Sir Isaac

Just so you know, this is the second cutest kid in the history of mankind.

I was the first.

Something about sheep

This kinda came to me at church. Heather let me read something she wrote and there was a line that said, "Dumb sheep."

For some reason I wrote this as it was coming to mind. Didn't really know where it was going when I started it. Just thought I'd share it here.

Please don't think I'm bashing any particular age group at church. When I speak of the "Old Ones" I'm referring to those who have been in the flock a long time. That has nothing to do with age.
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Sheep are dumb. But just smart enough to be dangerous...to themselves.

Some sheep have followed the Shepherd for so long that they stop listening. The older members of the flock have learned the routine. They recognize the pastures, they know which turn to take at which valley, and the easiest path through the mountains.

They're on cruise control. The Shepherd exists for the young ones.

They're just smart enough to be dangerous...to the flock.

The old ones don't realize their influence on the young ones. The young ones look to the old for guidance.

So what happens when the Shepherd gives a new command?

The old ones stumble. They can't comprehend. The routine is broken and they wander, looking for a way to return to the tired, worn paths.

But the young ones? They see the confusion of the stubborn ones and they turn to the Shepherd for direction.

All commands are new to the young ones. They willingly obey the commands for they know the Shepherd is guiding them to greener pastures.

Christmas wish from me

I thought I'd share my Christmas wish with you but then I realized you probably don't care. Well, okay, not my first wish because that's personal. But my wish for everyone else, at least the two of you who probably read this.

I simply want more of God. In me, in you, in our church, in JGen, in youth, in leadership, in everybody. All it takes to make that happen is for all of us to become a little more aware, humble ourselves a little more, repent of that secret sin, stop our rebellion to God, and seek His face. I mean really seek it.

If we will put an end to our attitude that "everyone else needs to do what I've done and be like me," maybe we will see some glorious things. Moving on...

My heart goes out to those who celebrate Christmas without knowing why. Each year they take their days off work, buy presents, gather with family, go to office parties and all the other things that go along with Christmas-time. And they do it in the name of a Love they don't know. I'm talking about the people who don't know Jesus. I've always wondered how you celebrate the birth of someone you don't believe in.

You don't. You celebrate a day, not a birth. If only they knew the joy of experiencing that birth take place inside their own heart. If they could just see Christmas through redeemed eyes. I guess that's where we come in.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. I hope this coming year sees more of God in us and around us. That's up to us, also.

Silent night???

I would think that in ancient Bethlehem there would be very few disturbances in the night. A small village with a population of shepherds, merchants, inn-keepers (at least one), maybe a small garrison of Roman troops, and some travelers in town for the census; namely a carpenter and his pregnant, virgin fiance. Not exactly a party crowd. And this night was just any other night, as far as they all were concerned.

It's late and dark, save for one very bright star, and the couple settles into their accomodations. A group of shepherds in a field outside of town rest against the hillside while their flock lazily grazes. It's clear and cool as the fire casts the only light to be seen. Far to the east, a small band of noblemen mount their caravan and begin the long journey that will take them to pay homage to a King.

I wonder what it's like when an angel suddenly appears? Would it just materialize? Would there be the sound of a crack!, like a house-elf apparating? Maybe it depends on the reason the angel has come. To proclaim God's judgment would most certainly be a dramatic event. To tell a young woman she will bear the Son of God would be a joyous but personal and intimate occasion. But what about to tell men that the Deliverer of all mankind has been sent at last? What would it have been like to be a shepherd witnessing the revelation of the limitless love of God being poured out to humanity in its fullness?

With the one, lone angel appeared a "multitude of the heavenly host." Multitude and host are both defined as "a great number." So there appeared a great number of the great number of angels. And they were praising God and singing.

I think the night was not so silent after all.

I think no song has ever been sung as loudly as "Glory to God in the Highest." I think no melody has ever evoked more emotion in the human heart. And yet, I still think the celebration here on earth was restricted. For our bodies of flesh can only bear so much.

In the timeline of the Immortal One, two thousand years is a tick. Maybe, in heaven, they are still proclaiming the mercy and grace of God as shown to us that night.

The Bible says the angels rejoice over one sinner brought to repentance. John heard many sounds and voices when he was given the revelation of Christ. He described hearing rushing waters and a sound like a trumpet blast. The Israelites, at Mount Sinai, couldn't bear to hear the voice of God. They were terrified and begged Moses to once again be their liaison. But God is so great and awesome that He can speak a whisper to a humble heart.

If I could have one wish granted this Christmas, I wish that I could be supernaturally transported back to that "silent" night. That one night in all of history that all of history was created for. I would like to peer out from behind a fig tree and see the heavenly host. I would like to hear that song.

Then I'd go by the Bethlehem NICU.

Dreams do come true

Just so you know, in July I'll be joining a team of youth and JGenners on a mission trip to Baba Novac and Satu Mare, Romania. Yeah, cool. I know. We also get a two-day leisure trip to Vienna, Austria. That's WAY COOL. History and geography nut that I am, I'm already giddy to the point of nausea.

This photo is of the city hall in Vienna. It seems their municipal planners think differently than ours here in K-town.

Anyway, please pray for our team but also pray for God's blessing. You see, this is an expensive trip. I'm poor. See the problem? I have had thousands of dollars worth of dental bills recently (yes, yes, my fault, I know) so I need God to come through. I hear He's rich and benevolent.

And pray for the young ones on this trip. I've been once so I know that even though we live in a "padded room" world, there are some scary things about traveling to a third-world, former communist country.

Thanks.

I thought some of you other bookworm dorks might find this interesting, too.

According to Christian tradition, and confirmed by Justin Martyr and Origen, this is the place of Jesus' birth. It is located in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (duh), which is the oldest standing church in the Holy Land. The church was built by Constantine's mother in the 4th century and was spared destruction by the Persians in 614 A.D. because of the depictions of the Magi on the walls. Note the star in the floor. That is believed to be the spot where the Messiah first touched the earth.

Third post of the day. Man, I gotta get a life.

Okay. I'm a guy so that means I am visually stimulated. When I hear of place, I need to be able to picture it.

This photograph looks across the Jabbok River to the hill of Peniel. It was here that Jacob wrestled with God.

The Bible says that Jacob sent his two wives, two servants, and eleven children across the ford of the Jabbok. That would be here. I mean right here. Try to picture in your mind the events of that night unfolding. The darkness, the sudden appearance of a stranger, and a wrestling match.

Interesting note: One commentary I read mentions a play on words in the original Hebrew language. God wrestled (ye'abeq) with Jacob (ya'aqob) by the Jabbok (yaqqob). Uh, yeah. I get it.

Hmmm. What does this mean?

Remember my post about Robert? I told you that every time I had visited this McDonald's for three and half years, he was there. Well, since the day of my encounter, I have been in there six times. Not once has he been there. I asked Shaun, the kid who works there, about him. He said nobody's seen Robert. I hope nothing bad has happened to him. But I gotta tell ya, this kinda spooks me.

Revival, awakening, blah, blah, blah

Why do we have to call it something? Can't we be satisfied that it exists and not get all torqued out about "if we call it this then it really means this?"

I think we humans feel the need to put names and descriptions on things because it helps us feel like we are in control, even if just a little. Do you really think God sits up there and says, "You know what? I think I'll spark a revival at Stock Creek. No. Wait. Maybe I had better make it an awakening instead. That might work better. No, no, definitely a revival. Argh! I don't know. I just can't decide!"

Get my point? See, I had many conversations today about last night. I did this on purpose because I couldn't put my finger on what I was thinking about it. I walked away last night feeling something between joy and frustration with a smattering of hope thrown in. So I asked a few people what their feelings were.

The responses were a little of everything. Some are overjoyed. Some are unaffected. Some don't think anything real happened. And some, like me, really want it to be real and lasting. Too many times these things wear off within days. So with my joy and excitement comes a touch of reservation. (I'm like that about most things) At least until it bears fruit. That will be the proof. And I have faith that it will bear fruit.

My only regret is that after the prayer time in the altar, we didn't go back and talk some more. I would like to have had a discussion about the church and its future after we had talked to God about it. I think we talk about things and then ask God to agree with us. Kinda backward, ain't it?

Anyway, whatever it is I say bring it on. If God is in it, it has to be good.

I would like to say thanks to Juri Thomas. I talked to her about how I was numb during the prayer time last night. I just couldn't feel anything at that moment. All these people around me were crying and pouring out their hearts and there I sat, my heart a stone cold, black lump of coal. I was practically begging it to break so I could be part of what was going on. Well, Juli reminded me that I've already been there. "You've already had your slap, why would God give you another one? You're past that, I think." That made me realize that last night wasn't about what I was praying. It was the answer to my prayers.

So here's my word on the matter. It isn't about Stock Creek, search committees, Benji, Dr. Golden, e-mails, jobs, or anything else. It is about God alone. Whatever He is doing is for His purposes and His glory. Not mine or yours. When we stop trying to compromise and start surrendering, laying down all that we hold dear and all that we want, then we will see Him and all His glory. Then we will see the blessing.

Joy inexpressible

God still parts the waters. But what may be even more miraculous is to see Him put them back together. I believe I was part of such an event tonight.

A good ol' Baptist church business meeting turned prayer meeting. Who'd a thunk it? We had our regular business meeting with a hot-topic issue on the docket and, in typical God fashion, the issue was gone before it even came up. It didn't even need church approval. Wow. I guess after creating the universe, everything else is small potatos. Or potatoes.

What sized up to be a dragging-through-the-mud of our Pastor Search Committee ended up being just the opposite--a vote of confidence for them. Probably a real burr in the saddle to some, but that doesn't matter anymore. Because God showed up.

The unification of our church began tonight. At least I hope so. Many weren't present to weigh in but I feel like this thing might just take off. The weird thing is that it is just what we've been preaching and praying for months. Maybe not weird, how about glorious.

Some months ago, God began burdening a few hearts about love, unity, surrender, compromise, resolution and so forth. I mean really getting to what God wants out of us. Becoming His. Living Christianity instead of merely claiming to. Pursuing peace, humbling ourselves, and LOVING like HE loves. JGen was born out of this. And tonight, about 75 other people followed suit. In a good old-fashioned altar, prayers were offered up on behalf of a church that simply needed to pray as one.

"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." Philippians 2:1,2

Three guesses what this one is about

Big stuff going on, folks. In the course of one Sunday morning, I have seen a church full of unfamiliar faces, a children's Christmas program that was, well, different, a seven year old preach the gospel, and an outcry against idiocy that would make PETA proud. (the Webster's definition of idiocy fits to the letter, look it up)

The point I need to make here is that making decisions or taking action without seeking God is just wrong. And potentially disastrous. As I said in my most recent post, God is moving, big time. He's all over the place at church right now. So why is it that some feel the need to help Him out? Why do we jump in and try to take over when He promises to take care of things in His time? Doesn't faith demand that we trust Him to resolve things when He is ready, and when the things He has caused to work together for good have played out?

God knows what He is doing. I don't believe that man can thwart the purposes of God but I do believe that we can delay them. He gave us freewill to choose Him, but also to choose to follow His plans.

Okay, so Heather beat me to the punch on this, but I share her frustration with this matter. What is happening this week at church is just baloney (see Webster's again). Here's how I see it. If you don't like the work of a particular Search Committee then go to them and express your disagreement to them. Just like the rest of us do. Don't look for a backdoor or a loophole. Our way of doing things might be flawed but it's honest and it has been agreed upon. It works. Maybe not in a way that suits the individual, but it works for the whole. And that encourages unity. It encourages love. The opposite of that is to encourage strife and self-serving. The Bible warns of such things.

I raised my hand in support of the committee. I voted for them as did most everyone else. I have faith in them. I know three of them extremely well and consider them spiritual mentors to me. I sometimes furl my brow at their decisions or their reasoning but I still believe they are seeking God for His glory first, and for the good of the whole. My prayers are continually with them.

The church is the bride of Christ. We are His most precious. He will take care of us. He doesn't need our help to do it. He just needs our obedience and our love for Him. We just have to seek His desires and follow.

Christmas time's a-coming

Today I finally sat down and made out my Christmas list. Not the one I give to Santa but the list of who I want to give something to this year and what I will get for them. Yeah, I'm a little behind.

I was noticing how this list changes from year to year. The names on the list, at least some of them, are different from last year. What does that say about me?

At first, I felt incapable of maintaining a relationship for more than a year. That's not outside the realm of possibility. But then I thought of how God has worked in my life this year and all the unbelievable things He has done around me and in the lives of the special people in my life.

I've changed a lot this year. The fact that I'm listening to Jeremy Camp, Audio Adrenaline, and Sanctus Real while I write this testifies to those changes. But the changes that caused those changes are much deeper and more real. God showed His love to me this year by simply not letting me go. And He changed my heart. It hasn't been easy and at times it's been maddening but as Sarah said, "Rain makes things grow." "Things grow in valleys," is the way Heather put it, I believe. So, at times I must dwell in the rain and in the valley. But that causes me to remain dependent on God and to grow. Pain or not, that's a fair trade.

I'm working with a short list this year. Not because I'm a Scrooge or a penny-pincher, but because there are a few people who stand out as those who have made an impact on me this year. And since this is the time of year when we celebrate God's showing of love to us, then I'm celebrating the love I've been shown by these folks. To me, that's what gift-giving is about. Saying, "Thank you." It's not about obligation. As always, it's about love.

It's over.....

finally. The "revival" at my church, I mean. I'll catch a whole lot of grief for this post, but, sorry. This is my place to be honest. If you don't like it, click on the little red "X" at the top right of your screen.

I put quotations around revival because that seems to be just the accepted word we use for any church service that is on a weeknight. If it were truly a revival, we wouldn't have to have them twice a year.

Don't get me wrong. The evangelist spoke many good, solid biblical truths. We saw decisions for Christ. But my issue is that the sermons were geared toward a different church. It was old school "repent or be damned" all the way. Again, not untrue but I believe we are in a different place.

I grew up hearing about the awful, torturous fires of hell. I've seen many men point out at the congregation, red-faced and bloodshot-eyed, and scream, "Come to Jesus or burn in hayul!" Well, duh. How many people have ran to the altar begging for mercy because the preacher had scared them into thinking that eternal fire was creeping up their britches leg?

So here is the official Carver position:

It's not hell's fires that make me shudder, it's the eternity without God. No good, no mercy, no hope, no anything at all to ease the suffering. Just darkness; physical, emotional, spiritual darkness. Forever. No relief, no tears of joy, no restoration, no peace in the storm. Just the unending storm itself.

This evangelist quoted, as they all do, Billy Graham's famous remark, "Eighty-five percent of all church members are lost." I say that's probably right. But it's because of preaching like that. Those people were told to pray a prayer that would keep them from burning, and to give up their sinful ways. They were never told what to turn to. They weren't told that they needed to put on the love of Christ. They weren't told about God's love, only His wrath and judgment.

I want to see people fall in love with God. I want them to accept Him because of who He is and what He has done, and why He did it. Not because of the condemning Law. Not because of impending pain, but because of immeasurable love.

When people fall in love with God, their lives change. Devotion, commitment, and a desire to please Him replace the sinful patterns of the old self. The pyramids of Egypt weren't built by slaves fearing the king's wrath, they were built by loving, devoted followers of someone looked upon as a god. You catch my drift?

We need to spread the message of love. God wants His message of love spoken, preached, taught, shouted, and proclaimed. At least that's what I'm hearing from Him lately. Maybe it's just me. But I think love is a better motivator than fear. It's all there in the Bible, ya know. "Perfect love casts away fear." "Love bears all things. Love never fails." "For God so loved the world." Yada, yada, yada. Blah, blah, blah. Etc., etc.

I think that's what the world needs to hear. His love redeemed us. His love sent Jesus. His love provides the way. His love changes hearts.

Image is everything

I get the feeling that this is the goal of many, many pastors and church leaders today.
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A few days ago, I wrote about being "sold out." For some reason I feel compelled to elaborate and explain what I mean.

Some months ago, Dr. Sullivan preached about "going a little further." He used the Scripture from Matthew 26 where Jesus goes to pray in Gethsemane. It was his most memorable sermon to date.

That sermon really spoke to me because I was in a place where I had no desire to go further or even go anywhere, really. But it kinda stuck in my head and eventually God used it to change my heart and grow in me the desire to follow Him more closely. It's taken these many months for me to get on board with Him.


So back to sold out. My point of all that is God is calling people to certain things. He's moving alot these days at Stock Creek. I don't think I'm the only one who has been given a message to bring. So, I wonder, who else is like me? Who else has been called but fears isolation? Who fears going it alone? Because I do. I fear it because a single, lonely sheep is easy prey. Too many wolves out there. There are too many ways for me to be distracted and deterred.

So I want to go further. I want to spread the message I've been given--for His glory. That's why I issued the challenge. I really think others feel this way, called and alone. But we don't have to be alone. Strength in numbers and all that jazz. That's the original plan for the church, anyway. It's time we get back to that.

If this speaks to you, pray about it. You may be the reason I felt I should write it.

And I'm taking suggestions to replace the phrase "sold out." I really don't like it and there has to be a different way to say it. Little help, please.

Leftovers and Robert

Robert is a homeless man who is at McDonald's every morning. He keeps to himself, over in a corner, and sips coffee. He walks with a limp and is unshaven, wears ratty clothes, and probably bathes very seldom. I know his name from overhearing some of the regulars speak to him.

Occasionally I'll see someone offer him a biscuit, their leftovers that they were too full to eat. Most people, like me, just avoid him altogether. No eye contact at all.

My partner and I stop in two or three days a week for a cup of coffee, an apple pie, or a deluxe big breakfast, all the way, with extra bacon. I see Robert all the time, but I never lift a finger to help him. I won't even look at him.

But not today. This morning, business as usual, I walk past Robert and order my food. While I'm sitting there eating, God brought to mind my post from yesterday which is essentially my new commitment to live more like Jesus. I want people to be touched by Him through me. So today, God called me out.

"Here's your chance, big guy," says God.

"What? Already? This place is full of people. Surely someone else will step up. Can't I have one day to bask in the warmth of my pride?"

"Bask all you want, but do it without Me."

"Craaapppp!"

"You want to be like ME? Prove it."

So I finish eating, all the while thinking of what to do. I'm an uncaring coward by nature who would rather keep my comfort zone intact. So I procrastinate. Maybe tomorrow we'll be back. That way I can pray about it tonight and find some charity that I can just write a check to, thus remaining anonymously satisfied. Pray about it...yeah, right.

So, as my partner walks out, I go up to the counter and purchase a gift card. Because at this point I realize God isn't going to let me leave McDonald's until I do something. And I really want to get away from the egg-in-a-jug smell. I walk over to where Robert is and lay the card down and say, with a smile, "Merry Christmas, Robert. God wants me to love you."

Then the weirdest thing happened. He looked at me, returned my smile, and said, "Thanks. I appreciate that." Robert can talk! And he's articulate! No hateful tone, no ogre/troll voice, just a polite thank you.

Before you start thinking that Chuck is swelled with pride and patting himself on the back for his good deed, let me finish the story.

I first saw Robert three and a half years ago. My partner and I have been to this McDonald's at least twice a week for that length of time. I did the math - that's at least 345 mornings that I have denied this man a meal. 345 times that I have turned my back on someone in need. 345 strikes with a hammer, onto a nail, through Holy Flesh, into a Roman cross.

Then He will say to those on His left, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink..."
"Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me." (Matthew 25:41-42, 45)

Poor Robert. I don't know his situation. Maybe bad luck, maybe drugs or alcohol, maybe he lost someone he loves. But I've treated him like a leper, a prostitute, a demoniac. I wasn't even willing to give him my leftovers, my scraps. Until today, I couldn't even give him the thing I have an abundance of...love.

I have no way to end this story. Pray for Robert. He's a human being that God loves just as much as He loves me. Pray for me, too.

Sold Out (ugh!)

I was talking to Reverend Mullet today about all the talk lately of really getting serious about our walk with God. We claim to be this generation of revolutionaries who are ready to do things right - the way God wants it done. Then why aren't we?

I'm not saying we aren't trying, I just wonder if we are as devoted as we say we are.

Don't take offense, I'm at the top of the list. Here's how I see it. We can't be sold out (a term I despise) on our own. We can't be left alone or rejected like that. We must have compatriots walking with us.

The church is designed as a body. Eyes and ears, fingers and toes, knees and elbows. I personally know a few butts. The point is, it is supposed to work just like our physical bodies - in harmony and for a single purpose. Even if you break it down to a small group level, it's still a functioning body. And a body part can't work alone.

So here's my challenge: I'm ready for the change. But I need my body to come along with me, just like you need me, as part of your body, to come along. I'm ready to disciple, admonish, encourage, pray, carry, walk, crawl, endure or anything else that may be necessary to show this world, or at least our little corner, who and what God is.

People are going to hell. People are suffering here. Some have no hope. Others have no will or desire. I have heaven, peace, hope and purpose. Shouldn't I be sharing it? Did Jesus die exclusively for me?

So, the question I'm afraid to ask is, "Who's with me?" I'm just tired of all talk and no action. Either we are His reflection or we're not.

I believe this is the key to the "abundant life." Not just for me and you but for everyone.

This is the heart and soul of the Jonah Generation. Answering the call. But we need a strong circle of like-minded people to make it work. I'm in. Reverend Mullet is in. How about you?

"If you love Me, "

Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will obey what I command." (John14:15)
We all say we love Jesus. I hope. I've never heard any of my Christian friends say, "I don't love Jesus." I hope I never do. So the next question is obvious. Do we obey His commandments?

Because if we don't obey, then, according to Jesus Himself, we don't love Him. That makes me shudder. And heave and convulse. I can't imagine not loving Him after all He has done for me. And after all He has done for the ones I love. He has done everything - He IS everything.

So, His commands. The last thing Jesus said before His ascension was the Great Commission. Think about that. His final words were a command to go and teach others. Makes one think it is important to Him, huh?

Francis Chan puts it this way: "Some people claim that we can be Christians without necessarily becoming disciples. I wonder, then, why the last thing Jesus told us was to go into all the world, making disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that He commanded? You'll notice that He didn't add, "But hey, if that's too much to ask, tell them to just become Christians - you know, the people who get to heaven without having to commit to anything."

First John 2:4 says that whoever claims to know Him but does not keep His commands is a liar.

So let's evaluate this "love" we have for Jesus. Is it real? Is it noticable? Can others see it? Only if it is being shared. Only if we take the love that He gives us and give it to those who need it.

It's my turn...

to thank God for the people who continue to touch my life in unimaginable ways. I won't go into a list of names because that could get me into trouble.

If you are in the youth center on Sunday nights, I love you and thank God for you.

If you are at Benji's on Friday nights, I love you and thank God for you.

If you call yourself a JGenner, I love you and thank God for you.

If I make you so mad that sometimes you want to punch me in the face and you share ministry leadership with me, I love you and thank God for you.

If you have a son named Isaac, I love you and thank God for you.

If you are the only ordained minister on staff at my church right now, I love you and thank God for you.

If you date a girl who lives in Kentucky 5 days a week, I love you and thank God for you.

If you are the girl who lives in Kentucky 5 days a week, I love you and thank God for you.

If you are the second born of three sisters, are a masseuse, and always give me a hug and a smile, I love you and thank God for you.

You are the people who have captured my heart. You are the people who walk with me through Heaven and Hell. You are the people who I would walk through Hell with and for. This year has been one of refining us as a group. And it's been a trial by fire. But, as Benji would agree, the things that are coming are nothing short of glorious.

Mostly, I thank God for His love. It saved me, it sustains me, it teaches me, it disciplines me, it grows me, and it is the one constant in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Flew the coop

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me." But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. (Jonah 1:1-3)

How do you flee from the presence of the Omnipresent? It's a self-answering question - you don't. God doesn't play hide-and-seek. Where's Waldo? How about "where's Jonah?" No. It doesn't work like that and Jonah, as a prophet, knew this well. I don't think he was running scared. I think he was running because of anger, frustration, and rebellion. He wasn't afraid of what God was asking, he was mad about it. God's call didn't fit in with Jonah's agenda.

So Jonah changed his itinerary. Instead of Iraq, he went to Spain, possibly to run with the bulls. The way verse three is worded, it almost sounds like God's presence didn't reach to Tarshish.

I wonder if Jonah thought that God was giving him a way out. I mean, there was a ship available to take him to the western-most part of the (known) world. It must have looked like a blessing to Jonah. Maybe he thought that God was indifferent to his disobedience.

How often do we think this way in our own lives? Do we justify our sins and rebellious attitudes by thinking that God will actually provide a way to escape His conviction? That doesn't sound like a God of infinite love to me.

Sometimes things arise that seem like providence. We probably ascribe to God things that He wants nothing to do with. The truth is this - there are no shortcuts with God. The situations he uses to correct, discipline, and restore us cannot be dodged. He will never bless or honor our disobedience. Providences to the contrary of His word are not from Him.

So here's my heart on this matter --when we disobey God, it's like a chain-reaction. The first time is the hardest. After that, it gets easier to say no to Him. And we won't always recognize the things He is doing. But we won't recognize what Satan is doing either. What seems like a good opportunity may be a trap.

"...for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."
(2 Corinthians 11:14)

Resolving Jonah

Jonah--was a prophet, had previously prophesied for God (2 Kings 14:25), ran from God's call to Nineveh because of his selfish desire for Israel to stay superior to Nineveh, disobeyed God, which brought God's wrath on all those around him in the form of a violent storm, tried to commit suicide, was saved by a giant fish sent by God, reluctantly obeyed God the second time around, complained to God when his worst fears were realized, begged for death again because things weren't going his way, found relief under an overnight-growing tree, begged for death a third time because the tree died, and still never found compassion for the Ninevites.

God sure can pick 'em.

So why do we look to Jonah for inspiration and spiritual lessons to be learned? Because Jonah is us. You and me. The important thing is this:
Even though Jonah didn't want to be used, he was used. And as God planned to use Jonah to reach the Ninevites, he had to reach Jonah first. We can only assume that the unwritten part of Jonah's story found him ever-growing in the Lord.

The story of Jonah seems to be the part of God's word that is being used to reach a group of us at Stock Creek right now. So now that we have torn Jonah down, we will begin to build him back up in the coming days.

More to come.

Free Ride

Today, while driving home from work, I had another one of those "clarity" moments with God. I call it that because it's like every so often God decides to show me how things are in His perfect world instead of my sometimes vague world. (click here for another example)

I can't wait to get home and get changed out of my Arctic gear that I've had to wear all week. I'm really tired, too. So I'm driving and listening to Audio Adrenaline, Underdog or Bloom, not sure which, and "It is Well with My Soul" comes on. One of the best renderings of this old song, by the way. It's always been one of my favorite hymns, anyway. I turn up the volume and begin to sing along (a frequent event in my truck). Then I notice that I'm singing "is it well" instead of "it is well". And not because I don't know the right words.

At first I chuckled. Then I kept singing it wrong and thinking about how transposing two small words changes the whole meaning. It goes from a song of praise and thanksgiving to a song of doubt and struggling with faith. So I started talking to God about it. "Is it well, God? I mean really well, with my soul? Can I honestly come to you day in and day out and mean it when I praise you? Or am I just psyching myself up? Am I actually holding on to you and following or am I fooling myself with a false faith, a faith based on self? 'Cause You've put some real big mountains in my path lately and even though I know You have directed my steps and made some things happen, am I really okay with it all?"

God said, "You tell me."
"I'd rather You tell me. Isn't that how this relationship is supposed to work? I ask, You tell. You lead, I follow. I mean, You're Lord, right?"
"Am I? Am I really your Lord?"
"Crap."
"Because if I am your true Lord, in control of all you have and all you want, then anything and everything is well. That's how My Love works."

Then the peace came. The wonderful, incomprehensible sense of well-being that lets you know you are inseparable from Him. Because that is how He designed the relationship. No matter what comes along, if we remain in Him and follow His leading, He stays with us. Even when times are difficult or impossible to understand, He does not let us out of His care.

"Let Me ask you again. Is it well?"

Yeah. It sure is.

Then I rocked it out to "Free Ride".

The Blame Game

The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. (Ezekiel 18:20)

I don't know about you but I kinda get tired of hearing people blame others for the crap going on in their lives. Believe me, I am not blameless, but it seems like when things are unstable and the "road is rocky" the first reaction of some is to start pointing fingers. I notice this the most at church, ashamedly.

Let's face it, our church is in a time of uncertainty. Maybe that's the wrong word. It's not at all uncertain; I believe God will take care of His church. But we are in a difficult time. From the stories I hear, it just seems that people are all too quick to find fault with other people but never, not once, do they stop and consider themselves. Maybe a little perspective wouldn't hurt, huh?

Anyway, this passage just spoke to me in this way. Whether it is sin or some other crisis going on, I think we should first look at our own hearts before we jump to the conclusion that the problem is with someone else. It all comes down to a prideful, self-centered attitude. The bible says, "as much as depends on you, be at peace with all men" (Romans 12:18). The part that depends on us is to evaluate ourselves. We can't be at peace with anyone if we think they are always in the wrong.

I like the last verse of Ezekiel 18, also: "For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!"

Is God a large black woman?

"When we three spoke ourself into human existence as the Son of God, we became fully human. We also chose to embrace all the limitations that this entailed. Even though we have always been in this created universe, we now became flesh and blood. It would be like this bird, whose nature it is to fly, choosing only to walk and remain grounded. He doesn't stop being the bird, but it does alter his experience of life significantly."

"A bird is not defined by being grounded but by his ability to fly. Remember this, humans are not defined by their limitations, but by the intentions that I have for them; not by what they seem to be, but by everything it means to be created in My image."
"The Shack" William Paul Young

This is my favorite part of this book because it makes the point that God, Creator, Master of all, Eternal and never-ending, chose to limit Himself to redeem us. He purposely decided to suffer human existence, including death, the ultimate human limit, so that we could have a relationship with Him.

That's big, y'all. God grounded Himself for me. He spoke creation, but wouldn't even speak His own salvation from the cross. Because He loves me, and I guess you, too, enough to want to restore our relationship.

So what defines me is not my limits, it's my purpose in Him, my likeness to Christ.

Actions speak louder

"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:15)

No one wakes up one day knowing about Jesus. I heard about Him from my family, and church family as a child. I know people who heard about Him later in life from a preacher or evangelist. No one comes to Christ without hearing about Him. So then, who are the preachers?

Every single one of us who have believed.

It's not just the guy in the pulpit. It's not just the guy on television. It's the entire body of believers.

If it is so easy as to just talk to people about the One we love the most, then why aren't more people accepting Christ?

Because, I think, we don't live it. Oh, we talk it, alright. But if the lost people around us see strife and arguing, if all they see is God's family hating each other, complaining and seeking only the things that benefit the individual, why would they even want to become part of that family? Would you want to join a Jerry Springer family? I should hope not.

"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." (James 1:22)

We can talk all we want but lost people should see us living the things we talk about. They should see us loving, caring, and burden-bearing (I really didn't mean to rhyme). Our words are only as good as the proof of them. And our actions are the proof that we believe what we are trying to get them to believe.

So, how about it? Is it really so hard to live like we believe? I really, really hope not. Because if we don't believe it enough to show it, then our words, His Word, falls on deaf ears. And deaf hearts.

A.P.W.B.D.

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that."
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

Wise words. Sometimes we dream too much. Life becomes part of the dream. The problem with that is that dreams are not real. They are wishes and wants but when they become reality, the dream is ended. Then it's time for other dreams. Dreaming is for the future because that's where dreams reside.

Dreams are healthy. I hope everyone I know has dreams, desires, and hopes for their future. But to live for the dream is destructive. Life is happening now, not later. If we dream to the point of forgetting to live, we risk losing the dream as well as the things we are doing now. Because the things we are doing now are paving the way for that dream.

Our dreams must be handed over to God. All good things come from Him, including fulfilled dreams. He knows if our dreams are right for us because He knows that His will is right. His word says to not worry about tomorrow, but to focus on Him and let Him worry about tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Nowhere to run

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
(Psalm 139:7-10)

I like knowing that I am never out of God's reach. From the heavens to the depths, He is there to guide me. That's comforting.

But there's another side to this.

What about when I'm trying to run? What about those times when I don't want to obey Him? You guessed it, I still can't get away.

Sometimes God asks, no commands things of us that we don't like. Sometimes we would rather disobey Him and live by our own decisions. Moses tried this. So did Jonah and King David. In each of those situations, as well as many others, God allowed them to continue in their disobedience for a while. But He eventually caught up to them and they suffered consequences for running from Him.

I've done this and you have, too. Maybe even now. But what God has asked of us, He still wants done. He will see it done. If we are wise, we will listen. We will stop running away and start running toward Him. That is where the blessings are, that is where HE is. The time He allows us to run away is also time He allows us to repent and turn back to Him. You can't outrun God.

Don't get distracted

I think that sometimes our distractions can fool us into thinking we are serving God well when really we are missing the point altogether.

She had a sister named Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me!"
But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:39-42)

How many times do we think we are serving better than someone else? That's really self-serving. Martha was distracted. She had other things on her mind, like preparing the meal and hosting the party, so to speak. In other words, she was more concerned with doing something for Jesus than with spending time with Him.

Mary, on the other hand, was sitting with Him, listening to His word. I can visualize her wide-eyed, hanging on every word, almost giddy as He shared with her. She desired Him, whereas Martha desired to do for Him.

Aren't we like that? Don't we focus more on what we can do for Him, not realizing that He wants us to choose to be with Him? It's about priorities. He said that Mary had chosen what is better and He wasn't going to jump down her throat just because Martha was having to do all the work. He came to their home for them, not just for supper.

So while we are worried and bothered and distracted, let's not forget that what Jesus wants most of all is just us. No extras, no sideshows, just us. The service and the things we can do on His behalf He will bring our way when it's time. But He is the focus, not the works. The works are not ours, anyway. They are His, too.

The next time we pat ourselves on the back for what we think we're doing for God, maybe we should stop and think if we are serving Him or if we are just serving us. Like He said, "Only one thing is necessary." He'll take care of the rest.

I don't have to fail all the time

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them He was hungry. (Luke 4:1,2)

The passages that follow these are the three temptations of Jesus that we all know of: Satan telling Him to turn the stone to bread, to bow and worship him, and to jump off the temple so the angels could rescue Him. But what got my attention today about the Scripture above is that it says Jesus was tempted for the full forty days before He became hungry and faced the more widely known temptations.

I have always heard and believed that Jesus knew and suffered the same temptations that I face. But I honestly thought, "I've never suffered hunger to that degree, I've never considered bowing to Satan, and I've certainly never stood on the pinnacle of the temple and wanted to jump off."

But now I understand that these were just three of probably dozens of things that Satan used to try to get Jesus to give in. Who knows what other things Jesus faced in that time of temptation? Well, we know. Because we suffer them daily, or at least sometime in our life. And that is what makes Him the Perfect Sacrifice. He faced those trials and never gave in.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

This, dear friends, is why we can identify with God. Because He came down, limited Himself, just for us. Just to redeem us to Himself. And the fact that He had our same weaknesses, but overcame them, is why we can rely on Him to see us through. But, more importantly, this is why He can identify with us. He isn't just an observer. He's a player/manager.

And if you think being close to God and strong in Him is relief from temptation, notice that this occurred when Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit. Does that mean He was full of Himself?

I've been avoiding this...really I have.

I really, really hate to go here but, I swear, I can't help it. This has been on my mind for weeks. Politics.

For all who read this, all who celebrate or argue or complain around watercoolers or cubicles, all who suffer through the inevitable tsunami of e-mails that will start going around today, I have one thing to say: It doesn't matter.

Whether you consider yourself victorious or defeated after the presidential election, let me assure you, you didn't have alot to do with it. The impending doom or prosperity of our nation is completely unaffected by the president-elect. And, yes, I believe this without question. The only thing we voted for was the target of the jokes and which party laughs at them.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. --(Romans 13:1)

This doesn't mean that God endorses candidates. It means He has a greater plan in mind. And it means He is in control, still. He sees time all at once. He sees the beginning and end and He sees His plan for this world, not just this country, as it pertains to His will.

Joseph submitted to the Egyptians. Daniel submitted to the Babylonians. And Jesus submitted to the Romans. You won't find much godliness in those governments, but they existed as God designed for His higher purposes, and, ultimately, for His glory.

Jesus told Pilate, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." (John 19:11) So, relax. It's still a two-party system. His party and everyone else.

Open your eyes

Then the king of Aram sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of Elisha got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. --(2 Kings 6:14-17)

Sometimes we fear what we see because we don't know what it is we aren't seeing. Clear as mud? What I mean is, Elisha's servant was afraid because he saw the Aramean army surrounding the city. He knew that they had been sent there because the king of Aram wanted Elisha dead. But Elisha wasn't the least bit scared. He knew that God had his back. He simply prayed for his servant's eyes to be opened so that he could see the army of God that was assembled around them. After this, Elisha prayed for God to blind the enemy, which He did, and Elisha led them into the city where their sight was returned and they were captured. Voila! Happy ending.

I often fear things because of what I see. I was thinking about this today. What we see, and visualize, is frequently the source of our fears. But God doesn't dwell in our visualized world. He has other things going on; things we are unaware of. Faith, not sight, remember? We can't see His presence surrounding us and sometimes we can't feel it. But that doesn't make it any less "there." He is with us, ready to defend us. If we can't see that, then the real trouble is with our spiritual eyes.

Another thing I like in this passage is "those who are with us are more than those who are with them." This reminds me of 1 John 4:4 - the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Some fears are real and justified. They lead to some of our most earnest prayers. I'm not suggesting we be flippant and casual about everything. But I am suggesting we pay a little more attention to what God sees instead of only what we see.

I think I just stepped on my own toes.

No offense to Isaac C. Thomas

Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey." (Genesis 22:2,3)



This has always been one of my favorite parts of Scripture. I think this may be one of the greatest acts of obedience in recorded history, second only to Jesus going to the cross. After waiting decades for his promised son to be born, God asks Abraham to sacrifice him. But that doesn't mean just killing Isaac. As a burnt offering, that means slaughtering him, draining the blood, and burning his body.



As if that isn't enough for Abraham to look forward to, God's command starts with a heart-wrenching description: "your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love." As if Abraham didn't know. Then He tells Abe to go to Moriah. So Abraham has 60 miles - three whole days - to dread what will happen. Three days to visualize the horror of sacrificing his only son.



But that didn't stop Abraham. I don't know if he thought God would stop it. That seems counter-productive to me. I think he went simply out of obedience, not knowing the outcome. All he knew was that God had always been faithful and had always fulfilled His promises. That was enough for Abraham. So he got up the next morning, no questions asked.



Is that enough for us? If God asks us to make a sacrifice of the things, or persons, we love the most, will His faithfulness to us in the past be enough to prompt our immediate obedience? We talk a good game most of the time, but when it comes down to crunch time, I, for one, am not always so obedient.



Things are happening all around me right now. I see things that would make a really good Old Testament miracle story. But with that comes sacrifice, for all of us. So it's gut-check time. What will we give up? More importantly, will we give up everything? It wasn't just God's track record with Abraham that led him to obey, it was Abraham's love for, and devotion to, God. More on that later.

Truth Rebellion

So here we go. The first mention of rebellion, revolt, revolution. It was bound to happen so I'm getting it out of the way. I can hear the glycerin pills being swallowed already.

The Truth Rebellion - not a rebellion against truth. It's a rebellion FOR truth. This is what JGen is all about. It's a new reformation, it's getting God out from behind all the things we use to block Him and the work of His Spirit. I guess it's simply an attitude. But it's an attitude with desire and hunger. An attitude that is angry about what our faith has become because of choosing to ignore His truth. It's an attitude that is fed up with seeing diluted worship and a quenched Spirit. So we put the attitude to work.

Truth is absolute - not relative. It doesn't apply differently to each situation. It is the standard. I don't want an ever-changing standard. I want one that is unmoveable. And that is what God's truth is. Unchangeable. As things start to change around us I hope we all stay focused on the truth as it is in Him.

Starting Point

So it's okay to be angry, but it's not enough. You have to do something about it, and you have to start with yourself. - Ms. Mays

I've been thinking alot about the emerging young adult ministry we're starting and the whole birth of this thing this week. It's been an amazing work of God, and to see and be part of it is really unexplainable. From ideas to actions, He has given the same inspiration to those of us involved. Only He can do that.

But there's a catch. As we plan and build this ministry, I couldn't help but think about myself. What I mean is my spiritual condition. I am probably closer to God than I've ever been. So, green light, right? Go forth. Not necessarily.

God wants me to use times like this to check myself. As with all things God brings us to, there are personal reasons, too. I can plan and preach and pray all I want but God wants me to keep an eye on my own heart as well. If I'm not where I'm supposed to be, I could seriously cripple this ministry. My sin and rebellion could affect the course the ministry takes. I don't want that. I don't want to be a "curse" on something with so much potential.

So I pray. I've been asking God to straighten me out - more. I don't want to feel like I've achieved some state of accomplishment. I want to be ever-growing in Him. Anything we do for God must begin with searching our own hearts for things that He doesn't want there. We have to start with ourselves.

It's an Isaiah kind of day

So will My Word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

God continually stresses, in His Word, that it is His word that speaks for Him. Here it is viewed as a messenger of sorts. It carries His desires, His instructions and then returns in the fruits of His message. It returns in our prayers, through the Holy Spirit's intervention. It is His Word and His Spirit that teach us what to pray:

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings to deep for words. (Romans 8:27)

One of the workings of the Spirit is to communicate to us and for us. That intercession allows us to hear Him in prayer and the Word. It's nearly impossible to separate the two means of communication.

Think of all we ask for when talking to God. We need so many answers for the questions in our lives. The good news is that the answers are there, when we need them. He has promised that. We may not like what He tells us, but as I said in a previous post, in His ways we will find what we are looking for.

I must say, I'm pretty happy right now. God has been telling me some things that, frankly, aren't easy. But they match up with His Word. That means He cares enough about me to show me His word in action in my life. Just between you and me, that's exciting. The creator of ALL things is moving in my life. Kinda hard to argue with that.

His Ways

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8,9)

We talk alot about understanding God and His will and what He's doing in and with our lives. I have struggled with this more in recent months than ever before. Once we get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, we start telling ourselves God has revealed all to us. The problem is that feeling is just a feeling. It's our human emotions, our ways and thoughts. God warns us not to trust them. His Word also tells us trust in Him and not our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Only He knows the way. Only He can lead and guide. We can only follow. We will fail ourselves, and Him, every time.

The only hope is to follow Him. Sure, this takes discernment and wisdom but He promises to give these freely if we will only ask. The important thing is to listen and hear Him, and not assume we know what He is saying just because it makes us feel good. Again, His word is the standard. If what we hear doesn't match up with that, then we are just plain wrong. Yeah, I don't like that either. But what I do like is knowing that only in His ways will I find everything I could ever dream of. Peace, joy, abundant life are there for the receiving if I can only put aside my desires and my human ways.

We're all young

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

You're never too young to make a difference. Timothy was young, yet Paul had made him sort of a ministerial representative to the Ephesian church. He received at least two letters from Paul and probably knew Paul better than anyone else. Paul considered Timothy a son.

Too often we make the mistake of thinking that age and spiritual maturity are linked. That's true to some extent. I know things about God and His ways now that even ten years ago I would have disagreed with. Growth does take time and experience only comes from living through experiences. But that's not a reason to write off a generation, especially when God has charged that generation with making a difference for Him. There's a movement afoot, y'all.

Paul told his "son" to set an example; in the way he talked, loved, lived, and believed. You don't have to set examples for those who are getting it right, so, obviously, this church had some shortcomings. They needed to see someone who was doing things God's way. Sound familiar?

Don't be afraid to set an example. Even to those who should be our example. They need a nudge every now and then. We know the basics of how to live, and we most likely know more than that. Let God grow you through time and experience. Our minds and hearts will change as that growth takes place. It's just us being formed into His likeness. It's all there in His Word for us to read and study and apply. For the young and growing.

What's really important

The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your Name." And He said to them, "I was watching Satan fall from Heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in Heaven." (Luke 10:17-20)

I love how Jesus casually tells His disciples that it's really no big deal that they can cast out demons. It's almost like He is saying, "So? I defeated him a long time ago. I saw Him fall then and I see him falling now as he suffers defeat at your hands. It's My power, not yours, so don't get all cocky. Just be glad that you are going to heaven." I paraphrased.

Man's salvation is more important than power to overcome the enemy. That power comes from Jesus and His sacrifice. It may be ours to use but it's only obtainable through acceptance of the sacrifice. We should be thankful, not of the ability to resist, but of the chance to spend eternity with Him.

That is Sovereignty

He communicated to them arithmetic, and delivered to them the science of astronomy; for, before Abram came into Egypt, they were unacquainted with those parts of learning. Josephus -first century Jewish historian

Did you catch that? Josephus said that the Egyptians, renowned for their sciences and study of astronomy, had no knowledge of them before Abram came to Egypt and taught them. He brought this knowledge from the Chaldeans. Josephus has long been considered a reliable source for history outside the Bible. Here's what I think makes this really cool:

For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My Name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth." (Romans 9:17)

The Bible testifies to the fact that God raised Egypt up to the status of the world's first empire so that He might use them to show His power. That's nearly 1000 years prior to Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites.

Just a friendly reminder that God has it under control. Then, now, and later.

What's Your Price?

"A woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, "Why this waste? For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor." But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me." (Matthew 26:7-12)



What happens when the religion becomes bigger than the God? What about when the acts of service start to become more important than serving Him? That's what is going on with the disciples in this passage. Maybe they were looking for Jesus' approval, maybe a word of praise from Him. It's like they were writing scripture while the Word was right there with them. In any case, Jesus quickly corrects them. And I must say I love what He is saying to them. True worship. Him first. That's what He is looking for. Not rituals, not service, not witnessing, not anything. Just Him. The first and most important thing to God is our relationship with Him. He wants that above all. When He says we will always have the poor with us, substitute any word you want in place of poor; sick, hurting, fallen, lost, sinners, any of them. I believe He wants us to understand that without our relationship with Him being whole, it won't matter what we do. He'll take care of them in His time. We must have Him in His rightful place.



Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?" And they weighed our thirty pieces of silver to him. From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus. (vv. 14-16)



So it's still about the money. Or is it? Maybe it doesn't have anything to do with monetary gain. I think it's just about being weak. "Weak, unspiritual people all have a price to turn their backs on Jesus." So says the Reverend Benji Fowler. For Judas, money was the gratification. What about you and I? Money, success, career, fame, personal glory, relationships, people, church? You name it. Anything can be an idol. Any one of these things can cause us to sell Him out for our own gain. The only hope of avoiding this is to keep Him in the center of our lives. Not our rules, religion, or our own chosen direction, but just simply Him.

What's your price? Have you already named it?

Prayer

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:16-19

Within

"Today I have got out of all trouble, or rather I have cast out all trouble, for it was not outside, but within and in my opinions." The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius

Wise words. Of course, you wouldn't expect a second century Roman Emperor to be filled with the wisdom of God, but valid words, nonetheless.

I wonder how much of our own trouble is from within. Not in the actions of others but in the reactions of ourselves. I'll bet anyone who reads this has certain issues that are gnawing at their peace, even if they won't admit it. That's the problem isn't it? If we would admit it, then we might address those issues. But it's easier to place the blame outside. It's like I was saying Sunday night, change the inside and the outside changes, too. Look within, search your heart and look for the things you're denying. Seek peace. I want it for you.

My thoughts on "Pandemonium"

I thought I'd weigh in on this, too, because it's enlightening. (see Blessed Ministries for more).

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27)

"We are only right when we listen, when we hear." I think Heather's right about that. We aren't capable of guiding ourselves, that is why the Holy Spirit was sent after Jesus ascended. He knew we would need a Helper, a Counselor to lead us. In ancient Palestine, and maybe still, shepherds don't drive their flocks; they lead them. They walk ahead of them. It's not forced, it's voluntary, so to speak. But they follow only one voice, that of the shepherd they know. They will not follow a stranger (John 10:4,5).

So, yeah. We have to listen to hear. But hearing is useless if we don't follow. We have to hear to follow, but only in the following are we fulfilling His wishes. And, again, it's voluntary.

I don't think God is casual about speaking to us. I think He wants us to hear and follow so badly that He sometimes screams.
Maybe that is the pandemonium. Maybe it isn't a bunch of voices trying to have their say. Maybe it's one Voice coming from all different directions, with one message.

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." (John 16:13)

Prayer Request

Last night, I was asked to pray for someone. I usually don't go public but, hey, it's my blog. Heather requested prayer for her Granny Ruth. She is dealing with complications from some treatments and procedures and is not quite herself. I've asked God to lift her spirits and return her to her stubborn self, just like her family needs her to be. She is a one-of-a-kind treasure. So, if you see this, please say a prayer for G.R. Trust me, God will know EXACTLY who you're talking about. Thanks.

Some Assembly Required

I was thinking about God, (I know weird, huh?), and I got an image in my head of a child sitting in the floor with a toy train set. All the pieces are strewn about on the floor around him just waiting to be assembled. He takes the first two pieces and, click, they are together. Click, click. Two more join them, adding to the length of the track. This goes on for awhile until soon there is quite a path assembled, winding and twisting, inclining and declining. Some of the pieces are straight, some have quick bends, others have long, sweeping curves. There are some "S" curves that will momentarily change the direction of the train, only to quickly return it to the same direction. There are some steep grades, there are dark tunnels, shortcuts through the mountains, there are bridges to carry the train across the deep gorges. But all the pieces must be in place. The train can only journey until the next piece is there to fill the gap. If the train jumps off the track, He gently places it back on the track at the spot it derailed. But to complete the trip, all the pieces must be there.

Life. Some assembly required.

Click.

Hackers

Screwtape to Wormwood: "What we want, if men become Christians at all, is to keep them in the state of mind I call 'Christianity And'. You know - Christianity and the Crisis, Christianity and the New Psychology, Christianity and the New Order, Christianity and Faith Healing, Christianity and Psychical Research, Christianity and Vegetarianism, Christianity and Spelling Reform. If they must be Christians let them at least be Christians with a difference. Substitute for the faith itself some Fashion with a Christian colouring. Work on their horror of the Same Old Thing." C.S.Lewis - The Screwtape Letters

I like it. I like it, alot. This is the church - my church, your church, every church. All congregations have a sect of people that think this way. Let's call them the Improvers. They are always trying to make everything better, or so they think. They are the ones afraid of change but they are also never content. Their discontentment shows in the way they try new things that are really recycled old things. It's usually the same thing with a different name. The solution?

The Hackers. Strip it down, shake it out, back to basics kind of Faith. (Can I get a amen?) Yeah, I think that's us. Those of us who just want it to be real. Real worship, real teaching, real God. One word: rel-e-vant. Not Sunday morning only stuff but a daily, moment-by-moment walk with the Holy One. We don't care what it's called as long as it's real. Chill. I'm not looking for a revolution, I'm talking about a revelation. Him revealed. It's time.

Christianity doesn't need any help. No sideshows, no fireworks, no smoke and mirrors. No "and." God said, "I am." If that's true, then "Christianity is."