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."

What Lies Beyond

"I'm tired of feeling on the edge of nothing. I'd rather be on the edge of something." Credit to Heather Mays for the quote of the day.

I started thinking about our church and what edge we are on. Because we have most definitely been on an edge for a while. But we are moving - from the edge of nothing to something. That is all too clear. Tonight was a night where hearts broke, tears fell, relationships mended, and walls fell. Tonight, God showed up. Benji confirmed this by telling me of several other conversations he had. God is doing something.

But it's not the edge that is changing, it is what is over that edge. What lies beyond? Revival? Awakening? Does it matter what it's called? Of course not. What matters is that hearts are changing from within. God is moving, not in programs or methods or guidelines, but in the hearts of the servants. He is changing people on the inside and that certainly changes the outside. What do you do to make an egg stronger? Boil it. The inside changes and the whole darn thing goes from fragile to maddeningly tough. (I sometimes have trouble peeling them. Don't make fun of the slow boy).

So, yeah. Let's boil! If that is what it takes. Strengthen the whole by strengthening the parts. Our part is being strengthened. Why? Because, I think, we are not afraid of what lies beyond the edge. We, the hungry and thirsty ones, welcome it.

I got dibs

I'm calling dibs on the C.S. Lewis quote of the day before someone else steals it for their blog. (jab for the day).

"Do not let us mistake necessary evils for good."

I like that. It's back to that whole justification thing, I think. We try to convince ourselves that we must do some things, even if we know we shouldn't, and usually because it's easier for us. It keeps us from doing the difficult things and we like that, right? We want a calm sea, a smooth road, and an unwinding path. So we take the way that has the least obstacles. Self-deception is what Spurgeon called it. Making ourselves believe it's right so we don't have to face what's wrong. Because, usually, what's wrong is us. We have followed through with something and now we are stuck. If we believe the evil is good, what could possibly be wrong?

Truth

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Christ Jesus. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. (1 Corinthians 3:11-13)

I was thinking about this verse and my life, what my foundation is. I think right now I'm closer to God than I have been in the past and that makes it easier for me to see some of my past mistakes. I see my foolishness and the things I had made myself believe. I see how I had tried to justify my actions and feelings. The big one? Twisting the Scriptures to fit my plan and what I wanted.

The re-defining of our faith. Times when we take everything we believe and all we know about God and start turning it, molding it into something more suitable for us. Something that fits better into our lifestyle and makes us feel better about the choices we are making. What could God possibly detest more? To take His gift, His love, grace, mercy, and compassion and spin it for our own benefit. And for what? To ease our consciences? To avoid facing His conviction? To keep our precious pride intact by never having to admit we're wrong? To allow us to live in ways we shouldn't be living anyway? It's practically laughing off everything He has done for us, including Jesus' sacrifice. A crucifixion that meant nothing - how does that sound?

It's no wonder we encounter hard times because we bring them on ourselves. We leave God no choice but to exercise judgment on us. And then we have the nerve to ask why it's happening. A little awareness and recognition of ourselves wouldn't hurt, would it?

"The truth shall set you free." There is one foundation, one truth. Everything we are and do must fit into the pattern already provided by Him. We can try our best to change His way of doing things but it is unchanging. Only in His ways will we find freedom, joy and happiness. Only on the foundation that has already been laid.

Priori Incantatem

God's will - the great mystery of life, the elusive answer to all of life's struggles. Yeah, no. I don't think so. I used to think this was the key. If I could only discern His will for me then life would be a breeze. Not so much any more. I don't think it's that great of a mystery at all.

Adrian Rogers said:

1. The will of God is for your welfare. It is not something you have to do; it is something you get to do.
2. The will of God will never take you where the power of God and the grace of God cannot enable and keep you.
3. God will not force His will on you. You are free to choose. But you are not free to choose the consequences of your choice.

I tried the whole "convincing everyone I knew God's will for me when really it was just me making my own decisions and disregarding Him completely" thing. Didn't quite work out so well. I think it ticked Him off. He jerked me back from my rebellion and showed me the truth - His truth. I feel like He was saying, "I'm tired of you putting this off on me. I want you to be better and you are nowhere close. Are you going to keep following your road or are you going to choose Mine?" I saw the consequences of my decisions. All the hurt and frustration and disappointment I had caused. My own little priori incantatem - the things I had taken from others because of my own stupid selfishness. Needless to say, I chose to follow His path. And now, I think I'm better, if only better than I was. But it's not about knowing how long the path is or where it ends. It's about following Him today, in this situation, and behaving like He wants me to. It's about seeking His will for what He has brought to me now. If Abraham knew God would spare Isaac, would he have bothered going to the mountain? Seriously, it is a choice. It's called following for a reason. Follow the map - His word - because it's all right there. He has told us how to live and what decisions to make. Make the choices that reflect Him. He made the rules and true joy, true peace, and true contentment are found in following them. He knows what will keep us close to Him and that, in essence, is His will.

Props to Heather

...for God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (1Corinthians 14:33)

God doesn't bring confusion. He isn't a cosmic chess player, He doesn't put us in an invisible labyrinth and leave us to find our way into His will if we're lucky. No. Jesus said it only takes the faith of a child to come to salvation. Why should we think it takes anything more to live the rest of our life following Him. Life is complicated because people are confusing. But He is a God of peace. That means the choices we face and the decisions we make are probably much simpler than we make them. The simplest part of this is that if we live by His word, we will be living in His will.

When Paul wrote this passage, he was talking about strife in the church. God's family should be acting in unity and harmony. He wants peace among His children. Not disorder and self-seeking. I think we should all re-examine our hearts, take a closer look to see if we are part of the confusion-making or the peace-making. As His children we share a common bond that cannot be broken, even by eternity! Is it really so hard to love each other that way?

Another Friday night story

We had another gathering tonight at the Fowler's and I couldn't help but notice that there was a different mood in the room. Maybe it was just the weather or a bad week. But something felt different to me. Like last week, I took inventory of those present and felt that same deep appreciation for these people and how very glad I am that these are my likeminded "brethren." I love them all very much and when they discuss their hurts and fears and worries, I find myself hurting and worrying along with them. If someone tells me their day was not so good, I'm sad for them. I want to make it better. I pondered this connection for a while and came up with this explanation:

They aren't just people I go to church with. They are the ones I pray for. Some I have prayed with many times. They pray for me as well. They lift me when I am down and they look to me when they need lifting up. They advise me and listen to my advice. They study the Bible with me. They have the same desires for our church that I do. They want to walk with God just like I want to and they make me feel peaceful when I am around them. And they make me laugh, the real kind. This is the core. These are the ones I miss when they are not there. This is my family.

All of you, again, I love you and I am praying for you this week. As for the mood, I guess someone needs that prayer. And to think I almost didn't even go tonight.

Restoration

He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (Psalm 23:3)

Have you ever sinned? Silly question, isn't it? Because of course you have. King David sinned, too. Maybe He didn't write this particular verse due to his sin but it speaks to me in a certain way.

Sin takes us out of fellowship with God. I confess that my sin-plagued life has been spent probably more out of fellowship than in it. But He restores me. He has restored me many, many times. There were times in my life when, because of my lifestyle of sin, I felt tainted, corrupted, unworthy of His love. I have done so many bad things that at times I still feel I don't have the right to even call His name. Sin does that. It makes us see ourselves in a different light. God wants us to see ourselves in His light, through His eyes. That is a vision of love and purpose, designed for worship and fellowship with Him. He convicts us of our sins so that we will look at ourselves by His standards and seek to rejoin Him in that fellowship.

Here's the point: maybe you feel like you have really messed up. Messed up so bad that you have convinced yourself that you no longer are fit to do what God has planned for you to do. Please hear this! It doesn't matter what you have done. No sin is beyond God's forgiveness and no heart is beyond His love. Whatever mistakes you have made you are not ruined. All it takes is repentance and you will be restored. No matter what hurt you have caused or what morals you have compromised, you are still His beautiful one. He sees beauty and what He wants is your relationship with Him to be restored.

Life Preserver

I love moments like these. Times when everything is going wrong and I can't figure anything out and then God clarifies it all. This happened today.

I'm feeling sort of a push/pull thing right now. I want run but God wants me to stay. I've duked it out with Him for months - futile, by the way - trying to make sense of it all. It's difficult, He knows that. It's depressing, He knows that, too. It's maddening, yeah, that also. "Please let me off the hook, God. You picked the wrong guy." I've prayed that alot. I feel like Jonah, who "rose up to flee from the presence of the Lord." Jonah didn't want to do his job, either. He looked for a way out. He asks to be thrown overboard during a storm, assuring the other sailors that this will calm the seas. I think he maybe saw another way to get away from God there but God isn't swayed quite so easily, trust me. So "the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah." Do you think he was relieved or disappointed? God commanded a fish to be Jonah's rescuer and to deliver him to where God wanted Him. That is divine purpose.

So today I tell God I'm tired of being a Jonah, trying to run from what He wants me to do, and could He please make a little more sense of this for me. Yes, it really was that whiney. I go on with my day and then come home. Then I saw some clouds breaking.



"So you think you are a Jonah?"



"Yes, Lord. I feel like Jonah."



"Interesting."



"What do you mean interesting? How should I feel?"



"Jonah will be along shortly. You're My fish."

Sharing

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." (James 5:16)



I want to be a righteous man. High standards, huh? It's true. I "hunger and thirst after righteousness." I just want to be a better man of God, it's that simple. But, why? Well, I want to please God, of course. But, honestly, that isn't the whole reason. I want my prayers to accomplish much. I want to go before God with my concerns and desires and know that I am telling Him what He wants to hear. I want my concerns and desires to be His concerns and desires. That is praying in accordance with His will. And that is when we see things happen. Being a more righteous person brings us closer to Him, therefore we will know Him better. But this post is really about something else. It's about bearing burdens. Why don't we do more of that? Do we not care enough about the people we love to come around them and help them with their load? I don't mean "thinking of you" cards and prayer lists. No, I'm talking about asking God to lift some of the strain off of them and placing it on our shoulders. Not so willing to actually bear it, are we? Let's face it, I can pray for you from a distance and see God move. No problem there. But I want to see your eyes light up immediately when you feel your burden lift and come over to me. I want to see the tears of sorrow turn to joy in that moment of prayer. Yeah. That's what I'm talking about!



"Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

Remain

Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4,5)

That last part is what I want to stress. We can do nothing without Him. We must stay attached to Him to do anything ... to BE anything. We have been talking alot about abiding, remaining, in Him on Sunday nights. Personally, I want to be fruitful - to the church, my friends, family, those I love the most, and the lost. But fruitful FOR Him. Later, in verse 8, John writes that Jesus said, "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit." I want God to be glorified through my life. Why else would I even bother with this? Earlier tonight, I had an unexpected chance to see God glorified. It was nothing I did, I assure you. But I felt like God was giving me the words to say to someone I care about very, very much. I hope I helped, really don't know much about it. But the important thing is that when the opportunity arose, God showed up so that He would be glorified. I have no doubt that He will be. Remaining in Him at all times allows Him to work through us instantly, spur of the moment, even when we aren't looking for it.

I guess I'm just chatty today

On Friday night, a group of us gathered in what feels like the start of something amazing. If you weren't there, this probably won't mean alot to you. I just feel like sharing about it.
It was the re-launch of SCBC's college ministry. Some of us lucky ones who are older but don't act like it get to be involved as leadership. It just felt good to be around people that sincerely love each other and are willing to remove the communication barriers so we can help each other. And be helped. I walked away from this believing that we will strengthen the whole by strengthening the parts. And we strengthen the parts by strengthening the individuals. It's a simple theory and I do love simplicity. If we are a body, then each individual part must work correctly for the body to function. When one part falters, the others must compensate until the part is healed.
We must pick each other up. All of those who were present are old friends. I am actually the newest to everyone. But for five years I have known these people, you people. A half dozen or so of you read this so let me say that I love each of you dearly. My circle at Stock Creek has become my life's blood. You are the ones that keep me centered, that let me see God when I am having trouble finding Him. I fail you all miserably and often but I seek to be a source of strength for you. I want to be the compensating part for you when you need to rest and heal. We are a family. I have spent so much time with you all and made so many memories with you that I honestly can't remember not knowing you. We agree that SCBC is in a state of transition but that only means that we are on the move - upward. Man, I'm really sappy, huh? Must be the painkillers talking.

When things get out of hand with life, we can draw inward and be restored. That is what the fellowship is all about. I, personally, am available for any of you at anytime. Because I know you are available for me, also. None of us are perfect which makes us good for each other. We will fall away sometimes but it's good to know that we can fall back in to open arms. I'm done, now. I'll just have to be a little extra cynical tomorrow to make up for this.

Quite possibly the Key to Life

But we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him,"
but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:7-11

God's secret wisdom that is destined for our glory. That excites me. He wants us to have His wisdom! Wouldn't that make life a little easier? If we had God's wisdom to use in our decision-making, in our trials, don't you think we would make better decisions? Wouldn't the trials be a little more joyful? James said, "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (ch.1, v.5) We can receive His wisdom simply by asking for it and believing He will give it. This is not the world's wisdom. Dr. Phil can't give you anything close to this. This is the wisdom of the ages. This is the counsel of God Himself.

Paul also quotes Isaiah here. We cannot begin to imagine the plans God has for us. We try because we want to know. But, as Matthew Henry said, "there are things which sense cannot discover. The great truths of the gospel are things lying out of the sphere of human discovery." They are revealed by His Spirit. The Spirit comprehends the depth of God's nature so He is competent to make these revelations. Only God's Spirit knows the thoughts of God, but they can be revealed to us.

I gotta tell you, I like knowing that I can't imagine what God has in store, for this life and the next. Rev. Fowler is fond of saying that to try to portray Heaven through drama is very near to blasphemy. We can't comprehend how it will be. I like that because I can imagine some pretty wonderful things for myself. To know that God has plans far beyond my imagination is great comfort.

I've been trying to pray for wisdom lately. I honestly can see a difference. I've seen some changes in my behavior that make me more like myself. I mean myself in God, of course. I've felt more peace and I've started acting instead of reacting. I feel more like the old me. There was a time when I walked closer to God and made a difference in the lives of those around me. I want to get there again. All in due time, I suppose. One of these days I'm gonna have to suck it up and write about patience.

Humiliating moment of the day #1

This story will probably get out anyway so I'm going to spill it, in advance, just to protect my dignity. I went to an oral surgeon this morning for two, yes two, root canal procedures. Not a fun morning, by my standards. After FINALLY being taken to a room, the surgeon came in and described in disturbing detail what would be going on in my mouth for the next hour and a half. He then proceeded to numb the entire left side of my head from nose to ear. The shots weren't a big deal. They never have been for me. But today, after a few seconds, I started feeling...funny. My skin got clammy and I started sweating like I was running a marathon. My heart rate was around 220, I think, and my vision, which isn't exactly eagle-like anyway, became spotty. The doctor asked if I was okay (duh) to which I replied, "You're kidding, right?" I asked if I could sit up for a minute since my head was declined two yards below my feet. They, he and the hygienist, sat me up and, sure enough, I passed out. Head over right there on his little table of tools. The next thing I remember is being laid back again and the surgeon smacking me on the shoulder, "Mr. Carver? Chuck? Can you hear me?" I slowly regained consciousness and realized what had happened. My pasty white and moist face instantly turned red from embarrassment. I looked over at the hygienist, who was pale and TERRIFIED, and watched her finally take a breath after half a minute or so. "Wow! I've never had anyone black out on me before. I'm really glad we got you back!"

Yeah. Me, too. An oxygen mask and an hour later, I left. Procedure complete. Those of you who know me can confirm that I am the biggest nerd/geek/dork that ever lived and this story is not that surprising to you, I'm sure. Dignity intact.

Something for Sarah

Proverbs 19:22 - "What a man desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar."

Hmm. That is a quandry. It really didn't make alot of sense at first. This is from the NIV so I went to other translations for help. (I know, I know. The eleventh commandment forbids this but throw me a bone.)

"What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar." NASB
"What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar." NKJV
"The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar." KJV

Now we have something to work with. It seems kindness is a recurring theme, here. I would agree, as a man, that kindness is a desirable quality. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit which means that it comes from God upon salvation. The KJV, in Galatians, calls it gentleness, which sort of re-defines it for me. I've always thought of kindness as the quality that makes charity possible. You know, being a kind person means having a heart for giving, whether through monetary gifts or spending time giving our talents, blah, blah, blah. But gentleness is a different bird altogether. Gentleness, to me, is like humility. It's like having the ability to handle situations or people gently by putting aside our own wants or feelings, (see Philippians 2:3,4).

D.L. Moody said that gentleness is "love in society." That makes sense, I think. It is an open expression of love, observable in public which is exactly what we need if we are going to show Christ in us. Here's Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse:
"It is far better to have a heart to do good and want ability for it than to have ability for it and want a heart to do it. The poor man wishes you well, but can promise you nothing, because he has nothing to be kind with. The liar makes you believe he will do mighty things, but, when it comes to the setting, will do nothing."

The Carver commentary says, in summary, that it's better to be kind and have nothing to be kind with than to say you are kind without actually being that way.

I'm obviously no expert on Scripture, but I hope this helps, Sarah. And anyone else who reads this, pray for my dear friend Sarah who is away at school and I miss terribly. She's my only equal at "Cranium."

Perspective

Luke 15:11-32 tells of Jesus speaking one of my favorite parables in the entire Bible. It is the story of the Prodigal Son, who took his inheritance and left his father's house to go on his own. He soon squandered everything and ended up impoverished to the point of being willing to eat after the pigs just for food. Here's the enlightening part:

When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger. I will get up and go to my father and will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight...' "



I guess it didn't take long for him to change his mind when he went from wealthy to poor. The important thing is that he recognized how he had changed. He became aware of where he was, as opposed to where he used to be. The next step was the always difficult "swallowing of pride." If you read on, you will find that his father received him back with open arms, just as God receives us - unconditionally. Honestly, I've been there. God gave me wealth and I squandered it thinking I knew what I was doing.



"...poverty has changed my view of what true riches are."



Impoverished? Yes. But with a different perspective. One that keeps me aware of the riches.

Approaching the Unapproachable

Well, I am thrilled that I am getting a response to this blog in just a few short weeks. I'm very glad to know that not only do some people like it, I've actually been told it is helpful to them (thanks, Amy). So, with renewed confidence, my latest installment:



Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:15, 16



Honestly, this has been one of my favorite verses for a few years. I love the whole book of Esther because it's more of a story like you would find in a bookstore somewhere. Here's some background on her life.



Esther was a Jewish girl, named Hadassah by her parents. She was raised by Mordecai, her cousin, who had taken her as his own daughter when her mother and father died. Mordecai's family had been carried into exile, from Jerusalem, by king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Babylon had since fallen to Persia and Mordecai and Esther now lived in the capital city of Susa. The king decides it is time to find himself a wife so he has all the hotties brought from all over the empire to the royal palace. Each girl received a twelve month beauty make-over, (really, it's in the Bible), and then she was taken to the king for one night. She would not return to him unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name. Lo, and behold, Esther won his favor and approval more than any other girl, and she was made queen.



Now the king had an official named Haman who disliked the Jews and sought to destroy them. He contrived a plan to rid the entire kingdom of all Jews. Mordecai learns of this plot and sends word to Esther asking her to speak with the king and intervene on behalf of her people. Up to this point, she had kept her nationality hidden from everyone. She sends word back to Mordecai that approaching the king without being summoned was against the law and she would be put to death. Mordecai again sends word to her saying, "If you remain silent, deliverance will come from another place, but you and your family will die. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Yeah, he did! He called her out. It is then that Esther calls for a fast, and decides to approach the king even if it means her death. "If I perish, I perish."



OK, let's get real specific. Confrontation. Do you have a hostile audience to confront? Maybe there is a friend or loved one you need to talk to about a delicate subject. Regardless of what the circumstances are, Esther provides an inspiring example of stepping up in the most difficult personal affairs. We can follow this by trusting God, knowing that He has our best interests in mind, and that He will accomplish His purposes. Setting aside our fears and putting our faith in Him will free us to "face the king", so to speak. God knows our human frailties. He is faithful to give us His strength to overcome them and He will go before us, preparing the way and softening the hearts of those we must confront.



Oh, and by the way, the Bible says that when the king saw Queen Esther, he was pleased with her and told her he would give her anything she requested, even up to half of the kingdom. The Jews were saved and Haman was hanged. Man, I love a happy ending.