Comming home tonight from small group with the guys I was chewing on a lot of heavy stuff as we prayed a ton tonight getting on our faces where we belong before God asking Him to gear us up in His grace with courage and conviction as this semester gets under way n the Lord begins serving His people on campus through the Evensong ministry. It was just a really heavy day even before then.
My heart has been gaining a lot of weight lately to wanna share the Gospel about God's love bailout for those who believe Jesus as their Blame-taking, punishment reciever and Master of their life. I just began a class on evangelism and so as you can imagine my pistons are pumping and the engine is revving to say the least. Yet, with that is where I believe Christians can really have some interesting things happen... maybe we'll call it socially-illiterate moments in trying to share the Gospel. Desperate just to cling on to a non-believer and sick 'em like prey! lol I'm totally joking kinda! But you know b/c you've probably been there OR if you're not a believer in Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life then you might have been on the other end of this well-intended social illiteracy from a Christian.
Sharing the Gospel in an age where everything is as good as water in a bowl of fingers is sure interesting! Our culture is so far removed from the one in the day of our fore-fathers in the faith. And we're in a culture where I've learned and still am learning I think from MASSIVE mistakes that Christian one-liners don't cut it any more here's a couple I've tried or read before as suggestions but wouldn't suggest you use....
"So uhh.... if you died today do you think you'd go to Hell or Heaven?" (To that you just might get a nice request for you to go to the former)
"I'm trying to find my way back to heaven would you like to join me?" (Guys, try that on a woman in a mall or at Meijer and you just might get pepper-sprayed like a grizzly attacking Ted Nuggent in Alaska....and NO thank God I didn't find this one out on my own. I read it in a book I wouldn't suggest you read lol)
"So when you grew up were you ever preached down your throat?" (Notta great conversation starter...better off using that as an ignition for you to burn your house down....literally)
The point in what I'm learning is that you and me, as Christians, are God's ambassadors to a world massively gone wrong and hurting and searching for something more than a 9-5, dinner, plop on the TV n sleep and press replay with a different day slabbed on it. We are being watched and the world is looking @ Christians to see what God looks like and when we aren't careful how we are representing our King to this world we can give a meat-grounded piece of junk for the world to see. May we be a light, persevere and suffer for Christ's sake with joy and continue growing....In God's grace and keep sharing the love God had by seeing the need for a Savior and looking no further than Himself to provide it. Remember ultimately when you will have moments of learning from failing that "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 ESV)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
For the joy set before you...Endure!
I recently sent an email to a friend of mine who, for the last 6 years or so, has a 22 year old son, Pat, that was seriously injured in a car accident...the kind that leaves your mind in tact but your physical, verbal and social skills are, unless by extensive physical therapy and the miracle of Christ's healing power, photographs of the crash site. He lives in a group home with several assistants and other residents with serious needs physically or mentally. Due to various issues in the family Siiri has been allowed to visit Pat only a few days a week and yet she continues to do so faithfully in being the mother God has made her to be....it's really beautiful! I shared with her what God has been teaching me the last 6 months or so about Hebrews 12:1-3 and I pray that this will serve as an encouragement to you and to myself when weights of this world and sin try to hinder our race towards the finish line!
Hey Siiri!
It's been a LONG time! Mainly on my part, I'll admit but rarely is there a day still where you and Pat are not on my mind and prayers in one way or another. As I was driving home from my shoveling job I heard God's Spirit bring to mind a passage that I have been meditating on for a while now and that's Hebrews 12:1-3...
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Heb. 12:1-3 ESV)
Couple things that are heavily laid on my heart to share in light of this passage...
1. In the context here, the writer gave a whole lineup of faith all-stars including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and his wife, Sarah. These people were described as this: "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." (11:13-16 ESV)
Other people mentioned in this lineup are Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab the prostitute, and "For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets" (11:32) :-) These people, Siiri, are our great cloud of witnesses.
2. What in your life can you answer to yourself serve as a weight or are a "sin which clings so closely" to you that it hinders you to not "run with endurance the race that is set before" you? Your race as a follower of Christ? Your race as Pat's mom in faithfully, in God's grace alone, serving and loving and encouraging him and just simply being there for him?
3. Follow Christ's example as you "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely," and keep "the joy set before" you and endure your hardships, doubts and (in eyes of the world) shameful acts of faithfulness to your calling as a disciple of Christ, wife, and mother. Why is it that Christ "endured from sinners such hostility against himself?" He kept the joy set before Him of being "seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
For the "joy set before" you, Siiri, endure being a mother to Pat! Endure praying for Ed and Michelle! (her ex-husband and his wife) Endure the pain of not seeing Pat healed despite your boiling hot and consistent prayers b/c you may just be like your "great cloud of witnesses" who "died in faith, not having received the things promised but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." Let that be up God though. As for you, be encouraged by this and keep the joy set before you as you endure loving your son and being the mother you were called to! I love you and will continue to pray for you as God brings you joyfully to my mind! :)
Hey Siiri!
It's been a LONG time! Mainly on my part, I'll admit but rarely is there a day still where you and Pat are not on my mind and prayers in one way or another. As I was driving home from my shoveling job I heard God's Spirit bring to mind a passage that I have been meditating on for a while now and that's Hebrews 12:1-3...
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Heb. 12:1-3 ESV)
Couple things that are heavily laid on my heart to share in light of this passage...
1. In the context here, the writer gave a whole lineup of faith all-stars including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and his wife, Sarah. These people were described as this: "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." (11:13-16 ESV)
Other people mentioned in this lineup are Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab the prostitute, and "For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets" (11:32) :-) These people, Siiri, are our great cloud of witnesses.
2. What in your life can you answer to yourself serve as a weight or are a "sin which clings so closely" to you that it hinders you to not "run with endurance the race that is set before" you? Your race as a follower of Christ? Your race as Pat's mom in faithfully, in God's grace alone, serving and loving and encouraging him and just simply being there for him?
3. Follow Christ's example as you "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely," and keep "the joy set before" you and endure your hardships, doubts and (in eyes of the world) shameful acts of faithfulness to your calling as a disciple of Christ, wife, and mother. Why is it that Christ "endured from sinners such hostility against himself?" He kept the joy set before Him of being "seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
For the "joy set before" you, Siiri, endure being a mother to Pat! Endure praying for Ed and Michelle! (her ex-husband and his wife) Endure the pain of not seeing Pat healed despite your boiling hot and consistent prayers b/c you may just be like your "great cloud of witnesses" who "died in faith, not having received the things promised but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." Let that be up God though. As for you, be encouraged by this and keep the joy set before you as you endure loving your son and being the mother you were called to! I love you and will continue to pray for you as God brings you joyfully to my mind! :)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A Christian Hedonist's Binge
Living for a Name that's not our own
Giving center stage for the Real Star of the show
Living in a way that says "It's not all about me!"
For servants of the King we are Whose kingdom is unseen
Letting go of what you thought you owned
Seeing you're a steward while the Owner's away from home
Giving all you have for the One Great Pearl
Seeing feet and running there with water and a bowl
Recognizing there's no hope in the things our eyes can see
But that what's unseen stands eternal and is where we shall store our treasure
For it is more blessed to give than to recieve
Join the Master and not be so easily pleased
Happiness is what you want? You're dollar's gonna come up short
Finding joy is not in the Creation
Finding joy is in the Creator
Giving center stage for the Real Star of the show
Living in a way that says "It's not all about me!"
For servants of the King we are Whose kingdom is unseen
Letting go of what you thought you owned
Seeing you're a steward while the Owner's away from home
Giving all you have for the One Great Pearl
Seeing feet and running there with water and a bowl
Recognizing there's no hope in the things our eyes can see
But that what's unseen stands eternal and is where we shall store our treasure
For it is more blessed to give than to recieve
Join the Master and not be so easily pleased
Happiness is what you want? You're dollar's gonna come up short
Finding joy is not in the Creation
Finding joy is in the Creator
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Reminder to Humility...you weren't always all that!
Remind them to…show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (Titus 3:1-8 ESV)
Reading the words the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to say to his apprentice, Titus, this afternoon I was painfully surprised! As I read the words Paul reminded Titus to show perfect courtesy toward all people. At face value this doesn’t mean much to me honestly….for all I know this could be on a fortune cookie! But I’d be ignorant to leave you hanging just with this though.
We are reminded to show perfect courtesy toward all people for a very hidden and unsearchable reason….*whispering* because there was a time where we were once sinners. AAHHHH!!! I know I know! I’m sorry to break the news to you! But really! What a basic… elementary… simple truth! Yet, for some reason there have been times where you and me walk with our Master and Savior, Jesus, that we are just too doggone sophisticated, spiditual and tick-tack-toe with our spidituality (ya I said ‘spiditual’) that we just don’t seem to agree with this. Lemme paint you a picture of what this could look like…
Reading the words the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to say to his apprentice, Titus, this afternoon I was painfully surprised! As I read the words Paul reminded Titus to show perfect courtesy toward all people. At face value this doesn’t mean much to me honestly….for all I know this could be on a fortune cookie! But I’d be ignorant to leave you hanging just with this though.
We are reminded to show perfect courtesy toward all people for a very hidden and unsearchable reason….*whispering* because there was a time where we were once sinners. AAHHHH!!! I know I know! I’m sorry to break the news to you! But really! What a basic… elementary… simple truth! Yet, for some reason there have been times where you and me walk with our Master and Savior, Jesus, that we are just too doggone sophisticated, spiditual and tick-tack-toe with our spidituality (ya I said ‘spiditual’) that we just don’t seem to agree with this. Lemme paint you a picture of what this could look like…
Exhibit A: Judging a non-Christian for their non-Christian actions. We sit in line eaves dropping in on two dudes talking about a woman like a woman’s only purpose is to be his next nightly pleasure-toy and we’re shocked that non-Christian men are talking about non-Christian things! Oh good heavens you spiritual all star! Love the Hell outta the men if you’re so “righteously angry” and make a name for Christ in their life…maybe the Holy Spirit is at work in those hearts regenerating something that will one day receive a “Welcome home son!” from the Father!
Exhibit B: Condescending on a Christian for not knowing something that by the Lord’s grace you or me may happen to know. Even God Himself won’t judge us for not knowing all the answers! We are told, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 ESV)
So we’re reminded “to show perfect courtesy toward all people” because here’s the list why…it’s like a very real reminder of that one time when we were once…
A. foolish
B. disobedient
C. led astray
D. slaves to various passions and pleasures
E. passing our days in malice and envy
F. hated by others and hating one another.
Good news though! Great news actually! This is what once were and it’s “not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (vv. 6-7) Because of this justification we've received, because we were once sinners condemned as children of wrath and not of salvation (Eph. 2:3-6) and were saved from that wrath not by our own all-thatness but by the ever all-that mercy of God and His washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit let us not "think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned" (Romans 12:3) and show perfect courtesy like our Master and Savior Jesus did toward all people!
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