...comes the Christmas story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1bbO7gHsiE
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas Musings 2008
The year came.
Unfortunately, it came after many years when it did not come. Enough years that variations on the meaning of it coming had flourished, and a certain jadedness had set in against the hope that it would ever come. Understandable; unfulfilled hope "cuts like a knife" as Brian Adams would say in my youth. Enough years had passed that some had deluded themselves into thinking they were the marking of the year's coming.
But then it came - the fullness of time. He's here.
I can't imagine squeezing myself into the form of a 1" plastic football player, choosing to lose all my natural movement and relying on electricity to vibrate me around the board (those are the physical laws of electric football). Doing this all because my beloved Packer-painted electric football team is going down. But He did something like that and so much more. Welcome to the planet; your planet. Your people.
Come again.
About that coming again business...I think some jadedness had taken up residence in my own heart. But for some reason, maybe my son's return home, it seems that this Christmas time has brought renewed faith and hope in your knowing what you are doing. Give me patience for the right time; the right times. Your Kingdome Come!
Unfortunately, it came after many years when it did not come. Enough years that variations on the meaning of it coming had flourished, and a certain jadedness had set in against the hope that it would ever come. Understandable; unfulfilled hope "cuts like a knife" as Brian Adams would say in my youth. Enough years had passed that some had deluded themselves into thinking they were the marking of the year's coming.
But then it came - the fullness of time. He's here.
I can't imagine squeezing myself into the form of a 1" plastic football player, choosing to lose all my natural movement and relying on electricity to vibrate me around the board (those are the physical laws of electric football). Doing this all because my beloved Packer-painted electric football team is going down. But He did something like that and so much more. Welcome to the planet; your planet. Your people.
Come again.
About that coming again business...I think some jadedness had taken up residence in my own heart. But for some reason, maybe my son's return home, it seems that this Christmas time has brought renewed faith and hope in your knowing what you are doing. Give me patience for the right time; the right times. Your Kingdome Come!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Laughing at God
I was reading the story of Abram and Sarai today. God promises them a child and the response of both at different times is to laugh. That is why God tells them to name their son Isaac (meaning "he laughs").
Today and the days to follow, I'm going to think about where I'm doubtfully laughing at what God wants to do. Is there something I have no faith about because it seems ridiculous that it would happen?
Lord, give me faith that would amount to a mustard seed.
Today and the days to follow, I'm going to think about where I'm doubtfully laughing at what God wants to do. Is there something I have no faith about because it seems ridiculous that it would happen?
Lord, give me faith that would amount to a mustard seed.
Friday, December 05, 2008
The Cost of Covenant
"As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him."
This dreadful and great darkness befalls Abram just as the Lord tells him that his offspring will be sojourners and slaves. I sometimes wonder if "covenant," a sharing word by nature, doesn't include the sharing of sadness and suffering. In this particular covenant, as with most of that day, the death and division of animals is involved, with both parties walking through that very death and division.
Jesus, on his trek toward the cross, tells his disciples that any follower of his must daily take up his own cross. Sharing? Sharing as part of covenant? I often talk to folks who have made a decision for Christ, or have decided to make a good change in their life, who say, "but now I'm so lonely, hurting, unsure, (you fill-in-the-blank)." But perhaps that is just the point at which we are walking with God through the covenant.
Just before this covenant, Abram has had a great victory and made a great God-honoring decision; but then it is clear that his childlessness is weighing on his mind. God tells him his plans and Abram believes him (counted as righteousness). Then, there is this deep sleep, this dreadful and great darkness, this death and division. But it is in the sharing of all this with God that the covenant is cut.
Let us not fall short of what God has for us because we are unwilling to share in the cost.
This dreadful and great darkness befalls Abram just as the Lord tells him that his offspring will be sojourners and slaves. I sometimes wonder if "covenant," a sharing word by nature, doesn't include the sharing of sadness and suffering. In this particular covenant, as with most of that day, the death and division of animals is involved, with both parties walking through that very death and division.
Jesus, on his trek toward the cross, tells his disciples that any follower of his must daily take up his own cross. Sharing? Sharing as part of covenant? I often talk to folks who have made a decision for Christ, or have decided to make a good change in their life, who say, "but now I'm so lonely, hurting, unsure, (you fill-in-the-blank)." But perhaps that is just the point at which we are walking with God through the covenant.
Just before this covenant, Abram has had a great victory and made a great God-honoring decision; but then it is clear that his childlessness is weighing on his mind. God tells him his plans and Abram believes him (counted as righteousness). Then, there is this deep sleep, this dreadful and great darkness, this death and division. But it is in the sharing of all this with God that the covenant is cut.
Let us not fall short of what God has for us because we are unwilling to share in the cost.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Anyone...Anyone
I watched "Expelled" last night and found it quite interesting. Ben Stein, in his usual droll speech, raises some pretty interesting questions about our places of higher learning. Whether you are an Intelligent Design apologist or critic, the questions of free inquiry are still valid. On another note - reading Genesis these days. One observation is that there is nothing in the text that suggests Abram did anything to warrant God's call to him or his plan to bless him. Abram was obedient and reverent, albeit in a somewhat "lie about your wife while you're in Egypt" sort of way. Just another data point in my ever-solidifying theory that it is not what we do on our own so much as how we hear and respond that opens up our relationship with God. Said another way - less about works/religiosity and more about recognizing/receiving grace.
Good to be back.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Back and Better Than Ever
Ordination paperwork is nearly completed, so Feetclean is back (you can decide if it's better than ever). On this Thanksgiving day, here is a silly little rhyme that has nothing to do with being thankful.
I spy; though I try
I really don't, and I won't
unless you feel you will reveal
yourself to me, then it will be.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I spy; though I try
I really don't, and I won't
unless you feel you will reveal
yourself to me, then it will be.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 03, 2008
Absence by Paperwork
As I stare down the paperwork required for final ordination, I must admit that hiatus from feetclean blogging is a necessary reality. For the one or two of you who look occasionally, I'll be back in December.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Sign
The people asked for a sign to prop up their faith,
But you refused.
So they made their own by carving into wood
“King of the Jews,”
And nailed it to the cross above your crown of thorns;
Headline of The Good News.
But you refused.
So they made their own by carving into wood
“King of the Jews,”
And nailed it to the cross above your crown of thorns;
Headline of The Good News.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Entry-Point
Cudos to the Kingdomtide Reader from Asbury this fall; it has been helpful in my quiet time each morning. Some excerpts from this morning's devotion are difficult to really digest, but very true.
"Anyone who intends to come with me must let me lead. Don't run from suffering, embrace it."
"They are difficult words, but they are the entry-point to the Kingdom. It is in self-denial, in considering others better than ourselves, that we truly live...(because) through the conflict of our self interests we will destroy one another."
The idea here is not to find creative and unique ways to hurt ourselves or make ourselves miserable; it is not suffering for suffering's sake. Rather, those who try to keep their lives by hoarding the positive somehow wind up with their own little kingdom bereft of life and love. Those who share the positive in ever-increasing ways enter into the kindom of life and love.
One problem is that there is a competing kingdom - the world - with values counter to the Kingdom of Heaven. This counter-kingdom screams for us to lead our own lives, to eliminate suffering, to obtain power, pleasure and self-security. It, like Peter's response to Jesus' announcement that he must suffer and die, tells us that self-denial and love of others is flat out insane...maybe even stupid.
Finally, this line; "we should first learn to live our lives with the Lord in secret, and learn the lesson of love while we sit at his feet. Then let us go love and serve our fellow-beings as we love our own selves." This is the key to self-denial - to be so filled with the truth of God's love, grace and acceptance that we don't need to earn value or seek the praise of others. It protects us from self-denial for self's sake. We love and serve out of an overflow of love rather than mustering up our own altruism.
"Anyone who intends to come with me must let me lead. Don't run from suffering, embrace it."
"They are difficult words, but they are the entry-point to the Kingdom. It is in self-denial, in considering others better than ourselves, that we truly live...(because) through the conflict of our self interests we will destroy one another."
The idea here is not to find creative and unique ways to hurt ourselves or make ourselves miserable; it is not suffering for suffering's sake. Rather, those who try to keep their lives by hoarding the positive somehow wind up with their own little kingdom bereft of life and love. Those who share the positive in ever-increasing ways enter into the kindom of life and love.
One problem is that there is a competing kingdom - the world - with values counter to the Kingdom of Heaven. This counter-kingdom screams for us to lead our own lives, to eliminate suffering, to obtain power, pleasure and self-security. It, like Peter's response to Jesus' announcement that he must suffer and die, tells us that self-denial and love of others is flat out insane...maybe even stupid.
Finally, this line; "we should first learn to live our lives with the Lord in secret, and learn the lesson of love while we sit at his feet. Then let us go love and serve our fellow-beings as we love our own selves." This is the key to self-denial - to be so filled with the truth of God's love, grace and acceptance that we don't need to earn value or seek the praise of others. It protects us from self-denial for self's sake. We love and serve out of an overflow of love rather than mustering up our own altruism.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Sharing
Blessed - bless
Forgiven - forgive
Loved - love
Reconciled - reconcile
Lord, may your gifts to me overflow to those whom you bring my way this day.
Forgiven - forgive
Loved - love
Reconciled - reconcile
Lord, may your gifts to me overflow to those whom you bring my way this day.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
CNN Advocates Praying for Your Enemy...Sort of
I just watched a report on CNN about how to reduce your stress. The report was made in response to the stress that the financial downturn is causing. They're suggestion? "Compassion Meditation." What is that, you ask? Well, it is thinking of something or someone you don't like and then thinking good thoughts and wishing good things for them.
What does that sound like? Sure sounds a lot like "but I say, pray for your enemies..." Of course their report had information about breathing techniques to quiet yourself (is this a Holy Spirit thing?) and visualization techniques - non threatening images (like Jesus?). I actually thought they would talk to someone who would make this connection, but instead it was the Dalai Lama.
What does that sound like? Sure sounds a lot like "but I say, pray for your enemies..." Of course their report had information about breathing techniques to quiet yourself (is this a Holy Spirit thing?) and visualization techniques - non threatening images (like Jesus?). I actually thought they would talk to someone who would make this connection, but instead it was the Dalai Lama.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Big Difference
It seems to me, as I've been reflecting on some readings, that there is a big difference between God and Satan (no kidding?!?) in terms of their calls to us.
God desires to lead us toward inner peace, joy and love - but most likely this will mean sacrifice and suffering; losing our lives to gain them. God loves us and is always drawing the best out in us. He convicts us but always in a manner that says "This is not who you are."
Satan desires to lead us toward selfish pursuit of the things we want, but it will mean internal destruction; comfort at the expense of our souls. Satan uses us and is quite fond of pointing out the worst in us because when we accept his condemnation that says, "That's exactly who you are," he gains control over us.
God desires to lead us toward inner peace, joy and love - but most likely this will mean sacrifice and suffering; losing our lives to gain them. God loves us and is always drawing the best out in us. He convicts us but always in a manner that says "This is not who you are."
Satan desires to lead us toward selfish pursuit of the things we want, but it will mean internal destruction; comfort at the expense of our souls. Satan uses us and is quite fond of pointing out the worst in us because when we accept his condemnation that says, "That's exactly who you are," he gains control over us.
Friday, October 10, 2008
twitter dee or twitter dum
do you know about this new thing called twitter. i'm sure it does more than this, but basically it allows you to update what you are doing almost continuously. i know this is going to sound judgmental, but it isn't meant that way at all. there is someone i greatly respect who "twitters," so it's not about anybody using it.
it's just this - it seems a bit presumptuous to me. i'm one that can't stand the E! network phenomenon - fame for fame's sake. we hear about people who may or may not be famous; about their every move until someone is made famous by their own famousness if that makes sense.
it seems to me that twitter is the E! channel for the more pedestrian; my own show about nothing but me that i actually think people will watch. i suppose blogging is not far off of that - though i find blogging to be for me...working my thoughts out. i already know where i am and what i'm doing, so i don't blog about that. on the other hand, i do update my status on facebook, and that is not far away from twitter.
i guess it just dawned on me that it is pretty sad to think of a person who is actually sitting around watching someone else's twitter messages, pregnant with anticipation of the next update; "now i'm on the crapper." whoa, what could be next!
no offense twitter-ers, but somehow the existence of such a thing points to a broken world.
it's just this - it seems a bit presumptuous to me. i'm one that can't stand the E! network phenomenon - fame for fame's sake. we hear about people who may or may not be famous; about their every move until someone is made famous by their own famousness if that makes sense.
it seems to me that twitter is the E! channel for the more pedestrian; my own show about nothing but me that i actually think people will watch. i suppose blogging is not far off of that - though i find blogging to be for me...working my thoughts out. i already know where i am and what i'm doing, so i don't blog about that. on the other hand, i do update my status on facebook, and that is not far away from twitter.
i guess it just dawned on me that it is pretty sad to think of a person who is actually sitting around watching someone else's twitter messages, pregnant with anticipation of the next update; "now i'm on the crapper." whoa, what could be next!
no offense twitter-ers, but somehow the existence of such a thing points to a broken world.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Intruder Alert
I'm reading the Asbury Kingdomtide Reader as a devotional this fall. Today's reading had this to say; "The Kingdom was supposed to fit our plans and agendas, but instead it is disruptive. He calls for life-change, for others-centeredness, for repentance. But it is too uncomfortable to repent; we'd rather wait around for a sign. We're not budging until we have reason to."
Then on the cover of the reader, I notice the Message translation of Romans 12:1; "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering."
Our plans, our life...offering? This isn't a time-tithe request, it is a full-on request to lay our lives upon the altar in response to Jesus' laying his there for us. This IS disruptive. Asking for signs - and we all do that, by the way - is just consumerism in response to a call for charity. How much of my life is asking for more from God when he's already given it all and how much of it is me giving my life up to "do the will of my Father in heaven?"
Then on the cover of the reader, I notice the Message translation of Romans 12:1; "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering."
Our plans, our life...offering? This isn't a time-tithe request, it is a full-on request to lay our lives upon the altar in response to Jesus' laying his there for us. This IS disruptive. Asking for signs - and we all do that, by the way - is just consumerism in response to a call for charity. How much of my life is asking for more from God when he's already given it all and how much of it is me giving my life up to "do the will of my Father in heaven?"
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Breakfast
One of my favorite meals is breakfast. I'll eat breakfast food pretty much anytime of the day. Here is a little poem about breakfast - actually, written as a kind of hymn to the tune of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."
Gazing at this galaxy, my eyes take in the splendor.
A warmth wells up inside of me, for soon this sight will render
Exactly what I need, and as I start to feed,
Upon this universe, I break the wretched curse
That night has cast upon me.
Clouds surround a glorious sun; a golden epicenter.
Celestial forms in orbit run. Into this race I enter.
Just after I have prayed, I grasp my skewer and blade.
Then launching into space, I stuff into my face
Creation's morning delicacy.
YUMMM!
Gazing at this galaxy, my eyes take in the splendor.
A warmth wells up inside of me, for soon this sight will render
Exactly what I need, and as I start to feed,
Upon this universe, I break the wretched curse
That night has cast upon me.
Clouds surround a glorious sun; a golden epicenter.
Celestial forms in orbit run. Into this race I enter.
Just after I have prayed, I grasp my skewer and blade.
Then launching into space, I stuff into my face
Creation's morning delicacy.
YUMMM!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Cape Fear
We have taken upon us
The mantle of self-god.
While we liked the look in the mirror
And the flattery from others when
They see it in just the right light,
The truth is the fabric constantly chafes;
Trying to keep it clean and free from holes
Embezzles all our attention and energy.
In response we no longer consider our beauty
But only our relative lack of shabbiness when
Compared to others’ cloaks of delusion.
If we look to one with great stains and flaws
We are puffed up and spread our capes wide
Until one passes whose mantle exceeds our own.
Then we pull in our covering, hide, and wonder
“How long until the entire thing is in tatters?”
So, these three remain, pride, shame and fear;
But the greatest of these is fear.
The mantle of self-god.
While we liked the look in the mirror
And the flattery from others when
They see it in just the right light,
The truth is the fabric constantly chafes;
Trying to keep it clean and free from holes
Embezzles all our attention and energy.
In response we no longer consider our beauty
But only our relative lack of shabbiness when
Compared to others’ cloaks of delusion.
If we look to one with great stains and flaws
We are puffed up and spread our capes wide
Until one passes whose mantle exceeds our own.
Then we pull in our covering, hide, and wonder
“How long until the entire thing is in tatters?”
So, these three remain, pride, shame and fear;
But the greatest of these is fear.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Simple as This
Jesus says in Matthew 7:
"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise...but anyone who listens to my teachings and ignores it is foolish."
It really is as simple as this - Jesus speaks wisdom and so to agree with wisdom (obey) is wise and to ignore wisdom is foolish. The results are most clearly seen when difficulties descend upon our lives. The wise have a foundation to weather the storms, the foolish do not. The problem is that foolishness is often easier in the sunny times than is being wise. Being lazy in practice is easier than working hard, but when gametime comes, hard work pays off and laziness does not.
"Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise...but anyone who listens to my teachings and ignores it is foolish."
It really is as simple as this - Jesus speaks wisdom and so to agree with wisdom (obey) is wise and to ignore wisdom is foolish. The results are most clearly seen when difficulties descend upon our lives. The wise have a foundation to weather the storms, the foolish do not. The problem is that foolishness is often easier in the sunny times than is being wise. Being lazy in practice is easier than working hard, but when gametime comes, hard work pays off and laziness does not.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Playing Alone
Black on red and red on black
Nine on ten and ten on jack
Turning cards from seven spaces
Hoping to reveal the aces
Nine on ten and ten on jack
Turning cards from seven spaces
Hoping to reveal the aces
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
You Are
Clouds move
Atmospheric blue
Leaves dance
Grass sways
Umbrella leaps
Papers tumble
I breathe
You Are!
I am amazed by God's presence and movement above, below, around, through, across, beyond and in all of life. I smile with joy this morning at the presence of God.
Atmospheric blue
Leaves dance
Grass sways
Umbrella leaps
Papers tumble
I breathe
You Are!
I am amazed by God's presence and movement above, below, around, through, across, beyond and in all of life. I smile with joy this morning at the presence of God.
Friday, September 05, 2008
The Shack
I'm about 2/3 the way done with this book and I'm quite a fan. I can see why some people have their undies in a bundle over some things, but this is a book that will be quite helpful for those who have serious blockades between them and God. Because I believe that much of our problem is that we don't completely believe that God is good and we have distorted images of God, I think this book can be really helpful. Check it out.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Me vs. He
John 12. Jesus' triumphal entry.
"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour?' But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name."
In the midst of conditions that have troubled his soul, Jesus has a choice. He can pray for himself, to have his soul not troubled; or he can pray in accordance to God's will. Jesus chooses the latter, "Father, glorify your name." It appears as if the Father cannot contain himself at that point; he's so pleased that he speaks right up.
I've had some things troubling me lately and I'm learning how to say, "Glorify your name, Father." The hard part about that is wanting the same thing God wants, but also trusting that he is even involved. He is; "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."
"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour?' But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name."
In the midst of conditions that have troubled his soul, Jesus has a choice. He can pray for himself, to have his soul not troubled; or he can pray in accordance to God's will. Jesus chooses the latter, "Father, glorify your name." It appears as if the Father cannot contain himself at that point; he's so pleased that he speaks right up.
I've had some things troubling me lately and I'm learning how to say, "Glorify your name, Father." The hard part about that is wanting the same thing God wants, but also trusting that he is even involved. He is; "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again."
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Blinded by the Light
John, chapter 9 - Jesus encounters a man blind from birth.
The disciples want to assign blame - who has sinned here, the blind man or his parents? At the end of chapter 9 we see the Pharisees do the same thing, telling the man he was "born in utter sin" and casting him out of the synagogue.
Jesus, on the other hand, seeks not to assign blame, but to glorify the Father and free the man through healing. I don't know about you, but I like this approach much better. At the end of the chapter, Jesus says, "I came into this world that those who do not see may see and those who see may become blind." It is clear from his later statement to the Pharisees that all of us - everyone - is spiritually blind and needs to be healed by Jesus. But the ones who refuse to confess this, and rather say that they can see, exclude themselves from grace and demand judgment.
The disciples want to assign blame - who has sinned here, the blind man or his parents? At the end of chapter 9 we see the Pharisees do the same thing, telling the man he was "born in utter sin" and casting him out of the synagogue.
Jesus, on the other hand, seeks not to assign blame, but to glorify the Father and free the man through healing. I don't know about you, but I like this approach much better. At the end of the chapter, Jesus says, "I came into this world that those who do not see may see and those who see may become blind." It is clear from his later statement to the Pharisees that all of us - everyone - is spiritually blind and needs to be healed by Jesus. But the ones who refuse to confess this, and rather say that they can see, exclude themselves from grace and demand judgment.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Twisted Tree
Twisted and gnarledBlemished and stained
Ugliness is your beauty
Imperfection your elegance
Dismembered and disjointed
Arms frame God's seascape
And form pathways for those
Who call you home
Bumps and crags
Become beauty and function
In you old tree
Is it true for me?
Friday, August 01, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Off to the Beach
My wife and I are headed to the beaches of North Carolina. I'll post some pics from the trip soon.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Luke (the other one for you Star Wars fans)
My small group is working through Luke; so here are a few thoughts on the middle chapters.
Seems to me that chapter 15 is about two entities who are separated. As for God, he is always pursuing us…searching the wilderness, emptying the house, looking to the horizon and running to us. For our part, repentance is key…turning toward God’s voice and responding to his invitation to forgiveness. In what way are we walking away from God and ignoring his call to something better? What do we need to repent?
Chapter 16 is a tough one. But primarily it is a picture of the difference between the Kingdom of the World and the Kingdom of God. Greed, self-gain, self-reliance and self-justification vs. obedience and temporary suffering for eternal reward. Which Kingdom are we living in? Better question; in what way are we living in the Kingdom of the World and in what ways are we living in the Kingdom of God?
Chapter 17 reveals characteristics of those living a Kingdom-of-God-kind-of-life. Look for these elements: holiness, forgiveness, faithfulness, servanthood, thankfulness, discernment, obedience, readiness. Are we seeing these things in our lives?
Seems to me that chapter 15 is about two entities who are separated. As for God, he is always pursuing us…searching the wilderness, emptying the house, looking to the horizon and running to us. For our part, repentance is key…turning toward God’s voice and responding to his invitation to forgiveness. In what way are we walking away from God and ignoring his call to something better? What do we need to repent?
Chapter 16 is a tough one. But primarily it is a picture of the difference between the Kingdom of the World and the Kingdom of God. Greed, self-gain, self-reliance and self-justification vs. obedience and temporary suffering for eternal reward. Which Kingdom are we living in? Better question; in what way are we living in the Kingdom of the World and in what ways are we living in the Kingdom of God?
Chapter 17 reveals characteristics of those living a Kingdom-of-God-kind-of-life. Look for these elements: holiness, forgiveness, faithfulness, servanthood, thankfulness, discernment, obedience, readiness. Are we seeing these things in our lives?
Monday, July 21, 2008
The Person of Prayer
Luke 11
When asked by his disciples to teach them to pray, Jesus gives them what we refer to as the Lord's Prayer. However, he continues with a statement about asking and receiving, knocking and the door being opened. I guess I never noticed that the end of this section has something specific that the asker will receive; "...how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask."
In a section on prayer, Jesus says, "Ask for the Holy Spirit." This has been my experience. One year I determined as a New Year's resolution that I would be more of a person of prayer. Over the next year or two, I encountered the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. It's as if God took my resolution as a prayer and said, "Okay, if you want to be more of a person of prayer, let me introduce you to THE Person of Prayer."
When asked by his disciples to teach them to pray, Jesus gives them what we refer to as the Lord's Prayer. However, he continues with a statement about asking and receiving, knocking and the door being opened. I guess I never noticed that the end of this section has something specific that the asker will receive; "...how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask."
In a section on prayer, Jesus says, "Ask for the Holy Spirit." This has been my experience. One year I determined as a New Year's resolution that I would be more of a person of prayer. Over the next year or two, I encountered the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. It's as if God took my resolution as a prayer and said, "Okay, if you want to be more of a person of prayer, let me introduce you to THE Person of Prayer."
Friday, July 18, 2008
Luke and Manning
I was reading the parable of the sower in Luke today. When Jesus talks about the seed that falls among thorns, he says in his explanation of the parable that three things choke out what begins to grow; cares, riches and pleasures.
Brennan Manning wrote a book entitled The Importance of Being Foolish in which he says that three basic idols prevent us from moving closer to Christ-likeness; security, power and pleasure. Does anyone else see the connection between these two?
Brennan Manning wrote a book entitled The Importance of Being Foolish in which he says that three basic idols prevent us from moving closer to Christ-likeness; security, power and pleasure. Does anyone else see the connection between these two?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Old is Good
Luke 4 & 5.
Throughout these two chapters, Jesus is revealing who he is through acts and words of power and authority. Yet those in the synagogue of his hometown, and the Pharisees throughout these two chapters can only think in terms of social constructs and rules.
Whose son is this - Joseph's, right? Who can offer forgiveness of sins? Why do you dine with sinners? Why don't your disciples fast?
At the end of it, Jesus says, "And no one after drinking old wine desires new for he says, 'The old is good.'" I wonder where God is revealing himself in power and authority in and around my life, and I might be missing it because it disrupts something old that I think is good...something in my life that I really like or on which I want to rely.
Throughout these two chapters, Jesus is revealing who he is through acts and words of power and authority. Yet those in the synagogue of his hometown, and the Pharisees throughout these two chapters can only think in terms of social constructs and rules.
Whose son is this - Joseph's, right? Who can offer forgiveness of sins? Why do you dine with sinners? Why don't your disciples fast?
At the end of it, Jesus says, "And no one after drinking old wine desires new for he says, 'The old is good.'" I wonder where God is revealing himself in power and authority in and around my life, and I might be missing it because it disrupts something old that I think is good...something in my life that I really like or on which I want to rely.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Turning Around
John the Baptist called for repentance; and in Luke when people asked "What do we do?" he responded by giving descriptions of opposite behavior than they had been living. I find this interesting; I've often struggled just simply changing my behavior for any length of time without the grace and power of God changing me from within.
On the other hand, I have seen how even small heart-attitude changes that come with honest effort to be obedient to God have provided room for God's Spirit to work in me and change me. Perhaps that was what John was seeking. Just as the Son of God is coming onto the scene, John is calling people to turn around for a moment so that they might not miss the gift being given.
What are your thoughts on repentance? Can we stop doing the wrong and start doing the right outside of God's transformational power in our lives? Is the desire and effort to do so a catalyst for that transformational power to do its work in us?
On the other hand, I have seen how even small heart-attitude changes that come with honest effort to be obedient to God have provided room for God's Spirit to work in me and change me. Perhaps that was what John was seeking. Just as the Son of God is coming onto the scene, John is calling people to turn around for a moment so that they might not miss the gift being given.
What are your thoughts on repentance? Can we stop doing the wrong and start doing the right outside of God's transformational power in our lives? Is the desire and effort to do so a catalyst for that transformational power to do its work in us?
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Scatter-brained
Reading Luke 1 this morning and ran across this line from the Magnificat.
"he (God) has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts."
I've heard of being scatter-brained, but I'm wondering what this is exactly. It seems to be saying that the proud become lost in their own delusional imaginations. I'm guessing that primarily it is to operate from the myth that they can handle whatever comes under their own strength.
Where am I approaching life in this way? Am I scattered in my own imagination? Would the opposite of this be a togetherness or a central focus on the thoughts of God's heart?
"he (God) has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts."
I've heard of being scatter-brained, but I'm wondering what this is exactly. It seems to be saying that the proud become lost in their own delusional imaginations. I'm guessing that primarily it is to operate from the myth that they can handle whatever comes under their own strength.
Where am I approaching life in this way? Am I scattered in my own imagination? Would the opposite of this be a togetherness or a central focus on the thoughts of God's heart?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Unexpected
Rain falls on dry ground
Without forecast
Gray fog, mud
No thunder, lightning,
Or end in sight
Clouds hide clouds
Sometimes surprises
Aren’t exciting,
Just unexpected
Unmotivated sorrow
Alone together
Patient anxiety
I watch the rain and wait.
Without forecast
Gray fog, mud
No thunder, lightning,
Or end in sight
Clouds hide clouds
Sometimes surprises
Aren’t exciting,
Just unexpected
Unmotivated sorrow
Alone together
Patient anxiety
I watch the rain and wait.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Mind Tracking Spirit
Mark chapters 5-8; the difference between faith and "mind-reliance."
One of the greatest barriers to Christ working in our lives, it seems from this section, is us leaning on our own understandings and traditions. As the Pharisees are accused of stomping on the law in order to uphold their own traditions, it seems to me that we stomp on the work of Christ through the Holy Spirit when we demand God to work in our preconceived frameworks. When we do this we, like the crowd at the house of Jairus, laugh at what Jesus has planned - it seems ridiculous.
Conversely, it is when people look for the fringe of Christ's garment or the "crumbs that fall from the table" that real transformation occurs. The Syrophoenician woman essentially says to Jesus, "My faith goes beyond theology. My faith is in you and not social constructs that surround you." All of this reminds me of two statements, one is by someone like Anselm or Augustine (great church history knowledge, eh?). He was speaking about the place of reason in faith and said, "Reason informs our faith." An elderly pastor who teaches at Asbury sometimes, Jimmy Buskirk, always said he wanted his churches and seminaries to be "mind tracking Spirit."
Both of these thoughts come down to this: the Spirit and our faith lead and then we do our best to understand it. This provides for two things to happen. First, no artificial "edge of the world" is created, or said better we do not limit God by demanding he stay within the lines of our present understanding. Second, there is room for mystery because some of the things God does we may never fully understand. But if reason leads, we only allow God to go to that boundary.
The culmination of this idea comes when Peter confesses Jesus as Christ - as Messiah. Jesus says to him (paraphrase), "I'm so glad you have space in you to receive revelation from heaven that goes beyond your own analysis of what you see and hear and think. What you just said did not come out of your mind but from the mouth of God through your mouth." Of course he quickly tries to lock Jesus back in Peter's understanding of what it means to be the Messiah and is rebuked for having his mind on worldly things again, but hey, at least he got it right once.
Final note; in this section of Mark it is people in the know about religion or the human identity of Jesus who get it mixed up. Those who have lost hope in religion or who don't know THE religion in the first place seem to see Jesus clearly. Their minds have not locked him into being a resurrected John the Baptist, or Elijah, or merely a prophet (as Herod's servants report and as Peter claims is the word on the street). They are free to just see Jesus with Spirit-eyes.
One of the greatest barriers to Christ working in our lives, it seems from this section, is us leaning on our own understandings and traditions. As the Pharisees are accused of stomping on the law in order to uphold their own traditions, it seems to me that we stomp on the work of Christ through the Holy Spirit when we demand God to work in our preconceived frameworks. When we do this we, like the crowd at the house of Jairus, laugh at what Jesus has planned - it seems ridiculous.
Conversely, it is when people look for the fringe of Christ's garment or the "crumbs that fall from the table" that real transformation occurs. The Syrophoenician woman essentially says to Jesus, "My faith goes beyond theology. My faith is in you and not social constructs that surround you." All of this reminds me of two statements, one is by someone like Anselm or Augustine (great church history knowledge, eh?). He was speaking about the place of reason in faith and said, "Reason informs our faith." An elderly pastor who teaches at Asbury sometimes, Jimmy Buskirk, always said he wanted his churches and seminaries to be "mind tracking Spirit."
Both of these thoughts come down to this: the Spirit and our faith lead and then we do our best to understand it. This provides for two things to happen. First, no artificial "edge of the world" is created, or said better we do not limit God by demanding he stay within the lines of our present understanding. Second, there is room for mystery because some of the things God does we may never fully understand. But if reason leads, we only allow God to go to that boundary.
The culmination of this idea comes when Peter confesses Jesus as Christ - as Messiah. Jesus says to him (paraphrase), "I'm so glad you have space in you to receive revelation from heaven that goes beyond your own analysis of what you see and hear and think. What you just said did not come out of your mind but from the mouth of God through your mouth." Of course he quickly tries to lock Jesus back in Peter's understanding of what it means to be the Messiah and is rebuked for having his mind on worldly things again, but hey, at least he got it right once.
Final note; in this section of Mark it is people in the know about religion or the human identity of Jesus who get it mixed up. Those who have lost hope in religion or who don't know THE religion in the first place seem to see Jesus clearly. Their minds have not locked him into being a resurrected John the Baptist, or Elijah, or merely a prophet (as Herod's servants report and as Peter claims is the word on the street). They are free to just see Jesus with Spirit-eyes.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Wilderness Cooked
I recently listened to a talk given by a guy named Graham Cook. He is from England and grew up in a crime family until a dramatic encounter with Christ changed his life. He has been ministering for over 30 years now. While there were a few things I didn't agree with (I think sometimes people take something God is telling them about their life and what he will do for them and make it the standard for all people), he made a couple of really powerful points. One of them, about "the wilderness," I wanted to capture here. He used the sequence of events in Luke around Jesus' baptism. Here is the shortened version.
Jesus is claimed as the beloved son in whom the Father is delighted before he has ever done anything. Then, the Holy Spirit takes him out into the wilderness where, during forty days of fasting, God does some amazing revelation about himself and Jesus. Jesus is given an "inheritance word," a word from God that he can have confidence in. The enemy is then allowed to draw near and be defeated, and then Jesus walks into the temple, reads out of order a text from Isaiah (Is. 61) proclaiming this inheritance word for the next season of his life. So, what if the wilderness is where God takes people he is most delighted in?
What if the wilderness is God's favorite place to take people to strip away distractions and reveal who he really is and who we really are; then strengthen us with our own inheritance, draw the enemy (who may have been plagueing us for years) very near and allow us to defeat him, then send us out to fulfill what he has for us in this next season? He mentions that we can either go into the wilderness by design or default; by God's design or out of our own doing (Moses did the latter by killing a man in Egypt and getting exiled). But when God takes us into the wilderness by design, beautiful things (though often difficult and painful) can happen.
This was important for me to hear because I have experienced this very thing. Oh, and by the way, I, like Moses went into the desert by default, but God eventually met me there anyway. How gracious of him!
Jesus is claimed as the beloved son in whom the Father is delighted before he has ever done anything. Then, the Holy Spirit takes him out into the wilderness where, during forty days of fasting, God does some amazing revelation about himself and Jesus. Jesus is given an "inheritance word," a word from God that he can have confidence in. The enemy is then allowed to draw near and be defeated, and then Jesus walks into the temple, reads out of order a text from Isaiah (Is. 61) proclaiming this inheritance word for the next season of his life. So, what if the wilderness is where God takes people he is most delighted in?
What if the wilderness is God's favorite place to take people to strip away distractions and reveal who he really is and who we really are; then strengthen us with our own inheritance, draw the enemy (who may have been plagueing us for years) very near and allow us to defeat him, then send us out to fulfill what he has for us in this next season? He mentions that we can either go into the wilderness by design or default; by God's design or out of our own doing (Moses did the latter by killing a man in Egypt and getting exiled). But when God takes us into the wilderness by design, beautiful things (though often difficult and painful) can happen.
This was important for me to hear because I have experienced this very thing. Oh, and by the way, I, like Moses went into the desert by default, but God eventually met me there anyway. How gracious of him!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Away
I had posted this poem sometime ago, under the old feetclean format. The boy is doing better, but I thought I'd bring it back out as I'm still praying this in many ways.
I lie here; you lie there,
Standing? Talking? Having fun?
I cannot say exactly where
You are beloved son.
Memories both rich and clear
Mind projected movies play
Twisted plot brings forth a tear
Happy ending, this I pray
My arms, my legs, hearing, sight,
I offer these and even more
If at the end of this dark night
My son walked through the door.
How can you be within my heart
yet far beyond my arms' embrace
Oh God be there while we're apart
and guide him to his rightful place.
I lie here; you lie there,
Standing? Talking? Having fun?
I cannot say exactly where
You are beloved son.
Memories both rich and clear
Mind projected movies play
Twisted plot brings forth a tear
Happy ending, this I pray
My arms, my legs, hearing, sight,
I offer these and even more
If at the end of this dark night
My son walked through the door.
How can you be within my heart
yet far beyond my arms' embrace
Oh God be there while we're apart
and guide him to his rightful place.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The House God Built
Yesterday we dedicated a house for Pastor Johnny Thomas. Johnny started as a ministry partner along with his congregation, New Bethel Missionary Baptist. He has since become a mentor, pastor, and friend. His old house was full of black mold which was slowly killing him due to his violent, allergic reactions. Yet, he knew God had called him to the neighborhood in which he lives, so he would not leave.
Enter a couple of small groups, some dedicated volunteers from both our churches, and 8 months later...look what we have. You can check out the full story here http://www.thehousegodbuilt.blogspot.com/.
Enter a couple of small groups, some dedicated volunteers from both our churches, and 8 months later...look what we have. You can check out the full story here http://www.thehousegodbuilt.blogspot.com/.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Yield Sign
Just reading the 13th chapter of Matthew - the parable of the sower. Here is an interesting line that stood out during this latest reading of a very familiar parable. Verse 23:
As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.
It's not enough that we bear fruit, though that is tremendously important, but also that we yield the harvest. That means we give it over to the farmer rather than holding onto the fruit for ourselves. What that means is that God is given glory for what is produced rather than me.
Is the gospel bearing fruit in your life? If so, is the fruit being yielded to the Father?
As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.
It's not enough that we bear fruit, though that is tremendously important, but also that we yield the harvest. That means we give it over to the farmer rather than holding onto the fruit for ourselves. What that means is that God is given glory for what is produced rather than me.
Is the gospel bearing fruit in your life? If so, is the fruit being yielded to the Father?
Saturday, June 07, 2008
A Couple of Things
I read this little tidbit in 1 Peter: "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you." It seems to me that most of us, especially those who serve in some kind of ministry as volunteers or paid staff, don't always live this way. We serve, but then we look for our significance from those we serve or those who supervise or watch our service. We don't do it completely humbly, expecting and waiting on God to honor us rather than others.
As we think about how and where we will serve, our decisions are sometimes based on the honor the position or location will bring us and not our calling. When it comes to giving our worries and cares to God, we're not sure he'll want them, or we see them as petty, or we view it as something we are supposed to do because good Christians aren't supposed to worry. But do we really believe that the motive is because "he cares" for us and doesn't want us burdened with them?
I'm learning to put the two together in ministry. To serve humbly and when I become worried about my importance and significance, I give that to God because it says he cares, and it says that at the right time, he will honor me. I need to leave that up to him.
As we think about how and where we will serve, our decisions are sometimes based on the honor the position or location will bring us and not our calling. When it comes to giving our worries and cares to God, we're not sure he'll want them, or we see them as petty, or we view it as something we are supposed to do because good Christians aren't supposed to worry. But do we really believe that the motive is because "he cares" for us and doesn't want us burdened with them?
I'm learning to put the two together in ministry. To serve humbly and when I become worried about my importance and significance, I give that to God because it says he cares, and it says that at the right time, he will honor me. I need to leave that up to him.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
In the Gutter
Bob Tuttle, Professor of Evangelism at Asbury Theological Seminary, once gave a sermon with an illustration that spoke of a student who had "inadvertantly condemned a part of himself to hell." At the time, it was very helpful to me because I realized I had done the same thing and found healing from that message through confession and prayer.
I'm amazed now how often I find this to be the case with people. I prayed with a woman the other day who, with one breath, said, "I believe Jesus died for me, to save me from my sins, but he can't really want to be with me; I'm a gutter woman." Do you see the issue here...why would someone die for a person whom they didn't want to be with? The new creation thing is right out the window.
The problem is that we often have trouble appropriating God's grace to the "worst" parts of ourselves. Self-condemnation makes the receiving of God's forgiveness impossible. David once said, "I know your desire is for your truth to reach my inmost being." God wants his unconditional love and sufficient grace to descend even into hell to reach those parts we've condemned, that they may be resurrected and given new life - and that we may be whole again.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Preceptivity
I've been thinking a lot about God's precepts, his Word, his commandments. My own experience is reflecting what I see the writers of Scripture trying to convey about obedience to God's precepts. It seems to me that all of this is less about right and wrong, good and bad, and much more about healthy and unhealthy, beneficial and detrimental.
Stay with me for a minute. David says that God's precepts bring joy, wisdom, freedom from the oppression of others, and a deeper love between himself and the Lord (Psalm 119). He never once presumes it makes him "good" or "perfect." You see, the "acceptable standard" view of the law is what Paul rails against as the "law of sin and death;" it is not the law of the Spirit of life.
When we as individuals or we as the church portray our obedience to God's precepts as a standard for being righteous, we have just shackled the listener with the law of sin and death. When we teach God's precepts as a remedy to our brokenness, and it is God who helps us move more and more into a life of obedience as we submit to him, then we introduce the law of the Spirit of life. In a sense we don't make ourselves good, we defer to the goodness in us - Christ.
I think postmodernity is much more capable of hearing "the things you are participating in are unhealthy for you" than they are "you are bad because you don't do what's right and YOU better start doing what's right so YOU can be good and not bad." Everything may be permissible for us, but not everything is beneficial. Understanding that is having what I call "preceptivity."
Stay with me for a minute. David says that God's precepts bring joy, wisdom, freedom from the oppression of others, and a deeper love between himself and the Lord (Psalm 119). He never once presumes it makes him "good" or "perfect." You see, the "acceptable standard" view of the law is what Paul rails against as the "law of sin and death;" it is not the law of the Spirit of life.
When we as individuals or we as the church portray our obedience to God's precepts as a standard for being righteous, we have just shackled the listener with the law of sin and death. When we teach God's precepts as a remedy to our brokenness, and it is God who helps us move more and more into a life of obedience as we submit to him, then we introduce the law of the Spirit of life. In a sense we don't make ourselves good, we defer to the goodness in us - Christ.
I think postmodernity is much more capable of hearing "the things you are participating in are unhealthy for you" than they are "you are bad because you don't do what's right and YOU better start doing what's right so YOU can be good and not bad." Everything may be permissible for us, but not everything is beneficial. Understanding that is having what I call "preceptivity."
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Parent Trap
I sometimes will joke with others and say, "We never knew what we were getting into when we became parents." The roller coaster ride is sometimes exhilerating and sometimes nauseating.
I was reading the first chapters of Matthew this morning and thinking that Mary and Joseph would say the same thing. Fleeing to Egypt, moving back to Israel, but not really home due to continued threat. Starting over again in a strange town all because of this little child. I wonder if Mary allowed herself to look ahead and contemplate what was said, "your own heart will be pierced."
I was reading the first chapters of Matthew this morning and thinking that Mary and Joseph would say the same thing. Fleeing to Egypt, moving back to Israel, but not really home due to continued threat. Starting over again in a strange town all because of this little child. I wonder if Mary allowed herself to look ahead and contemplate what was said, "your own heart will be pierced."
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Some Questions
"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
This was my FaceBook verse the other day. I wondered about it quite a bit in some meditation time. Do I love him? Do I believe in him? Am I filled with joy? Inexpressible joy? Does my faith even have a goal? Can I honestly say that Peter could have written that to me?
I guess the answers, for me anyway, are matters of degrees rather than straight yes or no. I do love him, but so often it is not with all of me. I do believe in him, but don't always trust his faithfulness and goodness. I do have a measure of joy and there are times when it is beyond words...but not at all times. I am encouraged, though, that Peter thought to write this to someone...someone whom either was further along or someone who needed encouragement to get there. I'll take it as the latter.
This was my FaceBook verse the other day. I wondered about it quite a bit in some meditation time. Do I love him? Do I believe in him? Am I filled with joy? Inexpressible joy? Does my faith even have a goal? Can I honestly say that Peter could have written that to me?
I guess the answers, for me anyway, are matters of degrees rather than straight yes or no. I do love him, but so often it is not with all of me. I do believe in him, but don't always trust his faithfulness and goodness. I do have a measure of joy and there are times when it is beyond words...but not at all times. I am encouraged, though, that Peter thought to write this to someone...someone whom either was further along or someone who needed encouragement to get there. I'll take it as the latter.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Accusations
I am reading through the NT and have hit Revelation...ah yes, light morning reading. In chapter 12 I read this about the "red dragon who is called the devil and Satan;"
...for the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them day and night before God, has been thrown down.
I sometimes forget that the very one who tempts and woos us to destructive disobedience is the same one who accuses us of it. Like the White Witch in Narnia who first explains how power will come to Edmund if he helps find the other humans and their helpers, and then accuses him of doing just that before the others and before Aslan.
Remembering this really hammers home Jesus' role as Advocate (remember, he tells the disciples that he will send ANOTHER advocate when he ascends...so he is the first). He is the one who defends us against these accusations by the cross. Chapter 12 goes on to say, "And they have conquered him by the blood of the lamb..."
...for the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them day and night before God, has been thrown down.
I sometimes forget that the very one who tempts and woos us to destructive disobedience is the same one who accuses us of it. Like the White Witch in Narnia who first explains how power will come to Edmund if he helps find the other humans and their helpers, and then accuses him of doing just that before the others and before Aslan.
Remembering this really hammers home Jesus' role as Advocate (remember, he tells the disciples that he will send ANOTHER advocate when he ascends...so he is the first). He is the one who defends us against these accusations by the cross. Chapter 12 goes on to say, "And they have conquered him by the blood of the lamb..."
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
The Result of Prayer
The result of prayer is life.
Prayer irrigates the
earth and
heart.
Prayer irrigates the
earth and
heart.
- St. Francis of Assisi
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Confidence
John's first letter says, "And now, little children, abide in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming."
I have a dog named CC (for Cookies and Cream). She is a true scavenger and has a bad habit of getting into the trash or nabbing food left on the counter. Whenever she does this and I come from the other part of the house, or come in the house after being gone, she lowers her head and won't make eye contact. She slinks around me and tries to hide somewhere...even before I know she's done anything.
However, when I enter the room or come home and no such food thievery has occured, she runs to me with her tail wagging and wants to me to talk to her and pet her. I thought of this as I read the passage above. There is joy in being able to run up to Jesus, anxious for his voice and love; confidently approaching him when he comes.
I suppose the writer is talking about Christ's return, but I think it applies to each time Jesus "shows up." That could be prayer, worship, whenever. Will these be times where I confidently interact with him, or will I slink away?
I have a dog named CC (for Cookies and Cream). She is a true scavenger and has a bad habit of getting into the trash or nabbing food left on the counter. Whenever she does this and I come from the other part of the house, or come in the house after being gone, she lowers her head and won't make eye contact. She slinks around me and tries to hide somewhere...even before I know she's done anything.
However, when I enter the room or come home and no such food thievery has occured, she runs to me with her tail wagging and wants to me to talk to her and pet her. I thought of this as I read the passage above. There is joy in being able to run up to Jesus, anxious for his voice and love; confidently approaching him when he comes.
I suppose the writer is talking about Christ's return, but I think it applies to each time Jesus "shows up." That could be prayer, worship, whenever. Will these be times where I confidently interact with him, or will I slink away?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Light in the Darkness
Your light awakens me.
Illuminescent fingers
caress the walls
and greet my eyes
which blink "hello" in return.
Looking becomes seeing
within life's room.
Shadows recede,
corners lean,
the ceiling kneels and the floor sits up.
Empty and cluttered
all at once;
vast inventory
of value-less vagueries
litter the floor - shards of broken dreams.
My eyes now see
beyond the window;
a world awash
in color and warmth.
You are the Light overcoming my Darkness.
Illuminescent fingers
caress the walls
and greet my eyes
which blink "hello" in return.
Looking becomes seeing
within life's room.
Shadows recede,
corners lean,
the ceiling kneels and the floor sits up.
Empty and cluttered
all at once;
vast inventory
of value-less vagueries
litter the floor - shards of broken dreams.
My eyes now see
beyond the window;
a world awash
in color and warmth.
You are the Light overcoming my Darkness.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Daughter
last her weary eyes behold
first as sleep's deep fog recedes
shoulder pillow, arms enfold
voice cheers outward, upward pleads
treasure valued more than gold
cherished though not wholly mine
shared with "husband" when I'm old
this day rendered to "divine"
first as sleep's deep fog recedes
shoulder pillow, arms enfold
voice cheers outward, upward pleads
treasure valued more than gold
cherished though not wholly mine
shared with "husband" when I'm old
this day rendered to "divine"
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Change
Once was.
Now is.
Then awaits.
Once couldn’t.
Now can.
Then will.
Once trapped.
Now loose.
Then free.
Now is.
Then awaits.
Once couldn’t.
Now can.
Then will.
Once trapped.
Now loose.
Then free.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Mary's
Below is a poem about trusting God with all we have. I realize I've conflated several Mary characters, but this is something of a collective thought.
I give you everything
the world counts as value
the essence of all I have
the perfume of my identity
the fragrance of fantasy
in the minds of mounting men
the odor of my defense
against sweat-soaked invaders
my all flows freely
not a drop do I withhold
of this aromatic profit
and the body sold to gain it
what was preparation to you
was finality to me
today I die in you
Jesus, live in me
I give you everything
the world counts as value
the essence of all I have
the perfume of my identity
the fragrance of fantasy
in the minds of mounting men
the odor of my defense
against sweat-soaked invaders
my all flows freely
not a drop do I withhold
of this aromatic profit
and the body sold to gain it
what was preparation to you
was finality to me
today I die in you
Jesus, live in me
Friday, April 11, 2008
Pangs
I Timothy 6, in the context of concern for those who are rich, Paul says, "It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
I'm quite sure it's not just the rich who can do this, nor is it just pangs related to money. So, today, I'm going to be alert to the pangs in my life that may be piercing me in ways that lead me away from Jesus and my faith in him.
I'm quite sure it's not just the rich who can do this, nor is it just pangs related to money. So, today, I'm going to be alert to the pangs in my life that may be piercing me in ways that lead me away from Jesus and my faith in him.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Can You Hear Me Now?
I've been dwelling in John 10 lately and realizing how true it is that there are different voices talking to me all the time. I'm also realizing how often I listen to the wrong ones.
In this passage Jesus explains, twice, that there are things that can get to us. Some of those things have no claim on us; but, like a thief, they hop the fence in hopes of nabbing a few sheep. There is also a shepherd who does have a claim on us and who desires to feed us and keep us safe.
Within the passage, Jesus says that the sheep know the shepherd's voice and will follow only him, and not any of the others who have come to steal and destroy. But my opinion...my experience is that this is a best case scenario; the way things ought to be.
Those times in my life when I feel that my peace and joy and rest and patience and goodness and self-control have been stolen, it is because I have followed the words of a thief and destroyer; not my shepherd's. "You need more, you need better, he's holding out on you, it's not that big of a deal." These are the words of one who is not my shepherd.
Conversely, those times in life when I'm living abundantly, which interestingly enough seems to be the most simply, it's when I've been heeding the voice of my shepherd. He says things like, "you are my beloved, my child whom I died for because of my love for you."
Whose voice has been loudest in your life lately?
In this passage Jesus explains, twice, that there are things that can get to us. Some of those things have no claim on us; but, like a thief, they hop the fence in hopes of nabbing a few sheep. There is also a shepherd who does have a claim on us and who desires to feed us and keep us safe.
Within the passage, Jesus says that the sheep know the shepherd's voice and will follow only him, and not any of the others who have come to steal and destroy. But my opinion...my experience is that this is a best case scenario; the way things ought to be.
Those times in my life when I feel that my peace and joy and rest and patience and goodness and self-control have been stolen, it is because I have followed the words of a thief and destroyer; not my shepherd's. "You need more, you need better, he's holding out on you, it's not that big of a deal." These are the words of one who is not my shepherd.
Conversely, those times in life when I'm living abundantly, which interestingly enough seems to be the most simply, it's when I've been heeding the voice of my shepherd. He says things like, "you are my beloved, my child whom I died for because of my love for you."
Whose voice has been loudest in your life lately?
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Socks
I never smell socks,
except the ones
I find on the living room floor.
Are they clean or dirty?
There’s really only one way to tell –
smell.
except the ones
I find on the living room floor.
Are they clean or dirty?
There’s really only one way to tell –
smell.
Friday, April 04, 2008
My Love
Across the room
beauty moves;
slowly, familiarly,
yet always anew.
Warmly gazing
green-blue eyes
search deep into my heart
to find only their reflection.
Now, my love,
rush into open arms
stretched wide for you;
unconditional
love
embrace.
beauty moves;
slowly, familiarly,
yet always anew.
Warmly gazing
green-blue eyes
search deep into my heart
to find only their reflection.
Now, my love,
rush into open arms
stretched wide for you;
unconditional
love
embrace.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Hope (Belief), Faith and Love
I'm reading through Mark. Chapter 11 today led to the following, almost mathematical, progression.
Mark 11 says "Have faith in God." Hebrews 11 tells us:
FAITH = the assurance of things hoped for
and
FAITH = the conviction of things not seen.
This is interesting to me. What is belief? How is belief different than faith? It seems to me that the following is pretty accurate, though I find no Hebrews 11 equivalent for belief
BELIEF = professed acceptance of a truth claim (or set of truth claims)
So, if I believe in God, I accept that God IS. If I believe in the God of the Bible, I accept as true that God IS, and God is as he is presented in Scripture. If I believe in Jesus, I accept the claims about him. If I believe Jesus (not "in"), I accept what he has said as true.
Faith seems to add two dimensions (at least) to belief. First is a forward element; "things hoped for." "Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it." This is an equivalent statement to "assurance of things hoped for." The second component is trust - a movement from head to heart; conviction. Belief becomes conviction and the result is not just a verbal expression or mental acceptance of a truth proposition, but behaving naturally as if it is true and will continue to be true.
So the following could be constructed at the risk of over simplification.
HOPE (belief) - begets - FAITH (assurance, conviction)
FAITH - begets – LOVE
Or as Henry Blackaby says, we see God at work and accredit it to God, so we join him in his work (follow his commands and direction) because we trust in his faithfulness, and when we again see that faithfulness and goodness, our relationship deepens with Him...we fall ever more in love with God.
Mark 11 says "Have faith in God." Hebrews 11 tells us:
FAITH = the assurance of things hoped for
and
FAITH = the conviction of things not seen.
This is interesting to me. What is belief? How is belief different than faith? It seems to me that the following is pretty accurate, though I find no Hebrews 11 equivalent for belief
BELIEF = professed acceptance of a truth claim (or set of truth claims)
So, if I believe in God, I accept that God IS. If I believe in the God of the Bible, I accept as true that God IS, and God is as he is presented in Scripture. If I believe in Jesus, I accept the claims about him. If I believe Jesus (not "in"), I accept what he has said as true.
Faith seems to add two dimensions (at least) to belief. First is a forward element; "things hoped for." "Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it." This is an equivalent statement to "assurance of things hoped for." The second component is trust - a movement from head to heart; conviction. Belief becomes conviction and the result is not just a verbal expression or mental acceptance of a truth proposition, but behaving naturally as if it is true and will continue to be true.
So the following could be constructed at the risk of over simplification.
HOPE (belief) - begets - FAITH (assurance, conviction)
FAITH - begets – LOVE
Or as Henry Blackaby says, we see God at work and accredit it to God, so we join him in his work (follow his commands and direction) because we trust in his faithfulness, and when we again see that faithfulness and goodness, our relationship deepens with Him...we fall ever more in love with God.
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Connection Between Worry and Humility
I read this little tidbit in 1 Peter: "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you." It seems to me that most of us, especially those who serve in some kind of ministry as volunteers or paid staff, don't always live this way.
We serve, but then we look for our significance from those we serve or those who supervise or watch our service. We don't do it completely humbly, expecting and waiting on God to honor us rather than others. As we think about how and where we will serve, our decisions are sometimes based on the honor the position or location will bring us and not our calling.
When it comes to giving our worries and cares to God, we're not sure he'll want them, or we see them as petty, or we view it as something we are supposed to do because good Christians aren't supposed to worry. But do we really believe that the motive is because "he cares" for us and doesn't want us burdened with them?
I'm learning to put the two together in ministry. To serve humbly and when I become worried about my importance and significance, I give that to God because it says he cares, and it says that at the right time, he will honor me. I need to leave that up to him.
We serve, but then we look for our significance from those we serve or those who supervise or watch our service. We don't do it completely humbly, expecting and waiting on God to honor us rather than others. As we think about how and where we will serve, our decisions are sometimes based on the honor the position or location will bring us and not our calling.
When it comes to giving our worries and cares to God, we're not sure he'll want them, or we see them as petty, or we view it as something we are supposed to do because good Christians aren't supposed to worry. But do we really believe that the motive is because "he cares" for us and doesn't want us burdened with them?
I'm learning to put the two together in ministry. To serve humbly and when I become worried about my importance and significance, I give that to God because it says he cares, and it says that at the right time, he will honor me. I need to leave that up to him.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Dead Man Walking
"plenty smart, in control, success is mine"
says the dead man walking
"never perfect, but not too bad, bred religious"
says the dead man walking
"power positioned, people affirmed, look at me"
says the dead man walking
fissures widen, cards collapse, failure finds
the dead man walking
eyes now open see the death which precedes dieing
in a dead man walking
panic stricken, seeking life outside the grip
of dead men walking
the lowly one, bruised and beaten, crucified
for the dead man walking
"on my knees, I receive, your saving grace"
says the dead man walking
faith, hope, joy, love, thanksgiving in
this dead man living
says the dead man walking
"never perfect, but not too bad, bred religious"
says the dead man walking
"power positioned, people affirmed, look at me"
says the dead man walking
fissures widen, cards collapse, failure finds
the dead man walking
eyes now open see the death which precedes dieing
in a dead man walking
panic stricken, seeking life outside the grip
of dead men walking
the lowly one, bruised and beaten, crucified
for the dead man walking
"on my knees, I receive, your saving grace"
says the dead man walking
faith, hope, joy, love, thanksgiving in
this dead man living
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Rage
Here is a reflection I had while flying home from Florida. It's about anger...not righteous anger that is self-controlled (note, that doesn't mean stuffed down); but defensive anger that is unleashed with no love or grace.
I drew the knife and sliced your skin,
I waved it 'round and cut again.
I plunged it deep into your heart;
I drew it out and left you scarred.
I swallowed it, a circus act.
Then deep within the knife attacked
until I was no longer me.
Death has come so bitterly.
I drew the knife and sliced your skin,
I waved it 'round and cut again.
I plunged it deep into your heart;
I drew it out and left you scarred.
I swallowed it, a circus act.
Then deep within the knife attacked
until I was no longer me.
Death has come so bitterly.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Word
Speak and it is
Say and it comes to pass
Tell and good news resounds
Whisper and your beloved knows.
Say and it comes to pass
Tell and good news resounds
Whisper and your beloved knows.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Conquering Fear
This from Graham Cooke:
My dear one, you are not in the grip of fear but in the hands of Love itself. Fear of man, fear of the unknown, fear of making mistakes, fear of looking foolish, of trying new things, fear of not being loved, or being good enough. Fear makes you tense, dark, unable to see things the way I see them.
Let Me touch your heart with My perfect, all-embracing love and so drive out all your fears. This next season is about your journey into the heart of My love for you. I need you to turn your back on fear and face up to My love. We are not battling fear - we are embracing the love that is always present in every circumstance. For every fear that has gripped you, My love will overwhelm your heart as you learn to stand before Me as a much-loved child.
Beloved, it is My desire that you thoroughly enjoy this season of freedom from fear to fully embrace My love. You will know what it is to stand and live in the perfect love of the Father's heart. ENJOY THIS! I intend to enjoy you becoming more loving and more intimate with My grace. The breaking of fear will give you a whole new lease on life. I'm looking forward to love, every day with you.
My dear one, you are not in the grip of fear but in the hands of Love itself. Fear of man, fear of the unknown, fear of making mistakes, fear of looking foolish, of trying new things, fear of not being loved, or being good enough. Fear makes you tense, dark, unable to see things the way I see them.
Let Me touch your heart with My perfect, all-embracing love and so drive out all your fears. This next season is about your journey into the heart of My love for you. I need you to turn your back on fear and face up to My love. We are not battling fear - we are embracing the love that is always present in every circumstance. For every fear that has gripped you, My love will overwhelm your heart as you learn to stand before Me as a much-loved child.
Beloved, it is My desire that you thoroughly enjoy this season of freedom from fear to fully embrace My love. You will know what it is to stand and live in the perfect love of the Father's heart. ENJOY THIS! I intend to enjoy you becoming more loving and more intimate with My grace. The breaking of fear will give you a whole new lease on life. I'm looking forward to love, every day with you.
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Pane of Separation
I see my baby beyond the glass
I hear his voice through speaker’s rasp
The pane of separation brings pain of separation
Institutional cloth swaddles him
Recycled flags of unfurled freedom
My only son is overseen by unknown guardians
Connected to a “correction” box
Computers controlling cell activity
The Machine monitors and measures his meals, movements, life
A buzzer beckons bars to open
Our hands reach out but only touch
The pane I see my boy beyond, pain of separation
I hear his voice through speaker’s rasp
The pane of separation brings pain of separation
Institutional cloth swaddles him
Recycled flags of unfurled freedom
My only son is overseen by unknown guardians
Connected to a “correction” box
Computers controlling cell activity
The Machine monitors and measures his meals, movements, life
A buzzer beckons bars to open
Our hands reach out but only touch
The pane I see my boy beyond, pain of separation
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday
For the Good Friday service this evening, seven of our pastoral staff spoke on the final seven sayings of Christ. Here is mine on "I am thirsty."
This is the one; the Word of God. By him the waters that covered the earth were contained. Like a parent with a child, he tucked the seas into their beds and then stocked them with life.
This is the one, the master of water. Who, from his sleeping post in the front of the boat said to the rain “be still,” and it listened. The original surfer, who took an evening stroll across the wind swept lake and invited his friend to join him.
This is the one, the rock in the desert from which saving water flowed to the Israelites; a water fountain for an entire people.
This is the one; who honored his mother’s wishes and overcame a wedding reception’s shortfall by changing the chemical properties of water until it was wine. Not just any old wine, but the best wine.
This is the one who sat at a well with Ms. Disgrace in the heat of the desert day and said, “this well water will only make you thirsty again, but I can offer you living water and you will thirst no more.” Thirst no more…really? How does that work? You have no bucket, no spicket, no hose or Evian bottle. No matter…because this is the one. He IS the water. The living water.
We just did a series called Identity about the “I am” statements of Jesus. …I am the bread of life, I am the light of the world, I am the gate, I am the good shepherd, I am the resurrection and the life, I am the way the truth and the life. But this one sounds strange in our ears; I…AM…THIRSTY. Now, today, the wellspring of living water says, “I am thirsty.” Here he hangs in utter agony, beaten and bloodied like an animal led to the slaughter. Here he hangs from a tree of shame, he who has no sin bearing all sin; the innocent sufferer of all our suffering. He references the 22nd Psalm, and now it echoes back over him, “I am poured out like water…” The quencher of thirst is emptied of the essence of life. “I am thirsty.”
What a blessing. What beauty this simple statement has for us. I am thirsty. Think I’m crazy? Imagine you are an alcoholic. You fight and you fight but you can’t seem to kick the habit. You promise and you hope, but willpower is not enough. So you finally, reluctantly come to an AA meeting. As you sit down you look up to see the person you admire and respect the most in the entire world. You try to hide, but there is no hiding. He must be here to speak to the group. He must be here to tell us how we ought to be living; how we ought to have more respect for ourselves, how we should have known better. Perhaps he’s just here to spy on us, to know who he wants to avoid in the future. Then amazingly, he approaches the microphone and says those words you knew to expect, but never from him, “Hi, my name is Respectable, and I’m an alcoholic.” Everything changes. He understands. He knows my aches, my deathly desires, my shame, my guilt. He knows me in a way that no sober person could ever know me.
I am thirsty. Everything is different. This Jesus, this Christ, this chosen one doesn’t just know about my sin and suffering, he knows it like no divine-man could have without the cross. He has not been poured out like a broken pot, but like a drink offering. He has intentionally emptied himself to intimately know my condition. Here he hangs, knowing thirst…knowing you…knowing me.
In the last book of the Bible a prophecy says, “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
A lamb shepherd; do you catch the significance of that. The shepherd leads the flock to springs of living water because he is also a lamb who knows what it means to say, “I…am…thirsty.”
This is the one; the Word of God. By him the waters that covered the earth were contained. Like a parent with a child, he tucked the seas into their beds and then stocked them with life.
This is the one, the master of water. Who, from his sleeping post in the front of the boat said to the rain “be still,” and it listened. The original surfer, who took an evening stroll across the wind swept lake and invited his friend to join him.
This is the one, the rock in the desert from which saving water flowed to the Israelites; a water fountain for an entire people.
This is the one; who honored his mother’s wishes and overcame a wedding reception’s shortfall by changing the chemical properties of water until it was wine. Not just any old wine, but the best wine.
This is the one who sat at a well with Ms. Disgrace in the heat of the desert day and said, “this well water will only make you thirsty again, but I can offer you living water and you will thirst no more.” Thirst no more…really? How does that work? You have no bucket, no spicket, no hose or Evian bottle. No matter…because this is the one. He IS the water. The living water.
We just did a series called Identity about the “I am” statements of Jesus. …I am the bread of life, I am the light of the world, I am the gate, I am the good shepherd, I am the resurrection and the life, I am the way the truth and the life. But this one sounds strange in our ears; I…AM…THIRSTY. Now, today, the wellspring of living water says, “I am thirsty.” Here he hangs in utter agony, beaten and bloodied like an animal led to the slaughter. Here he hangs from a tree of shame, he who has no sin bearing all sin; the innocent sufferer of all our suffering. He references the 22nd Psalm, and now it echoes back over him, “I am poured out like water…” The quencher of thirst is emptied of the essence of life. “I am thirsty.”
What a blessing. What beauty this simple statement has for us. I am thirsty. Think I’m crazy? Imagine you are an alcoholic. You fight and you fight but you can’t seem to kick the habit. You promise and you hope, but willpower is not enough. So you finally, reluctantly come to an AA meeting. As you sit down you look up to see the person you admire and respect the most in the entire world. You try to hide, but there is no hiding. He must be here to speak to the group. He must be here to tell us how we ought to be living; how we ought to have more respect for ourselves, how we should have known better. Perhaps he’s just here to spy on us, to know who he wants to avoid in the future. Then amazingly, he approaches the microphone and says those words you knew to expect, but never from him, “Hi, my name is Respectable, and I’m an alcoholic.” Everything changes. He understands. He knows my aches, my deathly desires, my shame, my guilt. He knows me in a way that no sober person could ever know me.
I am thirsty. Everything is different. This Jesus, this Christ, this chosen one doesn’t just know about my sin and suffering, he knows it like no divine-man could have without the cross. He has not been poured out like a broken pot, but like a drink offering. He has intentionally emptied himself to intimately know my condition. Here he hangs, knowing thirst…knowing you…knowing me.
In the last book of the Bible a prophecy says, “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
A lamb shepherd; do you catch the significance of that. The shepherd leads the flock to springs of living water because he is also a lamb who knows what it means to say, “I…am…thirsty.”
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Humility and Compassion
Can true humility and compassion exist in our words and eyes
unless we know we too are capable of
any act?
unless we know we too are capable of
any act?
- St. Francis of Assisi
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A New Launch
I have given a new face to the FEETCLEAN blog, and I've cleaned up the old posts. This is a new launch. I'm committing to posting more frequently. Some of the old posts may show up from time to time as well. My hope is that we may encounter God together as we walk through this life. May he bless you.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
What a Gift
I was reading 1 Corinthians 2 this morning and was once again blown away by the gift of the Holy Spirit. In this second chapter we are told that the Holy Spirit searches the depths of God to know him(self) completely, is the vehicle by which God reveals/imparts himself to us, and then does the job of interpreting the spiritual truths of God (or better said, the spiritual truth who is God). The result is that the mind of Christ develops in us.
Imagine a teacher who does all the research on, oh...let's say brain surgery, until she completely understands all about it. She then somehow is able to internally plant all the raw information into our minds, and then supernaturally makes us know how to apply the information so that anyone around us would say, "hey, look, a brain surgeon."
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