Passion fueled by Compassion
Posted on | January 12, 2012 | 1 Comment
This is a response I wrote to a fellow-blogger/sojourner. You can read his post here: Erik Fish. Thanks for the thought-provoking post, Erik!
It’s so easy to be derailed by passion, no? Passion has a positive connotation in our culture today but if we view it from the context of the bible, it’s often lumped into the sin/lust category. I think the warnings are applicable to areas other than amorous passion as well. Notably, in reference to Christ, the word passion is also linked with suffering. Passion is fueled by desire, which is not necessarily a bad thing, assuming the desire is God-given and God-focused. But passion, while intense and a good motivator, is often emotional, heady and impulsive; it can cause tunnel-vision and narrow our mind-set. If we find ourselves in passion’s grip, it might be a flag to take a step back and check to be sure our motives are pure and our foundational intention is to bring God glory.
I love that Erik attributes leadership of the ‘movement’ to Jesus. If we look at his life and how he was moved, it was more by compassion than mere passion. I believe the difference stems in being moved by love for others above our personal desires. Compassion comes at a gut/heart level, bypassing the murky, ego-laden, bogs of the brain. In the case of building a movement, for example, passion might lead us to think our vision is *the* vision, then try to intellectually formulate how to achieve said vision (and to Erik’s point, subsequently feel isolated by the fact that others don’t share your passion, i.e. ‘complain’). Compassion, on the other hand, leads us to see the needs of others through Christ’s eyes; it is satisfied solely by doing the work of the Father, one interaction at a time… as Erik put it so well, “celebrating every single changed life.”
I’m not poo-pooing passion or dreaming big, nor boldness of action, but have been learning (through some of my own ‘don’t come this way’ experiences) that passion can sometimes cause us to take a wrong turn at Albuquerque. It’s a good idea to check in with the Man with the map every step of the way. Our sense of scale can sometimes throw us off-track… we want so much to be part of something big that we forget we already are, tiny as we may be. It is on that humble foundation–when our passion is fueled by compassion, when we are content to do what He sets before us each day, as a cog in a gear, meshing with another cog in another gear–that His movement builds momentum. Let’s go *that* way!
All Truth is God’s Truth
Posted on | October 21, 2011 | Post Comment
For my birthday this year, I was given a glorious little piece of technology and have officially joined the e-reader world. As a book-lover, I was reluctant to give up the physical, page-turning, to-have-and-to-hold, relationship of a paper book, but there are several things you get in the trade-off. One of the first books I felt led to read was Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott, a Donald Miller recommendation. I’m not sure what I’d expected, but this book wasn’t it. Should you venture to pick up this book from a non-cyber book store, it will be an easy one to spot if shelved among its Christian contemporaries. Just look for the book with an unapologetic cigarette hanging from its mouth, dropping an f-bomb quite casually, looking a little confused at times, quite self-aware, yet scratching itself indiscreetly wherever it might happen to itch. A little rough around the edges. But even though it made my spirit squirm in a few places, I found her raw honesty appealing. It seemed authentic. And I would much rather read authentic tales from the heart of someone seeking Jesus as opposed to a semi-true, but polished, piece of vanity. On the one hand, I do believe that perhaps some things are better left unsaid, but on the other, true transparency–exposing our darkness to the light–is one way we grow and learn from our common human experience.
And I learned a lot from this book. There were a lot of really good nuggets of Truth, including quotes from non-Christians. After all, if it’s truly true, then it’s God’s Truth, right? Truth is Truth. There isn’t one thing that’s true for a Buddhist that isn’t true for a follower of Jesus. Now there might be assumed truths that don’t line up… but I’m talking about true Truth. Maybe if we start with our common ground to build relationships, we might have more opportunities to share God’s truth along the way.
So in the interest of Truth, using my new little gadget’s highlight feature, I thought I’d share the things that really struck me from this book (in bold) and what God said to me.
From Traveling Mercies, by Anne Lamott:
God isn’t there to take away our suffering or our pain but to fill it with his or her presence.
I’m not equipped to dive into the gender of God, so I’ll leave that alone, but I do love the sentiment of this statement. It reminded me of a quote from Khalil Gibran’s, The Prophet: “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.”
Augustine: To look for God is to find him.
Absolutely true, in my experience. And I suspect yours too.
A woman I know says, for her morning prayer, “Whatever,” and then for the evening, “Oh, well,” but has conceded that these prayers are more palatable for people without children.
This made me chuckle, but it’s also worth exploring. I kinda like the opening prayer of “Whatever,” depending on whether it comes with a defeated, sarcastic tone. I like the thought of… “Whatever you have planned today, Lord. I’m up for it!” Of course, judging by the closing prayer, I’m guessing this woman was feeling defeated by her life. Then again, maybe she meant “Oh well, wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but Your will be done.” Just goes to show that the attitude/heart behind our words is hugely important.
I always thought that was heroic of her, that it spoke of such integrity to refuse to pretend that you’re doing well just to help other people deal with the fact that sometimes we face an impossible loss.
This was referring to a story about a lady who started losing her sight at age 80 and pulled away from the church. I can relate. I remember attending church for the first time after miscarrying. We only told close friends and family, so most people had no idea that I was hurting. I don’t like putting on a happy face when I’m anything but. I also didn’t want to evoke sympathy or needlessly draw mere acquaintances into something that had nothing to do with them, so I would try to force a smile and quickly avert my eyes. I remember feeling like I was dying inside and wanting to R.U.N. But I don’t think running or hiding from others when you’re in pain is heroic. Perhaps it does show “integrity to refuse to pretend,” but I think the real tragedy is when we don’t call on others in our times of trial for fear of being a downer or a burden. That’s what the body of Christ is for. Not that we want to take everyone down with us or always be that “woe is me” person looking for attention, but when we hurt, I think it’s okay to say so. I also don’t think being “in Christ” is synonymous with being “in Vince Able” (whoever he is). Jesus wept. We weep. We have spiritual armor available, true, but every now and again, we’re probably going to take a hit. I’m trying really hard to resist the urge to answer that everything is “fine” when fine actually means, “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad.” But I believe it’s also key to know that God is bigger than any temporary pain we’re facing and that we’re trusting Him to pull us through.
I saw something once from the Jewish Theological Seminary that said, “A human life is like a single letter of the alphabet. It can be meaningless. Or it can be a part of a great meaning.”
This is so great and very close to my heart right now. I want to be a letter in a word in a sentence in a paragraph in a chapter of God’s amazing story. This doesn’t make us insignificant. Change one letter and you change the whole thing.
We are not punished for the sin but by the sin.
I think people so often project their experiences or notions of imperfect human parenting on God. The bible says, “The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” I think believers often fall in one of two camps of thought: God of Wrath or God as Giant Teddybear. I don’t believe God is out to strike us down with lightening bolts just for kicks, but I do believe, in His holy perfection and omniscience, God allows us to suffer the consequences of our actions (or those of others), knowing what will produce the greatest growth in us and what will draw us near to Him. Yes, Jesus rescued us from the eternal consequences of our actions, but His grace doesn’t shield us from temporal suffering. He is not a Helicopter Mom, waiting to swoop down and prevent us from ever getting hurt. How about we stop trying to blame bad things that happen in our lives on God or others. Sin is the problem. Sin has consequences. Sin tows punishment in its wake, causing ramifications for generations. Atheists often say they can’t reconcile the thought of a God that allows so much suffering, but those who love Him know that the picture is so much bigger than any temporary pain and He is indeed weaving a tapestry of ultimate goodness out of all of it. (Romans 8:28)
God is for giving, and that we are here for giving too.
Love this. We’re not only here for giving, but forgiving. I’d never noticed the connection between the words, but it actually works. When we forgive, we are for (in favor of) giving (bestowing, extending) the grace God has given us to others.
God loves us exactly the way we are, and God loves us too much to let us stay like this. I do not at all understand the mystery of grace only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.
This goes hand-in-hand with the trippy, spiritual truth that we are “becoming who we are.”
But if the fortune of the [young] girl is in the newness, in being the bud, and the fortune of the crone is in the freedom, the lack of attachment or clinging, where does that leave a youngish middle-aged American woman like me? Maybe it leaves me needing to consider how wealthy I am in the knowledge that the girl of my past is still in me while a marvelous dreadlocked crone is in the future–and that I hold both of these females inside. …I realize that I want what the crones have: time for all those long deep breaths, time to watch more closely, time to learn to enjoy what I’ve always been afraid of–the sag and the invisibility, the ease of understanding the life is not about doing. The crones understand this, and it gives them all kinds of time–time to get much less done, time for all these holy moments. So I’ve been thinking about how, realistically, I am probably not going to lose five pounds before I see the guy I like again, or have a little canopy above my eyes snipped off. And how what I am going to do instead is to begin practicing cronehood as soon as possible: to watch, smile, dance.
Watch. Smile. Dance. This makes me sigh a happy sigh.
Pablo Picasso said: “Everything is a miracle. It is a miracle that one does not dissolve in one’s bath like a lump of sugar.”
People say miracles don’t happen any more. I think we so often miss everyday miracles, we just need to be more creative in our contemplation of the miraculous. Picasso apparently also thought it was a miracle that each human face comes arranged in an orderly fashion.
The thing about light is that it really isn’t yours, it’s what you gather and shine back. And it gets more power from reflectiveness; if you sit still and take it in, it fills your cup, and then you can give it off yourself. So I sat still.
Hooray for sitting still… one of the lost pleasures of our harried culture.
But courage is fear that has said its prayers, and so I prayed.
But. Even. If. My favorite fear prayer/elixir.
Let the beauty we love be what we do; there are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground. ~ Rumi
I don’t know much about Rumi, but again, accept truth as God’s where I find it. Worship… all. day. long. Beauty truly is everywhere.
Then he said that as far as the car was concerned, if you have a problem you can solve by throwing money at it, you don’t have a very interesting problem.
I’m not sure whether ranking problems by their “interest” level is the best method, as if our goal is to come up with a more “newsworthy” promise. But I do like how this puts things in a lighter perspective. Our culture gives money much more time and thought than it deserves.
She loves God in the guise of kindness and nature, although she calls God Howard, as in Our Father, who art in heaven, Howard be thy name.
I’m picturing a god named Howard. Maybe a Jewish guy. Maybe a guy like Mr. C on Happy Days. People can have so many confusing ideas about God and who He really is. We love to try and humanize Him, which with Jesus is possible to the extent of His life on earth… but try as we might, we cannot pin God down or box Him in. And when we do, we cheat ourselves of a God of mystery that is way beyond our idea of way beyond. Just when you think you get to know Him, He shows you another secret and you’re reminded that He is ALL… but that is not all. Oh no, that is not all.
And a Partridge in an Olive Tree
Posted on | September 14, 2011 | Post Comment
Stepping out of our van, the very first thing I noticed was birds singing. We didn’t know it yet, but they were welcoming us to our soon-to-be home. The joyous, feathered choir had made its home in a huge Bradford Pear tree in the front yard–a tree that snowed white blossoms in the springtime and showered us with cool, purple shade in the hot summer months. But now it’s gone, claimed by a giant gust of wind that screamed down our street like a wild teenager on a joyride. Crash… the tree was split in two.
An expert told us the Bradford wasn’t a good candidate for saving. Heartbroken, I momentarily imagined myself picketing our own tree-removal site with a “SAVE THE TREE!” sign, not going quite so far as to actually chain myself to the tree. The Holy Spirit seemed to nudge me out of my daydream (just in time, because my rally was gaining support and a chorus of Kookburra was rising up). I got that cool, tingly Spirit feeling as the arborist continued to speak. What he said went a little something like this: “You see these trees that grow so fast are prone to splitting. They grow up in these tight, little v-shapes, rather than growing out. Then all these little sucker branches come and fill up the space in between. Unless you heavily prune these guys, you end up with one top-heavy tree, packed tight with leaves. When a violent wind comes along, it can’t get through the wall of leaves, so the tree loses the battle.”
Oh how I loves me a spiritual metaphor. Picture this… A person, arms raised in touch-down position, reaching vertically, yet inward… like the Tower of Babel. Maybe someone who kept to herself and was afraid reach out, or someone stuck in the bondage of pride or greed, who cared mostly about himself. Maybe two friends who never open themselves up to transparency and real intimacy. Or a group of people who stand side-by-side, but let the business of life grow up like little suckers and never quite experience true community. Whether tree, person, or house… divided against itself, it cannot stand.
But then I saw another picture… A person with arms outstretched. Someone reaching out to others. Someone who was not self-focused, but had eyes on Jesus and love for their neighbor. Friends who got real with each other and brought their troubles into the light. A group a people who lived life together, branching out, growing more vibrant and stronger day by day, deeply rooted in Christ. People like this would stand strong when sinister winds blew. People like this would have room to breathe and dance and sway as the Holy Spirit flowed among them.
People like this.
Our tree was roughly 20-years old. And it lived a good life by Bradford Pear standards. But if you look at some of the ancient trees in olive groves that are thought to be thousands of years old, they branch out. They receive and they give. May we be like olive trees in a grove, continuing to not only grow in grace, but grow together in grace. I can almost hear the birds singing, welcoming us home.
Transition
Posted on | August 28, 2011 | Post Comment
It’s been a time of transition. I feel restless, but know the Lord’s plan is good and try to be patient as it unfolds. Proverbs 21:31 says “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.” When I first read this verse, I immediately focused on me as the horse: “Okay, I’m to prepare myself.” But then I realized, once again, I was inserting my “need to do something” where there is no such directive. Why is it that I always try to make it about me? The verse doesn’t say, “The horse prepares itself,” it says, “the horse is prepared.” In other words, the Lord prepares us for battle…a battle He has already won, by the way. So if you’re like me, that leaves you feeling a little humph… asking the Lord, “So what exactly is it that you want from me again?”
I’ve often found God’s Word to be layered with meanings. For me, dissecting a verse isn’t about trying to be a smartypants, it’s about wanting to lick the plate clean after a good meal, not wanting to leave any morsel left behind. For instance, in this verse I found it interesting that the Hebrew word defined as horse, actually has several meanings, including “a swallow, or swift (bird), a crane, horseback,” and also is derived from an unused root meaning “to skip (properly, for joy); a horse (as leaping); also a swallow (from its rapid flight).” The picture I begin to get now evolves to a creature soaring or perhaps leaping for joy. And this is part of the answer to my question before Jesus: He wants me to soar and leap with joy. What this means to me is that He wants me to live as I was created to live. A bird doesn’t have to overthink soaring. She simply soars. A free horse doesn’t worry whether it’s leaping correctly. He simply leaps.
And so, rather than trying to beat God to the punch as I wait to see how His plans unfold, I am choosing to live according to the freedom Jesus purchased for me. While He prepares me, I will soar and leap in my spirit… living life alive.
The Most Amazing Parent
Posted on | April 29, 2011 | Post Comment
Last summer, I wrote a series called “The Secret of My Success” which shared my dream to finish a little book God inspired me to write.
Seven years in the making, I now humbly offer this little book in paperback format. If God so leads you to purchase one, you may do so here: https://www.createspace.com/3597539.
For more information on the book, please visit www.mostamazingparent.com.
Thank you so much for sharing this journey with me. Any feedback would be highly valued.
Much love, anj
Breathing…
Posted on | January 18, 2011 | Post Comment
Most precious readers,
Just a note to explain my hiatus in posting. While I love the time I spend with God in preparing for the regular devotions I’ve been writing over the past year, the actual wordsmithing has claimed quite a hold on available creative space in my thinktank.
I feel at this time committed to finish a book project that God inspired me to begin several years ago.
In the meantime, I am always available to address any concerns or struggles you might be facing, to pray with and for you as we continue our journeys in living these butevenif lives, trusting God ever step of the way.
Much love, anj
anj@butevenif.com
Whaddaya Get the Guy Who’s Got the World?
Posted on | December 24, 2010 | Post Comment
Why is it we exchange gifts at Christmastime? In honor of Jesus’ birthday? And since He already has everything He needs… we happily step in to receive gifts instead. Isn’t that just like Jesus? Isn’t that just like us?
Even better than a membership to the Jelly-of-the-Month Club, Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year. And I’ve let too many years go by in the spirit of Clark W. Griswold, not appreciating what I’ve been given, having already spent more than I can afford. Yes, Jesus probably already has everything He needs… but so do I. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
And so I ask myself, is there something I could give Jesus this year? What do we get the guy who’s got everything? I believe the answer is “us.” All of us, every part of Everyday-Us–not just Sunday-Us or I’m-in-Trouble-Us. Look at all He’s gone through to make our relationship with Him possible. He wants to talk with us, walk with us, laugh with us, cry with us, surprise us, thrill us… all of us. If you don’t yet enjoy this sort of relationship with God, I encourage you to be open to the possibility. Over the next several days, I’ll be sharing some things that have taken my relationship with God to new heights. Like the Little Drummer Boy… I have no gift that’s fit to give a King, so I offer my ears, my words and my heart… pa-rum-pa-pum-pum.
Do You Hear What I Hear?
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. – John 10:3
Do you hear from God? Or does that strike you as an audacious claim? I wholeheartedly believe I hear from God… and not because I’m any different from anyone else., but because I learned to listen. There have been many books written on the subject. The particular one that really helped me was “Walking With God” by John Eldredge. If you don’t believe you hear God or aren’t sure, I’d like to share a few things to try this week. Please note that I offer these as things that have worked for me, but do not limit God by suggesting that there is only one way to hear Him. He might use a street sign, a song, a circumstance, a memory, a dream, a friend, your bible… the more you look for Him, the more you’ll begin to see Him.
The idea of hearing from God can come as an assault to our human way of thinking, so let’s start by believing you can and will hear from Him. In literature, this is called “the willing suspension of disbelief.” I like that. As recorded in the bible, God sometimes speaks audibly to people, but in my experience He speaks inaudibly. So how do you tell His voice from your own thoughts? It can be tricky. For me, it took practice. More on that tomorrow. Until then… believe. You are a beloved friend of God, no less than Moses. He speaks and He wants you to listen.
Keep It Simple, Simon
His sheep follow him because they know his voice. – John 10:4
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. – John 21:6-7
I’ve always loved Simon Peter’s bold faith. Remember from yesterday… if you don’t believe God speaks to you, hearing Him is probably going to be difficult. Notice in the passage above that John recognizes Jesus’ voice when He speaks to them. I think this was because John knew Him so well. How do you get to know someone’s nuances? You spend time with them.
Believing I would hear, the next step I took in learning to recognize God’s voice was spending time listening. Yes, I actually practiced (and still do if I’m going through a period where I don’t feel tuned-in to Him). There aren’t many things that you get good at without practice and usually it’s best to start simple. So that’s what I do…
Quiet myself. Quiet my thoughts. “Lord, I’m listening. I want to hear You.” I often ask Him for one word at a time… one simple word. It may not initially make any sense to me, but as I go through my day, waiting for the revelation, it is always something much cooler than I could ever have dreamed up. It’s so… Him.
Next… the day my seven-year-old son heard God’s voice.
“Mudroom”
“Truly I say to you, whoever does not accept and receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child shall not in any way enter it.” – Luke 18:17
One way I’ve practiced hearing God’s voice is by asking Him to help me find things. If this sounds a like I’m playing Genie in a Bottle with God, let me clarify that my primary goal in these exercises has been learning to hear His voice, and that I’ve only found success in finding things when this was truly my intent and in situations where God would get the glory. For example, it’s proven to be a great faith-builder for my kids. So much so, that my seven-year-old will often ask me to pray when we lose something.
On one particular day last week, it happened to be his wallet–chock-full of birthday moolah that was wanting to go spend. I had my doubts that Isaac’s primary focus was on God’s glory. So we chatted about it and I encouraged him to use this as an opportunity to learn to recognize God’s voice. He eagerly quieted himself and listened. He heard “wait.” He didn’t like that answer and said, “Mom, you try.” I prayed and got the sense that I wasn’t going to get the answer… this was God’s time with Isaac. We spent a seemingly futile day looking every place Isaac subsequently thought maybe God was leading him. I’ll admit I was a little frustrated myself, wanting so badly for Isaac to hear God that we chased that wild goose all over the house. Isaac finally gave up, deciding that the first thing he heard was probably what God really wanted him to do. So, we waited.
The next day I felt led to encourage Isaac to listen again. Not sure I wanted to devote another day to the hunt, I somewhat reluctantly asked if he felt up to it. He quieted himself and heard “mudroom.” I was dubious because I’d peeked through the room (unprompted) the day before, but wanted to keep the faith. A few minutes later, as I was looking through a pile of clothes I’d carried to the mudroom from Isaac’s room (during the goose chase), I felt an unusually heavy pocket. Voilà le wallet!
Isaac had heard God’s voice and was elated. Because he had “waited,” finding the wallet was no longer the focus. We found much more. A little boy “waited” and found God waiting for him.
Christmas Collision Confirmation
I’ve had a song running through my head all Christmas season this year–thankfully it isn’t Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, but instead a song called Our Worlds Collide. That’s the nutshell of Christmas for me… Jesus bridging the gap, God giving up His rights and becoming as human as human gets… a tiny infant. It’s a collision of epic magnitude… heaven meets earth. And as you know, He didn’t stop there in His sacrifices for us.
As a result, we’ve been given some amazing gifts… not only the gift of everlasting life, but the opportunity to be with God now, right here on earth. The gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Cor. 12–wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues–are bestowed not for stature, but for the common good. Though our areas of giftedness may differ, I don’t see Him playing favorites–He calls all of His children into action. Yes, even li’l ol’ you (Elijah was a man just like us – Jas. 5:17). I believe our gifts are ignited as we yield ourselves to Him, when we are ready to use them for His glory. Imagine sitting afoot God’s Christmas tree with your gifts and responding, “Um… no thank you, Lord.” It’s a similar scenario when we don’t listen for (and listen to/obey) Him. He has so many treasures waiting for each of us to discover. (If you’re a parent, I’ll bet you can appreciate the desire to have your children listen to you as you hope to protect, guide and build a loving relationship with them.)
If you’re new to listening, I am so excited for you. It’s a whole new kind of praying to have a conversation, rather than rattle off a list of desires. It may seem awkward at first. It may seem risky (“What if I hear Him wrong?”). In my experience it becomes more and more natural and easier and easier to distinguish His voice from your own. But a word of caution… boldly proclaiming that you hear God’s voice is great, but speaking “for” Him is not something to be taken lightly. I ask for confirmation when I believe I’ve heard from God and try to make sure what I’m hearing lines up with His Word. Confirmation can come through a bible verse, sermon, devotional or fellow believer. (I’ve even had it come from tv commercials, street signs, fast food restaurants and nature. I realize this may sound crazy, but I don’t mind sharing. It’s the way God and I relate and I love it. Your experience may be totally different.)
Which brings me to my second caution… even with confirmation, I am careful to remember that I am human, fallible and subject to “wishful hearing”… especially in highly emotional situations. It can be helpful to ask other believers to listen on your behalf. There are also times when I’m just not sure what God’s saying and it can be discouraging. When this happens I go back to the basics, saying “God, I just want to hear from you today and know you’re here.” Sometimes I’ll simply hear “love” or “forgiven” and that’s all I really need.
I pray that on this special evening celebrating His birth, we will listen together as worlds collide, raising our voices with the angels… “Holy, Holy, Holy.”
Click here to listen to Our Worlds Collide by Barlow Girl
Tonight the stars are dancing
To the songs the angels sing
I hear You whisper on the breeze
And every sound echoes the rhythm
Of your heart as I begin to fade
Into this lovely night
I’m alive
Cause our worlds collide
I’m lost in time
Heaven kisses me tonight
Your heart with mine
It beats in time
Now I know why I’m alive
Now that I’ve found You
I could never let You go away
You left my life never the same
Sing over me and let me hear the words
You wrote for me
Whisper the words and set my spirit free
Oh, sing to me
Fight or Flight
Posted on | December 10, 2010 | Post Comment
Typically I drive around town without thinking too much about my speed. I follow the rhythms of traffic and obey the natural laws of the road (curves, hills, obstacles, terrain) that govern how fast I can safely travel. But occasionally, I’ll pass a police officer and glance down to see that my instinctive speed-o-meter is in direct violation of the signpost law. I’m surprised how reliably this triggers an adrenaline release–heart races, stomach turns, fingers and toes go numb, breath shortens, antiperspirant fails. I’m actually experiencing this physiological response right now, just by thinking about it. Weird.
Our so-called “fight or flight” adrenaline response is known to have best-served its purpose when man lived in more primitive conditions, often requiring a boost of survival strength to fight or flee from a foe. In our modern world, the same response shows up most often when dealing with stressful situations–financial concerns, relational struggles, public speaking, rush-hour traffic. Our battles may not seem as deadly as an encounter with a saber-toothed enemy, but make no mistake… we do have an enemy. Only the battleground has changed. Some of the most difficult battles we face today take place in our minds, which doesn’t make them any less real. We make fight or flight decisions every day. Will we stay stuck in survival mode, focusing on fear rather than Christ’s love? Or will we suit-up and use the armor God provides? Will we fight to the victory? Flee temptation? (2 Timothy 2:22, 1 Corinthians 6:18)
To enjoy abundant life, we must move beyond a state of adrenaline-soaked, mini-crisis to mini-crisis living and accept the relief only Christ can offer.
In the LORD I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain”? – Psalm 11:1
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7
::::::::::
Don’t Read This!
You rebel you… you’re reading even though I told you not to! Some of us seem hard-wired to follow rules and others seem bent in doing the opposite. Neither extreme will serve us well.
The would-be run-in with the law I relayed yesterday highlights several things. Today, let’s look at discernment. Following an internal speedometer may serve just fine, but because everyone’s internal guides may not be safe and sane, to ensure safety of the masses we have external laws in place.
Spiritually, grace and law operate much the same way. God’s law is external and was needed until Christ gave us grace and an internal guide–the Holy Spirit. We can still look to His external laws and the bible for guidance, but even these are best interpreted through the eyes and heart of God, through tuning in to the Holy Spirit.
Jesus often shocked people with his “rebellious” ways. He walked with the Father, which doesn’t look like black and white rule-following, but colorful, vibrant, obedient living that brings glory to God.
They (the Pharisees) came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”
But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”
And they were amazed at him. – Mark 12:14
::::::::::
Your Thoughts Betray You
Darth Vadar told Luke Skywalker he’d given away valuable information: “Your thoughts betray you.” Although it’s a subject of some debate, most bible scholars do not believe that the devil can read our thoughts… that is a privilege reserved for our omnipresent and omniscient God. But many believe he is a master at studying us and can suggest thoughts that we take as our own. Mysteries of the spiritual realm aside, our thought-life is where much of the battle action happens.
We don’t have control over our emotions or any adrenaline responses triggered by stress. But it’s up to us to decide what we do with our thoughts and emotions. First, it helps to remember that our thoughts can betray us. Was I in any real danger in just passing a policeman? Nope, but my body responded as if I was. Now that was an easy one… I was able to let it pass quickly as my rational mind rejected the emotions I was experiencing.
There are other times when it isn’t quite so easy. When grief, anger, fear, resentment and other powerful emotions rule the roost, we need to send in reinforcements: bullets of biblical truth deftly aimed by our trusty sharpshooter, the ever-victorious Jesus Christ.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. – 2 Cor. 10:5
::::::::::
You Can’t Go Home Again
Past experiences can trigger emotional responses in the present. It makes sense that we draw from experience if we are to learn from it. What doesn’t make sense is to let past experiences drag us backward. Are there situations, environments or relationships that seem to suck you back in time and really expose your flesh? I certainly experience this. Sometimes I’m weak and fall back into old patterns… even the negative ones somehow feel comfortable like an old pair of shoes, molded just for my feet.
But then I remember… “Wait. That’s not who I am.” We are new creations in Christ. Whether we feel like it or not. Remembering that gives new energy to my spirit and I kick off those old sandals and put on my warrior gear (I happen to be a barefoot warrior, but you can choose your own new shoes–steel toe might be nice).
Every morning God gives us another chance (Lam. 3:22-23). I believe we’ll face similar battles again and again until they finally become easy for us. Little-by-little, the time gap will narrow between our patterned flesh response and remembering who we really are in Christ. And little-by-little we’ll realize not only that we can’t go “home” again, but that we don’t want to. We have a new home being prepared just for us (John 14:2), and I gotta think the view is amazing. Location, location, location.
What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. – Ecclesiastes 3:15
::::::::::
Fear Itself
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. – 1 John 4:18
Fear is a confusing emotion and a confusing word, biblically speaking. We are told to fear God (Luke 12:5), but also told His perfect love expels all fear. Part of the confusion stems from the application of the word. The definition of fear includes not only panic and terror, but also respect and reverence. Certainly God might inspire all of these, and it is good to remember His awesome power and perfect holiness. It’s in recognizing His supremacy (which challenges our egos) that we truly appreciate how amazing it is that He calls us friends and wants an intimate relationship with us. If we know Him, our trembling before Him is not in terror… we have nothing to “fear” if we are His. And yet we fall down before Him in fear (respect and reverence), in awe of His goodness, His holiness.
Why does passing a police car while exceeding the speed limit cause an adrenaline release? I’m afraid of getting caught, plain and simple. I’m focusing on myself and what’s going to happen to me. Focusing on the law breeds panic. But what if punishment wasn’t an issue? Passing the car wouldn’t make me feel anxious… it would just remind me to check my speed and make sure I was being safe. I’d have nothing to fear… not even fear itself.
Bridging the Gap
Posted on | November 25, 2010 | Post Comment
As an elementary art teacher, I am often frustrated by a phenomenon I call the “Big White Gap.” When asked to depict any outdoor scene, most kids will include a strip of blue at the top to represent sky, a green strip at the bottom to represent grass, and leave a white void in between. We discuss the horizon line and how the earth always meets the sky, but the Big White Gap prevails. “What’s between the sky and the grass?” I ask, usually met with a shrug. Some comply and fill in the gap and others insist they “like it that way.”
Perhaps students are simply too lazy to color around the focal point of their picture, but I’m coming to believe it’s more likely that the art reflects their world view. As students mature, the gap narrows and eventually they come to notice (or accept) that the ground does indeed meet the sky. What about your world? Where does the ground (the earth, physical life) meet the sky (the heavens, spiritual life)? Is there a Big White Gap? Do we see the spiritual realm as some distant, far off place? Or is it here, now, all around us?
Just as my students’ art reveals their world view, I believe the way we live our daily lives says a lot about our spiritual views. Are we resistant to go around the obstacles (culture, circumstances, distractions) that color our lives? Do we live as we believe or go with the flow? As our Teacher reveals how He in fact bridges the gap, how will we respond? Will we hold tight to our natural man and temporal world view, insisting we like it this way? Or will we invite the Holy Spirit to fill us with His color so we can live as the spiritual beings we really are? Once we make the leap, we might be surprised to find out… with Christ we can fly.
::::::::::
No Problemo
The only problem that’s a real problem is a faith problem.
If you consider that statement from a physical world view, you’d probably disagree. Do we have problems? Are they real? Are they hard? Yes, yes, and yes.
But from an eternal, heavenly perspective, is there anything on this earth that is really a problem? Not if we have faith. Not if we trust the Lord. When we truly believe that He is in control, He loves us, and He works all things together for our good, then we can give our problems to Him. No problemo.
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” – Jeremiah 32:17
::::::::::
The Challenge of the Ages
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. – 1 John 2: 15-17
We were given free will, just as the angels. And just as some of the angels fell, mankind fell. Why?
I believe the simple answer is pride—defined by St. Augustine as “the love of one’s own excellence.” We seem to have an innate preoccupation with ourselves, our desires, our importance. I don’t think this is an accident, but the challenge of the ages: Will we use the gift of free will to deny the self and choose the love of God?
In the end, God will be sure that everyone who remains with Him is truly with Him. Not because of any good we’ve done, but because of how good He is. Not because we have to be, but because we want to be. Not in fear, but in love.
“If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.” – Luke 17:33
::::::::::
Color me Thankful
“We live under wide open skies and know where we stand.” – from 1 Thes. 5 (The Message)
What does your painting look like today? Does the sky meet the ground? Are we standing firmly on our rock – as a lighthouse for family and friends?
Today is a day for celebrating our thankfulness. Usually we think of the good things and blessings, of which there are many. With Jesus standing in the gap for us, we can be thankful for all things and all circumstances (1 Thes. 5:18). May His Spirit flood your heart and homes with radiant light and beautiful color. Happy Thanksgiving!
For some great verses to meditate on today in a way you may not have read them before, click here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%205&version=MSG
::::::::::
Rainbow Friday
“But Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.” – Deut. 32:15
Somehow I don’t think Israel is alone in their love of excess.
Whether it’s unbuttoning the top button to make room for pumpkin pie or getting up at 4am to grab the best deals, the world we live in wants more. The holiday season celebrating the birth of our Lord is so full of food, festivity and frenzy that we can lose sight of Him if we’re not intentional.
Every sunrise we wake up to is a gift. Every breath we take is miraculous. Every day is worth celebrating. In Christ, our Prince of Plenty, we’ve already got everything we could possibly need… including every color of the rainbow. This doesn’t make Christmastime any less wonderful, but puts our focus on the Source of all Seasons.
Nothing More to Want
Posted on | November 13, 2010 | 2 Comments
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. –Psalm 23:1
Shall not want?
Is this possible? In our culture? Flesh wants. It wants approval and food and decadence and material things and, and, and… a list a mile long. It has a lot of things it has no business wanting. But…
I shall not want.
It would be easy to interpret this as an admonition: We shall not—should not—want. But I don’t picture the Lord standing over us wagging a finger for being greedy or needy. Based on the words that precede it, I believe “shall not” here means “need not.”
I need not want.
I need not want because I have entered the gate to freedom. The Lord is my Shepherd—He takes care of me, He leads me in the right direction, He keeps me safe, He provides for me, He loves me unconditionally and without fail.
I need not want because in Him I have all I need—whether it feels like it or not. Often, I believe our definition of a full life is severely out of whack. If I begin to “feel” dissatisfied, this verse helps put things back in perspective for me. If I was left with nothing but Him I would still have everything from A-Z.
The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing more to want.
:::::::::::::::
The Gate to Freedom
Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – John 10:9-10
“They will come and go freely.” It’s interesting that free will can actually be the very thing that keeps us in bondage. Once we realize that using our free will to wander around in the wilderness is dangerously exhausting, we enter our Shepherd’s good pasture.
But the thief doesn’t let up—saved doesn’t mean safe; free doesn’t mean trouble-free. Even in the pasture of Christianity we can temporarily lose our way if we wander off alone, but sticking close behind our Shepherd will keep us on the path of life, even through the valleys.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. – Psalm 23:4
:::::::::::::::
You Can’t Make Me!
He makes me to lie down in green pastures. – Psalm 23:2
Have you ever seen an overtired kid? Not the sweet, dozy, rubbing-the-eyes variety—I’m talking about the on-edge, crabby kid that’s overwhelmed with exhaustion but insists she IS NOT TIRED and DOES NOT NEED a nap. As adults we find this so odd… wouldn’t we love to have someone “make us” take a nap? Well, actually…
The original Greek for “makes me to lie down,” can also be translated “leads them to rest,” or “cause to, make to lie down, make to rest.” Are you feeling tired and weary, but insistent you can handle this on your own–maybe even take on more? Your Shepherd may be telling you it’s nap time.
:::::::::::::::
Forego, ergo Forgo (say what?)
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. – John 10:27
Last week, while listening to my Shepherd’s voice I heard “Forgo.” I’d been feeling worn out (admitting I needed a nap), so I assumed He was counseling me to forgo—give up or let go of—some of the fruitless worries I’d taken on. I took this to heart, but there was more. He didn’t pass along a bit of kindly advice and leave it at that for me to handle alone. I later discovered with delight that the word He whispered has two spellings and two definitions—forgo (abstain) and forego: to go before, precede.
My shepherd foregoes (goes before) me, therefore I can forgo (let go of) my worries. I’ve not found much success in simply telling myself to stop worrying. But what does help is remembering that Jesus is ahead of me, leading, clearing the path ahead. It is only the thought of putting my trust in and following Him that makes it possible for me to stay calm, even in the storm, knowing still waters are just ahead.
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. – Psalm 23:2-3
:::::::::::::::
The 23rd Psalm Revisited
King David was not only a poet, but a prophet. The Psalms clearly show that the Lord revealed His deep mysteries to him. His Psalm 23 has inspired volumes of commentary, entire books and numerous sermons—not surprisingly—it says so much, so beautifully. I humbly add my contribution to the pile:
The Lord is my all, I don’t need anything else. When I take time to sit with Him, I find renewed strength. When I follow Him, I see things differently… I find goodness. I remember it’s all about Him, not me, and that brings me peace.
He alone sustains me when I go through tough times. Even when darkness threatens at every side, with Him I need not be afraid—He is my light. I am thankful that my love for Him helps me say no to things that are temporarily tempting, but would ultimately bring pain… maybe even hurt someone I love.
He blesses me beyond measure, welcoming me as His very own—an honor I did nothing to deserve. He not only leads me, but He has my back—surrounding me with His protection, goodness and grace.
And I get to be with Him forever.
Sweet.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness, For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalm 23