Identify with Christ

Part of our Christmas celebration this year occurred at the cabin. There is something about the North Country that seems to stir my thoughts even in the midst of work. On Sunday late afternoon, I spent a bit of time outside. I began to ponder what it meant to fully identify with Christ. There is a Biblical principle of the believer’s identification with Jesus. We can expect to experience many same things that Jesus experienced; both the suffering and the glory.

I believer that there is no greater privilege than having our lives mirror the life of Jesus as revealed in the scriptures. We rejoice when attacked by the religious establishment of our day. We are blessed when people say all sorts of falsehoods about us because we are following Christ. I am convinced that there is no death more honorable than dying for the cause of Christ.

While following Christ frequently seems to bring us to the point of death, death is not the end for those that identify with Jesus. Scripture clearly outlines that if we identify with Christ in His suffering, we will also experience His glory.

Bev and I have experienced the truth of the words of scripture, especially during the past several years. At no time in our lives have we been as blessed as recently. God has restored many of the dreams of the past all the while fulfilling the present dreams as well. Conversely, at no time in our lives have we been attacked on a personal level like the past years.

I do not think that our experience is out of the ordinary for followers of Jesus. As I posted earlier this month, Simeon spoke prophetically that Jesus would be a sign that would be spoken against. Jesus told His disciples that they (we) would experience the things He experienced. Followers of Jesus can expect that they too will become a sign that will be attacked.

I want to encourage you – Do not be fearful of the attacks. Do not be diverted by the falsehoods. Lose your life for the sake of Christ. If you do, you will be sure to find it!

the revealer of hearts

I was reading the account of Simeon blessing the baby Jesus. A line in the blessing grabbed my attention - Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (I added the emphasis). Jesus' life would be a sign that would be spoken against that the hearts of many may be revealed.

What an interesting statement! Who would speak against the Son of God? Why would someone speak against the Son of God? Interestingly, the immediate context of these words indicates that they apply to Israel. But why would God's chosen people speak against God's revelation of Himself? Perhaps we could understand that the Gentiles, the sinners, would reject the revelation of God. Yet earlier in Simeon's prophecy we find that Jesus would be a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles.

As I reflect further on this, it makes more sense. Even today, those who consider themselves as "God's chosen" frequently speak against the life of Jesus. When one follows Jesus in a practical way, when one patterns their life after Jesus life, it does not take long until the verbal attacks begin. Something about the untamed and unpredictable pattern of Jesus threatens those whose security is found in the confines of a religious, self-centered mindset. Jesus and His followers threaten the status quo.

Interestingly, Simeon's prophetic word indicates that the attacks on Jesus would reveal the heart of those doing the attacking. Jesus was not killed by sinners, rather it was those who purported to be doing the work of God who clamored for His death. Their actions revealed that their pious facade hid an unregenerate heart. Even today, Jesus and His life lived through us still reveals the thoughts of the heart.

the message of Christmas

This Christmas season I have been thinking about the message of Jesus coming to earth. Now I realize that it is highly unlikely that Jesus was born on December 25. I am also fully aware that the celebration of Jesus' birth on December 25 was the replacement of a pagan holiday with a Christian holiday. However, that does not change the value of celebrating the fact of "God with us".


In a nutshell, the message of Christmas is about God with us. God chose to identify fully with us by the birth, life, and death of Jesus. What incredibly good news - God coming to us to reconcile us to all that is Him! Interestingly, as I read the gospel accounts, the coming of Jesus was not good news for everyone. Those with self-centered agendas in both the religious and political worlds were threatened by the presence of God. However, for the "little people" the coming of Jesus offered hope in an otherwise hopeless existence.


For the untouchables, the lepers and sinners, God with us signified a new way of life. During the ministry of Jesus, He repeatedly stopped to associate with the little people. He ate with the sinners. He touched the lepers. He offered forgiveness to those needing forgiveness. The little people got it; they understood the transformational power of God with us. As a result they were healed, forgiven, and restored.

I have noticed that some things don't change. The little people still get the meaning of Christmas. They are fully aware of their shortcomings, their need for a Savior. Since they have been largely brushed aside by the religious community, they are not encumbered by the religious bondage that binds those who grasp for power and position in the religious community. The simplicity of Jesus is not lost on them.

For the sinners, for those marginalized by the societal and religious elite, the message of Christmas is exceedingly good news!

are we really that delusional?

Some recent observations have me scratching my head in wonderment. In fact last week I said to Bev - "are we really that deluded?" Two differant incidents happened within close proximity of each other, incidents that would have been funny had they not been so serious.

Last spring I received an email from a "ministry". I quote directly from the email:

The Lord told me to look at the nation [the United States] as He sees it, not through my eyes but through His. I could not look too long before I had to agree and repent of loving Babylon. Once I repented the Lord told me to prepare for the fall as time is running out. I must preach the Gospel of The Kingdom not the Gospel of America. America is already judged, the time of shaking is now and will increase rapidly this summer. Water shortages and food shortages will become common this summer, as well as fuel shortages. Civil unrest will become common place in large cities first but will spill over into the rural areas as well.

If you are not aware of it...there were not water and food shortages that were commonplace in the United States this past summer. Civil unrest did not become common either. Last week I re-read this "word". I decided to email both the ministry that had distributed the "word" as well as the man who gave the word asking about the veracity of this supposed word from God. The responses I got were bizarre at best.

From the ministry that distibuted the word - I did not believe that his [the man giving the word] sense of timing was correct. However the ministry claims this man to be a credible prophet in their promotion of him! How can one be a credible prophet when he claims to have a word from God but the "minor detail" of timing is incorrect? Did God make a mistake? Or did the "prophet" insert his own thoughts into the word?

I also received a response from the man giving the word - I believe these things are going to happen maybe God is giving more time. Besides I did not give this word out of the flesh. Quite obviously neither was the word from God. So what was the source of the word?

Here is the truth of the matter. A word was spoken as the prophetic word of God. Instead of admitting the truth that the word did not come to pass, there is a willful ignorance of what is.

The second incident had to do with something I read on the internet. I was reading about a new church. The words used to describe this new church were -Birthed out of a vision for unity within the body of Christ, we strive to be connected with each other and other churches. Noble words indeed! There is only one slight problem with this statement. I have enough knowledge of the situation to know that this church start was actually the result of a church split! No amount of niceties, no amount of noble words will mask the fact that the foundation of this church did not come from unity but from division.

I am beginning to believe that we so desparately want to believe certain things. I believe the "prophet" wants to believe that his word was true even though it never came to pass. I believe the leaders of this new church want to believe that unity is important, but the truth is that they caused a great deal of pain and angst in the body of Christ with their divisiveness.

When we choose to believe something that is not truth, we are worse than deceived, we are delusional. Perhaps we are seeing a fulfillment of the scriptures from 2 Thessalonians 2.

1Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
5Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

fruitfulness - do we limit God?

Recently I have been thinking about fruitfulness a good deal. Jesus talks about being fruitful in His last extended dialogue with His disciples. As I have pondered His words on fruitfulness, some questions come to mind What are the characteristics of a fruitful life? How does one become fruitful?

I have learned that when I have this kind of question, frequently the answer is discovered in nature. In fact, in John 15, Jesus uses a metaphor from the vineyard to teach about fruitfulness. I am becoming increasingly convinced that fruitfulness occurs as we discover God's ways of doing things and then began to act in harmony with His ways.

Recently I was challenged in an email that I was placing God in a box; that I was not giving Him an opportunity to act and move. As usual when receiving these kinds of challenges, I pondered what was said. As I considered what was said, a thought occured to me - I would never plant our garden here in the last days of November. Does that mean that I am limiting God? Do I limit God when I encourage my clients to feed their cattle for maximum productivity? Should I plant my garden in November expecting God to produce a harvest? Should I counsel my clients to feed their cattle inexpensive sawdust so that God has a chance to do something miraculous?

I believe that one of the hindrances to our personal fruitfulness is our paradigm of God as a magician. We sit around and wait for God to work some miracle when He has already outlined the path to fruitfulness. Husbands that desire God to work a miracle in their marriage are foolish if they choose not to love their wife as Christ loves the church. Farmers that plant crops outside of the planting season are fooolish to expect a harvest.

The real supernatural miracle working power of God occurs in the context of acting in accordance with His ways. The gardner tills the ground, plants the seed, waters it, and controls the weeds. God gives the supernatural increase. Miracles occur in finances as we submit to the God-ordained rythm of work and generosity.

I want to live in harmony with God and His ways. I desire that He be glorified due the fruitfulness in my life. However I can not expect to become fruitful without effort on my part.

natasha again

This morning I had another encounter with Natasha. After all the weeks of lashing out against the milking protocol; after weeks of nervousness, today was different. She casually chewed her cud as I prepared her for her turn in the milking process. She quietly stood as the milking process continued. For the 6-8 minutes that it took to milk her, she was as relaxed as when she was a heifer on a sun-drenched pasture. I could detect no traces of the McDonald's special sauce on her, no shreds of lettuce were anywhere to be found. In fact she smelled a lot like a real live cow. I am happy for Natasha!

Since my Wednesday morning milking duties occur long before the world awakens, I usually have lots of time to think without distractions. Once again Natasha stirred my thoughts about discipline and fruitfulness. She is becoming productive and fruitful due to the fact that she submitted to the process of discipline even though at the time, the discipline seemed harmful to her.

It occurred to me how often Christians complain of being attacked by the devil. Frequently the felt discomfort is not so much an attack from the devil as it is a painful reaction to God's discipline. We kick against God's parameters. When the resulting pain occurs, we are quick to blame "the enemy". In reality, we are not being attacked by the devil, rather we are experiencing the self-inflicted pain of resisting God's hand.

During one of the most deeply formative seasons of my spiritual life, it seemed as if God was my enemy. Every strength of mine, every identity fell under the hand of God. When I finally quit kicking against His hand, life became more simple and somehow more free than ever before. It was during that season that I learned to look for the hand of God in the midst of pain of discipline.

Be careful when attributing discomfort to an attack from the devil. Without a doubt we have an enemy that seeks to destroy us. However, in the hand of God he becomes a tool for our spiritual growth. I am convinced that the majority of our discomfort is not from some demonic attack. Instead it is a result of our self-centered reaction to God's discipline.

the magic ingredient

My job puts me in close contact with dairy producers. I frequently interact with producers who are looking for the magic formula or a magic ingredient that will increase the milk production of their herd. Interestingly, they are frequently the producers whose cattle produce less milk. The real key to profitable milk production is not some magic feed ingredient. Rather it is the compilation of many small details done well. There is no shortcut to healthy productive cows.

I have notice that we as Christians often have the same "magic ingredient" thought process. We hope for the "thing" that will give us deliverance. We wait for the "check in the mail" to bail us out of our financial difficulties. We expect God to somehow suddenly intervene and everything will be okay.

The problem with this mindset is that it immobilizes us from discerning and implementing the strategies that will truly accomplish what we want. Instead of seeking God's wisdom for our situation; instead of practically implementing the revealed strategy, we wait. (and wait...and wait...). When the "magic formula" never comes or when it doesn't seem to work the way we thought it would, we become disillusioned.

There really is no magic formula for entering the kingdom of God. There are no shortcuts to abundant life. In Jesus' words - the way to life is narrow and constrictive. Don't waste time and energy on shortcuts!

the ring again

I wrote this a number of years ago and have posted it earlier. However it seems to fit with the discussion here so I will post it again.

Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” (Mark 10:32-34)

From my leadership experience, I have discerned a startling truth – People will willingly follow a good leader almost anywhere except into the valley of the shadow of death. God’s pattern of leadership as revealed in Jesus requires leaders to embrace what feels like a downward spiral into the shadows, into a place where the glory of leadership dissipates completely.

Jesus’ disciples were astounded that He would choose to travel to Jerusalem in the face of imminent danger. His steady movement toward a place of apparent death struck fear to their hearts. Their consternation with Jesus’ travel plans blinded them to see through the valley of the shadow of death to the glorious reality of the resurrection.

Jesus’ disciples had dreams of Jesus being a king like David. In their minds, not only was Jesus destined to be a king, but they were poised to have leading roles in this emerging glorious kingdom. Therefore, Jesus’ journey into the shadow lands of death caused a great deal of consternation in them. They needed Him to establish a kingdom, to be the monarch of the new Jewish superpower.

In the context of Jesus’ journey into impending death, in the context of their fear, James and John came to Jesus asking for positions of power in the empire that they were certain that Jesus would establish. (Read Mark 10:35-37). It was as if they were reminding Jesus that He had a responsibility to establish the new Jewish superpower.

Jesus’ experience with His disciples mirrors much of my own experience. People will follow a leader as long as the leader is building something magnificent. They deeply desire to be a part of something grandiose.

For leaders seeking validation from the people they lead, it becomes easy to never make the journey into the valley of the shadow of death due to the expectations of those being led. To not complete the leadership journey, however, will negate the leader from engaging with God’s pattern for leadership. Consequently the Kingdom of God is never established through that leader.

It is important to note that Jesus’ own journey into the shadow lands was the prelude to resurrection power. God was establishing His kingdom through Jesus. Even so today – leaders must journey to the shadow lands of death to discover a new and fresh authority and life.

From my own experience I can tell you that any leader who makes the journey into death and the cross will probably not be popular. Throughout the years of leading and being a catalyst in the emergence of God’s Kingdom on earth, I have experienced the resistance that comes from the demonic hordes seeking to destroy the new things God was bringing forth. However, the greatest resistance I have received on my walk with God occurred when I intentionally followed God into the valley of the shadow of death.

Many of the people I have led consistently applied pressure on me to abandon the journey into “nothingness” regardless how much I tried communicate with them the power (and the Jesus pattern) of the journey into “nothingness”. Beyond the pressure from people, my own desire for significance was compounded by the voices of the enemy encouraging me to choose a less threatening path to resurrection life. (Which, incidentally, does not exist).

For the past number of years, the gentle whisper of heaven, the voice of the Father, has invited me to choose the way of the valley of the shadow of death, to enter a place that seems and feels insignificant. I have chosen to resolutely heed the invitation, knowing that in all likelihood, I would find myself not on some grandiose stage, but in the shadows of the world and the church.

However, I have found some diamonds in the place of darkness. In the shadow lands I have found that the barrier between heaven and earth are minimal. In the shadow lands, I experience the kiss of the Father for an extended period. His kiss has sustained me in my resolution to press ahead. In the shadow lands, I discover God as my friend. I become acutely aware of the invitation to participate with Him in the redemption of creation.

Press on to Jerusalem; it is the way of God. Purpose to enter the valley of the shadow of death as God invites you to do so. To grasp at our dreams of greatness will cause us to miss the point, to miss resurrection life.

the ring

I know...I haven't written anything in a while. However, just because I haven't been writing doesn't mean that I haven't been pondering things. This past weekend I was working outside for a bit in NY putting clear coat on the cabin logs. Since it was a rather mindless task, I had ample opportunity to reflect.

I do not watch many movies, however, the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy caught my attention several years ago. On the chance that you have not watched the movies, the storyline centers on a gold ring that gave the bearer of it unusual power. Unfortunately the power in the ring also destroyed anyone who used it to advance a selfish agenda. The whole story chronicles the journey of Frodo (an insignificant hobbit) returning the ring to the place where it was created so it could be destroyed. The destructive power of the ring was uncanny. It destroyed relationships, it destroyed people, its seductive power called out to those who desired power and the personal gain to be achieved from that power. Rational thought became a victim of its allure.

While the story is purely fiction, I believe it is also a powerful allegory. Today we have our own ring, our own means for grasping at power. For the past 20 years I have been involved in various leadership capacities in what I would call the institutional church. Far to frequently, the institutional church has become our "ring". It offers power, significance, and validation. Yet the personal destruction wreaked by the system of the institutional church is staggering.

My heart breaks with the frequent stories of people who speak to Bev and I about their pain; pain inflicted by leaders in the IC who used their position selfishly. We (Bev and I) recently had a discussion about the sources of pain in our own life; from where did it come and why. Without a doubt, the greatest source (and if I may add - by a wide margin) of pain in our personal lives has come from the IC.

Far too frequently, I have seen the negative transformation of people once they had a position of power in the IC. A number of years ago a local pastor spoke to me about a power struggle in his church. He was shocked at the way that perfectly nice people transformed into angry, vile antagonists if their perceived position of power was threatened. His experience mirrors my own. I have seen too many wonderful followers of Jesus destroyed by the allure of position and power in the IC. Give them a leadership position and they cease to follow Jesus, choosing instead to clutch to the thing that is giving them a sense of power. Over the past twenty years, I have seen more grasping for power in the IC than any other sphere of my life. Churches split over the desire for power. Relationships are destroyed in the grasping for authority.

On a personal level, not only have I observed what the "ring" does to others, I have experienced firsthand its seductive allure as well. When I started to walk with God twenty some years ago, my walk was characterized by a radical zeal for God. Gradually I lost my zeal, its fire replaced with an effort to "get ahead", to play the system. Oh I still prayed, read the Bible and did the other Christian things. However my relationship with God changed, my need for Him was based on my desire for the church to succeed.

In 2002 God invited Bev and I to relinquish our leadership position at Grace Covenant Church. At that point, my relationship with "the ring" was exposed within me. I did not know what God said about me. I had no identity beyond being a "pastor". At a weekend retreat, God broke through and spoke to me that He would rebuild the foundations of my life. True to His word, He began to work in my heart. As I allowed Him to transform me, I became increasingly aware of seductiveness of "the ring" and how I had subtly yielded to its influence.

Someone is sure to ask - Do we do away with the institutional church? Only God has that answer. I do know that if we relinquish our desire for the position and power that feeds our ego, we will become more impervious to the effects of the allure of the ring. In the Lord of the Rings, Frodo could be trusted to carry the ring because of his humility. He had no desire to use the ring for personal gain. We must be ruthless in dealing with the god of self, choosing instead to follow Jesus fully. I believe that the solution to the problem lies within each of us. How will I respond to the allure of power offered by the ring? Will I follow Jesus and take up my cross or will I clutch to my ideas, my desires, and the dictates of the self god?

natasha update

Yesterday, I encountered Natasha again. She rather nervously submitted to the whole routine of the milking process. I might have detected a slight touch of aroma of special sauce on her, but I can't say definitively that I did. Maybe my advice to her to act in a way that will allow her to stay far from the Golden Arches was taken to heart. Anyway...Natasha has sparked a good deal of conversation with you all. Natasha reminds us of ourselves, and the people around us.

One of my observations about Christians is that we create a God that we like; a paradigm with which we are comfortable. Most of us have an image of God that falls into two opposing viewpoints. (1) God is like a benevolent grandparent that smiles on us regardless of what we do, or (2) God is a distant judge with a big stick just waiting for us to step out of line so that He can punish us. Neither paradigm aligns with the revelation of God in the scriptures.

In the scripture, we find the concept of love and discipline deeply intertwined. We cannot separate the two. The book of Hebrews speaks of the discipline of God, of the purpose of the discipline, of the pain and of the benefits. One of the things that bothers me deeply is seeing Christians resisting God's discipline, choosing instead to go their own way, doing their own thing. I can say with certainty - they will never be fruitful, productive, or truly fulfilled until they submit to the hand of God. They are destined to be wanderers, aimlessly drifting through life without purpose. They will be complainers, victims, forever blaming others, never taking responsibility for their own actions.

God disciplines us for the purpose of dealing with the issues that keep us from experiencing abundant life. His love compels Him to target the things that hold us back from fulfilling His good plans for us. Yet far too frequently, we resist the parameters of the discipline, disconnecting from God in the process. I understand the difficulty of God's discipline. However it is the only path to abundant life.

Natasha has begun to submit to the protocol for a healthy productive life in the herd. Yesterday it was still obvious that she didn't really want to submit but she did. She was a bit nervous, uneasy in our interaction. Yet she never lifted a foot during the milking process. I am encouraged about her future!

natasha

Early this morning I had an encounter with Natasha. Before you get any wild ideas, Natasha is a 2 year old, mostly black, Holstein dairy cow. She is owned by a friend of mine for whom I do some work. In the life of a dairy cow, the first two years she is primarily a "taker". She eats, drinks, and lounges all day. However somewhere around 2 years of age, she transforms from being a taker to being a productive member of the herd. She has a calf and begins to produce milk. Every part of her life becomes more structured in a manner that enhances her health and productivity. Most cows make the transition to a productive life rather easily.

Natasha on the other hand, has not made the transition well. To make matters worse, she has an infection in her udder that needs attention. This morning she cooperated fairly well until I was almost done treating the infection. Suddenly she decided that she wanted to put a hoof imprint on my body. Fortunately for me, I saw it coming and jumped out of the way. Immediately she lashed out again, this time catching her foot in the stall divider. She went berserk, bellowing and hopping up and down in an effort to get her foot loose. I watch her in amusement because I knew that as soon as she quit hopping, her foot would be free. Eventually she managed to free her foot after a great deal of commotion.

Natasha is at a crossroads in her life. If she doesn't soon learn to cooperate with our effort to help her, she may very well find herself at the golden arches in a sesame seed bun right under the lettuce. On the other hand, if she quits resisting the parameters that help her become fruitful, she can expect to live a long and productive life.

As I finished up the morning milking and feeding the cows, I allowed my mind to travel back over the years. I realized that I have seen people just like Natasha. When God invited them to a place of fruitfulness they responded with joy. However, when the discipline necessary for fruitfulness began, they began to lash out. They get their foot caught, increasing their discomfort. They hop, bellow, and blame. In the end, because they never submit to the hand and ways of God, they choose the way of misery and barrenness instead of life and fruitfulness.

What is going to happen to Natasha? Whether she finds herself nestled in cheese and special sauce or whether she will find herself enjoying lush pastures and a comfortable barn will most likely be largely up to her.

dreams and impossibility

Last weekend a group of us were in New York working on the cabin. This whole project has been a series of obstacles to overcome perhaps none bigger than this past weekend. A 2X16 laminated beam, 36 feet long need to go to the very top of the structure. We had no mechanical lift to aid us. There were six of us, 4 men and 2 women. As we surveyed the task in front of us, one of our group declared that he would eat a certain natural fertilizer if we got the beam in place.

Like any obstacle needing to be overcome, a strategy needed to be devised. However the time came to take action. We attached ropes, set ladders and flexed muscles. And then it was time to begin. We got one end partially up on the interior beam. As we worked the beam higher, a series of obstacles began to confront us. The one knot began to slip. Additionally the beam lodged against an interior beam. We found ourselves in a predicament...we couldn't seem to go any higher; we certainly couldn't let it drop due to the danger of damaging both the beam and the existing house structure.

The practical fulfillment of every God-given dream will eventually put us in that kind of place. We are too far into the outworking of the dream too go back without doing damage. However, moving forward seems to be an impossibility as well.

In our predicament with the beam, we took a bit of time, secured it where it was, re-tyed the knot, and strategized some more. As we began to implement our new strategy, suddenly the beam started to move again. Slowly we inched it up and into place only to discover that we had cut the beam wrong; it was too long. Once again we had to determine a course of action. We gathered cords, a saw was taken to the top of the scaffolding and the length was corrected (after 3 attempts). We fastened the beam into place. A great deal of joy ensued. We accomplished what seemed impossible several hours before.

And so it is with the unfolding of dreams. Impossibility faces us at every turn. Obstacles stare us in the face. At the point of those obstacles, we can shrink back in fear, immobilized by the immensity of the task ahead of us. Or we can take charge of the situation, imposing God's grace and our will on the situation instead of being controlled by it.

Oh and the member of our group who promised to eat that natural fertilizer, well we chose to not hold him to his words. However, he did have to endure a great deal of good-natured banter.

Ethan

Ethan was part of our worship service on Sunday. Ethan is young, energetic, and full of life. He has also been diagnosed with autism. On Sunday, the drums fascinated him as the music played. Several times his mother caught him as he headed for the drummer and the drums. I think that probably his presence and behavior caused a bit of discomfort in those of us present.

I really don't think that the problem was Ethan. I think there is an underlying issue with Ethan in the worship service and his presence underscored the issue. You see - I want my relationship with both God and people to be neat and tidy, not messy and out of control. I subconsciously create a belief system, a theology, that is precise, in control, and measurable. I like lines and definition - this is in and this is out. I like linear - in an hour I know what I will be doing. I want to know exactly what time the service will be over and what time the race or the baseball game starts. Anything that disrupts my neat, managed, controlled relationship with either God or people causes me discomfort.

Yet when I read the gospels and the account of Jesus life, it seems as if He was (and is) anything but predictable. Not only was He unpredictable, His life was filled with interruptions and chaos. In the midst of a deep theological discussion about divorce with the religious leaders, the children interrupt. At a dinner party in the house of another religious leader, a woman of the street crashes the party. She begins to weep, her tears washing over Jesus feet. She takes her hair, drys His feet, kisses them and puts a fragrant lotion on them. On His way to heal the daughter of the leader of a local synagogue, an unclean woman pushes her way through the crowd to touch Jesus' robe for her healing. As Jesus spends time with her, word comes that it was too late. The girl He was going to heal had died.

Jesus was constantly surrounded by people whose lives were anything but neat and tidy. Blind beggars loudly cried out to be healed. Demons shrieked with terror. A desperate woman would not leave until her daughter was healed. Even His disciples were anything but neat. One was a thief, several were hotheads (the sons of thunder), one was a terrorist, and one was a traitor.

Beyond that, Jesus Himself defies a neat description. He made wine for a bunch of drunk wedding guests. He spit in a man's eyes to heal him. With another man, Jesus put His fingers in the man's ears, spit and touched his tongue. Another time Jesus makes mud with the dust and his saliva and puts the mud on a man's blind eyes.

When I compare the actions of Jesus and His relationship with people to my paradigm of a nice neat God working through nice neat people in a nice neat church, I find almost no similarities. As I have pondered Ethan and his presence in our worship service this week, I have wondered if he was not sent from God, a prophet if you will, to point out my own (and others) self made God paradigms that far from the reality of God.

finding God in the mundane

I've not disappeared or fallen off the face of the earth! The past several weeks have been very full. I've spent a good deal of time at our place in NY building our cabin. The physical labor has given me time to think about God, His work in the world today, and about our role in it.

I've had several conversations recently that stirred my thought process. I believe that we make walking with God far too impractical and ethereal. I am convinced that all of our life is spiritual, that if God is not found in the mundane details of our life, then we are missing the point.

A friend of mine told me of an acquaintance of his. This acquaintance had spent all his life waiting for God to do something big with his life. Now at the end of his life, he wonders if perhaps he missed God. A young man told me that he desires to do something significant for God. He is frustrated by his work. In his mind it limits his possibility of doing something significant. It seems unspiritual and disconnected with God.

We fall into a trap of assuming that the significant things God has for us will somehow propel us into a more spiritual realm. In our desire for spirituality we miss the work of God in the mundane ordinary events of life. We have bills to pay, children to raise, and grass to mow. We separate these things from God, compartmentalizing our life into our God life and then our mundane life.

To compartmentalize our life in this manner causes us to miss God completely simply because He will appear in the ordinary. The religious leaders of Jesus' day missed the Messiah. He appeared too un-Messiah like. He was rather ordinary, born out of wedlock, and in general did not meet their expectations of the Messiah.

In the same way today, the work of God is far more practical, far more earthy than we may want to admit. The original command for Adam was to subdue the earth. God never rescinded that command. Our responsibility remains to subdue the earth, to accomplish the work of God in making the earth fruitful. That doesn't sound very spiritual at all.

Yet it is in the mundane things that we find God. It is the work of God to raise our children, to change diapers, to go to work, and to pay our bills. I find God in my work, as I labor in building a cabin, as I relate to my children. If I separate my "God-life" from my everyday life, then I will miss the point! Find God in the mundane and you will discover life.

my kids and crisis

I am so proud of my kids! Okay...so maybe I am biased. However this week I watched both Heidi and Karisa face crisis and handle it well.

Heidi graduated this spring with a special ed/elementary ed degree. She will work for the Philadelphia School district. On Wednesday she had a meeting in center Philadelphia at the district office to get her placement. When she got there, she was informed that they were placing her in a high school special ed position. In her words - "I had a moment". She has no experience or education dealing with high school students.

Here is where I am so proud of her. After a bit of panic and several phone calls, she arrived at the point where she assumed that God must want her in this specific high school. In spite of her fear, she began to look for the opportunities...maybe she could help coach a girls soccer team...maybe God had something that she did not see yet.

The next day she got called in for a second meeting. At that meeting they reassigned her to a K-4 school where she will teach in an elementary class!

Karisa spent three weeks in India. Her arrival date back in the states was this past Friday, the 17th. The beginning of the week she called us to tell us that she may not be able to get out of the mountains. There was a good deal of political unrest and there was an indefinite strike. In that part of the world, a strike shuts down all transportation, businesses, and markets. In other words, life comes to a standstill. Her response to the strike was that if God wanted her to stay indefinitely, then she would do so.

Incidentally, an influential leader in the town pulled some strings and she got to Delhi on Thursday and we picked her up in Newark on Friday!

Both girls faced crisis. Both responded the same way. After the initial fear and panic, they immediately began to look for the hand God. Both were fully aware the God orders their steps, that He is good, and that He could be trusted with their future.

If we are going to partner with God in his redemptive and transformative work, we must have this kind of attitude. Obstacles become opportunities. We look for the hand of God in the midst of crisis. (Crisis is our perspective not God's.) We must be fully aware of God's goodness. In spite of our emotions we act from the perspective that God is good, that He knows better than I do.

cool and cutting edge?

I recently heard of a young couple who left their church to attend another church that had better children's ministry. That got me started thinking about following Jesus and about the church. For the past twenty years I have been involved with church planting in one capacity or another. For years the "experts" stressed a high quality children's ministry, a really cool youth ministry, and a high energy adult service with cutting edge "worship" as the best way to grow a church rapidly. And you know what? It really did work!

Yet I am wondering if perhaps we didn't miss something. We have created a generation of church attenders that are little more than consumers. Church is the commodity and we attempt to entice them with the promise of a superior product. We have dynamic ministry programs! We are the coolest! (Well...we wouldn't say so but deep inside that it is what we think.) Our kids ministry rocks! And so we present church as a commodity that adds value to your life or to your kid's lives.

I am not sure that Jesus was cool...or cutting edge. We do read of His children's ministry - He took time in the midst of an all important discourse about divorce to hold and bless the children. He didn't mind the interuption. In fact, He became angry with those who attempted to shoo the children away. I can't really find any cool ministry programs He instituted. Jesus did heal the sick, give the sinners hope, and proclaimed the good news that the realm of God was here on earth now.

Might it be that we have substituted dynamic programs for the power of God? Might it be that the kingdom of God is not about cool or cutting edge? Are we simply entertaining and being entertained, seeing who can draw the largest crowd? Where is the power to heal the sick? Where is the power to transfrom lives and bring wholeness?

false realities

In light of my post about Barney Frank, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae, I thought it may be helpful to post something that I wrote some time ago. I am not sure if I ever posted this before. If I did I apologize!

For the past several years, God has been inviting Bev and me to participate with Him in His restorative work in the lives of individuals. It is hard to imagine a greater joy than seeing wholeness come to individuals, to see a life characterized by wreckage be transformed into wholeness. In our interaction with people who need restored, we noticed one constant theme that led to their personal destruction. In every circumstance, a false reality paved the way for destructive behavior to emerge.

I would define a false reality as the creation of a perception or a belief system not based on truth. It is the embracing of any thought process that does not align with reality as defined by God and therefore does not align itself with truth. It is the denial of what really is (true reality), choosing instead to believe and live according to a mindset or thought pattern created to justify or validate certain behaviors. For instance, an alcoholic will insist he can control his drinking or that he can stop drinking whenever he so chooses. The actuality of the situation is that there is no way he can stop without intervention outside of himself. However, he stubbornly clings to the lie that he can control his drinking. That false reality allows the power of alcohol to strengthen its grip in his life. No amount of insistence about the veracity of a false reality will cause the deception to be true.

Most of the restorative situations with which Bev and I work are people who would consider themselves as followers of Jesus. We have made a particularly disturbing discovery about their false realities – initially they have willingly engaged in their specific deception. Rather than seeking and choosing truth, God’s reality, they chose to either create or engage in a false reality because it was more convenient. They embraced a thought pattern that appealed to their base nature, to their “self-god”.

In almost every instance, people needing restoration have asked “How did we get here?” The creation of these false realities have simultaneously created and strengthened the deception. Not only does the creation of a false reality facilitate deception, it concurrently strengthens the deception and gives birth to new false realities. The vicious cycle opens the door for destruction and wreckage to occur.

Prior to people choosing to engage in the initial deception, there is another underlying condition that gives rise to the vulnerability toward accepting and creating false realities. The most essential nature of humanity is that we are created as a spirit being. God “breathed” and His image was imparted to Adam. We frequently call this spirit component of our being our heart. It is the heart that is born from above through Christ. It is the heart that is joined in union with God. The spirit is overtaken by Him becoming one with Him. As such, this union becomes our center, the source of true life. Everything that pertains to life, to godliness, and to wisdom flows from our union with God in our heart.

The self-god, which is centered in the realm of the intellect and the emotions, violently opposes our spiritual union with God. The self-god attempts to entice each of us to abandon living from our union with God and draws us to engaging in our intellect and emotions as our sole source of life and wisdom.

In our experience, every person purposefully engaging in a false reality was prepared to receive that reality when they turned from living from their union with God to living from intellect and emotions. Universally, people caught in destructive behaviors have no idea what God is saying about them, about who they are or about their situation. That ignorance is not a result of the destructive behavior; rather the ignorance creates the conditions for the destructive behavior to take root.

Ultimately, the way to keep from being entangled by false realities is by guarding our heart. We must continually keep the place of our oneness with God as the center that determines our actions. God frequently invites us to live in ways that feel dangerous to our intellect and emotions. At the point of that invitation, we choose whether we will live according to God’s reality or whether we will open the door to the possibility of engaging in false realities because we are choosing to live according to the self-god.

We must ruthlessly oppose the self-god and its desires, choosing the way of the cross. We must take an honest look at our thought processes, realizing our predisposition to deception apart from Christ. For the past number of years, I have asked God to judge me, to judge my motives, to reveal reality and truth. The result of that prayer is that I am confronted regularly with the choice of either embracing my definition of reality or choosing to embrace the Father’s definition. God has taken aim at my motives and perceptions so frequently that it seems to me that He is my enemy much of the time.

Yet I am fully aware that the judgment of God springs from His incredible love toward me. I am also deeply aware of my own vulnerability to perceptions that lead to destruction. Therefore the only safe path is the reality as defined by God, regardless of how painful or difficult it seems to me. Not only is reality as defined by God a place of safety, living according to His reality leads to abundant life.

barney frank, fannie mae, freddie mac, and christians

Recently I heard a news clip of Barney Frank (current House of Representatives Financial Services committee chairman) from several years ago. When questioned about the solvency of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae (both government-sponsored mortgage giants) Mr. Frank became rather indignant. As long ago as 2003, people were raising serious questions about the financial health of the mortgage industry. Yet Mr. Frank repeatedly attempted to paint over the cracks in the foundation of the two government entities. In the past year, the truth became evident for all to see. The concerns that had been raised were correct. Regardless of Mr. Franks efforts at painting, the fatal flaws finally brought down the mortgage industry starting our economy on it's downward slide.

I don't think that Mr. Frank is somehow malicious. Rather, I think that 6 years ago he chose to not believe the truth. He created a false reality and clung to his perception of reality. In other words, he chose to believe what he wanted to believe regardless of what he was seeing. As a result, his paradigm dictated his sight instead of his sight dictating his paradigm.

So what's the lesson here? I see a lot of similarities between Mr. Frank and Christians. Without a doubt we are in the midst of a season of God exposing the cracks in our spiritual foundations. Far to many Christians are busy trying to paint over the cracks instead of embracing the truth that comes in the midst the exposure. There are major denial issues in Christendom right now. We refuse to believe what we are seeing choosing instead to create our own false reality. We need to be aware, however, just as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's fatal flaws could only be hidden so long, our desired false realities will only stand for so long before they will crumble as well.

where are the fathers?

Bev and I were in NY for the Memorial Day weekend. We worked on our cabin project and were able to get in a bit of fishing as well. While we were there, Bev had a phone conversation with a young lady from Pennsylvania. This young lady and her husband connected with us last winter at a marriage event. They have had a good deal of marriage struggles in the past year. Unfortunately they live in another community so heart to heart connections are more difficult to build. Any face to face interaction must be scheduled.

Their story breaks our heart – it is one that is all too familiar to us. They cry out for parents. They want to know how do life together. They have questions about things like sex, how to handle conflict, and parenting issues. They live in a community that is full of churches – more traditional churches like Methodist, Lutheran, and Mennonite. Then there are the independent churches and the churches who like to be on the “cutting edge”. Yet in the midst of all these churches, this couple still misses the very thing for which they long.

Their situation mirrors so many. Young adults deeply desire to be taught – not in a class or a seminar but in the everyday grind of life. They want to learn from the experiences of a generation that has gone before. Unfortunately that older generation seems to be too busy building their own ministries or too preoccupied with their own issues. They (the older generation) seem to be more interested in relationships that will benefit them instead of giving their life to a younger generation. They invite the younger generation to come to their meetings and listen to their teaching but they almost never invite people deeply into their life experiences. They may give their lives to build a “ministry” but they won’t give their lives to build the character of Christ in people.

The prophet Malachi spoke of a curse that comes as the hearts of the fathers are hard toward the children. And so we find ourselves under a curse. The fathers are too self-absorbed to give themselves to their children. The children suffer as a result. Bev and are frequently overwhelmed by the cry of the children – won’t someone teach us? Won’t someone help us? They don’t want a formula; they want interaction. They don’t want a class once a week; they want someone with which to walk.

I dream of a day when the hearts of the fathers reflect the heart of the Father. I dream of a day when fathers will give themselves for the good of the children. I pray for the spirit of Elijah to overtake us, driving the curse from our land.

entering the kingdom

In various recent dialogues with people, I see a common thread concerning the Kingdom of God. It seems to me that we are frequently attempting to interpret and understand the Kingdom of God through the lens of the natural mind. This leads to a great deal of misunderstanding about the nature of the Kingdom.

God created mankind in His own image[1]. As such, He granted humanity the possibility of being god in our individual lives. He allows us the freedom to determine the course of our life. He grants the choice of ignoring or acknowledging Him to every individual person. While He invites us to participate with Him in the stewardship of the earth, He never forces us to participate either. The choice is ours to make.

The freedom He gives me to be my own god sets up a great battle between Him and me. I have discovered that the greatest battles in my life have not pitted me against the devil or some sin but against God Himself. The self-god continually seeks to be enthroned as the chief determiner of my course of life. The self-god rebels against any kind of submission to any other being, especially to God. The self-god desires to make God subservient to the ways of mankind and in so doing attempts to create a god according to my own image.

Throughout history, people have formed gods according to their own perceptions of what a god should be. In ancient cultures, craftsmen carved statues and images to reflect their own desires for the characteristics of their own god. This tendency still prevails today. While we may not carve idols, we do set up images of God in our inmost being, images that are determined by our desire to be god. We project our personal perceptions on God in an attempt to further our personal desires. This is the work of the natural mind.

The Kingdom of God (literally the rule of God) is diametrically opposed to the way of the self-god, the way of the natural mind. This sets the stage for a great conflict. On the most basic level, the battle is between the Kingdom of God (the rule of God) and the Kingdom of Self (the rule of self). Furthermore, I believe that it is impossible to comprehend the realm of God through the perception of the self-rule. From the self-perspective, everything God is and does is filtered through the understanding and wisdom that comes from self. Unwittingly, we reduce God to acting and reacting as we would act and react in any given situation. We interpret the Bible through the carnal mind, resulting in teaching and doctrine that, while sounding pious and correct, is at best far from the heart of God and at worst opposes God.

For instance, the ways of the realm of God and His Kingdom are outlined clearly in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapters 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount). Yet as we read His words, the impossibility of living according to the way given by Jesus becomes evident. The “how” questions bombard our mind. How do I love my neighbor? How do I keep from worrying? How do I rejoice when people speak evil of me?

The carnal mind, the self-god responds to these questions with one answer – I’ll try. I’ll try to love; I’ll try to quit worrying; I’ll try to rejoice. Yet Jesus does not ask us to simply try to attain these ideals. We must love; we must cease from worry. To which the self-god immediately responds, “Living that way is impossible”. From that perspective, these words of Jesus become unattainable ideals toward which we strive. However if we take an honest look at Jesus’ words, He never presents them as unattainable goals but the reality of living in the realm of God.

Therefore we are faced with a question – how do I ever comprehend God and His Kingdom if not done through my natural mind? How do I arrive at spiritual transformation if not by human effort? Like with other difficult questions, we find the answer in the life and example of Jesus. Paul, in his letter to the church at Philippi succinctly outlines the Jesus pattern.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.[2]

Notice the downward spiral in Jesus’ experience. He began as God with the rights and privileges of God. Instead of grasping for self-preservation, He freely relinquished His rights to all power and glory to enter into a place of nothingness. Any vestiges of self were demolished by the radical submission to the plan of the Father that led to and through the cross.

It is imperative to be aware that the primary objective of the self-god is self-preservation. Everything about the downward spiral into submission to the rule of God will feel unnatural. The self-god will protest vehemently. Emotions of fear, anger, worry, and doubt will swirl seeking to cause you to self-protect.

At this point we are faced with a crucial choice – Will I enter the vortex of emotions, abandoning all hope for survival in order to pursue the way of God? The greatest temptation is to retreat from the rule of God in order to self-protect. Somehow I must numb the pain; somehow I must regain control of my life. Yet the only way to reach the realm of God, the only way to enter His kingdom is a headlong plunge into and through the cross.

Paul spoke of this difficulty in entering into the realm of God as he and Barnabas encourage the first century believers.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”[3]

The Greek word translated as “tribulations” literally means “pressure, anguish, or trouble”. We experience the realm of God only through the pathway of difficulty. There are no shortcuts, no easy roads that circumvent the cross.

It is important to note that while the cross signified Jesus’ complete surrender to the rule of the Father, it was not the final destination. Paul goes on to explain the eternal results of Jesus’ repudiation of self to embrace the desire of the Father.

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.[4]

In the place of utter dependency on the will of the Father, in the place of complete death to the self-god, a spiritual transformation occurs. We find ourselves in a new dimension, the realm of God. We cease from striving, worrying, fear, and the related symptoms arising from living according to the self-god. In my experience, quite literally, the world becomes a different place. We cease to operate in the ways of man. We cease to understand through the filter of our natural mind. The dimension in which we find ourselves is one of supernatural existence. We discover abundant life. The nature of Christ becomes formed in us. We recognize our oneness with Creator of the universe and begin to live from that oneness.

However, let me be clear once again – we can never enter this dimension of God’s rule through our own efforts. We can never comprehend the Kingdom of God from the perspective offered by the self-god. There are no ways to circumvent the cross; we must fully embrace it and the pain it brings. It is only in a place of utter despondency, of complete poverty of spirit that we discover resurrection life. Jesus, in His great outline of Kingdom principles in the book of Matthew, puts it this way:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[5]

I passionately urge you to embrace the way of poverty of spirit. The downward spiral that leads to death of the self-god is the only way to experience and comprehend the supernatural realm of God. Oppose the temptation to self-preserve, to evade the cross. Lose your life so that you may find it!

[1] Genesis 1:26,27
[2] Philippians 2:5-8
[3] Acts 14:21-22
[4] Philippians 2:9-11
[5] Matthew 5:3

the severity of God

I am deeply convinced of the goodness of God. The longer I walk with Him, the more evident His goodness becomes to me. As I submit to His goodness, I am also increasingly aware of His severity. His overwhelming goodness does not negate the fact the He is God and I am not. While we have been created in the image of God, we frequently attempt to create God in our own image. In other words we create a god with whom we are comfortable. Our creation of our own personal god displaces the Creator with self.

Ananias and Sapphira greatly underestimated the severity of God. They attempted to appear godly by their giving to the church what they presented as the entire proceeds of the sale of some land. In reality, they kept some of the proceeds of sale for themselves (which was their prerogative). As a result of their fraudulent actions, God struck them down with death.

When I read the gospels, I watch for what affects Jesus. At one point, Jesus was deeply angered by the hardness of the religious leaders' hearts. They were more interested in the proper protocol than they were with healing to come to a man with a crippled hand. The hardness of their hear provoked the anger of God.

Hebrews tells us that God disciplines those He loves. There are times when the discipline of God seems harsh. However I have discovered that even His discipline comes from His goodness. He ruthlessly attacks the self-god that seeks to control my life. As I submit to His hand, His directives, and His ways, His goodness is showered on my life.

I am concerned that Christians today do not understand the severity of God. Repeatedly I hear people say "God told me to..." Yet they turn around and act in complete opposition to what they heard God say. Is it any wonder that people like this usually struggle with life? They are miserable and conflicted. It is because they have chosen to self-determine instead of submit to God. Perhaps God's invitation seems too difficult or perhaps they want the glory of sacrifice without ever truly making the sacrifice. Whatever the reason, they assume that God won't mind their disobedience.

Not only do people not heed the voice of God, they hide their own self-centered desires and actions behind God. God gets the blame for a lot of evil actions. We justify our sin by saying "God told me...."

While God is deeply good and His heart is toward me, I must yield to Him. To be in His kingdom implies that He is King. As a righteous King, He deals severely with unrighteousness. To those who resist Him, He becomes their enemy.

We live in perilous times. Safety is found only in the place of yielding to God and His ways. Abundant life comes only as we submit to Him. Do not believe for a minute that you can negotiated with Him. He is God - you are not!

Negativity and the affirmation of the Father

Someone asked me recently how to handle the swirl of negativity that the enemy frequently unleashes around the followers of Jesus Christ. More specifically she asked how I handle the untruths and false statements that circulate about me. As many of you may know, the past several years Bev and I have been viciously attacked verbally. In light of that, and in light of people spreading rumor and innuendo about her, my friend asked me how to handle it.

We need to be aware that Jesus predicted that verbal attacks, false accusations and mocking, would occur to those who follow Him. (The servant is not greater than His master.) In fact He told us that those attacks are a doorway to blessings. However, that knowledge does not necessarily make it easier to endure the pain inflicted by the words and actions of people.

So how do we receive God’s blessing in the midst of the crap? For me, the key has been to hear what the Father has said and is saying about me. In the life of Jesus, twice the voice of the Father broke in and called Jesus “My beloved son”. Both times the declaration preceded a difficult and dark time in Jesus life – once before He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness and once immediately before the last days of His life.

If we are to live abundantly in the midst of the voice of the enemy attacking us, we must know what the Father says about us. For me, the latest round of false accusations was preceded by several times when I deeply heard the affirmation of the Father. That affirmation carries me through the swirl of rumors. I know deeply that I am a beloved son to Him. He has invited me to sit at His table and participate as a son.

The knowledge of the words of the Father will begin to free us from our bondage to the opinions of people. That freedom is a double-edged sword. We no longer operate according the accepted rules of people and religion (freedom). However that fact only intensifies the attacks on us. Those who choose the way of religion and bondage will become more vociferous in their attacks as they realize they can no longer control us.

Their words meant to humiliate us actually become the doorway to greater blessing. When one first begins to experience the verbal attacks, the humiliation can be overwhelming. In actuality, the humility we experience is part of the pathway of Christ. Those who are broken and humiliated are those who most deeply experience the reality of Jesus Christ. As we begin to identify with His suffering, we can be sure that we will become partakers of His glory!

It is helpful as well to remember that truth is patient. Truth always triumphs. False realities, rumors, and accusations eventually crumble; they cannot sustain the weight of time. That which is true will remain and be seen over the course of time.

Our affirmation and validation must first come from the voice of the Father. As we hear His voice, the voice of truth, we forge ahead with the business of the expansion of His kingdom regardless of the swirl of negativity from the mouth of the enemy.

what's right in the world

In these uncertain times, negativity frequently rules the day. Upheaval and turmoil grab the headlines and dominate conversations. Yet recently I have been aware of some things that are right in the world.

This past weekend Bev and I had the privilege of attending the graduations of our two oldest children. Justin graduated from Clemson University with a Masters degree in mathematics. Heidi graduated with a Bachelors degree from Eastern University with an elementary ed/special ed degree. What a great joy to see both of them discovering their God-given identity and embarking on the path of abundant life. While they are vastly different in personality, both Justin and Heidi have this in common - they love God and they love life. That's what's right with the world today.

Several weeks ago, I was at the farm of an Amish client. Louie, his three year old son met me at the truck for his customary lollipop. Louie informed me that his dad was plowing in a distant field. When I told him that I was going to walk out to speak to his dad, Louie asked if he could come along with me. So we set off. After a bit I realized that he was walking slowly through the pasture field, each step of mine carried me further away from him. That's when I noticed the thistles and realized that Louie was barefoot. I went back, picked him up and carried him. And so we carried on, talking about his new baby sister, about thistles, and about the mud on the edge of the field. We eventually arrived at the field where his dad was plowing. Our conversation centered on strategy for improving productivity. Louie played at our feet while we talked. As I walked back to the barn with Louie, I realized how right and good our walk had been. When we got back to the house, Louie went back to the world of his mom, his baby sister, and the maid that was there to help with the housework. However, a 46 year old man, a little boy, a conversation with his dad about farming - it was a man's world in that 45 minutes and Louie got to be part of it. That's what's right with the world today.

In our backyard, we have a small garden. The spring onions and radishes are ready to eat. Lettuce and sugar peas grow vigorously due to all the rain we received. There is something deeply spiritual about farming/gardening. Maybe it's because God told Adam to subdue the earth even before Adam sinned. I believe it is part of God's plan for us. We plant, we water, we weed, and God gives the growth. That's what's right with the world today.

We have several birdhouses on our property. This morning I watched a tree swallow carry a large white feather to the birdhouse in which they were building a nest. I saw some bluebirds checking out another birdhouse. The sat on top of it and then one entered the birdhouse for a bit. I hope they make use of it for the summer. And that's what's right with the world today.

which Jesus?

Recently I read a book about Jesus that has stirred my thinking. I realized how frequently we create a Jesus that fits our paradigm. There is the political activist Jesus who utilizes government to further his agenda. There is the nice Jesus who is always polite and kind. There is the superhuman Jesus who does miracles at will. There is the pacifist Jesus with a pale face holding a lamb.

The problem of creating our own Jesus is that it causes us to ignore scripture. While Jesus did come to announce the coming of a new kingdom, we never find him engaged in political discourse about the evils of the Roman empire. While Jesus certainly befriended sinners and embodied gentleness and meekness, He also made a whip and drove the vendors from the temple. While Jesus performed miracles, He did no more than what the Father wanted.

Of course then there are the troubling scriptures. I've already mentioned the cleansing of the temple. Imagine the turmoil and chaos He caused as He turned tables over, spilling money and wares. And then there is the little matter of turning water into wine at a wedding where the guest were already drunk. A needy woman is called a dog. A prostitute washes His feet. To make matters worse, He tells people that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood without ever qualifying His statements. He curses a fig tree and makes mud out of spit and dirt to heal a blind man. He vociferously rebukes the Pharisees and yet asks the Father to forgive them when the finally betray Him to the Romans. He points out their hypocrisy yet responds to their dinner invitations.

Jesus defies our efforts to remake Him into someone whom He is not. He cannot be neatly fit into a theological framework. Yet it is that untamed virtue that strangely draws us to follow Him. He makes no guarantees in His invitation to us. In fact at times He seems to make it difficult for people to follow - sell what you have, give it to the poor and come follow Me. He invites us to follow Him into the unknown with giving any kind of assurances that "everything will be okay".

My life has been transformed, not by the Jesus I heard about in Sunday School. My life has been transformed as I read (and continue to read) the gospels and allow His example and teachings to become my guide. He has challenged my theology at almost every turn. I no longer try to "figure Him out", I simply embrace Him for who He is. Rather than attempt to fit Him into my mold, I allow Him to mold me.

susan boyle and leadership

Just this morning I watched the YouTube video of Susan's performance again. One of her statements before she sang arrested me. When Simon asked her about her dream, she replied that it was to be a professional singer. He then asked why her dream had not worked out. Her answer was that she had never been given a chance.

I believe that the chief role of leadership in any capacity, in the home, in the church, or in the government and business world, is to bring the dreams of those being led to life. I wonder how many "Susans" are out there; people with an incredible God-given dream and potential. Their gift, their dream lies dormant because no one has ever given them a chance. They have been pre-judged on appearance or social status. Perhaps even worse, they have been discouraged by those who should have been encouraging. Instead of seeing the potential, the focus is on the external things instead of the work of God.

Let me illustrate - my son Justin is in grad school at Clemson University. He is able to combine two deep heart dreams - teaching and math. Those that know Justin will attest to the fact that he is excitable as well. He gets excited about his passions. I had a conversation about Justin with a church leader several years ago. In the conversation he remarked that he could not see how Justin could be a teacher; he was too excitable. I could not believe what I was hearing! A church leader was actually discouraging Justin from engaging in his passion, from living his dream.

Unfortunately the conversation about Justin reveals an attitude that is far too prevalent in the world today. If you desire to be significant in the world, help people achieve their dreams. Give them a chance.

susan boyle

From time to time, an event occurs that seems even more magical than the best fairy tale. The recent events on the Britians Got Talent 2009 show is exactly one of those events. If you haven't seen Susan Boyle's performance of I Dreamed a Dream, you can find it on YouTube. Take the time to watch it. Something deep inside of me is deeply touched as I listen to her sing. Apparently it has resonated with other people as well. The various videos of her performance have been watched over 11 million times since the show.

Her story is such a living parable. When she came on stage, people had no idea of what lay underneath her plain appearance and her slightly goofy manner. When she shared her dream, the audience responds derisively. Yet the moment her voice pierces through the cynicism, people respond with cheers. She sings of a dream shattered, of love lost. Somehow her story seems to touch the heart of the listeners, her voice soaring above the disillusionment. In that moment she seems to sing from the heart of God.

Yet is this not like God? We judge by appearances. Yet most frequently God is found in unlikely places. Keep your eyes open, you may just find God in unexpected places!

church?

As some of you know, we had a rather interesting Easter Sunday. I will comment on the events since so many people have been calling, emailing, and stopping by. What follows are my both my experience and thoughts.

After being part of a small group dialoging about God’s plan for marriage on Sunday morning, we attended a local church. That is where it got interesting. We were met outside of the auditorium by several church leaders and refused entry. They gave no reason for their actions. However, we have since received a brief letter outlining the reason for their actions. Rather than attempt to recreate what was said, I quote the letter:


The fact that we asked you not to attend [name deleted] functions is not a personal attack. As evidence of what we have seen over time in actions, emails, and views conveyed in teachings and your blog, the attitude towards the local church is one we cannot tolerate or welcome into what God has called us to.

We have made a decision that this email will be our only response to you and we ask that you will please respect our decisions.

I am rather curious about the statement that my attitude toward the local church cannot be tolerated. I feel that it would be beneficial for me to outline what I believe about the local church. I welcome your input and correction. Feel free to point out where you feel my beliefs are contrary to scripture.

Ø I believe that church is the “ecclesia”, the “called out ones”. The church is not a building or a program. It is people, people connecting around Jesus Christ the Head. It is people doing life together, eating together, sharing our resources, and gathering together to encourage and spur each other on. It is people following Jesus together, caring for each other, praying with and for each other. It is people engaging in the ministry of Jesus together, binding up the brokenhearted, healing the sick, and setting the captive free.

Ø The church cannot be destroyed. Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church. No created being, angel, demon, or human can stop the work of God. If something that calls itself church can be destroyed, then it wasn’t the church in the first place, it was only a facsimile of the real thing.

Ø The Head of the church is Jesus. The pastor is not the head; the elders are not the head. Jesus sets the agenda for the church. That doesn’t negate leadership. God has set leadership in place. However, His paradigm of leadership is one where the leaders exist for the benefit of the people. (This follows Jesus’ example.)

Ø I believe that far too frequently the “stuff” of church has replaced God. We become enamored with programs, buildings and hierarchy. In doing so, we lose our love for people. The system becomes more important than people.

Ø The concept of “going to church” is remarkably absent from the New Testament. Church is not something to go to but something to be. I don’t go to the body of Christ; I am a specific part of the body of Christ.

Ø There is not a correct formula to gather and meet together. The church can meet in a cathedral, a living room, or a coffee shop.

Ø When people follow Jesus, church will emerge. The desire for fellowship, relationship and community is resident in every believer. However, when our focus moves from Jesus to church, Jesus usually gets left behind.

Ø The Jewish religious system was destroyed by Jesus We no longer have a need for a holy man, a holy time, and a holy space. Every believer is a priest. Instead of stones and mortar the “temple” is now built of living stones.

If you peruse the blog you will find that I chronicle my thoughts about the church from time to time. In May of 2008 I posted several times about my observations of church. I would encourage you to re-read those posts as well.

As far as my actions toward church, Bev and I relate to and serve a number of churches in Central Pennsylvania and beyond. These churches are as varied as the people of which the church is comprised. Some are larger and meet in a building. Some are smaller groups that meet in homes or other places. One is not better than the other; all are the body of Christ. My desire is that all believers in these churches will become fully alive in their God-given purpose.

Since the church leaders that sent me the letter choose not to dialogue with me, I welcome your input and would be happy to dialogue on this forum. Feel free to go back to previous posts and measure my comments against scripture. If you feel that I am in error, please comment.

FYI - I will not allow this to become a platform from which to vilify people or churches. If I feel that your post has venom in it directed at other people, I will not post it.

our addiction to church

I have noticed that people who are "lost" usually resort to some kind of addiction to replace their oneness with God. Now before you assume that lost people are the bad people "out there", let me clarify. A person becomes lost the moment that they disconnect with God. Adam and Eve were lost the moment that they decided to act independently of God. And so it is today. Anytime that we choose to act independently of God, we become lost.

Since we were created for significance and since true significance is found in our connection with God, our disconnect with God sends us on a search to fill the void. If we do not return to our connection with God, other gods beckon us. Those gods quickly turn into addictions that master us.

Upon hearing the word "addiction", most people immediately think of obvious addictions, alcoholism, drug abuse, sexual perversions, and gambling. While these vices certainly are addictions, they are the less dangerous addictions. The most dangerous addictions are those that appear to be good. Most lost people do not engage in the obvious addictions, rather they engage in the good addictions to fill the void; things like hobbies, fitness, and religious activities.

In my observation, the most insidious of all addictions is most prevalent among Christians. It is our addiction to church. When I use the term "church" I am not referring to the Biblical concept of the "ecclesia". What I am referring to is our contemporary paradigm of church - Sunday morning meetings, programs, a building, and the governmental hierarchy that accompanies it. Remember our addictions are a result of our disconnect with God. We fill the void with some other god. The man that turns to alcohol will usually be aware of destructive behavior. However the man who disconnects from God and fills the void with church convinces himself of his goodness.

Our addiction to church not only strengthens our disconnect with God, it causes us to resist the very God we declare we serve. This deception is not new. The Pharisees of Jesus' day were the guardians of good doctrine. They read the scriptures. They lived differently than the general public. They were zealous for their religious tradition. Yet they missed God. Not only did they miss God, they resisted Him to the point breaking their own religious laws in their opposition to Him.

And so it is today - Christian vociferously defend their paradigm of church. If you dare mess with their god, be ready to be attacked. Good people behave in bizarre ways as their addiction is threatened. For a good many years now, I have spent time both "in the world" and "in the church". I can tell you this, the church is more brutal and cruel than the world. (Again I am using the word church in the contemporary manner not in the Biblical manner.) Most people in the world will admit their addictions when the conversations become vulnerable. The problem with our addiction to church is that we assume our godless behavior is godly.

We are destined to continue our addiction to church as long as we continue to disconnect from God. The solution to our addiction to church is the same as overcoming any other addictions. Only as we reconnect with God will we overcome our destructive behaviors.

sacrifice?

All religions have at their core, a system of self-sacrifice. At first glance, sacrifice seems noble and honorable. Sacrifice is seen as the means with which we please God; that somehow He loves us more based on what we have given up for Him. Currently we are finishing up the season of Lent. The whole idea behind Lent is that we sacrifice something dear to us in order to identify with God.

Jesus speaks some interesting words about sacrifice. Twice He quotes the prophet Hosea -
"I desire mercy and not sacrifice". Both times He was accosted by the religious for failing to meet their expectations - once when He socialized with sinners and once when He allowed His disciples to pick and eat grain on the Sabbath.

Perhaps God is not as interested in our sacrifice as He is in our attitude toward other people. One of the dangers of sacrifice is that it can quickly breed judgmentalism toward other people. About a year ago I was at a cattle sale. As I observed people and their activities, I felt God speak to my heart. For some time, I had been bothered by the attitude of Christians. A web forum in which I participate had an ongoing debate about judgment. It seemed to me that some people relished the thought of the heathen "getting theirs" someday. As I watched the people at the sale, I realized that many Christians feel they have sacrificed a lot to be "good Christians". With that sacrifice comes a fear that the "world" is having a good time all the while we are in misery from our sacrifice. We console ourselves with the thought sometime in the future the bad people will be forced to pay for their misdeeds.

Like the elder brother in the story of the prodigal son, we have stayed home and been good. Our preoccupation with our sacrifice renders us unable to rejoice when the prodigal comes home. In our mind, it's not fair. It seems as if he is being rewarded for his sin while we are being ignored. Therefore we begin to be judgmental and harsh. We demand recognition from the Father for our sacrifice, thereby missing the point completely.

About right now, someone is saying "yeah but Jesus said we have to die to ourselves". That is true, However, the point of dying to ourselves is not to impress God but to move from self-destruction to abundant life. If our dying to self does not create the character of Jesus within us, then our dying is in vain. Jesus simply stated that if we are going to follow Him, we will be forced to take up our cross. He never stated that sacrifice will cause us to follow Him. If we focus on sacrifice we have missed the point.

the Great Story

Last evening our family watched the Sound of Music at East Juniata High School. The students did a great job with the musical performance. During intermission, my mind had time to wander a bit. (imagine that!) I realized how much we all enjoy a good story. Movies and plays are the medium frequently used in storytelling today. However, not only do we utilize movies, the ancient art of verbal storytelling is alive and well. Earlier today I worked at the Farmshow. I had barely clocked in until someone began to tell me a story of something that had happened to another security guard earlier in the month. Grandmothers and athletes, fisherman and shoppers all love to tell the story, and quite frankly, good storytellers are entertaining.

Unfortunately our love of the story almost never gets utilized when we interact with the greatest story of all time. It is a story of God's interaction with us, our creation, our rebellion, and most grand of all, His redemption and the acceptance of love. It is a love story, a story of love spurned and love received. In our efforts to be doctrinally sound, we have diminished the power of the glorious love story and relegated it to the status of a rule book.

As long as the story is understood as the Great Story, it consists of life-giving words, words to guide us, words to both inspire and warn us, words that ultimately lead to Jesus and abundant life. On the other hand, if we reduce the Great Story to a set of rules, confusion and conflict, strife and division occur. As a rulebook, the greatest theme in the Great Story is lost, the theme of relationship with God.

There was a time when I was afraid to embrace the Great Story. I was afraid that to call it a story would mean I was minimizing the power of it. To call the Bible a story seemed sacrilegious. However, I have come to learn that the reduction of the story occurs, not when I understand it as the Great Story, but as I interpret it as a set of rules.

the simplicity of Jesus

I grew up in a setting where Christianity was defined by a set of actions. Christians went to church on Sunday. Christians didn't drink alcohol. Christians dressed a certain way. If one did not engage in these behaviors, then obviously they weren't a Christian. Beyond that, sacrifice for God was seen as both desirable and honorable. For many years, those external behaviors encapsulated Christianity for me.

A turning point for me occured when I realized that I really did not know Jesus. Now don't get me wrong. I knew about Jesus; the Jesus who came to die so I could go to heaven someday. However, I didn't KNOW Jesus. I had preached about Him, baptized in His name, and started churches for Him. However I didn't KNOW Him. The Jesus I knew about was one that I had been given as a child by my religious tradition. I realized that I created a Jesus with which I was comfortable.

As a result of my realization, for several years I read and re-read the gospel accounts of Jesus. I attempted to read each account as if I had never heard about Jesus. Wow! Talk about a mind transformation. I discovered a Jesus that rocked my world theologically. (i.e. - Jesus never stated that He came so we might go to heaven.) In spite of my discomfort, I began to live my life more in accordance with His example.

Today, my walk with God is much more simple than it was earlier. If someone asks me if I am a Christian, I usually respond with "I am a follower of Jesus". I quit trying to build a successful minstry. As I have allowed my interaction with Jesus to re-shape me, I have become more in touch with "love God and love your neighbor". I have discovered life, abundant life as I have followed Him.

Don't make Christianity difficult. Live life according to the example and teaching of Jesus. It really is that simple.

the problem of truth

Recently I received an email from a gentleman outlining why he thought there will be food shortages in the near future. (I am on his email list and get emails from him at times.) He felt like God has been showing him about the chaos that will ensue. He cited several websites as well as a news interview. Since I work in the agricultural field, I was interested in reading what was said. Almost immediately, I spotted some inaccuracies in the "facts" that were presented. Truth did not support his claims

I responded to the gentleman pointing out that some of on what he was basing his email was not truth. Since I have dialogued with him before, I expected a healthy dialogue. To my surprise, I received a rather curt response. He responded by saying that the "facts" were not about American agriculture. I found his response odd since the interviewer clearly asked about the situation in the United States. When noted the words of the interviewer, he refused to dialogue further.

His response to me illustrated a condition of far too many Christians. We frequently create a belief system about a person or a situation which may or may not align with truth. If our belief system does not mesh with the truth, we simply ignore truth so we can cling to our desired beliefs. As such we place ourselves in bondage, creating a fantasy reality in which we live. To maintain our fantasy reality, we have to continue to ignore what really is.

Since the truth sets us free, it would seem to me that people would desire truth. Unfortunately we often choose to ignore the truth about situations and/or people because it would shatter our self-designed deceptions. One of the classic responses of people who refuse to see/embrace truth is their refusal to dialogue. Dialogue will reveal their deception. Since the deception is more desirable than truth (at least to them), the deception must be protected at all costs.

I understand the difficulty of having my belief system challenged by truth. However, I have also discovered the great freedom that comes from walking in the light of what is truth. Embrace the truth...it will set you free.