Tuesday, January 10, 2006
mythology
Tell me why I am at this place again. Father, if you’re listening, and I am beginning to have my doubts, please tell me why my life is so cyclical. I have tried; I have stopped trying, I have wrestled with you; I have released my grip. What more is there? I thought that with my last valley I was free and clear for quite a while. This one is deeper, dryer, and more invasive than I’m comfortable with, really. I have nothing left to say. I guess I will be down here; waiting.
Mythology used to fascinate me in high school and college. I found it spectacular that the ancient peoples truly believed in gods and goddesses. Even more fascinating was that they had a god for every occasion. These gods were not reliable either; oh no, instead, they were finicky and peculiar. They could change their mind, fight with one another, and just become rather unpleasant.
I find myself wondering how easy or how hard it would be to worship these gods and goddesses. Under slight duress, I found myself watching Troy the other night. Throughout the movie, I wondered two things: why did the men wear such short skirts, and why did they bother to rely on the gods who never seemed to come through?
I remember one scene. The Greeks just finished plundering Apollo’s temple and cutting the head off his massive bronze statue. Predictably, Apollo does nothing about this affront, and the Trojans are left to wonder whom it is they actually worship. I would think that would be a major clue that something is wrong. See, their gods were not like mine. I know my God is patient and is not One to smite every offense, much to my general relief usually. No, their gods were ones that played with lightening bolts and if someone made them mad, they usually knew about it.
So, what was the point in having all these gods? If there was no predictability, why waste the time and effort? Most importantly, if there was no knowledge of reliance upon any of these deities, where did the desire stem from? Oh sure, a desire to explain the ever pressing questions of why and how, but was Zeus and his bunch really the best answer for day to day life?
So, after much reflection, I find myself here again. Particulars aside, I let myself down time and time again. I tell God not to waste any more of his time on me because I am a hopeless case. At the very least, I will become like Saul and waste the blessings anyhow by doing things my way. And I start to feel sorry for myself but it occurs to me, with the help of a very good friend, that I have indeed created my own mythology.
In order to clean out some wounds, one must gut them completely and apply some sort of cleanser to the infected area. My friend did some much-needed digging in my life and revealed what she refers to as ‘havens.’ Havens, mythology; same difference.
Let me explain. When I am feeling like the valley is too low, or the problems have just become too much, I have familiar escapes set in place for me to run. One of the escapes is to the refrigerator. It seems innocuous from first glance, a guilty pleasure. But it’s not, if I let it really take a hold, is it? The other two myths I have involve my own head. I like to let my anger and frustration really fester. It becomes so powerful; so addictive. The last myth is my ‘other life’ myth. I can convince myself that if I were to escape this current life, the next one would be so much better. I would make sure that everything was set up perfectly going into it, as to prevent current kinds of crap from entering in.
Are these current myths any different from the ones the ancient Greeks used to hold up? Am I indeed lying to myself; deluding myself into thinking these myths, these havens, hold any truth, any reality? The ancient people used gods to explain their current events, and clung to worshipping them as a way of control. I use my myths as a convoluted way of explaining away my current reality. I escape to them as a form of worship, to bring my sort of control to the situation.
WHAT DOES JESUS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ALL THIS? FIND OUT TOMORROW.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
IS JESUS NOT WITH US?
I am watching the coverage of the mining accident on television and I cannot believe what I am seeing. It is a tragedy, to be sure. Imagine knowing your loved one is trapped below the earth and cannot breathe. Imagine knowing that they will certainly die before the day is over.
So, with weak knees and a paralyzed heart, you stagger to the one place you believe can do something, the church. You heard someone say it will take a miracle and you decide to pray for just that. God can provide; He can find a way out of this living nightmare. So, you get down on your knees and pray to God. Beside your fellow townspeople and your support network, you pour your soul out to the One who knows and listens. Surely, He will provide a miracle for His faithful.
And He does. You all hear word that the miners are safe and are even going to make an appearance at the church before they go to the hospital. Immediately you are praising God, thanking Jesus. You burst into a beautiful rendition of ‘How great thou Art.’ When the ever-present media asks how you feel about the miracle, you make a public declaration, praising and thanking God for His wonderful provision.
Then, the whole world stands still when you hear the news that changes your life forever. It appears that all previous reports were wrong and your loved one is actually dead. There was a ‘miscommunication’ from down below and only one man survived and he’s not yours. All your chapters have closed, all your roads have ended and there appears to be one person to blame. It would be the same One you were just praising hours ago.
Watching this coverage on the television, I am amazed at what I hear. I hear people recanting their praise, and even denying their very faith. They cannot believe there can be such a God that gives and takes away like that. They are stunned that all that praying and worshipping was in vain. Oh, I know they were angry and upset. But I vividly remember one woman that the media interviewed. She says that she is from a Christian family, but there are some that are seriously beginning to doubt that there is still a Lord in control.
OH SWEET JESUS, WHERE WERE YOU?
“As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom. But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God’s love, though is every and always, eternally present to all those who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said, God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He’s the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says. Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills. Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are-everything and everyone made by God. And you, O my soul, bless God! David in Psalm 103
“I, God, am your Savior, your Redeemer, Champion of Jacob, I’ll give you only the best-no more hand-me-downs!...God will be your eternal light, your God will bathe you in splendor. Your sun will never go down, your moon will never fade. I will be your eternal light. Your days of grieving are over.” God in Isaiah 60.
God never abandons. He does not promise anywhere in the Bible that there will be no pain or sorrow while we are here. In fact, He promises that the tears will be wiped away when we’re in heaven. He doesn’t abandon us when we curse His name, reject His son, turn our backs. You know what you’ve heard; His ways are not our ways. Well, it’s true. What happened at the mine is sorrowful, but it is not a sign that God played tricks or that He abandoned anyone. We will never have a clear reason why it happens. All we can cling to is the love and hope of tomorrows. Think about it.
So, with weak knees and a paralyzed heart, you stagger to the one place you believe can do something, the church. You heard someone say it will take a miracle and you decide to pray for just that. God can provide; He can find a way out of this living nightmare. So, you get down on your knees and pray to God. Beside your fellow townspeople and your support network, you pour your soul out to the One who knows and listens. Surely, He will provide a miracle for His faithful.
And He does. You all hear word that the miners are safe and are even going to make an appearance at the church before they go to the hospital. Immediately you are praising God, thanking Jesus. You burst into a beautiful rendition of ‘How great thou Art.’ When the ever-present media asks how you feel about the miracle, you make a public declaration, praising and thanking God for His wonderful provision.
Then, the whole world stands still when you hear the news that changes your life forever. It appears that all previous reports were wrong and your loved one is actually dead. There was a ‘miscommunication’ from down below and only one man survived and he’s not yours. All your chapters have closed, all your roads have ended and there appears to be one person to blame. It would be the same One you were just praising hours ago.
Watching this coverage on the television, I am amazed at what I hear. I hear people recanting their praise, and even denying their very faith. They cannot believe there can be such a God that gives and takes away like that. They are stunned that all that praying and worshipping was in vain. Oh, I know they were angry and upset. But I vividly remember one woman that the media interviewed. She says that she is from a Christian family, but there are some that are seriously beginning to doubt that there is still a Lord in control.
OH SWEET JESUS, WHERE WERE YOU?
“As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom. But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God’s love, though is every and always, eternally present to all those who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said, God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He’s the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says. Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills. Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are-everything and everyone made by God. And you, O my soul, bless God! David in Psalm 103
“I, God, am your Savior, your Redeemer, Champion of Jacob, I’ll give you only the best-no more hand-me-downs!...God will be your eternal light, your God will bathe you in splendor. Your sun will never go down, your moon will never fade. I will be your eternal light. Your days of grieving are over.” God in Isaiah 60.
God never abandons. He does not promise anywhere in the Bible that there will be no pain or sorrow while we are here. In fact, He promises that the tears will be wiped away when we’re in heaven. He doesn’t abandon us when we curse His name, reject His son, turn our backs. You know what you’ve heard; His ways are not our ways. Well, it’s true. What happened at the mine is sorrowful, but it is not a sign that God played tricks or that He abandoned anyone. We will never have a clear reason why it happens. All we can cling to is the love and hope of tomorrows. Think about it.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
TASTE AND SEE...
First, I want to wish you a Happy New Year. Just the same as everyone in the world, my hope for this year is peace and joy for the world. I also pray that God does a mighty work this year, bringing people into Himself, and helping His children to truly demonstrate the Good News. And a whole lot of love.
That being said, I am about to make my first product endorsement. No, that does not mean I am necessarily qualified as some sort of expert. I was just talking with a very valued friend today and we got on a subject that is vital to discovering who God is, and thusly is crucial to this blog. That vital subject would be the word of the Lord. Without His word, this is just a lot of hot air being blown around by people who think they know what they are talking about. Anything anyone says should be measured against the Bible for both clarity and truth.
Now, that also being said, the truth of the matter is that the Bible can be hard to read. Forget the people who will tell you that the Holy Spirit will translate, I tried that and He has a heck of a time getting me to understand the Old English version. Yes, the Holy Spirit is given to us to decipher the word of God and to help said word pack a punch. But every person comprehends differently and various translations can allow the word of God to permeate as needed by the individual.
Ok. This valued friend bought me The Message translation of the Bible for Christmas. It is the fifth Bible translation to enter my home. I have been reading The Message for a while with a borrowed copy, but I really wanted my own so I could start highlighting and writing in it.
I recommend this Bible for everyone reading this blog right now. If you struggle with reading the word or if you relish your devotional time, get it. There can never be too much of God’s word lying around your house. This Bible is not good for all occasions; I admit that. It is hard to follow along in a church service with The Message because it is written so differently. But it is a Bible to sit and cuddle with. I mean that, it is a Bible that you can sink your canines in like a good steak. It takes confusing passages and makes them sing. I would like to share with you a taste of the verses that have really touched me so far.
“Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go.” Jesus in John 6.37
“Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people-free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possible need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Paul in Ephesians 1.7-12 (isn’t is beautiful!?!?)
“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment day –our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life-fear of death, fear of judgment-is not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love- love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, ‘I love God’ and goes right on hating his brother and sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God included loving people. You’ve got to do both.” John in 1 John 4.17-21
One more…
“God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion and sin.” God in Exodus 34.6
Oh, to taste and see that God is this good. If you are hungry for more of the Word, or if you keep finding it hard to grasp, try The Message. Make a resolution this year to fall so in love with Jesus by reading His love story to us. Think about it.
That being said, I am about to make my first product endorsement. No, that does not mean I am necessarily qualified as some sort of expert. I was just talking with a very valued friend today and we got on a subject that is vital to discovering who God is, and thusly is crucial to this blog. That vital subject would be the word of the Lord. Without His word, this is just a lot of hot air being blown around by people who think they know what they are talking about. Anything anyone says should be measured against the Bible for both clarity and truth.
Now, that also being said, the truth of the matter is that the Bible can be hard to read. Forget the people who will tell you that the Holy Spirit will translate, I tried that and He has a heck of a time getting me to understand the Old English version. Yes, the Holy Spirit is given to us to decipher the word of God and to help said word pack a punch. But every person comprehends differently and various translations can allow the word of God to permeate as needed by the individual.
Ok. This valued friend bought me The Message translation of the Bible for Christmas. It is the fifth Bible translation to enter my home. I have been reading The Message for a while with a borrowed copy, but I really wanted my own so I could start highlighting and writing in it.
I recommend this Bible for everyone reading this blog right now. If you struggle with reading the word or if you relish your devotional time, get it. There can never be too much of God’s word lying around your house. This Bible is not good for all occasions; I admit that. It is hard to follow along in a church service with The Message because it is written so differently. But it is a Bible to sit and cuddle with. I mean that, it is a Bible that you can sink your canines in like a good steak. It takes confusing passages and makes them sing. I would like to share with you a taste of the verses that have really touched me so far.
“Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go.” Jesus in John 6.37
“Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people-free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possible need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” Paul in Ephesians 1.7-12 (isn’t is beautiful!?!?)
“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment day –our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life-fear of death, fear of judgment-is not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love- love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, ‘I love God’ and goes right on hating his brother and sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God included loving people. You’ve got to do both.” John in 1 John 4.17-21
One more…
“God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion and sin.” God in Exodus 34.6
Oh, to taste and see that God is this good. If you are hungry for more of the Word, or if you keep finding it hard to grasp, try The Message. Make a resolution this year to fall so in love with Jesus by reading His love story to us. Think about it.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Christmas Wrap Up
Well, a triumphant cry echoes throughout the land now: ‘I made it through Christmas!!’ Another season of anxious gift buying, present-wrapping and pithy conversation with relatives has ended. There were additional stresses of double checking cards to find the Christmas stamp. Immediate judgment passed if the phrase ‘Happy Holidays’ was used. Combine that with the absolute insistence to avoid Target stores made the Christmas season that much harder. Darn them for not allowing the Salvation Army to stand sentry at their doors.
Forgive me if I sound cynical. I heard too much clarion calling this season; forced Merry Christmases, structured avoidance or tactical boycotting. I wonder what the goal is for all of this. Before I go any further, I fear I have to state the necessary clarifications so that my credentials are not questioned. I support Christmas with every fiber of my being. Jesus coming to this earth to redeem us, to consider us a treasure worth walking amongst astounds me. However, I remember a much simpler time: a time when we put on a Christmas pageant in my public elementary school. A time when Merry Christmas was said without hesitation to anyone and everyone. It was respectful for members of all races and religions to wish happy tidings of the season without offending or disregarding.
So, now that it’s forced, what does it mean? Does a banner waving ‘Merry Christmas’ from a store mean anything if it is contrived and forced? No, I am not okay with winter solstice witchcraft celebrations at schools. I also think personally believe that everyone should support the Salvation Army. Those bell-wringers have been an American icon for as long as I can remember.
This is just a continuation of a feeling I’ve had for a while now. Christmas is a perfect season to demonstrate love, not strife. I can stand for Jesus and say Merry Christmas, and mail a check to the Salvation Army and accomplish just as much for the sake of Christ. I can smile and share love, and celebrate the birth of my Savior without bringing attention to what is wrong with the world.
Enough about that. My real topic for tonight is how I get through the Christmas season. I did not make it through the family get-togethers without feeling disappointed with myself. I always feel like I have things to prove. I was a junkie; a disaster to my family once upon a time. To the casual observer, one who is skeptical about the power of Jesus, I look like a pull-up-your-bootstraps kind of success story. I feel this pressing need to prove Jesus to them. The main reason is that I want them to know how amazing Jesus really is. I want them to know He is the one who changed my life. I want eternal joy for my family.
But, I feel like it’s my job to ram that message home. And when I don’t appear as holy as I want, or my husband and children don’t live up to my expectations, I feel like I’m the one who lets God down.
If I’m feeling down on myself, I rely on the passage from when Jesus returns to His hometown. The people are shocked and amazed of who Jesus thinks He is. They ask, ‘Isn’t He the carpenter’s son?’ They end up offended at Him and not believing who He says He is. Jesus says to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.” (Matthew 13.57) He says He was unable to perform miracles because of their lack of faith.
FINALLY, THE POINT…
My only point is that love is the key. Does my striving to make myself, my husband and my children look perfect prove anything? Actually, it only serves to prove that I’m a phony. It also perhaps could intimidate someone into believing that Christianity leaves no room to be human and fail.
Funny thing is, I am a complete sinner, and I always will be. Yes, God strives to make me more and more like His Son, but I will always be human. Isn’t that the whole point of the whole story? We are human, we screw up, sometimes we have bad tempers and our children act up; but Jesus loves me, I am forgiven, and I will always be His child. What does it prove to my family if I fake perfection?
So, as the year winds up to a close, I take time for personal reflection. I pray, I read my Bible, I prepare for a month-long fast. And I hone in on the pure love that is truly the most important,
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they [His disciples] know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” Jesus in John 17.25-26
Forgive me if I sound cynical. I heard too much clarion calling this season; forced Merry Christmases, structured avoidance or tactical boycotting. I wonder what the goal is for all of this. Before I go any further, I fear I have to state the necessary clarifications so that my credentials are not questioned. I support Christmas with every fiber of my being. Jesus coming to this earth to redeem us, to consider us a treasure worth walking amongst astounds me. However, I remember a much simpler time: a time when we put on a Christmas pageant in my public elementary school. A time when Merry Christmas was said without hesitation to anyone and everyone. It was respectful for members of all races and religions to wish happy tidings of the season without offending or disregarding.
So, now that it’s forced, what does it mean? Does a banner waving ‘Merry Christmas’ from a store mean anything if it is contrived and forced? No, I am not okay with winter solstice witchcraft celebrations at schools. I also think personally believe that everyone should support the Salvation Army. Those bell-wringers have been an American icon for as long as I can remember.
This is just a continuation of a feeling I’ve had for a while now. Christmas is a perfect season to demonstrate love, not strife. I can stand for Jesus and say Merry Christmas, and mail a check to the Salvation Army and accomplish just as much for the sake of Christ. I can smile and share love, and celebrate the birth of my Savior without bringing attention to what is wrong with the world.
Enough about that. My real topic for tonight is how I get through the Christmas season. I did not make it through the family get-togethers without feeling disappointed with myself. I always feel like I have things to prove. I was a junkie; a disaster to my family once upon a time. To the casual observer, one who is skeptical about the power of Jesus, I look like a pull-up-your-bootstraps kind of success story. I feel this pressing need to prove Jesus to them. The main reason is that I want them to know how amazing Jesus really is. I want them to know He is the one who changed my life. I want eternal joy for my family.
But, I feel like it’s my job to ram that message home. And when I don’t appear as holy as I want, or my husband and children don’t live up to my expectations, I feel like I’m the one who lets God down.
If I’m feeling down on myself, I rely on the passage from when Jesus returns to His hometown. The people are shocked and amazed of who Jesus thinks He is. They ask, ‘Isn’t He the carpenter’s son?’ They end up offended at Him and not believing who He says He is. Jesus says to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor.” (Matthew 13.57) He says He was unable to perform miracles because of their lack of faith.
FINALLY, THE POINT…
My only point is that love is the key. Does my striving to make myself, my husband and my children look perfect prove anything? Actually, it only serves to prove that I’m a phony. It also perhaps could intimidate someone into believing that Christianity leaves no room to be human and fail.
Funny thing is, I am a complete sinner, and I always will be. Yes, God strives to make me more and more like His Son, but I will always be human. Isn’t that the whole point of the whole story? We are human, we screw up, sometimes we have bad tempers and our children act up; but Jesus loves me, I am forgiven, and I will always be His child. What does it prove to my family if I fake perfection?
So, as the year winds up to a close, I take time for personal reflection. I pray, I read my Bible, I prepare for a month-long fast. And I hone in on the pure love that is truly the most important,
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they [His disciples] know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” Jesus in John 17.25-26
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Christmas
DIAMONDS…OR SOMETHING ELSE
I was watching a jewelry commercial today. Of course, during various woman-friendly holidays, jewelry commercials are all the rage. You see a man dazzling a woman with a sparkling necklace or a nifty tennis bracelet.
That is all fine and good. What else does a woman want for Christmas? It even seems like a win-win for both parties in the deal: the woman has a new bauble to prove her man’s love and he gets the adoration that accompanies said bauble.
What really made me stop and consider the commercials was the fact that I was not getting any jewelry for Christmas. With the advent of children, anything shiny under our tree is fallen tinsel. Just kidding honey.
What truly struck me about the ads was what the announcer was saying. He said two things that I could not stop thinking about. Those two things were: ‘What would you do for love?’ and ‘Celebrating 100 years of love.’
I started thinking; what would I do for love? I do not believe for a moment that the cost of the present or the size of the diamond indicates the amount of love, that is not the issue at hand. And since when are gold and silver sales indicative of a hundred year celebration? With just a cursory glance at my heart, it would seem that the issue bothering me is the mass commercialization of Christmas. Of course, that is a big part of it, but I think there is more. I wish that for my children and for my family that Christmas was not about presents at all. I do not know about you, but my distraction level is so high around the holiday season that I have to consciously focus on Christ in order to remember the truth. I have to second guess what the other person will buy, what they will think of my gift, etc etc. None of this is love in my book. No, in fact my book describes love very differently. Here is just a fraction of how important love is supposed to be:
“Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” Jesus (Luke 6.35)
“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life-only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” Jesus (John 10. 17-18)
“My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus (John 15.12-13)
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” Jesus’ prayer to His Father (John 17.25-26)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” And “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1.1-2, 14)
And then,
“Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ …When He had received His drink, Jesus said ‘It is finished.’ and gave up His spirit.” (John 19.29, 30)
That love turns diamonds into nothing more than rocks. I do not find mention of monetary gifts as evidence of love. This Christmas, we should be celebrating over 2000 years of love. The Son of God came down here to show us the true, pure, simple yet complex love. He showed us a love that was many-faceted and a love that sparkles like no other.
We know the Christmas story, right? The baby born in the manger. The man who died on the Cross for us. But do we think about the Jesus who is alive and active right now, still loving us so completely?
Where has our love gone I wonder. Have we been so removed from our simple Jesus birth that we forgot what it means to just love one another? Will you love me despite the flaws I try to keep hidden? Will you love me despite my sin and my shame?
Will I love you the way He commands me to?
Oh Father, I am on my knees asking for a heart full of wonder this Christmas season. May every person I see remind me of your love for us. May I see a reflection of the Word in each man and woman. Father, pour out love on this world that seems to have lost touch with what love really feels like. Renew in us the love that you intended us to have. Help me show the love you have for me regardless of my imperfections.
What will you do for love this year?
Merry Christmas
I was watching a jewelry commercial today. Of course, during various woman-friendly holidays, jewelry commercials are all the rage. You see a man dazzling a woman with a sparkling necklace or a nifty tennis bracelet.
That is all fine and good. What else does a woman want for Christmas? It even seems like a win-win for both parties in the deal: the woman has a new bauble to prove her man’s love and he gets the adoration that accompanies said bauble.
What really made me stop and consider the commercials was the fact that I was not getting any jewelry for Christmas. With the advent of children, anything shiny under our tree is fallen tinsel. Just kidding honey.
What truly struck me about the ads was what the announcer was saying. He said two things that I could not stop thinking about. Those two things were: ‘What would you do for love?’ and ‘Celebrating 100 years of love.’
I started thinking; what would I do for love? I do not believe for a moment that the cost of the present or the size of the diamond indicates the amount of love, that is not the issue at hand. And since when are gold and silver sales indicative of a hundred year celebration? With just a cursory glance at my heart, it would seem that the issue bothering me is the mass commercialization of Christmas. Of course, that is a big part of it, but I think there is more. I wish that for my children and for my family that Christmas was not about presents at all. I do not know about you, but my distraction level is so high around the holiday season that I have to consciously focus on Christ in order to remember the truth. I have to second guess what the other person will buy, what they will think of my gift, etc etc. None of this is love in my book. No, in fact my book describes love very differently. Here is just a fraction of how important love is supposed to be:
“Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” Jesus (Luke 6.35)
“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life-only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” Jesus (John 10. 17-18)
“My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus (John 15.12-13)
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” Jesus’ prayer to His Father (John 17.25-26)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” And “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1.1-2, 14)
And then,
“Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ …When He had received His drink, Jesus said ‘It is finished.’ and gave up His spirit.” (John 19.29, 30)
That love turns diamonds into nothing more than rocks. I do not find mention of monetary gifts as evidence of love. This Christmas, we should be celebrating over 2000 years of love. The Son of God came down here to show us the true, pure, simple yet complex love. He showed us a love that was many-faceted and a love that sparkles like no other.
We know the Christmas story, right? The baby born in the manger. The man who died on the Cross for us. But do we think about the Jesus who is alive and active right now, still loving us so completely?
Where has our love gone I wonder. Have we been so removed from our simple Jesus birth that we forgot what it means to just love one another? Will you love me despite the flaws I try to keep hidden? Will you love me despite my sin and my shame?
Will I love you the way He commands me to?
Oh Father, I am on my knees asking for a heart full of wonder this Christmas season. May every person I see remind me of your love for us. May I see a reflection of the Word in each man and woman. Father, pour out love on this world that seems to have lost touch with what love really feels like. Renew in us the love that you intended us to have. Help me show the love you have for me regardless of my imperfections.
What will you do for love this year?
Merry Christmas
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Give a little bit...
GIVE A LITTLE BIT…
I bring breadstuffs to a housing project in the city every week. My friends had their inner-city mission closed down to build a restaurant-condo complex. They did not want to see the opportunity for blessing go to waste, so they asked me if I wanted to take it over. Of course, there was no need for the bread at the decimated mission, so I was left with finding out exactly who to bless with the bread.
My friends had mentioned a Native-American housing project in the city that could use the load of bread. Unbelievably, my thoughts were that the Lord would certainly find me a place closer to my home. The total drive one way is about sixty miles. God would never inconvenience me like that, seeing as I’m doing a charitable work for Him, and doesn’t charity begin at home?
So, I started asking around for a place that could use my blessing closer to home. I made at least half a dozen phone calls, and some of those phone calls were to umbrella organizations with ties to community. Would you believe that not only could I not find someone who wanted it, but also that no one would even return my phone calls? Unless there’s a prank phone call going around with fake donations, people surely should have called back I thought. Heck, I thought they would leap at my generosity.
Finally, with three-day old bread heaped in my van, I made a run down to the city. I couldn’t stomach the idea that the bread would go to waste, and truthfully, I need to go down there anyway. I called a friend for support and took her with me to drop it off at the project. I lugged in the Hefty bags, and my friend stopped to make small talk with an older lady standing in the food shelf area. I had no desire to engage in conversation that frankly might guilt me into driving this bread down every week.
After a few moments my friend walked out of the room and I couldn’t resist asking her what was said. My friend said, “Oh, the lady said she was down to her last two loaves for the food shelf and she had no idea what she was going to do next.”
I make that sixty-mile journey every week now. And I do it with a smile on my face.
WHAT’S THE POINT?
What a point it truly is. I don’t deny that taking the bread every week is partly an altruistic motion on my part. I’m only human after all. But there’s an even deeper, more primal feeling that tells me I’m in the center of God’s will on this one. Combine that feeling with the closed doors from the other charities and a stranger who speaks God’s words to me and I get the impression that I’m doing what He wants.
That feels good. And sure, being generous is with your cash, your time, your available resources, but it’s even more than all that.
The true nature of being generous the way God intends it is with your being. I feel great taking the bread, and I love getting that smile and thank you from the Salvation Army people when I drop a handful of change. But do I drop a handful of change because it looks like more? And am I disappointed when they don’t notice me? We hardly have the option here of doing things with pure motive, but we sure can try. Unless we try instead to give all of ourselves to Him.
I take the bread there now because I am doing what God wants me to do. I am an extension of Jesus on the earth doing what He would have me do. I enjoy doing it, but I also enjoy the knowledge that His children are being blessed with extra food each week.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. People don’t light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In that same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5.14-16)
When we give things other than our being, it is just an extension of our light. Perhaps it’s a flashlight. Our true lights are found and turned on when we give ourselves to Jesus entirely. We need to be generous of ourselves in order for the world to see exactly who He is in the Kingdom of God on earth. Our bodies and our being need to be turned over as vessels to the only One who can properly fill and pour out at the same time.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12.1)
One last thought. I heard a passage of scripture last week that I can’t get out of my head; and as luck would have it, it ties in nicely here.
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness.” (Isaiah 58.10)
Oh, and if you’re reading this and you like to volunteer and be active for causes, but you don’t know Christ; consider this: Here’s a way to be involved 100 percent without draining yourself. Here’s a way to do something for a cause that’s truly greater than you are or anything else could ever be. Here’s a way to have joy and fulfillment no matter the outcome. Consider being a part of a movement that’s permanently changing humanity one person at a time. Think about it.
I bring breadstuffs to a housing project in the city every week. My friends had their inner-city mission closed down to build a restaurant-condo complex. They did not want to see the opportunity for blessing go to waste, so they asked me if I wanted to take it over. Of course, there was no need for the bread at the decimated mission, so I was left with finding out exactly who to bless with the bread.
My friends had mentioned a Native-American housing project in the city that could use the load of bread. Unbelievably, my thoughts were that the Lord would certainly find me a place closer to my home. The total drive one way is about sixty miles. God would never inconvenience me like that, seeing as I’m doing a charitable work for Him, and doesn’t charity begin at home?
So, I started asking around for a place that could use my blessing closer to home. I made at least half a dozen phone calls, and some of those phone calls were to umbrella organizations with ties to community. Would you believe that not only could I not find someone who wanted it, but also that no one would even return my phone calls? Unless there’s a prank phone call going around with fake donations, people surely should have called back I thought. Heck, I thought they would leap at my generosity.
Finally, with three-day old bread heaped in my van, I made a run down to the city. I couldn’t stomach the idea that the bread would go to waste, and truthfully, I need to go down there anyway. I called a friend for support and took her with me to drop it off at the project. I lugged in the Hefty bags, and my friend stopped to make small talk with an older lady standing in the food shelf area. I had no desire to engage in conversation that frankly might guilt me into driving this bread down every week.
After a few moments my friend walked out of the room and I couldn’t resist asking her what was said. My friend said, “Oh, the lady said she was down to her last two loaves for the food shelf and she had no idea what she was going to do next.”
I make that sixty-mile journey every week now. And I do it with a smile on my face.
WHAT’S THE POINT?
What a point it truly is. I don’t deny that taking the bread every week is partly an altruistic motion on my part. I’m only human after all. But there’s an even deeper, more primal feeling that tells me I’m in the center of God’s will on this one. Combine that feeling with the closed doors from the other charities and a stranger who speaks God’s words to me and I get the impression that I’m doing what He wants.
That feels good. And sure, being generous is with your cash, your time, your available resources, but it’s even more than all that.
The true nature of being generous the way God intends it is with your being. I feel great taking the bread, and I love getting that smile and thank you from the Salvation Army people when I drop a handful of change. But do I drop a handful of change because it looks like more? And am I disappointed when they don’t notice me? We hardly have the option here of doing things with pure motive, but we sure can try. Unless we try instead to give all of ourselves to Him.
I take the bread there now because I am doing what God wants me to do. I am an extension of Jesus on the earth doing what He would have me do. I enjoy doing it, but I also enjoy the knowledge that His children are being blessed with extra food each week.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. People don’t light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In that same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5.14-16)
When we give things other than our being, it is just an extension of our light. Perhaps it’s a flashlight. Our true lights are found and turned on when we give ourselves to Jesus entirely. We need to be generous of ourselves in order for the world to see exactly who He is in the Kingdom of God on earth. Our bodies and our being need to be turned over as vessels to the only One who can properly fill and pour out at the same time.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12.1)
One last thought. I heard a passage of scripture last week that I can’t get out of my head; and as luck would have it, it ties in nicely here.
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness.” (Isaiah 58.10)
Oh, and if you’re reading this and you like to volunteer and be active for causes, but you don’t know Christ; consider this: Here’s a way to be involved 100 percent without draining yourself. Here’s a way to do something for a cause that’s truly greater than you are or anything else could ever be. Here’s a way to have joy and fulfillment no matter the outcome. Consider being a part of a movement that’s permanently changing humanity one person at a time. Think about it.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
In the spirit of the Christmas celebration, I thought I would revive an old classic with some new lyrics. I remember, “Santa Claus is coming to Town” from when I was a little girl. I remember thinking about the lyrics when I was about to break the rules, especially as it got nearer to present time. Heck, I’ve even used the threat of nothing under the tree on my own kids.
But what if we replace ‘Santa’ with Jesus? What if we support our change with some scripture verses? Who is Santa but an idea of a man who is somehow omniscient and omnipresent? He watches, and he takes notes. Kind of funny in a sad sense if you think about it.
“You better watch out.”
“The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” Romans 8.19
“You better not cry.”
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21.4
“You better not pout.”
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will be rewarded what he has promised.” Hebrews 10.35-36
“I’m telling you why,”
“I want you to know, brothers (and sisters), that the Gospel I preached is not something that man made up.” Galatians 1.11
“Jesus Christ is coming to town”
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Jesus Revelation 22.12-13
“He’s making a list”
“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139.16
“And checking it twice.”
“…Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Jesus Luke 10.20b
“Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice.”
“Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3.22-24
“Jesus Christ is coming to town.”
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3.8-9
“He sees you when you’re sleeping.”
”Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5.14
“He knows when you’re awake.”
“The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Romans 13.11
“He knows if you’ve been bad or good,”
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you…that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5.19-22
“So be good for goodness sake”
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3.12,17
Sure, Santa was a nice thought when we were younger. But eventually, someone broke our little hearts by telling us that he wasn’t real. Now we have a true Jesus, who is not even comparable to anyone else. And He makes this song a whole lot better.
In the spirit of the Christmas celebration, I thought I would revive an old classic with some new lyrics. I remember, “Santa Claus is coming to Town” from when I was a little girl. I remember thinking about the lyrics when I was about to break the rules, especially as it got nearer to present time. Heck, I’ve even used the threat of nothing under the tree on my own kids.
But what if we replace ‘Santa’ with Jesus? What if we support our change with some scripture verses? Who is Santa but an idea of a man who is somehow omniscient and omnipresent? He watches, and he takes notes. Kind of funny in a sad sense if you think about it.
“You better watch out.”
“The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” Romans 8.19
“You better not cry.”
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21.4
“You better not pout.”
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will be rewarded what he has promised.” Hebrews 10.35-36
“I’m telling you why,”
“I want you to know, brothers (and sisters), that the Gospel I preached is not something that man made up.” Galatians 1.11
“Jesus Christ is coming to town”
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Jesus Revelation 22.12-13
“He’s making a list”
“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139.16
“And checking it twice.”
“…Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Jesus Luke 10.20b
“Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice.”
“Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3.22-24
“Jesus Christ is coming to town.”
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3.8-9
“He sees you when you’re sleeping.”
”Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5.14
“He knows when you’re awake.”
“The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Romans 13.11
“He knows if you’ve been bad or good,”
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you…that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5.19-22
“So be good for goodness sake”
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3.12,17
Sure, Santa was a nice thought when we were younger. But eventually, someone broke our little hearts by telling us that he wasn’t real. Now we have a true Jesus, who is not even comparable to anyone else. And He makes this song a whole lot better.
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