Clear Eyes, Full Hearts

There is a small verse in the final chapter of John's gospel that has jumped out in a big way.  It is sort of tucked away and I suppose in my haste, have overlooked its power in past readings.

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord."  So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea.  John 21:7 (for context read whole chapter)

John was an insider, a part of Jesus' core group of followers--a close friend.  I presume that John was close friends with Peter, also a core member.  This is an easy conclusion because these two men spent 3 years together following Jesus' every word and step.  Never mind that these two probably were acquaintances before that since they shared the same profession.

John knew full well Peter's embarrassing moments.  He was in the boat when Peter stepped out onto the water only to sink and need rescue.  And even though John wasn't in the courtyard with Peter during the series of denials of knowing Jesus, surely he knew.  If by no other way, John would have learned of Peter's failure from Matthew who makes it public in his gospel account.

This time, when Peter sees Jesus in the distance; his Lord who has defeated death, he plunges into the water only to swim to shore to greet the man whom he denied.  Peter's only hesitation is to get dressed before approaching the Lord.  Respect. Love. Faith--big time.

This was no miracle, only a culmination of what God had been doing in Peter's heart.  John saw Jesus with clear eyes.  When John told Peter "It is the Lord" it was all Peter needed to redeem himself in his prior lack of faith.  Jesus gave him this opportunity.  Peter took it.

Walking on water isn't proof of devotion.  Running (or swimming) to Jesus is spite of yourself is a demonstration of Christ centered faith.

Only a friend would have told that story.  I think John knew Peter's guilt and had watched him suffer personally for his failings.  John was impacted by what he saw.  In his pride for his friend, this story is included because it is big enough to impact us.

I think of my own failures and am reminded by John that Jesus still comes around and waits for me to approach.  I don't want to live with the guilt.  John teaches me I don't have too.  The sacrifice of Jesus is enough.  Redemption is mine because of Jesus.  Just like Peter I still feel responsible and with a full heart desire a chance to make it right.  When I see Jesus I can't help but jump.

Clear eyes.  Full hearts.  Can't lose.

Triple W: A Philosophy of Winning

There is a beautiful passage in Isaiah that has inspired me.  More than that, these poetic (and purposeful) words have reminded me of God's confirmation of His favor in my life.

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:1-3 (NAS)

A friend and I recently shared a breakfast table discussing the dwindling influence of the (lower case) church and exploring examples from other friends of how God is on the move within the (upper case) church.  My friend and I are encouraged to know confirmation of God's favor by granting us success in our desired interests.  A new (old) model of ministry, my friend explained, falls outside the context of organizational church but into the places where Christians live and work.

This conversation corresponds with the triple W philosophy of winning, which is a "map" to getting to that ultimate place of personal ministry.

The first stop on the road to personal victory is to Watch.  Study and learn.  Be attentive with eyes and ears, listening carefully to the voice of God.  Observe every detail about others, and especially yourself.  Know yourself inside and out, even at the risk of being confronted with scars, warts and deeply embedded thorns.  The person who ought to know me best is me.  Seeing the living God at work in my life is the point of the Watch.  The process of making sense of identity and being (coming to terms with the real me) pumps fresh energy into this otherwise mundane existence.

Next, while the Watch is on, the Work must begin and never end.  Success demands hard work. You knew that already.  The observations that have been made now require some analysis and conclusions.  Form a game plan, adjust when necessary and put in both the time and effort enacting that plan toward the goal.  The goal, remember, was/is being realized while watching.  The Work then is thinking, decision making, trial and error, networking, risk taking; in other words, blood, sweat and tears.

Finally, while watching and working, it is also important to Wait.  This stop on the road can either be the easiest or hardest.  For some, to wait is a positive spin on just being lazy, and so becomes a justified step although misguided.  For others, impatience makes waiting almost impossible.  This is tricky.  Waiting is simply developing patience and not jumping too quickly or too slowly at opportunities.  It is sifting through the mine of glowing rocks discovered at the Work stop and determining if the rocks are gems or just shiny rocks.  Waiting requires productive inaction.  Wait, this does make sense.  Waiting requires action but of the wise sort.  It is being smart and letting the best stuff come to you.

Watch--Work--Wait.  Winning means success and living a life that comes a little easier on most days because despite the normal challenges, being what God intended is so refreshing and exciting and inspirational and productive.  The Church marches on as we serve and love each other, sinner and saint alike, enjoying the fabric of our own skin.  Not hiding behind the walls of history or being threatened by the noose of doctrine, the Church lives and breathes and praises God by simply offering the greatest gift we can give...ourselves.

Faith As A Practical Matter

For too long in my life I viewed faith as an intellectual proposition.  Intellect is involved but the longer I live the more I know that my faith is best defined by my actions--attitude and behavior.  As corny as the hymn sounds, the lyric is way true:  "And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love."

Studying the book of James these past few months, this lesson is obvious.  James is a pastor at heart and he is clear that demonstrating our being is a big deal.  The question I continued to ask as I read was of the chicken and egg variety.  What comes first--faith (right belief) or action?  James is, after all, writing to Christians who have their theology down.  This letter is a dummy's guide to living it; seriously, living it.

Throughout my study I was struck by how practically James thinks.  Not much raw theology here like Paul's writings but heavy on life application.  I can imagine James as he writes this letter, writhing with emotion.  I can see the passion and feel the heartache as he thinks of his brother, the Christ.  James is full of love as he writes, desperately wanting to shepherd the Christians who would be reading this letter.

In an extremely random way, the image shown above can be a metaphor for James' message about faith and action.  My faith is square.  It has boundaries and limits.  Most of the time, I know what I believe and can articulate it.  When you get to the center of faith, that is, the essence of what faith is, demonstration and application matter.  If un-fairness (or greed, pride, selfishness, or whatever you deal with) isn't reported in my life then what reason (or right for that matter) do I have to declare I live in a square house?  I guess what I am suggesting is that we cannot have one without the other.  Faith without works is truly dead.  Character generated from faith is real religion. 

Maybe this is why, as Christians, our message often sounds stale and out of touch.  Often the hearers of the message cannot see and understand the purpose of our declaration.  "Show me, don't tell me," they say.  Because that utterance is tough to defend I say, "agreed".

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.  James 1:5-8 (NIV)

Real World Theology

I wonder what it's like to be the rainmaker?
I wonder what it's like to know that I make the rain?

I would store it in boxes and be completely selfish, letting it out only to show off.  Rain storms would truly be storms, meant to push my authority onto the world.  See how big I am would ya!

God, the rainmaker, has a different purpose; that purpose much greater than I can understand completely.  Because of his great love, he sends the rains to nourish the earth; growing the new and purging the spent.  The beauty in every space is from God who is a creative creator.

I wonder what it's like to be a superhero?
I wonder where I'd go if I could fly around downtown?

I would get a high off impressing people with my powers.  Helping others in peril wold be about me, not them.  My friends would be pissed at me for being a showoff stuck on myself.

Jesus, my superhero, was about using his power; healing and forgiving those who approached him seeking relief.  Instead of these miracles propelling him to mass popularity, his actions of grace and mercy lead him to his death.  For God's glory, Jesus did these things; feeling the hurt of rejection and the weight of sin.

I wonder what it's like to be the head honcho?
I wonder what I'd do if they all did just what I said?

I would shout out orders, demanding I be served.  My interests would be first, not considering how my demands would change everything.  Being the boss does not inspire relationships but produces loneliness.

The Holy Spirit, the head honcho, is a still voice speaking into my life the things of God.  Everyday, the Spirit is hanging around because he lives within me.  Shaping my thoughts, moving my heart, directing my steps; the Spirit does not force himself upon me.  He gently asks me to follow God.

This is the real world.  This life is a hassle and daily grind.  God is in control.  Nothing is beyond his power.  Jesus came to demonstrate his Father's great love for us and to give us hope for his kingdom that is coming.  The Holy Spirit is motivating and moving us to that bright future when all the hassle will be gone.

Hang in.  The real-real world will be glorious!

Questions Aren't Bad, Are They?

In a broad stroke kind of way, epistemology is the search for answers.  Philosophers, writers and thinkers in general spend their time in pursuit both for themselves and for others.  Theology is the search for answers pertaining to all things God.  Pastors, teachers and church leaders devote their lives to know and to deliver the answers to life's difficult questions.

Rob Bell's recent release Love Wins and the controversy surrounding it causes me to question questions.  I have not read the book so I have nothing to offer regarding the book itself.  Reading some of the critique and viewing the backlash pushes me to think about how I process my faith as I search for answers.  I would not call myself a cynic, but I am sure I know very little.

Why is it that when questions or doubts arise, the knee jerk reaction is to ignore or to quickly justify some "answer" that really is meant to distract and push mental distress away.  Question askers seem to receive unfair judgement.

Here is mostly all I know.  From my own life experiences I am convinced that without sincere questions my life would be too comfortable and lacking significant purpose.  Only speaking for myself, in seasons I have encountered great darkness, wrestling with doubts and questions (that mostly go unanswered), these are the times that have produced the most personal growth.  Of course, these days were not my happiest but they were significant in that the questions pushed me to think, feel and experience God in a deeply personal way.

Answers are nice but not always necessary.

Outlook & Perspective

Imagine being thrown in prison for just having a message and delivering it.  Talking it up real big, not holding back.  Publicly expressing beliefs and ideas isn't a crime.  Sure, feelings are hurt and offense is given, but it's not murder.  How would you respond if this was your situation?  Would you feel rage at being accused?  Would it not be expected behavior to snarl and glare at the jailer?  Bad mouthing the administration would be an understandable response.

Speaking for myself, I can imagine how I would react to such an injustice.  Complaining, bitterness, resentment, holding a grudge, disrespectfully loud, and maybe even aggression would be my response.  Sadly.

The missionary and tent maker, Paul, writer of the letter to the Philippians, responds with much more control.  He writes this letter from prison without the slightest suggestion of injustice.  In fact, Paul writes as if to say "no big deal, this is the stuff perseverance is made of."  Paul has learned the secret of contentment.  I think that "secret" is his focus on the mission and his hope in the future.  Paul couldn't dwell on the lousy present because he was looking intently to the future.  Christ's return and resurrection of the dead causes Paul to consider these troubles as contributions to the advance of the message.  Paul is hopeful, not discouraged, cynical or enraged.  He can't help but encourage the Philippians knowing the struggles of the church are for its benefit.  Perseverance keeps our eyes on the prize.  Seeing God finish what he started;  now that's something to push toward.

To be content is to see the big picture and committing to being "all in" to that result.  Regardless of circumstance or opposition the work of God through Christ continues and will be completed.  That is Paul's message to the Philippians.  And to me.

...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.  (2:12 NIV)

Christmas and Joseph (The Other One...Think Fancy Coat)

I recently happened upon an Abraham Lincoln quote and even though his leadership quips are posted everywhere, this one in particular made my hyper-paced, undernourished brain stop.  The quote attributed to Lincoln is, "I will study and get ready, and perhaps my chance with come."  This is food for my brain that is connecting to several other patterns of thought in my life right now.

One of those connectors is my study of Joseph.  Not Jesus' flesh and bones father but the one that came before, Jacob's son.  The reason why the ancient stories of the Scriptures continue to resonate to the masses throughout the generations is that the stories told are our stories.  We place ourselves in these stories because they remind us of ourselves; our own doubt, sin, faithlessness, struggle to know God and the hardness of life's circumstances.

Joseph's story is different for me.  I don't so much read it (Genesis 37-50) and reflect on how my life is like his.  There are parts of his story that are just brutal:  hated by his brothers, sold as a slave twice, hunted sexually by the wife of his boss, imprisoned wrongly, plus the pressures of governmental leadership during national crisis.  Simply put, I cannot relate to Joseph at all.

Joseph's character was off the charts.  Despite all these circumstances he persevered through it all.  Joseph did not waiver on remaining faithful. He was committed to the day and what was before him.  He seemingly saw every challenge as an opportunity.  Because of his faithful persistence, he pleased those all around him and became a highly productive member of Egyptian government.  He excelled in service and responsibility.  Any task given to him Joseph was sure to take serious and execute very well (Luke 16: 10-12).

The extreme faith of Joseph fueled his attitude.  Considering the circumstances and personal trials he managed and overcame, Joseph's focus was to stay the course and honor God even when his life didn't present good reason to.  Even at the end of his life Joseph says to his brothers who sold him into slavery, "Don't be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."  And yet Joseph's perspective, it seems, is in the context of a seven year famine and the prevention of massive starvation.  Could Joseph have known that the gathering of God's people in Egypt would only leave to more misery and ultimately to a whole nation enslaved (for generations)?  He didn't need to know because Joseph was faithful in the moments he stood.  God's plan was to gather His people for an eventual exodus and a fulfilled promise of a place to call home. Joseph's part was to gather the food during the harvest and feed the people during the famine.  He did that.

On this Christmas Eve-Eve my reflections turn to Mary, Jesus' mother.  Her story repeats an important element of Joseph's life.  Mary was faithful even when her life suddenly undergoes massive upheaval.  The personal price she paid must have been pretty steep.  The cultural backlash surely was intense.  But think of it, Mary was the one to nurture this baby and to introduce him over and over simply by responding to the question asked her regarding his name.  "His name is Jesus", Mary says, undoubtedly hundreds of times.

The story of Joseph is important not because I identify with him as a person, but because he is a man I want to emulate.  I want that kind of faith.  I want to persevere because I am satisfied in my part of God's plan.  I want to manage my life with such confidence in my God that whatever comes my way would just be treated as an opportunity to be faithful.

As Christmas is enjoyed and the new year appears, let's "study and get ready" because our chance is here.

Simple Thinking on the Kingdom of God

In thinking about kingdoms and in particular the kingdom of God, I feel compelled to consider what the characteristics of earthly kingdoms are as a way of comparison. After all, how can red be understood unless blue has been experienced? The kingdoms that quickly come to mind are Nazi Germany, Communist Russia, colonial America and the historic Magic Kingdom in Orlando.

After review of some significant Scriptures with the kingdom of God at there core, I found two important elements that seem to repeat in these passages. The first is the kingdom of God is a spiritual reality. There is a certain energy present when a group of like-minded individuals come together with a unified focus. That focus is galvanized with point-of-view, attitude, sense of purpose and a shared hope for the future. The apostle Paul writes, "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17, NAS). Within the earthly kingdoms that we know, isn't a foundational value system a characteristic that makes it go? It was an extremely rouge understanding of Darwinian thought integrated into political ideology that fueled the rise of Nazi Germany. The kingdom of God also operates with specific, unwavering belief; that is, love for Christ, righteousness, joy and a life that has been changed from inward to outward.

Another important element found within this study is that the kingdom of God is physical. A set of beliefs and attitudes shape and motivate behaviors that will bring tangible results. A physical kingdom has boundaries, a leader and a place within history because of how history has been made. Jesus spoke to Peter, his disciple, and said,

I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:17-20, NAS).

Here it's clear that all of these physical characteristics exists within God's kingdom. His kingdom encompasses both Heaven and Earth and is known in history as the church, which as the leader, Jesus, claims it as His own.

The physical attributes of established rule seem the easiest to spot either because of the dynamic personality of the leader or the societal influence upon the nation. To some, this is true concerning God's kingdom. To experience it is to receive love no strings attached. To others, God is not real and faith in an invisible God is a difficult concept to accept. This objection will cease because the Scriptures teach that Christ will reign with his people. See Revelation 20:4.

Honestly, understanding the kingdom of God is a huge undertaking. Most of the scriptural teaching is packed in Jesus' parables. I think I should spend most of my time here. The most important thing I can do as I seek greater understanding of the kingdom is to deepen my faith in these core beliefs of Christ and to wait expectantly for his return. The King will return.

A Prayer for Libby

To God, the creator of life and Lord of purpose. Thank you for the life you have formed--Elizabeth Mae Henson, a child born by Your great love. Her entrance begins a great story, a tale that You are already sure of and one that will most certainly tell of the path she will take. I cannot think of an act of worship this side of Heaven any greater or sincere than the one experienced watching You bring Libby into the world. May my worship continue as I watch her life be woven into the fabric of Your master plan. May my worship intensify as You call me to stewardship; parenting her through the grind of life and loving her as if she were my very own.

To those who surround her, the ones who have direct influence, please give direction as instruction is given, encouragement is offered and example is imitated. Bless Libby with Your jealous love as promised to a thousand generations of those who obey You. Challenge her desire for self-service and place within her heart a spirit of repentance. May she be motivated by the presence and joyful reception of You, the one to whom she belongs. Reveal to Libby that ancient mystery that Christ within her is the hope of glory. May she accept the forgiveness You have granted by Your blood and may she follow You all the days of her life. Inspire Libby to greatness, Lord. Teach her to use the skills and talents You have gifted for Kingdom purpose. May her hopes, dreams and pursuit for achievement reflect Your heart and may her life's work honor You. No matter her success', may the merit of her life be judged not by what she accomplishes but by the reasons she gives for her efforts. I pray that Libby would proclaim Christ as Lord and be prepared to explain to all in her circle of influence about her hope.

Thank you God as these requests are made in the belief and confidence in Christ Himself, the Savior and Coming King. Thank you for orchestrating this new life and allowing me the pleasure to witness Your power and be a part of this great miracle. Amen

Heaven

Heaven is a place like no other. Sorry. What a stupid opening line, of course it is. Scripture is filled with hundreds of references which, in my view, reveal heaven as a place of special mystery. As a major subject, the Bible describes heaven in simple language but also in a fashion near the abstract. The apostle Paul writes, "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven..." (2 Corinthians 12:2). When considered in a topical study, it is clear that heaven was understood as varying degrees of God's authority. From an expansive list of biblical references, Paul's, in his second letter to the Corinthians, seems to give the best single summary of the place and mystery of heaven.

The Bible uses both a singular and plural form of the word. The verses with the plural form, as in "heavens", seem to point to nature; that is, the vast expanse above the earth. That space called heavens is that part of creation that rises above and expands into the universe, where the stars shine brightest. A remarkable place; I told you. In the singular form, the context of heaven broadens to claim that it is more than just created space. Heaven is God's dwelling, a supernatural establishment of His complete rule. Jesus associates heaven as a kingdom. Heaven is a place for those who belong, a community where Christ is King.

The attitude of each of the biblical writers who write about heaven is clearly one of hope. From what they could see--clouds, birds, weather, stars-- the heavens are a place that is untouchable; and so from that perspective, a viewpoint of awe and worship to God the creator. There is also a sense of deep mystery because heaven is God's lair, not seen by the living. So many questions arise. What does heaven look like? What are the activities of heaven? Describing God's realm of authority over the entire universe almost sounds abstract because how can one understand completely and express in words what it is to experience heaven?

A city,
hidden treasure,
field,
net,
mustard seed,
all metaphors used by Jesus to stir faith. Heaven is not far off. It is being revealed and yet is coming. So much to be and so much to do. Let us prepare ourselves to be "caught up to the third heaven" and see the very face of God.

My Thanksgiving Devotional

Deuteronomy 30

This is the end for Moses. Unbeknownst to those surrounding him, Moses is wrapping up a remarkable life. From where I sit, I wonder if he knew that he would never step foot into God's promised land? Here is a group that has waited for generations to be recognized as a legitimate nation. Here they stand just paces from that promised land presumably wrestling with the prospects of freedom and prosperity. My speculation here, but I'm just wondering if anxiety loomed over the people. Looking at their history, God's people existed either enslaved or wandering. Just beyond the ridge their new settling place awaited them. I imagine there could have been fear and conflict within the camp over the opportunity for self-rule while at the same time longing to have an established government to provide authority; being ruled a concept they had grown comfortable with. After all, the people groups that surrounded them were in fact nations, with a king and everything.

As usual, I am extremely grateful. So much to enjoy for such an undeserving person. This has been a year of finding those things that have been scattered and lost. There is a lot more to it than I have time or space to devote but the ability to dream has been restored. As the passage (found at the link above) directs, there were thick calluses that needed to be cut away.

I learned about myself this year that I had experienced at least a couple of years of depression. This is hard to admit but after some honest introspection and self-discovery exercises I came to learn that life's circumstances turned my focus away from God's power to direct me toward opportunity and blessing. I was making purpose and meaning more difficult than it actually is. The Lord taught me that meaning for my life isn't out of reach; in fact, all I needed was a mirror to see who God created. Those talents, attributes, convictions and what I had been taught had not evaporated. I just needed to become intense again in my obedience and devotion to the Lord my God.

And now, what has kept me going and what finally pushed me to break through the darkness is the fact that there is something I can do to initiate the power and authority of God in my life. That is, simply put, to reach back while realizing that there are two choices facing me--life or death. I was experiencing a slow death by not doing anything and believing that the best had come and gone. Now I am experiencing a rejuvenation. My dreams haven't completely come true yet, but the Lord is leading me through an adventure of learning new purpose and giving new opportunity to take hold of the blessing of the land that I possess.

Sacred V. Secular

Compartmentalization is a part of life. We continually make judgments and stereotype as a way to analyse, explain and understand. I guess it is a natural response in an effort to gain control and feel comfortable. To use the reasoning of critical analysis in search of knowledge seems innocent enough. Knowledge and understanding are good but just like all good things, the opportunity for bad exists. Ultimately then, the search for meaning can be soiled. Often, discrimination and unfair conclusions are the result of our separation of things. We are all familiar with the socio-economic living classifications of rural, suburban and urban along with the work place snobbery tags of white collar and blue collar. These labels unconsciously suggest one worker is worth more than the other or that one neighborhood is more safe or sophisticated. Compartmentalization happens often. We do it to describe the make-up of our bodies, societies and cultures and even in the manufacturing of ideas, beliefs and behaviors. A larger list could be created but I want to focus on the latter.

In the realm of faith and religion, it is in ideas, beliefs and behaviors that the talk of what is appropriate is vigorous. Why does the community of faith make division between the sacred and secular, another one of these separations? And since artificial barriers exists, who decides which categories certain things fall? These are thoughts and questions that have come as a result of my thinking of how truth is marketed and distributed. Just this year, I have enjoyed and benefited from the Pixar movie Wall-E, a modern film categorized as both secular and for children. The animation medium, for whatever reason, seems to be pigeon holed art for immature audiences only. That is an ignorant conclusion and a judgement reserved for the immature. Wall-E is, perhaps, the most thoughtful and truth telling film as I have seen. For as great as the story is, the film is altogether efficient too. The animation allows for all audiences, children or adults, to pay attention to and learn from. Now, the motivation that drove the making of this movie can be brought to question. Christians are very good at this because Wall-E, after all, is a Disney creation and their intention seemingly was not to point to God, the maker of truth or to symbolize Wall-E, the robot, as a Christ figure, disrupting the natural flow of life and setting a course where a new heaven and new earth is formed and where the human race is redeemed. I think it is safe to say Disney/Pixar had other motivations. Other critics claim this movie is one of political ideology. Maybe. That is what makes this film great. It leads all sorts of people, all different, to draw different conclusions in their personal pursuit of what is right and good.

Back to motivation and what shapes purposes; maybe this is where sacred and secular are divided. Is it in purpose that makes something sacred? I am not arguing that Wall-E or any other movie, for that matter, is sacred. The argument could be made, however, that the lessons of the film itself are sacred.

Another example of confusing judgement is in the novel Crime & Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. A book of classic literature and widely regarded as one of the best novels ever written, yet it is not considered a sacred work even though it is a magnificent story of self justified murder ending with sincere repentance. Truthfully, this book has stimulated more capital in my personal faith than most any book currently on a Christian bookstore shelf.

It is both funny and maddening that as a society we make the effort to organize and categorize. Trying to understand why probably makes me seem insensitive to the effort of the church to disassociate itself from the world. The reality, of course, is we are all a part of the world, like it our not, and that truth, no matter its source is of God. To borrow a concept from another Pixar film...not everyone will know truth, but truth can come from anyone.

A King without a Kingdom

A King without a kingdom, or is it a kingdom without a King? To me, this seems to be a question that provides a reference point for understanding dual applications for the Old Testament book of Judges. On one hand, God is present and reminding the people of Israel that they are his people and he is their God; reminding them of the promise made to multiply the nation and make them great if only they would be completely devoted to him as their only God. On the other hand, the people of Israel do not exactly receive this promise with their undivided attention to the God of their forefathers.

Experiencing their wandering devotion toward material idols and man-made gods, the Lord raised up deliverers to re-direct his nation, teaching them their history and reminding them of his promise. God as King set out to re-claim the attention of his kingdom. These deliverers, or judges, were ordained to lead the ignorers of the promise back to the fully devoted King fulfilling the promise to make the nation great.

The people of Israel became enthralled with their surrounding culture, interacting with outside nations and their multitude of self made gods. Self absorbed and ignorant of the promise, Israel worshiped these gods instead of the one who made the promise to begin with and who is carrying out the plan to rule a great people. As a kingdom, the people of Israel were without a king in favor of self rule and the immediate gratification of easily manipulated idols.

With no reliable or credible leadership in combination with being surrounded by people with major worldview differences, the nation of Israel succumbed to the pressure and influence of divided allegiance, which is a problem for a jealous God. In the current age of multiplicity with mass knowledge and real time information exchange it seems apparent that complete and fully focused worship of the Lord God easily breaks down as there are so many alternate ideas, values, gadgets, theologies, etc. that grab our attention. As a tribe, stripe, group, people (whatever the term) leadership is crucial for detailed direction and overall counsel. As much as leadership is needed, those placed in the position of judge, king, manager, president, and the like are ultimately just servants to God giving oversight as assigned. Individually the responsibility is mine to keep my heart and head on task in my worship. The leaders placed for my benefit aren’t perfect nor are they always available. King or no king, it’s on me to show my hearts true devotion, to stop the cycle of sin and return to God who is the King of the universe.

RESET: On Church

It has been a good six weeks, a period of RESET. The first part is over now, evaluating what was known or understood and realizing there may be misunderstanding, erroneous ideas shaped by culture, or simply ignorance. The next step is re-knowing or learning for the first time those issues of Christian faith that are important in managing life. This secondary step may be the most difficult as the surrounding culture seems to communicate a message that is appealing but short-sighted and counter to God's plan, even under the best of intentions at times. I may try to unpack that later with another, separate post.

This it the last post in the RESET series and it ends with the church, a topic that has become a hot button for me the last several years. So for the sake of positive productivity and practicing a value my father always communicated, "If you can't say something nice then don't say it at all.", I will not say anything. Click here for the weekend message by Joe Boyd at Vineyard Community Church. He is a good teacher who communicates important spiritual truths in deep ways without theological snobbery or irrelevant, religious application. Joe says it much better than I ever could.

RESET: On Prayer

I continue the RESET series of posts which are my reflections from a city wide teaching series involving some 50 churches in the Cincinnati metro area. This teaching series includes a daily journal with action and reflection prompts, weekly small group gatherings, and weekly large group teachings at the various churches that are participating. Week five--'Jesus reset prayer.' I invite you to view/participate in the large group teaching time at Vineyard Community Church here for the week five lesson.

Prayer is one of those things that requires an extreme amount of discipline. Maybe it's just me, but my perception is that most people maintain a one dimensional line to God. In my reflections about my own personal prayer life I realize that I mostly pray when I need something. Whether that thing is health, conflict resolution, guidance toward a decision; I am motivated by my circumstances. What has happened to the relational aspect of prayer? God is not my 'go-to man' or my 'administrative assistant'. God is the creator of the universe which is to say he is my Lord, which means that there is a mutual desire to be in relationship. Prayer is a gesture toward God that reaches out for relationship. That is a single dimension to prayer--telling God what I need and want. It seems appropriate, after all, since God does cause all things to come into being.

There is a second dimension to prayer which connects to the first and makes this discipline complete. That dimension is to yield. It's one thing to trust God to provide our heart's desire but it is another to trust him with whatever else he has in mind for us that we've not thought of or asked for. In other words, yielding to God means to be open, persistent, and patient as you wait to hear God's response. The story Jesus tells of the persistent widow as recorded by Luke is helpful in understanding the yield dimension of relating to God. This is the hard part for me, the waiting patiently part. The 'want it now' culture, I'm sure, plays a role. I'm learning to change what prayer means practically in that it is not a religious exercise but a constant dialogue with God, a back and forth, on-going conversation.

So how does the practical application of the practice of prayer change how God feels in terms of his response to us? I'm not sure it changes anything for him but surely it changes our perspective when we practice with diligence the art of listening. There have been many times that I have prayed for something and quickly concluded in my mind that either God doesn't think I need it or that I don't deserve whatever it is. For me, to explain away a seemingly 'no response' from God is easier for my faith. It's hurts less than hearing a flat 'NO' from God or an alternative response that I'm not open to receive. This is where true discipline comes in; seeking and waiting, asking and receiving, yielding and listening.

I believe God answers prayer but not in a illusionist-audience way, but in a Father-Son way. I don't always get the answer I want because the possibility is strong that there is something better available to receive. I don't always get what I want within the schedule and circumstances I wish because there may be a more opportune time to receive it that is unknown to me. Prayer isn't about proving anything and God doesn't aim to please. God aims to communicate, heal, correct, empower, transform and regenerate.

RESET: On Love

I often say that my faith is a grind. I don't mean to be confusing as Christians typically talk about how their faith powers their lives. This is true for me too. What I mean by the grind are the daily ups and downs of being a follower of Christ. My life didn't become easier but harder when I chose to take a different path. Life's expectations are higher and perspective is more relevant and important. I was reminded again of the effort and commitment it takes to understand and obey the will of God. RESET this week was about Jesus' absurd love. It was a challenging week as 'love' is a hard thing for me.

I get the whole unconditional love thing that Jesus does. This is something that has been pounded in me since I was a boy. 'Jesus loves me this I know...,' yea, yea, yea. I believe it to be true not only because the 'Bible tells me so' but because I have experienced this love. I believe it in my head but not always in my life. The tough part for me is abiding in this love continuously, you know, all the time. Receiving is easy when I feel like I deserve the thing I'm getting, like a birthday present or a raise. It's not as easy to accept when I know full well I don't deserve what I'm getting, like the D from Dr. Harstad's Greek 401 class. Why do we feel like we have to chase after God to get his attention? We often work so hard trying to impress him with our good deeds and our discipline habits and only then feel loved. Then we run away from God when we screw up; do the wrong thing and complain about not being connected. Instead of receiving Jesus' love, we try to earn it. We want to feel like we deserve it because it's easier to receive that way.

Jesus said, as recorded in John's gospel (15.14-17),

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because servants do not know their master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit--fruit that will last--and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

These are hard words because I know that I am not worthy to be loved by God. Not only is it difficult for me to receive Jesus' love all the time, but on top of that I'm commanded to love others. This is especially hard because I expect others to operate the same way I do, that is, to earn my love. Most people who know me have seen that I just know throw out acceptance, sympathy, understanding, forgiveness willy-nilly. I am often accused of being dead inside. It's meant as a joke by my friends but there is some truth to it when you think about it. I think the lesson is this: We must receive (grasp, handle, accept) Jesus' love that really makes no good sense in order to love others in the same nonsensical fashion.

I have a long way to go. I hope there is no misunderstanding when I talk about the grind. It's a good thing--to be challenged and on my toes ready for what's next. My life isn't boring that's for sure. Receiving and experiencing Christ's love causes me to strengthen my focus and pick up my stride because the reward is well worth it. Receiving the love of Christ and living in God's presence is in and of itself sufficient. Why the grind? Because Jesus' love is absurd. Now that know what I know and receiving his love, it is impossible not to grind it out.

RESET: On Giving Up

One of my goals leading up to this RESET journey was to determine what influences over the years has incorrectly lead me to reconstruct who Jesus really is, if I have at all. Sadly, and not surprisingly, I have painted my image of Jesus as a sort of caricature; the main features established but stretched or blurred or reduced. This was not purposeful on my part. I am learning, especially with the completion of week three study that I have been falsely lead. The culture that surrounds me has made a compelling case to take on attributes and attitudes that are the opposite of Jesus. Why this surprises me I do not know as this is something that I was taught, as a young Christian, to expect.

Week three was all about surrender. The two primary areas of focus had to do with the things in life that we try to control and our interactions with haters (both who hate us and those to whom we return the favor). When I took the time to reflect on these things I realized my behaviors and attitudes were (are) based on a 'righteous', self protecting point of view. The things in my life that I control--space, time, growth/maturity of my kids--are things that I have rationalized in my mind in a positive spin. Without getting specific or bogged down in semantics, I have created such a tight environment for myself and family that I wonder how much of God's leading can be understood in the depths of my complicated underpinning. An example is how I spend my time. I seem to schedule every second of my day. I want a plan. I want to execute this plan so that I can say I accomplished something. I desire achievement and fear not being productive. Maybe I want to accomplish something because achievement is proof that I am not lazy. See what I mean? Rationalization with a righteous spin.

I am a control freak, what can I say? For me, the surrender needs to come not with the virtues I am trying to deepen in myself and develop in my kids but with my attachment to the framework I have created to hold up these virtues. When my scheduled day does not play out like it should, having absorbed spontaneous entries (accidents, distractions, underestimates, telephone calls) my reaction is none too good. This is where the surrender is needed. I need to give up the framework when "things" not planned for happen. God may be breaking in; I need to listen and realize there may be something of far greater worth that I can accomplish.

Jesus wants you to give up. Read for yourself Simon's story and then a prostitute's encounter with Jesus. Giving up is completely counter-cultural. I have learned that to give up is weakness, to quit is a lack of commitment. Not so with the King.

RESET: On Fairness

The RESET group I am in just finished week two of six. RESET is a city wide study of the life and ministry of Jesus which is designed to prompt a self inflicted "reset" about our long held assumptions of who this God-Man (was) and is. Seemingly it is going to take more than six weeks to completely expunge the binary code in our operating systems. Starting over can take a lifetime; I think that is the point.

This week we contemplated (using the journal book) and talked (in our small group) about fairness. Fairness is one of those qualities that many of us take on as a "must have" personality feature. To hear us tell it, fairness is next to righteousness. An element of being good is being fair--in judgement and in practice. As a society we demand standards to dish out fairness. For example, we want a system of laws to punish the corrupt. We expect a cost of living raise when inflation occurs. Comment with your own examples.

Why do we believe that life has to be fair? I remember my first college course, psychology 101 at Asbury College. It was a 9 am, Monday morning class and all of us in the room were nervous freshman. Shortly after the bell rang, Dr. Alan Moulton, who happened to be the chair of the psychology department, strides in and begins the lecture with these words, "Life is not fair and then you die." I would venture to guess that most college graduates cannot remember the opening line to their first college class. I remember; how could I now with those words?

The point of RESET, week 2 is that Jesus was not committed to fairness. In fact, Jesus has made it a point to operate unfairly, giving us what we do not deserve. (pushing) RESET. We have to trash the idea that fairness equals righteousness remembering that Jesus (was) is committed to mercy and grace. Now these are personality features to adopt. Talk about shaking up your home, office, and neighborhood; giving what they do not expect--another chance.

RESET: Week 1

A few days ago I posted my Facebook status as "is about to press RESET. Don't mistake it for the Staples easy button." I have started on this city wide ('Nati) journey that allows the participants to start over in their ideas about who Jesus really is and to formulate a more precise understanding, stripped of the trappings and veneer that somehow has been adopted. Apparently there are some 50 churches in the Cincinnati metro area that are participating in this six week teaching/study/small group experience.

Right away, as the Sunday morning message/teaching previewed, there will be nothing easy about this re-ordering of who we believe this Jesus to be. Truth is, I have allowed my surroundings and circumstances to influence my concept of who this God-man is. Maybe you have too. I guess that can be either good or bad depending upon the direction this influence has traveled. Environment and life events can either push you toward God or against him. For me, the darkest moments have ended up being the growing moments. Even still, I have a lot to learn when it comes to really knowing God. As I start this journey, I fully expect my mind to be challenged and heart to be hewn. At least that is what I am praying.

Hilary and I are hosting a group which started last night. After some of the preliminaries, the group began reading some verses from Luke's gospel. Here's one that we talked about for awhile. A quite unsettling quote from Jesus himself:

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple (14:26, NAS).

Does Jesus really have to use that kind of rough language? Hate. Really? Looking more closely at the wording, Jesus in fact uses a word that apparently can be translated. Look here for a lesson from StudyLight. The most troubling thing for me is that Jesus is asking us to project an expression that is completely opposite toward the people to whom we are the most connected to and expect the most from in terms of relationship. Isn't Jesus the God of love? Why then would he expect hatred attached to his loyalty? Good discussion from the group. We finally settled on that perhaps Jesus was using hyperbole to make a very important point about being a follower. It takes my complete and unwavering devotion and focus to walk along side of him. No distractions can be tolerated, even from those we love most. Now I am getting in to some of my own thoughts not necessarily endorsed by the group, but I do not think Jesus is asking us to hate in the same way I understand the term. In other words, Jesus' statement is not a directive to dish out abusive thoughts and behaviors toward those individuals (or anyone for that matter). Maybe Jesus means 'hate the disconnect, distraction, distance that comes between us and do something to prevent it.'

Since I believe that I am only slightly scratching the surface and blogger has only so much space, I will stop for now. A more intense word study is needed here. RESET, week 2 is next and I am thinking this thing is going to get intense.

A Review of First Nephi

I received a copy of the Book of Mormon from a friend and have begun reading with hopes to better understand the LDS church and in particular to gain insight into the divide between my traditional Christian faith and the faith of my friend. Thus far, I have only read the introductory pages which gives a brief history of the writings and First Nephi, the first book of the LDS Scriptures. I admit my approach is not from a seekers vantage point, so I'll try to be fair. My goal is not an effort to prove anything but simply to dig around and pose questions. Questions stir up thoughts, feelings, and remind us of personal experiences which in turn promote dialogue and personal reflection.

On to the review, beginning at the introduction which gives an extremely brief account of how the writings came about and concludes with an appeal to accept the testimony found within. Right away there is a big question that arises. That question derives from the statement,

The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness
that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto
him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved.

On what basis is salvation granted? This statement from the introduction makes salvation seem highly conditional. Those conditions being to "come unto him" and to "obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel," although if met doesn't seem to secure salvation as the statement ends with a hint of uncertainty. There are a few passages in the New Testament that limit the conditions of salvation to one, that being grace. How can this apparent difference be explained especially since the introduction to the Book of Mormon identifies itself as "holy scripture comparable to the Bible"?

The formation of the LDS movement quickly emerges in 1 Nephi, the first book. Nephi makes the argument of how he and his fathers are set apart from the Israelite nation that emerged from Egypt and were lead into the promised land, that is Canaan and later Jerusalem. Apparently the people of Jerusalem wavered in their obedience to God with "hardened hearts" and "iniquity" and the faithful were lead out in preparation for Jerusalem's destruction. Nephi writes in chapters 17 & 18 the account of God's instruction to build a ship which would lead the faithful across the sea to a "promised land." Is the promised land the Americas? If so, how would this historical account fit into basic, generally accepted American history? The introduction made a point to say that the Lamanites were Jerusalem refuges and direct ancestors of the American Indians. The religion of the Native Americans is no where near similar to the Mormon faith or of traditional Christian faith which begs the question, "What went wrong?"

This narrative authored by Nephi are of course his writings concerning the history of his days. These writings were inscribed on "plates" for preservation I presume. The formation of the various plates seems a bit confusing. Immediately in chapter 1 Nephi begins with his personal history which clearly shows that he is documenting for a purpose; making permanent for an audience both present and future. But chapters 3 thru 5 describe Nephi's successful attempt at capturing brass plates at the command of God. Whose writings are preserved on these plates? Are these writings published as another book(s) in the Book of Mormon? In chapter 9, Nephi outlines the plan for the creation of two sets of plates that he would author. Seemingly, Nephi is finding holy plates and authoring them. I suppose as I read more of the LDS scriptures I will find answers to these questions concerning the plates.

To conclude, what little I have read so far is interesting. I want to say again that my hope is not to be an arrogant Bible thumper but to give a critical analysis so that even I can be sharpened and moved to a greater and heightened understanding of my own relationship with Christ. I look forward now to Second Nephi.