Friday, October 5, 2012
Waters Though Deep Not So Strong
Struggle. What would life be without struggle? Easy, smooth sailing, right?. Yet if it weren't for the struggle, why would we need God?
I've been reminded of that reality lately, how much I need God in fact. How much He alone is the source of all that is needed. I somehow thought entering into marriage that the needs I carried with me every day, would somehow miraculously be met by the one now walking by my side. Boy did I ever set her up for failure. The truth of the matter is, she can do everything she possibly can, and I'll still have needs.
The truth of Who I need to look to to meet the deeper needs is what has helped me surge up from beneath the wave and gasp the cool clean air of truth. Truth regarding my inner nature, and the work the Holy Spirit still has to do. Truth about where my eyes need to be fixed. Truth about what she can and cannot do for me. Truth about what I need to do and how my own expectations need to be adjusted.
It's often a tough pill to swallow, but it's ultimately GOOD! God is good. God is good through struggle and through sunshine. It's all a matter of perspective. Am I looking up, or around?
Where are you looking?
I've been reminded of that reality lately, how much I need God in fact. How much He alone is the source of all that is needed. I somehow thought entering into marriage that the needs I carried with me every day, would somehow miraculously be met by the one now walking by my side. Boy did I ever set her up for failure. The truth of the matter is, she can do everything she possibly can, and I'll still have needs.
The truth of Who I need to look to to meet the deeper needs is what has helped me surge up from beneath the wave and gasp the cool clean air of truth. Truth regarding my inner nature, and the work the Holy Spirit still has to do. Truth about where my eyes need to be fixed. Truth about what she can and cannot do for me. Truth about what I need to do and how my own expectations need to be adjusted.
It's often a tough pill to swallow, but it's ultimately GOOD! God is good. God is good through struggle and through sunshine. It's all a matter of perspective. Am I looking up, or around?
Where are you looking?
Saturday, August 4, 2012
"Old Name-New Meaning" Part 2
Hello Friends,
I trust you are each enjoying a restful Sabbath/Saturday/weekend. As the title suggests, this is part two of the series; a series in which we will examine what it means to be a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N.
In quick review, last week focused on the purpose for the series, and an examination of the 'C' letter of the above word. When speaking about Christians we are first and foremost "Christ-Followers". A relationship is important when it comes to becoming a follower of Jesus. How you choose to spend time will impact how deep the relationship goes. This week we will focus on the the letter:
H---
Breath. Whether you realize it or not, breathing makes up a pretty major portion of our lives. In fact, without the ability to breathe we could not live (no, I am not looking to be picked apart by literal minds. You'll get the point soon). But breathing is merely the outward manifestation of something deeper. Yes, the lungs work together with blood and other areas of the body to supply oxygen to our extremities, but the key organ that works ceaselessly for us to breathe would be none-other than the heart. Scripture talks about guarding this most precious of organs, because from it springs the wells of life (Prvbs. 4:23). Not only is this a literal interpretation, but it has spiritual implications. When it comes to being a Christian it means we have undergone surgery to that most important organ of our lives. Not just any surgery. Being a follower of Jesus means we have undergone a heart-transplant.
Think about it. If you didn't have a heart, could you even function? Now take that thought and apply it to your spiritual walk. Could you even function spiritually? I think not. How many of us are actually walking around without our hearts (none of us I hope!)? Whether you realize it or not, when you've become a follower of Jesus, you've given Him permission to remove your old heart, and to replace it with a heart that beats in sync with His. Whether this is an instantaneous event, or it is a life-time process, I really am not sure. In Ezekiel scripture talks about removing the heart of stone and giving us a heart of flesh, but I'm not sure if that means it is immediate (sanctification in our lives certainly appears to be a process, but I'm not sure if I would say sanctification and a heart-transplant are the same thing). In fact, now that I think more about it, they are not the same. [clarification: sanctification and the granting of a new heart are not the same thing] What does the reality of being given a new heart mean in our everyday lives?
One implication is that of loving what God loves. No longer are we driven for merely what gives us pleasure or enjoyment, but for what pleases Jesus. Life is no longer about what makes me feel good, but what makes my Heavenly Father feel good (from what does He derive pleasure). This perspective is so totally counter-cultural that it is literally out of this world (pun intended). The heart is what keeps us going, but what are we going towards? Something that will benefit us, or something that will please the heart of God? Who has control of your heart? Have you tried to wrest back control and sought to prevent the Master from removing that which you hold most dear? Being a follower of Jesus means we are willing to climb onto that surgery table, lay our hands by our sides and say, "Hack away".
My prayer is that I will never say no to the work of the Master in my own life. After all, the heart that beats in me is no longer my own "for I have been bought with a price" (1 Cor. 6:20).
How does one learn more of what God loves? As one spends time with Jesus, you will learn more and more both of what pleases Him, but also what grieves Him. Reading and meditating on scripture is another way of feeling the heart-beat of God. If you listen, God allows one to hear, and if you are seeking, God allows one to see.
May this thought strengthen and encourage each one of you as you seek to follow Jesus, and shed your light as his ambassadors to those around you. Until next time.
I trust you are each enjoying a restful Sabbath/Saturday/weekend. As the title suggests, this is part two of the series; a series in which we will examine what it means to be a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N.
In quick review, last week focused on the purpose for the series, and an examination of the 'C' letter of the above word. When speaking about Christians we are first and foremost "Christ-Followers". A relationship is important when it comes to becoming a follower of Jesus. How you choose to spend time will impact how deep the relationship goes. This week we will focus on the the letter:
H---
Breath. Whether you realize it or not, breathing makes up a pretty major portion of our lives. In fact, without the ability to breathe we could not live (no, I am not looking to be picked apart by literal minds. You'll get the point soon). But breathing is merely the outward manifestation of something deeper. Yes, the lungs work together with blood and other areas of the body to supply oxygen to our extremities, but the key organ that works ceaselessly for us to breathe would be none-other than the heart. Scripture talks about guarding this most precious of organs, because from it springs the wells of life (Prvbs. 4:23). Not only is this a literal interpretation, but it has spiritual implications. When it comes to being a Christian it means we have undergone surgery to that most important organ of our lives. Not just any surgery. Being a follower of Jesus means we have undergone a heart-transplant.
Think about it. If you didn't have a heart, could you even function? Now take that thought and apply it to your spiritual walk. Could you even function spiritually? I think not. How many of us are actually walking around without our hearts (none of us I hope!)? Whether you realize it or not, when you've become a follower of Jesus, you've given Him permission to remove your old heart, and to replace it with a heart that beats in sync with His. Whether this is an instantaneous event, or it is a life-time process, I really am not sure. In Ezekiel scripture talks about removing the heart of stone and giving us a heart of flesh, but I'm not sure if that means it is immediate (sanctification in our lives certainly appears to be a process, but I'm not sure if I would say sanctification and a heart-transplant are the same thing). In fact, now that I think more about it, they are not the same. [clarification: sanctification and the granting of a new heart are not the same thing] What does the reality of being given a new heart mean in our everyday lives?
One implication is that of loving what God loves. No longer are we driven for merely what gives us pleasure or enjoyment, but for what pleases Jesus. Life is no longer about what makes me feel good, but what makes my Heavenly Father feel good (from what does He derive pleasure). This perspective is so totally counter-cultural that it is literally out of this world (pun intended). The heart is what keeps us going, but what are we going towards? Something that will benefit us, or something that will please the heart of God? Who has control of your heart? Have you tried to wrest back control and sought to prevent the Master from removing that which you hold most dear? Being a follower of Jesus means we are willing to climb onto that surgery table, lay our hands by our sides and say, "Hack away".
My prayer is that I will never say no to the work of the Master in my own life. After all, the heart that beats in me is no longer my own "for I have been bought with a price" (1 Cor. 6:20).
How does one learn more of what God loves? As one spends time with Jesus, you will learn more and more both of what pleases Him, but also what grieves Him. Reading and meditating on scripture is another way of feeling the heart-beat of God. If you listen, God allows one to hear, and if you are seeking, God allows one to see.
May this thought strengthen and encourage each one of you as you seek to follow Jesus, and shed your light as his ambassadors to those around you. Until next time.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
"Old Name-New Meaning" Part 1
As you may have deduced from the title of this post, there will be multiple parts (I apologize for the misleading post of times past that led my readers to believe pictures were imminent. Someday, hopefully). The inspiration for this series of posts stems from my time working for Waterstreet Ministries as their Resident Assistant. While serving in that position one of my responsibilities was to "pinch-hit" for evening chapel partners if, and when, they did not show up. Needless to say, I had to always be ready because I never knew if and when the partners would not show up, which definitely led to some "pins and needles" emotions around 7 p.m. every evening. Occasionally, I had forewarning, but there were definitely times of at 7 p.m. away I'd go! (reminiscent of the 'good old days in Bibleschool' when one was notified they were conducting the next days chapel service the night before--that would have been nice in my case!)
My observations of other partners led me on the following train of thought. Many in the audience are believers and are at various stages in their walk. That fact, combined with the presence of non-believers called for a unique approach in ministering to both present. What better pool of topics than theological terms that have been thrown around (by others) as if everybody knows what they actually mean? I commenced upon a series of talks where I endeavored to simplify deep theological topics that some used as if they were candy. Words such as, "grace" and "saved" were dissected with various media and discussion questions in an effort to make them more understandable and relevant to those present. My own inadequacy in presenting these topics from the "hip" was very evident, as all I had to go on was the thoughts I had been meditating on since the last opportunity to speak (with the occasional forewarning, I was able to spend a little more time in preparation).
Anyway, this topic is a continuation of that series, but instead I want to take one word and dissect it letter by letter (each post will vary in length and depth, and I may even go back and expound deeper as additional insights arise). My goal is that each week I'll write a new post for the following letter using insights learned not only from my past experience at Waterstreet, but also drawing from my current everyday life, the scriptures, and other sources. I trust these posts will be a source of blessing, insight, encouragement, and spur each one of you onto greater heights with God. May each one find the reality of Habakkuk 3:19 true in your own experience (yes, I'm going to make you go read it).
Now, onto the presentation of the word/thought for this post. Appropriate drum-roll please...the word is "Christian" and the theme thought is, "what does it mean to be a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N?"
C---
Tackling the first letter in this word sets the tone for the following letters. I can think of no better 'tone-setting' meaning attached to this letter than that of being a Christian means one must be a Christ-follower. This means there can be no higher object, goal, calling, or life-purpose that is ahead of being a following of Jesus. Nothing in life can or should dissuade, distract, or deter this follower from following Jesus. Believe me, this thought is much easier said, than done. I am not presenting this from the standpoint of one who has achieved, but as one who is in progress. The fact of the matter is, scripture also confirms this thought in the following thought, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." In other words, nothing comes between Jesus and one of his followers. If, and when, something does creep in and sullies or sours the relationship, we must do everything in our power to clear the channels with our Captain. In the new testament Jesus' relationship with his disciples was a great picture of what we should each be striving for here on earth. Disciple is another word meaning follower, which presents us with new insights and appreciation for the twelve called by that name. They were blessed indeed to spend every moment they could with Jesus!
Another important point needed at this juncture is to clarify a monumental need for a follower of Jesus in fact, one can not be a follower of Jesus without this important need: that of relationship. In an effort to boil it down to its essence, being a Christian means one has a relationship with Jesus Christ. It also means that a believer has a relationship with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. (I apologize if at this point confusion has been introduced, rather than clarified. Please bear with me to my point). The point is this, we as human beings can understand what a relationship is. Whether it be family relationships, relationships with friends, neighbors, acquaintances, enemies or whomever, we all can understand what it means to have a relationship with someone else here on earth. The kicker is, do we understand what it means to have a relationship with the God of the Universe? We seem to think that when it comes to developing a relationship with Jesus, we must re-invent the wheel and create new and fantastical ways of culling that relationship. Let me put it this way. If you were looking to marry someone and spend the rest of your life with that individual, wouldn't you want to spend some time getting to know them? That's the answer! Time. Yes, you really do have time, it's just a matter of how you choose to use it. Our inner being screams for that which we cannot find in others, yet we can find in God; meaning, purpose, and satisfaction. With that truth reverberating through your eyes, I think the petty excuse for why you can not spend time with Jesus should be just about turned to ashes in your mouth. Dry cisterns can't hold water so stop trying to build them. Developing a relationship with Jesus will cause a fount of living water to spread from you out to others. I think that choice has been clarified sufficiently.
This is an insight that has been clarified for me recently. When I was in Bible school in NH one of my sagacious teachers shared with me a tidbit of wisdom that I've remembered ever since. He shared with me how he loved Sabbath (Saturday) mornings because he could get up and spend time with God, without any time limit to that communion. I've recently felt very spiritually thirsty, and I've recognized that I've been short-changing Jesus in my own life, so I sought to put that thought into practice. It was incredible!
In summary, first and foremost being a Christian means one is a following of Jesus Christ or a "Christ-follower". Similarly to what it takes to develop a relationship with someone else here on earth, it takes time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. Time that is well spent! Until next time.
My observations of other partners led me on the following train of thought. Many in the audience are believers and are at various stages in their walk. That fact, combined with the presence of non-believers called for a unique approach in ministering to both present. What better pool of topics than theological terms that have been thrown around (by others) as if everybody knows what they actually mean? I commenced upon a series of talks where I endeavored to simplify deep theological topics that some used as if they were candy. Words such as, "grace" and "saved" were dissected with various media and discussion questions in an effort to make them more understandable and relevant to those present. My own inadequacy in presenting these topics from the "hip" was very evident, as all I had to go on was the thoughts I had been meditating on since the last opportunity to speak (with the occasional forewarning, I was able to spend a little more time in preparation).
Anyway, this topic is a continuation of that series, but instead I want to take one word and dissect it letter by letter (each post will vary in length and depth, and I may even go back and expound deeper as additional insights arise). My goal is that each week I'll write a new post for the following letter using insights learned not only from my past experience at Waterstreet, but also drawing from my current everyday life, the scriptures, and other sources. I trust these posts will be a source of blessing, insight, encouragement, and spur each one of you onto greater heights with God. May each one find the reality of Habakkuk 3:19 true in your own experience (yes, I'm going to make you go read it).
Now, onto the presentation of the word/thought for this post. Appropriate drum-roll please...the word is "Christian" and the theme thought is, "what does it mean to be a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N?"
C---
Tackling the first letter in this word sets the tone for the following letters. I can think of no better 'tone-setting' meaning attached to this letter than that of being a Christian means one must be a Christ-follower. This means there can be no higher object, goal, calling, or life-purpose that is ahead of being a following of Jesus. Nothing in life can or should dissuade, distract, or deter this follower from following Jesus. Believe me, this thought is much easier said, than done. I am not presenting this from the standpoint of one who has achieved, but as one who is in progress. The fact of the matter is, scripture also confirms this thought in the following thought, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." In other words, nothing comes between Jesus and one of his followers. If, and when, something does creep in and sullies or sours the relationship, we must do everything in our power to clear the channels with our Captain. In the new testament Jesus' relationship with his disciples was a great picture of what we should each be striving for here on earth. Disciple is another word meaning follower, which presents us with new insights and appreciation for the twelve called by that name. They were blessed indeed to spend every moment they could with Jesus!
Another important point needed at this juncture is to clarify a monumental need for a follower of Jesus in fact, one can not be a follower of Jesus without this important need: that of relationship. In an effort to boil it down to its essence, being a Christian means one has a relationship with Jesus Christ. It also means that a believer has a relationship with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. (I apologize if at this point confusion has been introduced, rather than clarified. Please bear with me to my point). The point is this, we as human beings can understand what a relationship is. Whether it be family relationships, relationships with friends, neighbors, acquaintances, enemies or whomever, we all can understand what it means to have a relationship with someone else here on earth. The kicker is, do we understand what it means to have a relationship with the God of the Universe? We seem to think that when it comes to developing a relationship with Jesus, we must re-invent the wheel and create new and fantastical ways of culling that relationship. Let me put it this way. If you were looking to marry someone and spend the rest of your life with that individual, wouldn't you want to spend some time getting to know them? That's the answer! Time. Yes, you really do have time, it's just a matter of how you choose to use it. Our inner being screams for that which we cannot find in others, yet we can find in God; meaning, purpose, and satisfaction. With that truth reverberating through your eyes, I think the petty excuse for why you can not spend time with Jesus should be just about turned to ashes in your mouth. Dry cisterns can't hold water so stop trying to build them. Developing a relationship with Jesus will cause a fount of living water to spread from you out to others. I think that choice has been clarified sufficiently.
This is an insight that has been clarified for me recently. When I was in Bible school in NH one of my sagacious teachers shared with me a tidbit of wisdom that I've remembered ever since. He shared with me how he loved Sabbath (Saturday) mornings because he could get up and spend time with God, without any time limit to that communion. I've recently felt very spiritually thirsty, and I've recognized that I've been short-changing Jesus in my own life, so I sought to put that thought into practice. It was incredible!
In summary, first and foremost being a Christian means one is a following of Jesus Christ or a "Christ-follower". Similarly to what it takes to develop a relationship with someone else here on earth, it takes time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. Time that is well spent! Until next time.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Heart Stopping
No, I am not referring to heart attacks. The title of the post is meant to bring to mind those occasions when your heart leaps within you. Perhaps it is for excitement, joy, surprise, or other emotions along the spectrum. Make sense? When was the last time your heart leaped within you? If you dare, tell me about it. I'm thinking of those things as positive occasions, not necessarily negative, but share whatever you feel like along those lines.
Recently a group of young men have been banding together and seeking how God can be actively working in our hearts and lives. I've really been encouraged to see the work God has been doing in the lives of these men and it has been an equal challenge to me to make sure I am "up-to-date- with God." One of the suggestions made was to be seeking God and in prayer over a potential overseas trip together as a group of men. Boy, did that kick the ticker into high gear!! I love to travel, I love the Lord, and I love the land of Israel! What better way to make my heart rejoice than to combine all three of those ideas into one. It is still a long ways away, but even the thought of it reignites the excitement I have in my own heart for that idea. I'm not sure I could even definitely pinpoint all the emotions that flit through my brain over that prospect, but I'll name one.
I think the majority of my excitement stems from others catching the vision of leadership, and seeking how they can be preparing themselves to take up that mantle themselves. I am assured that I am not alone in this preparation process and that others are also catching the vision and throwing their hearts into it. That is really encouraging! Sometimes I chafe at the slow preparation process I am undergoing, but I have to recognize that my education will only seek to enhance any future ministry. I shouldn't chafe either because ministry has to go on in my own heart and I have a lot of growth steps still to go in my own walk with God.
The story of Gideon in the Bible is applicable in many ways, but a specific verse/thought I'd like to highlight here is "Faint yet pursuing". The time will come.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Hibernation Exit
Well friends, I have a new camera! Technically, I don't have it in my hands, but someone near and dear to me has purchased a Nikon D2X for yours truly. Amazed, blessed, excited, to name just a few of the emotions elicited by this gift of exquisite generosity. Anyway, this post is to reign in that fact and to announce pictures to follow. Not pictures taken from that specific camera (yet), but others I have compiled and I would love to share. In short, I am coming out of my photography hibernation. Seems quite appropriate seeing what season we are in. Keep your eyes peeled...because they are coming soon.
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