The "g"od complex

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaA god complex is an unshakable belief characterized by consistently inflated feelings of personal ability, privilege, or infallibility. A person with a god complex may refuse to admit the possibility of their error or failure, even in the face of complex or intractable problems or difficult or impossible tasks, or may regard their personal opinions as unquestionably correct.[1][2] The individual may disregard the rules of society and require special consideration or privileges.[1]

God complex is not a clinical term or diagnosable disorder, and does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

The first person to use the term god-complex was Ernest Jones (1913-51).[3] His description, at least in the contents page of Essays in Applied Psycho-Analysis, describes the god complex as belief that one is a god.[4]

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When Jesus referred to Satan, he called him a liar and the Father of all lies.  Satan, the Devil, in his heart was proud and sinned because of it and thought in his heart to set his throne above God's throne (Read here:  Isaiah 14).  Knowing that the devil (Satan) prowls around like a lion seeking to destroy God's disciples, we need to be on guard and to be in the word daily to protect ourselves against his evil arrows.  We need to be rooted in the word.  The problem with this "g"od complex is set at the beginning of our lives when we reach cognitive thought, in that, we desire to seek our own kingdoms and sometimes at the expense of God's Kingdom.  Meaning:  We often find our motives and heart in place of God's will for our life.

When God spoke to Cain:  Genesis 4:7 (ESV) 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?[a] And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for[b] you, but you must rule over it.”.  He gave man a clear path on what Sin can do to our lives.  Cain murdered his brother out of jealousy and anger.  Jesus took the 10 commandments in his teaching and expounded the definition even further with us in saying that if we hate our brother(S) then we have already committed murder in our hearts.  In the 10 Commandments, if you are guilty of one, you are guilty of them all.

So where is the hope?  How can we sustain?  How can we overcome?

Constantly the world bombards us with media, advertisement and daily jaunts of how they know what is best for us (pleasing ourselves) instead of pleasing the one who creates us.  This type of rationalization does not please God, it please the god of this world, that great liar and deceiver, the devil.  He is a bitter and evil creature that turned from his Creator.  He was the first in Scripture to turn to self and please himself and to try and overcome his way instead of God's way.  Often we find when sin tempts us we are given a choice.  Sometimes this sin materializes out of our own desires and greed.  Other times, it is clear that there is likely spiritual warfare and the evil one and his minions tempt (or put situations) in front of us to stumble us.  However, God gives us hope in His Son Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) 13 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.

Imagine for just a moment a throne room in each one of our lives.  Imagine the great royal chamber and what that looks like.  For me, when I think of Jesus and God in all their glory, I see a magnificent throne room with all types of gems and diamonds and brilliant light and rainbows and clouds and thunder.  I imagine what it would be like to try and look upon this throne room and to see the Angels and saints all around praising their names:  God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit and how awesome and how wonderful and even how terrifying that would be.

Now imagine when sin creeps in each of our lives and for a moment we see a flash and we no longer see God (in three) on that throne, instead we see ourselves for what we are:  A sinner in need of a savior and who is weak and feeble and full of our own pride, insecurity and greed and selfishness.  We need to put ourselves to death daily (our old selves) and too seek God's will for our life each day.  As one of our readers said recently to me, when I say the phrase "let go and let God" it grate him because he believes that true discipleship is just more than letting go, it is required daily surrender of self and obedience to God's will for each one of our lives.

It is taking the small "g" out of our lives (for some g = greed,  g = gluttony, g = god complex) and putting God back on that throne and realizing he is in all, through all and above all.

Let go of self, let God in control and trust and obey and surrender to Him each day.

Blessings,

Dante

Hate versus Love, Anger versus Peace, Jesus versus the world

Often you hear the phrase, "Hate the sin, love the sinner."  I think this statement can be watered down to the point that it also becomes a passive aggressive statement.  Let's be honest, sometimes when we really hear this phrase it is meant to exalt the speaker in the sense that they are righteous and holy while the sin(ner) that they are looking down on is indecent and despicable and unloved.  I mean how can someone be continually involved in sin and not turn and repent and continue to do that over and over.  Are they really saying that?How about comments like, "I can be mad at you because I have righteous anger."   Or  how about this, "You know, that person is an EGR" (EGR = extra grace required).  I think if we truly interpreted scripture in the way that Jesus wants us to, after all, He is the Word, wouldn't we want to hit the very mark that Jesus calls all of His disciples to?  As we read through the New Testament there are a few things that become abundantly clear as we read:  1) Jesus is the Messiah foretold of in the Old Testament 2) Jesus is the Savior 3) Jesus is the Son of God 4) Jesus loves us 5) Jesus is the toughest on the religious leaders of the day.  In some circumstances you could say that he was ruthless with these leaders of the temples.

When these religious leaders were referred to as whitewashed tombs, that pretty much sums up the skinny:  Don't be religious instead be intentional with what God gives each and every one of us.  To put this in another way, those of us that proclaim that Jesus is Lord and Savior have a duty and a responsibility to use the gifts and talents that God gives each and every one of us for His Kingdom and not our own.  He calls us to be Holy and to be merciful and above all to put on love (not hate) to serve (not to be served) to witness (not to be closed-minded and put off).

Some truths:

• Love your neighbor as yourself (there is no room for hate here)
• Love your enemies (show them kindness, turn the other cheek)
• Do not hate your brother/sister(s)
• In all circumstances, lead on God and not your self or your own ideology
• Test everything (use Scripture, Prayer as your barometer)
• In all things, let the word of Christ dwell in your richly and seek the peace of Christ
• Jesus was radical.
• Jesus did not mince words
• Jesus was or was not - you have to make that choice
• None of us can come to Jesus by ourselves, unless God the Father, wills us to Him (this is hard for some, but biblically true)

Maybe for some of you, you feel convicted by some of these thoughts and words, maybe others feel the effects of being judged and condemned by others.  Whether be it mental health, family issues, or things beyond our control.  May be we are even a product of our upbringing and we want to break these chains and be a new link in a healthy legacy.  A legacy worth Legacydads that we are all striving to become.  It's never too late and it is never over.  We believe in a God of second, third and infinite chances.  He is patient and kind and He loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us.

This is radical.  This is difficult, but with complete trust and surrender - all things are possible.

What about it?  Can you free yourself to forgive?  Can you free yourself from condemning?

Thoughts,

D

Top 10 things in order to be an effective leader

Top 10 things in order to be an effective leader:

1. You must have a vision (where are we, where are we going and how do we get there)
2. You must be able to communicate this vision and convey it to your leaders (if you turnaround and not everyone is following refocus your efforts on communication)
3. You must encourage those around you
4. You must listen to those who you empower to carryout your vision
5. You must often refer to #1 (have a vision) and #2 (communicate this vision)
6. You must be relational (this means that you should comfort, encourage and urge others around you
7. You must be open to those who you are empowering (give them a voice, because if they believe that they have value then your vision becomes even more invaluable)
8. You must continually go through this list in order to make sure that you didn't stray into your own circle of non-communication to your team
9. You must be a humble leader
10. You must be an accountable leader

All of this is only possible when your vision is aligned with God's truth.  This is not about a man, instead it is about God who became man to save you and me!

Blessings,

Dante

Discipleship: Chronicles through Job (Part 2 of 5)

The more that I read through the Bible the more the more I realize that it is reading me instead of me reading it.  There is a wealth of information in this great book and the Holy Spirit truly inspired the writing of this great manual.  Application from stewardship to living to contentment and so much more is find within these pages.  One thing to note, each time you read the Bible, pray that God will continue to reveal His truth for you and what He wants you to glean form this reading.  Pray for wisdom and understanding and take notes on what you read and what thoughts come to you.  When you feel conviction (journal) and when you learn something new, make a note in the margin.  Often, when you journal and re-read it is amazing how the Spirit works in each one of us to build His Kingdom.  Remember:  Less of me, more of God.In Chronicles we learn to:

Be thankful, Sing Praises to God and Tell of His Good Name (share the Gospel) - 1 Chronicles 16:8-10

Be Strong and fight bravely using the word  of God

Devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord - 1 Chronicles 22-19

Serve God with whole-hearted devotion - 1 Chronicles 28:9

God is good and His love endures forever

Humble yourself before Him - 2 Chronicles 7:14

God will strengthen you when you are fully committed to Him - 2 Chronicles 16:9

Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther

Stand for Truth, Integrity and Justice - The Book of Nehemiah

God is in control, so don't be afraid to step out in faith for Him - The Book of Esther

God sees it all - Job 7:17-19

Jesus is there for us (from the beginning to the end):  Job 9:33-35, Job 16:19-21, Job 19:25

How to live each day - The Book of Job

How to gain wisdom understanding:  Job 28:28

How to avoid lust - Job 31:1

More to follow on the pathway of being God's disciple.What are some of your thoughts?

D

Discipleship: Genesis through Chronicles (Part 1 of 5)

Do you find yourself often wondering what God's will is for your life?  Questions like is what I do relevant to God's Kingdom?  Is what I am doing now where God wants me to be?  Am I the father that God wants me to be?  Am I the husband that God wants me to be (my wife wants me to be)?  Am I the dad that my children and God need me to be?  Do I love the Lord with all my heart mind, body and strength (does my checkbook and actions prove that)?

So many things matter to men and we are very deep minded creatures.

In Proverbs 20 verse 5 states, "The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out." (NIV)

As I was reading through the first fourteen books of the Bible, I was very keen to what discipleship would look like through the "OLD" testament.

I found these things to be true, accurate and confirming by the Holy Spirit:  As disciples of Christ we are to:

1. Master Sin (even in anger):  Genesis 4:6-7; Leviticus 19:18
2. Master Finances (Give God a tenth of our time, talent and treasure):  Genesis 20:20-22
3. Obey God Completely:  Exodus 19:5-8; 1 Samuel 15:22
4. Bless Others:  Numbers 6:24-27
5. Keep His Word:  Numbers 30:2
6. Do not fear any man, instead fear God (which is the beginning of wisdom):  Dueteronomy 1:17
7. Love the Lord (with all of your heart, soul, strength) Deuteronomy 6:5-9
8. Study and meditate on God's word:  Joshua 1:8
9. Serve wholeheartedly:  Joshua 24:15; Joshua 14:14
10. Know your charge (what are my marching orders):  1 Kings 2:2-3
11. Sing & Praise God Always:  1 Chronicles 16:8-10

God isn't asking his disciples to just be fans - he want followers.  He wants men who want to know His Son as more than the God Man, instead He wants us to know him as friend.  Life is hard enough with its daily jaunts and stresses and questions in life.  Instead of pursuing what we think is best, why not pursue the maker of the world and to build community with Him.

Thoughts?

D

How to live a pure and peaceful life (a post from my 10 year old son)

My son has been fanatical about cars and not just any cars, but serious sports cars.  That is all he talks about and that is what he likes to think about.  Don' t get me wrong, he loves God, loves his Mom and his sisters most of the time, but he constantly has cars in the commentary.    Which leads me to this post, because one day I had finally said to him that I was getting seriously concerned about his focus on materialism and the ways of this world.  I asked him, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"  His response was right on, he said, "Dad, there is nothing that is worthy losing your soul for."We then started talking about Abraham and Gideon and David and the Saints of the Bible and why there stories are so important.  I, then, talked about discipleship and what that looks like in our lives (weekly, daily, hourly and so on).  We talked about stewardship and responsibility and what God requires of us.

I love my boy!  He wrote this on a sheet of paper:

How to live a pure and peaceful life

• Show self-control in every action
• Do no fear what isn't to be feared
• Admit your emotions.  Do not be afraid to share them but be on guard with whom you share them with.
• Wrath, anger, hatred sloth, fear are not to be shown but to be admitted to if absolute
• Praise God day and night for faith in Him shall NEVER be feared
• Obey Him always.

James says to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to be angry.  Paul says that if God is for us then who can be against us.  Paul also says not to become angry.  David was a warrior and a man with emotion and a man after God's own heart.  The sinful nature is to be put to death daily.  The Psalms tell us to let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Jesus, God, the Bible and its Apostles tells us to obey and submit.

I am not sure about you, but I am pretty sure that this boy is on the right track.

Dear Lord, give me the wisdom and discernment to guide this boy into a full-fledged relationship with you.  Teach me to teach him to Trust in you with all his heart, mind, body and soul.  Teach me to teach him not to lean on his own understanding.   Teach me to teach him to acknowledge you in everything.

Thank you Lord for your faithfulness (even when I am not faithful!)

Blessings,

D

Conflict Resolution

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” - Yoda

As a disciple of Christ this is a very difficult subject to breach.   You pick the topic and the subject and I can show you hundreds of years of conflict that has even divided Christians and religions.  Turn on social media and look at all the venom and cruelty of words that are out there (some even from the church that is embarrassing to watch/read).  Some of the most controversial topics are as follows:

1. Relationships (husband/wife, girlfriend/boyfriend, sexual variation)
2. Terrorism
3. Death Penalty
4. Global Warming
5. Legalization of Drugs
6. Healthcare
7. Plastic Surgery
8. Illiteracy
9. Abortion
10. Stem Cell Research

In the church, alone, we see each other argue over denominations, sexual orientation, baptisms (infant vs adult), politics and so on.  No one person or group is exempt from controversy.  The real issues are what we do when we reach conflict.  How do we resolve conflict and what does God expect from us through this process.  (Note: Already in some of your minds, you are saying, "No way" you don' t know what happened to me and how can you ever expect me to forgive?).

Personally, I can share numerous times when life has not been fair or when I have been made a victim.  Sometimes I still think about certain events in my past and quietly long for God's vengeance of these past wrongs, but then I am humbled and reminded that I do not want this negative attitude to turn back toward me instead of the aggressors.  God is everywhere at every time no matter how we try to spin that mind-blowing thought.  That being said, when this God sends His only Son to die for us and pay for our sins, then how can we say that we cannot forgive?

What does Scripture have to say on this:

Romans 12:17-21 ESV Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Steps to take (in no particular order)

• James 1:19 ESV Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
•  Matthew 18:15-17 ESV “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
•  Proverbs 15:1 ESV A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
•  Matthew 5:9 ESV “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
•  Luke 17:3 ESV Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,
•  Philippians 2:4 ESV Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
•  Colossians 3:13 ESV Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
•  Proverbs 16:7 ESV When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
•  Leviticus 19:18 ESV You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
•  Matthew 5:24 ESV Leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
•  Ephesians 4:26 ESV Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
•  Ephesians 4:31 ESV Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

As Yoda so eloquently states, Fear leads to Anger, Anger leads to Hate and Hate leads to suffering.  There is so much truth in these words that I can hardly contain myself in typing this.  Think about prejudices (= ignorance and misunderstanding ON BOTH SIDES - which births from fear and then anger).  Think about Sexual hot topics (homosexuality, cohabitation, pornography, you pick the vice - again, this all leads to suffering).  Pick your topic (being a victim = fear leads to anxiety and bitterness and then leads to anger and then suffering).

This is a big ask of all of our readers (including yours truly writing this) but think of the Author of lies and of hate (malice) and deceit - none other than that old Serpent (Lucifer, aka Satan).  He is the Father of all lies and loves to tear good in half given any opportunity that God gives him.  Think of those that do not know Christ (ignorance and fear which leads to anger and hate which leads to suffering) - this all happens for reasons beyond our comprehension.  BUT (there is a big BUT here) there will come a time when all knees will bow and every tongue will confess and God will judge those who are not in the book of life for their transgressions (not knowing His Son) and He will judge the saints for what they have done being His stewards (of His time, talent and treasures).

What are we waiting for?  Let's try to forgive as we have all been forgiven!

Thoughts?  Remember fear is the path to the dark side.  If God is for us, then who could possibly stand against Him?

Blessings,

D

How to be a man - part 2

In the Book of Job, we read the following text:Job 29 English Standard Version (ESV)

Job's Summary Defense

29 And Job again took up his discourse, and said:

2 “Oh, that I were as in the months of old,

as in the days when God watched over me,

3 when his lamp shone upon my head,

and by his light I walked through darkness,

4 as I was in my prime,[a]

when the friendship of God was upon my tent,

5 when the Almighty was yet with me,

when my children were all around me,

6 when my steps were washed with butter,

and the rock poured out for me streams of oil!

7 When I went out to the gate of the city,

when I prepared my seat in the square,

8 the young men saw me and withdrew,

and the aged rose and stood;

9 the princes refrained from talking

and laid their hand on their mouth;

10 the voice of the nobles was hushed,

and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.

11 When the ear heard, it called me blessed,

    and when the eye saw, it approved,

12 because I delivered the poor who cried for help,

    and the fatherless who had none to help him.

13 The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me,

    and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;

    my justice was like a robe and a turban.

15 I was eyes to the blind

    and feet to the lame.

16 I was a father to the needy,

    and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.

17 I broke the fangs of the unrighteous

    and made him drop his prey from his teeth.

18 Then I thought, ‘I shall die in my nest,

and I shall multiply my days as the sand,

19 my roots spread out to the waters,

with the dew all night on my branches,

20 my glory fresh with me,

and my bow ever new in my hand.’

21 “Men listened to me and waited

and kept silence for my counsel.

22 After I spoke they did not speak again,

and my word dropped upon them.

23 They waited for me as for the rain,

and they opened their mouths as for the spring rain.

24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence,

and the light of my face they did not cast down.

25 I chose their way and sat as chief,

and I lived like a king among his troops,

like one who comforts mourners.

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Following up on a previous post that I wrote about manhood, we discussed the following in our Men of Faith Group this morning:  What does biblical manhood look like for a disciple of Christ.  How does God want us to be true men:

DIVINE PURPOSEJeremiah 29:11-12 (ESV)11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

1 Thessalonians 4:3- (ESV) 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification:[a] that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body[b] in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;

UNDIVIDED HEART

1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

Psalm 119[a] א Aleph 1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.

STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV) 13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

1 Kings 2:2 (ESV) 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man,

ABOVE REPROACH

1 Timothy 3:2-7 (ESV) 2 Therefore an overseer[a] must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,[b] sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

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Wherever you are in your journey as Christ's disciple, it is never too late to fear the Lord (in awe of Him) and confess and repent and move toward the man that he wants you to be.  For me, on vacation recently, I realized that one of the things that I was struggling with was a divided heart.  I love the Lord and I read His word and pray everyday, but the Lord revealed to me that I was not pursuing him, rather I was be routine with Him instead of relational.

God doesn't just want a part of us, he wants all of us including our attention and focus (He wants a relationship with each of us).

Are there any things that you have to let go of and/or repent of to be the man that God wants you to be?

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Blessings,

D