the Lamb

I am still reading through the book of Mark. This morning I was so moved and encouraged by both the biblical account and the thoughts that my bible study author shared that I want to pass them along to you. I was reading Mark 14:12-26, where Jesus is celebrating the Passover meal with his disciples (you can find the original instructions for the Passover meal in Exodus 12). But very quickly it becomes obvious that this is not the Passover meal of old. If you have a moment, grab your bible and read through both Mark 14:12-26 and Exodus 12:1-20.

Here are Tim's thoughts and reflections:

The first Passover meal was held on the night before a great deliverance - a deliverance from physical slavery. The Lord's Supper was held on the night before an even greater deliverance - salvation from sin and death itself!

This is a tremendous claim. Jesus shows a tremendous "audacity" in changing and revising a Passover meal that Moses said was to be done as a perpetual ordinance. He is saying something like this: "My death is the central and climactic event toward which the whole story of the people of God and the history of salvation has been moving. Every other deliverance by every other leader, every other sacrifice by every other prophet, priest, king, and hero - have all been pointing to this night. This is the climax of all history. I am about to deal with evil and sin and death once and for all."

What a powerful explanation of the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection! He is the fulfillment of every Old Testament prophesy and practice. He is my Passover Lamb, whose blood assures my safe passage into an eternity with my Maker.

Tim ends the study by saying:

If you stopped Israelites in those days and said, "who are you and what is happening here?" They would say: "I was a slave, under a sentence of death, but I took shelter under the blood of the lamb and escaped that bondage, and now God lives in our midst and we are following him into the promised land."

That is exactly what a Christian says today.

So, if you stopped me this very morning and asked, "Who are you, Erin, and what is happening here?" I would say this:

I was a slave, under a sentence of death, but I took shelter under the blood of the lamb and escaped that bondage, and now God lives in our midst and we are following him into the promised land.

My God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. . . and He will finish the work that He began in me, and in this world. Thank you for cross, Lord, and for the perfect spotless Lamb who paid our price and suffered our punishment. . . You are awesome.

Committed: Part 2

Tuesday is cleaning day at my house. . . as I've been marching around with my Windex and broom I've been contemplating this morning's post. I want to clarify one important point (if you haven't read that post yet you should probably read it first. . . ).

There are moral guidelines that should impact the life of every single believer. There are rules that we should follow. It isn't that we get to live these willy-nilly, "whatever you prefer" kind of lifestyles, but that our love for God spurs us on to obey Him when and where He calls for obedience. The mistake we often make is applying God's laws above and beyond the point that He requires, therefore creating a tiered version of Christianity in which only those who follow all of the 'extra' requirements are truly mature and spiritual.

So, while it is vitally important to extend grace toward each other as we each strive to walk with Jesus as closely as we can, it is also important to recognize the truth of His word and hold each other accountable to His good, holy, and righteous standard.

If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15

(now that I am rereading this I am quite certain I have already written pretty much this exact same thing before. . . hmmm)

Committed

What does it look like to be committed to the Christian life? I remember a mentor once saying that she thought all Christian women had to wear denim jumpers and big bows in their hair. There is nothing wrong with a tasteful denim jumper - but if you met this friend of mine you would know that it would be a painful death to her sensitivities. . . Maybe you have had similar thoughts - not specifically about jumpers - but about the conformity of the Christian life.

And this is where the Christian church has done an incredible disservice to the world around us. We have encouraged this conformity complex in our communities. First of all, we do conform to each other, and then, we actually make rules over and above what the bible asks of us that force us to conform even more. I don't think this is a good idea. When we get specific in areas that God was not specific, we risk missing the point and making Christianity something it is not.

Jesus addresses a similar issue with the Pharisees. They had placed a huge emphasis on hand-washing rituals (among other things) and were confronting Jesus as to why His disciples were not following their rules. His response to their rule-making ways is this:

You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men. Mark 7:8

We must be very careful not to turn the Christian life into a list of rules and traditions that God Himself never asked of us. The truth is that the expectations for the Christian life are very high, and the cost for truly following Jesus is great. But it isn't as black and white as some believers want to make it with their legalistic rule-making.

Yes, as we seek to be like Jesus we will start to look a bit the same. For one, we will all start displaying the fruits of the Spirit. We will be loving, forgiving, patient, kind, generous, and on and on. We will also all live for the same purpose - to draw the world around us into a love relationship with Jesus Himself. We will be on a mission that could cost us our life - or at least our reputation and popularity.

So in some senses, we will conform. But in other ways we will be beautifully, marvelously different! When we follow Jesus we don't lose the personality traits that God gave us from birth. I long to be a part of a Christian community that is diverse, creative, and sometimes even slightly offensive. That might sound weird to you - but if we were a group of believers who were reaching our communities for Jesus then we would continually have nonbelievers and new believers in our midst. . . and though our hearts are forever changed the very moment we come to accept Christ as our Savior, the life transformation is a process that usually takes time. So in my mind, a truly living, powerful group of Christians will always include people who don't really look or act like "proper" Christians.

So can we please let go of the rules that bind us together on false terms? Can we stop obsessing about superficial things and get to the heart of the matter? The heart, after all, is what Jesus cares most about. If we are going to be a group of people who bring healing, love, and hope to a desperate world around us we need to be sure that we're getting the message right - and not weighing it down with unnecessary obligations.

I don't have to wear denim jumpers or bows in order to be a fully committed Christian. I just have to surrender the whole of my life to Jesus.

Simple, or not.

One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31

Convinced

It is a beautifully blustery fall day here in the northwoods. I just wrapped up a bible study that my good friend and I lead with our high school girls. Let me tell you - there is nothing greater than sharing what God is teaching us with those we love. I am so excited to see sparks of faith in each of these girl's lives. I know that they are all in different spots, wrestling with different things. . . but they each possess a similar desire - however small or great - to know Jesus and learn what it really means to live for Him.

I long for each of them to come to a point of complete surrender. . . I long for that same thing for all of us! Because if I have learned anything during these last few months of growing with Jesus, it is that this is all real. He really lived. He really died. And He really offers us new life when we surrender all of ourselves to His leading.

I may not know much, but of this - I am convinced.

Conflicted

I have been going back and forth about writing this post all day. . . The truth is that I am feeling incredibly conflicted about some of the things I've been writing about and analyzing in the last few days and weeks. It isn't that I feel that any of it is untrue, or unimportant. . . more that I am not confident about how it will be or has been received.

This whole last year God has been doing a huge work in my heart and life. I am back to a place of longing to spend time in His word - actually dragging myself out of bed (happily, I might add!) at ungodly hours of the morning to be with Him in quietness before the kids get up. The most miraculous transformation in my mind, though, is the way that He has broken me free from chains that have held me for years! I haven't just avoided certain habitual sins - I have actually lost an appetite for them altogether.

And yet, every day that I draw closer to Him I also see myself continuing to make selfish, self-centered choices. I'm not perfect, and although I can say that I am more like Jesus today than I was a year ago - it would take more than eternity for me to reach that ultimate goal!

That said, this life transformation has to do with finally and fully surrendering myself at the foot of the cross. Recognizing that when Jesus said, "Come, follow me," He really meant it - in the most all-consuming way possible! It requires humility. . . putting myself aside and looking to glorify and honor Him in everything. It isn't about me becoming awesome. It isn't about me at all. . .

But I am afraid that in recent posts you might have left feeling that I have judged the whole world and found it wanting. Like somehow I have achieved truth and knowledge all I my own and everyone else is wandering aimlessly and purposely.

The truth is, some of you are. And I do believe that the Bible is the whole truth for the whole world for all of time. And I believe that though there are many interpretations of this ancient text, there is one correct way to read, understand, and apply all of God's word.

But any frustration that I have expressed in these recent days is aimed at those who claim to follow Jesus but don't really want to know what that actually means. They confess him with their lips, but do not acknowledge Him in their hearts. And if you believe that all of the bible is really true, then you must know that when those individuals face Christ on the last day, His response to them will be, "I'm sorry. I never knew you."

I am frustrated sometimes. I long for every single one of you to experience true life and true freedom. . . I long for our church to rise up and be a light in this community and world. I don't want to be arrogant or prideful, somehow assuming that I have this awesome faith and unparalleled understanding. . . I just want to know Jesus Christ and Him crucified. . . I just want to live for Him.

So maybe this post is partly an apology, and partly not. I'm sorry if my frustration has been a stumbling block, or if it has confused you, or if you haven't understood my true intentions. But I'm not sorry for speaking the truth as plainly and simply as I see it.

What's the point of all this if we can't at least speak truth?

Rescue Me

I am convinced that our culture has managed to water down the gospel and minimize the cost of following Christ. In fact, I'm not sure that most Americans would even say that there is a cost. . . and in so doing we have lost also the power, fulfillment and joy of the gospel! We are living a truncated version of the Christian experience. I am just as guilty of this as any other - but it is my ultimate goal and my heart's longing to understand exactly how Jesus has called us to live, and then to experience the blessings and fruit that come from truly picking up my cross and following after Him.

I hope and pray that some of you will go on this journey with me. Let us dig deep into the heart of the Bible and the life of Christ. . . let's make it a rescue mission - searching intently for truth not shaded by persuasion or experience or tradition. . . simply raw, pure, unadulterated truth.

And then, once we understand, let's not just know it and believe it in our minds - let's live it! I think we can be certain about one thing: " You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13


Some things to think about as we step out in search of the authentic Christian life:

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the
Father except through me. John 14:6

Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. John 14:21

Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. James 2:14

Then he called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. "If any of you wants to be my follower," he told them, "you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34

just do it

I hear a lot of people say that they wish they were closer to God. They have a desire (on some level) to live for Him, but they really struggle to feel connected, and frankly their life reflects that disconnect by the choices they make. And yet, I continually hear them talking about getting closer to God. . . verbally acknowledging that living for Him is best, but never actually putting that verbage to the test.

I love you all, but can I just be really blunt? I am tired of people telling me they want to be closer to God, and then see them doing absolutely nothing to change the nature of their relationship with Him. It is frustrating because there is nothing I can do to make that change on their behalf. No one can alter the course of your life and change your relationship with God but God and you.

So, you know what? If you fit into that camp - if you are someone who always says you wish you were closer to God but don't ever seem to change - JUST DO IT! God longs for us to draw near to him. The reality is that there are probably things in your life that will have to change before you are going to feel a deep, intimate connection to him.

You are going to have to be brave, because some of the changes will probably be difficult. It is never easy to change habits that we have grown accustomed to. . . and it is painful to separate from people who have been close to us for a long time. But you can't have it both ways. Its time to decide. It's time to get off the fence and live what you say and say what you live. You can only ponder the situation so long, you know. . . not deciding is deciding.

Are you going to live for Jesus or live for the things you love in this world?

The choice is yours. Make it today.

the Good Fight

Our legal system is totally out of control. It is amazing to me the things that now result in lawsuits. . . When you look at the perspective of our culture, though, it isn't surprising. Everything in our culture tells us to look out for our own rights, and to take definitive action when we feel that our rights have been violated. That, apparently, is the path to personal fulfillment and success.

The problem is that when I look around, I don't see a lot of people who feel fulfilled and successful. I see a lot of people who are unhappy and consumed with the problems and difficulties in their lives. I am a mom, so let me paint a picture of this from motherhood. . .

Moms have difficult jobs. Depending on the ages of our kids, we are giving and serving all day long. We are confined to the routines and needs of our children. In this world of 'looking out for number one' is it really easy for moms to develop a destructive attitude about parenting. We start saying things like, "_________(fill in husband's name) just doesn't get it! I mean, I work so hard all day long, doesn't he understand I need some time off?"

It isn't wrong for a mom to ask for time off. It isn't wrong to ask that her husband be sympathetic and encouraging after difficult days with the kids. . . But when we allow ourselves to be the center of our world, we will never be satisfied! If I am always looking to see if Matt is giving me my rights, I can guarantee you I will always feel like he is failing (and he will always feel like he's failing, too).

Now, in stark contrast to the unhappiness and dissatisfaction that this attitude brings is the attitude that the bible teaches.

Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave.
Philippians 2:4-6

You see, Jesus stripped himself of all of his rights. . . He could have thundered down off that cross and seriously punished the people who were wrongly mocking him, beating him, and ultimately killing him. But he didn't. He allowed them to violate his rights and send him to death completely unjustified.

The bible says that we are to have that same attitude. That doesn't mean that if people are hurting us we can't stand up for ourselves (we should protect ourselves and those we love from abusive people). . . But it does mean that instead of obsessing about ourselves, we obsess about others. We care more about lifting up the people around us than exalting ourselves.

And the crazy thing about God is that His ways are always best, and when we actually live out his ways, we experience the greatest joy and fulfillment in our lives. I know this seems backwards - but when I completely let go of the things 'I deserve' and focus on serving others, I'm happy! Suddenly I'm not consumed with frustration and anger. . . suddenly my job as a mom becomes totally fulfilling and joyful.

Its a choice that we make. We can either focus on ourselves and become miserable because for some reason everyone else's world doesn't revolve around us, or we can give up fighting for ourselves and start fighting for someone else.

I'm not so concerned that Matt and I share an *equal* amount of the parenting responsibilities. . . I long to support and encourage him by making his days easier, and his time at home fulfilling. I'm not doing it to try and be some sort of ultra-submissive wife who lets her husband rule her (which, by the way, Matt does not do - he is incredibly supportive and helpful). I'm doing it because he's a human being, and God has asked me to put his needs (and your needs, and my neighbor's needs, and my mom's needs, and on and on) above my own.

Oh, that we would be like Jesus - not fighting for the rights that should be ours, but giving up our rights to love and serve the people God places in our path. . . and in so doing, find the greatest fulfillment and satisfaction that this life has to offer.

An Unlikely Escort

There is so much about Jesus that is completely paradoxical. He did nothing by convention or tradition when he was here on earth. . . This morning I was reading about the triumphal entry into Jerusalem the week before his death. Maybe you are familiar with this story, but I'll share it here to remind you of some of the details.

From Mark 11:1-10

As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”

The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door. As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.

Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

“Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!”

There is a lot about this story that is thought-provoking and enlightening, but I want to share one specific revelation that had me crying like a baby this morning. . . Did you notice what kind of animal Jesus asked for? It was a young donkey. Interesting that he would choose to ride an animal better suited for a child, isn't it? What about the fact that Jesus wanted a young donkey that had never been ridden?

At first I didn't think too much about this. It seemed to be representative of Jesus' holiness - that he would ride an animal unspoiled by labor, set apart for his triumphal entry. But the author of my bible study pointed out a significant fact that I completely missed (thank goodness for Tim).

Have you ever tried to ride a young donkey that has never been ridden? I haven't. . . But I have been around horses enough to know that animals have to be taught this particular skill. It takes a significant amount of 'breaking in' to get an animal comfortable and at ease with a human riding on its back. A young donkey would be no different.

Not only was this young donkey being ridden for the first time, but he (or she!) was being ridden into a loud, chaotic, parade of sorts that would unsettle the calmest and oldest of animals. The prophesy in Zechariah that paints a picture of this exact event says, "See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey (Zech. 9:9)."

We certainly don't get any indication that Jesus struggled to ride this animal. There is no mention of Him spending 2 hours taming the young colt before riding into the chaos of the city. The beauty and power of this is expressed wonderfully by D.A. Carson:

In the midst, then, of this excited crowd, an unbroken animal remains calm under the hands of the Messiah who controls nature.

Even a young donkey feels and understands the presence of Jesus. His loving hands, His calming presence. . . Even animals surrender to the love and power of Christ.

Jesus is a paradox. Both king and servant, just and merciful. . . Ultimate Majesty riding into town on a baby donkey. He is a beautiful picture of all that is good, and we experience the best of life when we trust in Him - not matter how backwards His ways may seem from the standards of this world.

I never thought I'd say this, but I hope that I respond to Christ like that young donkey did so many years ago. Willing to be broken, calm in the presence of my Messiah King. . . humbled and dependent on the one who humbled himself to save me.

Christianity 101

I remember admitting in a previous post that my thoughts might sometimes seem repetitive. There comes a point at which there is nothing to do but go back to the basics. I can be clever only so long, and then there is one simple truth that I must share again, and again, and again.

Jesus Christ.

It all comes down to one man in history whose teaching was upside-down, whose claims seemed preposterous, and whose death seemed to end all potential for truth. But then, that man did something strange. He awoke, walked out of that grave, and appeared before hundreds of people in a real, physical, living body. . .

And as I have said before, I think sometimes we - as Christians - actually get bored, or desensitized to the reality of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. We forget how desperately we need a Savior, and we forget the painful, excruciating price that our King paid for us. Oh, how easily we forget.

So this morning, let's remember. Remember that Jesus did suffer, not only physically but spiritually as well. The Bible teaches us that he actually became sin (2 Cor. 5:21), which means that in the moments when he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, His Father had to turn away from him. . . Can you even imagine going through the worst possible agony of your live, and looking up to gaze into the comforting, loving eyes of your Father, and meeting instead a Holy God with His back turned?

The cross is a beautiful, tragic, mysterious thing. It seems insane to suggest that the Almighty God would send His Son to suffer and die for us. . . but once you have experienced the depth of His love and grace - it doesn't seem like such an impossible stretch after all. We are sinners - every day we defy God's good and right standards for life. In His holiness there is no way He can simply overlook our offenses. He is God, not Santa.

Once we acknowledge and admit that we are sinners, we can choose to believe that Jesus really did die for us, and in so doing receive forgiveness, new life here on earth, and eternity with God Himself! It is an awesome thing that God has done. . . We should never look at the person and work of Jesus and see the 'same old, same old.'

It isn't very cool to be in love with Jesus. I will give you that. . . But I desperately want to be willing to endure whatever unpopularity loving Jesus might bring. He took the weight of my sin and suffered the death I deserved. . . I don't think there is any response I can have but to offer Him my life.

Portrait of Imperfection

Guilt is an ugly thing. It clings to the deepest corners of our hearts and makes us incapable of moving forward. I think a lot of people live with a deep sense of guilt. Maybe its from mistakes in their past that they have yet to let go of, or from lifestyles that they currently live but somehow cannot seem to change. Either way, the guilt that they experience keeps them from living life to its fullest and feeling the wonderfully deep contentment and satisfaction that comes with a clear conscience.

Sometimes I think guilt is what holds people back from God. They think that because of the bad choices they've made, or the circumstances they have endured, they are unworthy and unwanted by this great, holy, righteous God. A family member used to say that going to church was painful, because he felt like he was bringing this big, dark cloud into the sanctuary with him.

This is exactly the opposite of what God wants us to feel or experience when we come to him. You are not supposed to be weighed down by your guilt. Jesus died to bring us freedom! When we fail to live the way we should, we are to fall on our knees and repent. . . and then arise again knowing that we are fully forgiven, we are fully loved, and we are fully enabled through God's strength and power to flee from that sin when it comes knocking again.

If guilt is holding you back from experiencing life with God, you need to pick up your bible and read about some of the faithful who followed Jesus during his ministry on earth. If anyone should have felt guilty for their lack of faith, their struggle for power in God's kingdom, or their lack of compassion and love for the multitudes, it was the disciples.

But they didn't wallow in guilt for their bad behavior. They didn't hunker down and hide after Jesus' death and resurrection. . . they recognized at once that they were forgiven and gave their lives to share this forgiveness with others!

Its ok if you've made mistakes - we all have. And its ok if those mistakes are really, really bad ones. . . Remember, Jesus came to heal the sick, not the healthy. And it doesn't matter how sick you are or how ugly your sin, Jesus longs to bring you healing and new life.

And yes, when we surrender our lives to Jesus and live for him our choices will look different. They must! But it isn't because we suddenly become perfect or above sin (or sinners), its because our love for our Savior drives us to live differently from the world around us. And we will still falter and fail sometimes. . . but just as the disciples did 2,000 years ago, we simply get up, repent of our sin, and boldly run after Christ once again.

His grace is enough. . . there is no guilty conscience that He cannot wipe clean. I pray that you would experience His forgiveness, love, and unending grace today. . . Jesus died so you would, you know.

Heart to Heart

You know that feeling you get in your heart when it literally feels heavy? Its like you can physically experience sadness sometimes. My heart feels like that right now. It isn't anything resulting from today. . . today has been wonderfully beautiful and enjoyable. . . This particular sadness stems from a longing deep within that has grown much stronger over the last few months. It is a longing that is painful because it is completely out of my control. I cannot will it to be so by my own strength or manipulating. Oh, how I wish I could!

At the center of my longing stands two people who I love very much: Jesus and you. I cannot express to you how much I long for you to know and love Christ. . . to experience the life He offers and the love He died to give. I would give anything to share what I have learned over these last few years in a way that would open your heart to what it truly means to follow Christ.

But I can't. I can't open your heart to anything. The life that you live is between you and your Maker. It is your choice, and no convincing words on my behalf will change you. I am not God.

I have to admit that there are times when I wish my carefully crafted words would seep into corners yet unreached and challenge and change souls for an eternity. . . but I have to admit (with humility) that even if your life was changed after reading words I had written it would have been an act of God using my words despite myself.

I don't have it altogether. . . I am not perfect. But I have started to understand the Gospel in an entirely new way. I understand the purpose of life and the reason I exist with a different kind of clarity. I will never know it all, but I certainly know more than I did. And with this knowledge has come a sense of confidence, and freedom, and passion, and joy that I have never felt before with such great intensity.

I long for you to experience the same. It is literally painful sometimes when I think that some of you might be missing the very best life has to offer. I'm not trying to be proud. I'm being honest. If you are reading this right now, and somewhere in your heart you understand and agree. . . if on some level you recognize that you are missing something, anything, then I want to give you one challenge. And you have to promise me you'll do it. Deal?

Message me.

You don't have to do it here - or anywhere that others can see it. But if in this very moment you feel any small sense of incompleteness or aloneness or confusion. . . message me.

There is absolutely nothing I would rather do than tell you about the love and joy that has filled my life to overflowing. It doesn't matter if you've been a Christian for 10 years, or 10 months, or if you wouldn't consider yourself a Christian at all. And it doesn't matter if we've been friends forever or if we've never actually met. I'm not going to try and change you, because I can't. I will only share what I know through the experiences I've had. . . and in doing so pray that God would reveal Himself afresh to you.

Praying for you today. . .

I am a Pilgrim

I love fall. The colors are amazing up here in the north woods. . . I also love fall for the holidays that come soon after. It is a nostalgic time of year to be sure. I have great memories of making Pilgrim and Indian hats at school when I was a kid. I never quite understood the significance of the Pilgrims and Indians then, but the hats were pretty cool.

Now as I look back, I see a different kind of significance to the whole story. The idea of people traveling to a new land in order to make a permanent home intrigues me. . . I can relate on some levels - because I am a pilgrim too. I am living in a land that is not my own, but there is one significant difference. I am not looking to make a permanent home here. I already have one. It is in heaven, with Jesus.

You see, the bible teaches that once we accept Christ's death as the payment for our sins, we become sons and daughters of God, adopted into his family. That means that our home is wherever He is. He is our God, our Savior, and our Father. I will never be complete this side of heaven, because I am living in a body and a place that is only temporary.

I think if we all understood this, and really believed it, we would live much differently. Wouldn't we? I mean, if we actually lived as if this place was just temporary, and that heaven was our true home, then we would probably not be so attached to the things of this world, right? I was going to start off this blog by suggesting that we all move out of our houses and live in tents. I decided not to, because it seems like a fairly ridiculous notion, but it does make a point about the way we live our lives.

It is too easy to get caught up in making life full, comfortable, and fun here on earth. It becomes all about really living our Senior year, having the wedding of a lifetime, building the house of our dreams. . . when in reality, none of those things really matter! Its not that God doesn't want us to enjoy senior year, or have a beautiful wedding or a great home. . . its that those things should never consume the bulk of our energy or be our deepest desires. We are living for so much more!! There is an eternity in heaven, our true home, waiting for us. And everything we do here impacts the eternity that we will spend there.

The bible says it like this:

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God's holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people; now you are the people of God. Once you received none of God's mercy; now you have received his mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:9, 11

So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. That is why we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So our aim is to please him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this body. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

So, to ask a difficult question, do you long to be away from this earthly dwelling and living in heaven with your Father? Or does the thought of having to leave this world and all that it possesses scare you? It is a hard thing, and I am certainly not an expert in any of this.

But I cannot and will not avoid saying what I believe is true. No matter how hard it is to hear or live, the reality is that this world is not our home. The more attached we are to it, the less we will hunger for the return of our Savior and the eventual journey to our eternal home. We are to live holy, blameless lives here not because we are supposed to be better than everyone else. . . or because God wants us to have some sort of holy front that we show when we're around others. We are supposed to live holy and blameless lives because the life we live here will have an impact on the eternity we spend in heaven! The choices we make today will effect forever. . .

I am a Pilgrim. This is not my home. I am longing for the day when Jesus returns and places all things under his feet. I am longing to be reunited face to face with the saints that have gone before me. I struggle every day to keep my perspective on heaven and not to live for the things of this world. . . but I know that ultimately that is what we are all called to do.

Lift your eyes up. No matter what circumstances you face today, God is preparing a place for you that is greater than your senior year, more glorious than your wedding day, and more fulfilling than the house of your dreams.

Live for that. . . not this.

Juicy Fruit

Do you ever look around this world and wonder how things got so bad? How this creation that was supposed to be good turned into such a difficult, tragic, evil place?

I know that we have all heard the creation story many, many times. But I think it's good to revisit it every once in a while. . . It helps us understand why we are where we are right now, and reminds us that this world - the way it is now - isn't what God wanted for us.

It is crazy to think about Adam and Eve having unhindered intimacy with God. Can you even imagine living in a perfectly beautiful place, sharing wonderfully peaceful love, and walking in the cool of the day with your Creator? How on earth could they have messed that up!?!? What could possibly have caused them to turn their backs on that wonderful relationship and opt for something else?

Well, the very same temptations that led Eve and Adam down that bumpy path lure us away from our Maker too. If you read the serpent's words in Genesis 3, you see that he was very clever in causing Eve to question God's rules (and God's motives for creating those rules in the first place). And isn't that what leads us into sin so often? We doubt the necessity of God's rules, or we question why He made them in the first place. We don't really believe that sin will ruin us, so we willfully walk into it, anticipating that the rewards will far outweigh the consequences. Oh, how badly we are mistaken.

God's word is truth. His laws are good - based on His deep, unending love for us and His desire to see our lives full and rich! But the serpent is cunning, and his desire is to draw us away from our true source of Life. He will make the things of this world look so good; he will tempt us by subtly twisting God's word to meet a different end. Sin will creep into our lives so slowly and steadily that we don't even see it as sin. . .

If we are going to recognize sin as sin; if we are going to find the strength and will to reject it and run after Jesus, we have to have the right perspective. We have to be in His word -reminding ourselves of His ways, His love, and His goodness. And sometimes, we have to take our eyes off the things of this world in order to see clearly.

I have pretty much stopped watching TV altogether. One thing I have learned in recent months is that watching TV numbs my senses. It is an avenue that the serpent uses to work his way into my heart, convincing me that sin isn't really that bad. If I watch it long enough, I start to lose my connection to Christ, and begin to live for the things of this world.

You want to know something crazy? I don't miss it. I'm not disconnected and separate from the world. . . I'm right here in it! But I'm not living for it, and I'm not nearly so tempted by it's fruit when I'm not soaking myself in it's lies night after night. Maybe TV isn't a vice for you. Maybe the serpent sneaks into your mind twisting your view of what it means to walk with God in a different way.

Today I want to challenge you to take a long, hard look at your life. Where are you at in your walk with God? Are you experiencing as much unhindered intimacy as you possibly can this side of heaven? Are you questioning his laws and ways because the temptations of this world just seem so darn appealing?

We always need the encouragement and love of our brothers and sisters in Christ. . . but sometimes we need a little kick in the bum, too. I love you all, and my heart's deepest desire and prayer is that you would leave the things of this world in the dust and run after the One who made you, saved you, and now offers you a life beyond what you could even imagine - if only you would truly live for Him. . .

Losing life or saving face?

God's word is amazing. . . There are passages of scripture that can simultaneously bring me to my knees and yet cause me to dance for joy! Every time I read about the One who died to save me, I fall in love with him all over again. . . moved and challenged by his single-minded purpose and mission here on earth. Humbled on my knees when I see my sin next to his selfless glory, but dancing on my feet when I remember that his death has wiped away that sin and offers a life beyond what I could ever ask or imagine!

Today I want you to read a passage from Mark. I am hoping that you will place yourself there, sitting at Jesus feet, listening with great intent to the words he speaks. Don't just read them - try to understand them. Ask yourself questions like, "What is Jesus asking of me? Is my life reflecting his character, love, service, and sacrifice? Am I living for the right things?"

God's word is a double edged sword - let it pierce your heart and free your soul.

From Mark 8:31-38:

Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.

Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

I Can See Clearly Now. . .

I am always amazed at how obtuse I can be when I read the bible. Seriously, it is almost laughable sometimes when I look back and read my responses to different bible study questions. I really am trying to understand - but honestly, sometimes I don't get it. I think part of it has to do with author's intent. . . you know that whoever wrote the bible study has a particular answer in mind, and often times I just end up going the wrong direction. It's no big deal, and certainly nothing to actually be ashamed about (I'd rather be in the word coming up with the wrong conclusions and being corrected rather than avoiding it all together), but it does make me laugh. Sometimes it gets to the point where I read the author's answer before I write my own, so that my answer will actually be right. Oh my word, did I say that out loud?

Ha! Well, it's the honest truth. But it is also the beautiful, amazing thing about scripture. We can understand the truths that it holds on such varying levels. The truth doesn't change, but our ability to comprehend and apply can grow and change drastically!!! I was particularily reminded of this truth while I studied this morning.

In Mark 8:22-26 Jesus heals another blind man. This time he does it in two steps. The first time he asks the man, "Do you see anything?" And the man replies, "Yes, I see people, but I can't see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around." So Jesus lays his hands on the man's eyes again, and it says that his vision was completely restored.

So, the wonderful author of my bible study asks me, "Why does Jesus heal this man in two steps?" And in my depth of wisdom, maturity, and insight I reply, "I have absolutely no idea. Why don't you tell me?" =)

But seriously, once I read Tim's thoughts my own eyes were opened and it seemed so clear! The stories before this all show the disciple's (and Pharisees) own spiritual blindness - they see Jesus, they just don't see Jesus, you know? In the story after this one, Peter finally confesses Jesus as the Christ, which means he is starting to see Jesus for who He really is. So when Jesus heals the blind man in two steps, its like he showing us that even though we can physically see, we may not fully understand. At first, the man could see, but he compared people to walking trees. Obviously his mind was not able to comprehend what he was seeing. So Jesus restored the understanding of his vision, and he could see clearly.

The bible talks about this truth elsewhere. . . the idea that despite all that is right in front of our eyes, we do not understand what God is revealing to us.

Listen, you foolish and senseless people-- who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear. Jeremiah 5:21

The truth of the matter is that we need God to open the eyes of our hearts and minds to understand what we see. We need to pray and ask God to give us His eyes for the people and things of this world. When we aren't looking through God's eyes, we tend to have a skewed view of what is real. Just a few verses later in Mark, Jesus has a very intense warning for Peter:

Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and then said to Peter very sternly, "Get away from me, Satan! You are seeing things merely from a human point of
view, not from God's." Mark 8:33

It matters not just what we see, but how we see! I am so grateful for bible studies like the one I'm currently doing, because when I read the perspective of one who sees with greater clarity and understanding than myself, it encourages me to think, see, and understand from God's point of view. That doesn't mean that Tim or any other bible study author is always right. It is up to us to go back to scripture and examine it to see if they are on the right track. . . but the wisdom that we gain when we do these things together is tremendous!!

Oh, I pray that we would all have eyes that see and ears that hear the beautiful, magnificent truth of our Savior today!!

Humility and Hope: Part II

It never ceases to amaze me how God chooses to affirm what we learn through experience by opening our hearts and minds in the bible. The day before yesterday I wrote about humility and hope - how we need to admit our sinfulness (and even be willing for others to see it), but not let ourselves believe that because of our sinfulness we are useless or hopeless members of the kingdom of God! This morning I sat down to my study of the book of Mark, and found an example of exactly that same truth in the ministry of Jesus. If you have a moment, open your bible to Mark too, and read 7:24-30.

This is a difficult passage in scripture. It really feels like Jesus is kind of being mean, doesn't it? In essence, He is comparing this woman (and therefore all Greek/Gentiles) to dogs. That is offensive, yes? But when we read these things, we have to hold them up against what we know to be true of Jesus. And I refuse to believe that his heart in those moments was to be hurtful, or unloving to this woman. I think he was making a point, and offering this woman the opportunity to respond.

Her response is beautiful, humble, faithful, and an example for all of us. Jesus says that the food must first go to the children, and then what is left will be given to the dogs. She says, "Yes, Lord." Yes to what? Yes, I am a dog. I am spiritually unclean; unfit to sit at this table with you. But she doesn't just stop there. She doesn't say, "Yes, Lord. I am unfit, so I'll just go sit in the corner and cry while you break bread with those more worthy than I." NO! She brings it right back and acknowledges that mere crumbs from Jesus' table would be enough to bring healing and restoration! You see, she isn't offended by Jesus. She admits her sinfulness and unworthiness. . . But she is bold, hopeful, and honest when she responds.

She is the perfect example of humility and hope. The author of my bible study puts the moral of this story like this:

Only if you admit you are a dog under the table can you become a child at the table. You are more sinful and wicked than you ever dared believe, and yet you are more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope.

I am no different than the Greek woman. I am no more worthy of the love and attention of Jesus than she was. I must acknowledge and admit that I am a sinner! But then, I must boldly approach the throne of God and claim the forgiveness that He offers in Christ!

I am not worthy on my own, but once I have accepted the crumbs that fall from the table I find myself sitting at that very table. . . shoulder to shoulder with Jesus.

Now, you are either completely offended by this or full of joy and hope. If you are offended, take a long and serious look at why. Jesus was not a racist; he was not intolerate and unloving. He challenged the religious leaders who wanted the faith to look that way. He wanted to open the door of salvation to every man, woman, and child - no matter what cultural or racial background they carried. But following after Jesus does require us to humble ourselves, and to recognize that all of our good works are like filthy rags compared to the righteousness and holiness that God requires.

We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. Isaiah 64:6

And yet:

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor— sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 2:17

Because of us, we must be humble. . . because of Him, we dare find hope!