"Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered;" (Hebrews 5:8, NRSV)
Does this make you uncomfortable? He learned to be obedient thru suffering. Does that mean I have to learn obedience thru suffering? I really don’t like suffering. I would prefer to live without it.
The book of Hebrews gives us a picture of a human Jesus. Not a sinful Jesus, but one that suffers with us and for us. Jesus is just like us in that he doesn’t like to suffer, but does so because he knows what He has to accomplish. If I know the price I would have to pay to achieve the things that I want would I be willing to suffer for it, or do I just want everything handed to me on a silver platter (okay, it doesn’t have to be silver—it just needs to be handed to me)?
The problem with that statement is “to accomplish the things I want”; it should be accomplish the things the Father wants. Jesus didn’t suffer because he wanted to or that it was His plan, but He did so because it was the Father’s plan and he obeyed his Father.
Lord, help me to obey you and to follow your plan so that I may glorify you in all things—even in my suffering.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Thursday, March 23, 2006
The Demand of Grace
"Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls." (James 1:21, NRSV)
How often I forget the Word that God has implanted on my heart? I take it for granted. I do not realize the power it has for this world and for my life. It is not a magical power that the words hold onto themselves, but the truth and the reality of the One behind the words that bring them power. The Word of God implanted in my soul has the power to save souls, has the power to heal people from the misery of the friendship of this world.
"But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves." (James 1:22, NRSV)
James immediately reminds that we must respond to this implanted powerful word, the gift of God. The power of the Word demands a response of action—of doing. Because I have received this word, the generous gift that saved my soul, I am to spread this word through my actions. I am to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, act justly, and spread this saving and powerful word to all those that have ears.
Grace demands action. God’s grace for me demands my action for Him and His world.
How often I forget the Word that God has implanted on my heart? I take it for granted. I do not realize the power it has for this world and for my life. It is not a magical power that the words hold onto themselves, but the truth and the reality of the One behind the words that bring them power. The Word of God implanted in my soul has the power to save souls, has the power to heal people from the misery of the friendship of this world.
"But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves." (James 1:22, NRSV)
James immediately reminds that we must respond to this implanted powerful word, the gift of God. The power of the Word demands a response of action—of doing. Because I have received this word, the generous gift that saved my soul, I am to spread this word through my actions. I am to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, act justly, and spread this saving and powerful word to all those that have ears.
Grace demands action. God’s grace for me demands my action for Him and His world.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Grace or Works?
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." (Ephesians 2:8-10, NRSV)
Paul seems confused. One hand we are told that we are saved by grace and not by our works, yet on the other hand we are told we have been created for good works. Which is it, Paul?
The answer is both. Paul is very clear, we cannot be saved by our works, and there is nothing we can do to earn salvation. Paul compares it to death. In our sin, we are dead—by definition dead people cannot do anything. However, only by the gracious and generous will of God can we be brought back to life. We do not earn this new life, we can’t we are dead—we unable to do anything.
However, once we created in new life in Jesus—He has a plan for us—to do good works. Not our own works, by God’s purpose and works. We are to be his hands and feet in his word. We have been created for a purpose—we have been saved for a purpose. Not for our glory but for God’s glory.
Grace or works? The answer is we have been saved by grace to do God’s good works.
Paul seems confused. One hand we are told that we are saved by grace and not by our works, yet on the other hand we are told we have been created for good works. Which is it, Paul?
The answer is both. Paul is very clear, we cannot be saved by our works, and there is nothing we can do to earn salvation. Paul compares it to death. In our sin, we are dead—by definition dead people cannot do anything. However, only by the gracious and generous will of God can we be brought back to life. We do not earn this new life, we can’t we are dead—we unable to do anything.
However, once we created in new life in Jesus—He has a plan for us—to do good works. Not our own works, by God’s purpose and works. We are to be his hands and feet in his word. We have been created for a purpose—we have been saved for a purpose. Not for our glory but for God’s glory.
Grace or works? The answer is we have been saved by grace to do God’s good works.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Patience is Love
"But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:8-9, NRSV)
"and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation." (2 Peter 3:15a, NRSV)
I am not known for my patience. I wish I was but I not. I get aggravated by having to standing in lines and wait. I get frustrated when my computer doesn’t respond to every click and command right away. And forget about delays on the internet—waiting for something to download. Things can’t be fast enough for me.
I get impatient with my children too. Frustrated how long it takes them to listen or follow a simple command. Instead of just being in the moment with them, and helping them accomplish the task, I throw up my hands and let out a grunt. (a noise by the way my sons have learned to mimic when they get impatient—one of the traits you wish they wouldn’t learn). So in my impatience I teach my kids to be impatient.
God is patient. That is just who He is. He cannot not be patient. But His patience is for our benefit. He is patient because he loves us, not wanting any to perish. He gives us time to respond and repent. He gives us time to respond to His love. God is patient because He loves. Being patient with someone is loving them. Yikes, I have got a lot to learn.
Lord, my I be a father that is patient with my children, and my I be a child that sees the love and patience of my Heavenly Father. Thank for you loving me and waiting for me.
"and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation." (2 Peter 3:15a, NRSV)
I am not known for my patience. I wish I was but I not. I get aggravated by having to standing in lines and wait. I get frustrated when my computer doesn’t respond to every click and command right away. And forget about delays on the internet—waiting for something to download. Things can’t be fast enough for me.
I get impatient with my children too. Frustrated how long it takes them to listen or follow a simple command. Instead of just being in the moment with them, and helping them accomplish the task, I throw up my hands and let out a grunt. (a noise by the way my sons have learned to mimic when they get impatient—one of the traits you wish they wouldn’t learn). So in my impatience I teach my kids to be impatient.
God is patient. That is just who He is. He cannot not be patient. But His patience is for our benefit. He is patient because he loves us, not wanting any to perish. He gives us time to respond and repent. He gives us time to respond to His love. God is patient because He loves. Being patient with someone is loving them. Yikes, I have got a lot to learn.
Lord, my I be a father that is patient with my children, and my I be a child that sees the love and patience of my Heavenly Father. Thank for you loving me and waiting for me.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Why I Have a Velvet Elvis
I am not particularly a fan of Elvis—he is a little before my time, but I have been influenced by his fans, namely one of my pastors who was a big Elvis fan, and had a handful of sermons that he would preach about Elvis on the anniversary of his death.
As a long-time youth minister, you collect things—particularly items that make kids thing you are cool or just a little bit off (you want to keep kids on their toes). Well, one day, a good friend found an old Velvet Elvis in a garage sale and thought it would be a hoot to give it to me.
Part of me hangs it on the wall of my Pastor’s Study just because it is funny. Part of me hangs it on the wall to offset the other elements of ego on the wall (diplomas and such). Part of me hangs it on the wall to start conversation with people—it is a good ice-breaker. But mostly, I hang it on the wall to remind me of the mission God has given us
So how can Elvis, the King, remind me of God’s mission for me?
"Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things." (Acts 17:22-25, NRSV)
Did you know that Elvis Presley made more Gospel albums than Rock albums? Did you know that Elvis came from a family that was deeply religious—Pentecostal background—and the hip movements and gyrations he performed on stage he learned and in his church growing up? Did you know that Elvis often would perform “How Great Thou Art,” during his concerts, and that after the end of all his rehearsals and recording he would make people sing a hymn with him. Did you know that just before he died he made a promise to make only Gospel albums for the rest of his life.
Yet, the church pushed Elvis away, instead of clinging on to a person that had the ability and ear of so many people, the church railed against him and condemn him.
While Elvis Presley was a teen cataclysm with millions of American girls screaming at the sight of him, his own church viewed Presley's gyrations on stage as an affront, labelling it the Devil's work and a mocking of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Presley records were condemned as wicked and Pentecostal preachers thumped their pulpits with Bibles, warning congregations to keep heathen rock and roll music out of their homes and away from their children's ears (especially the music of "that backslidden Pentecostal pup, Elvis Presley"). People who decades later would be considered part of the religious right spoke out vigorously against Presley including Cardinal Spellman. In its weekly periodical, the Roman Catholic Church added to the criticism in an article titled "Beware Elvis Presley."[1]
What if the church instead of pushing Elvis away, latch on to him and used his arena of influence to further spread the gospel? Imagine a church this isn’t afraid of a few warts and is willing to be all things to all people. Imagine a church that is more interested in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, than its own public appearance.
The Apostle Paul on Mars Hill did just that. He wasn’t afraid of learning the culture or engaging it. In fact, Paul thought it his mission to learn and engage the culture so that we may engage people with the Gospel.
The picture of Elvis is a reminder of the failure of the church to grasp onto the opportunities that God provides. So often we put things into boxes of sacred and secular, instead of realizing we are all in the secular box in which God is trying to make sacred.
Let us not depend on our own wisdom and plan, but let’s see how God works and join Him in His plan—even if it might include someone as outrageous as Elvis.
[1] Wikipedia.org
As a long-time youth minister, you collect things—particularly items that make kids thing you are cool or just a little bit off (you want to keep kids on their toes). Well, one day, a good friend found an old Velvet Elvis in a garage sale and thought it would be a hoot to give it to me.
Part of me hangs it on the wall of my Pastor’s Study just because it is funny. Part of me hangs it on the wall to offset the other elements of ego on the wall (diplomas and such). Part of me hangs it on the wall to start conversation with people—it is a good ice-breaker. But mostly, I hang it on the wall to remind me of the mission God has given us
So how can Elvis, the King, remind me of God’s mission for me?
"Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things." (Acts 17:22-25, NRSV)
Did you know that Elvis Presley made more Gospel albums than Rock albums? Did you know that Elvis came from a family that was deeply religious—Pentecostal background—and the hip movements and gyrations he performed on stage he learned and in his church growing up? Did you know that Elvis often would perform “How Great Thou Art,” during his concerts, and that after the end of all his rehearsals and recording he would make people sing a hymn with him. Did you know that just before he died he made a promise to make only Gospel albums for the rest of his life.
Yet, the church pushed Elvis away, instead of clinging on to a person that had the ability and ear of so many people, the church railed against him and condemn him.
While Elvis Presley was a teen cataclysm with millions of American girls screaming at the sight of him, his own church viewed Presley's gyrations on stage as an affront, labelling it the Devil's work and a mocking of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Presley records were condemned as wicked and Pentecostal preachers thumped their pulpits with Bibles, warning congregations to keep heathen rock and roll music out of their homes and away from their children's ears (especially the music of "that backslidden Pentecostal pup, Elvis Presley"). People who decades later would be considered part of the religious right spoke out vigorously against Presley including Cardinal Spellman. In its weekly periodical, the Roman Catholic Church added to the criticism in an article titled "Beware Elvis Presley."[1]
What if the church instead of pushing Elvis away, latch on to him and used his arena of influence to further spread the gospel? Imagine a church this isn’t afraid of a few warts and is willing to be all things to all people. Imagine a church that is more interested in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, than its own public appearance.
The Apostle Paul on Mars Hill did just that. He wasn’t afraid of learning the culture or engaging it. In fact, Paul thought it his mission to learn and engage the culture so that we may engage people with the Gospel.
The picture of Elvis is a reminder of the failure of the church to grasp onto the opportunities that God provides. So often we put things into boxes of sacred and secular, instead of realizing we are all in the secular box in which God is trying to make sacred.
Let us not depend on our own wisdom and plan, but let’s see how God works and join Him in His plan—even if it might include someone as outrageous as Elvis.
[1] Wikipedia.org
Monday, March 06, 2006
Opportunities for Communion
I just watch a video of a guy that set up a folding card table in different public places. He placed himself in a mall, outside a fast food restaurant, in a public market, a park, outside a subway entrance. On this table, he placed a bright pink piece of paper that read in Bold black letters, “COMMUNION”. In addition he placed on the table a loaf of the best smelling and tasting bread that you could buy. He had broken the bread into two pieces. Next to the broken bread was a clear wine glass filled with the best wine that he could buy. This gentleman sat behind the table in a chair wanting for people to engage this visual peculiarity. This man was offering communion, he was inviting people to a relationship with Jesus.
In the video, most people walked on by without even noticing the table, some look at him, but didn’t even slow down. Some people slowed down and smiled, but kept walking by. Some people even hovered a bit, but never got too close to engage. Some even stop to talk to the person, but when offered the bread and wine, refused. Then just one person eventually engaged the person, took the bread and wine and thanked the man.
What a fantastic image of what God has done for us. There God is at the fast food place, the mall, the public park, everywhere we go, offering all of us a relationship with Him—a chance to commune with Him. How many of us engage this offer and accept it freely as it is freely given.
Let us be a people that engages in every moment and let us be a people that commune with God.
In the video, most people walked on by without even noticing the table, some look at him, but didn’t even slow down. Some people slowed down and smiled, but kept walking by. Some people even hovered a bit, but never got too close to engage. Some even stop to talk to the person, but when offered the bread and wine, refused. Then just one person eventually engaged the person, took the bread and wine and thanked the man.
What a fantastic image of what God has done for us. There God is at the fast food place, the mall, the public park, everywhere we go, offering all of us a relationship with Him—a chance to commune with Him. How many of us engage this offer and accept it freely as it is freely given.
Let us be a people that engages in every moment and let us be a people that commune with God.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Jesus is Yahweh
"You shall keep all my statutes and all my ordinances, and observe them: I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:37, NRSV)
"because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9, NRSV)
"For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5, NRSV)
God likes to make his point clear. It really isn’t that complicated. In Leviticus 18 & 19, God states some of his ordinances and commands and after almost each one, He repeats, “I am the Lord,” or “I am the Lord your God.” It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that God is trying to say that He is Lord, everything else is not, therefore, listen to me, obey me, and worship me alone.
The Hebrew word that is translated to LORD is literally Yahweh, the name God identify himself as to Moses. He is known God. He is not distant or unknown. He is Lord and God that has acted and engaged Israel personally. Breaking down the Lord’s name further it appears to be a compound word that is formed from the phrase, “I am” and, “He is.” That is amazing. God’s name literally means I am, therefore implicating everything else “Is Not” at least in comparison to Him.
As if God wasn’t personal and known enough in the Old Testament, he makes himself more visible in Jesus. Jesus is Lord is repeated over and over again. It is the simplest confession and gospel that we are told to proclaim. It really isn’t complicated. Jesus is Yahweh. Jesus is Lord. It doesn’t get any clearing than that.
"because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9, NRSV)
"For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake." (2 Corinthians 4:5, NRSV)
God likes to make his point clear. It really isn’t that complicated. In Leviticus 18 & 19, God states some of his ordinances and commands and after almost each one, He repeats, “I am the Lord,” or “I am the Lord your God.” It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that God is trying to say that He is Lord, everything else is not, therefore, listen to me, obey me, and worship me alone.
The Hebrew word that is translated to LORD is literally Yahweh, the name God identify himself as to Moses. He is known God. He is not distant or unknown. He is Lord and God that has acted and engaged Israel personally. Breaking down the Lord’s name further it appears to be a compound word that is formed from the phrase, “I am” and, “He is.” That is amazing. God’s name literally means I am, therefore implicating everything else “Is Not” at least in comparison to Him.
As if God wasn’t personal and known enough in the Old Testament, he makes himself more visible in Jesus. Jesus is Lord is repeated over and over again. It is the simplest confession and gospel that we are told to proclaim. It really isn’t complicated. Jesus is Yahweh. Jesus is Lord. It doesn’t get any clearing than that.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
No Words are Adequate
"“Teacher, this is wonderful!” Peter exclaimed. “We will make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He didn’t really know what to say, for they were all terribly afraid." (Mark 9:5-6, NLT)
Sometimes it is best not to say anything at all. A lot of us have this need to always say something. Particularly in times of need, we feel we need to tell people that it is alright, or to give people advice with a difficult situation.
Have you ever come across something so beautiful—so stunning, that it leaves you speechless? A majestic mountain range, a sunset over the horizon of the ocean, a child being born—no words are adequate. Any words spoken in those moments—take away from the beautiful—sometimes I think we are supposed to just take it all in.
I think that is what our relationship with Jesus should be about. We lose sight of his glory, of who he really is, we personalize him so much that we forget that his glory and majesty are blinding. Instead of talking, or feeling the need to do something, we should just come before Jesus, bow and listen. Listen to God, Listen to Jesus. Let’s just take Jesus and his glory all in—let it consume us.
Sometimes it is best not to say anything at all. A lot of us have this need to always say something. Particularly in times of need, we feel we need to tell people that it is alright, or to give people advice with a difficult situation.
Have you ever come across something so beautiful—so stunning, that it leaves you speechless? A majestic mountain range, a sunset over the horizon of the ocean, a child being born—no words are adequate. Any words spoken in those moments—take away from the beautiful—sometimes I think we are supposed to just take it all in.
I think that is what our relationship with Jesus should be about. We lose sight of his glory, of who he really is, we personalize him so much that we forget that his glory and majesty are blinding. Instead of talking, or feeling the need to do something, we should just come before Jesus, bow and listen. Listen to God, Listen to Jesus. Let’s just take Jesus and his glory all in—let it consume us.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Tombstone of D.L. Moody
Took a trip with several other pastors yesterday to the gravesite of D.L. Moody and his wife in Northfield, MA. Here is what their tombstones read:
Dwight Lyman Moody
1837—1899
Feb. 5—Dec. 22
“He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”
Emma C. Revell
1843—1903
July 5—Oct. 10
“His servants shall serve him and they shall reign forever and ever.”
May we be people that do the will of God by serving Him.
Dwight Lyman Moody
1837—1899
Feb. 5—Dec. 22
“He that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”
Emma C. Revell
1843—1903
July 5—Oct. 10
“His servants shall serve him and they shall reign forever and ever.”
May we be people that do the will of God by serving Him.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Show & Tell
My oldest son had Show & Tell today. It was his first one. The teacher gave him this purple basket to bring whatever he wanted to show and tell. He had the whole weekend to consider what to bring. I kept asking him, "what do you want to bring?". His response was, "Whatever I want to bring" (with a look of disgust that I would even ask the question. When I would push him further, he said he would decide the day of. However, he was excited about being able to share something of himself to his friends and his teachers. You could tell he was putting some serious thought as to what would be the best thing to bring. When I would give him suggestions he would ponder it and then say, "No, I will decide."
It got me thinking about how I share my faith with people. God has given me the opportunity to Show and Tell every day and every moment, yet I usually don't take the opportunities God gives me, and I rarely take his advice on what to share--let alone how to share it. I think I tell God, "No, I will share whatever I want--I will decide." The reality is God has decided for me. He wants me to share the Good News that He came into this world, that his Kingdom is being ushered in by His Son, Jesus (God Himself), and that He died on the cross for us, and that he defeated death by rising from the grave. Even better yet, He will come again. That is the news, he has commanded me to share, yet I ignore his suggestions.
Andrew eventually decided. He brought his stuffed birds that have a similarity to their real-life counter parts and make the actually bird calls of those birds. He knows all their names. He eventually decided and took the suggestion of his father that the birds would be a good idea. (I need to go home and find out how the show and tell went).
Heavenly Father, may I be a person (may we be a people) that listen and obey your commands (suggestions) and show and tell the world you (and your good news).
It got me thinking about how I share my faith with people. God has given me the opportunity to Show and Tell every day and every moment, yet I usually don't take the opportunities God gives me, and I rarely take his advice on what to share--let alone how to share it. I think I tell God, "No, I will share whatever I want--I will decide." The reality is God has decided for me. He wants me to share the Good News that He came into this world, that his Kingdom is being ushered in by His Son, Jesus (God Himself), and that He died on the cross for us, and that he defeated death by rising from the grave. Even better yet, He will come again. That is the news, he has commanded me to share, yet I ignore his suggestions.
Andrew eventually decided. He brought his stuffed birds that have a similarity to their real-life counter parts and make the actually bird calls of those birds. He knows all their names. He eventually decided and took the suggestion of his father that the birds would be a good idea. (I need to go home and find out how the show and tell went).
Heavenly Father, may I be a person (may we be a people) that listen and obey your commands (suggestions) and show and tell the world you (and your good news).
Monday, February 13, 2006
The Church vs. Dunkin Donuts
Open for Business. We had 18 people for service yesterday. Not bad considering there was a blizzard. I was surprised anyone showed up, I was expecting no one. However, I thought it was important that I be at the church in case anyone did show up.
I don’t like the idea of canceling church due to bad weather. I made it safely, if I couldn’t I would cancel. However, I also don’t expect people to risk themselves to make it to service—so I didn’t expect anyone to show.
I have this sense that someone should be here on Sunday regardless of the weather. Sometimes I feel that people come to church as the last resort. Maybe they are depressed, deeply hurting, whatever their circumstances—I want them to know someone loves them and cares for them.
My resolve to have service was strengthened as I drove to church and saw Dunkin Donuts open. Surely if Dunkin Donuts can be open during a blizzard so can the church. So we had 18 people, more than most churches. God blessed us yesterday.
I don’t like the idea of canceling church due to bad weather. I made it safely, if I couldn’t I would cancel. However, I also don’t expect people to risk themselves to make it to service—so I didn’t expect anyone to show.
I have this sense that someone should be here on Sunday regardless of the weather. Sometimes I feel that people come to church as the last resort. Maybe they are depressed, deeply hurting, whatever their circumstances—I want them to know someone loves them and cares for them.
My resolve to have service was strengthened as I drove to church and saw Dunkin Donuts open. Surely if Dunkin Donuts can be open during a blizzard so can the church. So we had 18 people, more than most churches. God blessed us yesterday.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
The Pain of Equality
“It’s annoying but justice and equality are mates. Aren’t they? Justice always wants to hang out with equality. And equality is a real pain.” Bono at the National Prayer Breakfast.
Equality. It is not a word or concept that I think much about. I think about Justice, I think about doing good for people- sometimes even do good for people. Jessi and I tithe faithfully to all sorts of organizations including our church. But I usually don’t think about Equality.
But then Bono’s words hit me. Of course it is about equality. You see the problem with my charity is that I often don’t equate myself with the people I am giving to. To be very blunt—I think I am better than they are.
Somehow I believe that I am responsible for all my wealth, my family, my job, all my blessings. The reality is everything is a gift from God and all of humanity is in the same boat. There really is a fine line between me and the poor, the sick, the criminals. That line is grace. The reality is though I am not better, and I just more privileged and therefore have more of an obligation to reach out to the rest not with charity but with equality. Not just giving to them, but being with them, seeing myself as one of them. Seeing them how God sees them.
Then I got to thinking about all the issues of the world that are caused by people thinking they are better than other people. The list is long.
Check out the rest of Bono’s speech at http://www.data.org/archives/000774.php
Equality. It is not a word or concept that I think much about. I think about Justice, I think about doing good for people- sometimes even do good for people. Jessi and I tithe faithfully to all sorts of organizations including our church. But I usually don’t think about Equality.
But then Bono’s words hit me. Of course it is about equality. You see the problem with my charity is that I often don’t equate myself with the people I am giving to. To be very blunt—I think I am better than they are.
Somehow I believe that I am responsible for all my wealth, my family, my job, all my blessings. The reality is everything is a gift from God and all of humanity is in the same boat. There really is a fine line between me and the poor, the sick, the criminals. That line is grace. The reality is though I am not better, and I just more privileged and therefore have more of an obligation to reach out to the rest not with charity but with equality. Not just giving to them, but being with them, seeing myself as one of them. Seeing them how God sees them.
Then I got to thinking about all the issues of the world that are caused by people thinking they are better than other people. The list is long.
Check out the rest of Bono’s speech at http://www.data.org/archives/000774.php
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
The Neverthelesses
"He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. Nevertheless the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places." (2 Kings 15:3-4, NRSV)
"He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done. Nevertheless the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord." (2 Kings 15:34-35, NRSV)
There always seems to be a Nevertheless. When things are going well there always seems to be someone to remember you of a “Nevertheless” in your life. What is a Nevertheless? A Nevertheless is one of those things that lie deep within your heart. No matter how good, how righteous, or how successful you are there is always something dark in your heart—perhaps it is your motives. There always is something we neglect to do or repent from. As long as we are broken and exist in this world, we will have the Neverthelesses in our life.
There just always seem to crop up at the most inopportune times. Most people don’t get to experience my Nevertheless but I do. I know the secrets of my life and the desires of my heart—it usually is to glorify myself and not God.
Look at the Kings of Israel, even when the do what is right in the sight of the Lord, they have a Nevertheless.
Nevertheless, God still forgives a repentant heart. Hey—look a Nevertheless can be good too. Nevertheless God can forgive our Neverthelesses.
"He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done. Nevertheless the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord." (2 Kings 15:34-35, NRSV)
There always seems to be a Nevertheless. When things are going well there always seems to be someone to remember you of a “Nevertheless” in your life. What is a Nevertheless? A Nevertheless is one of those things that lie deep within your heart. No matter how good, how righteous, or how successful you are there is always something dark in your heart—perhaps it is your motives. There always is something we neglect to do or repent from. As long as we are broken and exist in this world, we will have the Neverthelesses in our life.
There just always seem to crop up at the most inopportune times. Most people don’t get to experience my Nevertheless but I do. I know the secrets of my life and the desires of my heart—it usually is to glorify myself and not God.
Look at the Kings of Israel, even when the do what is right in the sight of the Lord, they have a Nevertheless.
Nevertheless, God still forgives a repentant heart. Hey—look a Nevertheless can be good too. Nevertheless God can forgive our Neverthelesses.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Cheers of Children
Children are wonderful. As I was watching my Seahawks self-imploded in the Super Bowl last night, and discouraged not because the Steelers won (but the Seahawks really lost the game), my children put the whole evening in perspective.
Andrew and Joshua spent the afternoon baking and cooking with Babci. Andrew kept running in and showing me what they were making for Super Bowl Night (his two fists raised in the air as he states, “Go Seahawks”). Both of them maybe watch 10 plays but they would send cheers into the air for the Seahawks every once in awhile, lifting my spirits up. Andrew would watch my reactions and that mimic me. It is hard not to put a smile on my face with the positive and innocent cheers of a child.
So perhaps it is not whether your team wins a Super Bowl, but whether or not your children share in the joy of watching it with you.
Andrew and Joshua spent the afternoon baking and cooking with Babci. Andrew kept running in and showing me what they were making for Super Bowl Night (his two fists raised in the air as he states, “Go Seahawks”). Both of them maybe watch 10 plays but they would send cheers into the air for the Seahawks every once in awhile, lifting my spirits up. Andrew would watch my reactions and that mimic me. It is hard not to put a smile on my face with the positive and innocent cheers of a child.
So perhaps it is not whether your team wins a Super Bowl, but whether or not your children share in the joy of watching it with you.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Gospel Driven People
"And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.”" (Mark 1:36-38, NRSV)
Have you ever felt distracted? Have you ever had that feeling deep down inside you, knowing you are not doing what you are suppose to be doing? It is easy to get distracted in life. To go down a career path, to live your life they way people expect or the way the world wants you to live it. Life in this world is distracting—I think that is the point.
This world is full of distractions and rabbit holes. The question for us is how far are we going to go down one. It is like the movie the matrix, where the world itself around us is a façade to distract us from the true reality.
People wanted to distract Jesus from his vocation—his calling. They wanted to be a part of him as the miracle-man, the one that healed everybody. Jesus’ ministry wasn’t about healing—it was about proclaiming the good news. Healing was a means to an end for his ministry.
Jesus’ ministry is ours. He has given us this ministry of proclamation. We are to be His heralds in this matrix-world. Let us not be distracted from this mission. Let us be Gospel-Driven people and not Distracted-Driven People.
Have you ever felt distracted? Have you ever had that feeling deep down inside you, knowing you are not doing what you are suppose to be doing? It is easy to get distracted in life. To go down a career path, to live your life they way people expect or the way the world wants you to live it. Life in this world is distracting—I think that is the point.
This world is full of distractions and rabbit holes. The question for us is how far are we going to go down one. It is like the movie the matrix, where the world itself around us is a façade to distract us from the true reality.
People wanted to distract Jesus from his vocation—his calling. They wanted to be a part of him as the miracle-man, the one that healed everybody. Jesus’ ministry wasn’t about healing—it was about proclaiming the good news. Healing was a means to an end for his ministry.
Jesus’ ministry is ours. He has given us this ministry of proclamation. We are to be His heralds in this matrix-world. Let us not be distracted from this mission. Let us be Gospel-Driven people and not Distracted-Driven People.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Compulsion to Proclaim
"If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!. . .For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. . . . I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, . . . ." (1 Corinthians 9:16-23, NRSV)
Paul has a compulsion. He is a person that has been transformed by a life-giving message. Paul is not happy to just sit and revel in the good news that he has heard about God. He has been changed by it. His life is driven by it. His character and identity have been transformed by it. He has been set free by it, but is enslaved to it.
Paul understands Jesus’ radical love. He is willing to do anything to get people to hear God’s transforming message. He is willing to give up his rights, his privilege, just so that some might hear. He becomes a servant to humanity because he is fulfilling his identity and obligation.
That Gospel changes us. Jesus changes us. We can no longer be the same.
So the point is, “I serve people to help save them.” Smokes, that is a hard message. I thought I served people so that I might feel better about myself, or that God might look upon me with favor.
We serve people not because we choose to, but because the essence of who we are has been changed by the love of God and now we are compelled to serve.
Makes me wonder, have I really been changed? Is this my identity?
Paul has a compulsion. He is a person that has been transformed by a life-giving message. Paul is not happy to just sit and revel in the good news that he has heard about God. He has been changed by it. His life is driven by it. His character and identity have been transformed by it. He has been set free by it, but is enslaved to it.
Paul understands Jesus’ radical love. He is willing to do anything to get people to hear God’s transforming message. He is willing to give up his rights, his privilege, just so that some might hear. He becomes a servant to humanity because he is fulfilling his identity and obligation.
That Gospel changes us. Jesus changes us. We can no longer be the same.
So the point is, “I serve people to help save them.” Smokes, that is a hard message. I thought I served people so that I might feel better about myself, or that God might look upon me with favor.
We serve people not because we choose to, but because the essence of who we are has been changed by the love of God and now we are compelled to serve.
Makes me wonder, have I really been changed? Is this my identity?
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Believing is Seeing
"They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him." (Mark 1:22-26, NRSV)
We need a radical reorientation. We need to readjust our understanding of the world and authority. We accept truth from all sorts of sources. We accept a truth that the news media puts out, our friends, books, but we lack the critical skills of discernment.
We walk around in this world, believing what we see. Our eyes dictate to us the truth, even though we know there are optical illusions. In this Mark passage we are confronted with a world that we rather ignore—the spiritual world. In this rational, still mostly modern world that we walk in, we don’t accept that demons and angels exist, at least not in the form talked about in scripture. Why do we trust our ideas—why are our senses our are mode of discerning truth?
Perhaps Seeing isn’t believing, maybe Believing is true seeing. In this passage, Mark doesn’t explain Jesus authority, but only that everyone recognized it as unique and instantly. Jesus’ authority is not based on our senses our perceptions of him. It isn’t based on his history of learning, but it is based on who He is. Whether or not we believe (or see for that matter) we eventually have to come to terms with Jesus’ authority.
Why is that the demons always can see Jesus? We need a radical reorientation of authority and belief.
We need a radical reorientation. We need to readjust our understanding of the world and authority. We accept truth from all sorts of sources. We accept a truth that the news media puts out, our friends, books, but we lack the critical skills of discernment.
We walk around in this world, believing what we see. Our eyes dictate to us the truth, even though we know there are optical illusions. In this Mark passage we are confronted with a world that we rather ignore—the spiritual world. In this rational, still mostly modern world that we walk in, we don’t accept that demons and angels exist, at least not in the form talked about in scripture. Why do we trust our ideas—why are our senses our are mode of discerning truth?
Perhaps Seeing isn’t believing, maybe Believing is true seeing. In this passage, Mark doesn’t explain Jesus authority, but only that everyone recognized it as unique and instantly. Jesus’ authority is not based on our senses our perceptions of him. It isn’t based on his history of learning, but it is based on who He is. Whether or not we believe (or see for that matter) we eventually have to come to terms with Jesus’ authority.
Why is that the demons always can see Jesus? We need a radical reorientation of authority and belief.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Changing our Conversation
“… we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” 1 Corinthians 8:1b (NRSV)
It is easy to get enamored with ourselves and our ideas. We think we are pretty clever and intelligent. We are arrogant and prideful people…at least I can be. I once heard a statistic that said 90% of Americans believe they are smarter than 50% of people. At least 40% of those people are wrong and if they were smart enough they would be able to figure out if they were wrong or right.
I love this saying by Paul. It is so easy to get caught up with our knowledge with being right in our conversations instead of loving. In our relationships and dialogue with people we are usually more interested in our self than the other person. We even think thoughts like, “was that okay to say?”, “I wonder if this person likes me?” Our lives are all about us. Yet the life of discipleship, the life of following Jesus makes our lives not about us but about Him and therefore about others.
What would it look like in our next conversation with someone if we were more concerned about them and loving them then being right or displaying ourselves
It is easy to get enamored with ourselves and our ideas. We think we are pretty clever and intelligent. We are arrogant and prideful people…at least I can be. I once heard a statistic that said 90% of Americans believe they are smarter than 50% of people. At least 40% of those people are wrong and if they were smart enough they would be able to figure out if they were wrong or right.
I love this saying by Paul. It is so easy to get caught up with our knowledge with being right in our conversations instead of loving. In our relationships and dialogue with people we are usually more interested in our self than the other person. We even think thoughts like, “was that okay to say?”, “I wonder if this person likes me?” Our lives are all about us. Yet the life of discipleship, the life of following Jesus makes our lives not about us but about Him and therefore about others.
What would it look like in our next conversation with someone if we were more concerned about them and loving them then being right or displaying ourselves
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Salvation thru Judgment
“Sometimes God saves by judging. . . . judgment is generally a good thing. It means the coming of truth and justice into our deceived and oppressed world.” (Brian McLaren, A Generous Orthodoxy)
We don’t like being judged. I don’t like dealing with the consequences of my behavior. I know my children don’t like the consequences to their behaviors. They dislike the timeouts we give them for not listening or misbehaving. Usually the threat of the timeout changes their behavior. However, sometimes they need the timeouts to be corrected. We find that when we are not consistent with their consequences the more courageous they are with the misdeeds.
God saves us by judging us. God saves us because he is consistent with his judgment and rules. God is not wishy-washy or bends the rules. God rescues us from our deceived and oppressed ways. God also rescues us by forgiving us. He judges then forgives. He sets forth the natural consequences for us allow us to see the untruth of our ways and the world. Then when we turn from our ways (repent) he rescues us with forgiveness.
My favorite part of the timeouts with my children (a process I do not take any enjoyment from) is after they have served their time, they apologized for their actions (usually with the saddest tears) and I get to say, "You know that I love you." Then with their tear-filled eyes they turn to me and they leap in my arms and say, “I love you too, Daddy”
That is salvation, being rescued from the falsehoods of our behavior and being freed by the love by and for our parent.
Thank you Heavenly father for rescuing me time and time again with your judgment and forgiveness.
We don’t like being judged. I don’t like dealing with the consequences of my behavior. I know my children don’t like the consequences to their behaviors. They dislike the timeouts we give them for not listening or misbehaving. Usually the threat of the timeout changes their behavior. However, sometimes they need the timeouts to be corrected. We find that when we are not consistent with their consequences the more courageous they are with the misdeeds.
God saves us by judging us. God saves us because he is consistent with his judgment and rules. God is not wishy-washy or bends the rules. God rescues us from our deceived and oppressed ways. God also rescues us by forgiving us. He judges then forgives. He sets forth the natural consequences for us allow us to see the untruth of our ways and the world. Then when we turn from our ways (repent) he rescues us with forgiveness.
My favorite part of the timeouts with my children (a process I do not take any enjoyment from) is after they have served their time, they apologized for their actions (usually with the saddest tears) and I get to say, "You know that I love you." Then with their tear-filled eyes they turn to me and they leap in my arms and say, “I love you too, Daddy”
That is salvation, being rescued from the falsehoods of our behavior and being freed by the love by and for our parent.
Thank you Heavenly father for rescuing me time and time again with your judgment and forgiveness.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Listening is Loving
But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, whatever the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” 1 Kings 22:14 (NRSV)
I don’t listen enough and I pride myself on being a good listening. In fact, I am a better listening than most people. Yet, I don’t listen enough. Like most people, I like to talk, I like to share my ideas, I like for people to be interested in me. When we talk we lose sight of who we are. When we don’t listen we often think of ourselves to highly.
We when don’t listen we tune out the voices of truth. We don’t hear what our friends are saying to us about us. How do we expect to hear God when we don’t even listen to each other.
I have been working on listening to my children. It is easy to overlook them and just tell them what to do, instead of taking the time and hearing what they have to say and how they feel. When I take the time to listen they feel valued by me and we began to understand each other better. The problem is that listening takes time and patience. I don’t have much of either. But then it occurred to me that to have time and patience you need love. You need to love the person to give them your time and patience to listen to them.
Micaiah takes listening and speaking seriously. We don’t take our words seriously. We throw away our words, with extreme callous. We should treasure the words we use. I love the idea of speaking only the words the Lord speaks to me. Not that I am a prophet like Micaiah, but it means that I need to listen mor instead of speaking. I need to listen more to God—which means I need to love God more to give Him my time and patience.
I don’t listen enough and I pride myself on being a good listening. In fact, I am a better listening than most people. Yet, I don’t listen enough. Like most people, I like to talk, I like to share my ideas, I like for people to be interested in me. When we talk we lose sight of who we are. When we don’t listen we often think of ourselves to highly.
We when don’t listen we tune out the voices of truth. We don’t hear what our friends are saying to us about us. How do we expect to hear God when we don’t even listen to each other.
I have been working on listening to my children. It is easy to overlook them and just tell them what to do, instead of taking the time and hearing what they have to say and how they feel. When I take the time to listen they feel valued by me and we began to understand each other better. The problem is that listening takes time and patience. I don’t have much of either. But then it occurred to me that to have time and patience you need love. You need to love the person to give them your time and patience to listen to them.
Micaiah takes listening and speaking seriously. We don’t take our words seriously. We throw away our words, with extreme callous. We should treasure the words we use. I love the idea of speaking only the words the Lord speaks to me. Not that I am a prophet like Micaiah, but it means that I need to listen mor instead of speaking. I need to listen more to God—which means I need to love God more to give Him my time and patience.
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