Tuesday, May 27, 2014

There’s More Fun In The Deep End


Photo: http://bit.ly/1k4DXhU

I have a chameleon-like faith. Or maybe a shape-shifter faith. I am constantly moving from shallow to deep and back to shallow again. I don’t stay put.

At times, I acknowledge Jesus but my faith is in my head and my heart has not turned to him. I am detached. Aloof. Away. Worship is one option among many. These times are the “like” Jesus times.

At times, I observe Jesus and I occupy myself with “religious stuff” but my heart is on simmer. I am busy “Christianizing” but the fruit is bland.  Worship is regular but rote except when I really am into it and then it goes viral (for a time.)

Other times, I follow Jesus. I turn over my heart and the take risks that come from self-forgetfulness. My heart boils over even while I am stretched to my limit. These times always involves keeping a commitment to others. Life is served and renewed in this paradoxical state. Worship flows out of Sunday and into the week. 

Where are you? Do you like it there? Have you gotten stuck? Could you encourage a stuck person?

“Exert every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:24 NLT (Jesus tells us that following is hard but worth it. See entire passage.)


Thursday, May 22, 2014

I am beautiful on the inside



Source: Roxie Woodward
Should we have t-shirts that state, “I’m gorgeous inside?” Some of us would wear the shirt because we don’t fit cultural norms. We are introverts, unathletic, fat/skinny/short, flawed, sick, C-or-below-student, unemployed, prickly, quiet. 

Another group of shirt wearers would be those who only see gray or black inside themselves. They need to read the shirt. They feel shame. “I’m no good.” Maybe because of brain chemistry, maybe because of a rough childhood, maybe there has been a failure.

Truth is, we are made in the image of God (Imago Dei.) And God found us worth redeeming. To die for.

When you look in the mirror or on the face of another today, imagine yourself/them in this t-shirt. A shirt Christ wove in his life, death and resurrection. We are loved and inherently lovable and we cannot stop telling that story.

For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 2 Corinthians 2:15 (NASB)

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Blessed are the busy






One of my favorite stories in the Bible is when Jesus says to his friend, Mary, “Mary, Mary, why can’t you be like Martha all multitasking and blisteringly busy. She’s got the high life and I don’t mean Miller.” 

Oh.                                         
                                    What?                        
                                                                       Never mind, my memory is faulty.

Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Jesus and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."  Luke 10:40-42 (NIV) 

Why are we so busy and getting even busier? Why must every minute be filled? Why do I need to “get away” so often? Get away from what? Are we answering God’s call? Will I miss out? On what? Will I ruin my children if they miss anything? Am I trying to prove my worth (I can do what you do and more?) Who is judging us and have they earned that right? Or am I judging myself? What am I running from/to? Why does the end zone keep moving? 

If escalating busyness is the highest good, it must be God. If so, it is a cruel god. It leaves us drained and anxious. Rather than rise to noble things, we answer the call of what pressures us the most. Jesus promises us Peace as our North Star. Peace. What or who is your North Star? The thing you and everyone in your life must bow to? Is it/she/he worthy of worship? 

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

I’d like to strangle them.

http://bit.ly/TrJf1X


But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you  Matthew 5:44 (KJV)

Who are your enemies?
Who is hurting you right now?
Who is your nemesis?
Who hates you?
Who is trying to control you?
Who used you?

I’d like to strangle them. How about you?

Now, I have a dilemma. Am I Lord (The Boss) or is Jesus? I have to lay my lordship at his feet and bless instead, love instead. I am to want the best for them and do what I can to help that come about. Talk about counterintuitive.

If I pray, who will change? Me? Them? Both? Neither?

I abdicate, Lord, not because I feel it but because you say so. But I think I need a heart transplant.