Last Sunday I had a very humbling and yet thrilling experience when I was asked to peform the baptism of a new believer. It was truly an awesome experience. I was humbled because you never know what role you play in showing or sharing Christ's love with somone else. I had met this young man at "The Porch." It is an area within our church where people can come to talk to someone else about what the Spirit is stirring within them. This guy came out and felt that God was telling Him to follow in obedience. He'd studied the scriptures and recognized that there was always a pattern between confession and being baptized. That day there on The Porch, he confessed Jesus as Savior and decided to wait until the following Sunday to be baptized. What an awesome day it was and what a celebration was occuring in heaven as one of God's children had officially come home.
It caused me to reflect on my own conversion experience. I could remember when I was baptized as a child. I remember my parents letting me make this choice. Yet I did it with all the wrong intentions. I knew it was a requirement to join the church to have been baptized previously. All of my friends were joining church at the allowed age, and so I wanted to as well when I turned that age. Thus, I decided to be baptized. This was merely an outward expression and there was no inward decision that had been made. I no more knew Jesus as my personal Savior than I knew the President of the United States as a friend. To me both were just figures in a story of life.
Fast forward to college. After the death of my brother I began to really question the meaning of life. I looked in many areas for that meaning. Many of them were dead ends. Most were unfulfilling. And at such an appointed time a person from Campus Crusade from Christ that I had gotten to know, pulled me aside in the library and really questioned me about whether I truly knew who Jesus was. He asked some very pointed questions that left impressions - and at the time - some deep wounds as I thought it to be offensive.
Yet, in those wounds it forced me to confront the deeper questions I wasn't facing. Then I really began studying the Bible and truly listening to the words of some of the old hymns that I realized I hadn't confessed and I hadn't obeyed. You see, I confessed to Jesus that I needed him when I was a teenager. I remember exactly when it was on the floor of my bedroom after a Christmas Eve service at church. But I had never told anyone of this decision. After realizing the words of Amazing Grace - were for me and that I hadn't told anyone about "the hour I first believed" I decided it was time. I studied the scriptures and found for myself that confession always comes before baptism in the Bible. Not the other way around. So at the age of 26, I was baptized on October 11, 1999. I remember repeating the great confession that day. Being lowered into the water and being raised out of it feeling completely free and loved. (It was extra special that my precious wife decided to be baptized that day as well so we have that special memory to share for ever as well.)
So as I was preparing to perform the baptism this last Sunday, I was praying and thanking God for the conviction of the Spirit and the strength to obey. I prayed with my new Brother in Christ before the baptism and asked God to help him remember this day for eternity and also to feel the awesome freedom and unconditional love that comes along with our confession of faith. As we stepped into the baptistry it really hit me -the awesomeness of this moment. That God would chose a sinner like me to become his own. And now through this ministry on "The Porch" I had the opportunity to introduce others to my heavenly Father and to be a part of their baptism.
Just to be clear, let me make certain that I do not believe the act of baptism confers salvation on anyone. There is no scriptural evidence to proove this. Yet, confession of Christ is what saves. And the Biblical order of this is confess and be baptized (See Matthew 3:6 for an example). So one is the commitment and one is the ceremony of that commitment. Yet this ceremony is so important. Because it is our chance to publically confess and show others our commitment. There is nothing like public confession to keep us accountable.
As I was lowering this young man into the water, I recited the phrase,
burried in death" and saw the water completely wash over his face. I realized again what that statement actually means. Burried ... forgotten... forgiven... Then I raised him out of the water, I recited, "Raised to new life in Christ" and I saw that as the water rolled off of his face, a huge smile replaced it... and I knew he was feeling this freedom that comes with our obedience.
Why can't we all feel this freedom? This forgiveness? The answer is - we can. Yet many have chosen not to. I urge you, if you don't feel it or if you can't remember - please don't hesitate. God might just be calling you to follow him. Don't wait...
In this season of Thanksgiving... the most important thing you could/should be thankful for is your salvation in Christ. If you haven't already, won't you make this the most memorable Thanksgiving already by telling someone else you've confessed Jesus as Lord of your life?
Followers
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
They're seeking... are you ready??
I mentioned in my previous post about how in the last 4 days, it seems more people are wanting to talk about the Election... but not about the politics but about its significance. This election has provided an opportunity for us all to look deep within us and to challenge what we believe. Whether there were biases about skin color or whether there religious implications to our votes. It seems that everyone has had to challenge something in this election. Regardless of who would have won the election, there would have been nearly half of the country that would have been upset and would have had to find a way to "live with the results" and make peace with the decisions of the people.
Just in the past few days these conversations have centered around several questions. More than once, I've heard people remark that they thought they would feel more relieved than this. When I asked about it, they said they were feeling so much anxiety before the election and thought it was because of all the media hype and constant negative campaigning going on. They had anticipated that once it was over, it would be all better. But it isn't... they are still anxious. (And this was from a few of my friends who supported the winning candidate!) The way I look at it is that we have not been willing to call the "anxiety" we were feeling by the right name. You see we are living in a battle. A battle is going on all around us between good an evil. Let me be very clear, I'm not suggesting one candidate was "Good" and the other "evil." These are human beings and we know that all have fallen short of God's glory. Yet there is a war going on between the goodness of God and the evilness of Satan. As the world's heart grows further from Our Creator's this vacuum becomes greater. How can one deny that things are not getting better when compared against God's goodness? With that said, I think it is important to realize that no election was going to end this battle. It will exist until Jesus returns for His church. I found it humbling how many people outside of the church have never really heard of this and I also found it amazing how calling something by its rightful name often puts it in its place. Evil is evil and can only be defeated by the Blood of the Lamb.
I've also been asked more than once since the election (and ironically never before the election) if I thought God would hold us accountable for our vote. My response to this has been to ask a question and find out what that individual thinks their vote represents. Most people will recognize that a vote is nothing more than an outward sign of an inward decisions or commitments. And then I ask, "Do you think God holds us accountable for our decisions?" This has proven to be an interesting question. Too many people in our world have never truly thought about this. But isn't it true, every day He gives us a chance to decide on things. Some our trivial and some are major issues. Yet each decision gives us a chance to demonstrate our view of the world and our understanding of God. You have a choice to show you're growing and learning with relation for God's plan for you life. So while I sense the question many are really asking is this, "Do you think some people are going to hell because they voted for a certain candidate?" My clear response to this is emphatically, "No. People are going to hell because they have never made a decision to accept Christ to cover their sins." God's Word tells us that. Yet we have a chance to show repentance and allow Jesus to change our worldview and ultimately our outward decisions reflect our inner commitments to Him. So, I do believe God will hold us accountable but it is not our outward vote. It is our inability to recognize our sin that He'll hold us accountable for. Yet I also know that in His Grace, He gave me a way to avoid my destiny by repenting and accepting Christ into my life. We need to be a people of repentance on behalf of our personal and national sins. This is what needs to change first before we have any hope of our government changing.
The other question I've been asked is this, "Aren't you worried about the future?" (This was more in relation to the economy rather than the election.) I cannot lie. I AM concerned. I wonder how many people in the world will go hungry. I wonder why we continue to take away farmer's rights in the US to use technology and modern production practices when we know that there is not enough food to feed the world with the current rate of population growth. I wonder what the world could be like if we would seek relationship instead of religion. I'm concerned that there are people who have a false sense of "goodness" and have not truly experienced God through Jesus. Yet I can honestly say I'm not worried. I know that my faith is secure in Christ. I recall the day I asked Him into my life. I tell others about it regulary. I know He is in control. I know that He has always protected and provided for His Church even in difficulty.
So friends, as your friends are seeking - are you ready? How do you answer the question, "Are you worried?" Where is your faith; in self,or in The Savior? Take care of your own response first... and then be ready because there is a world of confused people out there who are asking questions and need to know the Answer!!
Just in the past few days these conversations have centered around several questions. More than once, I've heard people remark that they thought they would feel more relieved than this. When I asked about it, they said they were feeling so much anxiety before the election and thought it was because of all the media hype and constant negative campaigning going on. They had anticipated that once it was over, it would be all better. But it isn't... they are still anxious. (And this was from a few of my friends who supported the winning candidate!) The way I look at it is that we have not been willing to call the "anxiety" we were feeling by the right name. You see we are living in a battle. A battle is going on all around us between good an evil. Let me be very clear, I'm not suggesting one candidate was "Good" and the other "evil." These are human beings and we know that all have fallen short of God's glory. Yet there is a war going on between the goodness of God and the evilness of Satan. As the world's heart grows further from Our Creator's this vacuum becomes greater. How can one deny that things are not getting better when compared against God's goodness? With that said, I think it is important to realize that no election was going to end this battle. It will exist until Jesus returns for His church. I found it humbling how many people outside of the church have never really heard of this and I also found it amazing how calling something by its rightful name often puts it in its place. Evil is evil and can only be defeated by the Blood of the Lamb.
I've also been asked more than once since the election (and ironically never before the election) if I thought God would hold us accountable for our vote. My response to this has been to ask a question and find out what that individual thinks their vote represents. Most people will recognize that a vote is nothing more than an outward sign of an inward decisions or commitments. And then I ask, "Do you think God holds us accountable for our decisions?" This has proven to be an interesting question. Too many people in our world have never truly thought about this. But isn't it true, every day He gives us a chance to decide on things. Some our trivial and some are major issues. Yet each decision gives us a chance to demonstrate our view of the world and our understanding of God. You have a choice to show you're growing and learning with relation for God's plan for you life. So while I sense the question many are really asking is this, "Do you think some people are going to hell because they voted for a certain candidate?" My clear response to this is emphatically, "No. People are going to hell because they have never made a decision to accept Christ to cover their sins." God's Word tells us that. Yet we have a chance to show repentance and allow Jesus to change our worldview and ultimately our outward decisions reflect our inner commitments to Him. So, I do believe God will hold us accountable but it is not our outward vote. It is our inability to recognize our sin that He'll hold us accountable for. Yet I also know that in His Grace, He gave me a way to avoid my destiny by repenting and accepting Christ into my life. We need to be a people of repentance on behalf of our personal and national sins. This is what needs to change first before we have any hope of our government changing.
The other question I've been asked is this, "Aren't you worried about the future?" (This was more in relation to the economy rather than the election.) I cannot lie. I AM concerned. I wonder how many people in the world will go hungry. I wonder why we continue to take away farmer's rights in the US to use technology and modern production practices when we know that there is not enough food to feed the world with the current rate of population growth. I wonder what the world could be like if we would seek relationship instead of religion. I'm concerned that there are people who have a false sense of "goodness" and have not truly experienced God through Jesus. Yet I can honestly say I'm not worried. I know that my faith is secure in Christ. I recall the day I asked Him into my life. I tell others about it regulary. I know He is in control. I know that He has always protected and provided for His Church even in difficulty.
So friends, as your friends are seeking - are you ready? How do you answer the question, "Are you worried?" Where is your faith; in self,or in The Savior? Take care of your own response first... and then be ready because there is a world of confused people out there who are asking questions and need to know the Answer!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Our response...
Already just a few short days after Election day, I've realized some of the amazing things that are coming about from this election. (I'll make this the focus of this and future posts.) I've talked to several people and have been contacted by friends, co-workers and family members and it seems that everyone has something to say about the recent events. This is a monumental time in our history as a country. I'm thrilled that we can collectively take pride in the fact that we've risen above many of the prejudices that have divided us for too long.
One thing I'm very excited about is the chance that this provides us each to talk about our positions, our dreams and our aspirations. What a positive thing it is to find out really what is on the hearts of those we care about. In just a few short days, I've had a chance to share my "faith story" with many people. It seems for whatever reason (perhaps the election, perhaps the economic recession, and most likely because God is ordaining these conversations) that people are hungry to hear what God is doing in our world. I have to admit not all of these conversations have been productive or uplifting. Some people have been holding so tightly to their bias that they are unwilling to entertain someone else's position much less to pursue a relationship with them. This is what saddens me the most. Because we know truly that all division amongst us comes from The Enemy and not from God.
I'm saddened that so many of my Christian friends are walking around with their heads held low. I can understand that the winning candidate stands in opposition to God's laws in many areas - but God ordains all leaders and our hope is in so much more than a candidate or a president.
I'm saddened that others are behaving as alarmists and already to proclaim God's judgement on our nation. True we do know that standing in opposition of God has never worked in the past but we also know that no one is more powerful than God. And we've also seen from our 2 centuries of democracy that nothing moves quickly in government.
I'm saddended to say that even some of my Christian friends are holding so tightly to their bias that they are putting rules in front of relationship with others as they are talking with them. What we must realize in this hour is that religion will never save the world. The more we hold to doctrinal differences show division amongst the Church, the more people stumble who are truly searching for something stable in the source of strife. We know ultimately that the only thing that will provide this stability in someone's life is a relationship with Christ. Yet, if we don't seek relationship first and only hold on to religion or rules, we will never have a relationship with others and likely they will never see Christ. Just in the last few days, I have been told that this church or that denomination is right and this church or denomination is wrong. I've been corrected for studying the Bible incorrectly. I've engaged in conversations where people have given up on the Church completely. This breaks my heart and I'm sure it saddens Jesus when His children are divided.
Think for just a moment how much more effective it would be if we were to rejoice that in today's world there are still people searching for God. They are opening their Bible out of willingness to hear from Him. They are willing to step up to serve Him in a world that rewards serving only self. Rather than telling them they are studying incorrectly, we could praise God for what they are learning, pray for the Spirit to be their counsellor and guide, and seek relationship with them instead throwing denominational differences in front of them. If we continue to hold to our "rules for religion" we are no better than the Pharisees that Jesus chastised ...
One thing I'm very excited about is the chance that this provides us each to talk about our positions, our dreams and our aspirations. What a positive thing it is to find out really what is on the hearts of those we care about. In just a few short days, I've had a chance to share my "faith story" with many people. It seems for whatever reason (perhaps the election, perhaps the economic recession, and most likely because God is ordaining these conversations) that people are hungry to hear what God is doing in our world. I have to admit not all of these conversations have been productive or uplifting. Some people have been holding so tightly to their bias that they are unwilling to entertain someone else's position much less to pursue a relationship with them. This is what saddens me the most. Because we know truly that all division amongst us comes from The Enemy and not from God.
I'm saddened that so many of my Christian friends are walking around with their heads held low. I can understand that the winning candidate stands in opposition to God's laws in many areas - but God ordains all leaders and our hope is in so much more than a candidate or a president.
I'm saddened that others are behaving as alarmists and already to proclaim God's judgement on our nation. True we do know that standing in opposition of God has never worked in the past but we also know that no one is more powerful than God. And we've also seen from our 2 centuries of democracy that nothing moves quickly in government.
I'm saddended to say that even some of my Christian friends are holding so tightly to their bias that they are putting rules in front of relationship with others as they are talking with them. What we must realize in this hour is that religion will never save the world. The more we hold to doctrinal differences show division amongst the Church, the more people stumble who are truly searching for something stable in the source of strife. We know ultimately that the only thing that will provide this stability in someone's life is a relationship with Christ. Yet, if we don't seek relationship first and only hold on to religion or rules, we will never have a relationship with others and likely they will never see Christ. Just in the last few days, I have been told that this church or that denomination is right and this church or denomination is wrong. I've been corrected for studying the Bible incorrectly. I've engaged in conversations where people have given up on the Church completely. This breaks my heart and I'm sure it saddens Jesus when His children are divided.
Think for just a moment how much more effective it would be if we were to rejoice that in today's world there are still people searching for God. They are opening their Bible out of willingness to hear from Him. They are willing to step up to serve Him in a world that rewards serving only self. Rather than telling them they are studying incorrectly, we could praise God for what they are learning, pray for the Spirit to be their counsellor and guide, and seek relationship with them instead throwing denominational differences in front of them. If we continue to hold to our "rules for religion" we are no better than the Pharisees that Jesus chastised ...
Matthew 23:27 , "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean."
Today in these turblent times, I think it is more important than ever that we as God's people stand united and continue the everlasting mission of the Church; to proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior of the world. This can only be done by way of relationship... not by way of rules.
Today won't you seek relationship in stead of being a stumbling block for someone else finding Christ?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sleepless in Greenfield...
Have you ever just had one of those nights when you were so tired, but your mind just wouldn't stop? Attempting to fall asleep just makes you madder because you can't and so you start worrying about all the problems of the world? Last night was such a night for me. It started with one of the kids waking up and needing to "tell me something" (which was of limited importance and I might even attribute it to sleepwalking). I was awake from this and couldn't go back to sleep. . . and yet I tried and tried...
Now looking back on it, I'm sure it was God using my son to wake me up so He could speak to me. And this is why I'm convinced of that.
You see, lately I have been consumed with the state of the world (or at least the United States). I wish so badly that I had some perspective on the situations we face as to how we've emerged from times like this in the past. I've sought the counsel and wisdom of others, but there are time when you do just want to hear from your father or grandfather about how "Bishops get through this stuff." But I've never really had that kind of relationship with my father and this time of year he's always extremely busy bringing in the harvest. So I've neglected to ask. Yet I've tried to plow forward and find answers on my own. I check the Internet, the newspaper, podcasts, and converse with friends. I am absorbing everything I can but really finding only more confusion. All week, I've felt this nagging question, where is the Church's response to this confusion in the world? Who is carrying the banner encouraging people not to look at a candidate as a savior but the King of Kings as THE Savior?
So last night the confusion resulted in insomnia. As I was laying in bed, I decided it was useless and chose to get up, go downstairs, and complete my Bible Study Fellowship lesson and preparation as a leader. One of our preparation steps is to prepare homiletics on the passage we're studying. Homiletics are an intensive way to dissect scripture that helps you organize the content around the principles in the passage and seek personal application. This particular passage is studying Moses and the Israelites immediately after their deliverance through the Red Sea. We see that the Israelites immediately begin to grumble and quarrel with Moses, and ultimately with God. As I was studying this, I first realized the fault of the Israelites and identified with them in how quickly my praise can turn into grumbling. Yet, what I realized from this is how God responded. He didn't get angry and wipe them off the earth. He continued to listen to their grumbling. Moses tired of it long before God did. And yet, God continued to provide a way for them to be delivered. He sweetened bitter water and made it potable. He provided bread from heaven and quail for their diets. He then provided water from a rock when there was nothing to drink. Finally, through Moses prayer, He strengthened Joshua and his army to defeat the Amalekites. Each time He was providing a way to create the faith in the people that they would need to become a repentant nation and to achieve His purposes through them. (See Exodus 15:22 - 17:16 for the unabridged version of the story.)We also see God instructing Moses to "record this event" because memories would soon fade and people would need to be reminded in the future of His provision and to be encouraged....
I guess that would be me. I would need to be reminded AND encouraged last night as I read this passage and prepared my homiletics.
As a part of homiletics we're asked to state the "aim" of the passage. It starts with the aim is "to cause the audience to learn..." and you're to fill in the blank. I wrestled with this part. What is the aim. Is it to help the audience remember not to grumble when trial comes? Is it to remind them - like Moses - to cry out to God on behalf of others? Is it the admonishment to record God's provision for future generations? It could have been any or all of these. But the way I summarized it was by including this longsuffering aspect of my Abba Daddy that I recognized anew. . . and I stated the purpose as...
To cause the audience to learn that "Our long-suffering God will use ALL circumstances to develop AND preserve faith in His Church."
You see, each of the events going on today is a wake up call for us. Whatever is our "god" will be discredited. Our 401(k), our company job, our favorite candidate that we're worshipping... all can and will be discredited by the ONE true God. And His interest is in bringing us to lasting and repentant faith in Him. Nothing else.
So last night, it was through my son, and him waking me up - that I did actually learn how Bishop's make it through times like this. It wasn't from my earthly father - but from my Heavenly Abba Daddy that I receieved this encouragment. Isn't it just like that... through the Son, we find our Father!!!! Praise the Lord!
Now tonight, I'm sure I'll sleep much better!
Now looking back on it, I'm sure it was God using my son to wake me up so He could speak to me. And this is why I'm convinced of that.
You see, lately I have been consumed with the state of the world (or at least the United States). I wish so badly that I had some perspective on the situations we face as to how we've emerged from times like this in the past. I've sought the counsel and wisdom of others, but there are time when you do just want to hear from your father or grandfather about how "Bishops get through this stuff." But I've never really had that kind of relationship with my father and this time of year he's always extremely busy bringing in the harvest. So I've neglected to ask. Yet I've tried to plow forward and find answers on my own. I check the Internet, the newspaper, podcasts, and converse with friends. I am absorbing everything I can but really finding only more confusion. All week, I've felt this nagging question, where is the Church's response to this confusion in the world? Who is carrying the banner encouraging people not to look at a candidate as a savior but the King of Kings as THE Savior?
So last night the confusion resulted in insomnia. As I was laying in bed, I decided it was useless and chose to get up, go downstairs, and complete my Bible Study Fellowship lesson and preparation as a leader. One of our preparation steps is to prepare homiletics on the passage we're studying. Homiletics are an intensive way to dissect scripture that helps you organize the content around the principles in the passage and seek personal application. This particular passage is studying Moses and the Israelites immediately after their deliverance through the Red Sea. We see that the Israelites immediately begin to grumble and quarrel with Moses, and ultimately with God. As I was studying this, I first realized the fault of the Israelites and identified with them in how quickly my praise can turn into grumbling. Yet, what I realized from this is how God responded. He didn't get angry and wipe them off the earth. He continued to listen to their grumbling. Moses tired of it long before God did. And yet, God continued to provide a way for them to be delivered. He sweetened bitter water and made it potable. He provided bread from heaven and quail for their diets. He then provided water from a rock when there was nothing to drink. Finally, through Moses prayer, He strengthened Joshua and his army to defeat the Amalekites. Each time He was providing a way to create the faith in the people that they would need to become a repentant nation and to achieve His purposes through them. (See Exodus 15:22 - 17:16 for the unabridged version of the story.)We also see God instructing Moses to "record this event" because memories would soon fade and people would need to be reminded in the future of His provision and to be encouraged....
I guess that would be me. I would need to be reminded AND encouraged last night as I read this passage and prepared my homiletics.
As a part of homiletics we're asked to state the "aim" of the passage. It starts with the aim is "to cause the audience to learn..." and you're to fill in the blank. I wrestled with this part. What is the aim. Is it to help the audience remember not to grumble when trial comes? Is it to remind them - like Moses - to cry out to God on behalf of others? Is it the admonishment to record God's provision for future generations? It could have been any or all of these. But the way I summarized it was by including this longsuffering aspect of my Abba Daddy that I recognized anew. . . and I stated the purpose as...
To cause the audience to learn that "Our long-suffering God will use ALL circumstances to develop AND preserve faith in His Church."
You see, each of the events going on today is a wake up call for us. Whatever is our "god" will be discredited. Our 401(k), our company job, our favorite candidate that we're worshipping... all can and will be discredited by the ONE true God. And His interest is in bringing us to lasting and repentant faith in Him. Nothing else.
So last night, it was through my son, and him waking me up - that I did actually learn how Bishop's make it through times like this. It wasn't from my earthly father - but from my Heavenly Abba Daddy that I receieved this encouragment. Isn't it just like that... through the Son, we find our Father!!!! Praise the Lord!
Now tonight, I'm sure I'll sleep much better!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Fear... but Fun...
These last few weekends have been the kind of weather that seem to put me in a spirit most receptive to feeling God's presence in my life. Perfect Autumn temperatures, falling leaves, the smell of winter just around the corner. You get the picture. So we've decided to celebrate autumn as a family and have dedicated Sundays recently to nothing but family activities. It starts by going to church, coming home for a brunch (Nicole makes the best pancakes!) and then deciding as a family how we want to experience the fall. Two weeks ago we spent the afternoon at Fort Ben State Park. We walked the trails, the kids picked up walking sticks and leaves and Mom and Dad actually got to walk hand in hand down the leaf-strewn path. Rather idyllic! This past week we went to a city park with more paths in the forest beside a creek and we got to talk about God's provision for us and how magnificent it is that He lets us enjoy this beauty.
While at this park, Owen and Claire were playing on the swing set. These swings were probably a bit small for them as they were the "Baby" swings that had a full "drop in" seat with a belt on them. So because of that the kids felt extra secure in their swing. I was pushing them and they kept taunting me to push "higher and higher." So being a kid myself I decided to see how high they'd like to go. It ended with me giving them "underdogs" (Remember those from the old days... when you push the swing and then run underneath of them!!! Brought me back memories of elementary school) Well this is when the boy separates from the girl. Owen was loving it. He was squealing and urging me to see if he could go upside down in his swing! Claire on the other hand was a bit scared. She was laughing because Owen was laughing but I could tell from the look on her face - she was just a little afraid that the swing might just go all the way around! When I asked her if she was OK, she said, "Its fun, just a little scary."
There in the middle of this beautiful fall portrait, I felt God's gentle nudge prompting me and speaking directly to my heart. He was encouraging me to be more like this little girl. You see, I think God wants us all to be on the edge of our seat where there is a delicate balance between fear and fun. Unless we're a little fearful, we believe we're always in control. At least I do. I think there is an appropriate amount of fear that we are to have in order to realize that God is in control and He alone will see me through this situation. And that is where the fun comes in.
All too often in life, I've played it safe. I'm still prone to that today. I stay comfortably within the social circles I feel most "alike" with. My closest friends are strong Christians and as such there's not much of an opportunity to share the freshness of God's love with them.
Yet you see, just a few short hours before this revelation on the playground, I was serving in Church. I volunteer to assist people who need to talk or make a decision during the services. It is an amazing experience. Yet up to now, I've mostly assisted the other volunteers until I learn the hang of things. But you see, this Sunday was fall break with the schools in the area, and the other volunteers weren't there. It was just me. And during the response time, no one came out with a decision. "Whew!" I thought. "I escaped that one." Then just as I was about to shut the doors to the decision area, a young man came out. He was obviously disturbed and moved by the message. I quickly prayed to God, "I'm scared. What if he has real stuff that I don't know how to deal with? Oh why isn't' there another volunteer out here with me? Why?" As we talked and prayed, I realized what a joy it was just to listen. To listen, not with the intent to fix a problem or provide an answer, but just with the intent to show compassion for someone who was authentically worshipping the Lord. A broken heart and a contrite spirit is all God needs to reveal Himself, and this day, this young man was helping me realize that in my brokenness and in my fear, God was showing up.
So in the words of my 3 year old daughter... it was fun - just a little scary. But isn't that exactly where God wants us to be?
Stop playing it safe fellow Christians. Step out, be bold, ask the Lord to show up and give you His strength to serve. And know that He will. Unless we get out into the world, we will never shine God's light. Salt in the shaker is useless. Only when it is out of the shaker does it realize its real purpose. So go... get out of the shaker. Don't rely on your self to go "higher and higher." Let God give you a few underdogs and see just exactly how high you can go!
While at this park, Owen and Claire were playing on the swing set. These swings were probably a bit small for them as they were the "Baby" swings that had a full "drop in" seat with a belt on them. So because of that the kids felt extra secure in their swing. I was pushing them and they kept taunting me to push "higher and higher." So being a kid myself I decided to see how high they'd like to go. It ended with me giving them "underdogs" (Remember those from the old days... when you push the swing and then run underneath of them!!! Brought me back memories of elementary school) Well this is when the boy separates from the girl. Owen was loving it. He was squealing and urging me to see if he could go upside down in his swing! Claire on the other hand was a bit scared. She was laughing because Owen was laughing but I could tell from the look on her face - she was just a little afraid that the swing might just go all the way around! When I asked her if she was OK, she said, "Its fun, just a little scary."
There in the middle of this beautiful fall portrait, I felt God's gentle nudge prompting me and speaking directly to my heart. He was encouraging me to be more like this little girl. You see, I think God wants us all to be on the edge of our seat where there is a delicate balance between fear and fun. Unless we're a little fearful, we believe we're always in control. At least I do. I think there is an appropriate amount of fear that we are to have in order to realize that God is in control and He alone will see me through this situation. And that is where the fun comes in.
All too often in life, I've played it safe. I'm still prone to that today. I stay comfortably within the social circles I feel most "alike" with. My closest friends are strong Christians and as such there's not much of an opportunity to share the freshness of God's love with them.
Yet you see, just a few short hours before this revelation on the playground, I was serving in Church. I volunteer to assist people who need to talk or make a decision during the services. It is an amazing experience. Yet up to now, I've mostly assisted the other volunteers until I learn the hang of things. But you see, this Sunday was fall break with the schools in the area, and the other volunteers weren't there. It was just me. And during the response time, no one came out with a decision. "Whew!" I thought. "I escaped that one." Then just as I was about to shut the doors to the decision area, a young man came out. He was obviously disturbed and moved by the message. I quickly prayed to God, "I'm scared. What if he has real stuff that I don't know how to deal with? Oh why isn't' there another volunteer out here with me? Why?" As we talked and prayed, I realized what a joy it was just to listen. To listen, not with the intent to fix a problem or provide an answer, but just with the intent to show compassion for someone who was authentically worshipping the Lord. A broken heart and a contrite spirit is all God needs to reveal Himself, and this day, this young man was helping me realize that in my brokenness and in my fear, God was showing up.
So in the words of my 3 year old daughter... it was fun - just a little scary. But isn't that exactly where God wants us to be?
Stop playing it safe fellow Christians. Step out, be bold, ask the Lord to show up and give you His strength to serve. And know that He will. Unless we get out into the world, we will never shine God's light. Salt in the shaker is useless. Only when it is out of the shaker does it realize its real purpose. So go... get out of the shaker. Don't rely on your self to go "higher and higher." Let God give you a few underdogs and see just exactly how high you can go!
John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less."
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
You never know it until you teach it...
I work as a corporate trainer. That means I can - by positional power - make perfectly grown up adults act like children in public for the sake of learning new skills. I absolutely love it... and for the most part I think the participants do too as they realize just how much of our childlike inquisitive nature is lost when we become adults.
One would then think that I might be a natural teacher for my kids then... but I'm ashamed to say that is not so. You see, I have to live with my kids and I'm scared to death that someday they'll catch me not doing what I've taught them to. Recently however, I've recognized that teaching them the "old" way by just reading books is not working for our family devotion time together. So we've tried engaging their senses in the process of learning.
This week we attempted to help them internalize Psalm 46:1 - "The Lord is our strength and refuge; an ever-present help in trouble." (For more on how we did this visit Nicole's Blog - www.bishopfamilyjournal.blogspot.com - and look under the heading "Big or Small they still won't fall".
To summarize, we were helping the kids see that if they dropped their egg with no protection it would break. Yet if they wrapped their egg in layers of protection and then it dropped it wouldn't break... the protection offered by - in this case - Wal-Mart bags - was like God's strength that we can wrap ourselves in.
Bingo... it hit me between the eyes as I was teaching this lesson. You see we've been living on the edge recently. Not "The edge" in terms of cutting edge, motivational type of edge... but the edge in terms of almost tipping off and falling. The extra adjustment to a new baby, a sleep-deprived mother, house projects and renovations that are still not 100% complete, 2 pre-schoolers, BSF-leadership challenges, etc... have kept us on the edge. Nicole and I have not been communicating so our marriage has been a bit "edgy" lately. Then work has been crazy with some re-organization going on and people's jobs being impacted - which has kept me on the edge lately. And then all the aforementioned items adding to the stress of life. I realized I hadn't taken time to wrap my self in the Wal-Mart bag of protection. I haven't been cloaking myself with God's love. I've not been as earnestly seeking Him in my quiet time.
What was I doing? Well to be quite honest, I was giving into the lie that because of all the busyness, I needed more sleep, more rest, more relaxation, more recreation - more laziness.
As we wrapped up our egg-dropping experience we closed in prayer asking God to help keep us from cracking when we fall. I heard Nicole utter that she was about ready to crack... and it hit me again -
You never really know something until you teach it. I pray I finally learn to wrap myself daily in Your protection.
One would then think that I might be a natural teacher for my kids then... but I'm ashamed to say that is not so. You see, I have to live with my kids and I'm scared to death that someday they'll catch me not doing what I've taught them to. Recently however, I've recognized that teaching them the "old" way by just reading books is not working for our family devotion time together. So we've tried engaging their senses in the process of learning.
This week we attempted to help them internalize Psalm 46:1 - "The Lord is our strength and refuge; an ever-present help in trouble." (For more on how we did this visit Nicole's Blog - www.bishopfamilyjournal.blogspot.com - and look under the heading "Big or Small they still won't fall".
To summarize, we were helping the kids see that if they dropped their egg with no protection it would break. Yet if they wrapped their egg in layers of protection and then it dropped it wouldn't break... the protection offered by - in this case - Wal-Mart bags - was like God's strength that we can wrap ourselves in.
Bingo... it hit me between the eyes as I was teaching this lesson. You see we've been living on the edge recently. Not "The edge" in terms of cutting edge, motivational type of edge... but the edge in terms of almost tipping off and falling. The extra adjustment to a new baby, a sleep-deprived mother, house projects and renovations that are still not 100% complete, 2 pre-schoolers, BSF-leadership challenges, etc... have kept us on the edge. Nicole and I have not been communicating so our marriage has been a bit "edgy" lately. Then work has been crazy with some re-organization going on and people's jobs being impacted - which has kept me on the edge lately. And then all the aforementioned items adding to the stress of life. I realized I hadn't taken time to wrap my self in the Wal-Mart bag of protection. I haven't been cloaking myself with God's love. I've not been as earnestly seeking Him in my quiet time.
What was I doing? Well to be quite honest, I was giving into the lie that because of all the busyness, I needed more sleep, more rest, more relaxation, more recreation - more laziness.
As we wrapped up our egg-dropping experience we closed in prayer asking God to help keep us from cracking when we fall. I heard Nicole utter that she was about ready to crack... and it hit me again -
You never really know something until you teach it. I pray I finally learn to wrap myself daily in Your protection.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Meltdown...
I've had a really unique experience this week and I just have to share. You see over the last several months I've enjoyed connecting and reconnecting with several of my high school classmates on Facebook. It has been fun and exciting to see how very different everyone has become. It has been nearly 18 years since I've spoken to many of them. So this "new" technology helps us communicate even when we don't see each other.
In many ways it has been fascinating but in other ways it has been very discouraging. Almost to the point of meltdown. You see a friend posted a seemingly innocuous comment about "praying for VP debate" and this sparked a firestorm of messages. Some of our friends from high school hold very strong opinions on both religion and politics. And because this was the nexus for those two to intersect... boom.. we had meltdown. As the string of posts grew many felt the need to throw their hat in the ring and counter each other's statements and adding their opinion. As this string grows (even as you read this) and the attacks become more pointed, I started reflecting and praying... why is this happening? Why can't we seek unity?
Bingo... there was no attempt to understand each other.
We were only talking AT each other... not with each other. I'm as guilty as the others on the postings. Reflecting on it and some of the very hurtful things that were said, I realized that when engaged in confrontation I fall victim to thinking "if I only provide enough "right" answers to them, they will surely see my point of view." We'll that is certainly not the case. A meltdown happened. An acquaintance from high school (I can't technically call him a friend because though we knew of each other, we didn't really know each other in High School) was really insulted by some of the things I said when expressing my opinion. I'm deeply grieved by this. I never intended to cause this hurt or this pain. I got caught up in "providing enough right answers" that I forgot to seek to understand him and where he was coming from. I feel horrible and am seeking forgiveness from him as well as From the Lord for misrepresenting Him to others.
But in here is a lesson. We see it playing out in our political system today and all around us. We are becoming so entrenched in being right that we forget to find out where other people are. We don't seek to get to know them before we try to convert them. Facebook made it easy to assume I knew someone because I read their profile... but I never really talked to them or asked them any questions. And I can't expect to understand unless I take the time to get to know someone. Unity is not achieved by our "connections" or the number of "Friends" we have in Facebook. Unity is truly only achieved by way of relationship. We need to be people of relationships with each other... but more importantly we need to be people of relationships with our Heavenly Father!
I learned a lot this week. Please, dear Father, don't give up on me yet!
In many ways it has been fascinating but in other ways it has been very discouraging. Almost to the point of meltdown. You see a friend posted a seemingly innocuous comment about "praying for VP debate" and this sparked a firestorm of messages. Some of our friends from high school hold very strong opinions on both religion and politics. And because this was the nexus for those two to intersect... boom.. we had meltdown. As the string of posts grew many felt the need to throw their hat in the ring and counter each other's statements and adding their opinion. As this string grows (even as you read this) and the attacks become more pointed, I started reflecting and praying... why is this happening? Why can't we seek unity?
Bingo... there was no attempt to understand each other.
We were only talking AT each other... not with each other. I'm as guilty as the others on the postings. Reflecting on it and some of the very hurtful things that were said, I realized that when engaged in confrontation I fall victim to thinking "if I only provide enough "right" answers to them, they will surely see my point of view." We'll that is certainly not the case. A meltdown happened. An acquaintance from high school (I can't technically call him a friend because though we knew of each other, we didn't really know each other in High School) was really insulted by some of the things I said when expressing my opinion. I'm deeply grieved by this. I never intended to cause this hurt or this pain. I got caught up in "providing enough right answers" that I forgot to seek to understand him and where he was coming from. I feel horrible and am seeking forgiveness from him as well as From the Lord for misrepresenting Him to others.
But in here is a lesson. We see it playing out in our political system today and all around us. We are becoming so entrenched in being right that we forget to find out where other people are. We don't seek to get to know them before we try to convert them. Facebook made it easy to assume I knew someone because I read their profile... but I never really talked to them or asked them any questions. And I can't expect to understand unless I take the time to get to know someone. Unity is not achieved by our "connections" or the number of "Friends" we have in Facebook. Unity is truly only achieved by way of relationship. We need to be people of relationships with each other... but more importantly we need to be people of relationships with our Heavenly Father!
I learned a lot this week. Please, dear Father, don't give up on me yet!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
