http://www.ps260.com/molly/SHINING%20FINAL.mov
If possible, watch the above link before you read on.
I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did. I've watched that trailer several times. You know what I like about it? It is a picture of redemption. The first thing you have to realize, is that all of those clips are taken from a movie called The Shining, based on one of Stephen King's early novels.
The original story is about Jack Torrance and his family during a winter snowed into the Overlook hotel in Colorado. Jack is a struggling writer and thinks that being the off-season caretaker in a a luxurious Colorado hotel will help to up his creativity. Danny, the child in the story, has a supernatural gift. He learns from another man who shares the gift that it is called the shining.
As Jack struggles with his writing, he begins to fall back into his alcoholism and is haunted by spirits that live in the hotel. He begins to lose his mind and becomes a threat to himself and his family. It isn't a pretty sight, as you can imagine.
In this new version, Jack and Danny start their lives apart, but end up together as a family, making things better for both of them. The theme of hopelessness and insane violent outbursts is replaced with love and connection.
Jesus said that the pure in heart were blessed, for they will see God. Being pure in heart does not look like The Shining. Many of our inner beings are like that, though. We're ugly. We hide violent and angry thoughts. Some of us harbor grudges and others just live them out by looking down on others. Possibly, we see the problem and want nothing more than to be free, but we can't get there. We remain held prisoner to what seems to be part of our character and personality.
But with a bit of connection and love with the living God, we become pure in heart. When we see our dark heart and desire otherwise, when we recognize that Jesus is in the business of polishing this kind of thing up, then we can accept that from him. Despite our rotten interior and our humanistic instinct, we become pure in heart. And when we know that, it begins to become true, like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Only God is doing it. And we become less and less troubled inside and start shining.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Fault
"Are you alright?" I was peering through smoke and steam into the window of what was once a compact car.
"Can you hear me? You okay?"
Some movement, then the drivers' side door opened with a howl. The blond brat stepped out, coughing and squinting. She was breathing, at least.
"Are you hurt?" Could she hear me?
"I don't think so," she muttered, looking worriedly at the air bag burns on her forearms.
"Can you walk?"
"Yeah."
I took her to the curb where she sat down, her knees level with her soaked eyes. I asked where her insurance and license were. She didn't know.
"Were you carrying your license?"
"No. Well...No, I don't....I don't have it."
I'll spare you the sputtering she did through tears. She was only 14. The car was her older sister's. She didn't have a license or a vehicle of her own.
Her countenance was quite different from what it had been earlier. I was sitting at the light just three blocks away, waiting for traffic to slow so that I could turn left. My concentration was broken by screaming and honking. The noise was from this girl. I guess she thought I should speed through the traffic onto the west bound street to make way for her. I finally turned and put some silence between us.
I drove for a few more blocks, checking my rear views to see how fast the gap would close up. My hand slipped up the right hand signal. I checked one last time the mirror. Plenty of space between us. I'll turn right and be out of her way.
One exhilarating moment later, I was facing south and rolling north. When the rolling stopped, I gathered my equilibrium and saw the girl, I called her a brat and other things at the time. Her car was more the shape of a discarded soda can than a vehicle.
I made my way around my car to find the right side mangled. That's where you joined the story. Me at her window.
I looked at her car from my place next to the curb. Someone else was in there.
"Who's your friend?"
"Marcie!!!" Her answer was loud and concerned. She jumped up. I put my hands on her shoulders and told her to sit back down. I'd check on Marcie.
She was slumped over, but her chest was heaving. I grabbed the steering wheel and bent over. Marcie had lost quite a bit of blood from her face. Her seat-belt wasn't fastened.
Someone must have called 911. Sirens and lights invaded the eerie serenity of the scene in no time.I looked at the girl. Her name was Hope. That I overheard as she answered the policeman's questions. I meandered to the curb by my own car. I observed the clean up crew from the wrecker that made the scene first. The car was loaded on the trailer. The glass was swept up. The truck drove away, its diesel engine clattering the whole way.
Poor Hope. Fourteen. No license. No car. From this vantage point, no future. Even if her parents were easy on her, no way would the judge let this much pass by. My car was fixable, I saw. Not so bad. I'd lose it for a few days and have to drive a loaner. Hope would be lucky if she ever got to drive.
Officer Stanley approached me, his black boots grinding the asphalt into my eardrums. I shared the story. I was south bound and stopped at the intersection. I decided to cross the street we stood on and didn't see the girl coming. Stanley took notes, glanced at me and strode off to his partner.
Yeah. I lied. Forgive me. I felt sorry for Hope. She was going to get the book thrown at her. The least I could do is take the blame for the accident. The thought of what lying to a police officer could get me never crossed my mind. Not until Officer Stanley came back my way, that is.
"There's a problem," he said.
"Okay."
I was shaking and I knew it. I'm not a good liar.
"Ms. Charters doesn't remember much, but some witnesses say she attempted to pass you as you turned right off of Boston St."
"No. I was coming from the north, on Roller."
That gaze of his was hard. He wrote me a ticket.
"Don't move."
He returned to his compatriot and I paced like a madman. I saw him speaking to Hope and a few other witnesses. Hope looked at me and back at Officer Stanley. She nodded and turned to a man standing behind her. I assume it was Mr. Charters.
Officer Stanley came up to me and asked for the ticket. It billowed a bit in my hand before he took it. He pulled out a marker and scribbled on it. He folded it in half and placed it in my hand, closing my fist around it.
"It's taken care of."
And about face and he was back at the patrol car, entering data on the on-board computer. I looked down at the folded yellow slip of paper in my palm. Marcie was on a stretcher, I saw. The medic spoke some words to her and her head nodded against the neck brace she had on.
Alive. Good. I ambled to my car as the second wrecker came for it. While the crew worked at loading the wreck, I unfolded the ticket in my hand to see what damage I had avoided. In bold black letters that bled through the yellow slip was this message, "Matt 5-7."
What is that supposed to mean? I turned to look at the scene once again. I saw Hope embracing her family and Marcie being given a chance at life. That seemed to be enough for me.
"Can you hear me? You okay?"
Some movement, then the drivers' side door opened with a howl. The blond brat stepped out, coughing and squinting. She was breathing, at least.
"Are you hurt?" Could she hear me?
"I don't think so," she muttered, looking worriedly at the air bag burns on her forearms.
"Can you walk?"
"Yeah."
I took her to the curb where she sat down, her knees level with her soaked eyes. I asked where her insurance and license were. She didn't know.
"Were you carrying your license?"
"No. Well...No, I don't....I don't have it."
I'll spare you the sputtering she did through tears. She was only 14. The car was her older sister's. She didn't have a license or a vehicle of her own.
Her countenance was quite different from what it had been earlier. I was sitting at the light just three blocks away, waiting for traffic to slow so that I could turn left. My concentration was broken by screaming and honking. The noise was from this girl. I guess she thought I should speed through the traffic onto the west bound street to make way for her. I finally turned and put some silence between us.
I drove for a few more blocks, checking my rear views to see how fast the gap would close up. My hand slipped up the right hand signal. I checked one last time the mirror. Plenty of space between us. I'll turn right and be out of her way.
One exhilarating moment later, I was facing south and rolling north. When the rolling stopped, I gathered my equilibrium and saw the girl, I called her a brat and other things at the time. Her car was more the shape of a discarded soda can than a vehicle.
I made my way around my car to find the right side mangled. That's where you joined the story. Me at her window.
I looked at her car from my place next to the curb. Someone else was in there.
"Who's your friend?"
"Marcie!!!" Her answer was loud and concerned. She jumped up. I put my hands on her shoulders and told her to sit back down. I'd check on Marcie.
She was slumped over, but her chest was heaving. I grabbed the steering wheel and bent over. Marcie had lost quite a bit of blood from her face. Her seat-belt wasn't fastened.
Someone must have called 911. Sirens and lights invaded the eerie serenity of the scene in no time.I looked at the girl. Her name was Hope. That I overheard as she answered the policeman's questions. I meandered to the curb by my own car. I observed the clean up crew from the wrecker that made the scene first. The car was loaded on the trailer. The glass was swept up. The truck drove away, its diesel engine clattering the whole way.
Poor Hope. Fourteen. No license. No car. From this vantage point, no future. Even if her parents were easy on her, no way would the judge let this much pass by. My car was fixable, I saw. Not so bad. I'd lose it for a few days and have to drive a loaner. Hope would be lucky if she ever got to drive.
Officer Stanley approached me, his black boots grinding the asphalt into my eardrums. I shared the story. I was south bound and stopped at the intersection. I decided to cross the street we stood on and didn't see the girl coming. Stanley took notes, glanced at me and strode off to his partner.
Yeah. I lied. Forgive me. I felt sorry for Hope. She was going to get the book thrown at her. The least I could do is take the blame for the accident. The thought of what lying to a police officer could get me never crossed my mind. Not until Officer Stanley came back my way, that is.
"There's a problem," he said.
"Okay."
I was shaking and I knew it. I'm not a good liar.
"Ms. Charters doesn't remember much, but some witnesses say she attempted to pass you as you turned right off of Boston St."
"No. I was coming from the north, on Roller."
That gaze of his was hard. He wrote me a ticket.
"Don't move."
He returned to his compatriot and I paced like a madman. I saw him speaking to Hope and a few other witnesses. Hope looked at me and back at Officer Stanley. She nodded and turned to a man standing behind her. I assume it was Mr. Charters.
Officer Stanley came up to me and asked for the ticket. It billowed a bit in my hand before he took it. He pulled out a marker and scribbled on it. He folded it in half and placed it in my hand, closing my fist around it.
"It's taken care of."
And about face and he was back at the patrol car, entering data on the on-board computer. I looked down at the folded yellow slip of paper in my palm. Marcie was on a stretcher, I saw. The medic spoke some words to her and her head nodded against the neck brace she had on.
Alive. Good. I ambled to my car as the second wrecker came for it. While the crew worked at loading the wreck, I unfolded the ticket in my hand to see what damage I had avoided. In bold black letters that bled through the yellow slip was this message, "Matt 5-7."
What is that supposed to mean? I turned to look at the scene once again. I saw Hope embracing her family and Marcie being given a chance at life. That seemed to be enough for me.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Hungry
I couldn't stand it anymore. Another elderly man was found stabbed to death in his own home. That makes three violent crimes in one small town in one week. How did we get to this?
I waited until I caught the weather forecast for the next day. Then I switched the news off. The guide showed that another news program was going to cover transsexuals in the United States. In my mind I just think of the old cliche, "Hate the sin, love the sinner." But the thought doesn't do much for how I really feel. I wish I could love easier.
Since I am uninterested in what makes a man want to be a woman and vice versa, I turn over to the other channel. Great new show. CSI Austin. They oughta be able to catch a lot of wackos down there. Keep Austin weird. Isn't that what the bumper stickers say?
The show kicks off with a violent gang bang with all sorts of fancy special effects on the bodily fluids. Of course, the culprits are unknown and the investigators have to track them down through the glorious seedy underground. Beautiful drug addicted women and their muscular hairless boy toys fight over who deserves more attention and cash.
No more. Loss of eyesight just isn't worth it. Off with the television. I crack a book. It seems just another pastor writing out his plan for a good life. But I'm not him so I lose interest quick.
Now I'm bored. I could hit the internet and Google some things. Inevitably I'll end up somewhere I don't belong. I'll have to erase the hard drive to keep any evidence from creeping up later on. It's not really worth it.
I could take a walk, but it's after dark. Besides, I might get a cold. I can't afford that. I wish there was something better to do. I want something that doesn't deal with other people's lust. I want conversation to feed off of. I just want to hear some wholesome truth and be able to swap ideas on it. Is there anyone out there who just wants honest companionship? Doesn't someone want more than fleeting passionate flesh fulfillment?
I want righteousness. I hunger for it. I want it and I need it. Sure, I watch CSI and the evening news. It absolutely grates my conscience sometimes. It's not like I repeat the crimes. But still I want more. I want to sit with other adults and trade ideas about what Jesus said and wants. Then I want to put those words and thoughts into action in the power of the Spirit of God.
Jesus said I'd be filled if I hunger and thirst for righteousness. I hope he brings the plates by soon.
I waited until I caught the weather forecast for the next day. Then I switched the news off. The guide showed that another news program was going to cover transsexuals in the United States. In my mind I just think of the old cliche, "Hate the sin, love the sinner." But the thought doesn't do much for how I really feel. I wish I could love easier.
Since I am uninterested in what makes a man want to be a woman and vice versa, I turn over to the other channel. Great new show. CSI Austin. They oughta be able to catch a lot of wackos down there. Keep Austin weird. Isn't that what the bumper stickers say?
The show kicks off with a violent gang bang with all sorts of fancy special effects on the bodily fluids. Of course, the culprits are unknown and the investigators have to track them down through the glorious seedy underground. Beautiful drug addicted women and their muscular hairless boy toys fight over who deserves more attention and cash.
No more. Loss of eyesight just isn't worth it. Off with the television. I crack a book. It seems just another pastor writing out his plan for a good life. But I'm not him so I lose interest quick.
Now I'm bored. I could hit the internet and Google some things. Inevitably I'll end up somewhere I don't belong. I'll have to erase the hard drive to keep any evidence from creeping up later on. It's not really worth it.
I could take a walk, but it's after dark. Besides, I might get a cold. I can't afford that. I wish there was something better to do. I want something that doesn't deal with other people's lust. I want conversation to feed off of. I just want to hear some wholesome truth and be able to swap ideas on it. Is there anyone out there who just wants honest companionship? Doesn't someone want more than fleeting passionate flesh fulfillment?
I want righteousness. I hunger for it. I want it and I need it. Sure, I watch CSI and the evening news. It absolutely grates my conscience sometimes. It's not like I repeat the crimes. But still I want more. I want to sit with other adults and trade ideas about what Jesus said and wants. Then I want to put those words and thoughts into action in the power of the Spirit of God.
Jesus said I'd be filled if I hunger and thirst for righteousness. I hope he brings the plates by soon.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
On the Road
The white stripes passed beneath his dangling arm at a furious pace. Wind from the friction caused by speed blew hot on his face through the lowered window. At the time, he wasn't sure which was faster; the beat of the pistons or his pounding pulse. He brought in his left hand to take the wheel so that his right could twist the radio knobs. When a firm signal was found, Jude cranked the volume. He hoped to drive the angry voices out of his mind and drown out the noisy blast of the wind.
"I can't stand this indecision, married with a lack of vision. Everybody wants to rule the world."
Could the lyrics have been any more true? Jude was 34. Jude was in a dead end job. Jude was cruising the interstate to get to his hometown. Jude's father was leaving this world. Jude felt lost. Jude had no one he felt he could turn to.
To start with, he just lost his third engagement. Maybe it was time for a new ring. Maybe it was time to decide what to do with his life. He'd studied music to start out with in college. Very soon he realized that he wasn't cut out for anything that required discipline. He merely wanted a good job. Who didn't, right? Now, working as salesman in a music store in a strip mall, he realized that he could do better. Apparently three women in his life had thought that as well. They all gave the same reason for breaking things off.
"You don't know where you're going."
Katie, the last love to leave, added another thought. "It's too hard to love someone who doesn't love himself."
"I do love myself!!!" Jude thought as his right foot grew heavier upon the accelerator. But, that was a lie. He desired a complete degree. He wanted someone to love him. He longed for steady and challenging employment that paid well. Jude wanted fulfillment.
That was all.
The sun dipped and Jude adjusted the visor. A photo fell into his lap and drifted to the floorboard. Jude leaned forward and with his calloused fingertips teased the photo nearer. He grasped it and the wheel slipped for a moment. His Cavalier swerved into the rumble strip. Jude's life flashed before his eyes as he tossed the photo aside and took the wheel in both hands.
The car lurched to a halt, a billowing cloud of dust enveloping the car. Jude lay his head on the steering wheel and cursed. He flopped back against the seat, his lungs doing all they could to supply his heart with more oxygen. The photo was on the seat next to him and he picked it up again. "What was so important that I would nearly kill myself" he thought.
It was Jude in the photo. He had a smile, something rarely seen with him these days. He was on the hood of his Cavalier with two close friends from high school. They were all about 25 in the still frame. James, the suit on the left side of the photo, was now an entrepreneur. He finished his masters in business and created a small chain of specialty chocolate shops in the northeast corner of the U.S. The other friend, Josh, was an electrician who lived in the suburbs with his wife and three kids.
Then there is Jude. He's still got the same car, the same job, the same marital status and the same bleak outlook.
"I've got to finish school. I've got to find a wife. I need a better job. A new car. A new apartment. How about a new life?!?"
He thought about James and Josh. James was doing well, but was still single. He never seemed to mind, though. He always said, "The right girl will show up and they'll both know it. Until then, I've got a life to live."
Josh's life was very modest. His wife worked part time as a substitute teacher while he did contract electrical work. He wasn't wealthy in any worldly sense. They got by.
Then Jude saw himself for what he was. In the dust cloud of his spin out the light of epiphany shone brightly. No woman would ever make Jude happy. No job would ever make life enjoyable. No money, no car, no thing could change life for Jude. The only thing in the world preventing Jude from realizing he had all he needed was Jude.
Meek is an outdated word for us, but we would do well to learn it. It means showing patience and humility. The two hardest things for people to have are part of what Jesus tells us will make us blessed. Patience and humility are necessary to get through any set of goals. You have to work to get through school. You have to wait for the right partner to come along. You must build wealth of one kind or another over time. You have to start at the bottom. Realizing that will change your outlook on life.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. The truly meek don't want the earth. They do realize that they have all they need right where they are, and all they need are the things that can't be bought.
"I can't stand this indecision, married with a lack of vision. Everybody wants to rule the world."
Could the lyrics have been any more true? Jude was 34. Jude was in a dead end job. Jude was cruising the interstate to get to his hometown. Jude's father was leaving this world. Jude felt lost. Jude had no one he felt he could turn to.
To start with, he just lost his third engagement. Maybe it was time for a new ring. Maybe it was time to decide what to do with his life. He'd studied music to start out with in college. Very soon he realized that he wasn't cut out for anything that required discipline. He merely wanted a good job. Who didn't, right? Now, working as salesman in a music store in a strip mall, he realized that he could do better. Apparently three women in his life had thought that as well. They all gave the same reason for breaking things off.
"You don't know where you're going."
Katie, the last love to leave, added another thought. "It's too hard to love someone who doesn't love himself."
"I do love myself!!!" Jude thought as his right foot grew heavier upon the accelerator. But, that was a lie. He desired a complete degree. He wanted someone to love him. He longed for steady and challenging employment that paid well. Jude wanted fulfillment.
That was all.
The sun dipped and Jude adjusted the visor. A photo fell into his lap and drifted to the floorboard. Jude leaned forward and with his calloused fingertips teased the photo nearer. He grasped it and the wheel slipped for a moment. His Cavalier swerved into the rumble strip. Jude's life flashed before his eyes as he tossed the photo aside and took the wheel in both hands.
The car lurched to a halt, a billowing cloud of dust enveloping the car. Jude lay his head on the steering wheel and cursed. He flopped back against the seat, his lungs doing all they could to supply his heart with more oxygen. The photo was on the seat next to him and he picked it up again. "What was so important that I would nearly kill myself" he thought.
It was Jude in the photo. He had a smile, something rarely seen with him these days. He was on the hood of his Cavalier with two close friends from high school. They were all about 25 in the still frame. James, the suit on the left side of the photo, was now an entrepreneur. He finished his masters in business and created a small chain of specialty chocolate shops in the northeast corner of the U.S. The other friend, Josh, was an electrician who lived in the suburbs with his wife and three kids.
Then there is Jude. He's still got the same car, the same job, the same marital status and the same bleak outlook.
"I've got to finish school. I've got to find a wife. I need a better job. A new car. A new apartment. How about a new life?!?"
He thought about James and Josh. James was doing well, but was still single. He never seemed to mind, though. He always said, "The right girl will show up and they'll both know it. Until then, I've got a life to live."
Josh's life was very modest. His wife worked part time as a substitute teacher while he did contract electrical work. He wasn't wealthy in any worldly sense. They got by.
Then Jude saw himself for what he was. In the dust cloud of his spin out the light of epiphany shone brightly. No woman would ever make Jude happy. No job would ever make life enjoyable. No money, no car, no thing could change life for Jude. The only thing in the world preventing Jude from realizing he had all he needed was Jude.
Meek is an outdated word for us, but we would do well to learn it. It means showing patience and humility. The two hardest things for people to have are part of what Jesus tells us will make us blessed. Patience and humility are necessary to get through any set of goals. You have to work to get through school. You have to wait for the right partner to come along. You must build wealth of one kind or another over time. You have to start at the bottom. Realizing that will change your outlook on life.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. The truly meek don't want the earth. They do realize that they have all they need right where they are, and all they need are the things that can't be bought.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Dance
When she danced, I swear it seemed that her feet never touched the floor. It was as if she were gliding on air. To top that, she was a looker. I mean that in a respectful manner. Her evening gown was blood red and reached all the way to the floor. The neckline was modest. She smiled at every one who passed by, carrying on in small talk and pleasantries. And yet, she never had the last word and never left a conversation unfinished. Beautiful and genuinely nice are not always traits shared by one person. Inner and outer light are rarely together. Yet there she was.
Stranger than that, she had asked me to the dance. My feet were practically nailed to the floor and my back to the wall. I held the punch for her while she graced the hardwood floor with her movements. Every man's eye was trained on her like the needle of a compass pointing north. No matter where she glided to, eyes glazed in wonder followed. Mine were included.
I watched as she danced song after song, never letting me forget that her request for me to join her was open. Men were lined up to cut the rug with her. Slow songs and tangos, waltzes and jitterbugs; nothing escaped her. She never broke a sweat. Even when some of the less genteel men attempted to misuse her or take advantage of a close moment, she simply spun away and moved to the next waiting partner.
The night seemed to go on forever. I never left my spot on the wall. Admittedly, I felt ashamed. She wanted to dance and had asked me to escort her. Yet there I was, two left feet and two drinks in my hand. My esteem dwindled as her dance partners showed her that they too could trip the live fantastic as it were. I had no game on this court.
At the last minutes of the last hour the last dance was announced. Her flowing dress trailed her as she made what seemed to me to be the obligatory request. Only this time she stopped and took the drinks from my hand. Setting them on the nearby table, she linked arms with me and pulled me out onto the floor.
I didn't know how to respond. I loved her and I thought she loved me. But here she was willing to embarass both of us in front of everyone we knew. I tried to stop her. I begged. I told her I couldn't dance to save my life. I pointed out seven other men who had more moves in their little toe than I had in my entire body.
She merely put her finger to my lips as the song began and looke into my eyes.
"I could dance with any number of men who have studied the moves and practiced doing everything right. They would look good with me on the floor. But they've never once showed me the thing I know you have."
Stunned, I managed, "What is that?"
"Love."
There are practices and traditions and rituals that many churches practice. Even prayer and communion fall under this guise. And many people do it so well, dipping the bread just so and getting the 'amen's' and 'hallelujah's' just right. But the heart is not there. God looks not at outward appearance, but at the heart. So you stutter when you pray? Is your heart in it? If so, then God hears and honors that prayer. Don't worry about how well you can dance, just dance with the one who brought you.
Stranger than that, she had asked me to the dance. My feet were practically nailed to the floor and my back to the wall. I held the punch for her while she graced the hardwood floor with her movements. Every man's eye was trained on her like the needle of a compass pointing north. No matter where she glided to, eyes glazed in wonder followed. Mine were included.
I watched as she danced song after song, never letting me forget that her request for me to join her was open. Men were lined up to cut the rug with her. Slow songs and tangos, waltzes and jitterbugs; nothing escaped her. She never broke a sweat. Even when some of the less genteel men attempted to misuse her or take advantage of a close moment, she simply spun away and moved to the next waiting partner.
The night seemed to go on forever. I never left my spot on the wall. Admittedly, I felt ashamed. She wanted to dance and had asked me to escort her. Yet there I was, two left feet and two drinks in my hand. My esteem dwindled as her dance partners showed her that they too could trip the live fantastic as it were. I had no game on this court.
At the last minutes of the last hour the last dance was announced. Her flowing dress trailed her as she made what seemed to me to be the obligatory request. Only this time she stopped and took the drinks from my hand. Setting them on the nearby table, she linked arms with me and pulled me out onto the floor.
I didn't know how to respond. I loved her and I thought she loved me. But here she was willing to embarass both of us in front of everyone we knew. I tried to stop her. I begged. I told her I couldn't dance to save my life. I pointed out seven other men who had more moves in their little toe than I had in my entire body.
She merely put her finger to my lips as the song began and looke into my eyes.
"I could dance with any number of men who have studied the moves and practiced doing everything right. They would look good with me on the floor. But they've never once showed me the thing I know you have."
Stunned, I managed, "What is that?"
"Love."
There are practices and traditions and rituals that many churches practice. Even prayer and communion fall under this guise. And many people do it so well, dipping the bread just so and getting the 'amen's' and 'hallelujah's' just right. But the heart is not there. God looks not at outward appearance, but at the heart. So you stutter when you pray? Is your heart in it? If so, then God hears and honors that prayer. Don't worry about how well you can dance, just dance with the one who brought you.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The Mourning
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
I bet you've lost your keys before. You've probably lost the television remote control. It's highly likely that you've lost at least five dollars in the couch cushions or in the laundry. I imagine that, except for a little inconvenience, there wasn't much suffering and pain going on.
I've seen those court shows where the plaintiff is suing for $5000, 1000 for car damages in a minor accident and $4000 for emtional suffering. Give me a break. Unless you lose a limb or a family member, there can't be much suffering in that way.
It's called mourning. That is emotional suffering. And no amount of money will do away with it or heal it. All it does is drive insurance rates up and medical bill up to cover the insurance rates. No one wins.
Mourning occurs when something valuable beyond monetary measure is loss. A spouse. A close friend. A son or daughter. It could also happen if you feel like you've let someone down and they've let you know that you have. It is a feeling that something needs to be fixed, a hole needs patching and there is nothing you cna do about it. You've asked for explanations. You've begged forgiveness for whatever you did to bring this all about. You've cried, and wept and cried some more. It is grief and only time can make it fade.
It is part of life for those who love. Those who seem not to mourn, most likely do not love what they've lost. They could just be hiding the pain. This person may claim to be over it. But pain does not heal when ignored. It may grow silent, but it will return during a song or a certain smell. Then you're overwhelmed with all the emotions involved in grief at once, instead of a bit at a time.
The pain won't heal or fade quickly. But think of what a child does when they hurt. They don't try to hide the pain. A child may grow angry and lash back at the inflictor. They cry out and eventually run to mom.
Jesus said that those who mourn are blessed. If you do not mourn, you deny your humanity. You deny that you love something. And you miss out on receiving love. Those who mourn are blessed, for only when you admit your pain can you be comforted. You aren't healed, but comforted, listened to and given a shoulder to cry on. You are given the promise that you will carry on. This comes from God. And without mourning, there can be no comfort.
They say that the first step to overcoming any problem is to admit that it is there. God can only be there for you if you let him. Give it over to him.
I bet you've lost your keys before. You've probably lost the television remote control. It's highly likely that you've lost at least five dollars in the couch cushions or in the laundry. I imagine that, except for a little inconvenience, there wasn't much suffering and pain going on.
I've seen those court shows where the plaintiff is suing for $5000, 1000 for car damages in a minor accident and $4000 for emtional suffering. Give me a break. Unless you lose a limb or a family member, there can't be much suffering in that way.
It's called mourning. That is emotional suffering. And no amount of money will do away with it or heal it. All it does is drive insurance rates up and medical bill up to cover the insurance rates. No one wins.
Mourning occurs when something valuable beyond monetary measure is loss. A spouse. A close friend. A son or daughter. It could also happen if you feel like you've let someone down and they've let you know that you have. It is a feeling that something needs to be fixed, a hole needs patching and there is nothing you cna do about it. You've asked for explanations. You've begged forgiveness for whatever you did to bring this all about. You've cried, and wept and cried some more. It is grief and only time can make it fade.
It is part of life for those who love. Those who seem not to mourn, most likely do not love what they've lost. They could just be hiding the pain. This person may claim to be over it. But pain does not heal when ignored. It may grow silent, but it will return during a song or a certain smell. Then you're overwhelmed with all the emotions involved in grief at once, instead of a bit at a time.
The pain won't heal or fade quickly. But think of what a child does when they hurt. They don't try to hide the pain. A child may grow angry and lash back at the inflictor. They cry out and eventually run to mom.
Jesus said that those who mourn are blessed. If you do not mourn, you deny your humanity. You deny that you love something. And you miss out on receiving love. Those who mourn are blessed, for only when you admit your pain can you be comforted. You aren't healed, but comforted, listened to and given a shoulder to cry on. You are given the promise that you will carry on. This comes from God. And without mourning, there can be no comfort.
They say that the first step to overcoming any problem is to admit that it is there. God can only be there for you if you let him. Give it over to him.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Poor in Spirit
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3
Jesus came directly from his test in the desert and taught. He introduced the kingdom of heaven to people, healing and teaching. The crowd grew, forcing him from the synagogues to the side of a mountain, where he described kingdom life.
The first thing he says is that those who have every reason to be angry, depressed, frustrated and giving up should be happy. Blessed are the poor in spirit, he says. As it says in the Message, "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope."
Think of what spirit is here. If you had pep rallies in high school, the goal was to increase the spirit of your team. There were cheerleaders, music, cheering crowds and encouragement. Signs were hung to give confidence in the team. The enemy was usually given some sort of insult and sometimes mascots were even stolen to reduce the opponent's morale.
Unfortunately, life isn't like that. We don't have people at our side at all times cheering us on and playing our song to lift us up. The band Survivor isn't following us to work singing Eye of the Tiger for us. We have to face life alongside each other, doing what we can to encourage one another when we can and sometimes we're so busy entering our own troubles, we forget others.
Day after day we struggle to make everything work out and we grow weary doing it. Then Jesus says we should be happy. What?!?
John the Baptist said it well. I must decrease and he must increase. When we're at the end of our rope, when we have nothing left to give of ourselves, that is where God increases and we see his power. At that point, we realize that we aren't doing anything on our own and we don't have to dao anything else on our own. God is there. We are blessed. Now, if only we'd remind ourselves of this.
Jesus came directly from his test in the desert and taught. He introduced the kingdom of heaven to people, healing and teaching. The crowd grew, forcing him from the synagogues to the side of a mountain, where he described kingdom life.
The first thing he says is that those who have every reason to be angry, depressed, frustrated and giving up should be happy. Blessed are the poor in spirit, he says. As it says in the Message, "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope."
Think of what spirit is here. If you had pep rallies in high school, the goal was to increase the spirit of your team. There were cheerleaders, music, cheering crowds and encouragement. Signs were hung to give confidence in the team. The enemy was usually given some sort of insult and sometimes mascots were even stolen to reduce the opponent's morale.
Unfortunately, life isn't like that. We don't have people at our side at all times cheering us on and playing our song to lift us up. The band Survivor isn't following us to work singing Eye of the Tiger for us. We have to face life alongside each other, doing what we can to encourage one another when we can and sometimes we're so busy entering our own troubles, we forget others.
Day after day we struggle to make everything work out and we grow weary doing it. Then Jesus says we should be happy. What?!?
John the Baptist said it well. I must decrease and he must increase. When we're at the end of our rope, when we have nothing left to give of ourselves, that is where God increases and we see his power. At that point, we realize that we aren't doing anything on our own and we don't have to dao anything else on our own. God is there. We are blessed. Now, if only we'd remind ourselves of this.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Crumbs from your Table...
You speak of signs and wonders, but I need something other.
I would believe if I was able. But I'm waiting on the crumbs from your table.
-U2
I haven't spoke with Bono personally about the meaning of this song. But walk with me a moment. In your mind's theater place a table. It is one of those long tables, solid oak with a cherry finish. Gorgeous. There is an embroidered runner that spans the entire length of the table, jutting off of the ends to hang only a few inches. Upon this table is a feast for the ages. Delicacies abound and those seated are gorging themselves without restraint. Puddings, duck, roast beef, steamed vegetables at just the right tender-crispness; they're all there.
Those seated are well dressed, mostly. Some are a bit more casual. They each have their place, marked by a card with their name. They laugh and chat with one another as old friends. From your vantage point, away from the table, you can see that some of them steal from others' plates, even though the spread seems unending and there is more than enough for any of them. Upon closer listen, they aren't all laughing. Some are arguing. There is a bit of rage in their voices and they continue on, arguing the same points over and over with no conclusion in sight.
Now look around you. Here, seated on the floor, are more people. Each them with glassy eyes stare at the feasters. They don't seem like beggars and they don't look hungry in a physical sense. But their eyes say something else. The faces of the masses of observers are twisted in confusion and some in anger. Some have terror and others sadness. You can follow their gaze to the table and see that though there are many chairs around the table and each is taken, there is plenty of room for more seating. Still, the unpleasant aroma of pride rises from the table and its conversations. Still, the observers look on, unseen or unheard.
The conversations, the arguments are theological in nature. The arguments are over silly things like dress, musical styles, tolerance, sin, and money. Stories are shared of how God has blessed these who take of the meal, the gluttons who write books for others to buy and read and hopefully change to be like them and get the blessings, too. And someone says, "But look around you." The voice is loud and commanding. The eyes of the observers are still on the table. The heads of those who feast swing around to the voice's owner.
"Look around you. Look at those faces. Some hunger for food. Some hunger for health. Some hunger for acceptance. All hunger for love. What can we do about it?"
The feasters turn back to one another and begin again to argue on what the best way to take care of them would be.
All the while, the owner of the voice sits back down, beaten.
"There is only one way," he thinks. "I've got to leave my seat. I've got to get up and take my full plate to them." And so he does. But only a small number of the thousands of observers get to eat.
"It's hopeless alone. I can't do it without help."
And the song rises. Those around the table hear, "You speak of signs and wonders, but we need something other. We would believe if we were able, but we're waiting on the crumbs from your table."
While we put together teams for ministry inside our homes and churches, good things yes, we leave out the observers. These are the ones who see mostly selfishness when they see the church. They see that we will help, but only as much as the rest of the world. As we talk our religious talk about being born again, they are dying before birth. They don't understand how God can be so great and his followers so self centered. To be honest, I don't get it either. I am an enigma to myself. Much like Paul when he said, "I do what I don't want to do and what I want to do I don't do." Something like that.
All we need is a balance of grace and action in faith. We grow by serving. Is this right?
I would believe if I was able. But I'm waiting on the crumbs from your table.
-U2
I haven't spoke with Bono personally about the meaning of this song. But walk with me a moment. In your mind's theater place a table. It is one of those long tables, solid oak with a cherry finish. Gorgeous. There is an embroidered runner that spans the entire length of the table, jutting off of the ends to hang only a few inches. Upon this table is a feast for the ages. Delicacies abound and those seated are gorging themselves without restraint. Puddings, duck, roast beef, steamed vegetables at just the right tender-crispness; they're all there.
Those seated are well dressed, mostly. Some are a bit more casual. They each have their place, marked by a card with their name. They laugh and chat with one another as old friends. From your vantage point, away from the table, you can see that some of them steal from others' plates, even though the spread seems unending and there is more than enough for any of them. Upon closer listen, they aren't all laughing. Some are arguing. There is a bit of rage in their voices and they continue on, arguing the same points over and over with no conclusion in sight.
Now look around you. Here, seated on the floor, are more people. Each them with glassy eyes stare at the feasters. They don't seem like beggars and they don't look hungry in a physical sense. But their eyes say something else. The faces of the masses of observers are twisted in confusion and some in anger. Some have terror and others sadness. You can follow their gaze to the table and see that though there are many chairs around the table and each is taken, there is plenty of room for more seating. Still, the unpleasant aroma of pride rises from the table and its conversations. Still, the observers look on, unseen or unheard.
The conversations, the arguments are theological in nature. The arguments are over silly things like dress, musical styles, tolerance, sin, and money. Stories are shared of how God has blessed these who take of the meal, the gluttons who write books for others to buy and read and hopefully change to be like them and get the blessings, too. And someone says, "But look around you." The voice is loud and commanding. The eyes of the observers are still on the table. The heads of those who feast swing around to the voice's owner.
"Look around you. Look at those faces. Some hunger for food. Some hunger for health. Some hunger for acceptance. All hunger for love. What can we do about it?"
The feasters turn back to one another and begin again to argue on what the best way to take care of them would be.
All the while, the owner of the voice sits back down, beaten.
"There is only one way," he thinks. "I've got to leave my seat. I've got to get up and take my full plate to them." And so he does. But only a small number of the thousands of observers get to eat.
"It's hopeless alone. I can't do it without help."
And the song rises. Those around the table hear, "You speak of signs and wonders, but we need something other. We would believe if we were able, but we're waiting on the crumbs from your table."
While we put together teams for ministry inside our homes and churches, good things yes, we leave out the observers. These are the ones who see mostly selfishness when they see the church. They see that we will help, but only as much as the rest of the world. As we talk our religious talk about being born again, they are dying before birth. They don't understand how God can be so great and his followers so self centered. To be honest, I don't get it either. I am an enigma to myself. Much like Paul when he said, "I do what I don't want to do and what I want to do I don't do." Something like that.
All we need is a balance of grace and action in faith. We grow by serving. Is this right?
The Kingdom
"Change your life. God's kingdom is here." Matthew 4:17b
Jesus comes out of the desert, the spring back in his step after being tended to by angels. He learns that his cousin, John, had been arrested. So he moves to Capernaum and starts delivering his message. "The kingdom of heaven, God's kingdom, is here. It's time for a change."
Here, he also calls some fishermen to follow him. Simon and Andrew, James and John. They leave what they have, initiating their own life change.
Then Jesus really gets on the ball. Starting in verse 23 of Matthew 4, we read of Jesus preaching and teaching the truth of God. As the Message translation says, "God's kingdom was his theme."
So what is God's kingdom? Read on. "He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their lives. People brough anybody with an ailment, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all."
There's our example. Jesus, not only saying with his mouth that the kingdom is here, but living it out. He healed people of every kind of ailment. There were so many that came out, that Jesus eventually climbed up a hillside, outside of the synagogue.
We may not all have a gift of healing. We may not all can speak before a crowd confidently. But if you claim to know Jesus, you have him. You are a citizen of his kingdom. You have the authority from Jesus to say, "It's time for a life change. Look at what God is doing." It isn't pressure. It is loving, reaching out to people, meeting them where they are. They came to Jesus because they heard what he was doing. And they soon outgrew the meeting place. Lives were changed. It was all for the better. Jesus did it.
I'm looking to take part in what Jesus has been doing since those days and is still doing today. His goal has not changed. It is still the same. The kingdom of God is here among us. We are part of it. We are ambassadors. We are the purveyors of life to this world in the name of Jesus. Let's help the kingdom grow.
Jesus comes out of the desert, the spring back in his step after being tended to by angels. He learns that his cousin, John, had been arrested. So he moves to Capernaum and starts delivering his message. "The kingdom of heaven, God's kingdom, is here. It's time for a change."
Here, he also calls some fishermen to follow him. Simon and Andrew, James and John. They leave what they have, initiating their own life change.
Then Jesus really gets on the ball. Starting in verse 23 of Matthew 4, we read of Jesus preaching and teaching the truth of God. As the Message translation says, "God's kingdom was his theme."
So what is God's kingdom? Read on. "He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their lives. People brough anybody with an ailment, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all."
There's our example. Jesus, not only saying with his mouth that the kingdom is here, but living it out. He healed people of every kind of ailment. There were so many that came out, that Jesus eventually climbed up a hillside, outside of the synagogue.
We may not all have a gift of healing. We may not all can speak before a crowd confidently. But if you claim to know Jesus, you have him. You are a citizen of his kingdom. You have the authority from Jesus to say, "It's time for a life change. Look at what God is doing." It isn't pressure. It is loving, reaching out to people, meeting them where they are. They came to Jesus because they heard what he was doing. And they soon outgrew the meeting place. Lives were changed. It was all for the better. Jesus did it.
I'm looking to take part in what Jesus has been doing since those days and is still doing today. His goal has not changed. It is still the same. The kingdom of God is here among us. We are part of it. We are ambassadors. We are the purveyors of life to this world in the name of Jesus. Let's help the kingdom grow.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Simple
Think of how simple life could be. My desk is scattered with CD's, books, photos, pens, and a stack of papers from school and studies. Each item has a story and a link to my life in some way. How terrible to try and think of them all and organize them in my mind. I'd go nuts. Quickly. Perhaps I am too anal and controlling about my organization. If I'd loosen up, then it wouldn't matter so much. Obviously, the clutter really doesn't matter so much. It's still there.
In order to clean the desk, I'd have to find a place for everything. The CD's go in the CD rack. The book, well...It's been traveling with me, so it goes in the living room. The papers need to be separated into corresponding stacks and filed away. Then, there's so much of it that is really just garbage. It can be thrown away. After all of that is done, everything in its place, there is a sense of peace. Order for a while. Right. Next week when classes start it will go right back to the state it's in now, maybe even worse.
Imagine simple life could be. If we just stripped away all the nonsense. The decoration of our lives is useless. I'm not knocking art at all. I'm an artist myself. What I mean is that we have so much in our lives to complicate things. It's like the mixer instead of the spoon. Making cookies is easier with the mixer. But then you have to clean the beaters, which are much tougher to clean than the spoon. So we use the dishwasher. It requires special soap, more dishes and water. And either appliance could break down, costing repairs or replacement. Using the spoon actually takes longer, requires work. Strengthens you, and possibly helps you to appreciate the cookies more. And only one simple action required to clean the excess dough. Give it to your child, they'll gobble it up quickly.
I use an electric beater. As a matter of fact, I have a broken down dishwasher as well. It won't drain and I don't have the money to get someone to fix it. I digress, though. The more we attempt to achieve simplicity and convenience, the more complicated things get. Sometimes, I long for the days when men worked hard to feed their family, not to get the new truck. I long for simplicity. Nothing but the necessities. But then, where would I jot down my thoughts and rants? On paper. With a pen, no less. If the pen breaks, they aren't too expensive. Paper, the same. A computer...Well, you see the difference?
Simplicity. It also makes more room for God. For love. For people in our lives. For example, here I am typing away at something called a blog, while my wife is in bed alone. The television makes one silent to all others in the room. If they weren't around we'd just find something else to separate us, I'm sure.
Stripped down life. Simplicity. Honesty. Fresh air. Breath. No obesity. No smog. No cirrhosis. No lung cancer from cigarettes. No. No. No. It's always been such a negative word, but has produced much character in people like my grandpa and my dad. People who went without, people who sacrificed to make my life better.
Jesus. He asks his Father, "Is there some other way? Do I have to go through this? I submit to your will, but..."
The answer. "No."
Sacrifice. Simplicity. It adds up to character in the end. It makes more sense. It makes better people. Get them focused on Jesus and his good news, and the world might be a better place.
In order to clean the desk, I'd have to find a place for everything. The CD's go in the CD rack. The book, well...It's been traveling with me, so it goes in the living room. The papers need to be separated into corresponding stacks and filed away. Then, there's so much of it that is really just garbage. It can be thrown away. After all of that is done, everything in its place, there is a sense of peace. Order for a while. Right. Next week when classes start it will go right back to the state it's in now, maybe even worse.
Imagine simple life could be. If we just stripped away all the nonsense. The decoration of our lives is useless. I'm not knocking art at all. I'm an artist myself. What I mean is that we have so much in our lives to complicate things. It's like the mixer instead of the spoon. Making cookies is easier with the mixer. But then you have to clean the beaters, which are much tougher to clean than the spoon. So we use the dishwasher. It requires special soap, more dishes and water. And either appliance could break down, costing repairs or replacement. Using the spoon actually takes longer, requires work. Strengthens you, and possibly helps you to appreciate the cookies more. And only one simple action required to clean the excess dough. Give it to your child, they'll gobble it up quickly.
I use an electric beater. As a matter of fact, I have a broken down dishwasher as well. It won't drain and I don't have the money to get someone to fix it. I digress, though. The more we attempt to achieve simplicity and convenience, the more complicated things get. Sometimes, I long for the days when men worked hard to feed their family, not to get the new truck. I long for simplicity. Nothing but the necessities. But then, where would I jot down my thoughts and rants? On paper. With a pen, no less. If the pen breaks, they aren't too expensive. Paper, the same. A computer...Well, you see the difference?
Simplicity. It also makes more room for God. For love. For people in our lives. For example, here I am typing away at something called a blog, while my wife is in bed alone. The television makes one silent to all others in the room. If they weren't around we'd just find something else to separate us, I'm sure.
Stripped down life. Simplicity. Honesty. Fresh air. Breath. No obesity. No smog. No cirrhosis. No lung cancer from cigarettes. No. No. No. It's always been such a negative word, but has produced much character in people like my grandpa and my dad. People who went without, people who sacrificed to make my life better.
Jesus. He asks his Father, "Is there some other way? Do I have to go through this? I submit to your will, but..."
The answer. "No."
Sacrifice. Simplicity. It adds up to character in the end. It makes more sense. It makes better people. Get them focused on Jesus and his good news, and the world might be a better place.
What You Want
9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
Matthew 4:9
Jesus had every right to every kingdom ever established on this earth. That includes our own government. That includes those that Satan brought before him, parading them and taunting Jesus. Jesus had created every person in those kingdoms, given talents of design and architecture to build them. None of it would have existed if not for him.
He could have been angry. Jesus could have said, "Mine!" He could have shown us where we had gone wrong and enslaved us to show us how it is to be done. He could have brought swift justice on the human race. He could have appeased his desire for power right then and there.
Jesus was, and is, entitled to this planet, this universe. Satan told Jesus he oculd have it all if he would just worship him.
And what about you? Are there things you're entitled to? Someone owes you money possibly? Your lawnmower is still in your neighbor's garage? Justice should be served. The wreck wasn't your fault. You got a ticket while someone in a big SUV sped around you at twice what you were stopped for?
The world is full of injustice. Most of it is on a much greater scale than an unfair traffic ticket, too. The thing is, we believe that somehow our minds and hearts would find peace if justice was accomplished for us. Maybe Jesus thought that too. Maybe if he'd take control and force us into submission under his rule, all the pain would end. The crucifixion would not have to happen.
But the sin barrier would still exist. Sure, we'd be happy in a temporal sense, not having too many needs or wants. Maybe. But real life would still elude us. Love and joy would depart. We still couldn't know God, and thus life.
Jesus could have said, "Okay, I'll end world hunger. I'll wipe out slavery. I'll do what makes us all feel better and make the world a fairer, better place." But he didn't. He knew that to worship Satan was to give in to his own worldly desires. To worship God meant to obey. To obey meant to sacrifice. To sacrifice meant that true life and true joy could be offered to us. It was something that would transcend hunger, pain and suffering.
Jesus set the example. He faced three temptations. He prayed and struggled and came out on top because he knew and believed that God and God's word were more important and more powerful than himself. Can we say that same thing?
Matthew 4:9
Jesus had every right to every kingdom ever established on this earth. That includes our own government. That includes those that Satan brought before him, parading them and taunting Jesus. Jesus had created every person in those kingdoms, given talents of design and architecture to build them. None of it would have existed if not for him.
He could have been angry. Jesus could have said, "Mine!" He could have shown us where we had gone wrong and enslaved us to show us how it is to be done. He could have brought swift justice on the human race. He could have appeased his desire for power right then and there.
Jesus was, and is, entitled to this planet, this universe. Satan told Jesus he oculd have it all if he would just worship him.
And what about you? Are there things you're entitled to? Someone owes you money possibly? Your lawnmower is still in your neighbor's garage? Justice should be served. The wreck wasn't your fault. You got a ticket while someone in a big SUV sped around you at twice what you were stopped for?
The world is full of injustice. Most of it is on a much greater scale than an unfair traffic ticket, too. The thing is, we believe that somehow our minds and hearts would find peace if justice was accomplished for us. Maybe Jesus thought that too. Maybe if he'd take control and force us into submission under his rule, all the pain would end. The crucifixion would not have to happen.
But the sin barrier would still exist. Sure, we'd be happy in a temporal sense, not having too many needs or wants. Maybe. But real life would still elude us. Love and joy would depart. We still couldn't know God, and thus life.
Jesus could have said, "Okay, I'll end world hunger. I'll wipe out slavery. I'll do what makes us all feel better and make the world a fairer, better place." But he didn't. He knew that to worship Satan was to give in to his own worldly desires. To worship God meant to obey. To obey meant to sacrifice. To sacrifice meant that true life and true joy could be offered to us. It was something that would transcend hunger, pain and suffering.
Jesus set the example. He faced three temptations. He prayed and struggled and came out on top because he knew and believed that God and God's word were more important and more powerful than himself. Can we say that same thing?
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Doubting Jesus
6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down...." Matthew 4:6
That question sounds vaguely familiar. During times of tragedy, there is always a question raised like it. If God is so good, then why....? Fill in the blank. Why is there war? Why so much destruction from hurricanes? Why so many cancer patients? At the cross, Jesus heard the question again. It was more like scorn at the time. "You can't even save yourself!"
And there at the top of the temple looking down, it seems that even Jesus had a bit of doubt. Does God really love me? Why am I so hungry? Why does it seem he requires so much of me? Will he really catch me if I jump? There's even a bit of scripture there to prod him along.
Then comes his Father's voice. "Don't test me. Trust in what you know." Again, Jesus mind is saved by scripture. His life as well.
We all hit low points. We look out at the state of the church in the world and see good things and bad things. And we wonder why things aren't better. Maybe we even start to doubt some of God's promises. The scripture we've known for so long becomes vague or twisted and we become confused. Then we go out and stand in our prayers before God. Maybe we berate him with why's and how could you's. We beg for some kind of sign to prove to us that He loves us, that He exists. A scene from the film, Forrest Gump, comes to mind. Lieutenant Dan is legless, on his boat during a storm. He screams at God, angry and depressed.
Once again, we can learn from Jesus actions. When we are tempted to tempt God, to prod and test him, we must recognize it and turn to His word. The doubts don't come from Him or anything He did. The doubts are all Satan's and our weak mind's. We know that God loves us if we believe His promises. If we believe that, then we believe His word. If that is true, then we have nothing to fear. Remember, doubts will rise, but God's word will never fall.
That question sounds vaguely familiar. During times of tragedy, there is always a question raised like it. If God is so good, then why....? Fill in the blank. Why is there war? Why so much destruction from hurricanes? Why so many cancer patients? At the cross, Jesus heard the question again. It was more like scorn at the time. "You can't even save yourself!"
And there at the top of the temple looking down, it seems that even Jesus had a bit of doubt. Does God really love me? Why am I so hungry? Why does it seem he requires so much of me? Will he really catch me if I jump? There's even a bit of scripture there to prod him along.
Then comes his Father's voice. "Don't test me. Trust in what you know." Again, Jesus mind is saved by scripture. His life as well.
We all hit low points. We look out at the state of the church in the world and see good things and bad things. And we wonder why things aren't better. Maybe we even start to doubt some of God's promises. The scripture we've known for so long becomes vague or twisted and we become confused. Then we go out and stand in our prayers before God. Maybe we berate him with why's and how could you's. We beg for some kind of sign to prove to us that He loves us, that He exists. A scene from the film, Forrest Gump, comes to mind. Lieutenant Dan is legless, on his boat during a storm. He screams at God, angry and depressed.
Once again, we can learn from Jesus actions. When we are tempted to tempt God, to prod and test him, we must recognize it and turn to His word. The doubts don't come from Him or anything He did. The doubts are all Satan's and our weak mind's. We know that God loves us if we believe His promises. If we believe that, then we believe His word. If that is true, then we have nothing to fear. Remember, doubts will rise, but God's word will never fall.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Food for Thought
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4
Have you ever been hungry? I don't mean food, necessarily. Did you ever want something really bad? Perhaps you wanted a new job. It could be success. It could even possibly be a steak.We all have times where we want something that is important. It may not even be selfish. It could be a need, something we seem to have gone without, like a parent to teach dicipline, or a spouse who actually cares about the well being of the family.
The need could be perfectly legitimate. Whatever it may be, there is that voice of temptation that says, "You've gone without for long enough. It's time you made something happen." In other words, "Turn those stones to bread if you're so hungry."
Jesus faced that temptation. He hadn't eaten for forty days and nights. Then he's sitiing in the desert wilderness. He's got his knees up, resting his arms there and his head is hung there on his arms. Jesus glances over to his right to see a small pile of stones. They're round and sort of flat. They almost look like... yeah, like bread.
Thr thought enters his head, "You know, I could turn those stones into bread, then. I could alleviate some of this hunger." He then remembers something he and his Father had spoken about years and years before. It takes more than bread to stay truly alive. So he turns to the comfort of his Father's words and the devil that set up those perfectly shaped stones leaves for a while to find another temptation.
The words of Jesus, blessing a mere sack lunch, created enough food for over 5000 people later on in his life. His words created new sight, new health and even new life for the deceased. The words of Jesus and his Father created all that you see around you. And this is the point.
With all that power, Jesus still didn't feed his own body. He fed his spirit instead. Life comes from the very word that comes from God's mouth. There's nothing else. If God ever were to stop speaking, stop telling our stories, we'd cease to exist. Poof. Gone.
So your desires for food and drink are needs for physical life. But that is temporal. It is short lived. It ends. The life that matters, the one that should be strengthened, is fed and sustained by the word of God. Don't try to get what you think you need on your own. What you need will come. At the end of Jesus' test, he was tended to by angels and then he was fed. In God's time, your prayers will be answered. Until then, rely on Jesus, the word incarnate.
Have you ever been hungry? I don't mean food, necessarily. Did you ever want something really bad? Perhaps you wanted a new job. It could be success. It could even possibly be a steak.We all have times where we want something that is important. It may not even be selfish. It could be a need, something we seem to have gone without, like a parent to teach dicipline, or a spouse who actually cares about the well being of the family.
The need could be perfectly legitimate. Whatever it may be, there is that voice of temptation that says, "You've gone without for long enough. It's time you made something happen." In other words, "Turn those stones to bread if you're so hungry."
Jesus faced that temptation. He hadn't eaten for forty days and nights. Then he's sitiing in the desert wilderness. He's got his knees up, resting his arms there and his head is hung there on his arms. Jesus glances over to his right to see a small pile of stones. They're round and sort of flat. They almost look like... yeah, like bread.
Thr thought enters his head, "You know, I could turn those stones into bread, then. I could alleviate some of this hunger." He then remembers something he and his Father had spoken about years and years before. It takes more than bread to stay truly alive. So he turns to the comfort of his Father's words and the devil that set up those perfectly shaped stones leaves for a while to find another temptation.
The words of Jesus, blessing a mere sack lunch, created enough food for over 5000 people later on in his life. His words created new sight, new health and even new life for the deceased. The words of Jesus and his Father created all that you see around you. And this is the point.
With all that power, Jesus still didn't feed his own body. He fed his spirit instead. Life comes from the very word that comes from God's mouth. There's nothing else. If God ever were to stop speaking, stop telling our stories, we'd cease to exist. Poof. Gone.
So your desires for food and drink are needs for physical life. But that is temporal. It is short lived. It ends. The life that matters, the one that should be strengthened, is fed and sustained by the word of God. Don't try to get what you think you need on your own. What you need will come. At the end of Jesus' test, he was tended to by angels and then he was fed. In God's time, your prayers will be answered. Until then, rely on Jesus, the word incarnate.
Food for Thought
4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4
Have you ever been hungry? I don't mean food, necessarily. Did you ever want something really bad? Perhaps you wanted a new job. It could be success. It could even possibly be a steak.We all have times where we want something that is important. It may not even be selfish. It could be a need, something we seem to have gone without, like a parent to teach dicipline, or a spouse who actually cares about the well being of the family.
The need could be perfectly legitimate. Whatever it may be, there is that voice of temptation that says, "You've gone without for long enough. It's time you made something happen." In other words, "Turn those stones to bread if you're so hungry."
Jesus faced that temptation. He hadn't eaten for forty days and nights. Then he's sitiing in the desert wilderness. He's got his knees up, resting his arms there and his head is hung there on his arms. Jesus glances over to his right to see a small pile of stones. They're round and sort of flat. They almost look like... yeah, like bread.
Thr thought enters his head, "You know, I could turn those stones into bread, then. I could alleviate some of this hunger." He then remembers something he and his Father had spoken about years and years before. It takes more than bread to stay truly alive. So he turns to the comfort of his Father's words and the devil that set up those perfectly shaped stones leaves for a while to find another temptation.
The words of Jesus, blessing a mere sack lunch, created enough food for over 5000 people later on in his life. His words created new sight, new health and even new life for the deceased. The words of Jesus and his Father created all that you see around you. And this is the point.
With all that power, Jesus still didn't feed his own body. He fed his spirit instead. Life comes from the very word that comes from God's mouth. There's nothing else. If God ever were to stop speaking, stop telling our stories, we'd cease to exist. Poof. Gone.
So your desires for food and drink are needs for physical life. But that is temporal. It is short lived. It ends. The life that matters, the one that should be strengthened, is fed and sustained by the word of God. Don't try to get what you think you need on your own. What you need will come. At the end of Jesus' test, he was tended to by angels and then he was fed. In God's time, your prayers will be answered. Until then, rely on Jesus, the word incarnate.
Have you ever been hungry? I don't mean food, necessarily. Did you ever want something really bad? Perhaps you wanted a new job. It could be success. It could even possibly be a steak.We all have times where we want something that is important. It may not even be selfish. It could be a need, something we seem to have gone without, like a parent to teach dicipline, or a spouse who actually cares about the well being of the family.
The need could be perfectly legitimate. Whatever it may be, there is that voice of temptation that says, "You've gone without for long enough. It's time you made something happen." In other words, "Turn those stones to bread if you're so hungry."
Jesus faced that temptation. He hadn't eaten for forty days and nights. Then he's sitiing in the desert wilderness. He's got his knees up, resting his arms there and his head is hung there on his arms. Jesus glances over to his right to see a small pile of stones. They're round and sort of flat. They almost look like... yeah, like bread.
Thr thought enters his head, "You know, I could turn those stones into bread, then. I could alleviate some of this hunger." He then remembers something he and his Father had spoken about years and years before. It takes more than bread to stay truly alive. So he turns to the comfort of his Father's words and the devil that set up those perfectly shaped stones leaves for a while to find another temptation.
The words of Jesus, blessing a mere sack lunch, created enough food for over 5000 people later on in his life. His words created new sight, new health and even new life for the deceased. The words of Jesus and his Father created all that you see around you. And this is the point.
With all that power, Jesus still didn't feed his own body. He fed his spirit instead. Life comes from the very word that comes from God's mouth. There's nothing else. If God ever were to stop speaking, stop telling our stories, we'd cease to exist. Poof. Gone.
So your desires for food and drink are needs for physical life. But that is temporal. It is short lived. It ends. The life that matters, the one that should be strengthened, is fed and sustained by the word of God. Don't try to get what you think you need on your own. What you need will come. At the end of Jesus' test, he was tended to by angels and then he was fed. In God's time, your prayers will be answered. Until then, rely on Jesus, the word incarnate.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Lesson No.1 from Jesus
5Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. 6He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. 7Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human!
Philippians 2:5-7 (The Message)
I read Matthew this morning. I am in search of how Jesus lived his life. It is important for what is to come in the future to trust Jesus for salvation from eternal damnation and separation from him. But it is my belief that faith is Jesus is for more than the afterlife. It is also for more than the hard times. Jesus is always faithful and sees us through the hard times, no doubt. But our everyday, boring, work-eat-sleep lives require faith in Jesus as well.
I also know that I cannot live as Jesus without the power of the Holy Spirit in me. But study of Jesus life will reveal to me the things he did and the words he spoke. It gives the Spirit something to work with, so to speak.
And there in Matthew 3, Jesus goes out to John the Baptist to be baptized. John was baptizing for repentance, something Jesus never had to do. He had no sin to repent of. And yet there we find Jesus submitting himself to what we must do in order to fulfill all righteousness.
I pondered this attitude of Jesus. The Message says it like this, "God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." In other words, this is the beginning of something we've all been waiting for.
The story of redemption began to climax at that moment. God sent his Spirit, like a dove, down to Jesus. He told all who were listening that this was his son and he is very happy with him. From there, Jesus entered the wilderness to face his trials.
It was a first step for Jesus and for mankind. Repentance and baptism were new ideas for the Israelites. Even the leaders of the Israelites were trying to get in on it. This repentance and baptism made the pathway to your heart straight for Jesus.
Jesus did what his fellow man was doing. He did not place himself in a place of stature as he had every right to do. But he let a fiery madman from the wilderness put him under water as a sign of repentance. Humility. In doing this, he pleased his Father.
If Jesus was not too good to take part in baptism, what about us? We actually have sins to repent from, and yet we so often ignore them. Then we wonder why we have a hard time hearing God. When God called and spoke, Jesus heard him because nothing was in the way. Lesson number one from Jesus, keep sin as far away as you can. When you fall, repent and make the pathway straight.
Philippians 2:5-7 (The Message)
I read Matthew this morning. I am in search of how Jesus lived his life. It is important for what is to come in the future to trust Jesus for salvation from eternal damnation and separation from him. But it is my belief that faith is Jesus is for more than the afterlife. It is also for more than the hard times. Jesus is always faithful and sees us through the hard times, no doubt. But our everyday, boring, work-eat-sleep lives require faith in Jesus as well.
I also know that I cannot live as Jesus without the power of the Holy Spirit in me. But study of Jesus life will reveal to me the things he did and the words he spoke. It gives the Spirit something to work with, so to speak.
And there in Matthew 3, Jesus goes out to John the Baptist to be baptized. John was baptizing for repentance, something Jesus never had to do. He had no sin to repent of. And yet there we find Jesus submitting himself to what we must do in order to fulfill all righteousness.
I pondered this attitude of Jesus. The Message says it like this, "God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." In other words, this is the beginning of something we've all been waiting for.
The story of redemption began to climax at that moment. God sent his Spirit, like a dove, down to Jesus. He told all who were listening that this was his son and he is very happy with him. From there, Jesus entered the wilderness to face his trials.
It was a first step for Jesus and for mankind. Repentance and baptism were new ideas for the Israelites. Even the leaders of the Israelites were trying to get in on it. This repentance and baptism made the pathway to your heart straight for Jesus.
Jesus did what his fellow man was doing. He did not place himself in a place of stature as he had every right to do. But he let a fiery madman from the wilderness put him under water as a sign of repentance. Humility. In doing this, he pleased his Father.
If Jesus was not too good to take part in baptism, what about us? We actually have sins to repent from, and yet we so often ignore them. Then we wonder why we have a hard time hearing God. When God called and spoke, Jesus heard him because nothing was in the way. Lesson number one from Jesus, keep sin as far away as you can. When you fall, repent and make the pathway straight.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Fear of God
3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
Matthew 2:3
Focus not on King Herod here. See the latter part of the verse. All Jerusalem, the one's expecting the Messiah, were disturbed. Or as the Message puts it, they were terrified. Why?
Change. It was in the air. Scholars from the east, men of great learning had come to find this new king and pay homage. The Jews knew that a new way of life was at hand. In their own interpretations, a war was at hand. There would be a king for the Jews who would set up an earthly kingdom, but their captors must fall first.
The name of God carries power. For centuries politicians have used the name of God to manipulate people and gain favor. Taking the name of God in vain, armies murdered and killed those who would not confess Jesus is Lord. Many sins have been committed under the umbrella of holiness. But Satan is a great deceiver.
Because of the power associated with God's name and the abuse of that power over the years, there still remains a fear of God. It manifests itself differently. People now do not fight, but deny that there even is a God. Absolute truth is seen as a pipe dream. Fear that God will take away what we love in our lives convinces people to just look away from him.
We live in a time that is closer to Jesus' return than any in history. Now with Sharon dying in Israel, any hope of peace without intervention is gone. Knowing that we could be at the end of the world, that a great change could be in effect, how do you feel? There are arguments of when we'll be taken up, when there will be the Great Tribulation, or whether that's even a right interpretation. I don't mean to put doubts in your mind, Jesus will return when it's time. Only God knows that. But peace and salvation do not rest in the events of the end times. These things are from God and God alone. So how do you feel? Are you terrified? I'd say that's a bit of a natural reaction. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. It's all in how you react to that fear...
Matthew 2:3
Focus not on King Herod here. See the latter part of the verse. All Jerusalem, the one's expecting the Messiah, were disturbed. Or as the Message puts it, they were terrified. Why?
Change. It was in the air. Scholars from the east, men of great learning had come to find this new king and pay homage. The Jews knew that a new way of life was at hand. In their own interpretations, a war was at hand. There would be a king for the Jews who would set up an earthly kingdom, but their captors must fall first.
The name of God carries power. For centuries politicians have used the name of God to manipulate people and gain favor. Taking the name of God in vain, armies murdered and killed those who would not confess Jesus is Lord. Many sins have been committed under the umbrella of holiness. But Satan is a great deceiver.
Because of the power associated with God's name and the abuse of that power over the years, there still remains a fear of God. It manifests itself differently. People now do not fight, but deny that there even is a God. Absolute truth is seen as a pipe dream. Fear that God will take away what we love in our lives convinces people to just look away from him.
We live in a time that is closer to Jesus' return than any in history. Now with Sharon dying in Israel, any hope of peace without intervention is gone. Knowing that we could be at the end of the world, that a great change could be in effect, how do you feel? There are arguments of when we'll be taken up, when there will be the Great Tribulation, or whether that's even a right interpretation. I don't mean to put doubts in your mind, Jesus will return when it's time. Only God knows that. But peace and salvation do not rest in the events of the end times. These things are from God and God alone. So how do you feel? Are you terrified? I'd say that's a bit of a natural reaction. Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. It's all in how you react to that fear...
Thursday, January 05, 2006
God With Us
23"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel," which translated means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23
Do you have any idea what that means? God with us. At that time, it was as literal as you can get. God was with us in that he had flesh and bone. He felt pain and pleasure and could laugh. He spoke in words we could understand. And had we been there, we could have looked on the face of God without dying. God is with us.
And we still call him by that name. We can still claim that God is with us. He sent his Holy Spirit, a part of himself that lacks nothing in being God.
Yesterday, I pondered this amazing thought. When the time came to pick up my daughter from school, I still had it in my head and heart. I parked on the east side of the school, as I usually do. As I got out of the car, I realized how real the moment was. There's about 40 yards of sidewalk and grass between me and the door. As I walked it, I looked to my right to see Jesus walking beside me. I heard the crisp dry grass crunching under his shoes. He wore a faded pair of jeans and a solid color t-shirt, weathered from use. He had the middle-class American look, hair pulled back into a pony tail and a beard. And on his face was a smile. It wasn't one of those glaring, look at my teeth, smiles. It was that look someone gets when they have known something for a while and you are just figuring it out. A grin. He waved at the little brothers and sisters who were sitting in the cars waiting for their siblings to come out. He shook the hands of fathers standing alone in the yard.
It only lasted a short time. But that is Jesus. He is God with us. He is with us in such banal moments as these. How many times have I picked Jewel up from school and not remembered that 40 yard walk? I will remember yesterday. Jesus is with us in the hard times, sure. He is there when we celebrate. He is with us without ceasing. In the moments we fold laundry he sits next to us. When we lose a close friend or family member, he sits anticipating our prayer and grief. As the sun sets on another lonely day, he wants our company. All we have to do is realize, make him real to ourselves.
Jesus is so much more than a spiritual entity. He's a friend. He's more real than we can know. That is God. With us. Never without us. Do you realize what that means?
Do you have any idea what that means? God with us. At that time, it was as literal as you can get. God was with us in that he had flesh and bone. He felt pain and pleasure and could laugh. He spoke in words we could understand. And had we been there, we could have looked on the face of God without dying. God is with us.
And we still call him by that name. We can still claim that God is with us. He sent his Holy Spirit, a part of himself that lacks nothing in being God.
Yesterday, I pondered this amazing thought. When the time came to pick up my daughter from school, I still had it in my head and heart. I parked on the east side of the school, as I usually do. As I got out of the car, I realized how real the moment was. There's about 40 yards of sidewalk and grass between me and the door. As I walked it, I looked to my right to see Jesus walking beside me. I heard the crisp dry grass crunching under his shoes. He wore a faded pair of jeans and a solid color t-shirt, weathered from use. He had the middle-class American look, hair pulled back into a pony tail and a beard. And on his face was a smile. It wasn't one of those glaring, look at my teeth, smiles. It was that look someone gets when they have known something for a while and you are just figuring it out. A grin. He waved at the little brothers and sisters who were sitting in the cars waiting for their siblings to come out. He shook the hands of fathers standing alone in the yard.
It only lasted a short time. But that is Jesus. He is God with us. He is with us in such banal moments as these. How many times have I picked Jewel up from school and not remembered that 40 yard walk? I will remember yesterday. Jesus is with us in the hard times, sure. He is there when we celebrate. He is with us without ceasing. In the moments we fold laundry he sits next to us. When we lose a close friend or family member, he sits anticipating our prayer and grief. As the sun sets on another lonely day, he wants our company. All we have to do is realize, make him real to ourselves.
Jesus is so much more than a spiritual entity. He's a friend. He's more real than we can know. That is God. With us. Never without us. Do you realize what that means?
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
A Balance of Grace and Action Through Faith
I've been thinking about what I wrote this morning. God is not a God of confusion. Anything like that that sets in is not from Him. One thing that I wrote has stuck in my mind and I hope to grow this concept. But I want some feedback. I wrote that we need a balance in our lives, a balance of grace and action through faith. That leads me to say that grace through faith causes change in us. That change that God produces in us causes our actions to bring about change in the world around us. What are your thoughts on this?
Balance
21Jesus looked him hard in the eye--and loved him! He said, "There's one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me." Mark 10:21
The last few days I've thought about and written about living what we believe. I am afraid that I sound so legalistic sometimes when I get in this mode. And then I am even more afraid to water down what I read in scripture.
The truth is so simple and yet we tend to make it so complicated. Jesus died for us. He gave all he had, not so that we wouldn't have to, but so that he could be with us. Once we choose to follow Jesus, I think we get the same message from Jesus that the rich young ruler did in Mark 10. We are told to sell our wealth, and give what we have to those who need it.
Our wealth may not be money. Wealth is that thing that gives you worth. Maybe it's a coin collection. It could be your friends or your family. The truth is, anything could hold you back from following Jesus, even your religion. Jesus saves us from sin and from the effects, but what he does is just open the door for us. We have to follow him through the portal. And the portal is narrow. It looks to be the size of a needle's eye. The more we try to carry through it, the less likely we'll be able to get there.
Faith is Jesus saves the soul and gives it a place in the book of life. But to save the life the faith must be exercised, trusting God that undressing our life of the things that hold us back is the best thing we can do.
So is it necessary for our salvation to sell all we have And give it to the poor? No. Is it asked of us? I'm pretty sure that it is. The question now is the same the disciples asked once the young ruler walked away from Jesus. Who has any chance of letting go of their life to get through?
Jesus' reply was, "None. Not if you think you can do it on your own." Do you want to let go of what is holding you back? Do you want the full potential of God's kingdom on earth in you as it is in heaven? If so, then turn your face to God and ask him what it is that holds you back. Then listen. He'll reveal it in time, in the small whisper. God will show you your walls and will provide the means to get them down.
Our lives must be a balance of grace and action based on faith. That seems to be where we get lost. We either rely too much on ourselves and over do it, or we lean too much on God's grace and take no action to rid our lives of our sin. I hope we can let God show us the balance.
The last few days I've thought about and written about living what we believe. I am afraid that I sound so legalistic sometimes when I get in this mode. And then I am even more afraid to water down what I read in scripture.
The truth is so simple and yet we tend to make it so complicated. Jesus died for us. He gave all he had, not so that we wouldn't have to, but so that he could be with us. Once we choose to follow Jesus, I think we get the same message from Jesus that the rich young ruler did in Mark 10. We are told to sell our wealth, and give what we have to those who need it.
Our wealth may not be money. Wealth is that thing that gives you worth. Maybe it's a coin collection. It could be your friends or your family. The truth is, anything could hold you back from following Jesus, even your religion. Jesus saves us from sin and from the effects, but what he does is just open the door for us. We have to follow him through the portal. And the portal is narrow. It looks to be the size of a needle's eye. The more we try to carry through it, the less likely we'll be able to get there.
Faith is Jesus saves the soul and gives it a place in the book of life. But to save the life the faith must be exercised, trusting God that undressing our life of the things that hold us back is the best thing we can do.
So is it necessary for our salvation to sell all we have And give it to the poor? No. Is it asked of us? I'm pretty sure that it is. The question now is the same the disciples asked once the young ruler walked away from Jesus. Who has any chance of letting go of their life to get through?
Jesus' reply was, "None. Not if you think you can do it on your own." Do you want to let go of what is holding you back? Do you want the full potential of God's kingdom on earth in you as it is in heaven? If so, then turn your face to God and ask him what it is that holds you back. Then listen. He'll reveal it in time, in the small whisper. God will show you your walls and will provide the means to get them down.
Our lives must be a balance of grace and action based on faith. That seems to be where we get lost. We either rely too much on ourselves and over do it, or we lean too much on God's grace and take no action to rid our lives of our sin. I hope we can let God show us the balance.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Lies
44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! John 8:43-45
The first deception has been the most debilitating one for us. The one that said if we eat of the fruit we will not surely die. And we buy it every day hook, line, and sinker. The fruit being temptation, or rather the embodiment of the actual sin. It is the knowledge of evil. It is that one single law that told us what sin was, but without the partaking of it we would never truly know what evil felt like. Sadly, evil is what our flesh craves. In some strange way, our flesh enjoys death.
I speak of true death, not the ceasing of bodily functions. It is true death that we were lied to about. True death is separation from life. Much like a breathing machine in hospitals that keep bodily tissues fed and pumping, God is our own life support. Eating the fruit separates us from that life and we spend the rest of our time trying to find it again.
And the lies come. This drug will give you back your life. This movie will make you alive. This theology will bring it all back for you. You can do it all yourself. You don't need God. He just created you and left you to sin.
Most of the time the lies aren't so easily recognized. They come disguised in the form of tiredness, hunger, thirst, boredom. Anything will do as long as we feed the flesh and kill our spirit. That is why we must kill the flesh, die to it, every day. Only then can we find life. But avoiding the pleasures of the flesh isn't going to give you life. Fast all you want, but leacing the gaping hole will only invite more temptation, more lies.
To regain life you must accept the Truth and believe it. Die to the flesh and run to Jesus. There is life. That is why Jesus is called the way, the truth and the life. Nothing else will work. Not any religion. No magic formula with seven steps. Not even 12 steps will give you life. Only Jesus. Only Jesus.
Satan murders not by sword or by bullet, but by deception. He knows where real life comes from. He'll do anything to keep you from it. Even if you were to live in your body for eternity, he would'nt try to kill it. He'd just find a way to keep you from true life. As long as your spirit is dead, his job is done.
So avoid the lies. Ask God for wisdom to recognize them. And don't worry about tasting unkown fruits. Once you've tasted, you've had your reward. Wait on the Lord, oh my soul.
The first deception has been the most debilitating one for us. The one that said if we eat of the fruit we will not surely die. And we buy it every day hook, line, and sinker. The fruit being temptation, or rather the embodiment of the actual sin. It is the knowledge of evil. It is that one single law that told us what sin was, but without the partaking of it we would never truly know what evil felt like. Sadly, evil is what our flesh craves. In some strange way, our flesh enjoys death.
I speak of true death, not the ceasing of bodily functions. It is true death that we were lied to about. True death is separation from life. Much like a breathing machine in hospitals that keep bodily tissues fed and pumping, God is our own life support. Eating the fruit separates us from that life and we spend the rest of our time trying to find it again.
And the lies come. This drug will give you back your life. This movie will make you alive. This theology will bring it all back for you. You can do it all yourself. You don't need God. He just created you and left you to sin.
Most of the time the lies aren't so easily recognized. They come disguised in the form of tiredness, hunger, thirst, boredom. Anything will do as long as we feed the flesh and kill our spirit. That is why we must kill the flesh, die to it, every day. Only then can we find life. But avoiding the pleasures of the flesh isn't going to give you life. Fast all you want, but leacing the gaping hole will only invite more temptation, more lies.
To regain life you must accept the Truth and believe it. Die to the flesh and run to Jesus. There is life. That is why Jesus is called the way, the truth and the life. Nothing else will work. Not any religion. No magic formula with seven steps. Not even 12 steps will give you life. Only Jesus. Only Jesus.
Satan murders not by sword or by bullet, but by deception. He knows where real life comes from. He'll do anything to keep you from it. Even if you were to live in your body for eternity, he would'nt try to kill it. He'd just find a way to keep you from true life. As long as your spirit is dead, his job is done.
So avoid the lies. Ask God for wisdom to recognize them. And don't worry about tasting unkown fruits. Once you've tasted, you've had your reward. Wait on the Lord, oh my soul.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Derek Webb
I am a great fan of Derek Webb. You may know his voice from the band Caedmon's Call. For the past several years, he's been a solo artist. Now with about four albums under his belt, he is as powerful a song writer as there is in the Christian community. The thing that I love about his songs is that they are honest and double edged. You won't hear his music on Air1 for some reason. Maybe because it is sometimes brutal in its honesty. One of his albums is a live recording from his first solo tour. Titled "House Show," it is just him and his guitar singing his songs as well as one from Bob Dylan and a Caedmon's song. Dispersed among the songs are teachings from him that will cut straight to the heart. The faint of heart need not apply.
One thing that I've noticed is that there are certain cliques in the theological realm. They usually overlap in places. There is a more conservative clique who will sometimes criticize the more liberal clique. And there are others. Sometimes they are defined by their legalism and other times by what they write about. There are authors who write books that are self-help like John Eldridge, and then there are writers who cover theology. Most times you can look on someone's book shelf and tell their ideology by the books they read and the music they listen to. For me, it kind of gives me someone to identify with. For those times when I can't really put my thoughts into words, I'll just say, "Read so-and-so's book, or listen to this album."
All that is said to say, I have not heard anything from Derek Webb that I don't agree with. I can listen to his music and read his writings over and over because they convict and guide me to where my spirit feels I need to be. The following is a link to his site, one of his writings that I like. Check it out and if you have time and like it, read some of the others. I will when I get the opportunity.
http://www.derekwebb.com/writing/index/11
One thing that I've noticed is that there are certain cliques in the theological realm. They usually overlap in places. There is a more conservative clique who will sometimes criticize the more liberal clique. And there are others. Sometimes they are defined by their legalism and other times by what they write about. There are authors who write books that are self-help like John Eldridge, and then there are writers who cover theology. Most times you can look on someone's book shelf and tell their ideology by the books they read and the music they listen to. For me, it kind of gives me someone to identify with. For those times when I can't really put my thoughts into words, I'll just say, "Read so-and-so's book, or listen to this album."
All that is said to say, I have not heard anything from Derek Webb that I don't agree with. I can listen to his music and read his writings over and over because they convict and guide me to where my spirit feels I need to be. The following is a link to his site, one of his writings that I like. Check it out and if you have time and like it, read some of the others. I will when I get the opportunity.
http://www.derekwebb.com/writing/index/11
Every Day
12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
Last night I read a line in a book that goes something like this. "If we're not willing to wake up every morning and die to ourselves, perhaps we should ask ourselves whether or not we are really following Jesus." Those words hit me hard and have dwelled in my mind ever since. I couldn't read any further in the book. Thank God for grace, because there is a place I could never measure up in. But I want to.
I want every day to belong to Jesus. I don't want to waste my time. As I pondered what to write this morning, I saw the verse in Psalm 90. Again, a chord was struck and I feel convicted still. The rest of that chapter speaks of God and time and fear and wrath. Verse 10 says that our life passes quickly and is full of trouble and sorrow. Then we fly away.
A short life span, full of trouble and sorrow. How will we spend it? Will we number our days right? At the risk of sounding like a legalist, I believe that we should be dying every day to ourselves. Our desires and needs need to take a back seat to others. It is hard to do that, though. And yet that is the only sacrifice from us that will please God. We can't earn his favor through our actions. Yet, in Romans we are told to be living sacrifices. And yet it must be real in our hearts, we must truly die to ourselves. Otherwise, we've become religious and like the Israelites, our sacrifices are meaningless and God will find no pleasure in them.
So ask God for teaching to make every day count. Ask him to help you die to yourself. Jesus lived that way and he wants us to learn it. Then, as each day is given over to God and the Holy Spirit works through you, your life will change. You'll see what God can do, not what you can do.
Psalm 90:12
Last night I read a line in a book that goes something like this. "If we're not willing to wake up every morning and die to ourselves, perhaps we should ask ourselves whether or not we are really following Jesus." Those words hit me hard and have dwelled in my mind ever since. I couldn't read any further in the book. Thank God for grace, because there is a place I could never measure up in. But I want to.
I want every day to belong to Jesus. I don't want to waste my time. As I pondered what to write this morning, I saw the verse in Psalm 90. Again, a chord was struck and I feel convicted still. The rest of that chapter speaks of God and time and fear and wrath. Verse 10 says that our life passes quickly and is full of trouble and sorrow. Then we fly away.
A short life span, full of trouble and sorrow. How will we spend it? Will we number our days right? At the risk of sounding like a legalist, I believe that we should be dying every day to ourselves. Our desires and needs need to take a back seat to others. It is hard to do that, though. And yet that is the only sacrifice from us that will please God. We can't earn his favor through our actions. Yet, in Romans we are told to be living sacrifices. And yet it must be real in our hearts, we must truly die to ourselves. Otherwise, we've become religious and like the Israelites, our sacrifices are meaningless and God will find no pleasure in them.
So ask God for teaching to make every day count. Ask him to help you die to yourself. Jesus lived that way and he wants us to learn it. Then, as each day is given over to God and the Holy Spirit works through you, your life will change. You'll see what God can do, not what you can do.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
I am a Christian, but...
January 1st. 2006. A new year. A new opportunity. Will I seize it? Will you? I'm not much of a New Year's Eve kind of guy, so we didn't do too much last night. I'd like to say once more, in reference to the last entry, that I am glad I'm a Christian. God is faithful and just and merciful. He has been our provision in numerous ways, especially in the past few months. It's just that I'd rather be known as a regular guy who has a great friend named Jesus to those who don't know Him. I want to be able to relate. I want to be a relevant Christian.
While I'm on the topic, I'm going to share something that is like a pet peeve of mine. I love my church. I love the people, the sense of love that is there and the conversations we have about life and God. I love my pastor and he is an intelligent and wise man. Here comes the but...But I have this problem of sorts. We have something we call Ignite and Invite. It isn't anything new to me. It is a reminder that we are to ignite relationships with the unchurched and then invite them to the services at our church. I know the heart of my church family. If someone comes to know Jesus, they'd' love to have that person grow and worship and serve alongside them. But if they chose another place to go to church and were faithful, they'd still rejoice. I feel that way, myself. So to me, Ignite and Invite means igniting relationships with those who don't know Jesus and inviting them to know Him. This is done by being Jesus to that person. Even in that I have doubts though. We should never ignite relationships with people with some agenda of converting them or getting them to come to church. It seems like a lie. You can show someone you love them by being a great friend and praying for them. Even let them know you pray for them. But to come with ulterior motives of getting them to know Jesus, as good a thing as that is, it's lying.
So what do we do? Well, as I said in the last entry, we are given a command and a commission. Love God and men more than yourself and make disciples. To me, they are the same thing. Loving people will create disciples. More later as it is time for me to get to church.
While I'm on the topic, I'm going to share something that is like a pet peeve of mine. I love my church. I love the people, the sense of love that is there and the conversations we have about life and God. I love my pastor and he is an intelligent and wise man. Here comes the but...But I have this problem of sorts. We have something we call Ignite and Invite. It isn't anything new to me. It is a reminder that we are to ignite relationships with the unchurched and then invite them to the services at our church. I know the heart of my church family. If someone comes to know Jesus, they'd' love to have that person grow and worship and serve alongside them. But if they chose another place to go to church and were faithful, they'd still rejoice. I feel that way, myself. So to me, Ignite and Invite means igniting relationships with those who don't know Jesus and inviting them to know Him. This is done by being Jesus to that person. Even in that I have doubts though. We should never ignite relationships with people with some agenda of converting them or getting them to come to church. It seems like a lie. You can show someone you love them by being a great friend and praying for them. Even let them know you pray for them. But to come with ulterior motives of getting them to know Jesus, as good a thing as that is, it's lying.
So what do we do? Well, as I said in the last entry, we are given a command and a commission. Love God and men more than yourself and make disciples. To me, they are the same thing. Loving people will create disciples. More later as it is time for me to get to church.
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