No More Rules, Please (Part 1)

Doesn't it suck how certain places make you feel uncomfortable with their rules? There are three that intimidate me the most:

1. Golf pro-shops. “Proper clothes & etiquette required.” It’s like if I don't dress the "right way" (their way), I'm not allowed to hit a stupid ball. I hate rules!

2. Ritzy hotels. Once for our wedding anniversary, my younger bro got Julie (my drop-dead gorgeous wife) and me a room in Boca Raton, FL at this posh hotel. I remember driving up in our Ford Escort while all other cars were Beemers, Jags and Mercedes. Very uncomfortable from the time we arrived. More rules.

3. Restaurants that own too much silverware. I hate having to dress up and go into a restaurant that gives you 4 plates, 3 knives, 2.5 spoons and 5 different forks. And then to have to sit at a table with someone who knows what each one is for. No thanks; just give me one of each and I'm good! I guess some guy had nothing better to do than to make up rules for which fork to use. No more rules, please!

But you know what's worse than all that put together? The most uncomfortable place I've even been in is the Church. It’s often INTIMIDATING & WEIRD and yet I have a sneeking suspicion that Jesus never intended it to be that way. The religious talk, plastic smiles, judgmental attitudes, and lists of do's &don'ts. Ugh!

Who would ever want to follow Jesus if “IT'S ALL ABOUT THE RULES”? NO fun, NO movies, NO dancing, NO MISSING CHURCH… unfortunately that sort of baggage is what MAN-MADE RELIGION is all about. Believe it or not, Jesus...the God of the Bible is VERY DIFFERENT. Next time, part-two.

www.realitychurch.com

7 Reasons Why I Serve Others

Get used to it. God is nuts-and-a-half about people. Don't think so? Just look around and think and see with fresh eyes the myriad of good things he has already done for us since the beginning of time. Though, for millennia's, humanity has found a way to royally screw up what God has given as gifts, He has never stopped displaying his love to us...never stopped serving us (via answered prayer, daily provision, inner peace, a reason for existence, etc.)

He's captured my heart and now I want to capture His heart and serve others. Here are 7 reasons why I want to serve other people:

1. Out of personal love & gratitude for the God (Jesus) who came to serve me.
2. Because of the community that often happens.
3. Because someone might see a little of God's goodness when I serve them.
4. Because God gifted me (and you) so I can serve others with my life.
5. Because I’m wired to sacrifice.
6. Because I'm fulfilled when I serve others.
7. Because God is honored and greatly pleased when I serve people.

So, why not chew on this 30 second message for the next 24 hours and look for opportunities to partner with God in serving humanity?!?

www.realitychurch.com

'MO'... Your Best Friend

A man’s best friend? A dog. A women’s best friend? A diamond. Shouldn’t this tell us guys something about our I.Q.? Get the diamonds and sell them, then go buy a dog & dog food. While you’re at it, go ahead and pick up that large Plasma TV with theater quality surround sound...you can afford it now! It’s all about choosing the best kind of friend.

Ever think about what a Christian’s best friend oughta be? How ‘bout momentum!?! Athletes know that momentum is the most unstoppable force in sports. A rock bands one hit-song could produce the momentum they need to go worldwide. As Christ followers, possessing the right kind of ‘mo’ can propel us into a fresh and renewed experience with God. Jesus tells us that what’s most important is not where we are today in our lives, but in what direction we’ll be headed tomorrow.

Here’s a spiritual six-pack that will give you the momentum you need to get tight with God again.

1. The WORD OF GOD—inhale it.
2. Your TONGUE—honor God with it.
3. SERVING OTHERS—just do it.
4. The MESSAGE—gotta tell it.
5. BENJAMINS—give it.
6. COMMUNITY—belong to it.

http://www.realitychurch.com/