For a year we made plans to do a food box ministry, but we never imagined how God would transform our idea into His plan. A plan that was so much bigger than we could have imagined. And a plan from which other ministry would spring.
I recall in Ezra the story of the king of Persia whose spirit God stirred up. God stirred up his spirit in order to accomplish the task of re-building the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. Think about that comment, God stirred up his spirit! Just two years ago, my spirit and the spirit of the people of my congregation's spirits were stirred up. We were stirred like Cyrus the king of Persia to accomplish a task. Our task was to re-build ministry out of the house of the Lord in Crimora. So, we prayed and put together a group of persons who felt called to the "Future Casting Taskforce." Out of that taskforce came several areas of mission. One of those was to buy a couple of boxes from the Angel Food Ministries to give to those we found out were in need. This grew to opening a full fledged food pantry! But, that is another story all together. The story I want to tell here is
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Our Slippery Slopes!
Every parent faces the question of how to teach their children the principles of truth, and truthfulness even when they fear the repercussions of their honesty or confession. Interestingly, even though you spend a lifetime doing the training, following through with the discipline and setting the example for them; there is no guarantee that they will tell the truth, even when they've been caught red-handed. And, I have to say it amazes me what lengths a young person will go through to deny their involvement in something!
I remember one time I came home from work, and began preparing dinner. I noticed the kitchen floor was particularly slippery . . . but, in my rush to get the job done I blew off the fact that I was feeling a bit like Bambi on ice as I moved from the stove to the sink. However, I couldn't blow off the fact that the can of spray "Pam" that was sitting in a pool, when I reached for it, was literally dripping with an oily residue that ran down the side of the can. I couldn't blow off the fact that the rim was swimming in a wet slime, or that the lid was slick and barely sitting on top of the can! So, I knew something was up! It was then that I bent over, felt the floor and noticed a greasy residue on the long open ended kitchen floor. Hmmmm, I "sez" to myself . . . "something is up here!" Well, figuring out that the Pam had been sprayed on the floor and very likely kids had been running from the dining room, into the living room, down the hall and then playing slip-and-slide in the kitchen, didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out! I went into the laundry room and my suspicions were confirmed with 2 pair of greasy bottomed socks in the hamper.
So, at the dining table when everyone was thoroughly enjoying their meal . . . I launched the question that I already knew the answer to. "Can anyone tell me why the kitchen floor is slippery?" I watched as faces bobbed up, eyebrows raised then formed a puzzled look. But, it was their guilty swallows that nearly made me laugh. And, I must say I was NOT surprised by the answers of "huh?" And, "Nope, is it slippery?" I said to them, "Look, I already know what happened, so you both may as well just fess up and remember; honesty is always your best policy!" Do you think that brought forth truth? Not, on your life! After about 10 minutes of crafty denials and sweaty palms (theirs, not mine) I shared with them just what I suspected. Since I shared it with matter-of-fact-ness in my voice, the looks on their faces as I nailed what they'd been up to, was priceless! It was then that they asked if there would be any grace for them if they confess right here and right now. Now, for a parent, this is a dilemma. Did they deserve grace? They didn't confess on being asked the first time. They didn't confess when there was ample opportunity, and they didn't confess until they were cornered and they knew it, and in fact, they hadn't yet confessed . . . they were really trying to weigh their options. So, should the parent extend grace . . . or exact punishment?
As I remember (this was over 12 years ago) I did both. They were given grace since in fact they were willing to come clean with only a lecture, but they did have to mop the floor and clean up that greasy mess in the kitchen cabinet.
I was remembering this event when I read the passage in Proverbs 1:8 & 9 that says:
I realize that discipline IS loving kindness and training our children to be honest and to readily confess our sins, is a hedge of protection that we place around them from the evil world that surrounds them. It was in this moment of reflection that I realize something even greater, and that is this; that God also extends grace AND exacts punishment . . . so that . . . we learn to keep away from evil. I no more like punishment now, than those kids did, then. And I'm not any quicker to admit my wrongdoing than they were. My Heavenly Father knows my motives, my heart, and my attitudes. He knows my love for reputation, my prejudices, and my arrogance. God sees every angle of my unforgivenesses, my grudges and my criticisms. He knows when I try to angle my way out of my responsibility in a matter. He knows when I try to edge out of a "slippery" situation so that I don't have to take any ownership . . . just as those kids had done when having to face their "slippery" slope!
What do I mean when I say that God extends grace and exacts punishment? I mean that when I ask God to forgive me, He does. But, I still reap a harvest of seeds that I've sown. Yet,in His grace, God extends to me the ability to walk through the results of my harvest, and more often than not, He miraculously takes that harvest and uses it for my good and His glory!! Sometimes, I'm blessed enough to have sown some of those seeds on rocky soil, so that they didn't take root and therefore there is little harvest. I'm amazed at how He turns my many situations around, on my behalf. Now that's grace!
I remember one time I came home from work, and began preparing dinner. I noticed the kitchen floor was particularly slippery . . . but, in my rush to get the job done I blew off the fact that I was feeling a bit like Bambi on ice as I moved from the stove to the sink. However, I couldn't blow off the fact that the can of spray "Pam" that was sitting in a pool, when I reached for it, was literally dripping with an oily residue that ran down the side of the can. I couldn't blow off the fact that the rim was swimming in a wet slime, or that the lid was slick and barely sitting on top of the can! So, I knew something was up! It was then that I bent over, felt the floor and noticed a greasy residue on the long open ended kitchen floor. Hmmmm, I "sez" to myself . . . "something is up here!" Well, figuring out that the Pam had been sprayed on the floor and very likely kids had been running from the dining room, into the living room, down the hall and then playing slip-and-slide in the kitchen, didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out! I went into the laundry room and my suspicions were confirmed with 2 pair of greasy bottomed socks in the hamper.
So, at the dining table when everyone was thoroughly enjoying their meal . . . I launched the question that I already knew the answer to. "Can anyone tell me why the kitchen floor is slippery?" I watched as faces bobbed up, eyebrows raised then formed a puzzled look. But, it was their guilty swallows that nearly made me laugh. And, I must say I was NOT surprised by the answers of "huh?" And, "Nope, is it slippery?" I said to them, "Look, I already know what happened, so you both may as well just fess up and remember; honesty is always your best policy!" Do you think that brought forth truth? Not, on your life! After about 10 minutes of crafty denials and sweaty palms (theirs, not mine) I shared with them just what I suspected. Since I shared it with matter-of-fact-ness in my voice, the looks on their faces as I nailed what they'd been up to, was priceless! It was then that they asked if there would be any grace for them if they confess right here and right now. Now, for a parent, this is a dilemma. Did they deserve grace? They didn't confess on being asked the first time. They didn't confess when there was ample opportunity, and they didn't confess until they were cornered and they knew it, and in fact, they hadn't yet confessed . . . they were really trying to weigh their options. So, should the parent extend grace . . . or exact punishment?
As I remember (this was over 12 years ago) I did both. They were given grace since in fact they were willing to come clean with only a lecture, but they did have to mop the floor and clean up that greasy mess in the kitchen cabinet.
I was remembering this event when I read the passage in Proverbs 1:8 & 9 that says:
"By loving kindness and truth, iniquity is purged, and by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil."
I realize that discipline IS loving kindness and training our children to be honest and to readily confess our sins, is a hedge of protection that we place around them from the evil world that surrounds them. It was in this moment of reflection that I realize something even greater, and that is this; that God also extends grace AND exacts punishment . . . so that . . . we learn to keep away from evil. I no more like punishment now, than those kids did, then. And I'm not any quicker to admit my wrongdoing than they were. My Heavenly Father knows my motives, my heart, and my attitudes. He knows my love for reputation, my prejudices, and my arrogance. God sees every angle of my unforgivenesses, my grudges and my criticisms. He knows when I try to angle my way out of my responsibility in a matter. He knows when I try to edge out of a "slippery" situation so that I don't have to take any ownership . . . just as those kids had done when having to face their "slippery" slope!
What do I mean when I say that God extends grace and exacts punishment? I mean that when I ask God to forgive me, He does. But, I still reap a harvest of seeds that I've sown. Yet,in His grace, God extends to me the ability to walk through the results of my harvest, and more often than not, He miraculously takes that harvest and uses it for my good and His glory!! Sometimes, I'm blessed enough to have sown some of those seeds on rocky soil, so that they didn't take root and therefore there is little harvest. I'm amazed at how He turns my many situations around, on my behalf. Now that's grace!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A Vital Life
Vitality . . . what does it mean to be vital? Very Likely, vitality means one thing to one person, while it could be something else altogether different for another. But, isn't it true that every one of us want to be vital? Don't we all want to leave a mark on this world while we are here? Don't we all want to be remembered? And yet, today I heard that we are all just 3 generations from being forgotten! Wow, what a thought . . . to be forgotten about when we're gone. The fact is that we are all going to, soon enough . . . be gone. So, what do we do to insure that we will be remembered?
This past summer, we received from the wife of Wes' cousin, a generational family story. Some of those stories are so interesting and it seemed that the ones that stood out, lasting long enough to be remembered by the older family members, were stories of either the really, really good; or the really, really bad! You know, those scoundrels who broke from tradition, broke the rules, or broke the hearts of family . . . or because they were especially honorable for one thing or another.
But, what about for me? I'm neither really, really good or really, really bad? How am I going to leave my mark on this world? Who will remember me 3 generations for now, and for what? And, is it really important to be concerned about this at all? YES!
Look at the Bible! Certain names stick out and are still remembered as persons of faith . . . but I realize that the Bible proves another thing as well, and that is, that there have been a bazillion persons of faith, who while they lived left a mark on those around them . . . even for several generations . . . whose names never made it into the written text.
So, I think the key is that we live our lives in such a way that we impact the world around us while we are here . . . and that we guarantee Heaven to be our final destination, so that we become one of the "mighty cloud of witnesses" who can intercede for those we leave behind for all of time! That means that while I'm here, on this planet, those things that I think make me vital . . . aren't the things that are "all about me." Rather, that my mind is focused on others and not self. My life is always more vital when I SEE that I am filling a gap in the life of someone else. When I SEE that I am helpful to someone else. When I SEE that I count because of the gifts I bring to those around me . . . the gift of love, the gift of friendship, the gift of faithfulness to those who feel forgotten!
This past summer, we received from the wife of Wes' cousin, a generational family story. Some of those stories are so interesting and it seemed that the ones that stood out, lasting long enough to be remembered by the older family members, were stories of either the really, really good; or the really, really bad! You know, those scoundrels who broke from tradition, broke the rules, or broke the hearts of family . . . or because they were especially honorable for one thing or another.
But, what about for me? I'm neither really, really good or really, really bad? How am I going to leave my mark on this world? Who will remember me 3 generations for now, and for what? And, is it really important to be concerned about this at all? YES!
Look at the Bible! Certain names stick out and are still remembered as persons of faith . . . but I realize that the Bible proves another thing as well, and that is, that there have been a bazillion persons of faith, who while they lived left a mark on those around them . . . even for several generations . . . whose names never made it into the written text.
So, I think the key is that we live our lives in such a way that we impact the world around us while we are here . . . and that we guarantee Heaven to be our final destination, so that we become one of the "mighty cloud of witnesses" who can intercede for those we leave behind for all of time! That means that while I'm here, on this planet, those things that I think make me vital . . . aren't the things that are "all about me." Rather, that my mind is focused on others and not self. My life is always more vital when I SEE that I am filling a gap in the life of someone else. When I SEE that I am helpful to someone else. When I SEE that I count because of the gifts I bring to those around me . . . the gift of love, the gift of friendship, the gift of faithfulness to those who feel forgotten!
"So, even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to all the generations to come."
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Since there is no crying in heaven, do you suppose God cries? God, the creator of the universe who created all humans to experience emotions such as joy, pain, tears, crying, laughter and even anger; do you suppose God feels those feelings? I know He feels anger, and I expect God must feel disappointment . . . often in us, but do you suppose He cries? Tears seem to be pretty important to Him since He stores our every tear!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Disciple Making
Sometimes I wonder about things great and small. Today I was wondering about disciple making. I mean, I know the great commission in Matthew 28 tells us to make disciples. But, it doesn't tell us HOW to make disciples. In fact, there isn't anywhere in the Bible that gives us the formula for making disciples . . . so, how are we supposed to do that? And, why would the greatest designer ever . . . God, give us an instruction and then not tell us how to accomplish it. Here's the great commission . . . see if you agree:
See, no description of how to make a disciple, just instructions on who they are to be . . . all the nations . . . and what we're supposed to do . . . baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; and then teach them to obey all that Jesus commanded. So, I've been wondering . . . if I'm a disciple, and I am, since my baptism . . . have I been doing what I'm supposed to be doing ?
To answer my own question, I started with what the word disciple means. It simply means to be a learner. For Matthew, his understanding of a disciple was one who learned to conform to Christ's examples . . . well, now that's a horse of a different color isn't it! If that is the answer, then we have more examples than we need, on what it means to make or rather be a disciple.
What did Jesus do after all? In Matthew's gospel, Jesus went to the lost sheep, cast out demons, preached good news declaring that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. In Matthew's gospel Jesus was meek, humble, merciful, faithful and persecuted. If the only Jesus we represented to the world was the Jesus of Matthew's gospel . . . wow . . . that alone, would be something to behold wouldn't it!
I wonder, what would I look like to the world, if I sought for lost sheep and I loved those outside the boundaries of the acceptable. Who would I be if I lived as though the Kingdom of Heaven wasn't just coming, but was here right now! And furthermore, what kind of character would I have, that oozed out when the world poked me, if I were humble, meek and merciful? Would that which oozed out of me look like the blood of Christ, instead of a bad attitude, quick temper and sarcasm? You know the stuff of which I speak, right? That stuff that's deep within, but always seems to be on the surface. That ugly stuff we try to hide, but if poked, comes up and out all too quickly!
And finally, don't I have to be a disciple in order to make one? The answer is YES! And being a disciple means that I will be feeding hungry people, dealing with those who are possessed by forces from hell, and loving them. It means that I will be found spending more time with lost sheep than I am with the found. It means that I will be busy with those who need healing, those who are in prisons of their own making and that my character WILL reflect Jesus. It means I am a learner of the nature of Jesus and doing that which I learn.
In light of that, then the idea of making disciples doesn't seem to be so tough. And, in light of Matthew's gospel and Jesus' great commission to us . . . He, Jesus, has already given us all we need to be disciples . . . He gave us Himself!
But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age."
See, no description of how to make a disciple, just instructions on who they are to be . . . all the nations . . . and what we're supposed to do . . . baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; and then teach them to obey all that Jesus commanded. So, I've been wondering . . . if I'm a disciple, and I am, since my baptism . . . have I been doing what I'm supposed to be doing ?
To answer my own question, I started with what the word disciple means. It simply means to be a learner. For Matthew, his understanding of a disciple was one who learned to conform to Christ's examples . . . well, now that's a horse of a different color isn't it! If that is the answer, then we have more examples than we need, on what it means to make or rather be a disciple.
What did Jesus do after all? In Matthew's gospel, Jesus went to the lost sheep, cast out demons, preached good news declaring that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand. In Matthew's gospel Jesus was meek, humble, merciful, faithful and persecuted. If the only Jesus we represented to the world was the Jesus of Matthew's gospel . . . wow . . . that alone, would be something to behold wouldn't it!
I wonder, what would I look like to the world, if I sought for lost sheep and I loved those outside the boundaries of the acceptable. Who would I be if I lived as though the Kingdom of Heaven wasn't just coming, but was here right now! And furthermore, what kind of character would I have, that oozed out when the world poked me, if I were humble, meek and merciful? Would that which oozed out of me look like the blood of Christ, instead of a bad attitude, quick temper and sarcasm? You know the stuff of which I speak, right? That stuff that's deep within, but always seems to be on the surface. That ugly stuff we try to hide, but if poked, comes up and out all too quickly!
And finally, don't I have to be a disciple in order to make one? The answer is YES! And being a disciple means that I will be feeding hungry people, dealing with those who are possessed by forces from hell, and loving them. It means that I will be found spending more time with lost sheep than I am with the found. It means that I will be busy with those who need healing, those who are in prisons of their own making and that my character WILL reflect Jesus. It means I am a learner of the nature of Jesus and doing that which I learn.
In light of that, then the idea of making disciples doesn't seem to be so tough. And, in light of Matthew's gospel and Jesus' great commission to us . . . He, Jesus, has already given us all we need to be disciples . . . He gave us Himself!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Staying The Course
I was reading this morning in the "Message Bible" a passage from Psalms. The first 6 words jumped off the page at me and I knew right then, that these same words have been breathed out of my mouth countless times! Listen to these words.
Teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course! It's the course that's the problem isn't it? I mean, is it a golf course that one must know yardage to the green? Where one must understand the lay of the ball, or the direction of dog-legs and such stuff? Or, it is a race track where the object of the game is to knock as many other speeding cars off the track in an attempt to get ahead, at whatever cost? Perhaps this course the Psalmist is referring to is the course of some trail that is not marked well, with pit-falls along the way, dangers at every turn, and only fit for the most fit, in order to complete!
There are times when it surely feels like God is putting before me one sand trap or hazard after another . . . and my natural inclination is to . . . "GET OFF THIS COURSE!" But, what my spirit tells me is to stay the course, trust God to have His best plans for my life.
It's the enemy that would lie to me and tell me that "yes, even God is out to get you!" What satan doesn't want for me, is to run the race without wavering and complete the course in such a way that when I get to the finish line, I would hear the long awaited words of my Father saying "well done, thy good and faithful servant!"
So . . . if I so badly want to hear those words (and I do) then why do toys and trinkets so easily divert my direction? And why is it that I look everywhere for the wisdom of the Lord except looking to the Lord directly?
Maybe the answer lies in those last few words. Could it be that I have become so casual with God, that I no longer have the kind of awe that I "fear" him? Over the years there has been much teaching and preaching, about us not needing to fear God. That God doesn't want us to be afraid of Him. And I agree . . . but quite possibly we've taken it too far. Could it be that we've moved so far away from any notion of fearing God, that we've actually lost the ability to stand in awe? I realize that in most every angelic encounter with humans, their first words were "be not afraid," but I wonder what the angel might have said if there was no fear, if there was no awe, if there was no surprise at their presence? I realize that being too casual with God, is our first step off the right course, and the first step onto a course set for hell! I realize that any course not set for heaven is a course set for hell. And so, I pray these words again . . . God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course! However, I realize that those life lessons are painful ones. They are lessons that teach me that when I've wandered off course, then I end up in situations of my own making; messes of my own disobedient doing, as though I were barefooted in the desert! Teach me those lessons Lord . . . and may I be a quick learner!
God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me -- my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road to your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me -- promises made to all who fear you. (Psalm119:33ff)
Teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course! It's the course that's the problem isn't it? I mean, is it a golf course that one must know yardage to the green? Where one must understand the lay of the ball, or the direction of dog-legs and such stuff? Or, it is a race track where the object of the game is to knock as many other speeding cars off the track in an attempt to get ahead, at whatever cost? Perhaps this course the Psalmist is referring to is the course of some trail that is not marked well, with pit-falls along the way, dangers at every turn, and only fit for the most fit, in order to complete!
There are times when it surely feels like God is putting before me one sand trap or hazard after another . . . and my natural inclination is to . . . "GET OFF THIS COURSE!" But, what my spirit tells me is to stay the course, trust God to have His best plans for my life.
It's the enemy that would lie to me and tell me that "yes, even God is out to get you!" What satan doesn't want for me, is to run the race without wavering and complete the course in such a way that when I get to the finish line, I would hear the long awaited words of my Father saying "well done, thy good and faithful servant!"
So . . . if I so badly want to hear those words (and I do) then why do toys and trinkets so easily divert my direction? And why is it that I look everywhere for the wisdom of the Lord except looking to the Lord directly?
Maybe the answer lies in those last few words. Could it be that I have become so casual with God, that I no longer have the kind of awe that I "fear" him? Over the years there has been much teaching and preaching, about us not needing to fear God. That God doesn't want us to be afraid of Him. And I agree . . . but quite possibly we've taken it too far. Could it be that we've moved so far away from any notion of fearing God, that we've actually lost the ability to stand in awe? I realize that in most every angelic encounter with humans, their first words were "be not afraid," but I wonder what the angel might have said if there was no fear, if there was no awe, if there was no surprise at their presence? I realize that being too casual with God, is our first step off the right course, and the first step onto a course set for hell! I realize that any course not set for heaven is a course set for hell. And so, I pray these words again . . . God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course! However, I realize that those life lessons are painful ones. They are lessons that teach me that when I've wandered off course, then I end up in situations of my own making; messes of my own disobedient doing, as though I were barefooted in the desert! Teach me those lessons Lord . . . and may I be a quick learner!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Interludes
"These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood."(Genesis 10:32)
"And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. and the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth." (Genesis 11:1-9
I wonder if the sons of the sons of Noah who were "separated on the earth after the flood," (10:32) had any kind of longing to find one another? Did they pine away for their kin? Did they lay under the stars at night wondering about their long-lost loved ones? Did they get a glimpse of a new but familiar face among many and follow them through crowds, even calling their name as I had done so many times?
I remember the last time I saw him. He was pale and thin, his eyes, though sparkling that same "Chad" smile, seemed hollow and somewhat distant, as if longing to run while all the time being found. He was weak from recent surgery but glad to be home and with family.
His phone call and request to retrieve him from the airport came amidst the clamor of family conversation. The giggling of my sister and Granny playing with my two little ones, the men folk chatting on about emissions testing and catalytic converters, and my mother and I preparing the turkey and laughing about the year she stuffed the bird with our favorite sage dressings and . . . oh yes, upon carving it, found the dish rag she had misplaced earlier! How would I know then that would be the last time I would see my brother Chad, who has now gone missing some 20 years.
This interlude (a space of time that connects events) between chapters 10 and 11, the untold story of the separation of the nations and their coming together again in the Plain of Shinar brings me to ponder about the interludes of my own life. The events. The situations. The people and the things that have caused the Lord of Heaven and earth to change my methods and my motives. Those times when God was at work; stirring, churning, moving in my heart and mind. Causing me to be challenged about why I did a particular thing or thought a particular way. Those intersections of events and people that God allowed my life to criss-cross with often affected my position. Many of those times, painful as they were; divorce, loss of friendships, the changing of jobs, the changing of churches, the changing of environment revealed, much about my ambitions and selfishness, which resulted in confession, repentance and pardon. Where would I be today, or better put, who would I be today if God had not intervened in those interludes of my life? Would I still be seeking after a name, or tower, or city for myself as chapter 11 reveals about the sons of Noah?
This family who all spoke the same language, using the same words as though they spoke from one lip, (Gen. 11:1) somehow found one another as they journeyed. This finding of one another caused their journey to stop as though they had found what they were missing. As though they found what they had long been looking for. What was it I wonder, that they had encountered on their journey, their interlude, that made them want or need to make a city for themselves . . . "lest they be scattered over the earth." Or, was it their reunion conversations, that which sparked the idea to build a tower to heaven . . . "lest they be scattered over the earth." Or, was it their fear of the possibility of a future separation, that spawned their ideas of a city and a tower. And, let's not forget their need to make a name for themselves."
Their seemingly noble desire to build a city with a tower that reaches into the heavens rings hollow and clearly underlines their wrong motives when followed by "so that they might make for themselves a name. As if the "lest they be scattered across the whole earth," was an after thought! It does sort of seem like a tag at the end of a statement when one wants to appear more humble, than their statement reveals, doesn't it?
Not only were their motives wrong, but their method of reaching heaven was wrong. Because of the written Word of God, we know there is only one way to heaven and that is by being washed in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb! The question of whether or not they could have succeeded in building a tower that reached heaven, the dwelling place of God, doesn't seem to be the point. The mere fact that they were collectively communicating, sharing the same goal, the same mind, the same drive, and the same ambition, was the thing God wanted stopped. Why? Isn't that a contradiction? Isn't that what Christianity should be about, having the same heart and mind? Why would God want to intervene and foil their plans? The answer certainly lies in their motives. At first blush, it appears their fear of being scattered, is what drove them . . . or was it? It wasn't righteousness and the name of God they wanted exalted, proving again their wrong motives. And those wrong motives brought about "that which they feared the most (Job 3:25) being scattered upon the whole earth.
The lesson for us here is that God would say "give Me your hearts and yourself, not your works or your self-righteousness." God desires that our whole goal in life would be that our lives would bring God glory; neither self-gain, nor glory with our name attached to it! God knows it isn't in the work that one accomplishes that gets one to heaven. It was only in the work He completed through the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, that gets one to heaven.
Looking back, I thank God that He has seen fit to use the people, the things, the places, and the situations during the interludes of my life to change my motives. And this text leaves me with a greater question; do I long for a relationship with God, as much as I do a relationship with those whom I love on this earth? Do I pine away for a deeper commitment to my Master than I do for my brother Chad? Do I search the scriptures for that which reconnects my heart to the one who paid my debt? Do I strive to know God in such a way that when I speak with God, it is as though we speak with one lip? Am I on a treasure hunt for heaven for the right reasons, as though I were searching for a lost and precious treasure? Do you?
(Readers Note: This was written 6 months before my missing brother was reunited with my family after over 20 years!! God is GOOD!!)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Empty Handed To Overflowing!
Ron Mehl in his book "God Works The Night Shift," says
I'm over-matched . . . and believe me, I know it! The amount of ministry going on right now scares me. I'm overwhelmed with the needs in my own congregation, the needs of the people coming through our doors for help, and the needs in my own personal life.
In the margins of my bible, I found a statement Pastor Joel Phillips said way back in the mid '90's. It reads, "if you're not experiencing God's presence and provision in your life, you may not be empty enough!!"
In other words, in order to experience God's fullness, you need to be empty. Empty of self gain, empty of the things that drive us, empty of wrong motives, empty! That's a frightening thought isn't it? The world tells us that if we're empty, something is wrong. However, in God's economy . . . empty is a good place to be. Empty means that we realize we have need. We realize we don't have the power in ourselves to do much of anything! Empty means that we've finally laid down everything we do in our feeble attempts to gain the accolades of men. Empty means that we have admitted to ourselves that anything we can drum up in this life for satisfaction isn't enough to hold us and doesn't bring peace.
Once we get to this place of emptiness, being truly laid bare in the presence of God with empty hands raised high in worship, then we have come to the place to receive from God in a way of being filled to the brim and spilling over. It's in this place of vulnerability, transparency, and hunger that we are filled.
These last couple of weeks my church has been experiencing the provision of God in a new way. We've begun 3 new mission ministries one of which I will highlight here. First, we've opened a food pantry to the public where we buy food from the food-bank and give it away free once a week to those who are in need. Secondly, every Friday, we are providing 2 days worth of food in grocery bags for 117 children in the elementary school free lunch program so that they are guaranteed to have something healthy to eat on the weekend. And, lastly, we are now offering a free after school program for the families of our school district as a means of filling a gap. They lost some funding so, they had to cut back a day of after school care. We picked that day up! With 20 children in the program, it takes a lot of work from a lot of people. These parents are all saving money because of it, which only helps them in this season of economic hardship. But, it's in this time of hardship that churches hurt too, giving is always down, attendance is always in decline and our "bottom line" is affected. The world would say this is NOT a time to take on new projects, especially when these projects have little or no hope of financial return. We are NOT doing this to grow our church, that is the wrong motive! Our intention is just to obey God to be a missional church. But, some would look at our bottom-line and say "you're crazy!" I look at our budget versus our income and say . . . "Lord, God . . . we're running on empty!
Ahhh, but today I realize that running on empty is a gift from God. Running on empty means an outpouring is coming. It means that God's provision and God's presence are in process! As we, enter God's presence we WILL find God's provision!
"I've concluded that the people who move in real strength and power in this world, the people whom God delights to exalt, are those who are over matched in life and know it. It is those who don't know it or refuse to acknowledge it, WHO will eventually find themselves in deep trouble."
I'm over-matched . . . and believe me, I know it! The amount of ministry going on right now scares me. I'm overwhelmed with the needs in my own congregation, the needs of the people coming through our doors for help, and the needs in my own personal life.
In the margins of my bible, I found a statement Pastor Joel Phillips said way back in the mid '90's. It reads, "if you're not experiencing God's presence and provision in your life, you may not be empty enough!!"
In other words, in order to experience God's fullness, you need to be empty. Empty of self gain, empty of the things that drive us, empty of wrong motives, empty! That's a frightening thought isn't it? The world tells us that if we're empty, something is wrong. However, in God's economy . . . empty is a good place to be. Empty means that we realize we have need. We realize we don't have the power in ourselves to do much of anything! Empty means that we've finally laid down everything we do in our feeble attempts to gain the accolades of men. Empty means that we have admitted to ourselves that anything we can drum up in this life for satisfaction isn't enough to hold us and doesn't bring peace.
Once we get to this place of emptiness, being truly laid bare in the presence of God with empty hands raised high in worship, then we have come to the place to receive from God in a way of being filled to the brim and spilling over. It's in this place of vulnerability, transparency, and hunger that we are filled.
These last couple of weeks my church has been experiencing the provision of God in a new way. We've begun 3 new mission ministries one of which I will highlight here. First, we've opened a food pantry to the public where we buy food from the food-bank and give it away free once a week to those who are in need. Secondly, every Friday, we are providing 2 days worth of food in grocery bags for 117 children in the elementary school free lunch program so that they are guaranteed to have something healthy to eat on the weekend. And, lastly, we are now offering a free after school program for the families of our school district as a means of filling a gap. They lost some funding so, they had to cut back a day of after school care. We picked that day up! With 20 children in the program, it takes a lot of work from a lot of people. These parents are all saving money because of it, which only helps them in this season of economic hardship. But, it's in this time of hardship that churches hurt too, giving is always down, attendance is always in decline and our "bottom line" is affected. The world would say this is NOT a time to take on new projects, especially when these projects have little or no hope of financial return. We are NOT doing this to grow our church, that is the wrong motive! Our intention is just to obey God to be a missional church. But, some would look at our bottom-line and say "you're crazy!" I look at our budget versus our income and say . . . "Lord, God . . . we're running on empty!
Ahhh, but today I realize that running on empty is a gift from God. Running on empty means an outpouring is coming. It means that God's provision and God's presence are in process! As we, enter God's presence we WILL find God's provision!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Ornaments Of Faith
But Zion [Jerusalem, her people as seen in captivity] said, The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me. [And the Lord answered] Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands; [O Zion] your walls are continually before Me. Your children and your builders make haste; your destroyers and those who laid you waste go forth from you. Lift up your eyes round about and see [the returning exiles, ready to rebuild Jerusalem]; all these gather together and come to you. As I live, says the Lord, you [Zion] shall surely clothe yourself with them all as with an ornament and bind them on you as a bride does.
Isaiah 49:14-18 (Amplified Version)
As I was reading this passage, the words about mothers, restoration, and ornaments caused me to recall a moment when I was overwhelmed with my life situation. I was depressed and downcast. My heart was heavy and I was full of self-pity . . . until . . . until the presence of God was made real to me by the faith and excitement of a child.
I'll never forget the sadness and anguish that washed over me the year I sat before the small barren Christmas tree propped up in the corner of our little apartment. Because we left a desperate marriage situation with only those things that were "necessary," all our beautiful Christmas decorations were left behind. We had no lights, no tinsel, no garland and no money!
The look on my sons face, amazed me! It was the look of confidence, excitement, and knowing. He exclaimed to his sister five years his junior, how beautiful the tree was, even in it's barrenness . . . but how much more beautiful it will be when "mommy gets the stuff out." But, I knew there was no "stuff."
His eyes were dancing with anticipation. His anticipation caused my imagination to be illumined, shaking me from my self pity and despair; to be present in the moment. I had to be present in the moment because I had a job to do. God called me to be the priest of my home. A priest regardless of the emptiness I felt and regardless of my own pain. I was called to be the priest who ushers in the presence of God. God's presence; that is light in darkness; joy in mourning, and hope in despair. But how Lord? What can I do to show Your everlasting kindness? What can I do to demonstrate Your power to these two little ones whose lives have so recently been shaken? How am I to be faithful with a broken heart, two children; and no cash?
Just then, God illumined my senses. God awoke within me, creativity. At that moment, God breathed life, into the death of divorce, and barren but beautiful Christmas trees!
I instructed, my son to get his paints, markers, and other art supplies while Kimmie ran off to get the foil from the kitchen. I began cutting those empty boxes that remained from our unpacking, into the shapes of the season. Shapes of angels, stars, doves, stockings and round ornaments. The children covered the cardboard cut-outs with the shiny foil, and decorated them with markers, glitter and tubes of T-shirt paint. While they were making decorations, I was cutting out white paper snowflakes and popping corn for stringing.
Then it came . . . the moment when I fully realized that God restores to us those things that we feel have been stolen, and then decorates us as with the ornaments of His promises! It wasn't a lesson for my children . . . it was a lesson for me! In the glow of twinkling lights and "Away In A Manger" playing all around us; we sat with cocoa in hand and a sense of satisfaction, and peace on our faces. Tears filled my eyes sitting in this moment of silence, blurring the colors and sparkle even more beautifully as I gazed upon this tree with ornaments that declare, "with God, all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).
Isaiah declares that God will not forget about us. Instead, God says the things that attempt to "lay us waste," to turn us into rubbish or worthless trash . . . as divorce can; as poverty or loneliness or barrenness can, God uses as ornaments to make beautiful His bride! They are used in our life as "things transformed." Transformed into useful reminders of the very present, active work of God in our lives! As priests, we are promised by God to be remembered by Him since we are tattooed on His hands . . . the very hands that guide our lives . . . the very hands of the potter who is shaping our lives into shapes of the season . . . the season of grace!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A Silent Inhale
"And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; and lo, a voice out of the heavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:16-17
I wonder about the sounds of creation, the day of Jesus' baptism. Was it a day of silence and stillness when it seemed all of creation paused upon it's inhale? You know the kind I speak of, right? An inhale when everything stops and waits; waiting . . . expecting, with it's lungs filled to capacity, frozen in time, and space, as one does when sensing impending pain, anguish, and outcome?
I recall taking my babies to the doctor for an illness that required more than a quick fix such as written prescription of antibiotic. Although I knew what must be done for the sake of the child; for their health and restored wholeness, I also knew the pain that must be endured along with the shock to their little system, as their tiny appendage was invaded by the "stick" of a needle causing them to cry out in pain. In the split seconds before my precious babies body was so necessarily invaded, I inhaled a frozen breath that was held with the grimace of knowing what was to come. Was the sound on the day of Jesus' baptism . . . this same kind of silent, frozen inhale?
Or, was the day filled with the air clapping its hands as it blew through he trees, rustling to attention all of creation, as a crowd would usher onto the stage an anticipated performer, or like an audience responding to the announcement that the "Maestro" of heaven was about to lead a symphony of praise. . . the "Opus Christo" if you will. Were the locusts tuning up with their rapid buzzing? Were the birds practicing their pitch with their chirps, quacks and caws? Was the water licking at the rivers edge in a rhythmic melody? Was all of creation preparing to hear the hymn "This Is My Beloved?" I wonder.
I wonder . . . as Jesus approached the rivers edge, was He drawn in by the inhale . . . or was he moved on by the exhale of the breath of God. Did He know the invasion that was about to come? Humanity needed more than the written prescription of the prophets; but did He know that He . . . the Incarnate Christ; God with us, would soon follow through; filling the prescription, by offering the sacrifice of His blood? His blood being the only sure cure that could restore the world to wholeness, and rightness with God. Did Jesus know that by stepping into the waters of baptism, He would be required to be pierced; an invasion of his humanity; so that His divinity could spill forth? One thing is for sure, whether He knew it at that moment or not, He was willing to be obedient!
And yet, as I think on it . . . isn't that what is required of us as well? That we, in obedience, live out the promises made at our baptism. Promises made to God by us, and the covenantal community of faith surrounding us; that we live our lives in such a way that the divine nature of Christ within us, can be spilled out onto a world that needs the healing, restoring and atoning work of the blood of Christ.
Whether we are drawn by the prevenient inhale of Gods wooing, or if we are nudged on by the sanctifying exhale of God, are we not yet moved? Is God NOT the one who longs for us to be made whole and restored to rightness? And, isn't the promise to be with us, our Helper, our guide in life . . . whether at the times in our life, when God is silent on the inhale . . . or whether at the times in our life, God is a-buzz on the exhale . . . aren't we, at both times, filled with all the necessary abilities we need? And aren't we then, always equipped for the journey?
I realize the affirmation that God gave Jesus "this is my Beloved, in whom I am well pleased," wasn't based on Jesus' performance, since He had not yet performed any great works or a miracle great or small! This affirmation came only to acknowledge who and whose Jesus was, based on that alone . . . comes the affirmation, and it's the same for us!
WOW!! So, now I know that the constant ringing in my ears is much more than "Tinnitus Audible." It's the sound of locusts tuning up and encouraging me. It's the sound of birds chirping out a praise chorus in my ear, it's the sound of all creation spurring me on in the faith, during the inhales and exhales of life!
I wonder about the sounds of creation, the day of Jesus' baptism. Was it a day of silence and stillness when it seemed all of creation paused upon it's inhale? You know the kind I speak of, right? An inhale when everything stops and waits; waiting . . . expecting, with it's lungs filled to capacity, frozen in time, and space, as one does when sensing impending pain, anguish, and outcome?
I recall taking my babies to the doctor for an illness that required more than a quick fix such as written prescription of antibiotic. Although I knew what must be done for the sake of the child; for their health and restored wholeness, I also knew the pain that must be endured along with the shock to their little system, as their tiny appendage was invaded by the "stick" of a needle causing them to cry out in pain. In the split seconds before my precious babies body was so necessarily invaded, I inhaled a frozen breath that was held with the grimace of knowing what was to come. Was the sound on the day of Jesus' baptism . . . this same kind of silent, frozen inhale?
Or, was the day filled with the air clapping its hands as it blew through he trees, rustling to attention all of creation, as a crowd would usher onto the stage an anticipated performer, or like an audience responding to the announcement that the "Maestro" of heaven was about to lead a symphony of praise. . . the "Opus Christo" if you will. Were the locusts tuning up with their rapid buzzing? Were the birds practicing their pitch with their chirps, quacks and caws? Was the water licking at the rivers edge in a rhythmic melody? Was all of creation preparing to hear the hymn "This Is My Beloved?" I wonder.
I wonder . . . as Jesus approached the rivers edge, was He drawn in by the inhale . . . or was he moved on by the exhale of the breath of God. Did He know the invasion that was about to come? Humanity needed more than the written prescription of the prophets; but did He know that He . . . the Incarnate Christ; God with us, would soon follow through; filling the prescription, by offering the sacrifice of His blood? His blood being the only sure cure that could restore the world to wholeness, and rightness with God. Did Jesus know that by stepping into the waters of baptism, He would be required to be pierced; an invasion of his humanity; so that His divinity could spill forth? One thing is for sure, whether He knew it at that moment or not, He was willing to be obedient!
And yet, as I think on it . . . isn't that what is required of us as well? That we, in obedience, live out the promises made at our baptism. Promises made to God by us, and the covenantal community of faith surrounding us; that we live our lives in such a way that the divine nature of Christ within us, can be spilled out onto a world that needs the healing, restoring and atoning work of the blood of Christ.
Whether we are drawn by the prevenient inhale of Gods wooing, or if we are nudged on by the sanctifying exhale of God, are we not yet moved? Is God NOT the one who longs for us to be made whole and restored to rightness? And, isn't the promise to be with us, our Helper, our guide in life . . . whether at the times in our life, when God is silent on the inhale . . . or whether at the times in our life, God is a-buzz on the exhale . . . aren't we, at both times, filled with all the necessary abilities we need? And aren't we then, always equipped for the journey?
I realize the affirmation that God gave Jesus "this is my Beloved, in whom I am well pleased," wasn't based on Jesus' performance, since He had not yet performed any great works or a miracle great or small! This affirmation came only to acknowledge who and whose Jesus was, based on that alone . . . comes the affirmation, and it's the same for us!
WOW!! So, now I know that the constant ringing in my ears is much more than "Tinnitus Audible." It's the sound of locusts tuning up and encouraging me. It's the sound of birds chirping out a praise chorus in my ear, it's the sound of all creation spurring me on in the faith, during the inhales and exhales of life!
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