I can't help but wonder. I think my wife has helped train me this way. She reminds me that everyone has a story and it is difficult (if not impossible) to know who someone is without "sitting at their feet" to listen.
As I sit and eat my lunch at Wendy's on a break from class, I notice there are so many different people all around me. Painters, construction workers, business men/women, sweet old couples sharing a meal together, and some friends catching up over lunch. Looking around, it's easy for me to make assumptions...assumptions about who they are, what they do, and how they might live their lives. It's easy to fall prey to the inclination to judge a book by its' cover and before I know what I've done, assign some worth based on the title revealed on that cover. But, as I'm lost in some state of curiosity and wonder, I'm reminded there is so much more beneath the surface, something much deeper if I were to dare explore the depths of the soul.
There's a story beneath that cover and one I might never fully know. These characters could be in the middle of soaring mountain highs or in the midst of unspeakable valley lows. There is hurt and pain, joy and celebration, tears and suffering, love and hope within the pages turned. I don't know what their "walls would say if they could speak," but I know there is a word of hope even if they have not seen it written yet. There is hope because a new chapter is possible. There is hope because regardless the length of the individual novels, each ultimately finds context in a much larger narrative. There is another story longing to be acknowledged as intersecting their own...a story revealing that the lost are found, the broken are healed, the captive are redeemed, and the dead are raised to new life.
Our identities are shaped by our stories. So I hope when we see people, it's not just the cover that's important but the novel that is written inside. Thankfully there is one who is a greater author than I can ever be and has the power to rewrite all of life, making his story mine!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Living and Breathing Messages of God
Came across this site via a friend...Leads me to think about what message of God comes across through us, as we live out our lives in but not of the world!
According to the test I reflect the book of Psalms...
Which book of the Bible most reflects you?
According to the test I reflect the book of Psalms...
Which book of the Bible most reflects you?
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Living the Language of Blessing
Language is both unique and powerful. Our language automatically reveals information about who we are. It can reveal origin, level of education and cultural influences. It can convey certain values, emotions and beliefs. Whatever we say instantly conveys a particular message to whoever receives it. That message can be positive or negative (in some cases maybe neutral) but it is probable that the words will make some level of impact upon the lives of others.
As people who have chosen to pursue the Christ-life, we are called to live different from the world around us. We are challenged to be in the world but not of it. While we are typically quick to address material issues or even moral actions, we do not usually give equal time to discerning how our language is to be different from other conversations taking place in the world. In much the same way, our language as Christians immediately transmits messages about what we value, about what it means to live a transformed life. I’m not referring to some form of “Christianese” which suggests that we know all the right and good Christian things to say but a language that communicates something meaningful and transforming.
Scripture seems to echo living out a language of blessing. There were priestly blessings spoken on behalf of God upon his people (Num. 6:24-26). The psalms distinguish between two uses for the tongue: praising and cursing. Proverbs contrasts those whose tongues “bring healing” and those who “crush the spirit.” Paul incorporates blessing language into each of his letters and stresses that what comes from our mouths should be for the purpose of building others up (Eph. 4:29f). We are to be encouragers, comforters and urgers, who proclaim God’s invitation to participate in his kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2). James warns about the power of the tongue and our futile attempts to praise God and curse men in the same breath (James 3). Peter calls us to repay evil not with insult, but with blessing (1 Peter 3). If it was significant in the overarching narrative of Scripture, maybe we should consider its significance for our own lives as we seek to participate in the same narrative. In other words, how can what we say in both public and private settings be shaped by our participation in God’s redemptive story for all of creation?
As Christians, we need to consider what characterizes us. What message are we sending to others about who we are based on the way we communicate with them and with each other? I believe to be different than the world is to live out a language of blessing—to intentionally pursue ways of communicating with people that encourage and build up, allowing others to leave in the peace of Christ. There is merit to meeting people where they are (to talk and act like them in order to build relationships) but it should be balanced by speaking a new word of life into people’s lives counter to the ways of our culture. Our culture suggests that we put each other down, choose sarcasm over intimacy and joke or tease (even at other people’s expense) for the sake of “good natured humor.” It’s not that we cease to have fun and joke with each other but that the teasing and joking does not define who we are and what we are about (identified by percentage of practice) as those seeking to live the Christ-life. Instead we are defined by humility, mercy, putting others above ourselves, and encouraging each other to continue to run the race…instead, we are defined by blessing.
As leaders, we are in unique positions to impact lives throughout our communities, locally and at large. I’m not saying that we do not impact others already because we do, but we need to be more aware of the power language has upon us all and be more intentional about how we use it. We must pursue living a language of blessing with patience because like learning any new language it takes time, effort and consistent immersion in order to begin to communicate clearly and effectively. Therefore, when the world attempts to convince us that leadership is better understood as a position of power and control, we remember and proclaim that Spirit empowered leadership begins and ends in blessing. Thus, it is my hope and prayer that by living a language of blessing we participate in God’s redemptive purposes as we seek to restore, renew and refresh others to the glory of the Lord!
May the Lord bless and keep you, may his face shine upon you and give you peace. To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
As people who have chosen to pursue the Christ-life, we are called to live different from the world around us. We are challenged to be in the world but not of it. While we are typically quick to address material issues or even moral actions, we do not usually give equal time to discerning how our language is to be different from other conversations taking place in the world. In much the same way, our language as Christians immediately transmits messages about what we value, about what it means to live a transformed life. I’m not referring to some form of “Christianese” which suggests that we know all the right and good Christian things to say but a language that communicates something meaningful and transforming.
Scripture seems to echo living out a language of blessing. There were priestly blessings spoken on behalf of God upon his people (Num. 6:24-26). The psalms distinguish between two uses for the tongue: praising and cursing. Proverbs contrasts those whose tongues “bring healing” and those who “crush the spirit.” Paul incorporates blessing language into each of his letters and stresses that what comes from our mouths should be for the purpose of building others up (Eph. 4:29f). We are to be encouragers, comforters and urgers, who proclaim God’s invitation to participate in his kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2). James warns about the power of the tongue and our futile attempts to praise God and curse men in the same breath (James 3). Peter calls us to repay evil not with insult, but with blessing (1 Peter 3). If it was significant in the overarching narrative of Scripture, maybe we should consider its significance for our own lives as we seek to participate in the same narrative. In other words, how can what we say in both public and private settings be shaped by our participation in God’s redemptive story for all of creation?
As Christians, we need to consider what characterizes us. What message are we sending to others about who we are based on the way we communicate with them and with each other? I believe to be different than the world is to live out a language of blessing—to intentionally pursue ways of communicating with people that encourage and build up, allowing others to leave in the peace of Christ. There is merit to meeting people where they are (to talk and act like them in order to build relationships) but it should be balanced by speaking a new word of life into people’s lives counter to the ways of our culture. Our culture suggests that we put each other down, choose sarcasm over intimacy and joke or tease (even at other people’s expense) for the sake of “good natured humor.” It’s not that we cease to have fun and joke with each other but that the teasing and joking does not define who we are and what we are about (identified by percentage of practice) as those seeking to live the Christ-life. Instead we are defined by humility, mercy, putting others above ourselves, and encouraging each other to continue to run the race…instead, we are defined by blessing.
As leaders, we are in unique positions to impact lives throughout our communities, locally and at large. I’m not saying that we do not impact others already because we do, but we need to be more aware of the power language has upon us all and be more intentional about how we use it. We must pursue living a language of blessing with patience because like learning any new language it takes time, effort and consistent immersion in order to begin to communicate clearly and effectively. Therefore, when the world attempts to convince us that leadership is better understood as a position of power and control, we remember and proclaim that Spirit empowered leadership begins and ends in blessing. Thus, it is my hope and prayer that by living a language of blessing we participate in God’s redemptive purposes as we seek to restore, renew and refresh others to the glory of the Lord!
May the Lord bless and keep you, may his face shine upon you and give you peace. To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Divorce Party
Imagine receiving this invitation in the mail: "You are invited to join me as we officially celebrate the dissolution of my marriage...yep, you guessed it, I'm having a divorce party!"
I heard a segment on the Today Show this morning about this very thing and I found it to be very shocking. As a Christian it is hard to understand having a party to celebrate divorce but apparently it is an increasing trend. It is described as a "rite of passage" for a person to re-declare their independence and proclaim that part of life over, surrounded by supportive friends and family who are there to love and help them through the process. It's difficult to have the answers when wading through the murky waters of divorce, yet I can't help but feel that such "parties" further serve to trivialize the covenant commitment of marriage as it was and is intended. The end of marriage should not be viewed as festive but as a reality check that we live in a fallen world. I wonder if this speaks a word to how we as Christians can love and support people facing issues of divorce, especially if there needs to be a celebration to otherwise receive it. Here's a link explaining more on this lastest hot topic...
I heard a segment on the Today Show this morning about this very thing and I found it to be very shocking. As a Christian it is hard to understand having a party to celebrate divorce but apparently it is an increasing trend. It is described as a "rite of passage" for a person to re-declare their independence and proclaim that part of life over, surrounded by supportive friends and family who are there to love and help them through the process. It's difficult to have the answers when wading through the murky waters of divorce, yet I can't help but feel that such "parties" further serve to trivialize the covenant commitment of marriage as it was and is intended. The end of marriage should not be viewed as festive but as a reality check that we live in a fallen world. I wonder if this speaks a word to how we as Christians can love and support people facing issues of divorce, especially if there needs to be a celebration to otherwise receive it. Here's a link explaining more on this lastest hot topic...
Monday, October 10, 2005
A Picture of Christ
What does it mean to be a servant?
Sure, it means loving others, putting their needs above my own, humbly doing the unseen things. But, what does it mean to be a servant? Of course it means showing others Christ, washing feet, and providing a cup of cold water. But, what does it really mean to be a servant?
Several months ago now, when Sara and I were searching for a place to live we came across the house we currently live in. It was in our price range, and had certain characteristics we valued in a house, but it was in an area of town that some people said we shouldn't move to. An area of town with lower income families, poorer school districts and where people might not be as friendly. We made a conscious decision that we wanted to be in just such a place in order to serve and minister to others. So we began the process of buying the house.
As we were moving in we talked about wanting to be friendly neighbors. We wanted it to be obvious to those around us who we served. I wanted badly to find ways to show our neighbors around us a picture of Christ, at least a glimpse of his love, his grace and his compassion. So, we began visiting with some of our neighbors as we had opportunity, building relationships in hope we might get the chance to reveal the one we serve. Neighbors however, can be difficult because they are not always like me, don't always share the same values and don't always live for the same God. With one neighbor in particular it became obvious that it would be a little more difficult to get to know him. He's 33 years old with a wife and two kids but he's probably better described as a rebel. He's a mechanic who's into racing (I don't know the first thing about racing) and he is a little rough around the edges. For example, in our second conversation together he asked what I did for a living and I told him I was a minister at a church in Reidland. His immediate response was, "well brother, you're in the wrong neighborhood. I enjoy my drinking, smoking and having a good time." When I talk to him, he kind of leaves me scratching my head...
Then came a day like yesterday. We were laying down for some rest in the afternoon because we were tired from a long weekend of being at the ZOE conference (at which we even explored what it meant to be Jesus to others), when I heard some strange noises in our backyard. It sounded like some kind of engine rumbling back and forth. I got up, went to the window and peeked through the blinds. There coming around the corner on his lawnmower was my neighbor!
See, we were having some difficulties with our lawnmower and weren't able to mow the lawn the last two weeks. The grass had grown pretty well over that period of time and it desperately needed to be cut. Turns out this neighbor noticed we had been having trouble and decided to give us a hand by mowing our lawn, no questions asked. I was blown away. This man isn't a Christian, doesn't share the same values and doesn't live for the same God I do, but he's the one out on the lawnmower. All this time I've been wondering how I could show them a glimpse of Jesus, but in the end it is my rebel, smoking, tattooed, rough around the edges neighbor who revealed to me a picture of Christ!
Jesus came to our house yesterday, but he wasn't riding on a donkey. Instead he was riding a craftsman lawnmower!
Lord, make me a servant...
Sure, it means loving others, putting their needs above my own, humbly doing the unseen things. But, what does it mean to be a servant? Of course it means showing others Christ, washing feet, and providing a cup of cold water. But, what does it really mean to be a servant?
Several months ago now, when Sara and I were searching for a place to live we came across the house we currently live in. It was in our price range, and had certain characteristics we valued in a house, but it was in an area of town that some people said we shouldn't move to. An area of town with lower income families, poorer school districts and where people might not be as friendly. We made a conscious decision that we wanted to be in just such a place in order to serve and minister to others. So we began the process of buying the house.
As we were moving in we talked about wanting to be friendly neighbors. We wanted it to be obvious to those around us who we served. I wanted badly to find ways to show our neighbors around us a picture of Christ, at least a glimpse of his love, his grace and his compassion. So, we began visiting with some of our neighbors as we had opportunity, building relationships in hope we might get the chance to reveal the one we serve. Neighbors however, can be difficult because they are not always like me, don't always share the same values and don't always live for the same God. With one neighbor in particular it became obvious that it would be a little more difficult to get to know him. He's 33 years old with a wife and two kids but he's probably better described as a rebel. He's a mechanic who's into racing (I don't know the first thing about racing) and he is a little rough around the edges. For example, in our second conversation together he asked what I did for a living and I told him I was a minister at a church in Reidland. His immediate response was, "well brother, you're in the wrong neighborhood. I enjoy my drinking, smoking and having a good time." When I talk to him, he kind of leaves me scratching my head...
Then came a day like yesterday. We were laying down for some rest in the afternoon because we were tired from a long weekend of being at the ZOE conference (at which we even explored what it meant to be Jesus to others), when I heard some strange noises in our backyard. It sounded like some kind of engine rumbling back and forth. I got up, went to the window and peeked through the blinds. There coming around the corner on his lawnmower was my neighbor!
See, we were having some difficulties with our lawnmower and weren't able to mow the lawn the last two weeks. The grass had grown pretty well over that period of time and it desperately needed to be cut. Turns out this neighbor noticed we had been having trouble and decided to give us a hand by mowing our lawn, no questions asked. I was blown away. This man isn't a Christian, doesn't share the same values and doesn't live for the same God I do, but he's the one out on the lawnmower. All this time I've been wondering how I could show them a glimpse of Jesus, but in the end it is my rebel, smoking, tattooed, rough around the edges neighbor who revealed to me a picture of Christ!
Jesus came to our house yesterday, but he wasn't riding on a donkey. Instead he was riding a craftsman lawnmower!
Lord, make me a servant...
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Follow Mercy's Lead
I was blessed Sunday with my first opportunity to preach since we arrived at Reidland eight weeks ago. It's always a humbling experience to be used as a mouthpiece for the heart of God. At least the hope is that His words become mine and His heart pours forth in the words I speak. I shared about Jesus calling Matthew to follow him and the subsequent feasting at Matthew's house with tax collectors and sinners (Matt. 9). I attempted to convey that Jesus exemplified a life of mercy and he calls us to be transformed into a people of mercy so that daily we choose to "follow mercy's lead." The difficulty is that many times for us this is a whole new way to live. This is new wine for new wineskins and sometimes the message of mercy can be intimidating to us. Here is a section of the sermon I found to be powerful for me...
When we follow mercy's lead we are led to welcome all people to recline at the table and enjoy the feast! Praise God. May mercy lead...
Yet once again I hear the words of that pesky Paul and I get a little queasy to my stomach when he says “Follow me as I follow Christ” because I’m instantly reminded of Jesus’ own radically life-changing words, “Whoever comes after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m ready to do that because deep down I have at least a small inkling of where mercy might lead—I can’t help but remember I’ve seen glimpses before, because:
When Mercy Leads…a woman at the well, an outsider cast to the outskirts of meaningful society tastes the sweetness of her own humanity again.
When Mercy Leads…stones hit the ground as a woman condemned in the eyes of many now stands in the freedom of the broken shackles of her scarlet past.
When Mercy Leads…a man resigned to a life of leprosy unfamiliar with even the closeness of a 10-foot pole feels the tender touch of healing and acceptance
When Mercy Leads…a table is prepared with the finest feast and the host eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners for all are welcomed in the presence of Jesus
Maybe you see why I’m a little hesitant today to follow Matthew and Paul as they follow Christ, maybe you’re feeling a little hesitant too. For if we choose to leave the bubble of our comfortable booth to follow this journey defined by mercy we might very well find ourselves in places we have never been. If you envision those brand new garments as pearly white robes don’t get your hopes up because it is highly probable that on this path we will get more dirty than we originally anticipated. For this is a road less traveled and many turn back when they see the sign…Warning, comfort zones will be shattered! Our only choice is whether or not to follow because in choosing to, the once seemingly simple choice quickly becomes intense command. In fact, compared to this radical way of life Jesus calls us to the booth might feel all the more comfortable because it’s where we’ve always been, it’s what we’re used to, it’s where we’re in control, but together by the power of the Spirit within us I believe we can pursue this kind of Christ-life.
When we follow mercy's lead we are led to welcome all people to recline at the table and enjoy the feast! Praise God. May mercy lead...
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