Moments Like These

Take a moment and contemplate the course of your life.  Don’t be too quick to move on from this point.  Where have you come from?  Where are you going?  What are you doing? When you think about any given moment it seems insignificant.  What is one second of your life worth?  I squandered so much of my time in the past.  I probably squander time today.  The seconds tic by and I don’t even give it much thought.

Rebecca and I will be moving into another house in a couple of weeks (inshallah).  For the past 8 months or so people have been going in and out working on it.  I have been helping, not the skilled labor, but deconstruction, painting, and lately putting up curtain rods.  The other day I was drilling into the plaster trying to find studs to mount the brackets.  I must have drilled ten holes before giving up.  It looked like someone had fired a shotgun into the wall.  I had hoped to anchor the brackets into the wood, but had to settle for those little plastic anchors that come with the rods.  They work as long as the curtains don’t weigh a ton. 

We all need anchors in our lives, something, someone to keep us steady, to keep us from falling.  Lord knows I need an anchor.  Our moments slip away if we don’t have something real and tangible to make it all worthwhile.  We look back at our lives with regret wishing we had spent more time with our kids, our spouses, and our friends.  We were too busy building our little kingdoms to stop and enjoy the moments.  I think that is why grandparents cherish their grandchildren so much.  It is a second chance to appreciate what is important.  I look into the eyes of my granddaughter and grandson with such delight. 

Relationships are what are important.  The ones we have and the new ones we build.  That’s why the Apostle John talked so much about love; love one another, care for one another, serve one another, and pray for one another.  Relationships aren’t as much about doing, as they are about being.  Hanging out isn’t about accomplishing anything; it is about being with someone one just because.  When the young do this they are lazy.  When you get a little older you are unproductive.  When you hit middle age you are coasting (a negative turn), and when you retire it’s the golden years.  That’s right, all your life you work, sacrifice, labor, so that when you are old you can sit back and do nothing more than enjoy the fruit of your labor.  Well, the elderly I know have said the golden years aren’t so golden.  Maybe if we produced a little less, and enjoyed people a little more the golden years would be now.    

All this is rooted in the greatest relationship we can have, Jesus.  We want to produce for Jesus, develop programs, run events, build churches, and all he wants is for us to hang out with Him.  Our relationship with Jesus is less about doing then it is about being.  The Scripture says we are to walk in the Spirit, live in the Spirit, and pray in the Spirit. 

Just being, whether it is with people or with Jesus seems like a luxury to many.  Jobs, home, children, and events keep us scurrying from one moment to the next.  That is why we need an anchor that is solid.  We need an anchor that will hold under the weight of life.  We don’t want to settle for cheep anchors that will fall under the slightest strain.  Jesus keeps us anchored to those things that are most important.  If we will just hang out with Him, He will show us the way.  I have so much to do today, but for right now, the sign on the door reads, “Come in, Jesus and I are just hanging out, join us.”  I’m just saying…

Beyond Labels

We like labels.  They identify where things belong.  In our garage there are stacks of plastic bends, my wife has meticulously labeled each one.  The benefit is that when we are looking for something it is more easily located.  Frustration comes when bends have been mislabeled.  Ever look for something, and you knew where it was suppose to be, only to find that the box has the wrong label, and now you have no idea where to find it. 

When it comes to people we are in a love/hate relationship with labels.  We are Democrats/Republicans, Methodist/Baptist, Conservative/Liberal, American/French, Christian/Muslim, Black/White, and the labels can go on and on.  The positive nature of labels helps us to identify those who are like us, but the negative is that labels can be used to segregate people.  Labels don’t tell us who we are, only parts of who we are.

There are really only two labels that count; the labels of SINNER and REDEEMED.  Those two labels, when applied appropriately, tell us everything we need to know.  We are sinners, each and everyone us.  That doesn’t mean we can’t do good things, because a lot of people give money to the poor, help the downcast, walk little old ladies across the street, and so forth.  But our hearts are stained with sin.  We have a strong tendency toward selfish desires, and anything that sets itself up against God.  Bottom line we all fall short of God’s standard.  The label SINNER applies to all people, of all races, of all religions, of all genders, and of all political persuasions.  We are all in rebellion against God.

God, in His justice, will deal sternly with all who rebel against Him.  Yet, God, in His mercy, doesn’t relish punishing any of us.  He therefore takes out His label gun and desires to give us all a new label.  This label, however, is applied only to those who want the new tag.   God has dealt with the rebellion issue by labeling Jesus as a sinner and punishing him.  If we confess our sin, accept Jesus as our substitute, believe that he was raised from the dead; we get a new label – REDEEMED!

Having the REDEEMED label means that I am no longer an enemy of God.  It means I receive the gift of His Spirit.  It means that I am a part of the community of  the REDEEMED.  It means that I have purpose, hope, and a future.  It is a much better label than sinner. 

Some people aren’t comfortable with the REDEEMED label.  It doesn’t seem to fit well, and they feel it too restrictive, prudish, old fashioned, and so they chose to keep the old label SINNER, and hope the other label doesn’t really matter.

But it does matter and that is why those with the REDEEMED label are constantly trying to get others to accept it.  The odd thing is that people with the SINNER label, often think that REDEEMED labeled people are exclusive, but they’re not.  In fact the REDEEMED label is free to all who will follow Jesus.   

So whether you are Democrats/Republicans, Methodist/Baptist, Conservative/Liberal, American/French, Christians/Muslim, Black/White, the only important labels are SINNER and REEDEEMED.  Which label do you wear?  I’m just saying…

The Only Thing I Contribute

"The only thing I contribute to my salvation and sanctification is the sin that makes both necessary."

The above quote is from the book Jesus+nothing=everything. It is a deep and sobering thought. As a Christian I acknowledge that my salvation is by faith alone. I can't do anything to be accepted by God, and contribute nothing to the salvation of my soul. He alone can be the substitute for my sin, and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was God's propitiation for my transgressions. I have been forgiven and freed from sins penalty.

The second part of the quote is what is most intriguing, because Christians work so hard to live a life pleasing to God. Can I, however, do anything that will bring about more pleasure of God for me? The answer is no, in Christ I am accepted, I am loved, I am made perfect. There isn't anything more that I can contribute to God's pleasure, it has been accomplished in Christ.

When I fail (sin), I am not loved less or accepted less by God, any more than if I do well I can bring about a greater amount of God's pleasure, because my acceptance isn't in my ability, even after salvation. Living in sin does affect my relationship with God, but not my acceptance. Living in sin creates a barrier in my relationship, and hinders my prayers, and will even bring about discipline by God. Yet, even in this, I can do nothing to bring about God's acceptance and love, it is mine in Christ. John says in his Epistle, "If you confess your sin, God is faithful and just to forgive you of your sins, and cleanse you from all unrighteousness." Repentance isn't a work, it is an acknowledgement that I am helpless and need God's work in Christ.

God is at work in me to will and to want to do his will. The life of Christ is lived out when we depend on the Holy Spirit to do His sanctifying work in our lives. There are two types of legalism. The first says I have to be perfect before God will accept me. The second is as insidious. It says, God has saved me, but I need to be perfect for him to be pleased with me. Both are founded in our ability and not God's.

We are to work out our salvation, to imitate God, produce fruit, love others, put off the old life, and live holy and worthy lives. The ability to live godly lives is grounded in the finished work of Christ. I work out my salvation because God is working in me. I produce fruit because I am connected to the vine. I know how to love because God first loved me. I can put off the old self because a new life is rooted in Jesus. I live a holy life because Christ in me is holy. I am worthy because Jesus is worthy, and I belong to Him.

The daily Christian life is lived in the reality of who we are in Christ. Anything else will lead us astray. What happened yesterday is meaningless in light of what God has for me today, in Him. I am Free, I am Free, I am Free at last -- IN CHRIST! I'm Just saying...

I am not going to, not going to...OK The Packers Lost!

It was disappointing to say the least. Even the refs were pulling for the Packers. But in the end the Giants played a superior game, and the Packers an inferior. Even though it was not a close game, it was intense for Packer fans. Glimpses of hope, a touchdown closer, and each time it slipped through the proverbial fingers (of the receivers or runners).

What amazes me is how a simple playoff game affects me so emotionally. My contortions, encouragement, did nothing to spur them on. Though I think I pulled a muscle. I did realize too late that I had not been wearing my Packer Hat. I adorned it, but the damage had been done, there was no digging their way out of the hole.

Lessons Learned:

1. A near perfect season doesn't get you into the super bowl.
2. No matter how many people are encouraging you, Its what you do on the field that
counts. If the enthusiasm of the crowd won games, the Packers didn't even have to
walk on the field. Alas, the team had to play the game.
3. Its a team sport. The quarterback hasn't a chance without a front line. Runners need
blockers. Recievers need a quarterback (and vis versa). A Packer's fan today told me
the only one on the team who came to play was Aaron Rodgers. I think I saw some
mistakes he made.
4. The only people it really affects is the team. Frankly, unless you are paid by the
Packer organization you have other things occupying yourself today, and if you don't
you need to get a life.
5. The only people who have a 'right' to crow, are the ones who are still in the hunt.
If your team didn't even make it this far, your teasing, laughter, and tuanting will
fall on deaf ears. As for the fans of the final four -- oh, that hurts.
6. My friends, who are fans of other teams, have been consoling...in a smug kind of way.
But I know it is all in fun.

As a Pastor there are so many illustration I could apply to the spiritual life. I will refrain myself, today. Sufice it to say, I will wipe away the tear in my eye and occupy myself with something eles. I'm just saying...

Prisons of My Own Making

“Why do you stay in prison

when the door is so wide open?

Move outside the tangle of fear-thinking.

Live in silence.” (Unsourced)

I have never been in prison, and what I have heard of it deters any desire for residency.  That doesn't mean, however, that I have not created my own prison.  Prisons are designed to separate the undesirable in our culture from the civilized.  Sometimes the difference is convoluted. 

Personal prisons come in many forms like addictions, fear, and even love.  Many of the prisons we create can be overcome if we understand its root and the mechanisms of release.  Even addicts can find release, though they will always be plagued by the temptations of their addiction.  Why is it that we remain behind the bars of our prisons when the doors stand before us wide open? 

The poem above directs us to let go of fear and embrace silence.  Letting go of fear isn't easy.  I watch those hoarding shows once in awhile and am amazed (appalled) at the filth to which people become entrapped.  Then I think about the things that I hoard.  Some people hoard anger toward others; some hoard grief, some hoard lust, greed, self-interest, self-loathing, pride, hatred, etc.   We hold on to these things because we are afraid that letting them go will create a different pain that will be harder to endure then the one that imprisoned us in the first place.  When we hoard grief (fearing to let it go) it is because we fear that releasing it means forgetting the one who has died.  When we hoard anger, we fear that releasing and forgiving means letting someone get away with injustice.  Much of the time those who are hurt most are the ones trapped in the prisons of their own fears. 

The bible says, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18).  God's perfect love for us releases us from the fear of eternal judgment.  God's perfect love forgives us from our sin.  God's perfect love releases us to forgive and love others as he has done for us.  God's perfect love empowers us to grieve with hope, forgive the unforgiveable, find strength in purity, contentment in poverty, mercy in injustice, and significance in self-doubt.  The closer we get to the Father, the less fear we have of the world.  His perfect love casts out fear. 

Cultivating a life that reflects the perfect love of God isn't always easy.  It is nurtured in an environment of silence.  Silence is a discipline that closes our mouth, opens our ears, and allows God to speak.  We need to stop talking, turn off the TV and radio, put down our electronics, and set aside the distractions that fill our lives, and listen.  Try this for 15 minutes and find how difficult it is.  "Cease striving (talking, moving around, going about) and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).  We know God through His Word, silence, and prayer. 

I can see the door in front of me, it is wide open, and stretched before me is the freedom for which my heart cries.  Jesus says, "Come and be set free."  I'm just saying...

The First Blog of 2012: The Coming Apocalypse

The First Blog of 2012:  The Coming Apocalypse

Last year was an interesting year, for so many reasons.  Of course the big news for Christians was the coming of Christ.  It didn’t happen.  This year promises to be as apocalyptic.  Sensationalized in film, this year marks the end of the Mayan calendar and the end of the world.   If the Mayan’s were so good at predicting the end of the world, you would think they would have seen the end of their civilization coming, oh well.

I am amazed at the interest people have in the end of the world.  Over the years filmmakers have brought their view of man’s plight and struggle to the silver screen. 

• 1950s:  Captive Women; The day the world ended; On the beach; When worlds Collide
• 1960s: Night of the living dead; Beyond the time barrier; In the year 2889; Planet of the Apes; Panic in year zero
• 1970s: Wizards; A Boy and his dog; The ultimate warrior; Logan’s run; The Noah
• 1980s:  Threads; 1984; Day of the dead; Maximum overdrive; Grave of the fireflies
• 1990s: Island City; Last night; Terminator 2; Waterworld; Matrix; Escape from New York; The Postman; Escape from L.A. 
• 2000s: Devils playground; The dead outside; Aftermath; Contagion; Titan A.E.; I am legend; The book of Eli; Equilibrium; The Road; 2012

And these are just a few.  There is something about facing insurmountable probabilities and overcoming superior odds that set the heart pumping and the adrenaline flowing.  Of course it is much safer on this side of the screen.  In the movies there are only a few heroes, everyone else are dispensable extras. The world will end, and as much as our imaginations can paint a variety of pictures with gruesome monsters, far flung aliens, and terrible diseases nothing compares with what God has in store. 

            “But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.  9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.  10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:7-10).

Three things to point out:

1. God will judge all of creation and melt it away with fire.
2. Though it seems like a long time since this promise, it hasn’t been for God.  His is being patient.
3. His patience is so that people will not suffer judgment, but have an opportunity to believe in Jesus and be saved.

Judgment Day is coming. It will happen in His timing.  My prayer for 2012 is that He will use me to help people come to understand His love, receive His gift, believe in Jesus, and be saved from the coming apocalypse.   If you have not turned to the Father, I hope you will stop now and give your life to Him.  I’m Just Saying…