Get Lost!

I hate being lost. Hate. It. There are few things more stressful to me than not knowing exactly where I'm going. I'm not even particularly comfortable with guessing.

It's a control thing.

It's true in general, and it's true in my life as well. I've never been somebody who always needs to have a plan, but I've always had the need to be in control. Even if I didn't know where I was headed, I had to know where I was. There's a difference, you see, in knowing where you are and actually having a destination. For me, the destination was never as important as simply knowing my location.

Yet, as I seek to follow God's Will, I find I sometimes don't even know that much. And I'll be honest: it's unsettling. This has been what might be called a "growth area" for me, as I learn and grow in Christ. Giving in. Giving up control. Recognizing that, even when I don't know where I am or where I'm going, He does.

Have you ever followed a friend to a destination, because you weren't familiar with the area? I still do that. Having lived here for over a year, I still don't always recognize where I am... and certainly have no idea how to get wherever it is we're going. So, I wind up following somebody. If you've been in this situation, you also know that knot of panic that settles in your stomach if, Heaven forbid, they go under a yellow light, stranding you at the red.

This is what it feels like to step outside of God's will. Speaking from the experience of years of wandering around lost, you find you lose that need to have control as soon as you hear His voice say, "Here I am."

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell^[a] in the house of the Lord

(For more on this topic, see my earlier 2-part post, Where To, God? Part 1 ... Part 2)

A New, Unopened Box Of God (repost)

(originally posted Oct 18, 2012)

Remember miracles? Remember when the people of God saw visions and dreamed dreams, and the Spirit of God moved in the Church, filling and causing some to speak in tongues, and some to interpret, and some to prophesy, and some to heal, and some to discern good spirits from evil?

Remember that?

Whatever happened to that,  anyway?

Does all that seem a little far-fetched? A little science-fictiony or scary? A little bit kooky, perhaps?

Why is that? Paul talked about exactly these things to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 12), didn't he? Are things so different now that God has ceased to move in these ways in our Church, and in His people? Surely, some Christians -- even pastors -- will say, even if He really DID cause miracles to happen (which, depending on your church, may now be seen to have a perfectly natural, logical, and un-supernatural explanation), He no longer moves that way now.

Now the Holy Spirit moves us to... what? Tentatively raise our hands in church? Clap shyly and without rhythm -- but only if everyone else is clapping, too? Pray for one another by nodding along when the pastor says their names, and then grudgingly put our check in the offering plate?

I miss miracles. I miss the Supernatural power of God. But I begin to wonder: did God pull His Power away from us, or did we merely stop asking for it?

Love Note Day: It's The Little Things (Repost)

Today is Love Note Day. So with that in mind, this is a repost from October 23, 2012 - a reminder of the little ways God says, "I love you."

It's The Little Things

Consider this: when you are in a relationship, what means more to you? Is it the occasional grand gesture of outward love; or is it the many little things that person does for you? Is it the big dinner on your wedding anniversary, or the notes left in your lunch sack, the text messages or emails just to say "hi," or the simple act of picking up the kitchen?

When it comes to God, we often look to the Grand Gestures as proof of His love: The crucifixion of Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, the blessings of our families.

Yet,  His sacrifice and forgiveness aren't the sum total of His relationship with us. In fact, those things were necessary to begin the relationship. I have found, as I grow in this relationship with my Creator and Savior, that He also shows me He loves me in countless small ways. Little blessings. I'm beginning to learn that growing in this relationship means recognizing those small blessings for what they are, and thanking Him for them.

Sometimes,  it's a good cup of coffee at just the right time (I often joke about this, but think about it: who made the coffee bean, the water; who gave me the ability to afford a coffee maker?). Or He shows me a sunrise when I need to be reminded of His glory. Sometimes, it's the laughter of my children when I need to remember just how blessed I really am. God knows what I need, and when I need it. He knows how to tell me He loves me when I most need to hear it.

All of this leaves me asking two questions of myself: am I thanking Him for all those little ways He says He loves me? And how am I telling Him in return?

Your Best Life Now!

Fact: God never promised us an easy life. He never promised us earthly prosperity or good health or even
happiness. At least, not in this world, as it is now.

A whole lot of Christians are looking for God to provide for them an enriched earthly existence, free from the burden of debt. In excellent health, with a perfect family and 2.5 kids and maybe a dog. A whole lot of Christians believe they can have all their materialist dreams come true, and all they have to do is think positive. Think -- no, believe -- prosperity into existence, and God will come out of His lamp, nod His head, and grant your wishes. After all, Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly, right?

Okay, sure. But I fear there may be some confusion here. Life doesn't mean prosperity. Abundance doesn't mean prosperity. An abundant life is one lived in Christ. An abundant life is a life lived in service to the Creator. Not a life of health, wealth, and happiness.

Just ask the Disciples. They moved around place to place, gave up everything to follow Christ and survived on the good will of fellow believers. All but two were ultimately martyred.

Or, go straight to the source and see what Jesus had to say. Sure, He said something about "abundant life." But He also said, "Blessed are those who mourn --" because there will be mourning -- "for they shall be comforted." 

He said, "blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake --" persecution! That doesn't sound an awful lot like health and wealth -- "for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Paul talked about his health and wealth thanks to following Christ: 

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? (2 Corinthians 11:24-29)

Man. Talk about your "Best Life Now." 

... maybe he just didn't have enough faith...  

But praise God, because our reward is Heaven. Our reward is a life full of Christ and His great love and mercy. Our reward is an eternity by the side of our creator. I'll take that over The Eternal Genie any day.  

I'm Rubber, You're Glue!

Ever heard this one before: I'm rubber, you're glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you?" As poetry, maybe it's not the best, but there's an interesting truth to it. Just not the one we usually meant when we said it as children.

But first, let's back up a little. We are sinners. We are guilty of sinning against the God of the Universe, and failing to meet His standard of holiness. This is spoken of in Scripture, and evidenced in our daily lives. Children, for example, aren't taught how to lie, how to fight, how to misbehave. It comes naturally. Instead, they must be taught how to treat one another properly. How to put others before themselves. Welcome to human nature.

Thank God, then, that He sent Christ, His only Son, to lift that burden of our sinful natures, and offer Himself instead, not only as ransom, but as a means of escaping sin itself.

Yet, we still have an Accuser. Accusers, actually. Not only is the devil himself whispering in my ear, reminding me of my past, and present, failures. Not only is he telling me I can never be good enough for God, but the rest of the world, too, stands with fingers pointed in accusation.

Hypocrite! Liar! Bigot! Sinner! The wrath of the world fueled by the lies of Satan, the Accuser. But we have hope. We have confidence. Because we have Christ, who has paved the way. We have Christ who has loved us, even while we were yet sinners, as Romans 5:8 reminds us, and died for us to prove it.

The Devil says you're not good enough, and he's right. You're not. I'm not. Nobody is. But where he's wrong is in accusing you of sin for which you've already been forgiven. He's right that you're not good enough to stand in front of God. But he's wrong, because we have an intercessor to plead our case when we do.

We call this "projection." It is important to Satan that we believe we will never abide eternally with God, because he knows he once did, and never will again. So these arrows of accusation, though meant for you, bounce right off, and stick right back to the one who sent them. Because it is he who can never be made worthy. It is he who once had everything you and I will inherit, and threw it away in his arrogance. He stood face to face with God, and chose to walk away. But in Christ, his fate is not ours.

Be Late For Something

I hate being late. Always have. Generally, I'm a pretty laid-back person, not really given to stressing out. But
if I'm running behind, and it looks like I may arrive after my intended time, watch out! I get stressed. I get mad. I start rushing myself and others, and basically making life unpleasant until we finally get where we're going.

See, before I had kids, this really wasn't a problem. My wife and I both happen to be naturally punctual people, and both of us enjoy getting where we're going on time, or even early. So we always were. That simple. Now it's been nearly nine years since my first born came into this world, and we still can't figure out how to get everyone out of the house in time to get where we're going without stress, fights, and headaches.

Slowly, though -- oh, so slowly -- I'm learning instead something far more valuable. I'm learning that, in all that rushing around, in all that "hurry up hurry up hurry up," I'm denying myself the pure joy of simply experiencing my family. And, perhaps worse, I'm replacing their future memory of their Dear Old Dad with this worn, stressed, always rushing madman where once a laid-back, fun-loving guy used to be.

There are things worth being late for.

Just like I've missed out on chances to really enjoy time with my children here and there, I'm also guilty, I'm afraid, of missing out on time with God. How often is my time with Him cut short -- or even cut out -- because of somewhere I have to be, or something I have to do?

But I'm reminded, even Jesus made time with the Father a priority.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

This wasn't a one-time thing with Him. He made time for the Father. Didn't worry about being late to this or that, or not having time to do anything else. He knew that, once that first priority -- time with God -- was attended to, the rest would fall into place.

That's the great thing about priorities, when you think about it. When we put First Things first, the rest works itself out. And even better, when that first priority is God, we allow Him access to the rest of our day, to fill with blessings we may otherwise have missed.

So go ahead: be late for something. Take a little extra time to kiss your spouse and kids. Take some extra time to spend with the Father. The rest of your day will be far better for it. 

Nothing More Than Peelings

I like bananas. I mean, I like fruit in general. But I like bananas. The thing about bananas is, they're nutritious.
They taste good. And they're so versatile. You can eat them plain, cut them into your Cheerios, put them in grilled peanut butter sandwiches, bake them into bread... you get the idea. Hundreds of ways to enjoy the deliciousness that is the banana.

But you have to peel it first.

(Now, before the Whole Foods movement launches an attack, yes, you can eat the peel. But I'm talking about the fruit itself.)

To get the best use out of the banana, you have to remove the tough, bitter outer layer. Only then can you get to the wonderful, versatile fruit I've described.

Humans often have a similar shell. A peel, if you will. Created by circumstance: hurts, betrayals, fears -- these peels protect our soft, squishy reality from the harsh world outside. Like the banana peel, this outer layer is tough. It's bitter. And it renders us mostly useless.

The truth is, you can't be the most you -- you can't be everything you could be -- as long as you stay inside your peel. Until you expose the real you, until you offer up yourself -- including the soft, squishy fruit in the middle  -- for God's use, all you can be is an unpeeled banana. The peel is there to help you ripen... but stay inside and you simply rot, no good to anyone.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

 If you want to love authentically, and to be loved authentically, you have to get beyond the outer layer, expose the true You, and look for it in others. Just be gentle: we bananas bruise easily. 

A Life Worth Having Lived

My wife likes to giggle at my gray hairs. Particularly because those random grays seem, for some reason, to grow so much faster than the rest of my hair. This is especially true of my beard, where I've simply stopped pulling them out, because when I do, they simply come back and bring friends. I used to tell my kids I had named each of my gray hairs after one of them, except, now that I have more grays than children, that, too, is a losing battle.

As I've grown older (though I am still reasonably young), I've learned quite a bit about life -- at least, I like to think I have -- and about growing older. I've learned that aging isn't by itself a noble thing. Everyone ages: good or evil, wise or foolish. Where I once believed the old saw that "wisdom comes with age," I now understand that foolishness knows no expiration date.

Proverbs 16:31 says,

The silver-haired head is a crown of glory,
If it is found in the way of righteousness.

As a kid, I was made to understand the first part of this statement. Most of us were. "Respect your elders," we were told. But, as we read on, we see that age itself is not an indicator of worth or worthiness. Age is an indicator of the time we've spent on this planet. The value of our lives lies in what we've done with that time. If we have pursued God, and the Way of His Will, we have lived a life worth living. We have not wasted our days and years. We have made the most of what He has given us. If we have done that, we have earned those gray hairs in the best possible way, and they reflect the glory of a life well lived. 

I believe this is what Paul meant as he wrote to Timothy and reflected on the end of his own life. 

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

A life given to God is a life worth living. And a life worth having lived.  

Who's Flying This Thing?!

Have you ever seen a license plate that says, "God is my co-pilot?" While I get the sentiment, I've always been a touch dismayed by the implications. When you fly, the Captain, the guy in charge, is the Pilot. This is the person whose job it is to get you safely from Point A to Point B. This is the person who tells the passengers to buckle up (or instructs the flight crew to do so), because it's about to get bumpy.

If God is your co-pilot, you're in the wrong chair.

The co-pilot is a backup. There in case of emergencies. Or if the pilot has to make an unscheduled pit-stop. And very often, that's exactly how we treat Him. As long as things are going well, we might not even talk to Him. Or if we do, it's a quick "please" do this or "forgive me for" that. Then things get rocky, and we consider switching the controls over, but always ready to take it back in case God gets it wrong.

You know, the more I think about it, "God is my Co-pilot" may be one of the most faithless sentiments I've ever heard.

Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
    but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
Proverbs 19:21

Fear, Roller Coasters, and Learning To Let Go

I love roller coasters. I spent a good chunk of my childhood afraid of heights, until my parents took us (my sister, brother, and I) to an amusement park. I made the determination, on that day, to find and ride as many tall rides as they had to offer. It worked! I started small and worked my way up, until I got over my fear of heights and became an avid fan of the rides. I visited that park and others, riding every new roller coaster they built. They built them taller, and I just got more excited to try 'em out.

I discovered, in a sense, that the answer to both my fear and my cure was found in faith. See, I'm not somebody who likes letting go. I don't like situations in which I'm not in control. I get carsick if I'm not driving. I've never even been tempted to drink to excess, or to even try drugs, because I find the very idea of losing control over myself abhorrent. My fear of heights was not a fear of heights; it was a fear of falling, and having no control over my descent.

My cure, ultimately, was a rational one. I knew the statistics on roller coaster-related deaths. I knew that, if I belted myself securely into one of those cars, I could rest in the knowledge that many had gone before me, many would come after me, and that, ultimately, the engineer knew what he was doing when he built it. For the few terrifying seconds of my first ride, I made the decision to put my faith in the engineer who built the roller coaster. And after not dying the first time, I learned there was joy to be found in letting go.

My journey of faith in God was similar. I learned to trust the One who created life, who designed this journey. I learned to trust the Engineer who designed the Universe. And I learned the joy to be found in letting go and just enjoying the ride.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:5

Like Filet Mignon For the Soul

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)

The writer of Hebrews compares the knowledge of God to milk and solid food. The basics, he refers to as milk, while deeper understanding -- that of a teacher -- he calls solid food. This is apt, and not unprecedented in Scripture. After all, David writes, in Psalm 34:8, "taste and see that the Lord is good!" 

I've pointed out before, the beauty of Scripture is that, with every reading, there is more to learn. But so often, I find it hard to discipline myself to do so. Sometimes, it even feels like a chore. Which is weird, because when I actually do take the time out to read it, it is a real and honest joy to dig in and learn more about the God who created me, saved me, and loves me. Yet there is this whispering in my ear that I don't have time today. That I'll do it when I get around to it. How spoiled I have been, that I can read the very Word of God any time I want, but find excuses to refuse! 

There are places where the Word of God must be smuggled in, and every page is lovingly pored over and savored before being passed on to the next hungry soul. But here I am. I'm like a rich man, refusing to eat his filet mignon, even as the poor around me must struggle just for every taste of milk or crumb of bread. 

God, that I would savor this meal You have placed before me! That I would understand the privilege it is to never be without Your Word, and that I would not only sup often, but then pass the plate!

A Great Big Flaming Log

It was on this date in 1981 that something kind of embarrassing happened in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The guys in an Indy firehouse were just hanging around, perhaps waiting for dinner, when the all-too-familiar bell sounded. A fire! The firefighters rushed to grab their gear, checking to be sure all was properly equipped. They jumped into their trucks, and with one last check of the address, headed out!

When the group arrived at the address, they were likely a little confused by the complete lack of smoke. Or of anything, in fact, that even remotely resembled fire. A false alarm. Somebody accidentally pushed a button, or flipped a switch. Ah, well. Such things happen -- more often than anyone would care to admit. The firefighters left, perhaps even relieved to not have to battle another fire, and headed home...

... to find the station ablaze!

Very often, Christians are like these Indianapolis firefighters, alerted to the sin in somebody else's life, battling to rescue these poor saps from whatever perceived wrongdoing, even while we ourselves are burning. 

Jesus warned that, when it comes to spiritual well-being, it's best to be sure your own house is in order.

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye. (Luke 6:41-42)

I notice that Jesus didn't really make mention, here, of motivation. So often, when confronted with the admonition of Christ to not judge our brothers and sisters, we protest that we're really just concerned! After all, are we not also told to speak the truth in love? Yet, whether it is out of Christian concern, or (as is most often the case) a tiny, all-too-human internal desire to show ourselves just a little better than another, it makes no difference to Jesus' point. Before we can hope to "guide" our fellow Christians in dealing with the sin in their lives, we must be sure we've dealt with the sin in our own. 

Notice, by the way, that Jesus isn't saying to never point out the folly in another person's spiritual walk. He didn't tell us to never offer correction, in love, to another Christian. But before you go rushing off to fight the fire in somebody else's life, be sure to turn your stove off first.

American Laodicea

¹⁴ “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: ¹⁵ “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ¹⁷ Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
²² “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’” (Revelation 3:14-22 KJV)

If the above isn't a picture of the American church, I honestly don't know what is. How many of us have truly known real need, or lack, of anything? How many of us have truly faced persecution? How many of us have truly had our commitment tested?

I think something all American Christians understand on some level is that there is a prevalent problem in American churches. The real problem isn't that we are judgmental or apathetic. It isn't that we're too wrapped up in tradition and resistant to change on the one hand, or too willing to compromise the Gospel on the other. Rather, these are symptoms of the greater sin in the American Church. 

The sin of the Church of America -- as in the Laodicean Church in Revelation 3 -- is complacency. Mediocrity. Willingness to settle for so much less than what God has to offer, and to give so much less than we can offer back to Him. The American church has had it easy -- too easy -- for so long that we've forgotten how to need passionately and rely fully on the grace and power of the Almighty.

But God is an all or nothing kind of God. When it comes to Grace, He holds nothing back. Instead, He gave all of Himself -- even the life of Jesus Christ, the Son -- to bring His children back to Him. He is generous in compassion and mercy. Jesus said in Matthew 7 that as much as we, sinful people, hold nothing back from our own children, "how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Is it any wonder, then, that He asks the same from those who claim to serve Him? He set before us a perfect, unattainable example. What He asks of us is that we give Him everything we are, as imperfect as it is, and let Him use it all for His glory. 

Christ didn't go halfway when it came to His love for us. There is no halfway when it comes to serving Him. 

Instant Coffee Christianity

I may have mentioned once or twice, I'm a coffee drinker. Actually, I'm what some might call obsessive about my coffee. When I can afford to be, I'm even a coffee snob. As one might expect, given my feelings about coffee, I have an equally strong opinion about instant coffee. In short, I believe it is a crime against humanity.

Basically, to get instant coffee, manufacturers brew actual coffee, and then freeze-dry it. You take it home, add it to water, and viola, "coffee." If you're into that sort of thing. I recall a commercial several years ago, where an instant coffee company claimed they were going into a restaurant and replacing actual coffee with their instant concoction and seeing if anyone noticed. Of course, none of the paid actors did -- and some even suggested it was the best cup they've ever had. Anyone who's ever drank both instant coffee and the real thing, however, knows that this is obviously nonsense.

It's not that it isn't real coffee -- it is. But it lacks something. A robustness. A depth. Compared to a quality cup, brewed from freshly ground beans, instant coffee is just... thin. Instant coffee certainly has its uses -- the satisfaction of a quick caffeine fix -- but flavor isn't one of them.

Similarly, many Christians are content to settle for a kind of instant Christianity. They'll attend church twice a week. Sing songs. Listen to a sermon. Put some money in the offering plate. But throughout the week, they lack relationship with God. Life gets in the way. Work, kids, social obligations... our day fills up pretty fast. This is me on many, many days. A quick, silent prayer, my God fix is in, and I get on with my day.

It works, I guess. Gets the job done. But oh! What a shallow faith that is! To go to church and enjoy the worship of authentic Christians, only to freeze dry the experience and supply myself with a watered-down version throughout the week!

I wonder: if I was as demanding in the quality of the time I spend with my God as I am when it comes to quality of my coffee, would my devotion pass the test? Would I find a faith deep and robust, rich and satisfying? Would my faith be a realization of Christ's promise of an abundance of life? Or would I find it thin; a tinny-tasting approximation of the real thing?

A Perfect Family

Have you ever have a friend, while you were growing up, who you thought belonged to the perfect family? You know the one: Mom and Dad seemed to have it all together. The kids were happy. They seemed to want for nothing. Maybe, for some of your friends, yours was that family.

My own family was for many of my friends. But we were no Rockwell painting. Dad never called me "Sport" or "Champ." There were arguments my friends never knew about. There were things we wanted, or wanted to do, that we simply couldn't afford. However, looking back, that wasn't the sort of thing my friends envied anyway. What they saw was a lucky kid with two parents who loved fiercely and completely; who went out of their way to provide, when they could, for their children's happiness; who loved one another and were unashamed of it.

No, an earthly family can never be picture perfect. But a family built on a foundation of love doesn't need to be.

As a part of the Family of God, I often wonder whether the world peers in our church windows, longing for the joy they see in the house of God, in the same way some of my friends longed for the togetherness and fellowship they saw in my childhood home.

It sure seems like they should be.

As long as we're in a fallen world, maybe a perfect family -- even a perfect Church family -- isn't possible. Yet, Acts 2 gives us a glimpse into a day in the life of a family I know I long to be a part of.

 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:44-47)

Imagine if the world looked through our windows, and saw the family of God looking like that. Can you imagine anyone not wanting to come in and be a part of it? Or their joy upon being invited to do so?

Looking Backward -- and Looking Ahead

Today marks the beginning of the second half of the year. Just another six months remain of 2013. Seems like it's a good time to take stock of where we are now. For me, the new year represented a chance to recommit my life in service to God.

So how have I done in that pursuit? Have I made the effort to walk closer with Him, or have I merely paid lip service to the idea of serving Christ more? Like, I think, many of us, I fear I have to admit there were plenty of days in which I simply wasn't deliberate about acting out my faith. Days when, given the choice between finding ways to serve or doing nothing at all, I chose the couch over the mission field.

Make no mistake: serving God is a choice we make -- and it's a choice we make daily. Eventually -- maybe sooner than we think -- we will be called to account for the gifts we've been given. Like the three servants (Matthew 25:14-30), we will be asked what we did with the Talents -- the time, resources, and skills -- we were given. Did we hide what we had in a hole? Did we make a minimum investment? Or did we take the step of faith in the God who gave us those resources, and use them to further His kingdom?

When my wife sold Mary Kay cosmetics, I remember she had a couple of inspirational pictures she would look at. Goals, more or less. Things that would help her mark success as a Mary Kay consultant. The pink Cadillac SUV was one. This is a fairly common practice among those who work to achieve a goal: find a way to visualize that goal, and keep it in front of you, as a way to inspire success.

Paul suggests similar inspiration in Philippians 3: "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (vs 14)."

Paul's words to Timothy are my Pink Cadillac.  When I don't want to go on... when I'd rather sit in front of the TV than serve my community and my God... I have in front of me the example of Paul. He had plenty of trouble -- certainly more trouble than mere apathy -- yet, he chose daily to serve his God in such a way that, when he knew his time was coming to an end, he could look back without regret. He could look on the life he lived, and know that, when it came down to it, he had spent his life in service to God and His church.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

It's June 25th... Do you know where your Christmas presents are?

Today is June 25th. It's been exactly six months since Christmas -- and it'll be another six before it returns. Do you remember what you got for Christmas? Have you used it? Are you still using it, or is it already gathering dust in a room somewhere? Of my two most memorable gifts of last Christmas, one is already broken, but the other is used daily, and a constant reminder of my family who loves me.

But what about the other gift? The gift that is the reason we celebrate Christmas at all? The birth of a small child -- the very person of God become human flesh -- whose teachings, character, love, and sacrifice would change the world? What have you done with that gift this year?

Is it gathering dust on the shelf of your mind -- given occasional lip service, but mostly forgotten?

Is it a suit you put on for church on Sunday and then maybe vaguely reference the rest of the week?

Do you use this gift daily, whispering prayers to Heaven, but only in private, letting nobody see it?

Or have you taken this gift of Salvation, of faith, hope, and love, and used it to bless others? Have you allowed this gift to become more than the storefront commodity our culture has made it; to instead change who you are, and let it define you until you have no choice to but to share it with the world? Have you taken this Gift, and presented it, unwrapped, as a gift to others?

It's been six months since we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of humanity. Like all gifts, it won't do you any good unless you do something with it. So, what have you done? What will you do? This is one gift that can change your life and the lives of those around you... and all you have to do is let Jesus do what Jesus does. Allow Him access. And then, allow Him control.

Do that, and you will find each day is like opening the gift anew.

Repost: Fathers and Pictures of God

This was originally posted October 17, 2012. It's being reposted in honor of Father's Day.

Pictures of God

I've been thinking lately about legacy. When Jesus talked about the love and care God has for His children, he liked to paint a picture of a loving father. Of course, we all know the story of the Prodigal Son. And there's Luke 11:11-12, in which Jesus reveals the generosity of God: “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?"

Or, in the book of Hebrews, where we are taught about discipline:

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. (Hebrews 12:9-10)

The point is, when it comes to how our children view God, that picture is painted by how they view us.  When it comes to learning about a relationship with God, they take their cues from our relationship with Him, and our relationship with them.

To this day, I measure myself against the standard set by my father. To love his wife and children, to be a man of integrity, to love and obey and worship his God, to submit to the authorities placed over him, to enjoy the life and the family that God has given him. 

It's a high standard, and it has informed the way I view our Heavenly Father as well. 

The question that keeps me up at night is, when my own son is 35, what will his picture of God look like? 

Does Jesus Hate Rich People?

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:21-24)

Jesus seems awfully tough on rich people here, doesn't he? What's he saying here? Does wealth really keep us separated from God? It certainly can; this isn't even the first time Jesus spoke on this problem. In Matthew 6, He tells us to store up our treasures in Heaven -- that is, to put our effort into the things of God, rather than of this world. Because, He says in verse 24, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

So, what's Jesus' problem with money? After all, Job is an example of great faith, even now -- and he was filthy rich! Actually, Job illustrates the issue nicely. See, it's not that Jesus has a problem with money. It's that we do.  

Job is what you call an exception that proves the rule. His trust was in God -- so much so, that even when his great wealth was stripped from him, he still cried out and put his faith in his Creator. 

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
    and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
    may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21)

 
For Job, his wealth was a gift from God, and therefore belonged to God. 

What Jesus was pointing out was that so many who were -- and are -- wealthy, can't seem to put their trust and faith in Him. Jesus told the rich young man in Matthew 19 that, if he sold all he had and gave it to the poor, he would have treasure in Heaven -- that is, everlasting treasure. But the young man couldn't believe. His faith was in his worldly possessions. More to the point, he believed in the security he got from his wealth, and when asked point blank, couldn't transfer that security and faith to the God he claimed to serve. 

Today, that's not a problem for only the rich. How many of us put our faith and our trust in a job; in our ability to make money? How many would willingly sell everything we have, give it to the poor, and put our faith wholly and completely in God? It's easy to say we would -- or even that we are. But think carefully: if the rubber hit the road, and you heard Jesus' voice telling you to give up everything and trust completely in him, could you do it?

Fortunately, we -- and even that rich young man -- needn't rely on the limits of our own very human faith. 

When Jesus made his point about the wealthy, and a camel fitting through the eye of a needle, His disciples were incredulous. If not the rich, then who could be saved? And were the rich without hope?

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

A desperate man once told Jesus, "I do believe. Help my unbelief." 

Our own beliefs may seem small and unworthy. But through Christ, even the wealthy may find faith enough to trust Him.

Hearing and Listening (and Doing)

As somebody who has stood at a pulpit on several occasions, I get frustrated by the word "Amen." I imagine

this is a frustration shared by actual, full-time preachers at every kind of church, from home church, to 20-member chapel, to 10,000-seat megachurch.

Allow me to explain. I've been going to church nearly all my life. Every so often, you'll get a preacher who's just on fire, inspiring shouts of "Amen" from among the congregation. Now, don't get me wrong: the encouragement is appreciated. It's just, it's not the pastor's (or fill-in speaker's, as I have been, or evangelist's) job to merely tickle the congregation's ears with an exciting message. The idea, as near as I've been able to discern -- and maybe I'm wrong about this -- is to inspire action. In other words, the shouts of "Amen" don't mean anything, if they aren't followed up by the shouter's personal, internal commitment to apply the message to his or her own life.

Perhaps what makes this seeming lack of follow-through so frustrating, though, is that I'm so bad at it myself. It's so easy to get inspired. It's such a simple thing to hear God speaking. But to really listen? To apply the word of the Lord and really make a change? 

It's funny: I get frustrated with my kids over the exact same thing. I can only image God's frustration with me. Thank Him for grace and mercy!

James tells us,

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:22-25)

Hearing what the pastor says is good. Being moved to an "Amen" is good, too. But what God looks for is application. What has the Lord been laying on your heart lately? Has He been using your pastor to give you a message? Maybe you've been hearing it long enough. Maybe it's time to do something about it.