I'm going to be transparent right now - so you can read as long as you promise to still love me when I'm done. . . I have to be honest, though, because that was the commitment that I made when I started this blog. So love me or not, here is what is on my heart and mind at this particular moment in life:
humility is really, really, really, hard.
I like to think of myself as a humble person. I am willing to admit that I am a sinner - and most of the time I am quick to admit when I have sinned. I see wonderful qualities in other people that I admire and applaud, and I recognize my own inability to excel in some of those very same areas. I, I, I, I, I. That isn't a sentence, but a fairly comprehensive summary of this paragraph.
I am willing to be humble on my own terms. As long as I am the one humbling myself, then its ok. But what if someone else humbles me? What if I don't recognize and admit my sin but someone else points it out? Am I willing to be humbled, or only to admit my need for it?
In all honesty, I don't really want to be humbled in front of anyone. I don't really want for them to see my flaws, question my motives, or know that I sin. I want to hold all the power in that area and allow that information to leak out slowly, and only inasmuch as I see fit. But that isn't true humility, is it?
I am flawed. If you didn't know that already, now you do. I'm guessing you aren't surprised. . . And let's just get it out there - you're flawed too. But here is the amazing, beautiful thing about the body of Christ. We can extend grace to each other and love each other - flaws and all! We can choose to believe the best in each other even when we smell the stench of our sinful ways. And when we, as the body of Christ, choose to love and support each other despite our sin (rather than just trying to pretend we don't do it), a crazy thing happens. . . We all start sinning less!
Its a theory that I learned about in education classes called the self-fulfilling prophesy. When you believe that your students are incapable of success, you subconsciously create an environment where it is impossible for them to succeed. When you have high expectations and believe that your students possess all of the talent and drive to meet them - they often rise to the occasion and blow your expectations right out of the water!
And so it is in the body of Christ. . . when we believe the best in each other, when we love and support each other, then we each rise up and begin to live the way we really should. We don't ignore our sin, but believe God can grow us and use us in spite of it. You want to know what I think about you? I believe that you can really walk with God. Not some half-hearted, lukewarm walk with God. I believe that you can walk in such a way that He will beam with pride on the day you see Him face to face. I believe that through you God can change the whole world. I believe that if you surrender all of yourself to Him and follow after Jesus your life can make a ripple that will effect hundred and thousands of lives to come!! I believe that God can do that no matter what you've done in the past (or yesterday, or this morning). . .
We all need to be humbled sometimes. . . and I need to have a willing and open heart to recieve it. But we also need to hear the love and encouragement of those around us that tells us despite our sinfulness and selfishness, God can and will do awesome things in and through us!
Oh, please pray for true humility in me, and I'll pray for God's powerful, miraculous hand to change through world through you.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Predictable
One thing I love about scripture (and the God who breathed life into it) is the consistency and dependability of its standards. Sometimes people struggle to reconcile the God of the Old Testament with the God of the New Testament. How can a God who commands us to love, forgive and serve even our enemies be the same God who marched the Israelites into war and told them to take no prisoners? On the surface, it is difficult to understand - and some might even allow it to make the whole of the Christian faith seem illegitimate.
My simple response to these struggles would be that the character and priorities of God never change. The way that His character and priorities are demonstrated in the world change depending on the context and place in time in redemptive history - but the truth is that God's standards for us are not different than they were 2,000 years ago!
Matt is reading Leviticus again. When I say that, I don't mean reading through a chapter a day until he is through. I mean that there are 4 commentaries piled on the floor; each one digging into the original culture, context, and language of the book. I think this is the 3rd time in 4 years that he has studied Leviticus so deeply. I can't help but laugh when I think about his fascination with this book - it is a part of the bible that a lot of us skim over or even avoid.
His passion for studying Leviticus, though, is a great reminder that the Old Testament can teach us just as much about God's character and priorities as the New Testament can! We have to do a little more work to connect and relate the stories of old to our cultural context now - but the same God who commanded sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins in Leviticus is knocking at your door and asking you to accept the sacrifice of His Son as the forgiveness for your sins here and now!!
God never changes. And in a world that seems so uncertain, unstable, and unpredictable - that is the most wonderfully comforting and peace-giving truth that we can know.
And once we accept the beautiful and comprehensive salvation that He offers, we can also know that His view of us will never change either.
Hallelujah. What a Savior.
My simple response to these struggles would be that the character and priorities of God never change. The way that His character and priorities are demonstrated in the world change depending on the context and place in time in redemptive history - but the truth is that God's standards for us are not different than they were 2,000 years ago!
Matt is reading Leviticus again. When I say that, I don't mean reading through a chapter a day until he is through. I mean that there are 4 commentaries piled on the floor; each one digging into the original culture, context, and language of the book. I think this is the 3rd time in 4 years that he has studied Leviticus so deeply. I can't help but laugh when I think about his fascination with this book - it is a part of the bible that a lot of us skim over or even avoid.
His passion for studying Leviticus, though, is a great reminder that the Old Testament can teach us just as much about God's character and priorities as the New Testament can! We have to do a little more work to connect and relate the stories of old to our cultural context now - but the same God who commanded sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins in Leviticus is knocking at your door and asking you to accept the sacrifice of His Son as the forgiveness for your sins here and now!!
God never changes. And in a world that seems so uncertain, unstable, and unpredictable - that is the most wonderfully comforting and peace-giving truth that we can know.
And once we accept the beautiful and comprehensive salvation that He offers, we can also know that His view of us will never change either.
Hallelujah. What a Savior.
Monday, August 24, 2009
coram Deo
Another way that I have seen God grow and change my faith (filling me with a greater sense of freedom) is in understanding the scope of His active presence in and around me. For example, when I read the story of creation I am inspired and amazed by the sheer power of my God; one who can simply speak and create something out of nothing. But now I recognize that God upholds His creation by the same spoken word - the same amazing power. Every moment God is ordaining, sustaining, and directing all of created existence. . .
Just as God is every day sustaining his created order, he also sustains his created people. Have you breathed in the last 5 minutes? That is God's sustaining grace and power working in and through you to give you life.
It is so easy to loose sight of these truths, isn't it? We so often get caught up in our routines, responsibilities, and difficulties that we forget God in the midst of daily life. But he is ever present, enabling your body to keep living and sustaining the earth to be your home.
As I think about the freedom that comes from understanding God, I am reminded that this understanding and freedom cannot and should not be limited to what we consider 'spiritual' parts of life. All of life, all of creation, and every part of you is fully God's, and therefore spiritual. We are most alive, most content, and most fulfilled when we live in light of that truth.
A fabulous term for this way of living is coram Deo. To live coram Deo is to acknowledge God's presence everywhere and in everything.
So my prayer for us today is that we would recognize God in every area of life, submit ourselves to his creative authority, and worship him with all of the creative power that we have.
Before the face of God. . . coram Deo.
God bless.
"The continuation of the universe from one moment to the next is therefore as great a miracle and as fully the work of God as is its coming into being at the beginning. In this profound sense, we all live 'every instant by the grace of God'."
pg. 36 (Living at the Crossroads)
Just as God is every day sustaining his created order, he also sustains his created people. Have you breathed in the last 5 minutes? That is God's sustaining grace and power working in and through you to give you life.
"For in him we live and move and have our being."
Acts 17:28
"In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."
Job 12:10
It is so easy to loose sight of these truths, isn't it? We so often get caught up in our routines, responsibilities, and difficulties that we forget God in the midst of daily life. But he is ever present, enabling your body to keep living and sustaining the earth to be your home.
As I think about the freedom that comes from understanding God, I am reminded that this understanding and freedom cannot and should not be limited to what we consider 'spiritual' parts of life. All of life, all of creation, and every part of you is fully God's, and therefore spiritual. We are most alive, most content, and most fulfilled when we live in light of that truth.
A fabulous term for this way of living is coram Deo. To live coram Deo is to acknowledge God's presence everywhere and in everything.
"To live coram Deo is to live in and to be aware of God's presence, responsive to his word, ready to serve him."
pg. 35 (Living at the Crossroads)
So my prayer for us today is that we would recognize God in every area of life, submit ourselves to his creative authority, and worship him with all of the creative power that we have.
Before the face of God. . . coram Deo.
God bless.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
All Aboard!
Ok, so I want to reflect a little farther on the freedom that comes from walking with Jesus. There is an analogy that Francis Chan uses that I think fits perfectly. He talks about a train running on a track. Suppose that train wanted to excercise its freedom, so it removed itself from the track. Is that train now free? NO! That train can't even move. The place of greatest freedom for it is right on the track. Once it returns to the track it can move as fast and far as it longs to! When that train was built it had an intended purpose. It was created to fulfill a function - and that function was good! So, ultimate freedom for the train is in being and doing was it was meant to be and do.
We are all created with different personalities, gifts and tendencies (1 Cor 12) - so in some ways we will all fulfill our purpose and thus find freedom differently. For example, I am a musician. I have been drawn to music as far back as I can remember - and I feel most alive, most engaged, and most worshipful when I am interacting with God and others through music.
Outside of our different personalities, though, is a common bond that unites us in purpose. Every one of us has been created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). We were uniquely made to reflect God's character and authority. Because we were originally created for this specific purpose, we will find the deepest fulfillment and freedom when we are whole-heartedly and passionately living out of that purpose. Running away from God doesn't give us ultimate freedom, because in doing so we are denying the loving Maker who knows what will ultimately bring us happiness, peace, and fulfillment here on earth. Half-heartedly acknowledging God but then living for our own purposes does not bring complete freedom and contentment either, because God's purpose and will is supposed to effect and influence every area of our lives.
I am beginning to understand what this all looks like in such a different way lately. For years I had defined my role and purpose through other people. I used the examples of Christians around me to understand the Christ-life rather than simply looking to Jesus himself to reveal my true identity. The more I study God's word - the more I understand who Jesus was and what He came to do - the clearer my purpose becomes. The freer I am to live for His plan and purpose. . . Having looked to others for this understanding for so long, I had become enslaved to other's expectations of me. Oh how I worked and labored (often unsuccessfully) to become the kind of woman I thought everyone else wanted and expected! I was definitely not free. . .
I am free now not because I am living a reckless, self-centered life. I am free because I am living a purposeful, Jesus-centered life. I don't have to impress or appease anyone. And on some level, at some point, we will probably disagree. But I'm not going to let that discourage me anymore. I am finally running on the track that God created for me. I feel the wind at my back and the sun on my face - and I am convinced that this is the only way to find true security, confidence, fulfillment, and peace in this life. God has given us everything we need (2 Pet 1:3) - it is up to us to hop on board and run in the paths of His commands. Not because someone else told us to, but because at the core of who we are we know and believe that His way is really the way, and following His commands is what will make us truly free. . .
We are all created with different personalities, gifts and tendencies (1 Cor 12) - so in some ways we will all fulfill our purpose and thus find freedom differently. For example, I am a musician. I have been drawn to music as far back as I can remember - and I feel most alive, most engaged, and most worshipful when I am interacting with God and others through music.
Outside of our different personalities, though, is a common bond that unites us in purpose. Every one of us has been created in the image of God (Gen 1:27). We were uniquely made to reflect God's character and authority. Because we were originally created for this specific purpose, we will find the deepest fulfillment and freedom when we are whole-heartedly and passionately living out of that purpose. Running away from God doesn't give us ultimate freedom, because in doing so we are denying the loving Maker who knows what will ultimately bring us happiness, peace, and fulfillment here on earth. Half-heartedly acknowledging God but then living for our own purposes does not bring complete freedom and contentment either, because God's purpose and will is supposed to effect and influence every area of our lives.
I am beginning to understand what this all looks like in such a different way lately. For years I had defined my role and purpose through other people. I used the examples of Christians around me to understand the Christ-life rather than simply looking to Jesus himself to reveal my true identity. The more I study God's word - the more I understand who Jesus was and what He came to do - the clearer my purpose becomes. The freer I am to live for His plan and purpose. . . Having looked to others for this understanding for so long, I had become enslaved to other's expectations of me. Oh how I worked and labored (often unsuccessfully) to become the kind of woman I thought everyone else wanted and expected! I was definitely not free. . .
I am free now not because I am living a reckless, self-centered life. I am free because I am living a purposeful, Jesus-centered life. I don't have to impress or appease anyone. And on some level, at some point, we will probably disagree. But I'm not going to let that discourage me anymore. I am finally running on the track that God created for me. I feel the wind at my back and the sun on my face - and I am convinced that this is the only way to find true security, confidence, fulfillment, and peace in this life. God has given us everything we need (2 Pet 1:3) - it is up to us to hop on board and run in the paths of His commands. Not because someone else told us to, but because at the core of who we are we know and believe that His way is really the way, and following His commands is what will make us truly free. . .
Friday, August 21, 2009
Free
I was talking with a friend this morning (one of my favorite things in the whole world to do=), and thinking about the idea of freedom. How many of us are really free? Do our lives really reflect the freedom that we have in Jesus? Do we live as if we are still in bondage, or do we run unhindered after the one who redeemed us from our chains? Do we even know what freedom is? Or what it looks like?
I am just beginning to understand what freedom is in my life. I am just now learning how to run unhindered, totally comfortable and confident in my own skin. I am amazed and excited to see how much my life has changed since God has begun this freeing work in my heart - and I long for those I love to experience the same freeing grace. . .
I might dig into the theology of all that a little later - but for now, I just want to leave you thinking. . .
What things in this world often enslave you?
What would it take for you to be free?
Do you believe that Jesus' death on the cross is supposed to bring you freedom right now, during your life on earth? Or have you always thought that the freedom we have in Christ was just something for the future; something to experience only when we eventually enter heaven?
I am just beginning to understand what freedom is in my life. I am just now learning how to run unhindered, totally comfortable and confident in my own skin. I am amazed and excited to see how much my life has changed since God has begun this freeing work in my heart - and I long for those I love to experience the same freeing grace. . .
I might dig into the theology of all that a little later - but for now, I just want to leave you thinking. . .
What things in this world often enslave you?
What would it take for you to be free?
Do you believe that Jesus' death on the cross is supposed to bring you freedom right now, during your life on earth? Or have you always thought that the freedom we have in Christ was just something for the future; something to experience only when we eventually enter heaven?
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
Isaiah 61:1
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
Psalm 119:32
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
John 8:36
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
your kingdom come
Prayer is a hard thing for me. I often feel like I'm trying too hard. . . forcibly crafting thoughts together when it should come more easily - flow more effortlessly. Other times I feel like I am being too spiritual about it. . . overly worried about saying everything in just the right way; you know, trying to show off my theological expertise or something. Which, of course, sounds completely ridiculous seeing as how I'm praying to GOD. But, if I'm going to be honest, its true.
Not only is praying just flat out difficult sometimes, but there are things that frustrate me about prayer in general. I don't totally understand it. I know that it is one of the greatest and most meaningful ingredients of our walk with God, and I know that Jesus depended on it for guidance and wisdom when he was on earth. . . but it seems so much more mysterious than a + b = c, you know?
I find comfort in the Lord's prayer, though. So simple, so straight foward. My absolute favorite line is your kingdom come. The applications of that phrase are endless - your kingdom come in this world, your rule and reign come over these nations, your lordship take hold in my life. . . oh, your kingdom come, Lord God, in any and every way it possibly can!!
I should pray the Lord's prayer more often. Jesus meant it as the ultimate example, and I think his theology is probably better than mine anyway (perhaps the understatement of the year, yes?).
My prayer for you? May His kingdom come in your life today too. . .
Not only is praying just flat out difficult sometimes, but there are things that frustrate me about prayer in general. I don't totally understand it. I know that it is one of the greatest and most meaningful ingredients of our walk with God, and I know that Jesus depended on it for guidance and wisdom when he was on earth. . . but it seems so much more mysterious than a + b = c, you know?
I find comfort in the Lord's prayer, though. So simple, so straight foward. My absolute favorite line is your kingdom come. The applications of that phrase are endless - your kingdom come in this world, your rule and reign come over these nations, your lordship take hold in my life. . . oh, your kingdom come, Lord God, in any and every way it possibly can!!
I should pray the Lord's prayer more often. Jesus meant it as the ultimate example, and I think his theology is probably better than mine anyway (perhaps the understatement of the year, yes?).
My prayer for you? May His kingdom come in your life today too. . .
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Unfashionable
One of the benefits of moving to the Northwoods has been a change in my insatiable desire and need for stuff. I am no where near as controlled by materialistic things as I was when I lived in the suburbs. . . mostly that's just because there are no stores up here. So I am forced into exile from all things hip, trendy, and fashionable (I'm making it sound worse than it is for dramatic effect). But really, it has been a great experience, because I am learning that the clothes I wore last season are actually just fine for wearing again, and the time and money I spent trying to keep up in the past can go to much better uses now. . .
Yesterday I was looking up books on Amazon.com when I came across one with the title "Unfashionable." It drew me in and after reading the description I think its a fabulous idea. Particularly in America we are so consumed with all things fashionable - whether clothes, or iPhones, or cars, or tan lines. Now, those things are not eternal and don't really matter in the scheme of things - but at the same time, the Christian life doesn't keep you from enjoying them altogether. There is nothing wrong with dressing well or baking in the sun, as long as it does not consume you - become your god. When this author was referring to being "unfashionable," he was talking not about the materialistic things of this world, but about the life we live before others in this world.
Though we might look the same, drive the same car, and use the same itouch - our lives, our attitudes, and our mission should look completely different from the world around us. And that difference does not usually put us in a place of fame and popularity. The result is much more likely that we'll be unfashionable. In fact, the bible tells us that we should expect it.
This is a difficult thing to hear for a young person considering following Christ. To ask someone to willingly give up their popularity and joyfully accept the criticism and mockery of others seems absurd - especially in middle school and high school. Girls, I know that your season in life is hard, and it is so very difficult to make the right choices. So before we start this new school year, here is a thought to encourage and motivate you to make the unfashionable or unpopular choice that seems so darn hard.
Jesus became unfashionable for you. Isaiah says that he had no beauty, no majesty; that he was mocked and rejected. It is so easy for us to become consumed with acceptance - but if this world accepts us with too much ease, it should be an indicator that we are not fully living the Christian life as God has called us to. Just look at Jesus. . . The Christian life goes against all of the standards and practices of this world.
When we live for God, we will be unfashionable. But through our genuine faith and transparent lives we have the opportunity to be used by Him to draw the hurting, lonely, sick, and desperate to the one true source of hope and comfort!! When we surrender our popularity at the foot of the cross, and there commit to living not for the applause of our friends but the pride of our Father - that is where true life begins!!
That is when the journey gets exciting.
My hope and prayer is that this year you will walk into your school and see yourself as God's missionary here on earth - not sent to blend in and hope that no one asks about your faith - but sent to stand out against the backdrop of all that is wrong and hurting in this world.
You can do it. By God's grace and through His strength you can become unfashionable too. . .
Yesterday I was looking up books on Amazon.com when I came across one with the title "Unfashionable." It drew me in and after reading the description I think its a fabulous idea. Particularly in America we are so consumed with all things fashionable - whether clothes, or iPhones, or cars, or tan lines. Now, those things are not eternal and don't really matter in the scheme of things - but at the same time, the Christian life doesn't keep you from enjoying them altogether. There is nothing wrong with dressing well or baking in the sun, as long as it does not consume you - become your god. When this author was referring to being "unfashionable," he was talking not about the materialistic things of this world, but about the life we live before others in this world.
Though we might look the same, drive the same car, and use the same itouch - our lives, our attitudes, and our mission should look completely different from the world around us. And that difference does not usually put us in a place of fame and popularity. The result is much more likely that we'll be unfashionable. In fact, the bible tells us that we should expect it.
"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end
will be saved." Matthew 10:22
"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10
"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed."
1 Peter 4:14
This is a difficult thing to hear for a young person considering following Christ. To ask someone to willingly give up their popularity and joyfully accept the criticism and mockery of others seems absurd - especially in middle school and high school. Girls, I know that your season in life is hard, and it is so very difficult to make the right choices. So before we start this new school year, here is a thought to encourage and motivate you to make the unfashionable or unpopular choice that seems so darn hard.
Jesus became unfashionable for you. Isaiah says that he had no beauty, no majesty; that he was mocked and rejected. It is so easy for us to become consumed with acceptance - but if this world accepts us with too much ease, it should be an indicator that we are not fully living the Christian life as God has called us to. Just look at Jesus. . . The Christian life goes against all of the standards and practices of this world.
When we live for God, we will be unfashionable. But through our genuine faith and transparent lives we have the opportunity to be used by Him to draw the hurting, lonely, sick, and desperate to the one true source of hope and comfort!! When we surrender our popularity at the foot of the cross, and there commit to living not for the applause of our friends but the pride of our Father - that is where true life begins!!
That is when the journey gets exciting.
My hope and prayer is that this year you will walk into your school and see yourself as God's missionary here on earth - not sent to blend in and hope that no one asks about your faith - but sent to stand out against the backdrop of all that is wrong and hurting in this world.
You can do it. By God's grace and through His strength you can become unfashionable too. . .
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