Girl Picking Up Trash
Originally uploaded by Aquistbe

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:35:00 +0000

The Salient, Seven-Letter Word That Shakes Society

There are many words that stand out, but few when properly used - and rightly identifying - matter as much to the world. The word:

Serving

When a group of people unanimously characterize a certain individual as being a servant, someone who serves, without question, at every possible opportunity, things happen:

1. It produces a ripple effect of change. I once heard this quote from a sales manager, someone who seemed to have such influence but was so incredible and down to earth. He said this: "Peter, the one who bends the most has the most influence." Now, while that can represent someone other than a servant, remember, a servant is someone who bends their own will to serve another consistently. (It's in this case that I make the point.)

2. People listen. When a someone with the heart of a servant speaks up, everybody listens. Why? Because they do what nobody else wants to do. They command respect. They summon attention. They do this without force. Mother Theresa ring a bell?

3. You look like Jesus. Who doesn't want to look like Jesus? It's what every "good" Christian says their goal is - to be more "Christlike". Well, then, find (or create) an opportunity to serve and then do so. You will be well on your way.

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:16:00 +0000

Gluttony (7DS)
Originally uploaded by Nikonsnapper

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:49:00 +0000

4 Sins That the Church Ignores (But Are Alive And Well)

Sure, whether you're a church-goer or not, you know some of the biggies that the Church condemns: drinking, premarital sex (or anything sexual), homosexuality...

But these aren't the only sins that the Bible talks about. Here are four sins that should be given more attention, but many have a hard time talking about (let alone being transparent and addressing):

1. Gluttony - Gross eating and drinking, with no regard for moderation (or for taking care of your body) is a sin.

2. Gossip - Talking about someone when they're not around, because if they were, they wouldn't be too happy about what you were saying about them. (Proverbs 16:28)

3. Pride - Is the root of almost every sin there is. Think about it.

4. Hypocrisy - Mr. two-face Christian: says one thing, does another. "Everything is great at home with me. Let me pray for your issue." And then goes home and does the same thing they "prayed" for you about.

My America, Your America

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 04:11:00 +0000

Is America Drowning?
Originally uploaded by NotoriousRaychel

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:47:00 +0000

You're Not A Christian If You Don't Vote Pro-Life

Well, maybe not to that extent, but at least not a very good one. So was the culture that I grew up in. I don't agree with that now. But, that begs the question:

What should a Christian base their vote on?

It seems many in the evangelical community all too often rally behind the most overtly "Christian" candidate. But is this right? The one who is pro-life and shares the same belief as the token evangelical, usually gets the support of the Christian community.

I believe it is more.

We have a duty, in America, to be good stewards of all that we're blessed with. We are a rich nation, we have abounding surplus, we have invariable freedom, the right to life, and an understood right to pursue individual happiness.

We must give more.

We must take less.

We must respect cultures and model humility.

We must be different.

For those who started this nation intended it to be so, not because it is fanciful or altruistic, but because they believed we were endowed by an omnipotent, benevolent creator.

The issue goes much further than voting "pro-life". It is apart, yes, to be sure, but so is being financially responsible, cultural respectable, and intentionally indifferent to other countries' differences. Let us never forget why America was established, lest we become what we've fought so hard (and died too often) to make absolute.

Love Your Enemies

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:49:00 +0000

Love Your Enemies Poster
Originally uploaded by Ministry Growers

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:42:00 +0000

Killing With Kindness: A Test

I want you to try something. The next time someone really ticks you off (a spouse, your boss, a friend, your girlfriend or boyfriend), I want you to, first:

Allow yourself to get royally ticked off.
Take a deep breath.
Think of something that the person who just ticked you off really likes (maybe a foot rub - not cool for bosses - offering a helping hand with dishes, producing an extra report, etc)
The next time you see that person (preferably, the same day) do that thing.
Tell me what happens.

If you actually did this, you will experience something extraordinary. It might even be a moment you will never forget.

[I'd really like to hear feedback about this! Click the comments section below!!]

the cross

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:44:00 +0000

the cross
Originally uploaded by noe_carrillo

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:35:00 +0000

5 Ways Christians Can Act More Like Christians

(First of all - just so you know - this applies to me, too.) I truly believe that if more Christians acted like "little Christ's", then Christianity would be more attractive, effective, and more like Jesus started it. Here are 5 simple ways Christians can act more like Christians:

1. Don't judge. When someone tells you they're sleeping with their boy/girlfriend, that they smoke weed, or that they're gay, don't let yourself get into this "Oh, that poor sinner. If only he had Jesus," attitude. Remember: "We are all sinners and all fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). Some of Jesus' closest friends were the biggest sinners.

2. Walk the talk. Ok, so you've read the Bible. Good. Now do what it says. Re-read the gospels and you've got the perfect example how to live. Be patient. Love everyone. Listen more. Start there.

3. Love Christians. Christians can be some of the hardest people to love. Many are hypocritical, judgmental, proud, and self-righteous. You witness to all your "non-church going friends," but you can't stand your Christian ones. That's not right. Fix it.

4. Be Grateful. Nobody likes a whiner, but if you call yourself a Christian and you whine as much as the next person it looks really bad. Jesus called his followers the "salt of the Earth" and the "light of the world." (Matthew 5:13-16). Is that talking about you? If all else fails, we still have God's unfailing love and Christ's sacrifice.

5. Get Transparent. And Stay There. If you are real, people will listen to you. If no one feels they can relate with you, why should anyone care what you say? Jesus was real, and so should his followers. If you mess up, admit it, and move on. There's this floating perception that Christian's don't mess up. It's a lie. They do. It's just taboo in the church to admit it. Change that.

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:09:00 +0000

God loves you, seriously...

And there is nothing you can do to make him love you more or less. It just isn't possible. It is not in his nature, and it won't ever be.

I forget that sometimes. Like, when I got cut off the other day and I wished the person would drive off of the road. It was terrible, yes. It made me feel bad. I told God, sorry. And you know what? Not only did he forgive me (thank goodness, because it was pretty awful to think that), but he still loves me as much as he did before I had the image of the car in front of me driving off of a cliff.

That's comforting.

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 02:34:00 +0000

When will it stop?

I think God is always trying to teach us something. In fact - feel free to disagree with this next statement - I believe everything is a test in one way, shape, or form. And I kinda like that. I love challenges and I love growing in my faith.

But sometimes I hate it and just wish God would stop and leave me alone and just let me live.

And then I remember about the promise I made to him: to give him all that I am and trust that he has the best for my life.

In hindsight, I wouldn't want it any other way.

There is nothing like the security of being in the palm of his hand.

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 02:08:00 +0000

What did I tell you?

You don't want God to have to get your attention more than once. If at all possible, listen the first time. God can use all sorts of ways to get you to look up. And sometimes it stinks.

Jonah was physically thrown overboard into a raging sea and then, as if that wasn't enough, he was swallowed by a fish.

Moses argued with a burning bush.

Jacob partook in the first ever all-night wrestling match.

God used a rooster to finally get through to Peter.

Maybe it's inevitable: God gets our attention through strange, unorthodox, and sometimes, painful ways.

If I had it my way, I'd listen the first time every time. But who does that? I certainly haven't. Be careful, God just might send Fluffy (picture above) to your house. You don't want that.

There is no one righteous, not even one. Ecc. 7:20

noreply@blogger.com (Peter Nossal) — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 01:29:00 +0000

Are you gonna go my way?

So says a loving, compassionate, and jealous, God. And as I said a couple days ago: he wants more and more and more of each one of us, until he has it all: the whole you.

But is this too much?

I think not.

Jesus tells us to take up our crosses daily; the early church sold what they had to support each other and give to the poor; Jesus gave every ounce of his , his shame, and his being. God wants more than 10%. And he deserves it.

And although few give that, we have consolation. Enter grace. God's supernatural, never-ending, soothing salve.

Its comfy blankets cover our superfluous, stained inadequacies.

But I don't want to lack. God deserves more than my 10%.

What more can you give up?