Before you get all riled up thinking I’m going to make some kind of political statement…I’m not.
Pretty much all we’ve heard about these last few months have been bail out, bail out, bail out. Maybe it’s some sort of weird trickle-down effect; or perhaps its just coincidence. The reality though—at least, my reality—is I’ve been utilizing the same mindset…and quite embarrassed about, thank you very much.
I caught myself the other morning during my prayer time (commuting to work, which is a common time for me) praying to God and asking for a bail out. Then I reflected on all my prayers as of late and...you guessed it…they’ve almost all been some sort of request for a bail out.
Don’t get me wrong. God doesn’t mind us asking things for ourselves, nor does He mind us speaking our mind (as if He didn’t know it already); but there clearly must be a balance of attributes within our prayers. Not that God mandates it that way…but because it is a reflection of what’s going on inside ourselves.
I believe there should be just as much praising as pleading; as much worshipping as whining; as much petitioning for other people as praying for our own needs. To me, this is a manifestation of where we are spiritually. It really saddens me that I have succumbed to using God as the easy way out. He may be snickering at my lack of maturity, but this newfound realization has me troubled. Now that I’ve faced this truth, however, I intend to be more conscientious about what, who, why my prayers are all about. Will I keep speaking my mind to God…every day. Will I still get frustrated and yell at Him….without a doubt. Will I think twice before asking Him for a bail out…most certainly.
God really is my government. Try as I might to self-govern…I know where that road leads. Before asking for that next bail out, I will place my trust in Him that He knows much better than I and will try to be patient for the outcome.
Greg Morton
© December 12, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Selfishness
Have you ever wondered if selfishness can be a good thing? The truth is, we are all allowed one moment of selfishness in our lives…but only one.
At the point of turning our lives over to Jesus Christ we are given that opportunity. In fact, the process demands it. We must say “I am a sinner; I need a Lord and Savior; I acknowledge my unworthiness; I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and I accept this free gift God has so graciously offered me.” This act of acceptance not only is—but must be—an act of selfishness. At that very moment it’s “all about me”. Not wanting eternal separation from God and wanting all the riches He promises is a God-given selfishness. That’s just the way it is.
Once that first step has been taken, however, the agenda changes just as much as our lives. From that moment forward we shift from selfishness to becoming Christ-like.
Perhaps many of you remember Newton’s Third Law of Relativity: For every action there is an equal, and opposite, reaction. This couldn’t be better exampled than with the salvation process. Just as much as we needed to be selfish in order to accept the gift of salvation, Jesus Christ was just as much selfless in order to provide that salvation.
The first step, as designed by God, is a selfish one. The second, third, fourth…every step we take thereafter until the end of our days should now be filled with new goals in mind: selflessness, love and compassion.
Now…allow someone else the chance to take that one moment of selfishness. Help lead them into the wonderful world of “living by God’s design” by guiding them through this process. God expects that from us just as we should expect that from ourselves.
Greg Morton
© December 8, 2008
At the point of turning our lives over to Jesus Christ we are given that opportunity. In fact, the process demands it. We must say “I am a sinner; I need a Lord and Savior; I acknowledge my unworthiness; I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and I accept this free gift God has so graciously offered me.” This act of acceptance not only is—but must be—an act of selfishness. At that very moment it’s “all about me”. Not wanting eternal separation from God and wanting all the riches He promises is a God-given selfishness. That’s just the way it is.
Once that first step has been taken, however, the agenda changes just as much as our lives. From that moment forward we shift from selfishness to becoming Christ-like.
Perhaps many of you remember Newton’s Third Law of Relativity: For every action there is an equal, and opposite, reaction. This couldn’t be better exampled than with the salvation process. Just as much as we needed to be selfish in order to accept the gift of salvation, Jesus Christ was just as much selfless in order to provide that salvation.
The first step, as designed by God, is a selfish one. The second, third, fourth…every step we take thereafter until the end of our days should now be filled with new goals in mind: selflessness, love and compassion.
Now…allow someone else the chance to take that one moment of selfishness. Help lead them into the wonderful world of “living by God’s design” by guiding them through this process. God expects that from us just as we should expect that from ourselves.
Greg Morton
© December 8, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Theology Reigns... or Rains
I’ve stated numerous times I am no theologian…nor do I really care to be. That said, sometimes there are Christian tenets or doctrines that seems to disrupt the body of Christ and take off like they have a life of their own. I must comment...
Just ask someone if they’ve read “The Shack”. If they have… oooohhh, I’m telling you; you will get an earful of either the person loving it or thinking its sacrilege. I happen to be one of those rare persons right in the middle that thought it somewhat entertaining in its approach, but certainly wasn’t offended in any way. It’s a book. It was written with children reading it in mind. I don’t believe William P. Young had malice in his heart or delusions of Christian grandeur running through his head when he wrote it.
As most Christians will attest, understanding the totality of the relationship we have with our Holy Father can be daunting, testing, and even quite confusing at times. This author chose to take a fantasy approach to illustrate the qualities, personalities and characteristics that would help explain the holy relationship we can have as Christians.
Was he 100% completely theologically correct... probably not. I don’t know of many respected pastors, or anyone else for that matter, that would make such an absolute claim. He simply wanted to illustrate concepts in a way people could wrap their minds around.
Let’s face it…we do it all the time. How many of you Christian parents out there ever asked your kids, “Do you want to accept Jesus into your heart?” Would you be offended if I said you were being unbiblical asking that question? I have yet to find anywhere in the Bible that uses that particular word picture, but we use this illustration all the time to help people conceptualize the relationship. Wouldn’t it be a shame if we were labeled “blasphemer” every time we shared our faith in that manner.
Maybe I’m just too non-confrontational by nature… but I do know for a fact that Satan is laughing his ass off over the divisiveness this has caused Christians. He doesn’t care how it happens; whether or not it’s sound doctrine or a bunch of baloney. All he cares about is getting us to take our focus off of Christ and on to anything else.
Go ahead and read The Shack. Go ahead and take a stand on whether or not you liked it. But for heaven’s sake, let’s not get so embroiled in the way this guy expressed what he believed into a theological debate that takes our eyes off the prize. We’re better than that. Share your faith however you need to share it and spread the gospel as best you know it... but for your own spiritual sanity, don’t let Satan get a foothold on this.
Greg Morton
© August 25, 2008
Just ask someone if they’ve read “The Shack”. If they have… oooohhh, I’m telling you; you will get an earful of either the person loving it or thinking its sacrilege. I happen to be one of those rare persons right in the middle that thought it somewhat entertaining in its approach, but certainly wasn’t offended in any way. It’s a book. It was written with children reading it in mind. I don’t believe William P. Young had malice in his heart or delusions of Christian grandeur running through his head when he wrote it.
As most Christians will attest, understanding the totality of the relationship we have with our Holy Father can be daunting, testing, and even quite confusing at times. This author chose to take a fantasy approach to illustrate the qualities, personalities and characteristics that would help explain the holy relationship we can have as Christians.
Was he 100% completely theologically correct... probably not. I don’t know of many respected pastors, or anyone else for that matter, that would make such an absolute claim. He simply wanted to illustrate concepts in a way people could wrap their minds around.
Let’s face it…we do it all the time. How many of you Christian parents out there ever asked your kids, “Do you want to accept Jesus into your heart?” Would you be offended if I said you were being unbiblical asking that question? I have yet to find anywhere in the Bible that uses that particular word picture, but we use this illustration all the time to help people conceptualize the relationship. Wouldn’t it be a shame if we were labeled “blasphemer” every time we shared our faith in that manner.
Maybe I’m just too non-confrontational by nature… but I do know for a fact that Satan is laughing his ass off over the divisiveness this has caused Christians. He doesn’t care how it happens; whether or not it’s sound doctrine or a bunch of baloney. All he cares about is getting us to take our focus off of Christ and on to anything else.
Go ahead and read The Shack. Go ahead and take a stand on whether or not you liked it. But for heaven’s sake, let’s not get so embroiled in the way this guy expressed what he believed into a theological debate that takes our eyes off the prize. We’re better than that. Share your faith however you need to share it and spread the gospel as best you know it... but for your own spiritual sanity, don’t let Satan get a foothold on this.
Greg Morton
© August 25, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Setback to Setups
Last weekend I heard a very good message from Jentezen Franklin (who I highly recommend hearing… he has a church “Free Chapel” in Gainseville, GA and Irvine, CA). He enjoys using catch phrases to bring home his points and one of them was, “God can turn setbacks into setups.”
It struck a chord in me and I had full intentions of writing a commentary on it. You know… an impressive little piece of writing where everyone will go “oooh… ahhh”. Well, come Monday morning, I get a nice big wake up call from the Man upstairs to put my sorry butt back in its place. You guessed it; a setback that saw me seeing red. Now, Greg, go ahead and practice what you were going to preach.
After lifting my head humbly out from between my legs I think it better to just share my personal take on this setback/setup subject and leave it at that. I know, intellectually, that God has a plan and a purpose far greater than my poor myopic mind can perceive. We all live in the here and now while God exists on a completely different plane….one which is not limited or defined by time. Time is for our benefit, not for God’s necessity.
I need to remember God is ultimately in control whether I want Him to be or not. Circumstances can go every which way and cause elation or turmoil. The bigger picture, however, is unchanging and I need to rely on this truth and pray like the dickens for continued insight, guidance, and awareness of what God’s design truly is for my life.
This setback can, and will, pass with time and I’m certain I will look back at some point and realize, “Yup. You sure threw me for a loop, God… but now I get it.”
Greg Morton
© July 28, 2008
It struck a chord in me and I had full intentions of writing a commentary on it. You know… an impressive little piece of writing where everyone will go “oooh… ahhh”. Well, come Monday morning, I get a nice big wake up call from the Man upstairs to put my sorry butt back in its place. You guessed it; a setback that saw me seeing red. Now, Greg, go ahead and practice what you were going to preach.
After lifting my head humbly out from between my legs I think it better to just share my personal take on this setback/setup subject and leave it at that. I know, intellectually, that God has a plan and a purpose far greater than my poor myopic mind can perceive. We all live in the here and now while God exists on a completely different plane….one which is not limited or defined by time. Time is for our benefit, not for God’s necessity.
I need to remember God is ultimately in control whether I want Him to be or not. Circumstances can go every which way and cause elation or turmoil. The bigger picture, however, is unchanging and I need to rely on this truth and pray like the dickens for continued insight, guidance, and awareness of what God’s design truly is for my life.
This setback can, and will, pass with time and I’m certain I will look back at some point and realize, “Yup. You sure threw me for a loop, God… but now I get it.”
Greg Morton
© July 28, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Contentment
Recently I was informed that the Christian day school—where I attended for seven years (many, many moons ago)—began a program to enlarge their 7th and 8th grade classrooms plus build an additional room. Their program was entitled “Capture the Vision” and for some odd reason (not too uncommon for my brain…) I had this compulsion to write a song about it. It ended up being a re-write of the famous Rocky anthem “Eye of the Tiger”. I uploaded it into my website so if you’re inclined or just curious to hear it you can click the Google Page – Music & Insights link.
It also got me to thinking… do I ever really “capture the vision”? Do I even have a vision? Do I ever recognize what God’s vision is? Who knew that such a benign act of music would inflame such questions to life. Well, now that I’ve thought them, I guess I need to address them.
Just to preface, I need to tell you that I heard a message last Sunday about how we should be content with what we have and where we are in life. In fact, so the message went, we “must” be content if we are to actually receive additional blessings in life, whether they be spiritual gifts, material things, money, etc. The contention is that if we aren’t content with what we have now we can not be trusted to having more. It makes sense….but it sure hurts to hear it; especially for someone who is aaalllwaaays wanting more.
The first dilemma I run into is actually defining the differences in how you or I may approach this concept. Does being content preclude you from having hopes, dreams or wishes? Is having a vision just another flavor of the same desires we all have? I hope not (no pun intended). I truly hope that I can have plans and wishes for the future of my family and myself without betraying the “being content with what you have” dogma. It’s a tough concept to wrap my brain around and an even tougher rule to apply to my life.
I believe it all boils down to attitude. Contentment certainly is that and there may not actually be a conflict of interest if you feel content yet still have your dreams. Your attitude is probably entering the “danger zone” if your hopes and goals begin to dominate your life; you begin to shun your current obligations in the pursuit of the bigger and better. I imagine expectations also play a big part in all this as well. If you begin to expect things; feel like you “deserve” things; believe you’ve been victimized or have just been plain unlucky in life. These are the things that can shape our attitude in the wrong direction.
I, for one, will always have goals and dreams. But I do believe I will be more attentive to take pause when it comes to my attitude concerning them. Contentment is a tough sell… especially in this Americanized, capitalistic, competitive society we live in. Thank goodness we can transcend these issues by taking them directly to our Father in heaven. He not only accepts them from us, He commands us to do it.
Pheeewww! For a second there I was starting to actually get worked up over this.
Greg A. Morton
© July 2, 2008
It also got me to thinking… do I ever really “capture the vision”? Do I even have a vision? Do I ever recognize what God’s vision is? Who knew that such a benign act of music would inflame such questions to life. Well, now that I’ve thought them, I guess I need to address them.
Just to preface, I need to tell you that I heard a message last Sunday about how we should be content with what we have and where we are in life. In fact, so the message went, we “must” be content if we are to actually receive additional blessings in life, whether they be spiritual gifts, material things, money, etc. The contention is that if we aren’t content with what we have now we can not be trusted to having more. It makes sense….but it sure hurts to hear it; especially for someone who is aaalllwaaays wanting more.
The first dilemma I run into is actually defining the differences in how you or I may approach this concept. Does being content preclude you from having hopes, dreams or wishes? Is having a vision just another flavor of the same desires we all have? I hope not (no pun intended). I truly hope that I can have plans and wishes for the future of my family and myself without betraying the “being content with what you have” dogma. It’s a tough concept to wrap my brain around and an even tougher rule to apply to my life.
I believe it all boils down to attitude. Contentment certainly is that and there may not actually be a conflict of interest if you feel content yet still have your dreams. Your attitude is probably entering the “danger zone” if your hopes and goals begin to dominate your life; you begin to shun your current obligations in the pursuit of the bigger and better. I imagine expectations also play a big part in all this as well. If you begin to expect things; feel like you “deserve” things; believe you’ve been victimized or have just been plain unlucky in life. These are the things that can shape our attitude in the wrong direction.
I, for one, will always have goals and dreams. But I do believe I will be more attentive to take pause when it comes to my attitude concerning them. Contentment is a tough sell… especially in this Americanized, capitalistic, competitive society we live in. Thank goodness we can transcend these issues by taking them directly to our Father in heaven. He not only accepts them from us, He commands us to do it.
Pheeewww! For a second there I was starting to actually get worked up over this.
Greg A. Morton
© July 2, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Therapy Session
I’ve been in a funk as of late and, since this is my blog to open up if I want…. I’m gonna talk about it. Therapy is now in session.
I was recently informed that a good fellow Christian, who has struggled for several years on her faith, has now conceded that “there is no God.”
That it saddens my heart—or anyone’s for that matter—is not a surprising reaction. What’s been disturbing me goes way deeper than that. This is a woman I met through one of the startup groups in our church. There was a core group of people in our church convicted, even commissioned we felt, to build a group for a specific age group where we could share similar life experiences and pray for each other. During group prayers it seemed that every time this woman opened her mouth and heart to God the Holy Spirit just “wham”… settled over us in a very tangible way. She had a way of expressing herself, and all of our hearts, in prayer that I really admired.
Here’s the rub. How can anyone experience the overpowering love of God and, I truly believe, overwhelming evidence of God’s existence dismiss it all like that? Only God knows her true heart; but it certainly makes you wonder… was she ever really saved? Is she still saved? Can anyone be truly on fire for God and then quench those passions to the point of non-existence? To an even greater degree…it makes me question the validity of what I’m feeling in those moments of prayer. Maybe I’m just emotionally charged and it’s not the Holy Spirit at all. Perhaps what I hear and believe to be truth is simply someone expressing themselves in a very articulate way.
This is a spiritual thorn for me. I feel like my discernment has been challenged. I begin to question what is real, what is holy, what is truth. I know in my head that I need to be all the more in prayer and seeking God’s wisdom… but my heart doesn’t always follow suit with my head.
Now I’ve spent my whole life asking God “Why?…Where?...Show me…How come?...Are You there?...” and on and on I seek and question. Yet I don’t see my lack of conclusions or answers to be evidence of God’s absence. I still feel loved and acknowledged as a created being.
When I’m confronted with situations like this, it is a reminder that my faith needs to pick up where my emotions, even intellect, leave off. I need to find the time to get in one accord with God and find that connection… that spiritual connection. That connection which transcends emotions and thoughts.
Yeah, I’m struggling with this one alright… but I know I have a God, a personal God, a real God that’ll get me through this. Your prayers are certainly welcomed.
Session over.
Greg A. Morton
© 6-03-08
I was recently informed that a good fellow Christian, who has struggled for several years on her faith, has now conceded that “there is no God.”
That it saddens my heart—or anyone’s for that matter—is not a surprising reaction. What’s been disturbing me goes way deeper than that. This is a woman I met through one of the startup groups in our church. There was a core group of people in our church convicted, even commissioned we felt, to build a group for a specific age group where we could share similar life experiences and pray for each other. During group prayers it seemed that every time this woman opened her mouth and heart to God the Holy Spirit just “wham”… settled over us in a very tangible way. She had a way of expressing herself, and all of our hearts, in prayer that I really admired.
Here’s the rub. How can anyone experience the overpowering love of God and, I truly believe, overwhelming evidence of God’s existence dismiss it all like that? Only God knows her true heart; but it certainly makes you wonder… was she ever really saved? Is she still saved? Can anyone be truly on fire for God and then quench those passions to the point of non-existence? To an even greater degree…it makes me question the validity of what I’m feeling in those moments of prayer. Maybe I’m just emotionally charged and it’s not the Holy Spirit at all. Perhaps what I hear and believe to be truth is simply someone expressing themselves in a very articulate way.
This is a spiritual thorn for me. I feel like my discernment has been challenged. I begin to question what is real, what is holy, what is truth. I know in my head that I need to be all the more in prayer and seeking God’s wisdom… but my heart doesn’t always follow suit with my head.
Now I’ve spent my whole life asking God “Why?…Where?...Show me…How come?...Are You there?...” and on and on I seek and question. Yet I don’t see my lack of conclusions or answers to be evidence of God’s absence. I still feel loved and acknowledged as a created being.
When I’m confronted with situations like this, it is a reminder that my faith needs to pick up where my emotions, even intellect, leave off. I need to find the time to get in one accord with God and find that connection… that spiritual connection. That connection which transcends emotions and thoughts.
Yeah, I’m struggling with this one alright… but I know I have a God, a personal God, a real God that’ll get me through this. Your prayers are certainly welcomed.
Session over.
Greg A. Morton
© 6-03-08
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Great Deceiver
Back in 1994, I wrote a song entitled “Welcome To The Real World” (you can hear it on my website at greggmpro.googlepages.com or click on the QuickLinks above) which is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek, yet serious, statement about how Christians shouldn’t expect everything in life to be hunky-dory simply because they received salvation. As I mentioned in a previous commentary: Our souls may have become perfected in God’s eyes but our human lives remain prey to an imperfect world.
I think we can all accept the notion that the devil uses bad people for his evil accomplishments in this world. I’d like to take this concept one step further, though, with some insight worth considering.
I believe the devil loves to use Christians to do his bidding more than anything else in life. He is, after all, one of the most clever angelic beings ever created. The very fact that he can orchestrate situations and maneuver people with shrewd cunning gives him his claim as the Great Deceiver. Simply put: The devil is a master manipulator... and deception is his forte.
We all love (and I use the word euphemistically) to see evil in its terrifying and horrid state. Why? Because we can rally up our spiritual armor, unite together as Christian brothers and sisters, and beat the son-of-a-bitch with prayer and conviction. What happens, though, when it comes at you with stealth; invades your life with a subtle assimilation that seems benign and immaterial? Ahh, this is where the devil shines.
The devil, that goddamned devil (and I use this in the literal sense), really can play with us. We don’t have to be engaging in the “dark side”, playing with Ouija boards, snubbing our nose at God, or anything else contrary to righteous living. Christians can be duped, plain and simple... and the devil is just the one to do it to us.
Where does this leave us, then? The cold, hard truth is we need to be ever vigilant with our faith. We need to acknowledge and accept the fact that we can be pawns in the devil’s game. We need to realize with absolute conviction that as long as we are in this world, we can be prey to the one that lurks around this world seeking to devour our lives. Our lives, however, can be devoured shrewdly and with evil cunning so as not to be noticed until we’re in dire trouble. This is why we must pray. Pray in earnest. Pray constantly. Pray consistently. Pray as if your life depends on it... because it does.
Greg A. Morton
© May 30, 2008
I think we can all accept the notion that the devil uses bad people for his evil accomplishments in this world. I’d like to take this concept one step further, though, with some insight worth considering.
I believe the devil loves to use Christians to do his bidding more than anything else in life. He is, after all, one of the most clever angelic beings ever created. The very fact that he can orchestrate situations and maneuver people with shrewd cunning gives him his claim as the Great Deceiver. Simply put: The devil is a master manipulator... and deception is his forte.
We all love (and I use the word euphemistically) to see evil in its terrifying and horrid state. Why? Because we can rally up our spiritual armor, unite together as Christian brothers and sisters, and beat the son-of-a-bitch with prayer and conviction. What happens, though, when it comes at you with stealth; invades your life with a subtle assimilation that seems benign and immaterial? Ahh, this is where the devil shines.
The devil, that goddamned devil (and I use this in the literal sense), really can play with us. We don’t have to be engaging in the “dark side”, playing with Ouija boards, snubbing our nose at God, or anything else contrary to righteous living. Christians can be duped, plain and simple... and the devil is just the one to do it to us.
Where does this leave us, then? The cold, hard truth is we need to be ever vigilant with our faith. We need to acknowledge and accept the fact that we can be pawns in the devil’s game. We need to realize with absolute conviction that as long as we are in this world, we can be prey to the one that lurks around this world seeking to devour our lives. Our lives, however, can be devoured shrewdly and with evil cunning so as not to be noticed until we’re in dire trouble. This is why we must pray. Pray in earnest. Pray constantly. Pray consistently. Pray as if your life depends on it... because it does.
Greg A. Morton
© May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Mercy and Worship
I have a confession to make…… I’ve been convicted. No, not for a felony, but convicted nonetheless. I was reading Romans 12 (which is chock full of wonderful guidance and wisdom, by the way) and the chapter begins by stating what exactly is (or should be) your act of worship. To be holy and pleasing to God is pretty straight-forward, but what I extracted out of this simple phrase hit me much deeper. The direction and basis for worship, which is all predicated on God’s mercy to us. I hate to admit, but my perspective has been quite backwards for many years.
Many times I would come home from church and make the comment “Ya’ know… worship just wasn’t that great today.” What I really meant was: the music or worship band didn’t get me all energized or moving the way I was hoping for. Oh, for shame, that I heap that kind of responsibility on the church. Paul clearly states in the very first verse that worship is a “me-to-God” act… not a “church-to-me” relationship. Worship should be the by-product of how much you truly appreciate the mercies that God has bestowed on you. Worship comes from the heart. The worship music that happens in church should be an expression of your heart, not just an impression on you. If I don’t think worship was “all that great”.... guess what; that’s my heart talking and I need to do some serious one-on-one with God, not the worship band.
It’s kind of comical (though not really) that I am a musician and my writings are absolutely an expression of my heart… and I get that. I’m not sure why, then, I would expect anything else just because someone else happens to be playing the music.
Let’s face it, we all need to be ministered to and God provides so many ways for that to happen. That’s why he gave his body of believers so many unique and different gifts, so that we can collectively benefit from all He has given us. What needs to be in the very forefront of our minds, however, are the mercies He has so lovingly imparted on us. We don’t deserve them, but He gives them anyway.
The next time you settle into church with expectations of being spiritually moved, remember, the music or the moment my carry you on a wonderful journey but the true worship comes from within. Acknowledge, appreciate and be humbled by the mercies God has given you and worship will spring from you in an honest and true expression of yourself. I can already see God smiling.
Greg A. Morton
© 5-27-08
Many times I would come home from church and make the comment “Ya’ know… worship just wasn’t that great today.” What I really meant was: the music or worship band didn’t get me all energized or moving the way I was hoping for. Oh, for shame, that I heap that kind of responsibility on the church. Paul clearly states in the very first verse that worship is a “me-to-God” act… not a “church-to-me” relationship. Worship should be the by-product of how much you truly appreciate the mercies that God has bestowed on you. Worship comes from the heart. The worship music that happens in church should be an expression of your heart, not just an impression on you. If I don’t think worship was “all that great”.... guess what; that’s my heart talking and I need to do some serious one-on-one with God, not the worship band.
It’s kind of comical (though not really) that I am a musician and my writings are absolutely an expression of my heart… and I get that. I’m not sure why, then, I would expect anything else just because someone else happens to be playing the music.
Let’s face it, we all need to be ministered to and God provides so many ways for that to happen. That’s why he gave his body of believers so many unique and different gifts, so that we can collectively benefit from all He has given us. What needs to be in the very forefront of our minds, however, are the mercies He has so lovingly imparted on us. We don’t deserve them, but He gives them anyway.
The next time you settle into church with expectations of being spiritually moved, remember, the music or the moment my carry you on a wonderful journey but the true worship comes from within. Acknowledge, appreciate and be humbled by the mercies God has given you and worship will spring from you in an honest and true expression of yourself. I can already see God smiling.
Greg A. Morton
© 5-27-08
Friday, May 23, 2008
Keeping It In Context – Part II
Generally speaking, my commentaries stem from introspection… not reaction. This commentary, however, is a response to something I read in this morning’s paper. The headline “Church to Begin Same-Sex Nuptials” caught my eye and, as I read, something very unsettling came over me. Granted the subject of same-sex marriages has been circulating for decades here in the U.S. and, of course, was probably even news back in biblical periodicals (or whatever they had) referring to the likes of Sodom and Gomorrah (re-read Genesis Ch. 18 & 19).
But something struck me unusually hard in this article. In response to the May 15th Supreme Court ruling which allows same-sex marriages, All Saints Church in Pasadena has indicated it will begin performing same-sex ceremonies. The church’s pastor, Rev. Ed Bacon, quoted Micah 6:8 as support that their church is aligned with biblical principles: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Talk about taking a snippet of scripture and building a principle around it. Sheeesh.
Now, I’m no theologian but based on everything I’ve read in the Bible that speaks of homosexuality… it’s wrong. I’m not inclined to argue how the dynamics have changed over time, or open my mind to the “true essence” of what love is all about. Doesn’t matter…. the Bible says it’s wrong. End of discussion.
It wasn’t really my intention to state my position on this subject more than I simply thought it was a perfect example of what I spoke about in my commentary posted April 30th; the dangers of taking a small section of a more global concept and customizing it to fit your own agenda.
Greg A. Morton
© May 23, 2008
But something struck me unusually hard in this article. In response to the May 15th Supreme Court ruling which allows same-sex marriages, All Saints Church in Pasadena has indicated it will begin performing same-sex ceremonies. The church’s pastor, Rev. Ed Bacon, quoted Micah 6:8 as support that their church is aligned with biblical principles: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Talk about taking a snippet of scripture and building a principle around it. Sheeesh.
Now, I’m no theologian but based on everything I’ve read in the Bible that speaks of homosexuality… it’s wrong. I’m not inclined to argue how the dynamics have changed over time, or open my mind to the “true essence” of what love is all about. Doesn’t matter…. the Bible says it’s wrong. End of discussion.
It wasn’t really my intention to state my position on this subject more than I simply thought it was a perfect example of what I spoke about in my commentary posted April 30th; the dangers of taking a small section of a more global concept and customizing it to fit your own agenda.
Greg A. Morton
© May 23, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Grace, Mercy & Forgiveness
God is gracious, God is merciful, God forgives. This is a precept we hear often in church and, to that end, we should be hearing it. I wonder, though, if perhaps there is an inherent danger of this truth if not conveyed in the proper context.
Christians invariably extol the fact that the forgiveness of Christ frees them from shame and guilt. The cleansing which comes from Jesus’ blood has washed away all traces of sin and, ostensibly, any remnants of things for which to feel ashamed. This is certainly true in the context of those who may feel shame for which circumstances are, or were, out of their control (molestations, etc.) or guilt over actions which have been truly repented.
I contend, however, that sinful actions which seem to be an inveterate part of our day-to-day living falls under a separate type of grace. Our merciful Lord looks down upon our lives and sees the failings and short-comings; quite simply... our humanness. But are we to simply dismiss the shame or guilt of continually and repetitively sinning? I think not. Shame and guilt are some of our most important and integral counter-balances we have. They are the weighted keel of our ship which helps keep us upright during the harsh and stormy seas. They are our conscience manifested in twisted, aching stomachs; in having the runs; in sleepless nights.
I rely on these ugly and formidable effects as much as I rely on breathing each day. I know God is merciful and understands when I miss the mark. It is incomprehensible to me that He can look at mankind’s sin over and over with the same behavior and same detrimental conduct and still pour out His grace on us. I don’t try to understand it... yet I don’t want to be complacent about it or take it for granted either.
On the cross Christ paid the price--the ultimate price--for our sins. He has told us that he throws out our sins as far as east is from west and remembers them no more. I fear that some of us, including myself, try to apply that to our own lives as well. It is not our place to throw our sins away and remember them no more... that is God’s job. Forgetting our sins would, in fact, relinquish us from our responsibility of repeating the same sins over and over. I don’t believe this pattern of “sin and forgiveness” is what God ever intended. We must be responsible for seeking righteousness; we must be responsible for portraying Christ’s love in our actions; we must be responsible for acknowledging what we do and why we do it.
Bottom line is: The love of God transcends all the screw-ups we make. The love of God also created us to feel, think, say and act accordingly. This means feeling bad about doing bad things. Don’t let those opportunities of feeling bad pass you by without thanking your Heavenly Father that He is incredibly and indescribably gracious, full of mercy, and lovingly forgiving.
Greg A. Morton
© 4-26-2006
Christians invariably extol the fact that the forgiveness of Christ frees them from shame and guilt. The cleansing which comes from Jesus’ blood has washed away all traces of sin and, ostensibly, any remnants of things for which to feel ashamed. This is certainly true in the context of those who may feel shame for which circumstances are, or were, out of their control (molestations, etc.) or guilt over actions which have been truly repented.
I contend, however, that sinful actions which seem to be an inveterate part of our day-to-day living falls under a separate type of grace. Our merciful Lord looks down upon our lives and sees the failings and short-comings; quite simply... our humanness. But are we to simply dismiss the shame or guilt of continually and repetitively sinning? I think not. Shame and guilt are some of our most important and integral counter-balances we have. They are the weighted keel of our ship which helps keep us upright during the harsh and stormy seas. They are our conscience manifested in twisted, aching stomachs; in having the runs; in sleepless nights.
I rely on these ugly and formidable effects as much as I rely on breathing each day. I know God is merciful and understands when I miss the mark. It is incomprehensible to me that He can look at mankind’s sin over and over with the same behavior and same detrimental conduct and still pour out His grace on us. I don’t try to understand it... yet I don’t want to be complacent about it or take it for granted either.
On the cross Christ paid the price--the ultimate price--for our sins. He has told us that he throws out our sins as far as east is from west and remembers them no more. I fear that some of us, including myself, try to apply that to our own lives as well. It is not our place to throw our sins away and remember them no more... that is God’s job. Forgetting our sins would, in fact, relinquish us from our responsibility of repeating the same sins over and over. I don’t believe this pattern of “sin and forgiveness” is what God ever intended. We must be responsible for seeking righteousness; we must be responsible for portraying Christ’s love in our actions; we must be responsible for acknowledging what we do and why we do it.
Bottom line is: The love of God transcends all the screw-ups we make. The love of God also created us to feel, think, say and act accordingly. This means feeling bad about doing bad things. Don’t let those opportunities of feeling bad pass you by without thanking your Heavenly Father that He is incredibly and indescribably gracious, full of mercy, and lovingly forgiving.
Greg A. Morton
© 4-26-2006
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Keeping It In Context
Shakespeare encompassed an entire mood with a few simple words (as he eloquently did in all his writings) which many of us remember: “Now is the winter of our discontent”. A powerful word picture that expresses a deep feeling with only seven words. Of course that line, said alone, is conveyed completely out of context for the next line “made glorious summer by this son of York; Richard III” brings to light that the mood of the speaker is actually a quite happy and grateful one.
It is so important we do not take snippets of what is said or written and make conclusions without realizing the full intent and meaning. This applies to everything in life, including our study of God’s word. I’ve been guilty of this many times, sometimes in simple error…and sometimes because I just read only what I wanted to read. God has admonished us from the beginning of mankind not to “pick and choose” our insights; what we want—by our very humanistic nature—is not aligned with God’s will, which is why we must humble ourselves to giving up our ways of thinking and ask Him for ears to hear and eyes to see.
Seeing the world through God’s eyes is a constant spiritual maturation we must pursue through continuous and faithful prayer. A daunting task by even the most motivated Christian. Once we begin to discover God’s truths, however, the revelations they bring become the foundation for a spiritual cycle that is self-perpetuating. We stumble through a situation, we realize God’s hand in the matter, we change course, we feel pretty good about our handle on things, we stumble again, we seek God’s intervention…; and so goes the phases of what will be our life-long development as a Christian.
Heed my caveat, however. When searching for answers and insight, do not read your Bible without an open mind and open heart. Do not pray without an open mind and open heart.
Our souls may have become perfected in God’s eyes but our human lives remain prey to an imperfect world. We will gravitate toward those things which make us feel good long before we acknowledge the wisdom of God’s guidance.
Now, let the winter of your discontent be made into a glorious summer. With your faith in God this will surely happen.
Greg A. Morton
© 4-29-2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Play the Puppet
We, as humans, strive so much to be in control. It is within our very nature and God graciously has given us free will to allow us to accept or reject Him.
Is this sufficient reason, however, to assume we are to constantly and consistently exercise this free will of ours? How wonderful it is—in those all too rare moments—to be in such accord with our Savior that He seems to guide our every move, direct our every thought, channel us into Christ-like actions.
We tout our free will like it is some sort of triumphant victory we’ve attained and toil to keep it that way. When asked by nonbelievers why so many bad things happen in this world we convincingly respond with, “You know, we’re not puppets. God allows us to make choices and this world is rife with bad choices… and we pay the consequences.”
As true as that statement may be, perhaps it’s time to rethink our stigma of being a “puppet”. We’ve conditioned ourselves to believe that our own ability to make choices gives credence to our role as this world’s inhabitants… but, really, wouldn’t it be better to more puppet-like and let God finesse his will on us and for us? I believe our control issues have restrained us more than it has empowered us. Total submission is scary and daunting indeed, but the outcome—when God is maneuvering all the strings in harmony—is far greater than we could ever hope to accomplish on our own, with our own choices.
So be grateful for your free will and let God smile with your choice to follow Him. But do not be intimidated by the fact that God can direct your path and guide your actions. Go on…. be a puppet. Be God’s puppet and you’ll never be disappointed.
Greg A. Morton
© 3-11-2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
Rise to the Occasion
Those of you who bake will understand this concept quite easily. Using leavening, or yeast, is essential if you wish your product—be it bread, muffins, etc.—to rise and have some “airiness” to it. These little unicell fungi are amazing organisms and, considering their size and simplicity, create an incredible amount of transformations.
The Bible speaks of leavening quite liberally throughout the Old Testament. Having bread that is unleavened illustrates the ideology that we should, as a character of meekness and honor, be humble and unadorned… without any “filler” or superfluous nature. Nearly every time the Lord asked his people to follow rules of obedience, bread was unleavened. (e.g. Ex 34:18)
The New Testament uses it more symbolically. The very nature of leavening is described in numerous passages as a metaphor for the spreading and rampant transformations that can, and do, occur within the church… and usually in a negative connotation.
In the first three gospels Jesus warned the disciples about the “yeast of the Pharisees”, speaking of how their hypocrisy and deluded understanding of the world can spread. Paul also spoke about the dangers of not holding accountable sinful members of the church: “Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are.” (I Cor 5:7 NIV).
Whether communicated in a literal sense or metaphorically, the fact that sinful attitudes can spread and cause havoc is a truth we need to be mindful of on a daily basis. The next time you bake or simply enjoy a piece of bread, let it be a positive reminder of this wise principle.
“Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.” (I Cor 5:8 NIV)
Greg A. Morton
© 3-03-2008
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