Surprised by Generosity

Not a Christmas goes by without thinking about my grandparents (Fred and Margaret). Every Christmas Eve we would gather at their home, eat a great meal and anxiously wait for it to get dark (time to open presents). My sister and I would comment at least 10 times during the meal "I think it's dark outside!!"

My grandparents were super generous, delighting in the volume of presents given. Grandpa was a self-employed carpenter and Grandma stayed at home. They earned a modest income and Christmas gifts came from money they had saved during the year. Uncle Freddie who lived with them grinned ear to ear as the most presents were set before him. Freddie had Down's Syndrome and was just as excited as we were, even more so at simple gifts (like Brut aftershave...).

With every present my mom would comment "Oh, you shouldn't have done that Fred and Margaret, that is so sweet of you..." We were thinking "Oh yes you should have, thanks!!"

The highlight of the evening was after presents had been opened, my grandpa would sneak back into his bedroom. He would come out with a handful of Christmas cards addressed to each person, with green stuff inside. It was always just a bit more than you'd expect. My dad would smile, shake his head and say "Rabbit, I can't believe you." That is what my dad called him, still not sure why :)

We would open our cards to see a $5, or a $20, or later a $50. Always more than we'd ever had in our possession. Grandpa was beaming and nodding his head, more excited than at any other time I can remember. That was his way of saying "I love you and you know I'm taking care of you..."

Many years have gone by. Grandpa, Grandma, Freddie and my Dad have passed away and are with Jesus. Many times God reminds me He is just like my Grandpa in that He gets a kick out of surprising me with His generosity. It can come in many forms, but after all the presents have been opened, He still has a surprise... He gets a kick out of blessing us.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 NRSV

A place for the non-religious

“I’m not religious, I just love the Lord” Scott Wesley Brown, 2004

My wife and I were on a jam-packed flight back to Denver and the gal sitting in between us started talking about her work, her family and then matters of faith. She relayed (with great excitement) how her life had been turning around and she was wondering where it was all heading… But she was struggling with going forward because of her husband’s perception of “religious people” at church. He felt religious people were mean, judgmental hypocrites.

Interesting how the word “religious” has changed in meaning over the years...

About 100 years ago

To be “religious” meant you were devoted, focused and of good character. As one author explained, “he was an essentially religious person which is to say he was always possessed of an irrepressible sense of wonder at and passion for ultimate reality.” Dennis McInerny

Wow, that’s pretty awesome!

Rewind 2k years ago to the days of Jesus

The religious people like the Pharisees were considered heroes. They had guarded and protected God’s Word with purity of devotion for about 200 years. Pharisees came primarily from the Middle Class and were born out of a battle against corrupting educational forces:

The Pharisees . . . wished to embrace the whole people, and in particular through education. It was their desire and intention that everyone in Israel achieve holiness through the study of the Torah . . . (cited p. 93, The Maccabees)

However, in a short period of time the Pharisees had become corrupt themselves. Paraphrasing what Jesus said in Luke 12 "Watch yourselves carefully so you don't get contaminated with Pharisee yeast, Pharisee phoniness. You can't keep your true self hidden forever; before long you'll be exposed. You can't hide behind a religious mask forever; sooner or later the mask will slip and your true face will be known.” Message Version

Check out Ephesians 5:6 "Don't let yourselves get taken in by religious smooth talk. God gets furious with people who are full of religious sales talk but want nothing to do with him. Don't even hang around people like that." Message Version

Fast forward to present

The term "religious" has primarily negative connotations. Ask anyone and you'll hear things like phony, bigoted, uncaring, hypocritical, uptight, political agendas, majoring on minor issues, etc.

So why would anyone want to claim the label religious? It’s not a hill (or word) we should be willing to die on.

How about simply calling ourselves followers of Jesus? And how about proactively making it all about what Jesus cares about – loving God and loving people? We get to join Jesus in bringing freedom to captives, hope to the hopeless and mercy to the undeserving. After all, that’s who we are and what we’re experiencing!

Galatians 5:4 says "…When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love."

Our new friend on the flight was blown away that you could attend a worship service with friends and drink Starbucks at the same time -- maybe a place her "husband could come and explore relationship with Jesus..."

Improvising

Going through the letter of 2 Timothy in our "Good Soldier" series I've been struck with the obvious: preparation, faithfulness and discipline.

Phrases in the letter include "hold on to the right pattern...," "follow the Lord's rules for doing His work," "work hard so God can approve you," "do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life," "remain faithful to what you've been taught." (New Living Translation)

However, this is only part of being equipped. It would be tragic to miss out on the importance of improvisation in the battle. We are trained by God's Word so we can respond rightly in every situation.

My dad played trumpet in jazz bands and was amazing at improvisation. I tried to excel in the things that were important to him, including the trumpet. I could read and play the music, but really struggled with improvisation.

One day I asked him how he did it. He just smiled, shook his head and said, "You've got to play all the time, practice, do scales, listen to other great players, practice playing along by ear, build your 'chops,' work on your tone and range, a lot of stuff you don't like to do... Because improvisation flows out of discipline and hard work. There's a magical thing that happens when it starts to flow naturally in the moment." Pause. Another big smile, as though he believed I could feel and understand what he was saying. It only took me 20 years to figure that out, long after I put the trumpet away.

It is so easy to reduce our spiritual journey to right information and formulas -- if I can recite the right doctrine, check the experiential boxes, say the thing that sounds spiritual, pray the prayer that impresses...

The greater challenge is to put God's Word into practice. It is to step out of my comfort zone and exercise His love and gifts with people who are unimpressed (outside the walls). It is to view the unexpected as an opportunity.

It is very hard for religious people to improvise.

Jesus said it this way to a guy who had relegated it all to right information and formulas:

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." John 3:8 ESV

Improvising in God's kingdom is not about self-expression or desire, but instead responsiveness to Jesus. The wind is blowing, God is on the move.

You are invited to join Him and give yourself to Him. Remember the challenges of 2 Timothy to hold on, follow His Word, work hard, to remain faithful.

And be prepared to join Jesus outside the box when it is time to improvise!

Worship, prayer & spiritual battle

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16:25-26 NLT

What a mind-blowing picture of spiritual battle. Paul was provoked day after day by a girl who was annoying them (following them around and shouting that they were awesome). The girl who was a fortune-teller was under the influence of some evil power. Finally, Paul had enough and commanded the evil spirit to STOP, and the girl was set free.

Interestingly the girl was able to bring in lots of money through her fortune-telling and this stopped when she was set free. The guy who benefited most was furious that his source of income was cut off. He rallied a mob who almost killed Paul and Silas, eventually throwing them in prison.

So here they are on a "mission from God" with supernatural power bringing freedom to people. Sounds exciting. Then the counterattack. The devil is never happy when people get set free. And people aren't usually happy when their source of income dries up.

So what did Paul and Silas do? They prayed and worshipped.

They weren't praying the people who hurt them would be struck down by God. They weren't praying anything manipulative -- "God put all these people in prison so they can feel what we're feeling."

I think they were praying something more like Acts 4:29-30

"And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Have you experienced backlash when following Jesus? Are you in some sort of spiritual or emotional prison, locked up, hindered, afraid? Have you been unjustly treated, even when your actions have been noble?

Take up your greatest weapons -- prayer and worship! Turn your focus to Jesus. Begin to pray for His kingdom to come. Pray Acts 4:29-30.

Pray "Lord take this situation in my life and be glorified. Come and have Your way. Break through so Your name is lifted up. Set even more people free from the power of evil. Forgive those who have attacked me."

Can you imagine Paul and Silas praying for their friends, at midnight in jail, crying out for God's blessing on each of them by name.? Think of being in the cell next to them, "What's up with these crazy guys? I'm trying to get some sleep. Why aren't they angry? What are they doing praying for all these different people, sounds like they're going to pray all night..."

And whenever we add worship to our prayer, watch out! Your perspective is changed to thankfulness. You can't really worship AND pray without being changed. You'll be filled with faith that God is good and He is in control.

And who knows but God will bring an earthquake and the prison doors will fly open.

And even if they don't, the ones worshipping and praying are already free...

The Battle for what's most important

No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4 NASB

How does this picture translate in our day?

The parents were exhausted, running on fumes.

"Our 9 year old plays football on a team with other 9 year olds. In the weeks leading up to the season they practiced 2 hours a day Monday through Saturday. Now they practice three nights a week plus a game on the weekend. After practice it is homework for at least a couple hours, which requires one of us to basically do their work. BTW, I really resent having to do the homework. We seem to be going through the motions in our marriage and everything else. Help!?!"

Time is our most valuable commodity. And is it any wonder the enemy of our souls would bring "good things" and "the American dream" to entangle us?

Jesus addressed this in his Parable of the Sower. "The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it." Mark 4:18-19 MSG

Do you ever feel strangled or choked out by activity? Is your relationship with Jesus just kind of "there" but never in focus?

First of all, we need to continually lay everything before God in prayer asking for wisdom.

Secondly, we can ruthlessly evaluate our calendar and cut out things that keep us from health and wholeness. One family I know put a moratorium on kid's sports for a year and instead planned a weekly family fun night. Another family decided to serve the poor together once a week and then go out for dinner together. One couple told their kids that they were going to work on their marriage and start having a date night but that meant the kids could only be involved in one activity outside of school. Another couple established three family nights a week at home in which nothing would be planned.

Finally, don't be surprised there is a price to pay. It is much easier to "do what everyone else is doing" versus suffering the backlash of "Oh my gosh, your 9 year old isn't playing on the team this year? What kind of freak are you?"

It is a challenge to find ways to facilitate friendships while saying "no" to some activities. It isn't easy to sit down with your spouse and kids to discuss the best and healthiest plan for an upcoming season. Praying together about it can also be hard.

I'm not saying to avoid all sports activities. Nor am I saying to stay at home and do nothing.

I'm saying let's raise our kids to make hard decisions because they've watched us do it. Let's teach them to sacrifice the good for the best. Let's train them to understand you don't always get what you want and you have to deal with it. Welcome to the real world.

Let's raise them to know marriage is something we protect, prioritize and build for life. Let's teach them to reevaluate everything in the light of what is most important. When they hear the words of Jesus they'll have a reference point because they've watched us "seek first the kingdom of God" and heard us reframe our lives with that as our goal.

Running on fumes? Entangled? You've been enlisted by Jesus, the One who was more "in demand" than anyone else. He understands. If you seek to please Him, He will guide and refresh you!

The Battle Within p. 2

"the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart" 1 Samuel 13:14

God made this statement to Saul. It was in the context of Saul losing the battle within. And it was in reference to David being that man who wanted to please God more than anything else.

The similarities between these men in their circumstances were profound.

• Picked by God
• Anointed by the prophet
• Instructed by the prophet
• Given tremendous favor
• Hated by some
• Victorious in battle
• Miserably failed

So what was different about them?

David had an extraordinary respect for authority. When he could have vindicated himself he refused. He entrusted himself to God when being attacked and waiting.

On the other hand, Saul rejected counsel and he couldn't trust or wait.

When David sinned he responded by crying out for mercy and accepting God's discipline. Saul instead rationalized and covered his sin.

When David sinned we got Psalm 51:10-12

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

When Saul sinned we got 1 Samuel 15:12

“Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor."

It seems the battle within is won by a humble heart that seeks to please God. That heart is formed by yielding to God's training over a long period of time.

David was trained in the fields watching sheep, by being the least of his brothers. His inclination to turn everything into worship was was formed in those same fields.

He learned to fight in those fields, killing the lion and the bear. Little did he know the lions and bears he would face in the future (and neither do we).

And David wasn't perfect, which shows you can come back from huge mistakes. God didn't give David what he deserved but instead showed him mercy.

We can take courage in the battle by reflecting on David's example and asking for the same heart. And we realize the school of hard knocks is God's training program.

The battle within...

The stories of King Saul and King David are told in 1 and 2 Samuel. Two likeable guys. Two gifted guys. Both with great opportunities. Both made serious mistakes but one was accepted and one was rejected.

No, God didn’t accept either one because they were good people. So why did God accept David and reject Saul? Why did King Saul ultimately lose the fight? Why did David win?

Saul was marked by pride. Here he is in the middle of battle, enemies pressing in, the people freaking out, God had given strict orders to wait on the prophet to offer sacrifices before fighting.

It was the waiting that surfaced his unbelief. God allowed it to go way past 11:59. Saul took matters into his own hands, thinking the end justified the means. He thought being king meant he could do stuff reserved for the prophet. Wouldn’t you know it, right when he offered the sacrifice the prophet Samuel shows up -- oops!

Another time Saul is told to utterly destroy everything under the ban, people and animals. Instead he thinks he’ll show more compassion than God and spare the best of the sheep, oxen and the opposing King. It is never good to think you are more compassionate than God, let alone to try and show it.

We all have a bit of King Saul in us. For sure we are tempted in the same ways though the context is a bit different.

We take matters into our own hands when waiting gets uncomfortable. We may not be offering sacrifices, but we might use the force of our personality to “hurry things up.” We might do something stupid because we feel ripped off. Just a few weeks ago I heard about a “Christian” businessman who went to jail for defrauding investors. It is amazing how easily the human mind can justify terrible things when the heat gets turned up.

Sometimes people in our lives are about to get to the end of the rope and turn around, but we are there to rescue. God knows real change can’t happen until they hit bottom. But we’re there to “help” and keep them from facing the music. They start to feel pain and we can’t take it. We pridefully think we’ll show compassion where God isn’t.

So studying the life of Saul can bring insights to the battle we are engaged in. We can justify and rationalize. We can live in many forms of denial.

Or we can allow Jesus to “bring to death” our own “Saulish” tendencies by confessing them and humbling ourselves.

Next post we’ll look at King David.

Fighting the good fight

"The relationship had deteriorated, I had followed the Bible's instruction in Matthew 5 and gone directly to him. But he couldn't let go of the offense. As I prayed I was reminded to be quiet and entrust it to the Lord. So I've been silent and not sharing the junk with anyone else."

I was pretty blown away as you don't hear something like that very often, wow!

The pathway of victory is humility and trust and this guy was on it!

In this spiritual battle we fight in three arenas: our own stuff, the world and the devil.

Re: our own stuff we are called to honesty, sorting things out directly with people in humility (Matthew 5 & 18, Ephesians 4). That may be the greatest struggle for some - having the courage to go directly and to be honest (in humility).

Then we are called to let go- to pray, cast our cares on Him, forgive and trust.

Both avenues go against the grain of our inclination. Both are vital to spiritual growth. Both require grace. Both reveal our spiritual maturity.

How is this part of the spiritual battle we are engaged in? We open the door to evil influence when we wage war as the enemy does.

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Baptism Celebration!

54 people were baptized this past Sunday in an all-out celebration!

One guy staggered and almost fell over as he came up out of the water. I asked him later what happened and he said "I'm not sure. I was so overwhelmed with God's presence, my family and friends there, something amazing happened... I wish I could do it again this week!"

Another guy relayed his struggle with addictions and believing this was the next step in dying to his past and going forward with Jesus and the support of community.

Here is a sampling of the personal responses to "Why are you getting baptized?"

"I gave my life to Christ a few years ago and want to seal my promise I gave to him."

"I want to get baptized because I don't remember when I was baptized as a baby and I want a closer relationship with God."

"I am re-dedicating my life to God. Without him I am nothing and can do nothing."

"I have been serving Jesus for a couple years, and was baptized when I was younger, but it was my parents choice. I feel this will be a great opportunity for me."

"I am being baptized today to show my friends and family that Jesus is in my life and always has been."

"I was baptized as a baby. I want to be baptized as an adult by my own choice to show my dedication to Jesus."

"I am getting baptized because I want to let go of the past, feel closer to God and lead a faithful life as a follower of Jesus."

"I want to live my life in a way that is closer to God."

"I am getting baptized because I am obeying God's direction this time to demonstrate my love for him and to put to rest the "old man" and raise up the new."

"Because the first step for me is acknowledging Jesus is the TRUTH and without him you have nothing."

"To be cleansed of past sins and to freely move forward with all that God has planned for me in the service of others."

"I just want to give my life to Jesus!"

"I want to be cleansed from my sins and be closer to God."

"I want to live a life for God and nothing else so it is the first thing people notice about me."

"I have finally learned who I am because Jesus has loved me and I feel His presence. I want to acknowledge my commitment to His purpose in my life."

"God has transformed our family and I want to show everyone how important He is to us."

Is that cool or what?!!! What a privilege to share this milestone together!

The teaching function of worship, p. 4

John Newton used to write worship songs to go with his messages. He wanted to reinforce the truths he was teaching, and for the people to express them in song.

Of course Newton is best known for writing "Amazing Grace" and that song has done pretty well...

Worship historically served to “teach” in that people came away with expanded understanding and experience of God’s nature.

Expressing some revealed aspect of God’s mercy strikes a chord in our hearts and minds. It sets our feet upon a Rock, taking us above our circumstances where we can see more clearly. Just think about coming away having expressed and experienced the revelation of God as Provider, or Peace-Giver, Healer, Deliverer, Comforter, Forgiver, God of Heavenly Armies (what’s up with that?), Defender, Safe House, All-Knowing, etc.

I remember singing some worship songs dozens of times, then to be blown away by some of the words I'd never noticed before. It was as though they were being highlighted by the Holy Spirit. We were singing "Your lovingkindness is better than life" (Psalm 63:3) and I was hit right between the eyes. An issue I was struggling with quickly faded into the background as I saw His lovingkindness permeating everything.

Expressing those words to God versus just about Him is also central to worship. It is like prayer in song (kinda like the Psalms...).

Worship leaders have an obligation to instruct. They are leading God's people into His presence, in spirit and in truth. The songs can be used to make the worship leader feel better by impressing people with their skills. Songs can make the people feel better in the moment through self-expression and catharsis (see last post). Or they can bring people into an awe-inspiring encounter with God.

I'm all for creative expression and for using musical styles people enjoy. It is vital to use language people can relate to, and keep it simple (being out of breath trying to sing 20 words in 5 seconds isn't so helpful).

Bottom line: there is a way to be profound and simple at the same time in worship, and that is the challenge. That's when teaching really happens.

About God and not about me, worship p 3

Why does worship (and worship leading) so easily degenerate into self-expression as the highest priority?

I remember the first time attending a large Vineyard Conference in Southern California. While everyone was worshiping, the worship leader stepped back from the microphone, weeping, composing himself, then stepping back up to lead. I was blown away because I’d seen leaders “milk their experience” to rev everyone up. He didn’t draw any attention to himself. I doubt very few even noticed what was going on with him.

Afterwards I approached and told him how much I respected him for not “working it” when God was touching Him. He said “Seriously?? I can’t even imagine people doing that…” all of which just furthered my respect.

Maybe self-expression dominates today because so many worship songs are marked more by “How I’m feeling” than by Adoration.?

Adoration is "the intense admiration culminating in reverence and worship, together with the outward acts and attitudes which accompany such reverence." (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

Richard Schmidt in his book “Glorious Companions” points to Isaac Watts’ ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’ as the first English hymn written in the first person. He says “Many at the time considered it vain because it called attention to the author rather than focusing entirely upon God.” Wow, seriously!?! Things have changed...

Schmidt goes on to describe Charles Wesley’s hymns (also in the 1700’s) as being “marked by their warm, personal tone.” That was awesome! A positive transformative shift was occurring, leading the worshiper out of dry formality.

Fast forward and it seems our worship is in need of a radical movement out of self-absorption into revelation of God’s greatness.

We could say the same thing as they did in their critique in the 1700’s, not because the word “I” is used a handful of times but because the rest of the words are mostly about us. The same song would more typically be “When I survey my desperate heart, I’m feeling dry and needing You…” Can we keep the warmth and change the focus?

Can we write more songs with authentic lyrics from the heart, but primarily God-focused? Can we write songs that describe God with vocabulary beyond “amazing,” “wonderful” and “awesome”? The Bible is full of God’s self-revelation, anything but boring or redundant...

There are encouraging signs... a movement is stirring among artists to rework hymns keeping the rich language but adjusting the music. Some are writing new songs along these lines of being more God-focused. Greg Russell (our worship pastor) and I share this burden and have been talking with worship leaders and songwriters who are pondering the same stuff. We're charting a course in this direction, looking to join others in training a new generation of worship leaders.

Surely God is up to something.

Worship p. 2

Growing up I had very little understanding of worship (I still feel like a novice). Over the years I’ve experienced some insights; mostly from being around people who love to worship, from studying the Bible, and personal and corporate worship.

In our little church in Southeast Kansas, the numbers for all the songs in the hymnal were posted up front. The organist played, the choir sang, it seemed like the most important thing was to look like you knew what you were doing (at least that is what I thought).

On more popular songs people would look up from their hymnals during refrains they knew. A few people would sing extra loud and I always wondered if that was to show off. I’d catch my dad glancing at the person and then doing a little eye roll to my mom, and smiling at me.

On the positive side there was plenty of reverence (yes, positive). This wasn’t a time to goof off and there were no “Jesus is my buddy” type songs. We were there to worship a holy God, and that meant an attitude of absolute respect (which my mom was quick to remind me).

However, I never really knew what many of the words meant, and can’t remember anyone explaining them. We never talked like this around the house (King James English) even in respectful conversation, and I had no idea what the “Royal Diadem” was, but we were bringing it forth…

Years later when I first experienced God’s love, most of the words began to make more sense. Even if I didn’t understand them I got the gist of what was being said. I couldn’t get enough.

Then we started attending other meetings where the songs were simpler, the leader played guitar, and words were ones we sometimes used in conversation. But we still weren’t singing the “Jesus is my buddy” songs. They didn’t come into vogue until the 90’s.

Many times I wonder if we’ve lost something in the area of reverence…

How could John, the “disciple whom Jesus loved,” considered by many His best friend, record this of his encounter with the Risen Christ: “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” Rev. 1:17

Opposite reverence we can get overly familiar, especially when we sing mostly about how we’re feeling or how we want to feel. But I’ll save that for a future post.

Thoughts on worship p. 1

Worshiping together...

"Worship" is used to describe everything from a gathering to singing to an experience. Some view it as the "warm up" to a message. Others view it as an opportunity for creative expression.

Jesus talked about God looking for worshipers, those who would worship Him in spirit and in truth. That seems to indicate worshiping from the core of who you really are on the basis of who He really is.

The Bible also paints the picture of ALL our lives being worship - offering everything we are and do to God.

A friend used to say "pray with your eyes open and worship with your eyes shut." He was encouraging us to look for what God is doing when you are praying (quickly answering), and to look to heaven when worshiping.

I've been pondering the purpose of worship, specifically getting together to worship with other followers of Jesus. The early church primarily used the Psalms as their "hymnbook." Have you ever tried singing the Psalms? It can be pretty awesome and it can be pretty awkward... Can you imagine everyone singing a song with a couple hundred lines? At the same time the richness of singing something from God's book is unequaled.

Worship could be defined as declaring who God is; what He has done, is doing and is going to do. That can take quite a bit of time and opens the door to endless creativity.

Whenever people gather to worship God a strange thing happens, He actually comes near. The Person of the Holy Spirit draws near. The Bible says He inhabits or is enthroned upon the praises of His people. Have you ever experienced getting together with others to worship, only to find God's peace settling upon you and anxiety disappearing?

We can tangibly experience His peace, His joy, and whatever else we need from Him in times of worshiping together. You can't get that on your own. Yes, you can experience God's presence on your own, but there is an aspect or element of His grace that only comes when we worship together -- broken people in imperfect local church communities expressing their love for God, declaring His greatness.

All over the world wherever people gather to worship, lives are transformed, communities and nations are impacted, if we only knew...

That is one of the reasons God tells us in Hebrews to not forsake getting together as His people. It isn't just to hang out together. Something meaningful and transformational happens when God's people worship Him in unity.

A significant void develops when we stop getting together with other followers of Jesus to worship Him. We can fill it with other stuff. We can avoid the imperfections of local church community.

But the fact remains, we were made to worship together, and the church (and earth) suffers in the absence of one person who detaches from this wonderful calling.

I'm looking forward to the next time of worshiping with other followers of Jesus, no matter where they are in the journey, to expressing our love for Jesus and appreciation for His profound mercy. I may just close my eyes and imagine what is going on in heaven. And I'll glance around the room to be reminded that I wasn't made to walk or worship alone.

Vacation, golf and Psalm 107

Every August we try to take some vacation, a mini-sabbatical of sorts. Sabbatical is defined as a year or shorter period of absence for study, rest, or travel, given at intervals (emphasis on "shorter period")

Interestingly, when we fail to take a day of weekly rest along with periodic longer periods of rest, we burn out and end up resting not of our own choice.

I usually go into this time thinking it will involve lots of golf. For some strange reason I equate golf with rest. Isn't beating someone in a highly competitive activity (where you are "having fun") the definition of rest?

This year the biggest thing has been fixing broken stuff around the house. I get a strange sense of enjoyment in that, especially working on something that gets fixed. Someone once told me how therapeutic mowing or shoveling snow can be for a leader, because you actually get to complete the task in a concrete way. Of course electrical, plumbing and appliance repair don't compare because I don't get them fixed very easily.

Finally, I've been reflecting on Psalm 107 this month. What an amazing Psalm! Taking a few verses every day, reading, thinking, checking out what Charles Spurgeon says, praying about it, seeing how it applies, etc.

The Psalm paints the picture of 4 groups of people, all of which 1) stray away from God, 2) suffer consequences, 3) cry out to God, and 4) God shows His incredible mercy. He shows that mercy in different ways to each group.

The first group for example He "leads in a straight way" as part of His deliverance. Ever feel like you're on a circuitous route (indirect and lengthy)? Boy I do. That seems to be at the core of following Jesus. Probably not because He is going the indirect and lengthy route, but because we do.

I was just talking to a guy who has a really hard time listening. He is used to doing what he wants, when he wants, and gets rather offended when others don't fall in line. But he also has experienced some brokenness, crying out to God, and then God leading him "in a straight way." He'll experience that mercy again, as we all do, once he reaches the end of his own resources.

A time of rest where we are listening -- whether hanging out with family, golfing, or fixing things (not necessarily in that order).

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Psalm 107:1

When everything is shaken

Jerry had lost almost everything -- his wife and kids, many friends, he no longer enjoyed his work..., he had always been a "glass is half-full" kinda guy.

We talked about world events, natural disasters, poor decisions, betrayal and faith gone cold.

Staring at his drink he said "Man, what is going on? Where is God in all this mess? It is like the radio dial is in between stations -- I hit the "seek" button and there is no signal strong enough to land on..."

How can you be hopeful when uncertainty colors everything? Thankful when facing loss? Clear-minded when confusion permeates?

I listened to Jerry, didn't offer any insights or answers (beyond reminding him that God still loves him). We did pray and invite Jesus to comfort and restore. An amazing peace seemed to settle upon him in that moment. Yet I knew it would be gone by the time he got to his car if he didn't hold on to the truth.

Someone once told me "Remember God is closest when He seems the most quiet."

He brings peace whenever we yield to Him, time and time again!

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" Hebrews 12:28

Hold on to this truth today. Though everything else is being shaken, let Jesus have what He wants. Let His unshakable Kingdom come into every area -- and let go of the things you can't control.

Running like Jonah

Jonah didn't like the people who lived up north. They were outsiders -- they didn't share his beliefs, they were brutally violent, and his religion had taught him to despise them. He believed they should be wiped out and he wanted to see it (from a distance).

Fast forward 750 years and Jesus, the anticipated Messiah has come. The people wrongly expect Messiah is going to annihilate all their enemies, after all, God is pretty ticked off at them... There is an underlying fear and suspicion of anyone who isn't a Jew.

Jesus hangs out with sinners. He doesn't obliterate the outsiders but instead says God's kingdom is open to them (Matthew 5:3-12). Wow, this infuriated the religious folks. Imagine the most popular teachers of the day telling horror stories of the half-breed Samaritans and unclean Gentiles, answering questions on the radio (well, maybe not the radio), aligning with political factions (Zealots) and figures (Herod and Pilate) to further their agenda.

The Zealots were a Jewish political group who believed force was the way to establish God's kingdom. Jesus picked one of them to be in His small group!! Talk about stirring the pot.

Jesus reminds everyone that God so loved "the WORLD" not just their corner of it. The Messiah has come to break down the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles. God has sent His one and only Son, the perfect Jew, to fulfill every requirement of the Law, and by His death to tear the Temple veil in two -- opening access to all. The Gentiles, who were not even allowed beyond certain boundaries, were given full rights and blessings through Jesus the Christ. Talk about GOOD NEWS!

But what happens when people hate you and would like to see you dead? What happens (shock) when your enemy; acts like your enemy? What happens when God shows mercy to your enemy and calls you to the same? Oooooh, scary.

My first tendency is to run like Jonah did, from perceived enemies and from God's heart. My second tendency is to complain like Jonah did. Somewhere way down the list I hear my Mom's words "You will never be free unless you forgive and show God's love where it is hardest..."

God is patient. He waits until I make my way down the list.

I knew You were sheer grace and mercy, not easily angered, rich in love, and ready at the drop of a hat to turn your plans of punishment into a program of forgiveness! Jonah 4:2 Message Version