I’m not sure if it’s just my normal state or mind, or if it’s the pregnancy, but I have been in a constant state of mental overdrive these last few months. Seriously, it would be impossible to over-analyze things anymore that I am already doing in relation to our growing family. Will our baby be healthy? Will we have enough money? Will my job understand? Am I capable of keeping an infant safe?
These questions, and thousands like them, seem to consume my consciousness until my thought life becomes one of continuous worry. No matter what I do, I just can’t seem to find peace.
John 14:27
“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – NIV
We live in an unsettling world, it is just a fact. There is no such thing as security here. Thieves break in, babies get sick, marriages fall and accidents happen. The locks on our doors, the medicine in our cabinets, and the air bags in our cars – they may help us, but they never guarantee us. No matter how you look at life, we are walking on shaky ground.
And ironically, if you really think about it, some of the world’s strongest faith-filled Christians became so in battlefields, hospitals, cross fires and prisons – the places on this planet where conflict rages and death can come in an instant. I have heard it said that one of the many paradoxes of the gospel is that those who have no security in this world can actually be the most secure of all for they have found their peace elsewhere – in the promises of God.
So no matter what steps I take towards protecting my new baby and our family, and regardless of how many hours I spend worrying about them, does any of it really make a difference?
How often do we find comfort in false securities? We surround ourselves with safety measures, and for what…peace?
The way I see it, peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of Christ.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Temporary Attacks
I feel like I haven’t read the Gospel of Matthew in quite a while. This hasn’t been an oversight; in fact, I have skipped over the Gospels entirely out of blatant overconfidence. Somewhere along the line, I convinced myself that there was nothing new for me to gain from them. My head was already so saturated with those “same old stories” that I began to think of them as pass-able. But this morning, one of the many devotionals that get emailed to me had the following translation of Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:25:
"A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, 'Dungface,' what can the workers expect?” – The Message
How relatable the Message sometimes is. Don’t we know this feeling well…that much of the Christian life is lived in tension between two impulses: the desire to be liked and respected by the world, and the desire to know God and be like Jesus. In our everyday lives, it becomes so easy to forget that these two impulses cannot thrive together, one must be subdued.
It is quite unfortunate that most of our world has chosen the former option – compromising their faith in the uncompromising Christ. But in this passage, Jesus is urging us to make a better decision. Though hostility and persecution are not enjoyable, they are the last gasps of a dying kingdom – the kingdom of human pride.
Let us not be shaken by temporary attacks on an eternal reign
"A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, 'Dungface,' what can the workers expect?” – The Message
How relatable the Message sometimes is. Don’t we know this feeling well…that much of the Christian life is lived in tension between two impulses: the desire to be liked and respected by the world, and the desire to know God and be like Jesus. In our everyday lives, it becomes so easy to forget that these two impulses cannot thrive together, one must be subdued.
It is quite unfortunate that most of our world has chosen the former option – compromising their faith in the uncompromising Christ. But in this passage, Jesus is urging us to make a better decision. Though hostility and persecution are not enjoyable, they are the last gasps of a dying kingdom – the kingdom of human pride.
Let us not be shaken by temporary attacks on an eternal reign
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Leaning Towers
It is so surreal when someone dies. Last weekend a Notre Dame student was crushed by a falling tower during a routine practice. By all traditional standards, this student was considered a “good kid”, maybe even a Christian. And still, he – and only he - perished at the hand of a natural cause.
There was a tower in Jerusalem that collapsed and crushed 18 people to death. The people of the town found themselves questioning if these people were worse sinners than they, for they were all spared. There must have been SOME reason why they were chosen to perish and others were not, shouldn’t there?
Luke 13:5
“…Unless you turn to God, you, too, will die.” – The Message
The fact is, in this world - as in the world of Christ - towers fall. People die. Survivors mourn. There doesn’t have to be a reason for any of it. And we all can’t help but wonder about the coming day when we will slip away from this world to whatever lies beyond. As Christians, we know what lies beyond. It is the lost that panic at the thought. Even so, we all can’t help ourselves from feeling shocked when this world is rocked.
Jesus responded to the mourners in Jerusalem by reminding them that everyone will die eventually, whether prematurely or in old age. His message is this: Prepare for certain death by repenting now! Jesus points to the real issue – the tragedy that many die without acknowledging their need for a Savior. This eternal tragedy far outweighs anything that this world can dish out, and yet, the number of the spiritually dead far outweighs our “natural disasters”.
We need to view life and death – and our neighbors – with an eternal perspective. We must understand that physical death separates us from those we love for a short time, but death without Christ separates those we love from the presence of God forever.
Our lives are filled with constantly leaning towers, are we braced for a fall?
There was a tower in Jerusalem that collapsed and crushed 18 people to death. The people of the town found themselves questioning if these people were worse sinners than they, for they were all spared. There must have been SOME reason why they were chosen to perish and others were not, shouldn’t there?
Luke 13:5
“…Unless you turn to God, you, too, will die.” – The Message
The fact is, in this world - as in the world of Christ - towers fall. People die. Survivors mourn. There doesn’t have to be a reason for any of it. And we all can’t help but wonder about the coming day when we will slip away from this world to whatever lies beyond. As Christians, we know what lies beyond. It is the lost that panic at the thought. Even so, we all can’t help ourselves from feeling shocked when this world is rocked.
Jesus responded to the mourners in Jerusalem by reminding them that everyone will die eventually, whether prematurely or in old age. His message is this: Prepare for certain death by repenting now! Jesus points to the real issue – the tragedy that many die without acknowledging their need for a Savior. This eternal tragedy far outweighs anything that this world can dish out, and yet, the number of the spiritually dead far outweighs our “natural disasters”.
We need to view life and death – and our neighbors – with an eternal perspective. We must understand that physical death separates us from those we love for a short time, but death without Christ separates those we love from the presence of God forever.
Our lives are filled with constantly leaning towers, are we braced for a fall?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Fall Festival
This past weekend Brian and I volunteered to work a booth at our church’s fall festival. It had the makings of a perfect day. The weather was beautiful, the kids were excited and I was eager to finally get the opportunity to serve along side of my husband. I wish that I could say these feelings lasted.
Unfortunately, this attitude of anticipation and enthusiasm left me almost as soon as I arrived at the church and found that Brian and I had been separated in our areas of responsibility. Not only did they assign us different booths to work, but they couldn’t have been farther away from each other. It was as if they saw one side of the field and sent Brian there, then pointed the complete opposite direction and sent me there.
It goes without saying that I was pretty annoyed. Finally, for once, we were going to work with a ministry together and that all got taken away in less than 30 seconds! Suddenly, I found myself becoming the volunteer that no one wants.
Philippians 2:4
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." – NIV
How hard it is to not look at our own interests, I am so far from accomplishing this that it’s embarrassing. I turned what should have been a joyful service attitude to one of entitlement. “How could they separate us” I thought. “This is going to be so boring for me now.”
We are called to serve one another in love and grace, but how easily that love morphs into prerogative before our very eyes. While nothing else in creation may have this power, thank God that He is big enough to take our eyes off of ourselves for one second.
Unfortunately, this attitude of anticipation and enthusiasm left me almost as soon as I arrived at the church and found that Brian and I had been separated in our areas of responsibility. Not only did they assign us different booths to work, but they couldn’t have been farther away from each other. It was as if they saw one side of the field and sent Brian there, then pointed the complete opposite direction and sent me there.
It goes without saying that I was pretty annoyed. Finally, for once, we were going to work with a ministry together and that all got taken away in less than 30 seconds! Suddenly, I found myself becoming the volunteer that no one wants.
Philippians 2:4
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." – NIV
How hard it is to not look at our own interests, I am so far from accomplishing this that it’s embarrassing. I turned what should have been a joyful service attitude to one of entitlement. “How could they separate us” I thought. “This is going to be so boring for me now.”
We are called to serve one another in love and grace, but how easily that love morphs into prerogative before our very eyes. While nothing else in creation may have this power, thank God that He is big enough to take our eyes off of ourselves for one second.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Big Prayers
Many times in life when we are confronted with a seemingly impossible situation, we tend to ask God to help alleviate the symptoms rather than to intervene in a mighty way. I know that I’m guilty of this for sure. It’s as though we are afraid of asking too much…as if there was such a thing.
In our culture, we just don’t see miracles that often, so we naturally assume that God isn’t interested in doing them. But to the contrary, according to the Bible at least, He is intensely interested in intervening in our situations. The only missing link: a simple, worshipful heart.
Mark 9:23
“If you can…” – NIV
In this passage of Mark, there was a father whose son was possessed by a destructive spirit. (Know any parents like that?) Everyone, including the disciples of Jesus, had tried to help with no avail. Finally, the father appeals to Jesus to do something – “if [He] can”. Jesus found this hint of uncertainty, frankly, ludicrous. Of course He can you fool, He is God incarnate!
This makes me wonder about my prayers…do they also undermine Jesus’ mastery of a situation? Do I also hint that He might not be able to do what I ask? Do I simply forget that His adequacy is never the question?
Jesus really may answer our prayers exactly the way we expect Him to…are we ready for that?
In our culture, we just don’t see miracles that often, so we naturally assume that God isn’t interested in doing them. But to the contrary, according to the Bible at least, He is intensely interested in intervening in our situations. The only missing link: a simple, worshipful heart.
Mark 9:23
“If you can…” – NIV
In this passage of Mark, there was a father whose son was possessed by a destructive spirit. (Know any parents like that?) Everyone, including the disciples of Jesus, had tried to help with no avail. Finally, the father appeals to Jesus to do something – “if [He] can”. Jesus found this hint of uncertainty, frankly, ludicrous. Of course He can you fool, He is God incarnate!
This makes me wonder about my prayers…do they also undermine Jesus’ mastery of a situation? Do I also hint that He might not be able to do what I ask? Do I simply forget that His adequacy is never the question?
Jesus really may answer our prayers exactly the way we expect Him to…are we ready for that?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Showtime
265/365
Recently, over the past few months, my husband and I have been trying out a new church home. Lately, and for no reason that I am able to detect, I am just not satisfied with our current choice.
Are they unbiblical in their teachings…absolutely not. Are they cold and stagnant as a worship community…not that I can tell. Are the parishioners unfriendly and standoffish…definitely not the case. So what then?
As I sat in my women’s Bible study last night, thinking of anything except the study, I found myself wondering what my problem was. In short, what am I looking for?
Do I need a church home with a host of means and methods for preaching the Gospel? Do I desire a community that has plans and strategies in place for communicating an “entertaining” message and doing church with stimulation? Do I need a good performance from someone who can captivate the crowds?
Ironically, all of these characteristics define the church from whence I came and, even then, my needs were not being met. I think that at some point, the question must become not about what I want out of church, but what God wants me to receive.
Perhaps, in all of my fascination with the outside of worship I have neglected what’s most important. It could be that what was lacking in my performance driven, program-seeking mind was a desperation for the power of God. And now, now that the desperation is all I seem to feel, that which satisfied my need for entertainment no longer fits the bill.
Have I deceived myself? Have I mistaken the presence of my physical body in the crowd for the existence of spiritual life within my soul?
I dare ask, in regards to church services, what has become most important: The Spirit or the The Show?
Recently, over the past few months, my husband and I have been trying out a new church home. Lately, and for no reason that I am able to detect, I am just not satisfied with our current choice.
Are they unbiblical in their teachings…absolutely not. Are they cold and stagnant as a worship community…not that I can tell. Are the parishioners unfriendly and standoffish…definitely not the case. So what then?
As I sat in my women’s Bible study last night, thinking of anything except the study, I found myself wondering what my problem was. In short, what am I looking for?
Do I need a church home with a host of means and methods for preaching the Gospel? Do I desire a community that has plans and strategies in place for communicating an “entertaining” message and doing church with stimulation? Do I need a good performance from someone who can captivate the crowds?
Ironically, all of these characteristics define the church from whence I came and, even then, my needs were not being met. I think that at some point, the question must become not about what I want out of church, but what God wants me to receive.
Perhaps, in all of my fascination with the outside of worship I have neglected what’s most important. It could be that what was lacking in my performance driven, program-seeking mind was a desperation for the power of God. And now, now that the desperation is all I seem to feel, that which satisfied my need for entertainment no longer fits the bill.
Have I deceived myself? Have I mistaken the presence of my physical body in the crowd for the existence of spiritual life within my soul?
I dare ask, in regards to church services, what has become most important: The Spirit or the The Show?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Simon
Luke 22:32
“I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” – NIV
As Christians, we know that the prayers of the Son of God never went unanswered. There was never a hint of conflict between the persons of the Trinity and, definitely, no separation. When the incarnate God requested, the enthroned God heard. When Jesus Christ prayed this prayer for Simon, Simon was secure.
What do we make, then, of Simon Peter’s famous denial? 3 times he swore that he did not know the man of Jesus, 3 times he lied about the One to whom he swore his allegiance. Doesn’t this action alone prove that he was not protected from evil, that his faith did – in fact – fail?
The answer to this question is no. When Jesus Christ looks at our faith, He sees a lifelong process. He sees whether our faith will be proven false by our testing or refined by it. When we fall, and we all do as Peter did, He knows whether we will get back up. No matter what we may think, a momentary falter does not determine the final outcome.
The way I see it, there is a distinct difference between taking our faltering efforts seriously and using them as conditions that define us. Let us trust the Son of God, the same Lord who has personally prayed for us.
“I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” – NIV
As Christians, we know that the prayers of the Son of God never went unanswered. There was never a hint of conflict between the persons of the Trinity and, definitely, no separation. When the incarnate God requested, the enthroned God heard. When Jesus Christ prayed this prayer for Simon, Simon was secure.
What do we make, then, of Simon Peter’s famous denial? 3 times he swore that he did not know the man of Jesus, 3 times he lied about the One to whom he swore his allegiance. Doesn’t this action alone prove that he was not protected from evil, that his faith did – in fact – fail?
The answer to this question is no. When Jesus Christ looks at our faith, He sees a lifelong process. He sees whether our faith will be proven false by our testing or refined by it. When we fall, and we all do as Peter did, He knows whether we will get back up. No matter what we may think, a momentary falter does not determine the final outcome.
The way I see it, there is a distinct difference between taking our faltering efforts seriously and using them as conditions that define us. Let us trust the Son of God, the same Lord who has personally prayed for us.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Eager Beavers
263/365
I may have spoken about this before, but I used to lead a Campus Crusade for Christ group at UGA. This was right around the time when I first became a true disciple of Christ and was eager to step into any service position available, even if I wasn’t truly ready.
We would meet at my apartment once a week and I would lead an hour long Bible study. This was in addition to the Tuesday night church service that everyone attended and the Wednesday night leadership meetings that I, also, was a part of.
As one can imagine, it did not take long for me to burn out. I was overwhelmed with the amount of commitments that I had rushed into making. There were other aspects of college life that I was forfeiting to be a ministry leader, and frankly, it was just turning into work.
How often does this happen? We become Christians without really considering the amount of sacrifice and dedication that it may entail. Sure, it’s quite easy to utter the Sinner’s prayer and find ourselves saved, but when the time comes to truly follow Christ…are we as eager?
John 6:66
“From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” – NIV
Never, in His entire ministry, was Jesus ever interested in marketing Himself to the masses. I read once that the invitation of Jesus to His followers was clearly aimed at advertising the costly aspect of following Him, instead of the rewards. As He spoke plainly about what would be sacrificed, He watched the crowds diminish…and He seemed perfectly ok with that.
Jesus focuses on those – however few – who believe Him when He says radical things. And through this radical obedience, an authentic disciple is made.
I may have spoken about this before, but I used to lead a Campus Crusade for Christ group at UGA. This was right around the time when I first became a true disciple of Christ and was eager to step into any service position available, even if I wasn’t truly ready.
We would meet at my apartment once a week and I would lead an hour long Bible study. This was in addition to the Tuesday night church service that everyone attended and the Wednesday night leadership meetings that I, also, was a part of.
As one can imagine, it did not take long for me to burn out. I was overwhelmed with the amount of commitments that I had rushed into making. There were other aspects of college life that I was forfeiting to be a ministry leader, and frankly, it was just turning into work.
How often does this happen? We become Christians without really considering the amount of sacrifice and dedication that it may entail. Sure, it’s quite easy to utter the Sinner’s prayer and find ourselves saved, but when the time comes to truly follow Christ…are we as eager?
John 6:66
“From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” – NIV
Never, in His entire ministry, was Jesus ever interested in marketing Himself to the masses. I read once that the invitation of Jesus to His followers was clearly aimed at advertising the costly aspect of following Him, instead of the rewards. As He spoke plainly about what would be sacrificed, He watched the crowds diminish…and He seemed perfectly ok with that.
Jesus focuses on those – however few – who believe Him when He says radical things. And through this radical obedience, an authentic disciple is made.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
For His Honor
262/365
One of the ways we can determine whether we are becoming Christlike is to see how we act in a crisis. When the pressure is on, what will we do? Or, even deeper, when the pressure is on, what motives will direct us?
Jesus came to the hour that He had long predicted. He was clear about His purpose in coming to Jerusalem; He would die there. The disciples couldn’t understand it, but He had foretold the Cross and Resurrection numerous times.
The hour had come, and it was not a pleasant hour. Nothing in human flesh – not even the Son of God – enjoys suffering. Jesus doesn’t ask God to save Him from this jour, but He does want to know if it’s possible that the cup of suffering pass by Him.
While His spirit was very willing, his human nature was very weak. Think about it, even God – clothed in human flesh – wanted a less painful way.
The fact remains, God’s reputation weighed heavier on the heart of Christ than His own comfort and life.
Jesus sacrificed a huge following, His school of disciples, His comfort, His health, His current reputation and even His life in order that God’s name might be honored.
Would we?
One of the ways we can determine whether we are becoming Christlike is to see how we act in a crisis. When the pressure is on, what will we do? Or, even deeper, when the pressure is on, what motives will direct us?
Jesus came to the hour that He had long predicted. He was clear about His purpose in coming to Jerusalem; He would die there. The disciples couldn’t understand it, but He had foretold the Cross and Resurrection numerous times.
The hour had come, and it was not a pleasant hour. Nothing in human flesh – not even the Son of God – enjoys suffering. Jesus doesn’t ask God to save Him from this jour, but He does want to know if it’s possible that the cup of suffering pass by Him.
While His spirit was very willing, his human nature was very weak. Think about it, even God – clothed in human flesh – wanted a less painful way.
The fact remains, God’s reputation weighed heavier on the heart of Christ than His own comfort and life.
Jesus sacrificed a huge following, His school of disciples, His comfort, His health, His current reputation and even His life in order that God’s name might be honored.
Would we?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Inevitable Insults
261/365
Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” – NIV
Notice that Jesus doesn’t say, “Blessed are you IF people insult you.” He says when. It is a given. Those who live as disciples in this world will get on the nerves of their culture. There is an inherently abrasive relationship between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of men. The reason is insanely simple: God and men are rivals for the same throne.
Jesus is an offense to the ego of this world, and as a part of Him, we become that as well. In our natural selves, we see ourselves as lords of our own lives. The world cannot accept a Savior when it is busy “saving itself”. It all boils down to human nature; to live compatibly with Christ violates the human ego.
“Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering,” Peter says in 1 Peter 4.
Know that our Savior is a threat to the prideful and expect nothing less than full on battle.
Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” – NIV
Notice that Jesus doesn’t say, “Blessed are you IF people insult you.” He says when. It is a given. Those who live as disciples in this world will get on the nerves of their culture. There is an inherently abrasive relationship between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of men. The reason is insanely simple: God and men are rivals for the same throne.
Jesus is an offense to the ego of this world, and as a part of Him, we become that as well. In our natural selves, we see ourselves as lords of our own lives. The world cannot accept a Savior when it is busy “saving itself”. It all boils down to human nature; to live compatibly with Christ violates the human ego.
“Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering,” Peter says in 1 Peter 4.
Know that our Savior is a threat to the prideful and expect nothing less than full on battle.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Kenney Chesney
260/365
On the way to work this morning, I had the pleasure of listening to one of my favorite country music channels. Pretty much following their usual playlist of Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert…they managed to work in a pretty well-known Kenney Chesney song “Everybody wants to go to Heaven.”
Now, not sure if the lyrics to this song would make you think as much as they did me, but it’s worth a shot:
Everybody wants to go to Heaven.
Get their wings and fly around.
Everybody wanna go to Heaven
but nobody wanna go now.
At first hearing, this song probably isn’t supposed to be taken all that literally, but I just can’t help myself. I began thinking about heaven and what an amazing blessing it would be to go there. I began to think of the choirs of angels, the feet of Christ and the radiant face of God.
Almost simultaneously, I began to think of Brian. I began to think of my parents and my brother. I began to think about my baby and all the things that I would miss if I was to find myself in heaven today. Would I be content if I never had the chance to have my child? Would I find myself longing for more earthly time with my family? Are there still things that I want to accomplish and experience before I settle down in the Kingdom of Christ?
What does it mean for your faith if you can almost rationalize how living in this world could compare with meeting what God has in store for you in eternity? Does that mean you are immature spiritually? Does it mean that you have put your family above God?
Does it mean…anything?
On the way to work this morning, I had the pleasure of listening to one of my favorite country music channels. Pretty much following their usual playlist of Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert…they managed to work in a pretty well-known Kenney Chesney song “Everybody wants to go to Heaven.”
Now, not sure if the lyrics to this song would make you think as much as they did me, but it’s worth a shot:
Everybody wants to go to Heaven.
Get their wings and fly around.
Everybody wanna go to Heaven
but nobody wanna go now.
At first hearing, this song probably isn’t supposed to be taken all that literally, but I just can’t help myself. I began thinking about heaven and what an amazing blessing it would be to go there. I began to think of the choirs of angels, the feet of Christ and the radiant face of God.
Almost simultaneously, I began to think of Brian. I began to think of my parents and my brother. I began to think about my baby and all the things that I would miss if I was to find myself in heaven today. Would I be content if I never had the chance to have my child? Would I find myself longing for more earthly time with my family? Are there still things that I want to accomplish and experience before I settle down in the Kingdom of Christ?
What does it mean for your faith if you can almost rationalize how living in this world could compare with meeting what God has in store for you in eternity? Does that mean you are immature spiritually? Does it mean that you have put your family above God?
Does it mean…anything?
Monday, October 18, 2010
Great Works
259/365
In my Bible studies recently, I have spent much time in the Old Testament. Among the reoccurring themes of disobedience, mercy and judgment, one thing is standing out far more than the rest: God’s description of Himself. Over and over again, we read of God describing Himself simply by the works He has done: “I am God, who has done…”
Isaiah 46:9
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God…”
Exodus 29:46
“They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them.” – NIV
Numbers 15:41
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 22:33
“…and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD.” – NIV
Reading this, and recognizing the importance of actions on character, I can’t help but wonder: How do I think of the Lord? Is He the God who has not given me the job I desire? Is He the God who has not heard my unspoken prayers? Is He the God who is too busy to bless my life with more than I deserve?
OR, Is He the God who saves me? Is He the God who delivers me? Is He the God who comforts me, encourages me, protects me and, in fact, blesses me?
The way I see it, it’s all in the perspective.
In my Bible studies recently, I have spent much time in the Old Testament. Among the reoccurring themes of disobedience, mercy and judgment, one thing is standing out far more than the rest: God’s description of Himself. Over and over again, we read of God describing Himself simply by the works He has done: “I am God, who has done…”
Isaiah 46:9
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God…”
Exodus 29:46
“They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them.” – NIV
Numbers 15:41
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 22:33
“…and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD.” – NIV
Reading this, and recognizing the importance of actions on character, I can’t help but wonder: How do I think of the Lord? Is He the God who has not given me the job I desire? Is He the God who has not heard my unspoken prayers? Is He the God who is too busy to bless my life with more than I deserve?
OR, Is He the God who saves me? Is He the God who delivers me? Is He the God who comforts me, encourages me, protects me and, in fact, blesses me?
The way I see it, it’s all in the perspective.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
My Week
258/365
Well, its official, I basically have zero ways to post my blog now. First, it was my shotty computer that broke. Next, it was the cancellation of our home internet service. Finally, my husband’s work has realigned the security settings on their computer systems and now my blog site is blocked for him and he can no longer help me with the postings. Sheesh, when the devil works, he really goes out of his way to be annoying.
But, while all of this was going on, perhaps God was at work also…
On Wednesday, sitting in traffic, the opportunity came for me to strategically glide through a yellowish-red light that would have enabled me to miss an extra five minutes of waiting. So, there I was, all geared up to do something slightly frowned upon by the department of motor vehicles, when the stupid-law-abiding-van in front of me didn’t go! Completely annoyed, I sat in my car and slightly glanced into my rear view mirror, and there it was: A cop was behind me the entire time. Here am I not blessed?
On Thursday, my office felt like the land time forgot. It seemed as though everyone was using their vacation time and no one was at work…including the bosses. Now, for most of the employees, this was a free-for-all time of leaving early and missing afternoon rush hour. And trust me, I was feeling completely motivated to take the same action, but for some odd reason, I just didn’t. I remained at my desk and stayed on task. Just then, about 10 minutes before quitting time, my phone rang. It was my boss. All I could thank about was how grateful I was to not have left early and missed that call. Here am I not blessed?
On Friday, and 14 weeks pregnant by the way, I came to the realization that washed and dried blue jeans are not a good idea for a pregnant woman. I spent most of the day with my button undone, feeling completely ragged, and stressing about how expensive (and unfortunate looking) maternity clothes were going to be. Later that evening, my friend Natalie came over and blessed my socks off with her gift of hand-me-down maternity clothes. She brought so many that I’m pretty sure I won’t even be able to wear them all. Here am I not super blessed?
If there is one thing I have noticed in my life, it is that I’m always looking for God to be visible in the big things. But, maybe, just maybe, by having this mentality I am missing exactly who He is trying to be for me.
Well, its official, I basically have zero ways to post my blog now. First, it was my shotty computer that broke. Next, it was the cancellation of our home internet service. Finally, my husband’s work has realigned the security settings on their computer systems and now my blog site is blocked for him and he can no longer help me with the postings. Sheesh, when the devil works, he really goes out of his way to be annoying.
But, while all of this was going on, perhaps God was at work also…
On Wednesday, sitting in traffic, the opportunity came for me to strategically glide through a yellowish-red light that would have enabled me to miss an extra five minutes of waiting. So, there I was, all geared up to do something slightly frowned upon by the department of motor vehicles, when the stupid-law-abiding-van in front of me didn’t go! Completely annoyed, I sat in my car and slightly glanced into my rear view mirror, and there it was: A cop was behind me the entire time. Here am I not blessed?
On Thursday, my office felt like the land time forgot. It seemed as though everyone was using their vacation time and no one was at work…including the bosses. Now, for most of the employees, this was a free-for-all time of leaving early and missing afternoon rush hour. And trust me, I was feeling completely motivated to take the same action, but for some odd reason, I just didn’t. I remained at my desk and stayed on task. Just then, about 10 minutes before quitting time, my phone rang. It was my boss. All I could thank about was how grateful I was to not have left early and missed that call. Here am I not blessed?
On Friday, and 14 weeks pregnant by the way, I came to the realization that washed and dried blue jeans are not a good idea for a pregnant woman. I spent most of the day with my button undone, feeling completely ragged, and stressing about how expensive (and unfortunate looking) maternity clothes were going to be. Later that evening, my friend Natalie came over and blessed my socks off with her gift of hand-me-down maternity clothes. She brought so many that I’m pretty sure I won’t even be able to wear them all. Here am I not super blessed?
If there is one thing I have noticed in my life, it is that I’m always looking for God to be visible in the big things. But, maybe, just maybe, by having this mentality I am missing exactly who He is trying to be for me.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Dwelling Place
257/365
Throughout God’s revelatory history, He has had a chosen dwelling place. In the wilderness and the early years in the Promised Land, it was the Tabernacle. After the reign of David, it was the Jerusalem Temple. The Temple had been rebuilt after Israel’s captivity and was being remolded as Jesus spoke these words:
Mark 13:2
“Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” – NIV
How odd, isn’t it? Jesus speaking, and apparently approving of, the Temple’s destruction.
When Jesus walked this land, He Himself was God’s chosen dwelling place. With the advent of the Holy Spirit into the hearts of believers, God’s habitation is now those who are in Christ. We, you and me, constitute a mobile and global body in which God lives and moves.
The Temple was temporary and inadequate. It was an illustration of the temple to come, one made of living stones. As living stones, we are to have moved past superficial appearances and formal structures. The worship of God is no longer contained in well-constructed walls. And like it or not, our personal walls, will never restrain Him.
This all begs the question, what is our worship like? Is it like an archaic building, structured and contained? Or, is it fresh as we allow God to move beyond our superficial walls and take us wherever He wills?
Wherever God will go is new heights and new depths, let Him be glorious and let our old stones fall.
Throughout God’s revelatory history, He has had a chosen dwelling place. In the wilderness and the early years in the Promised Land, it was the Tabernacle. After the reign of David, it was the Jerusalem Temple. The Temple had been rebuilt after Israel’s captivity and was being remolded as Jesus spoke these words:
Mark 13:2
“Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” – NIV
How odd, isn’t it? Jesus speaking, and apparently approving of, the Temple’s destruction.
When Jesus walked this land, He Himself was God’s chosen dwelling place. With the advent of the Holy Spirit into the hearts of believers, God’s habitation is now those who are in Christ. We, you and me, constitute a mobile and global body in which God lives and moves.
The Temple was temporary and inadequate. It was an illustration of the temple to come, one made of living stones. As living stones, we are to have moved past superficial appearances and formal structures. The worship of God is no longer contained in well-constructed walls. And like it or not, our personal walls, will never restrain Him.
This all begs the question, what is our worship like? Is it like an archaic building, structured and contained? Or, is it fresh as we allow God to move beyond our superficial walls and take us wherever He wills?
Wherever God will go is new heights and new depths, let Him be glorious and let our old stones fall.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Persistence Pays
256/365
I have heard it said that blessed are the meek. While this is all good and great, what about those of us who don’t exactly embody that characteristic? I, for one, truly believe that there are certain circumstances in which Jesus calls for assertiveness.
Luke 11:8
“Because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.” – NIV
In this parable on persistence, a man seeks help from his neighbor on behalf of his friends, knocking repeatedly on the neighbor’s door at midnight with a simple request for bread. It was an unlikely and truly inconvenient time for such a request, but because of his perseverance, the neighbor answers.
I am reminded of Luke 5 as well, when several men carry their crippled friend to Jesus and lower him in through a window as to not be detected. These men are zealous for the welfare of their dear friend, there really wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for him. And as such, Jesus had no rebuke for them. In fact, their brazenness honored Him.
This is how the Father is to be sought – with a clear knowledge that it is His nature to meet needs. And, if we are zealous to have the needs of others met, how much more honored is He.
I have to wonder, how persistent we are in seeking God’s help for the needs of others. When we are told to bear one another’s burdens, does this ever go passed a prayer?
I have heard it said that blessed are the meek. While this is all good and great, what about those of us who don’t exactly embody that characteristic? I, for one, truly believe that there are certain circumstances in which Jesus calls for assertiveness.
Luke 11:8
“Because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs.” – NIV
In this parable on persistence, a man seeks help from his neighbor on behalf of his friends, knocking repeatedly on the neighbor’s door at midnight with a simple request for bread. It was an unlikely and truly inconvenient time for such a request, but because of his perseverance, the neighbor answers.
I am reminded of Luke 5 as well, when several men carry their crippled friend to Jesus and lower him in through a window as to not be detected. These men are zealous for the welfare of their dear friend, there really wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for him. And as such, Jesus had no rebuke for them. In fact, their brazenness honored Him.
This is how the Father is to be sought – with a clear knowledge that it is His nature to meet needs. And, if we are zealous to have the needs of others met, how much more honored is He.
I have to wonder, how persistent we are in seeking God’s help for the needs of others. When we are told to bear one another’s burdens, does this ever go passed a prayer?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Easy A
255/365
In my Bible study these recent weeks, I have been reading through the writings of the major prophets. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations and Ezekiel. At first glance, these books seem to speak of nothing but destruction, judgment and righteous consequences. And to be perfectly frank, they are quite the depressing read! But, when one takes the time to look just a little deeper, the number of spiritual lessons are immeasurable.
Take, for example, the books of Jeremiah 2- 3. We as readers can learn so much about Jeremiah, not only as a man, but as the kind of disciple that all Christians should attempt to become.
In chapter 2, we find Jeremiah describing the actions of God as one who brings charges against a disobedient nation. Their wickedness will be punished, their backsliding will be rebuked. The entire nation of Israel had forsaken their Lord and Jeremiah spends the entire chapter warning them of their certain judgment.
In chapter 3, Jeremiah appears to be singing quite a different message. He speaks of the Lord begging the nation to return to Him. His anger will not last forever, says Jeremiah, His mercy precedes Him.
Jeremiah 3:14
“’Return faithless people, declares the Lord, ‘for I am your husband. I will choose you…’” – NIV
The important thing to notice in these chapters is what isn’t there. What events changed the perspective of Jeremiah from chapter 2 to chapter 3? What happened in his life that made him view God not as a punisher, but as a merciful husband? Was Israel spared, no. Was Jeremiah rewarded for his obedience, no.
NOT A SINGLE THING CHANGED FROM CHAPTER 2 TO CHAPTER 3 BUT THE ATTITUDE OF JEREMIAH.
In my Bible study these recent weeks, I have been reading through the writings of the major prophets. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations and Ezekiel. At first glance, these books seem to speak of nothing but destruction, judgment and righteous consequences. And to be perfectly frank, they are quite the depressing read! But, when one takes the time to look just a little deeper, the number of spiritual lessons are immeasurable.
Take, for example, the books of Jeremiah 2- 3. We as readers can learn so much about Jeremiah, not only as a man, but as the kind of disciple that all Christians should attempt to become.
In chapter 2, we find Jeremiah describing the actions of God as one who brings charges against a disobedient nation. Their wickedness will be punished, their backsliding will be rebuked. The entire nation of Israel had forsaken their Lord and Jeremiah spends the entire chapter warning them of their certain judgment.
In chapter 3, Jeremiah appears to be singing quite a different message. He speaks of the Lord begging the nation to return to Him. His anger will not last forever, says Jeremiah, His mercy precedes Him.
Jeremiah 3:14
“’Return faithless people, declares the Lord, ‘for I am your husband. I will choose you…’” – NIV
The important thing to notice in these chapters is what isn’t there. What events changed the perspective of Jeremiah from chapter 2 to chapter 3? What happened in his life that made him view God not as a punisher, but as a merciful husband? Was Israel spared, no. Was Jeremiah rewarded for his obedience, no.
NOT A SINGLE THING CHANGED FROM CHAPTER 2 TO CHAPTER 3 BUT THE ATTITUDE OF JEREMIAH.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Hidden Hi-C
254/365
This past Sunday, like all Sundays, I headed off to the grocery store. (It’s kind of crazy the amount of things that happen to me while I’m shopping.) Anyway, I decided to start going to Kroger these days over my customary Publix selection. Just when I was second-guessing my decision, and almost wishing for the familiarity that comes with Publix, there it was…the elusive Smashin’ Wild Berry Hi-C Juice Boxes!
This may sound like a small thing, but you have no idea how hard these things are to find. This flavor of Hi-C is not just anywhere my friend, in fact, their location is one of the greatest mysteries of our time. Sure you can find grape or fruit punch, but Smashin’ Wild berry, well that is like a diamond in the ruff.
Now, while the flavor of these juice boxes is undoubtedly awesome, I cannot say that it is the reason why I love them so much. Sadly, these tasty beverages are one of the most significant reminders that I have from my late best friend. Our house used to be swimming in these drinks. We couldn’t get enough of them. It was what you call a “staple”. Now, seeing them, just reminds me of her in such a joyful way.
Now, there was a time, not all that long ago, when something as tiny as a fruit drink would send me on an emotional spiral into devastation. To be perfectly honest, I would have gone to great lengths to have all of these juice boxes destroyed just so that I wouldn’t have to be faced with my loss. There was a time when no light was visible at the end of my shrinking tunnel and even the hope of peace was far from my reach. But, then, there was also a time when I finally remembered what my knees were for.
Job 22:21
“Come back to God Almighty and He’ll rebuild your life.” – The Message
Beth Moore says that hope is believing that God will, even though He hasn’t. And trust me, when you face the loss of a loved one, nothing is more important that the hope you find in the Lord. The ability to praise our Heavenly Father in the midst of chaos and catastrophe is the sign of a true disciple. A broken soul on its knees before the Lord stands far taller than a fickle believer trying to stand on their own.
So even if it is the small sight of a juice box that sends you down there, even if you have to crawl into your prayer room, Praise Him still. There is no other way to leave that room standing.
This past Sunday, like all Sundays, I headed off to the grocery store. (It’s kind of crazy the amount of things that happen to me while I’m shopping.) Anyway, I decided to start going to Kroger these days over my customary Publix selection. Just when I was second-guessing my decision, and almost wishing for the familiarity that comes with Publix, there it was…the elusive Smashin’ Wild Berry Hi-C Juice Boxes!
This may sound like a small thing, but you have no idea how hard these things are to find. This flavor of Hi-C is not just anywhere my friend, in fact, their location is one of the greatest mysteries of our time. Sure you can find grape or fruit punch, but Smashin’ Wild berry, well that is like a diamond in the ruff.
Now, while the flavor of these juice boxes is undoubtedly awesome, I cannot say that it is the reason why I love them so much. Sadly, these tasty beverages are one of the most significant reminders that I have from my late best friend. Our house used to be swimming in these drinks. We couldn’t get enough of them. It was what you call a “staple”. Now, seeing them, just reminds me of her in such a joyful way.
Now, there was a time, not all that long ago, when something as tiny as a fruit drink would send me on an emotional spiral into devastation. To be perfectly honest, I would have gone to great lengths to have all of these juice boxes destroyed just so that I wouldn’t have to be faced with my loss. There was a time when no light was visible at the end of my shrinking tunnel and even the hope of peace was far from my reach. But, then, there was also a time when I finally remembered what my knees were for.
Job 22:21
“Come back to God Almighty and He’ll rebuild your life.” – The Message
Beth Moore says that hope is believing that God will, even though He hasn’t. And trust me, when you face the loss of a loved one, nothing is more important that the hope you find in the Lord. The ability to praise our Heavenly Father in the midst of chaos and catastrophe is the sign of a true disciple. A broken soul on its knees before the Lord stands far taller than a fickle believer trying to stand on their own.
So even if it is the small sight of a juice box that sends you down there, even if you have to crawl into your prayer room, Praise Him still. There is no other way to leave that room standing.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Wounded Community
253/365
Many of us became Christians, expecting to find holy people in God’s Kingdom. I mean, why wouldn’t we right? We may have envisioned the church as a collection of folks who have gotten it right, who know what life is all about and know how to live it well. We may have thought our relationship troubles were over, if we related only to the redeemed.
But, if we’ve been around long enough, we have come to realize that while the people are indeed holy in Christ, they (and we) are still anything but flawless. When we go to church we are surrounded by silent addicts, dysfunctional families, physical and emotional cripples as well as broken relationships and distorted perspectives.
Matthew 15:32
“I have compassion for these people.” – NIV
Jesus looked upon the lame and crippled with compassion. He healed them and He fed them. Even knowing that, what do we see when we look out upon the crowds that are coming to see Jesus? The girl with the inappropriate outfit? The man who won’t get off his IPhone? The teenager who smells like a cigarette? A world of infirmities not only lies before our eyes, but also lies before His feet.
Perhaps, we found ourselves disappointed when we realized how deeply flawed Christians can be. Perhaps, we didn’t respond well when we were greeted with the nature of the world inside the walls of the church.
Regardless, the fact remains: The people of Jesus are the walking wounded, inside and outside the sanctuary.
Many of us became Christians, expecting to find holy people in God’s Kingdom. I mean, why wouldn’t we right? We may have envisioned the church as a collection of folks who have gotten it right, who know what life is all about and know how to live it well. We may have thought our relationship troubles were over, if we related only to the redeemed.
But, if we’ve been around long enough, we have come to realize that while the people are indeed holy in Christ, they (and we) are still anything but flawless. When we go to church we are surrounded by silent addicts, dysfunctional families, physical and emotional cripples as well as broken relationships and distorted perspectives.
Matthew 15:32
“I have compassion for these people.” – NIV
Jesus looked upon the lame and crippled with compassion. He healed them and He fed them. Even knowing that, what do we see when we look out upon the crowds that are coming to see Jesus? The girl with the inappropriate outfit? The man who won’t get off his IPhone? The teenager who smells like a cigarette? A world of infirmities not only lies before our eyes, but also lies before His feet.
Perhaps, we found ourselves disappointed when we realized how deeply flawed Christians can be. Perhaps, we didn’t respond well when we were greeted with the nature of the world inside the walls of the church.
Regardless, the fact remains: The people of Jesus are the walking wounded, inside and outside the sanctuary.
Friday, October 1, 2010
The Great Potter
252/365
I often think about what my professional life would have been like had I ventured down the road less taken. As much as I wanted to be successful and economically stable, I couldn’t seem to shake the fact that I really wanted to be a professional potter. My love for ceramics is nothing new; I realize that I have addressed that on more than one occasion. But, frankly, I don’t care.
The entire process of building something out of nothing just amazes me. The time it takes to wane and mold a piece of clay can be extremely restorative. Round and round the wheel spins, and with every slip of the hand, a new layer is uncovered. The process of smoothing out the air holes, weeding out the inside gaps and building a strong foundation is not easily matched. Then… it happens, you finish your piece.
From the outside, your new creation shines in faultless glory. To any onlooker, this construction is unblemished and watertight. There is nothing it cannot hold. There is no joy you cannot find in it. It is perfect, exactly the way that it is created to be.
Imagine your surprise and extreme disappointment when you return to your creation after it has gone through the fire. You lift the lid of the kiln and ready yourself to admire your final formation. But to your dismay, the entire creation has destroyed itself.
During the firing process, there was an air pocket that was far too small to detect with the human eye. As pressure was placed on your creation, its foundation was not strong enough to support the weight. As much as you loved your piece, there was nothing to do but throw it out and begin again.
Jeremiah 19:1
This is what the Lord says: “Go and buy a clay jar from the potter…Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching, and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as the potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired.”
Sometimes, things get so badly broken that nothing will repair it.
I often think about what my professional life would have been like had I ventured down the road less taken. As much as I wanted to be successful and economically stable, I couldn’t seem to shake the fact that I really wanted to be a professional potter. My love for ceramics is nothing new; I realize that I have addressed that on more than one occasion. But, frankly, I don’t care.
The entire process of building something out of nothing just amazes me. The time it takes to wane and mold a piece of clay can be extremely restorative. Round and round the wheel spins, and with every slip of the hand, a new layer is uncovered. The process of smoothing out the air holes, weeding out the inside gaps and building a strong foundation is not easily matched. Then… it happens, you finish your piece.
From the outside, your new creation shines in faultless glory. To any onlooker, this construction is unblemished and watertight. There is nothing it cannot hold. There is no joy you cannot find in it. It is perfect, exactly the way that it is created to be.
Imagine your surprise and extreme disappointment when you return to your creation after it has gone through the fire. You lift the lid of the kiln and ready yourself to admire your final formation. But to your dismay, the entire creation has destroyed itself.
During the firing process, there was an air pocket that was far too small to detect with the human eye. As pressure was placed on your creation, its foundation was not strong enough to support the weight. As much as you loved your piece, there was nothing to do but throw it out and begin again.
Jeremiah 19:1
This is what the Lord says: “Go and buy a clay jar from the potter…Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching, and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as the potter’s jar is smashed and cannot be repaired.”
Sometimes, things get so badly broken that nothing will repair it.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Servanthood
251/365
Back when I was training to become a YoungLife leader, one of the scripture passages that we had to memorize was Philippians 2:5-11. In that passage, Jesus is said to have been in His very nature God, but made Himself nothing, taking the nature of a servant instead. And, as we all know, His obedience even to the point of death is the ultimate expression of that servanthood.
As I was reading John 13, I couldn’t help but see the direct expression of the Philippians passage in the actions of Christ.
John 13:7
“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” – NIV
In this verse, Jesus gives us a visual illustration of the divine descent to our needy planet. He removes His normal clothing and wraps Himself with the garment a slave would wear. He performs the most selfless of tasks for the sake of His beloved disciples. And when He is done, “He put on His clothes and returned to His place.”
How hard is this for us to grasp? I get almost outraged when asked to complete a task that I believe is somehow below me. To someone with that mentality, this passage is more than humbling.
Jesus left the glories of Heaven in order to wash our feet, but sadly, this is a servanthood that we mistakenly tend to feel entitled to instead of recognizing the incredible condescension God undertook in order to meet our most profound needs.
The Lord of Lords is at our feet…are we treating Him that way?
Back when I was training to become a YoungLife leader, one of the scripture passages that we had to memorize was Philippians 2:5-11. In that passage, Jesus is said to have been in His very nature God, but made Himself nothing, taking the nature of a servant instead. And, as we all know, His obedience even to the point of death is the ultimate expression of that servanthood.
As I was reading John 13, I couldn’t help but see the direct expression of the Philippians passage in the actions of Christ.
John 13:7
“You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” – NIV
In this verse, Jesus gives us a visual illustration of the divine descent to our needy planet. He removes His normal clothing and wraps Himself with the garment a slave would wear. He performs the most selfless of tasks for the sake of His beloved disciples. And when He is done, “He put on His clothes and returned to His place.”
How hard is this for us to grasp? I get almost outraged when asked to complete a task that I believe is somehow below me. To someone with that mentality, this passage is more than humbling.
Jesus left the glories of Heaven in order to wash our feet, but sadly, this is a servanthood that we mistakenly tend to feel entitled to instead of recognizing the incredible condescension God undertook in order to meet our most profound needs.
The Lord of Lords is at our feet…are we treating Him that way?
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