I was driving along Cleveland yesterday on the way to rehearsal at GCC for a monologue I did this weekend, and traffic was packed in the right-hand lane coming up the hill right there where SR 23 breaks off to the South by UP mall. I was in the left-hand lane cruising along at like 15 mph without a car in front of me at all (and still about 50 yards to the light) . . . . . . and then a van decides to pull out of the right lane and into the left just as I was getting ready to pass her (i.e., I must have been in her blind spot). . . . . . there was nothing that I could do – no time to dodge . . . . in an instant, I heard a crunch, and then like a bumper car was spinning into the 2 lanes of oncoming traffic. . .praise God the light had only just turned green – so the oncoming traffic had plenty of time to slow down (if the timing would have been different. . . , well, I am not sure what would have happened, but I know what could have. . . ).  I pulled into a subdivision – long story short. . . I got a relatively small dent, some scratches. . . she was 16 and freaking out – it would have been really rough for her to have that on her record already. I decided to let her go. . . . but not not without trying to help her understand that we all make mistakes, . . . really it happens to everyone – then we talked a little more and we were on our way. . . . probably never to see each other again – and I prayed to God that in some way she had felt His presence in all of this. . .

It is amazing what happens when you realize for a moment that for some reason your life was spared. . .

you ask. . . why?

and though I cannot fully answer that question – especially in light of the unexplainable deaths of so many people everyday – including my aunt and uncle (see post below), but I do know one reason

I still must have work in God’s Kingdom bringing process to complete. . . . and I do not plan on wasting any time pursuing things for only myself or even my family – because those motivations pale in comparison to God’s will, which I trust already has what is best for me AND my family. Now this does not mean that I must run myself into the ground with busyness – I fully believe there is a divine rhythm  for me – for all of us. . . . . and a rhythm is nothing without its pauses (times when there is a rest/silence).

That being said though . . . I am on a renewed drive to crank up the amp on my electric guitar and ROCK! . . . .seriously, what is there to fear? . . . failure – no, because I believe that the only true failure is inaction, stagnation, being lukewarm, refusing to give God what little I have – -remember, God can never use you to feed 5000 if you never give him the 2 fish!

We were covering some social psychology stuff the other day in General Psychology - specifically, conformity and obedience.  So, . . . . . and I am sure you will all be surprised by this. . . . I decided to use some youtube videos to bring home some of the material.

I first showed them this video on conformity (a little old, but the students always get a kick out of the sweet clothes!), and it gets the students warmed up:)

I then ask for some of their reactions, but we do not spend very much time on it. . . because I am just wanting to lay the foundations for the next video:

I then go through a series of questions that the students respond to – usually in written form first (just because some people want time to collect their thoughts – and feel much more comfortable writing it all out first), and then we end up discussing them after we are all the way through. I give them a couple of minutes after each question to write out their responses . . . . a few more minutes after some of the more difficult ones (i.e., #6).

1. What are your intial reactions to this?
2. Why do you think it is that when Stanley Milgram (before he did the experiment) asked psychologists to predict what percentage of people they thought would go all the way to the lethal level of shock (450 volts) . . . the psychologists predicted only 1/10th of 1% . . . . . .?
3. Migram’s parents were Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany. . . how do you think this might of changed his view on Nazis?
4. What do these two videos/experiments tell us about the human race?
5. Do you think you would have gone all the way to the most severe shock if you were the “teacher” in the second video? . . . explain why
6. How do these two videos. . . and especially the second one. . . .relate to our faith. . . what we believe. . . and how we end of up believing certain things about our faith.
7. Define obedience
8. What type of obedience does God want from you?

What ensues then is a great discussion involving class material, personal experiences, and faith. . . . . . . and that combination, . . . . ALWAYS makes me happy. . . . .man! I love what I get to do:)!

So, Rob Wegner had a great little discussion about this video the other day on his blog. . . and I just wanted to continue it here:

What do you think this video means – is it good news or bad. . . or both . . . or neither? You tell me:

We have a saying in our house that we often repeat to our children . . . “be grateful, not greedy”. . . and “we share in this family”. . . . can’t quite be sure of how well they are working, but we want the principles to ring true in their lives — Especially, . . . as we are living in such an affluent society. There are other ways that we try and teach our children about giving, serving, appreciation, and sacrifice – - like serving at the rescue mission tomorrow morning, or reading through the World Vision  catalog that we got in the mail a month ago. . . over and over. . . – it is one of the kids’ favorite “books”.

There are many other ways to instill these principles. . . . my point is. . . . it IS worth it to do these things. . . to rehearse these statements to your children, . . .  and to yourself.

I have a former adult student/friend of mine that I have such respect for because of how genuinely he engaged not only my class, but his ownfaith journey. He commented to me one time that through my class he was finding his way back to church. . . .something he had not diligently considered for years – - I never told him, but that might have been one of the best compliments I have EVER received. . . . well, he sent me this video yesterday, and I just think his timing is great . . . . I personally. . . . . can NEVER be reminded enough. . . . .

This song has really gotten to me recently. . .and a friend of mine Don Reynolds recently did a much better post than this one on this song (which he will be singing at Church soon) – you should check it out.

I think this song has had such an impact on me because I have always thought that I was so good at keeping my eyes open to what God has around me. . . . instead, my pride has blinded me to a whole different level of compassion that I was not aware of. . . . a new vision of pain and suffering around me. . . I earnestly seek to be aware of this. . . to be able to genuinely enter into their pain with hope – 3Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering (Hebrews 13:3) . . .though I know this will cost more of my heart. . .

Hebrews 13:11 says
11The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. 12And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. 13Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.

So, right now. . . I am wanting to go “outside the city gates” – and so I am going to India in 37 days – where in one city yesterday 60,000 Christians were forced out of their homes to refugee camps, with many dying. . . being burned alive, buried alive, shot, hung, beheaded. . . horrible persecution. . . . . . . . . . pray for them please. . . . . . . . . . .

but what is often more difficult for me . . . is going down my street . . . to those that I risk losing face to . . . where I really risk “bearing disgrace” . . . I pray that God will give me the eyes to see it . . . and the heart to care enough . . . . . . that I ACTUALLY do something about it. . . . . please Father. . .

Brandon Heath – Give Me Your Eyes from Brandon Heath on Vimeo.

I love figuring out patterns. . . I study the brain, and well. . .  our brain loves patterns – it loves to be able to recognize themes/consistancies in our experiences and then go on to not only predict what will happen next. These recognized patterns can lead to bad things . . . such as stereotypes, prejudice, and belittling assumptions, but. . . . they can also lead to good things such as empathy, organization, and an understanding of the “big picture” . . . . here is one such pattern that Rob Wegner reminded me of this past weekend:

1. God says . . .think small. . . big will come – Matthew 13:33 (NIV)

33 Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

I love how I have read this passage many times, and know of the parable. . . and just skipped right over the “3 measures of four” part because, . .  . well, I have no idea what that means. . . I mean. . . of course you use flour in bread  – right, what is the significance of that.

The early audience of this message would have understood this at a much deeper level. . . 3 full measures of flour = 11 two-liter Coke bottles full of dough = about 100lbs of dough. . . yeah, . . . we are NOT talking about one small loaf of bread here!. . . and yet, Jesus says the power of the kingdom of God is only having to use “a little bit of yeast” and it will work its way through all 100lbs of dough!

God says. . . when big problems come upon you. . . THINK SMALL. . . .it is through small interventions that big problems are solved, . . . do not wait for some huge solution. . . . instead have faith that one small solution followed by another, and another, etc… you know, . . . like the small changes/decisions that we make in our lives – it is through these. . . that huge solutions are made. . . – - – God is telling us here that in God’s kingdom. . .  there is an immensity in smallness . . . . remember, the Kingdom of God is also like a mustard seed, which (Matthew 13:32 NIV) though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree.

If this is all true. . . . then we can start looking at things completely differently. . . . so, it is the small things that we do. . . . the everyday things that can bring the kingdom of God . . . things that we already know how to do . . . . no more excuses on not being “prepared” or not “knowing enough of the Bible” - 

here is my mustard seed list today

• smiling at someone that I do not know
• not complaining today, but being encouraging
• giving my wife and kids a great big hug and kiss when I get home today – before I say word or do anything else
• caring for my students – listening to them
• not exaggerating any stories today
• asking my 2 of my colleagues how they are doing today. . . and having the time to listen
• being grateful, not greedy
• calling a friend that I have been meaning to call for months

Make a list for yourself. . . and see what God does with your small interventions . . .

 -

There is a verse that I have been thinking about lately, and I wanted to get your thoughts. . .

- SO, what does this verse mean to you? . . . to us as the Church? . . . and what DOESN’T it mean?

Matthew 9:11-13 (New International Version)
11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”

12On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

- the footnote is Hosea 6:6 (NIV) -  6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
       and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

- SO. . . .

Well, it all comes down to this day . . . . and either way. . . History will be made. I tried to explain the whole election process to my daughter this morning in our 5 minute ride to her school. . . . I was right in the middle of breaking down the differences between the Electoral vote and the popular vote, when she says something to the effect of . . . . . “so we are getting a new king?”. . . .to which I responded. . . . “yeah. . . something like that”  – - – I wanted to dive a little deeper into the principles of Democracy, but . . . . we were already at her school, and well. . . . she IS only 4.

 It was inspiring though to wait in line this morning (Ang went first at 6am and waited for 45 minutes) – I followed with about a 30 minute wait at 6:45ish. . . . . but to see all walks of life there . . . unified. . . . each with his/her own team that they are playing for  . . . . committed. . . . passionate. . . .willing to do whatever it takes to do their part. . . . to reach their goal. . . . . . when else do we see this in this country???. . . . there was no threshold of affluency, race, religion, sexual orientation, athletic ability, intelligence, physical capability, gender, language, etc….. – WOW, you know what I thought of . . . . . . . isn’t this supposed to be kind of what the church looks like? - there was no checklist of rights and wrongs at the door to let you in – just your government issued ID. . . . . there were no further questions, judgements, or even looks – to try and categorize how “good” you were or what you believed – in fact. . . it seemed everyone was well accepted. . . . . . . . . . . wow, what a refreshing and INSPIRING experience to see unity – oh sure, . . . there were different opinions, but there was . . . one goal – to make this country better. . .  - and everyone was “ALL IN”.

Then it hit me. . . . Christians are all supposed to be on the same team right???. . . . sure, there are differences in our opinions, but the goal should be the same right?? – reaching the lost, suffering, broken, and poor. . . . . . but we aren’t even coming close. . . . in fact, one of the biggest reasons, from people that I have spoken to, that people don’t want to become Christians is because of all of the bickering/fighting/badmouthing that the see within the Church. . . . . . . . . and we are supposed to be the EXAMPLE of love, peace, grace, and mercy in the this world?

I pray for unity within the Church – NOT REPLICATION – but a committed effort, across our differences,  to do whatever it takes to reach our goal – together. . . . how amazing would that be?!. . . . . . . . . Maybe some day there will be lines outside of churches – people just waiting to get in,. . . . so committed and passionate to make a real difference in the world – without feeling judgement or threshold barriers of some sort. . . . . . . . . . . . maybe this will never happen, . . . but, I am going to give everything that I have as a part of the Church to do that (i.e., everyone I meet, everyday, everywhere) – I don’t want to shoot for anything less than that - – - – every vote counts right?. . . so does every smile, every hug, every encouraging word, and every listening ear. . . .

I was reminded this weekend about incredibly simple God has made our mission within the Church. . . now, I am not saying that it’s easy, . . . but simple. . . yes!. . . . And so, I am wondering why there seems to be very few people actually carrying it out. . . . is there some sort of confusion???

I see people using all kinds of big and fancy words to try and explain to people their Christianness (I know, not a word, but it fits here), their specific denominational doctrines, . . .  and how DIFFERENT they are from the rest. . . . . . or the opposite, . . . not knowing at all how to show to others that we are Christians.  Do you know how ridiculous it seems to those outside the church (remember. . . the people we are supposed to be reaching. . . !) – when we bicker, conditionally love, fight, badmouth, and hold grudges towards one another??!!??. . . . why would they ever want to be a part of that??. . . . as if there’s not enough dysfunction in our own families to deal with. . . . . Seriously!, . . . . Church. . . . let’s get ahold of ourselves (myself included). . .

What did Jesus say?

John 13:35 (New Living Translation)

Have a passion about something that influences every other part of your life. . . that was one of the main points of the chapel speaker on Weds., Rev. Jack French (Missionary Church Evangelist). . . . let me tell a few of his other points that stuck with me:

1. Always respect other people, but never be afraid of them

2. You can only live today. . . not yesterday. . . or tomorrow

3. No matter what you are up against. . . NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE UP AGAINST. . . you can face it through Christ

4. The measure of life is not money, fame, retirement, clothes, or cars. . . but, . . . did you, for someone else, make Jesus closer, bigger, clearer – - more real?

5. Apathy is the inability to dream, to see potential in yourself and others. . . what drives you there?

6. Enthusiasm comes from the synergy of two things (1) when a workable plan is put into practice (2) when an ideal takes imagination by storm.

I was reading an article by Rev. Frank Majka concerning 3 things about Jesus’s life that were challenging to him. They kind of struck me, and so I wanted to share some of the highlights with you. . . .feel free to tell me what you think – agree? disagree?

Jesus as an infant – he “depended on love and care from others, especially Mary and Joseph. If we are meant to carry Jesus’ likeness, we can’t try to be invulnerable and the church has to admit its own vulnerability and need.”

Jesus calling Peter – “Peter admitted being an unworthy companion and even asked Jesus to go away from him. Jesus didn’t say He was calling Peter because of his virtuous life but promised Peter that he could be better and do great deeds if he followed Jesus. In His life on earth, Jesus risked sharing Himself with weak and sinful people — and that’s still true.”

Jesus washing feet - “We may think God wants us to serve Him, but Jesus showed us that God’s real desire is to serve us. He also said that we should serve each other in His name. That’s challenging for us as individuals and as a church because we sometimes too quickly tell people what we expect of them rather than ask what we can do for them.”

Jeremy Kingsley was the speaker at Chapel yesterday, and he got me thinking about some things that led to a revelation that I am THRILLED about!!

He started off talking about the story of Jesus and the woman who was about to get stoned to death out in the street (John 8). . . that is, until Jesus intervened with the comment of “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” . . . . . well, you know the story. . . Jesus was the only one eligible in that moment to throw a stone at her. . . and he didn’t. . . .

Jeremy continued on by telling of one of his friends who used to go, along with some other church members, to the streets of a few large cities and hand out flowers to prostitutes on Christmas day. . . and when the prostitues asked why. . . they simply said. . . “Because Jesus loves you” . . .  – in both of these instances the spirit of Jesus was to come and love immediately. . . . immediately. . . . after someone had sinned – before asking any questions – before comparing their acts to anything else. . . . . . have you ever given grace and mercy to someone right after they just sinned? . . . maybe your spouse. . . .maybe a friend. . . .Have you ever needed it, yearned for it, right after you sinned? . . . . . .

You see, we often slide toward certain behaviors and attitudes without being aware of the inevitable consequences associated with them – for example:

 - those that tend to be critical usually lack kindness

 - those that love to punish usually miss out on the joy of restoring someone

 - those that tend to be judemental usually lack understanding

 - those that tend to be conceited/overly righteous usually lack the ability to forgive

And then it hit me . . . . . that’s it!!!!!! . . . wow!, I can’t believe it! . . . that is it! . . . . . ok, so what the heck is Ted talking about this time?!. . . . hang with me for a second . . .

Some of you know my “story” – in that I was raised in a Christian home, no divorce, I have two great brothers – and I really didn’t mess up that much, in other words, I didn’t do drugs, didn’t drink, got good grades, was good at sports – didn’t give up, didn’t talk bad about other people, didn’t have sex or mess around – didn’t etc……., and so my biggest struggle in accepting Christ and “being saved” was . . . . . . why? . . . . . I’m a great kid – I don’t do anything wrong, especially not compared to him over there – or her over there . . . . . it was all about comparison to me. . . .  and though I did not boast verbally of my righteousness (there were plenty of people reminding me of that), it was in my heart. . . . . and now I realize that one of the greatest gifts God gave me when I accepted Jesus as my savior. . . . was the ability to forgive. . . . . truly forgive

Comparison creeps into every level of our life. . . . and it leads to us hyping up our own value and worth based on how our actions/behaviors are better than someone else. . . . which leads to the idea that we somehow deserve more . . . . which leads us to expect  more . . . . which leads to anger, frustration, and resentment when we do not get more. . . or confirmation of our “holy-er” status if we DO get more. . . . . leading to thoughts like (“wow, does she realize how much of a better husband I am compared to most guys!” or “wow, does he realize how much I put up with when alot of other women would have walked out long time ago!”, “WOW, I have done so much more in this relationship, in this home, with these kids, on this team – than him/her, etc…..) all of which produces an inability to forgive. . . an inability to resist throwing stones, . . . and inability to give flowers. . . why?. . . .

In true forgiveness, there is no room for comparison, . . . NONE!. . . . forgiveness requires an understanding that the wrong done to you is not greater, nor lesser, than any wrong you, yourself have committed. . . . . a wrong is a wrong is a wrong is a wrong. . . and yes. . . that is SOOOOOOO different from the law of this world. . . . . there was no comparison in Jesus’ death, no priority for grace, it is FULLY available to EVERYONE. . . . . . . . . I believe that until we understand more fully the futility of comparison in our own lives and the complete absence of it in Christ’s life and death. . . . I don’t think we can ever truly forgive or fully love . . .

I just think the comparisons in our own lives make us miss out on a HUGE part of who Jesus is, and how he was/is truly a walking revolution of thought, behavior, and heart. . . . . . . . let God release you from the bondage of comparison today . . . in your sins as well as your wonderful acts of love to others. . .

So, my partner in crime (the professor that I co-teach with) with our block class of students is a great man, Scott Johnson. He brought up an interesting topic in class yesterday that got me thinking on a few things.

He brought up that there is an interesting paradox in the Bible between us “taking up/picking up” vs. “letting go”, in that we are told to do both. . . . . . so let’s look at this more closely to try and get some clarity

So, we are instructed by Jesus in Luke 9:23:

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  So what does this mean, . . . well,. . . we learn from other parts of Jesus’ ministry in the Bible that this would include things like – loving others outrageously, feeding the hungry, comforting the hurting, being close to the broken-hearted, loving other’s first . . . before judging them, showing up at places you “should” never be at – or being around those people and loving them – maybe when no one else will. . . ., our cross can include many very difficult things that we do as God’s loving and merciful hands and feet. . . . . . which leads me at times to wonder about Matthew 11:30
“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” . . . . . . yeah right!!! – sure doesn’t seem like it from my above description  -

But . . . . . be honest with me for a second. . . . . what is it that really burdens you day in and day out? . . . . because for me. . . . it is none of these things. . . sure, these things may drain a little of my physical energy, break my heart (some emotional energy), stretch my comfort zone, and use up some of my time,. . . . but that is nothing compared to what truly weighs me down. . . . . my thoughts!  

See, for me it is thoughts. . . . my mind. . . that really burdens me. . . . reminders of past shame and guilt, times that I have failed, given up, or really disappointed someone. . . . the countless “what if’s”  . . . . the hours of second guessing . . . .  leading to doubts about my potential in the future - am I good enough?, am I going to screw this up . . . again?. . .am I strong enough to resist it this time?. . . . and then dread kicks in. . . . .about upcoming events, performances, opportunites – either because I know what is coming – like the knawing of a constant temptation. . . or the opposite. . . I have no idea what is coming!!!! – I can’t predict it. . . and then you throw in trying to plan for the future. . . .you know. . . so you’re not in debt, so your kids can go to college, so you can get good grades, so you can retire, so you can get a good job someday, so you can keep your job, so you can go out with him/her, so you will not be tempted, so you will be good a good wife/husband, so you can put food on the table, so you can travel someday, so you can. . . . . . . . . .

Do you see it? . . . . . have you figured it out? . . . .

What is common about the things involved in taking up our cross?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the difficulty and the opportunity is all held within the word “daily” . . . . . effort for, energy for, provision for, stress for . . . today. – and God says that is plenty for me and you to deal with (Matthew 6:34). Each day has enough trouble of its own. - so, . . . He makes a deal with us. . . . . if you let go of the past and the future Ted. . . . . you know, all of those thoughts that stress you out, overwhelm you, and generally render you incapable of operating at your max capacity. . . if you let go of that. . . . . . I’ll take care of it, . . . . seriously, . . . I know you might have heard me say this before. . . but, I want you to really believe it . . . right now, . . . today . . . . – - your past shame/doubt/guilt – gone and forgotten, . . . your future. . . . you’re worth soooooo much more to me than the birds of the air and flowers of the field. . . . . . . I got your back. . . I got you. . . trust me. . . . again - . . . remember the promises I have made to you, . . . . . the only way I can catch you . . . . . is if you let go . . . . . . .

What!!??!!. . . you know,. . . .in the list of priorities that maybe you have had since becoming a Christian. . . . God is first, then family, then church, work/school, etc…. -  – - That is a myth. . . . and I was reminded of this yesterday by a fellow Bethel faculty member – David Macabe.  . . . . stick with me for a moment -

What does this priority list do to you?. . .  It makes you fight to get 15 minutes of alone time with God, maybe in the morning. . . . maybe at night . . . or else you feel very guilty, and not very much at peace. . . why? . . . because you have not had “your time” with God that day right??. . . . You have not had your time to focus and block out everything else and attend only to God. . . . and it is here that this myth becomes dangerous. . .

What does this priority list assume?. . . . that there are quantifiable boundaries to the categories of our lives. . . “family life”, “work life”, “spiritual life”, but of course. . . . if there are boundaries then there must be things outside of those boundaries as well, such as. . . . . my “unspritual life” . . . furthermore, if alone time with God is my first priority, that is, . . . it is the only thing that “counts” –  then maybe . . I slowly lose my ability (or never gain the skill in the first place) to see God in all categories of my life. . . because . . . .when I am with God, I am trying to block those “other” things out right? . . .  to escape, to find peace and understanding outside of those elements of my life, which may be attained. . . . as long as you never plan on reentering the “rest” of your life . . . . . . . . . . what an unfair limitation to put on the Creator of all things – that God must become a first priority – first and only first – separate from the rest of His creation in my life.

Instead, I believe that God is omnipresent and He wants me to be Omni-searching-listening-conversing-laughing-sacrificing- crying-playing-studying- with Him. . . . and I am despartely yearning for the ability to be with God in every part of my life. . . . this is so difficult isn’t it. . . sometimes it seems so chaotic and impossible. . . .it is so much easier to hear and see God when we block things out during our devotions and during our church services. . . . . .and though I do believe that it is absolutely critical to have alone time with God (just look at Jesus). . . . if our main efforts are to experience/see/hear/feel God in our alone time with Him. . . . then that is the only time we will. . . and, well, . . . .  I just want more than that. . . .  . . here are some final thoughts:

Instead of prioritized categories in a “to do” list, let’s think about the analogy of our solar system. . . all of us, with all of our “issues”, all of our schedules, all of our emotions are rotating around this source (God) of light and heat and life – we are being held there (though we are constantly trying to fight it and break free) only by the strong gravitational force of God’s love, sacrifice, and provision. You see. . . it is not our priority . . . it is the center of everything, . . . without it, we cannot see, have energy, or have life. . . . God’s light and love affects all living things and his plans, purposes, and wisdom are woven like a tapestry of the categories of our lives . . . . He is there in everything. 

Finally, though this whole post may seem like a trivial perspective shift or just a ploy of rhetoric. . . to me. . . it keeps me revolving around the Son in all things. . . .

So, in your walk right now with God (or not with God if you are an atheist), which of these concepts do you struggle with the most:

Waiting?

Forgiving?

Failing/being broken?

Just being real with you. . . I will tell you what I am contemplating the most right now. . .(not to say that it won’t change tomorrow  . . . or be completely different for you. . .

Waiting. . . no. . . I think this is for a few reasons (1) I have enough stuff going on everyday that waiting for something else is usually a welcome blessing (2) Each day may bring the conclusion of a waiting period of some previous situation in my life if I have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mind to remember (3) I have learned through experience that when I have my eyes too focused down the road, I often trip over the bump in the carpet right in front of me. . . so, I can wait. ..

Forgiving. . . . no. . . Now I am not saying these things aren’t difficult at times, but I am talking about my life right now. . . . there is very little unforgiven, “unfinished business” out there that is keeping me in bondage, so I am blessed with that right now. . .

Failing/being broken. . . yeppers. . . . why? . . . . Well, it is NOT because I doubt God’s existence when bad things happen to me, . . . . and it is NOT because I fear God’s ability to sustain me during such times. . . . nope, instead it is my further understanding that God seemingly has a dependence on it (my failing and being broken, suffering in some way) for gaining true wisdom. . . . have you read the bible yet?. . . . . you see. . . . I would really rather get the wisdom and . . . . not go through the tragedy. . . I want all of my children to grow old and be healthy. . . . I don’t want my house to be flooded. . . .or us to not have enough money for health care. . . or food. . . . . . . I will just learn from everyone else right???. . . . I just don’t see that in the scriptures; however, I do see a lot of people persevering through tragedy, gaining true wisdom, and then doing some serious Kingdom bringing!. . . so I am contemplating about that a bit right now. . . is it possible to reach an optimal level of Godly wisdom without going through a major tragedy?? . . . . what about you? what do you think?

I had breakfast this morning with my best friend, Corey Mann, and it had been way to long. . . .

slightly confused

something came up that has recently been on my heart . . . .  so . . . asking permission to speak freely. . . . . . I assume you just gave it to me . . . . . . we’re friends now right? . . . .

1.  Why do we have an obsession with black and white?  No, I’m not talking about a racial issue here (that will be some other post). No, what I’m talking about is our incessant need to have black and white answers for things. . . . . . and then. . . . once we have such a clear “for sure” answer. . . . . . we move on assuming that there is nothing more about that topic that needs discussion. . . . . that there is no need to waste time or energy learning more about an issue that has already been “decided“, as if COMING TO A CONCLUSION AND THEN VOICING THAT AS LOUDLY AS POSSIBLE IS THE ONLY REASON FOR LEARNING ABOUT ON ISSUE. . . maybe,. . . . . .just MAYBE,  WE SHOULD LEARN ABOUT THINGS SO THAT WE CAN LISTEN and LOVE BETTER ——Let me voice why, I think, missing this principle - is really wounding the church right now——- 

      One example is . .  . . . Abortion is wrong, absolutely wrong, always. . . . always.  So, the issue that I am talking about is NOT whether or not you think this statement is true, but rather. . . . so what?. . . .  - unfortunately, for many christians. . . . we often think – “well, there you have it – no need to learn more about this issue, the technicalities or anything – all we have to do is just repeat over and over and over how bad abortion is. . . that will just convince everyone” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Let me ask something. . . . which one does God’s heart break more for?  – the aborted baby (who I believe is now in heaven), or. . . . the mother who aborted the baby?. . . . . . . . you obviously no my opinion. . . . and how does our black/white, don’t think about it anymore, don’t listen to the other side stance come across to these mothers?. . . . . .

I have heard countless stories of mothers who have aborted children who will stay as far away from Christians and churches as possible b/c of the pure hatred they feel raining down on them in the presence of Christians. . . . A Christian may say – Yeah, abortion is totally wrong. . . period. . .  – and the mother is thinking . . . . .  wow, ok. . . obviously they think I’m an idiot – you think it is so simple – do you understand the struggles and agony that I went through when trying to decide. . . . the lack of support from family and friends. . . the father. . . . money . . and the church. . . I couldn’t even process this with Christians b/c the minute I said . . . “this is tough, I am having trouble with  keeping this baby “- they condemened me, by closing their ears to my struggle, trying only to persuade. . . even years later. . . . seriously. . . . even years later. . . as if I have not heard that before. . . they pierce me with their unsympathetic eyes. . . . so deep. . . . so painful  - – - do you have any idea that all I want is to be loved and not labelled?, . . . someone to listen to me and not to lecture me? . . . someone to care about me, and not just my mistakes? . . . everytime you say those things “so matter of fact” - it makes me feel worse and worse, dumber and dumber – more and more worthless, . . . Just because I made a mistake – doesn’t mean I am one. . . right. . . . . right? . . . or does it. . . . that is all I feel from you people – no love – no acceptance – no forgiveness – just condemnation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . it is about here that my heart breaks . . . . completely breaks. . . . . . . . . I just hate it when our actions feed into the enemy’s plan for destroying the human soul. . . . shame, guilt, condemnation, worthlessness, hopelessness. . . . the enemy can use all of them so well. . . . . . . .

I know most people don’t even mean to do this – they are just sharing a belief. . . . I just think we can do better. . . what if these mothers heard the message of our love for them long before they heard our disapproval of their actions. . . . they’re not going to come to us for love. . . . we must go to them. . .

 I AM NOT SAYING WE CHANGE OUR BELIEFS, BUT WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR EXPRESSION OF THEM. . . . . . . . b/c we may be changing some governmental policies, BUT WE’RE LOSING SOULS!. . . . . . . and that just really makes me mad. . . . because I want everyone to come home!. . . . and you know what. . . if these mother’s are not feeling that. . . . IT IS . . . OUR FAULT. . . . . . . I know we can do better church. . . . . let’s show love first. . . . .

I know that I feel pressure sometimes. . . pressure in most areas of my life – like many of you. In fact, I actually thrive on pressure, but I never want pressure from others (peers, girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse, authority, parents, friends, teachers, coaches, boss) to DETERMINE who and what I become. . . . I can only trust Jesus for that. . .

Dr. Bob Laurent spoke last night about Satan’s temptations in the desert to Jesus in a new way from the perspective of whom Jesus wanted to become. . .

#1  - Stone to Bread: This was a temptation to be the People’s Messiah - because such a miracle would convince people that He was the Christ – it would fulfill their expectations.

#2  – Jumping from the Temple: This was a temptation to be the Torah’s Messiah – fulfilling scriptures to the point where the religious leaders would believe that He was the Christ – it would fulfill their expectations.

#3  – Authority over Kingdoms of the Earth: This was a temptation to be the Kingly Messiah - that could wield power and authority and control. . . . so that all would obey His expectations of them.

So, why did He turn all of these down?  Because He wanted only to fulfill the expectations of his Father. . . . He became the Suffering Messiah. . . . . not so much concerned with obedience or the expectations of people or religious leaders, but focusing on eliciting love, which can only happen. . . . . by loving. . . which takes passion. . . . which takes being connected to suffering. . . and yes, . . . that was his CHOICE. . . . remember –

You see, . . . for Jesus to save others, he couldn’t save Himself. . . . . the same truth can be found in our lives. . . . . for you to save your marriage, you can’t save yourself. . . . for you to save your family, you can’t save yourself. . . . for you to save your friends, you can’t save yourself. . . . . . . . . . . we can’t have it both ways. . . . . what we want . . . . and what someone else needs. . . . this is the essence of submission and servanthood. . . . . . this is the essence of Christ

so, things/desires/selfishness in our lives that come from pressures in this world to be this or that. . . let’s choose the radical way. . . let’s die to self. . . . . . . . . . . seriously. . . . . .and watch what happens!

I ran across this video earlier today and wanted to show you guys. It’s from Vimeo, which, I am sure alot of you already know. . . is like youtube. . . but the videos can be bigger, longer, and of better quality -

Too much candy from Capucha on Vimeo.

What comes to your mind first??

How cute this is? Yeah – me too, especially because I have kids that have attempted some of this

You know what came next in my mind though . . . .

How I may be doing this hiding in my own life?. . . Yes, it is very cute – don’t get me wrong, but I am just letting you in on where my mind went next. . . . . . . . . .  we ALL have the ability to hide things from others, and we become very good. . . . . ok. . . . unbelievably good at getting rid of incriminating evidence. . . . . . . . Can I just say one thing. . . . . . . are we tired yet??!. . . . I AM. . . . what’s the point, we’re just hurting ourselves!. . . . let’s let it go today. . . . . . . .  I know that it makes little to no sense at all, . . . . but. . . . . . . God’s love doesn’t care about our baggage, . . . . . . seriously. . . . I think He’s just waiting and hoping for us to hand it over to Him, so that we can get onto our FLIGHT. . . . . . Here you go God, . . . . . I give _______________________ to you today, . . . . . I’m ready to get back on board. . . .Thank you. . .

I needed this today:

Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was codependent, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair and all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least, Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was unpopular, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health, and Timothy was timid. . . . . . . . . (Rick Warren, Purpose Driven LIfe)

God already knows He can use you and me, . . . . . we just have to believe it ourself. . . . . . . . . let’s not hide in the excuses of our inadequacies. . . . instead let’s marvel about how God enables us to join that list in bringing up there, down here!   Seriously, . . . . it is soooooo not about what we can do. . . . . . God made the universe and all of creation out of nothing. . . . . . .

   — see more hubble shots HERE

I’m pretty sure that means. . . . that he can HANDLE, . .  and is up to the CHALLENGE of using me and you. . .

I would love to hear how God used you in the last week -

Peace be with you all -

I always try to pray before I teach every class, just to invite the holy spirit to hang out with me and the students. . . because I don’t want to waste time or miss an opportunity for there to be supernature things happening. Every now and then – something awesome happens. . . and I know it is the Holy Spirit doing His thing

So, I have been teaching Adolescent Growth and Development for 3 years now. . . I have helped out at the youth group at GCC for going on 7 years now. . . I have had countless encounters with students – trips, camps, teaching them, etc. . . ., but something has always gotten to me, you want to know what it is?. . . . . . . what was Jesus like as a Teenager? The bible doesn’t give us much – only 1 verse:

(No, I have not read this book) So, we know that he grew in “wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” – growing in favor with God. . . no problem,. . . .  but what about with man??? Really, . . .  he grew in stature with Man???? What does that mean?? I know what it means in the junior highs and high schools around here – is it the same?? THEN IT HAPPENED – Holy Spirit time . . . . . . . . . . I asked my students in my class these questions: - was Jesus popular?, was he Prom King?, was he in the who’s who of Nazareth?, did he flirt with girls – if so how far, did he get frustrated with a zit?? Difficult questions right?? . . . . why so difficult? . . . . . NOT just because we don’t know the answer, but, I would argue that . . . . . . . . . the difficulty comes because it is the perfect mirror of what you think is right/wrong for a teenager to do. . . . . . it reveals all of your biases – all of our legalistic tendencies, b/c if Jesus didn’t sin. . . . then he did nothing wrong. . . . is it wrong to get frustrated with a zit, and to worry about what everyone is thinking when you walk into school???

Furthermore. . . hang with me here. . . . some students said, well, I think Jesus wouldn’t have gotten upset because He would have a different perspective that it’s not that big of a deal. . . . . really, . . . b/c if he was fully man – fully a teenager – then one of THE biggest characteristics of these years is that EVERYTHING is a big deal – so if he never felt that . . . . does that mean somehow he was not fully a teenager?. . . . . . . . ? . . . . . ? – it’s about this time that I saw my students’ minds’ turn into Jello. . . . . . so, I ended class by saying. . . so what do you think God is up to by not telling us the details of what Jesus did as a teen? . . . . . . They got up slowly, . . . . and as they regained motor control they slowly. . . . made it out the door. . . . and I praised God for visiting my class last Thursday .

So, . . . . . . . . what do you think????