Trains, planes, boats, and automobiles. We all alike have experienced one or all of these modes of transportation; very likely taking us to a place of excitement and adventure, drudgery and complaint, or monotony and routine.
Some or all of these vehicles will be used to transport me and my small bag of belongings to a place that will seem halfway around the world. In just a few short days I will board a plane in Atlanta to begin my trek to Africa.
"Why Africa?" you ask.
Because I'm confident that life has greater meaning than simply consuming all the forms of entertainment I can get my hands on here in my little world of the southeastern United States.
Don't misunderstand me. My summer has consisted of some amazing memories created with family and friends; beaches and ball parks, mountains and museums, statues and swimming pools. But I do not want to cheapen what I consider to be my primary purpose in life.
So what is my purpose?
Very simply, my purpose is to recognize and respond to these three ideas; God has called me, God has promised me, God is equipping me.
I was once on a path moving quickly in the wrong direction but God rescued me. I wasn't pursuing Him or working my way toward Him or dialing His number. But He called me. And when I answered, He saved me.
He didn't promise that this life would be easy, that I would see instantaneous success, or that all the chips would fall my way. But He made me a promise; I will be with you. Faithful. Committed. Present. With me. More specifically, in me.
He's taking the good, the bad, and the ugly to shape me into a better version of the artwork He desires. He's equipping me. He's giving me a perspective of life that will allow me to empathize with others and share the grace and goodness of God with them as they walk through various trials and struggles that this life continues to dispense.
So, in just a few short days, I will board a plane in the States and begin my journey to Africa. I will join the Love Africa Mission team as we travel to Kenya to serve the people of Kijabe with open minds, hearts, and hands.
While we're there we will have the opportunity to meet children and adults in the hospitals, visit with families in their homes, and read Bible stories to once orphaned children at Naomi's Village. Ultimately, we want to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with a world who desperately needs to see most clearly the Father's love.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Sunday, June 28, 2015
The Break Up
I remember like it was yesterday; the break up. Candy machine rings, origami laden love notes, and tireless telephone calls seemed to dissipate into oblivion.
How naïve a 10 year old could be when his grade school girlfriend was headed to junior high? A heart once melted by her long standing pony tail was now filled with fury toward boys with facial hair.
Why is the break-up so difficult to bear?
The past always seems more glamorous than it really was. Seriously. We scratch our heads and wonder what went wrong. We never fought, argued, or disagreed. Every date was heavenly; eternal bliss. Or so we thought.
The present always seems more painful than it really is. Contemplating our very existence we begin searching for a reason just to live. Looking to that relationship to 'complete me,' we now feel lost and desperate for something to numb the pain.
The future always seems for more fearful than it really will be. This is our new lot in life; single. We place a label on our lives as if we'll never measure up, be good enough, or find our true soul mate.
The truth is, God is asking us to initiate the break-up. And the sad reality, we've so glamorized this relationship that we've ignored his blatant appeal to get out. We're confident that nothing could be better. We've become so familiar with this setting that we're unwilling to escape what we know to be an unhealthy place for ourselves.
And this is why so many people will never enter the relationship God is calling us to engage. Because we're content to believe that dating ourselves is far more appealing, far more satisfying, and far more rewarding than the relationship He's inviting us to consider.
The glamour of pride and selfishness, dating myself if you will, has only masked the damning effects of separating myself from Christ. But the pain of breaking-up is necessary to see the distance between me and the one who holds the greatest affection for me.
The break-up will always be a difficult cross to bear. But it's one that's worth any amount of pain to sustain a life of commitment, submission, and obedience to the greatest lover of all; Jesus, the one who gave His life for me. He will always grant the faith necessary to trust His faithfulness.
How naïve a 10 year old could be when his grade school girlfriend was headed to junior high? A heart once melted by her long standing pony tail was now filled with fury toward boys with facial hair.
Why is the break-up so difficult to bear?
The past always seems more glamorous than it really was. Seriously. We scratch our heads and wonder what went wrong. We never fought, argued, or disagreed. Every date was heavenly; eternal bliss. Or so we thought.
The present always seems more painful than it really is. Contemplating our very existence we begin searching for a reason just to live. Looking to that relationship to 'complete me,' we now feel lost and desperate for something to numb the pain.
The future always seems for more fearful than it really will be. This is our new lot in life; single. We place a label on our lives as if we'll never measure up, be good enough, or find our true soul mate.
The truth is, God is asking us to initiate the break-up. And the sad reality, we've so glamorized this relationship that we've ignored his blatant appeal to get out. We're confident that nothing could be better. We've become so familiar with this setting that we're unwilling to escape what we know to be an unhealthy place for ourselves.
And this is why so many people will never enter the relationship God is calling us to engage. Because we're content to believe that dating ourselves is far more appealing, far more satisfying, and far more rewarding than the relationship He's inviting us to consider.
The glamour of pride and selfishness, dating myself if you will, has only masked the damning effects of separating myself from Christ. But the pain of breaking-up is necessary to see the distance between me and the one who holds the greatest affection for me.
The break-up will always be a difficult cross to bear. But it's one that's worth any amount of pain to sustain a life of commitment, submission, and obedience to the greatest lover of all; Jesus, the one who gave His life for me. He will always grant the faith necessary to trust His faithfulness.
Friday, June 19, 2015
Sin is Fun
She saw that it "was good for food, a delight to the eyes, and was to be desired to make one wise."
In a moment of complete vulnerability she abandoned what she knew to be true to appease her craving for a moment of ecstasy. The fruit of that tree would certainly satisfy her appetite. It was appealing; dressed in shimmering colors of majestic goodness.
Who are we kidding to say sin isn't fun? Craig Groeschel says, "if sin isn't fun then you must not be doing it right." Sin is fun...for a season.
Most of us have either become disgusted by such behavior or we've indulged in it ourselves. It either sickens us that others seem to benefit from manipulative deception or we've become a pawn in this masquerade of lucrative living.
"Then the eyes of both of them were opened."
Andy Stanley says, "Sin always comes pre-packaged with a penalty." You cannot do what you want without the interference of its inseparable consequences.
"They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths."
They believed the lie, justified their actions, and blamed others for their mistake. Then, they made a poor attempt to redeem the situation with what would eventually disintegrate under the elements of shameful living.
Our rebellion can always be traced back to our attempt to out-maneuver God's design for our ultimate happiness. But as one pastor said, "Sin will always take you further than you wanted to go, cost you more than you wanted to pay, and keep you longer than you wanted to stay."
"God made for Adam and his wife garments of skin and clothed them."
However, the most incredible result of our rebellion is not the temporary satisfactions of our wayward living or the overwhelming shame of our distress, but the excruciating path God is willing to travel to reconcile us back to Himself; even the death of His son.
In a moment of complete vulnerability she abandoned what she knew to be true to appease her craving for a moment of ecstasy. The fruit of that tree would certainly satisfy her appetite. It was appealing; dressed in shimmering colors of majestic goodness.
Who are we kidding to say sin isn't fun? Craig Groeschel says, "if sin isn't fun then you must not be doing it right." Sin is fun...for a season.
Most of us have either become disgusted by such behavior or we've indulged in it ourselves. It either sickens us that others seem to benefit from manipulative deception or we've become a pawn in this masquerade of lucrative living.
"Then the eyes of both of them were opened."
Andy Stanley says, "Sin always comes pre-packaged with a penalty." You cannot do what you want without the interference of its inseparable consequences.
"They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths."
They believed the lie, justified their actions, and blamed others for their mistake. Then, they made a poor attempt to redeem the situation with what would eventually disintegrate under the elements of shameful living.
Our rebellion can always be traced back to our attempt to out-maneuver God's design for our ultimate happiness. But as one pastor said, "Sin will always take you further than you wanted to go, cost you more than you wanted to pay, and keep you longer than you wanted to stay."
"God made for Adam and his wife garments of skin and clothed them."
However, the most incredible result of our rebellion is not the temporary satisfactions of our wayward living or the overwhelming shame of our distress, but the excruciating path God is willing to travel to reconcile us back to Himself; even the death of His son.
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
Life is More than a Game!
Life is a game. Life is a test. Life is a journey.
Absolutely! We can make one or all of these metaphors resonate with the various stages of our life.
But if there's anything I've learned in life it's this; sometimes the world's antics can sabotage our thinking in a way that allows its subtle messages to rob us of the fullness of life that we were meant to live.
I'm convinced that God's design for the human frame is to acknowledge Him as the greatest prize in life and that our pursuit of Him should become our greatest priority. And I'm also convinced that He intends for us to make this journey together with those whom we've built healthy relationships nurtured by strong convictions, similar interests, and shared experiences.
Absence will not make the heart grow fonder.
A life void of God's presence will not engage a heart full of life and purpose. If anything it will cause our heart to deceptively chase empty illusions. A life of isolation keeps the secrets of our past hidden deep within our heart where they continue to gnaw away at the potential for growth and security.
Absolutely! We can make one or all of these metaphors resonate with the various stages of our life.
But if there's anything I've learned in life it's this; sometimes the world's antics can sabotage our thinking in a way that allows its subtle messages to rob us of the fullness of life that we were meant to live.
I'm convinced that God's design for the human frame is to acknowledge Him as the greatest prize in life and that our pursuit of Him should become our greatest priority. And I'm also convinced that He intends for us to make this journey together with those whom we've built healthy relationships nurtured by strong convictions, similar interests, and shared experiences.
Absence will not make the heart grow fonder.
A life void of God's presence will not engage a heart full of life and purpose. If anything it will cause our heart to deceptively chase empty illusions. A life of isolation keeps the secrets of our past hidden deep within our heart where they continue to gnaw away at the potential for growth and security.
Silence doesn't strengthen our relationships.
Communication simultaneously holds the greatest value and the greatest risk for developing our relationships with God and others. God longs to hear from us and He is desperate to share His love with us. Our silence only perpetuates the confusion for a loving and secure relationship that we all desire.
Communication simultaneously holds the greatest value and the greatest risk for developing our relationships with God and others. God longs to hear from us and He is desperate to share His love with us. Our silence only perpetuates the confusion for a loving and secure relationship that we all desire.
Distance doesn't merge, it only divides.
Choosing to separate ourselves from God sends the message that we can independently control the outcomes of our own situations; dividing our allegiance between Him and our idols. Creating space will simply press a wedge more firmly between us and those whom we truly desire to know and be known.
Make time.
Living a life full of selfish desires, filling all of your time to please yourself, will leave you empty and void of meaningful experiences with others. The greatest gift we can ever give God and others is our time.
Living a life full of selfish desires, filling all of your time to please yourself, will leave you empty and void of meaningful experiences with others. The greatest gift we can ever give God and others is our time.
Create space.
Our jobs, schedules, and hobbies bombard us in a way that we feel the weight pressing in on our soul that we feel robbed of our rest. We must learn to build into our routines the little moments of space where we can breathe and simply "be."
Our jobs, schedules, and hobbies bombard us in a way that we feel the weight pressing in on our soul that we feel robbed of our rest. We must learn to build into our routines the little moments of space where we can breathe and simply "be."
Plant stakes.
The common denominator for cultivating healthy relationships is memorializing significant moments as shared experiences with others.There have been moments in both my relationship with God and with others where I've planted stakes in the ground to remember as significant moments that I choose never to forget.
The common denominator for cultivating healthy relationships is memorializing significant moments as shared experiences with others.There have been moments in both my relationship with God and with others where I've planted stakes in the ground to remember as significant moments that I choose never to forget.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Capture the Flag
I can remember one of my favorite childhood games being "Capture the Flag." There's something about running around in the dark, being in stealth mode, proving my own form of bravery, that made me swell with pride. No guy ever admitted, at least not out loud, that he was scared of the dark or didn't want to sharpen his cavalier skills of trekking through the moon-lit landscape.
There are two instances I can distinctly remember. One instance was being in the mountains playing "Capture the Flag" when our group leaders concocted a plan to scare all of us pre-teens with threats of wild hogs and bear in the woods. Our game quickly became survival mode as we attempted to outrun the rest of our team back to the base camp before being eaten alive by wild, ravenous animals.
There was another time, and I'm sure this happens all too frequently, when once the flag was sighted it was constantly being designated for re-assignment making it nearly impossible to find and retrieve to declare a winner to our game.
Now that I'm older and trying to make some kind of connection between childhood memories and current reality, the more I realize just how much those games were attempting to teach me about life.
In life it's so easy to cower down to the pressures of my environment that I throw in the towel and quit. The noises of those beasts, those demons, from my past are causing me to fear my current position. I'm making a mad dash for places of comfort and security when I know full well that I need to be on the front lines navigating this journey.
I'm constantly making waves on this adventure that are rocking my own course because every time I set the pace for a new adventure I become easily distracted, bored, or exhausted and change the course of my destination. Its often to a place where the flag is more easily attainable or accessible, sometimes more visible so others will applaud my accomplishments.
Even in my faith, I play this "Capture the Flag" game with God. He's really called me to a place of surrender; a place where I would trust Him and release all control into His care. And too often I run away from the places He's calling me because of fear of my own circumstances or the improbable chance that He may not be present when I most need Him to be there.
Other times I find myself reeling my flag of surrender up the pole of His will yet only moments later rushing it back down as if I'm only teasing Him with unyielding obedience. And still He patiently awaits for my heart to be re-calibrated back to the place where He is.
Capture the Flag is not just some childhood game; it's a reminder that the flag of my surrender must be captured by an affection for the One who is pursuing me. God has not inclined Himself to be passive in my life; He is actively moving in my direction desiring that I give Him all-access to my doubts, dreams, fears, and goals. He is the Victorious Warrior in this life of Capture the Flag!
There are two instances I can distinctly remember. One instance was being in the mountains playing "Capture the Flag" when our group leaders concocted a plan to scare all of us pre-teens with threats of wild hogs and bear in the woods. Our game quickly became survival mode as we attempted to outrun the rest of our team back to the base camp before being eaten alive by wild, ravenous animals.
There was another time, and I'm sure this happens all too frequently, when once the flag was sighted it was constantly being designated for re-assignment making it nearly impossible to find and retrieve to declare a winner to our game.
Now that I'm older and trying to make some kind of connection between childhood memories and current reality, the more I realize just how much those games were attempting to teach me about life.
In life it's so easy to cower down to the pressures of my environment that I throw in the towel and quit. The noises of those beasts, those demons, from my past are causing me to fear my current position. I'm making a mad dash for places of comfort and security when I know full well that I need to be on the front lines navigating this journey.
I'm constantly making waves on this adventure that are rocking my own course because every time I set the pace for a new adventure I become easily distracted, bored, or exhausted and change the course of my destination. Its often to a place where the flag is more easily attainable or accessible, sometimes more visible so others will applaud my accomplishments.
Even in my faith, I play this "Capture the Flag" game with God. He's really called me to a place of surrender; a place where I would trust Him and release all control into His care. And too often I run away from the places He's calling me because of fear of my own circumstances or the improbable chance that He may not be present when I most need Him to be there.
Other times I find myself reeling my flag of surrender up the pole of His will yet only moments later rushing it back down as if I'm only teasing Him with unyielding obedience. And still He patiently awaits for my heart to be re-calibrated back to the place where He is.
Capture the Flag is not just some childhood game; it's a reminder that the flag of my surrender must be captured by an affection for the One who is pursuing me. God has not inclined Himself to be passive in my life; He is actively moving in my direction desiring that I give Him all-access to my doubts, dreams, fears, and goals. He is the Victorious Warrior in this life of Capture the Flag!
Saturday, March 28, 2015
The Life of a Prodigal
"I hate you!"
"I don't want to stay here anymore!"
"I'm leaving!"
Words no one ever wants to hear but words that slipped through the cracks of a broken heart and a disappointing past.
I had screamed those words at my parents as I packed my duffle bag full of video games, a change of clothes, and a pack of Little Debbies.
They had denied me a privilege that I was certain I was entitled to receive. And what was worse? They let me pack my bags and begin the hike out the driveway and down the road without hesitation.
What were they thinking?
There was no begging me to stay! No coercion or manipulation! Just a heart melting under the heat of my insincere and selfish rants of disappointment. Waiting.
All of us, at some time in our lives, have done this. We've thrown a fit in the middle of the cereal aisle. We've screamed at friends and family. We've ranted on social media assuring the world that our voices would be heard.
My childhood tantrum and my parents' loving and somewhat unsuspecting response leads me to ponder another familiar story in the Bible.
It's the story of the "Prodigal Son." It's a son who demands his inheritance before the death of his father. When he squanders all his wealth on worldly living and finds himself literally in the 'muck and mire' of a pig's pen, he decides to make a plea of desperation.
But before he could speak one word of the apology he had hoped to recite, the "Prodigal Father" lavishly placed the finest clothes, feast, and title on this young boy. "You are my son!" Wow!
We're just like the son. We're quick to point fingers, place blame, scream obscenities about how unfair life has been, and run recklessly in the wrong direction. Then, when we find ourselves in the pit of despair and sorry for our mistake-ridden past, we attempt to fix our mess all on our own.
God the Father, just like my parents and just like the prodigal's father, is waiting. He doesn't need our apologies as much as he needs our attention. He will let us say the despicable and do the unthinkable only to create a greater awareness of our need for him.
Seriously, how long were the video games, a change of clothes, and some Debbie Cakes going to sustain me? How long will doing this our own way really last?
The Father is waiting. He's watching. And he's simply counting down the seconds to make an all out sprint in your direction, while you are "still a long way off!"
"I don't want to stay here anymore!"
"I'm leaving!"
Words no one ever wants to hear but words that slipped through the cracks of a broken heart and a disappointing past.
I had screamed those words at my parents as I packed my duffle bag full of video games, a change of clothes, and a pack of Little Debbies.
They had denied me a privilege that I was certain I was entitled to receive. And what was worse? They let me pack my bags and begin the hike out the driveway and down the road without hesitation.
What were they thinking?
There was no begging me to stay! No coercion or manipulation! Just a heart melting under the heat of my insincere and selfish rants of disappointment. Waiting.
All of us, at some time in our lives, have done this. We've thrown a fit in the middle of the cereal aisle. We've screamed at friends and family. We've ranted on social media assuring the world that our voices would be heard.
My childhood tantrum and my parents' loving and somewhat unsuspecting response leads me to ponder another familiar story in the Bible.
It's the story of the "Prodigal Son." It's a son who demands his inheritance before the death of his father. When he squanders all his wealth on worldly living and finds himself literally in the 'muck and mire' of a pig's pen, he decides to make a plea of desperation.
But before he could speak one word of the apology he had hoped to recite, the "Prodigal Father" lavishly placed the finest clothes, feast, and title on this young boy. "You are my son!" Wow!
We're just like the son. We're quick to point fingers, place blame, scream obscenities about how unfair life has been, and run recklessly in the wrong direction. Then, when we find ourselves in the pit of despair and sorry for our mistake-ridden past, we attempt to fix our mess all on our own.
God the Father, just like my parents and just like the prodigal's father, is waiting. He doesn't need our apologies as much as he needs our attention. He will let us say the despicable and do the unthinkable only to create a greater awareness of our need for him.
Seriously, how long were the video games, a change of clothes, and some Debbie Cakes going to sustain me? How long will doing this our own way really last?
The Father is waiting. He's watching. And he's simply counting down the seconds to make an all out sprint in your direction, while you are "still a long way off!"
Monday, March 09, 2015
God is Great
God is great, God is good...
Without fail, my son quotes the remaining lines of this child-like prayer offering his vow of thanks for every meal. Sure, it's sweet to hear him say this prayer and we all say thank you and good job and such a posture of faith.
But aren't we just like him, mechanical in our acts of giving thanks, peeking out of one eye just to see if everybody else is nice and neatly bowing with reverence amidst our religious routines?
The "God is great, God is good" routine will always suffice to the average onlooker. But it makes its greatest appeal to the ones who have surpassed the gentle prayers around the dinner table to desperate pleas around hospital beds, cancer patient rooms, counselor's chairs, and homemade altars.
It's in those moments that we've placed God on the stand to test his goodness. Can the God who made the stars involve Himself in the daily routines or even the emergency situations of my life? If I call His name, will He answer?
Without fail, my son quotes the remaining lines of this child-like prayer offering his vow of thanks for every meal. Sure, it's sweet to hear him say this prayer and we all say thank you and good job and such a posture of faith.
But aren't we just like him, mechanical in our acts of giving thanks, peeking out of one eye just to see if everybody else is nice and neatly bowing with reverence amidst our religious routines?
The "God is great, God is good" routine will always suffice to the average onlooker. But it makes its greatest appeal to the ones who have surpassed the gentle prayers around the dinner table to desperate pleas around hospital beds, cancer patient rooms, counselor's chairs, and homemade altars.
It's in those moments that we've placed God on the stand to test his goodness. Can the God who made the stars involve Himself in the daily routines or even the emergency situations of my life? If I call His name, will He answer?
One of the songs at the top of my iTunes playlist is Kristian Stanfill's "The Lord our God" that says:
Promise Maker, Promise Keeper
You finish what you begin
Our provision through the desert
You see it through til the end
In the silence, in the waiting
Still we can know you are good
All your plans are for your glory
Yes, we can know you are good
The Lord our God is ever faithful
Never changing through the ages
From this darkness you will lead us
And forever we will say
You're the Lord our God
God's goodness shouldn't rest on whether He detours our journey away from the desert places in life. His goodness shouldn't rest in His decision to let His silence deafen us to a place of desperation. His goodness is certain no matter our circumstances because He cannot deny Himself.
What we must learn to see is that "He will see it through to the end" and "all His plans are for His glory." He will not leave us feeling abandoned forever. He will always remain faithful to Himself. Yes we can know you are good!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Do You Love Me?
"I love your blue eyes and your beautiful smile."
"You are so sweet. (Pause) Can I ask you a question, do you love me?"
"Yes, I love you."
"How do you know?"
"I just know."
"But how do you know? What are you willing to do to prove it? Can you show me?"
Pause.
Did you see that? Without even realizing it, the conversation immediately went from "tell me" to "show me."
(Pardon the illustration that appears to breed a moment of romance)
Remember the story of Jesus and Peter on the shore following a wearisome few days after Jesus's death and resurrection? Many of the disciples, including Peter, returned to their former trade of fishing when Jesus approached them on the banks of the sea.
The conversation between Peter and Jesus must have been so intense. "It's Jesus, it's really Him" he must have thought as he cast himself into the sea and began to swim to the shore. In the midst of the conversation Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?"
How irritating it must have been as he continually responded in the affirmative. Three times. Three times Jesus asked him this. Surely there was no irony in Peter's three previous denials of Jesus the night before His crucifixion.
Feed my sheep, Peter. Quit telling me that you love me and show me. Do something. Obey my command. Put me first.
There's no questioning Jesus's love; it's evident in the invitation. Now, Peter's love was placed on the stand of action.
So, 'do you love me' may be better asked, 'how do you know you love me'?
I've been asked this question, "How do you know you love me?" and I didn't feel I had an adequate response.
Feed my sheep, Peter. Quit telling me that you love me and show me. Do something. Obey my command. Put me first.
There's no questioning Jesus's love; it's evident in the invitation. Now, Peter's love was placed on the stand of action.
So, 'do you love me' may be better asked, 'how do you know you love me'?
I've been asked this question, "How do you know you love me?" and I didn't feel I had an adequate response.
All I know is "love does."
Thursday, January 08, 2015
Just Say Yes!
Recently I shared meals with family and friends at some of the finer restaurants in the south; Waffle House, Cracker Barrel, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
The waitress at Waffle House was shuffling duties between the cash register, drink machine, and customers' tables. Yet, in the midst of all the hustle with only two employees serving a house half full, my friend and I chose to affirm her hard work with a generous tip; we simply placed our "yes" on the table for her performance.
The waiter at Cracker Barrel told us all about his bicycle remodeling project as he scurried from table to table delivering chicken and dumplings and glasses of sweet tea. I felt like I should offer him a chair and sit down to chat over coffee but he had plenty of tables to serve and our ticket was ready for pickup. Again, his generous service left us compelled to leave a generous "yes" on the table.
The waiter at Buffalo Wild Wings had a busy shift covering tables for UFC fight night and the NFL playoffs. And this one crazy Pittsburgh Steelers fan was more than a fanatic; I probably would have left a bigger tip if they would have asked that guy to leave (or given him a free order of wings to keep him busy at his seat). Nevertheless, with a crowded room full of sports fans our waiter kept our glasses full and our table clean. Surely, we could leave a generous "yes" on the table for his performance too.
Really, that's exactly what God in Christ is hoping to get out of our lives. Placing our yes on the table by acknowledging his perfectly completed performance on the cross.
It would release us from attempting to prove our own self worth in a less than stellar performance of self righteous deeds. We become token tippers throwing change on the table hoping to appease any disappointment God may have with our begrudging attitudes or shameful actions. Or maybe we flaunt a few dollar bills on God's table trying to impress our fellow comrades with our deep pockets.
And really, God becomes quite disgusted and broken hearted by our attempt to manipulate Him with some kind of payoff; temporarily saying yes for him to pat us on the back before we repeat our same selfish behavior.
God doesn't want your token tip, a few dollars in the plate, a promise to do better, your church attendance, a prayer, or reading your bible on occasion. God wants you to place your "yes" on the table; to acknowledge His superior performance, a performance that you can never match or repay.
He wants you to sign and date the check to your life. There's no need to complete the line for what it's for, the amount, or the memo line. He's not looking for a season of time or you working off the balance of some amount. He wants everything; he wants you to go all in.
So, sign the check, hand it to Him, and place your "yes" on the table!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Greetings Favored One!
Have you ever had one of those "Oh my God! I can't believe this is happening!" moments?
Imagine being a Jewish teenage girl (kind of difficult for us guys with a beard, I know) at the turn of the 1st century and hearing the voice of an angelic being, "Greetings, favored one!"
And as I scanned the rest of the story, here is what I saw unfolding from the most unbelievable news in the world.
Finding favor routinely asks, "Who, me?"
"She tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be" (Luke 1:29). We live in a 'cause and effect' world full of if-then conditions for our life. And Mary was a simple, ordinary Jewish girl. No name or resume really to brag about. No wonder she was looking around to see where the voice was coming from, why she had become the target of a heavenly calling. Yet God is routinely using the ordinary to bring about the extraordinary for all the world to see.
Finding favor may result in unfavorable circumstances.
"You will conceive and bear a son...How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:31,34). Many onlookers in the 21st century have romanticized Mary's situation, as if to say, "How lucky was she?" Really? A Jewish girl engaged to be married, now pregnant, in a law-driven world where she's destined to be criticized and shunned by friends, family, and perhaps even her future husband. Yet God is taking what appears to be unfavorable among men for the purpose of displaying His glory.
Finding favor resigns itself to the new normal.
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you" (Luke 1:31). Sometimes, whether you asked for it or not, you are handed what will become your new normal. You can't change or manipulate the situation. You must simply adjust your perspective to what now is. God is taking what was dead and creating life, what was once dark and now bringing to light, as in this case, through the presence of a newborn child.
Finding favor relies on faith in God's promise.
"For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). Being asked to carry out such a task as bearing the Son of God can be, no doubt, pretty daunting. Scary. Fearful. After all, the angel did say, "Do not be afraid." And the only way that any of us can ever sustain this life God has called us to is by resting in the promises of God.
Finding favor rejoices in growing obedience.
"I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done according to your word" (Luke 1:38). God is sovereign and has set in motion a plan for all of our lives. God has also given us a choice, free will, to accept or reject the display of His grand story. And the confirmation of God's favor in our lives rests in our willingness to receive and respond in faith to this favor that God has pronounced over us.
But here's the real twist to the story; it was never really about Mary. And it's not about us! God's plan of redemption was to send His son to earth. Mary was the instrument by which God would accomplish His purpose. Ordinary, simple, Jewish teenager, Mary.
Lest we slip back into our old way of thinking that God's favor is still somehow attached to our name, talent, or entitled mind, let me remind us all again, it's not. Finding favor is grace; a free and undeserving gift! Grace in the form of Immanuel, God with us. God is finding favor on all the world. He is simply asking who is willing to conceive, in faith, the precious gift of His Son!
Imagine being a Jewish teenage girl (kind of difficult for us guys with a beard, I know) at the turn of the 1st century and hearing the voice of an angelic being, "Greetings, favored one!"
And as I scanned the rest of the story, here is what I saw unfolding from the most unbelievable news in the world.
Finding favor routinely asks, "Who, me?"
"She tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be" (Luke 1:29). We live in a 'cause and effect' world full of if-then conditions for our life. And Mary was a simple, ordinary Jewish girl. No name or resume really to brag about. No wonder she was looking around to see where the voice was coming from, why she had become the target of a heavenly calling. Yet God is routinely using the ordinary to bring about the extraordinary for all the world to see.
Finding favor may result in unfavorable circumstances.
"You will conceive and bear a son...How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:31,34). Many onlookers in the 21st century have romanticized Mary's situation, as if to say, "How lucky was she?" Really? A Jewish girl engaged to be married, now pregnant, in a law-driven world where she's destined to be criticized and shunned by friends, family, and perhaps even her future husband. Yet God is taking what appears to be unfavorable among men for the purpose of displaying His glory.
Finding favor resigns itself to the new normal.
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you" (Luke 1:31). Sometimes, whether you asked for it or not, you are handed what will become your new normal. You can't change or manipulate the situation. You must simply adjust your perspective to what now is. God is taking what was dead and creating life, what was once dark and now bringing to light, as in this case, through the presence of a newborn child.
Finding favor relies on faith in God's promise.
"For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). Being asked to carry out such a task as bearing the Son of God can be, no doubt, pretty daunting. Scary. Fearful. After all, the angel did say, "Do not be afraid." And the only way that any of us can ever sustain this life God has called us to is by resting in the promises of God.
Finding favor rejoices in growing obedience.
"I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done according to your word" (Luke 1:38). God is sovereign and has set in motion a plan for all of our lives. God has also given us a choice, free will, to accept or reject the display of His grand story. And the confirmation of God's favor in our lives rests in our willingness to receive and respond in faith to this favor that God has pronounced over us.
But here's the real twist to the story; it was never really about Mary. And it's not about us! God's plan of redemption was to send His son to earth. Mary was the instrument by which God would accomplish His purpose. Ordinary, simple, Jewish teenager, Mary.
Lest we slip back into our old way of thinking that God's favor is still somehow attached to our name, talent, or entitled mind, let me remind us all again, it's not. Finding favor is grace; a free and undeserving gift! Grace in the form of Immanuel, God with us. God is finding favor on all the world. He is simply asking who is willing to conceive, in faith, the precious gift of His Son!
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