God, Forgive High School Me

image by: Egan Snow

I fell asleep with the window open and woke up cold with the chill smell of leaves blowing through my room.  The particular cold botanical aroma of late summer awoke memories of Interlochen, the northern Michigan arts camp where I spent the last week of every summer for all four years of high school.  Filled with nostalgia, I also felt regret as I remembered those years.  I did not live up to the standard by which I judged others.  I was rude, fearful, and self-righteous.  Since high school, I’ve apologized to many of my friends for the person I was.  (If you feel you deserve an apology but have been left out, please let me know.)

I think I've improved as a person since then, but I don’t want to focus on that; it is unimportant.  Hopefully we do improve as we live life, but life isn’t ultimately about self-improvement.  Being better now doesn’t remove the consequences of my words and actions, not can it earn forgiveness. I personally must remember this or I fall back into self-righteousness.  Christianity doesn't smile on self-righteousness.

As I understand, teach, and live it, Christianity has little to do with good behavior or morals.  It can produce them, but at it's core Christianity is repeatedly realizing that our most heroic efforts to live holy lives have been unsuccessful (Isaiah 64:6), and finding that God offers his unconditional love to us no matter what we’ve done.  Regardless of how we've failed, God loves us more than we can imagine.  God readily forgives us, no matter how we embarrassingly we’ve behaved.

           

Challenge:

Read The Parable of the Prodigal Son today.  Did you know that “prodigal” means “Wasteful?”  Both boys were wasteful.  While one wasted his dad’s money; the other wasted precious time withholding forgiveness.  Which boy is most like you?  Whichever one you are, God welcomes you into his presence with open arms.  Jesus loves you relentlessly, with love you’re worst actions can never undermine.  Sometimes we struggle to accept this. We try to earn God’s love, but it’s free and can only ever be free.  When do you find it difficult to accept God’s love?  What wears down your resistance?

This Man Does Not Represent Us

Today a dim and violent individual said some of the worst things a person can say (maybe don't follow the link. It's pretty bad.).  He insisted that he spoke in the name of Jesus, my God, and in the name of Christianity, my religion.  I have written about this before, but since horrible things continue to be said and done, I suppose God's people ought to keep on speaking and acting as well.  Most of what I want to say is this:  This wretched man does not represent me, my God, or my church.  I'm a minister in a Christian church and am personally acquainted with hundreds of Christians who posses widely varying opinions about homosexuality; some believe it is an abhorrent sin and some do not, but I cannot think of one person from either group who would fail to be revolted by this man's disgusting behaviour.  You read that correctly: regardless of whether Christians view homosexuality as a sin, we reject and deplore these hateful threats and violence.

Image by Sister72

I'm sad that this isn't the first incident, or even the worst.  Last year the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reported that more fatal hate crimes were committed against homosexuals in 2011 than in any other previous year.  People have been doing awful things.  An infuriating number claim that they do them for God, not just any God, for Jesus, you know, the God who laid his life down for his enemies.  The contradiction here is baffling.  These haters are not representing Jesus Christ, they are representing themselves and their own fear, insecurity, and depravity.  Jesus knows what it's like to be screamed down by a hateful mob, and he didn't seem fond of the experience (Luke 22:42). 

Jesus was someone who actually stood between a lynch mob and an notorious sinner (John 8:2-11), which is precisely the role Christians need to take up.  So called “Christian” bigots have been getting a lot of press, and we could  complain and call it “liberal bias in the media” or we could agree that such awful behaviour should be  denounced from as many venues as possible until it ceases.  We don't have to be embarrassed, these people don't represent us, but since they are acting so boldly we really must step up to act on Christ's behalf in our churches and communities.  We can't tolerate senseless hatred and pretend to serve the God of love.  If a Christian friend of yours abuses someone verbally because of their sexual orientation, call them out on it (Proverbs 27:17); that's not acceptable (Colossians 3:8).  If they won't correct their behaviour, and they insist on calling themselves Christian, part ways (1 Corinthians 5:11), you don't need that noise in your life.  Jesus was pretty clear about whether or not to remain on speaking terms with those who claim to follow God but who refuse correction (Matthew 18:15-17). 

Challenge:

Pray that God would change the hearts our enemies, silence false preachers, and embolden us speak the Gospel.

Dropping The F-Bomb

“I’m a Feminist” said a pastor to a classroom of sheltered churchgoers.  He waited while his students laughed.  It took a few moments for them to realize he wasn’t joking.  They began to look curious; some even looked scared.  They had never heard a feminist talk about feminism.  He had their attention, and that was just what he wanted.  In the tradition of that fine professor, here it goes:

I am a feminist.

When I use the word “feminism” I am referring to the belief that men and women are equals who ought to receive the same political, economic, and social rights.  Feminism acknowledges and denounces the institutionalized sexism that has hurt and hindered women throughout our history.  These are perfectly Biblical ideas, though not all Christians embrace them.

Covenants

Fans of gender roles often argue that the Old Testament law did not establish a society with equal gender roles.  They are correct, but the Old Testament also made provisions for slavery, demanded blood sacrifices, and had rules about how far one could walk on a Saturday.  These Old Testament practices are not a part of Christianity, not because they are culturally abhorrent (they are), but because Christians don’t follow the Law of Moses.  We don’t even pretend to follow the Law of Moses; that law was the old covenant.  We follow Jesus now.

We follow Jesus’ New Covenant, precisely because no one was ever able to follow Moses’ Old one.  Read Hebrews sometime and you’ll see that the purpose of the Old Covenant was only ever to point us toward the new one.  In this perfect New Covenant Jesus Christ has invalidated those sad divisions which once set one human being up as inherently superior to another.  Doesn’t it say in Galatians that there is now neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female (Galatians 3:28)?  The kingdom of God doesn’t have room for gender hierarchies any more than it has room for apartheid.  Which is to say we’ve tolerated far too much of both and it’s time we said so.

Straw Womaning

I hear a lot of complaints about feminism, but most are not complaints about feminism at all, but about individual persons claiming to represent feminism.  Opponents of Christian-Feminism point to the most verbally abusive persons who happen to wear the title Feminist and argue that Feminist ideal must logically conclude with becoming such a person.  This is ludicrous.  If someone were to point at Rush Limbaugh and warn me that Christianity would turn me him, it would be all I could do not to laugh.  (We make a point of not judging on this blog but I will say that Rush’s words do not appear to fall in line with Christ’s promise that we can recognize Christians by how they love; however, only God knows the heart)

Biblical Relationships Don't Have Ranks

Ephesians 5:22-33 are often cited by proponents of male superiority.  Well no, actually 22 and 23 are often cited and the rest are left off and ignored.  These more popular verses are the ones which demand a wife submit to her husband.  Now those two verses are completely biblical, and useful for teaching, rebuking, and encouraging, but they are an incomplete picture, like any two verses of the Bible. In reality the command for women to submit to their husbands is coupled immediately with a command for husbands to love their wives with the love Christ has for the church.  This might seem lopsided, in one direction or the other, but wait a second.  In Ephesians 5:21 All Christians are commanded to submit to one another, which means submission is as much a husband’s job as it is a wife’s.  Submission is a Christian trait, not a female one.  John 13:34-35 is explicit that we must all love one another as Jesus loved us.  This is not a man’s unique call.  We all, every one of us, are called to love with increasingly perfect love.

It is so sadly human of us to turn these commands to love into arguments about who needs to do more.  The truth is that we are each asked to love our spouses, our brothers, our sisters, and our enemies with more love than we could possible muster on our own.  Nothing good dwells in us (Romans 7:18), male of female, we need Jesus in order to love.  We need his forgiveness, spirit, and power.

Challenge:

Ask yourself: How does gender influence how you view others?  Is that fair?  Is it Christian?  Whether or not you wear the name Feminist, all Christians are called to consider other’s better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).  Pray today that God works this change in your heart, God is eager to forgive and to pour his love out through you.

Life is Hard, Especially For Jane Eyre

I started reading Jane Eyre this week. I am really enjoying it, and this is a relief as it is a book I feel obligated to read. Especially since I have pretended to have read it in the past. I think we all pretend to have read more books than they're actually read; I hope. At least I will pretend this is true; I cannot be the only one who feels overwhelmed by the vast universe of books I haven't read. Back to the point: I am really enjoying Jane Eyre, not just the book but the character too. Jane is magnificent.

Jane Eyre is brave, bold, and smart. I wish I was more like her. I hope I am a little, but not too much, like her. Where I am reading she has just had a rather pointed dissent from Christianity. Jane feels, reasonably, that it is unjust for her friend Helen to submit patiently to undeserved reprimands and punishments. This is a common feeling; injustice is hard to stomach. I have felt this way, and every human, especially children, feel this way from some or all of the time. We want the world to be fair and it is not. There is not a neat and easy truism that makes this problem go away. There are comforting truths; explore them. Today I will not give answers away. Some truths do not feel precious, or even trustworthy, unless you've wrestled with them yourselves.

Read Luke 13, in which Jesus explains that bad things do not just happen to bad people, and in which he heals the sick, and laments the difficulty of salvation.

Read Job, in which a lot of bad things happen to a pretty good man who feels rather put upon by it all, but in the end God has a thing or two to say as well.

Read John 16, in which Jesus promises that in this world we will have trouble, but that he has overcome the world.

Read Hebrews 12, in which the author submits a perspective of hardship that is rather comforting if you've been blessed to have kind and loving parents.

Read 2 Corinthians 1, in which Paul reflects that his hardships have equipped him to comfort and serve his neighbors.

Read Jane Eyre.

Live. Ask. Struggle.

Challenge:

We are not given an easy answer for why God doesn't prevent bad things from happening. He does not promise to, which is at least a testament to his honesty. Bad things do happen; wrestle with it. Read the Bible. Ask the Lord. Let me know any insights or conclusions you come to, that's what the comment section is for. Good reading, and God speed.

Re: American Gods

If you’ve not read any Neil Gaiman, you’re missing out.  He tells stories delightfully, blending whimsical fantasy with honest portraits of injured and incomplete human beings.  American Gods follows the story of Shadow, who having been recently released from prison is quickly recruited by a con-man.  Despite his apparent criminality Shadow is an easy character to sympathize with.  Shadow helps American Gods to feel more like a thriller than a fantasy novel.  As Shadow meets gods we meet them too and I was grateful to be introduced to Gaiman’s strange world through a protagonist who started off knowing no more than I did.

At the beginning of the book I had favorite gods, and the idea of these myths walking in real life was exciting.  Gaiman shattered my modern ideas of the old gods by depicting them as they were first imagined: powerful and petty.  The ancient gods of Rome, Ireland, and Africa are human, and as such they are messed up.  They are as likely to be helpful as they are to be cruel; they are caricatures of the humanity, afflicted with the human condition.

American Gods also paints a startling portrait of culture in the United States. Just as old world gods are real in Gaiman’s novel, the new gods of convenience and technology are real as well.  They look silly next to the old gods, but ultimately are not different.  They are no more or less corrupt or corrupting.  They hit closer to home.  I know no one who has ever sacrificed a child to an old god.  We all know of friendships that have been sacrificed to ambition, lust, or selfishness.  These modern gods are real.  In Gaiman’s world, and also in ours, anything that a person worships with time, attention, and energy is a god.

I do want to say that American Gods is for adult audiences; there were points in the novel which vividly depicted monstrous gods of sexuality and of death exacting sacrifice.  Their sacrifice is disturbing.  These scenes were not many, and I they serve the novel's purpose of portraying how we can loose ourselves in devotion to our gods.  I mention it so that you do not read anything you cannot unread.  Overall the book was excellent, but that sort of thing is not for everyone.

            I want to say that Neil Gaiman was incredibly considerate towards Christians, Jews, and Muslims when he absented the Lord from his pantheon of mythical gods and goddesses.  Jesus does not appear; neither does the God of Israel, nor Allah.  A monotheistic God could have introduced problems into the world Gaiman wrote.  Besides the narrative problems God would cause, the books would have offended a lot of people if Gaiman had treated the God(s) of the world’s dominant religions like he treated his trickster gods.  That sort of offensive writing might have sold a lot of books, and I appreciate that Gaiman didn’t exploit that route.  Thanks Neil, if you're reading this.

Challenge:

Ask God to show you if you have served other gods.  Whatever your god has been it cannot satisfy the thirst of your soul.  The gods of this world only steal life.  False gods demand sacrifice, but the true God sacrificed himself.   He loved us while we were still enemies so that we could experience life to its fullest.  Read Romans 5:8-10.  Jesus death meant our forgiveness.  Jesus resurrection meant our adoption.  God is alive. God loves you.  Enjoy.

A Meditation For Peace Transcending Understanding

This week I rediscovered a wonderful spiritual practice that I would like to share with you. Worshipping the Lord can be joyfully all encompassing, but I personally have a very difficult time prying my attention away from all of the stressors in my life. Worries and fears steal our attention until it is hard to give the Lord our focus. I encourage you to find a quiet place, close your other tabs, and spend a little time entering into God's transcendent peace.

1. Find a Quiet Place.

   "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." -Matthew 6:6
2. Place your heavy concerns in God's hands (prayer and petition). Pray, “ Dear Jesus I give you ______.” Start with the big relationships, responsibilities, and ambitions. Feel yourself lighten as your burdens are lain down.

   "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6

3. Place your lighter concerns in God's hands with the same prayer, “ Dear Jesus I give you ______.” Continue to feel your burden lifted

   "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" - Matthew 11:28

4. Place your blessing in God's hands with the same prayer, “ Dear Jesus I give you ______."

    "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:29

5. As you've surrendered your defence mechanisms and securities you may begin to feel vulnerable. When you're ready, and have laid down as many burdens as you can think of, lay down in the hand of God. Pray, “Dear Jesus I give you myself.” 

   "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:30

6. Rest here. (Be still and know . . . )

   "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" - Psalm 46:10

   
   

   

   Quiet, Please by: Umberto Fistarol

RE: Brave and Matthew 18:15-35

Brave exceeded my expectations. I've seen warrior princesses, and I've seen fiery redheads defy their parents wishes, but I honestly believe Brave depicted something new, and even something counter cultural. Brave told a story of forgiveness and reconciliation. It championed community over individuality.

I'm not going to ruin it for you, but I want to say that the ideals of the film were utterly other than those ordinarily pushed in such movies. We're used to stories of independence, where strong willed heroes dodge the consequences of their actions and claim glory for themselves and their ragtag group of friends. Brave is not that story. Brave is better.

I think that the film will struggle with popularity, not because it features strong female characters, but because its message is decidedly not self-centred. There are parallels between Ariel and Merida, and between Mulan and Merida, but Brave's princess is entirely more realistic. She is whiny and rude, and her adolescent defiance hurts her family. Disney traditionally has challenged us to strike out on our own in spite of what anyone tells us. Brave challenges families to listen to one another, to forgive one another, and to believe in one another. This challenge is as much harder as it is better.

I advise you to go see it. Brave is funny and smart, and it was beautiful to see on the big screen. I'm certain I'd only enjoy it more if I had children, but you don't need kids to appreciate it. I saw it with my wife and two single friends, and it sparked great discussions, especially about our mothers.

Challenge:

If you do take your kids to see it, consider reading Matthew 18:15-35 before or after. Talk with them about forgiveness. Remind them how much you love them and will forgive them no matter what, and how Jesus loves them with even greater all-forgiving love.

Dunnottar Castle photo by: macieklew

God speed and happy watching.


P.S.   JW Wartick of Always Have A Reason has written this lovely, and more academic reflection on the film:  Pixar's "Brave" A Christian Perspective

Haters Gonna Infiltrate: Four Recent Events That Likely Embarassed Jesus

One Of Those Christians

I am, as I may have previously mentioned, a Christian. I have occasionally been asked, “are you one of those Christians?” The question, delivered with a cringe, is a valid, if inarticulate, one. There are many sorts of people using the word “Christian” to define themselves, but wearing the name “Christian” doesn't make a person a follower of Christ any more than wearing a white coat makes a person a doctor. Sadly, some of these people are not serving as ambassadors of the Gospel, but as mongers of hate, war, and prejudice. Haters, as they say, are gonna hate, but I adamantly wish they would leave Christianity out of it.

In the past month four huge embarrassing stories have surfaces in the media. Oddly I didn't hear about them from Christian watchdog groups but from Princess Free Zone and George Takei. At the urging of my own conscience, and an article by Michelangelo Signorile, I'm weighing in here to add a Christian voice to their chorus of denouncement.  Their behaviour is not the behaviour of Christ.  I am not one of these Christians, my church is not one of these churches, and my pastor is not one of these pastors:

Photo By Eric Chan

Embarrassment The First: Pastor Sean Harris Tells Parents To Punch Their Effeminate Children

On May first the Huffington Post reported the violent and hateful remarks of Sean Harris, who actually told his congregation to punch their sons for acting effeminate, and to rebuff their daughters for acting “butch.” In the interest of fairness this Pastor did eventually apologise, but I'm afraid a lot of people aren't taking his apology seriously. As a Christian, although his hate-filled words break my heart, I am obliged to forgive him. Non-Christians are under no such obligation, and the injury this man has done to Christ's reputation cannot be overstated.

Embarrassment The Second: Pastor Charles Worthy Call For Homosexuals To Be Put In Camps

On May twenty-second U.S. News reported on the outrage that followed the bigoted remarks of another senior pastor. Charles Worthy called for homosexuals to rounded up and put behind gender specific fences so they could eventually die out. If the notion was not so horrible and disgusting it would be hilarious. The idea that homosexuality would cease to exist if homosexuals would just stop breeding seems to misunderstand the very nature of homosexuality. To the credit of this pastor's community, The Catawaba Valley Citizens Against Hate organised a massive peaceful protest, the sort of thing I wish Christians were more prone to do in these situations.

Embarrassment The Third: Church Gives Standing Ovations For Toddler's Hate Anthem

On May 30^th NYDailyNews.com reported a disturbing viral video. The video features a toddler singing the words, “Ain't no ain't no homo gonna make it to heaven” which would be sad, but not newsworthy if not for the enthusiastic standing ovation he received from Apostolic Truth Tabernacle Church of Greensburg, Indiana. The church and pastor have since received death threats and hate mail, which is shameful, though unsurprising. The fact that a church community is actively teaching it's children bigotry with such incredible enthusiasm turns the stomach.  To those who would join in threatening these people, please remember that violence perpetuates such hatred, and that the Christian faith does not allow for revenge (Romans 12:19).  These persons will be held accountable by God, “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck” (Mark 9:42)

Embarrassment The Fourth: Pastor Curtis Knapp Defends Remark: “Gay's Should Be Put To Death”

On May thirty-first Kansas Pastor Curtis Knapp went on CNN to defend previous remarks that the US government should execute homosexuals. You may have heard the phrase, “You may be the only Jesus someone ever meets.” This man brings that phrase home for me. I've no doubt that there are people who believe this man represents Christianity, and worse, there are people who believe this man represents Jesus Christ. He does not. Jesus spoke about men who masquerade as his servants when said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15)

Judgemental Reactions Don't Heal Judgement Inflicted Wounds

I want to be crystal clear that neither I nor anyone else except God alone knows the state of these person's souls. They may be authentic faith-filled Christians. They may have serious mental or emotional disorders. They may have been indoctrinated from childhood. I cannot know that I would grow into a temperate and loving individual if I'd been given their life circumstance and mental faculties. 

Their words and actions are certainly abhorrent, but such persons, like all sinners ought to be loved patiently and forgiven readily. I ask that if you share my Christian faith, that you make every effort to actively distinguish yourself from such misrepresentations of Christ. Yet even as you dissent from them, please pray for these misguided perpetrators of evil. God speed your endeavours.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
-1 John 4:16-21

Concerning Demons

The forces of hell are a real thing. Scripture is not ambiguous about the existence of the devil and his devils. They exist today and I want to be exquisitely clear on one point in regards to these devils: They are unimportant. Faith in Christ is necessary for salvation; faith in devils is not. I have not observed that faith in devils is even beneficial. Those friends of mine who pay particular attention to scripture that concerns demons, usually have done so to their own detriment. I hope to briefly show here that no special study of demons is ever necessary.

This devil is so unimportant that a bird pooped on it.  Photo by eisenbahner

Imagine two young Christians are being demonically harangued in identical ways. What happens is this: when they retire to their bedrooms they are bombarded with anxieties about work and school, and they have no peace in mind or in body. At times they even hyperventilate and succumb to anxiety attacks. Lets say that between these two Christians, one believes in demons, and one of them does not. There is no compelling reason they need to behave differently in response to their problem.

The Christian who has faith in Christ but none in demons, if he or she is wise, ought to place each anxiety before the Lord in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), and meditate on God's word (Psalm 1:2-3) so that he or she can take each thought captive (2 Corinthians 2:5). It may also be wise to read a pleasant book or decorate the room with a serene theme (Philippians 4:8). This first Christian, by acting in godly faith, and by putting the word into practice, will create an intolerable environment for hell's messenger. The unwelcome roommate will leave. 

The second person, believing in and recognizing a devil, should do everything the first Christian did. This second person, wise or not, may address the demon directly to declare Christ's lordship. If they do all that the first Christian did then it makes no difference, but if they neglect engaging with God through prayer and the word, then their exorcism will fail. A verbal declaration isn't necessary, and in some cases it may even be detrimental. If it is done without faith it is ineffective (Acts 19:13-15). If done with faith, but the Christan doesn't fill their heart with the things of God, then it will again be ineffective (Luke 11:24-26). An exorcism is either a reassuring but unnecessary addition, or it is a destructive distraction.

Scripture promises that if we resist the devil he will flee us (James 4:7). Resisting the devil comes quite naturally to a practicing Christian. Any pursuit of God is resistance to the devil. According to James 4:7, a thankful prayer should be as effective as an exorcism. A simple act of submitting to God will either be as effective as, or more effective than, a verbal “casting-out.”

Verbal exorcisms are carried out in a myriad of reasons, many of which are bad. In my experience exorcisms tend to be sensational and dramatic, inflating the importance of utterly insubstantial spirits instead of directing attention and glory to the Spirit of God. “Resisting the devil” is a natural byproduct of what we call, “following Jesus.” No special procedure is necessary to “cast out” a devil; all devils, real and imagined, readily flee from simple Christian living.

There is no reason to avoid exorcisms. Exorcisms, like demons, are not important. If it seems prudent, and you have faith, verbally declare God's dominion. We oughtn't hesitate to verbally declare God's dominion, whether or not we have a demonic audience. If, however, you have announced God's truth and power, but a devil persists in its pestering, it is silly to just make another speech. 

No one's speeches are effective if their works aren't convincing. Put God's word into practice. Praise your God. Think about something excellent and praiseworthy. Practice hospitality. Thank Jesus for something. Read the Bible, and mediate on it. Honor your parents. Consider the lilies of the field. Each of these is as or more effective in defeating the kingdom of hell. Having this thorough education on the subject, please go read something else today. Like demons and like exorcisms, this post is not important. Have a nice day.

RE: The Great Divorce

Reading The Great Divorce is like walking through a garden of beautiful dreams.  Lewis is a master of senses and setting and can write heavenly bliss as no one else can.  Sadly I have made the terrible mistake of finishing the book this morning, and I now have no treat awaiting me at the end of my day.  Perhaps I will read it again.

            Read this book.  It is in the best interest of your soul and imagination that you read this book.  It is like an extra chapter from my favorite parts of The Chronicles of Narnia, but it is even better.  It’s better for two reasons.  First it is written to adults, and second it is much shorter.

            The content is as mature as it is beautiful.  Lewis explores many of his delicious ideas from Mere Christianity, but here does so through rich characters and conversations instead of through dry abstractions.  It is more readable than Mere Christianity, and more substantive than the Chronicles.

            You should read this masterful book.  It is reminiscent of Dante in its arc and of Plato in its method.  It is a work of art anyone can enjoy in a single afternoon.  I mistakenly believed that it was a dry theological tome, and so I deprived myself of enjoying its garden of delights until now.  I was mistaken, but you can learn from my error; you need not deprive yourself.  Read this book.

RE: Psalm 32 & Lectio Divina

Photo By: BabaSteve

Lectio Divina

If you’re familiar with Lectio Divina, pick a verse or two from Psalm 32 and enjoy it.  However, if you’re unfamiliar with Lectio Divina, then I'm afraid your life is woefully incomplete.  Don’t worry though; it is easy to learn, and will enrich the rest of your natural life if you use it.  
 

What's Lectio Divina?

Latin for “Divine Reading” Lectio Divina is a Christian practice of meditation that dates back to the third century.

Why Should I Meditate?

If God commanding his people to mediate on his word (Joshua 1:8) isn’t enough motivation for you then go ahead and check out some articles about the benefits of meditation in Psychology Today, MIT News, or The Houston Chronicler.  Meditation is really good for you in almost every conceivable way; as the more has been learned about mediation more and more health experts have been promoting it.  A lot of Christians are wary of meditation because some eastern religions teach meditation.  Some eastern religions also teach compassion, but this would be a very bad reason for us to throw away our long history of compassion.  In fact there is no excuse for a Christian not to practice compassion; God commanded it, and he commands meditation as well (Colossians 3:12).

How Do I Mediate?

Honestly the Wikipedia entry on Lectio Divina is pretty good, but just in case that’s too much history and jargon for you I’ve broken it down for you real simply:

To Practice Lectio Divina:

Prepare

Clear your mind and environment of distractions.  Turn off your music and close your other tabs.  Break deeply and be aware of your thoughts.

Read

Read a verse or two.  I recommend Psalm 32:1 for today.  Read your selection repeatedly, and allow it to fill your thoughts.

Reflect

Turn the verse over in your mind, looking at it from new perspectives.  What does it mean?  What is God saying to you today?

Pray

Pray.  React in prayer to the verse or verse you just read and thought about.  Praise God, make requests, and voice anxieties.  God is listening.

Contemplate

Be still and know the Lord is God.  Be quiet.  God hears your prayers and he answers them.  He loves you very much and is with you.

RE: Psalm 30

While sitting at my desk I got an unexpected and alarming phone call. My father-in-law was calling me to inform me that his car, which he'd given Beth and I the use of, had been towed and was quickly accumulating a staggering load of fines. I almost cried after I hung up the phone. I had been planning on paying taxes that day, taxes we could barely afford to pay off. I had no idea what we were going to do, and I was in no mood to pray, or to reflect on how God has always provided, nor was I inclined to remember the scripture I had just read about God's promise to provide. I didn't want to act wise or self-controlled; I wanted to punch things and yell. Thank God my boss noticed something was wrong and prayed with me before I had time to embarrass myself.

Photo Credit: HAWK Takahashi

Things worked out splendidly and I've no intention of explaining how.  I will say that God provided and that a few things which were at least as unexpected as an impounded car helped save the day. Right now everything is fine, situations are resolved and the song in my heart is Psalm 30, but next time I find myself in what appears to be a hopeless situation, I pray I can remember the lilies of the field.

RE: Psalm 28

I was bullied a bit as a kid. Once when I still attended a Christian school, an older boy on the school bus stomp kicked my face. I didn't tell anyone, since bullying was pretty common and I didn't want to look weak. I wanted to look strong. In fact, the desire to appear powerful became a driving force around this time in my life. I wanted to show that I was strong so I wouldn't get hurt any more. I didn't want anyone to get hurt any more. I hated bullies ferociously, so I committed myself to becoming stronger than they were. Tragically, I found out that the more I tried to be the strongest, the more my friends just got hurt by me instead of by someone else. Trying to stand up against bullies, I quickly became a one myself.

I don't think this experience is too unique. Trying to out wit and out gun the corruption and evil in our lives we easily become poisoned by our bitterness and resentment, and can ultimately become worse than what we hated at first.   It is once we recognise our own sinful power struggle that we pray the words, Do not drag me off with the wicked,with the workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbours while evil is in their hearts (28:3). And it is with full knowledge that we are no better than our enemies that we beg for forgiveness and Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy (28:6). Thank God he remains patient and loving even when we are temperamental, judgemental, and fearful.

The Lord is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed (28:8).

Photo credit: Ian Kahn

RE: Psalm 27

There are few verses in all of poetry that move my heart so much as, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me” (27:10).  There were a great many times, particularly in high school, when I could not bring myself to believe that God was working things out for my good as he’d promised to do (Rom 8:28).  At those times this chapter has been reinforcement for God’s many other promises.  On any given day God may not be obviously in control, on any given day we may find ourselves poor, sick, or crippled with anxiety.  On these days Psalm 27 takes up the cry of our breaking hearts: begging God to show his goodness (17:9), and refusing to despair until he does (27:13-14).


Photo Credit: "In A Lonely Place" by PCT

RE: Psalm 26

I don’t want to upset anybody, but I think this psalm sounds self righteous.  The psalmist sounds an awful lot like the pompous Pharisee in Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14).  Arrogant or not it’s in the Bible; at times like this it is essential to remember that the Bible is what we call, Divinely Inspired.  The speaker in this psalm is not a religious windbag, but the very Spirit of God, and the Spirit of God has every right to brag.  The Spirit of God cries out on our behalf, here in this psalm and in every moment.  This poem even takes on new meaning when we read it from a New Testament perspective.  Consider the words, “LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells” (26:8).  The temple mentioned is us (1 Cor 6:19).  You and I are the house where God lives and the place where his glory dwells.  He loves it here; he loves you.  Read this psalm joyfully, knowing that God finds pleasure in you and his Spirit intercedes for us. (Rom 8:26)

RE: A Call To Conscience Chapter Five

The speech contained in this chapter is the famous and earth-moving I Have A Dream speech.  King’s words give hope to my soul.  I have nothing to add or analyze.  Read it if you have two minutes, watch it if you have seventeen.

Here’s a treat.  The King Center has a rough draft available online.  Awesome.

Jesus' Mother & Brothers

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” -Mark 3:31-35

Your parents have probably told you that, “family comes first” at some point. I'd be very surprised if they never have. Families care for one another, influence one another, and shape children into adults. It was, and still is, and incredibly counter cultural idea that God's family is closer than blood ties. To Jesus your position in society doesn't matter. A role of authority doesn't get you anywhere with Jesus. Jesus is interested in your heart.

Challenge: Imagine a church where everyone treated one another as true brothers and sisters. Write about it if that helps you think. Now pray for it. Ask God to use you to strengthen and expand his family.

Are You A Man Or A Muppet?

I freaking love the Muppets.  Seriously, Walter, from the new movie, reminded me instantly of myself.  I love Gonzo, Mr. Teeth, Kermit, Piggy, even Samuel Eagle and Fozzy Bear.  I love that they’re all uniquely weird characters.  They are each annoying, talented, loving, petty, funny, bold, and insecure.  They’re everyone.  The Muppets have characters of every type.  There is no one who could truly be out of place among these weirdos.  They don’t seem like they should work together, but they’re incredible.

The Muppets make me feel homesick, which should probably frighten me more than it does.  I understand that they’re puppets, but the idea of such diverse and zany characters all coming together for one common purpose makes my heart ache for my true home.  I don’t mean Muppet Studios, I talking about the kingdom of God.

Christians are weird.  Christians are annoying, talented, loving, petty, bold, and insecure.  We are Muppets.  Often we don’t work together or love one another like we should.  The sad reality is that we live in a harsher world than the Muppets do, and I’m thankful that we get more than a thirty minute interval to pull our act together.

One last thing I’ll say I love about the Muppets is that every freaky one of them comes as they are, with all their passions, flaws, and fears out on their sleeves.  When they each do what they love doing they put on a tolerable show.  I want to see that in the church.  So this leads me to ask:  Which Muppet are you?  What is your greatest passion?  What is your biggest flaw?  These things can’t define you; only Christ can, but God made you this way in all of your weird and beautiful glory.  He did it on purpose, and I for one would be thrilled to see an absurd family of Christians loving and laughing and possessing a zest for life comparable to that of Gonzo the Great.

Parable Of A Lost Sheep - 3rd Tuesday In Lent

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?  And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.  In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.”

-Matthew 18:12-14

    Imagine a scrappy young man with a black eye and scraped knees.  Imagine that this disinherited youth has felt the pangs of hunger, the shame of poverty, and knows what it is to have others look down their noses at him.  He knows what it is like to be hit by someone who hits just to feel strong.  This sort of young man, a person acquainted with abuse and suffering will sometimes gain an incredible drive to protect the weak.  Having known much pain, he will strive with all his being to save his loved ones from the pain he has known.
    This is what our savior is like.  The Anointed One, through whom all things were made, has an unparalleled relentless hero streak that is beyond human reckoning.  He is not interested in making a mere show of mercy, but is actually willing that none should perish.

Challenge:  Reflect on your rebellions against our merciful God.  Know that God does not remember those rebellions.  You are covered in Christ's blood, and there is no second death awaiting you.  Jesus Christ has sought you out and found you.  God rejoices over you.

Childish - 3rd Monday In Lent

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:1-5

Kids can be irritating. They can be noisy. They can be messy. If you've ever been in a restaurant with a rambunctious kid at the next table, you know exactly what I mean. If you have a younger sibling, you know even better.
Not only are they a firestorm of chaos and toys, they ask questions ALL THE TIME. Questions like “why?” five or six times in a row. Oddly enough, they'll trust the answers you give them. They just want to know more. Always.
Being grown men, it's likely Jesus' disciples knew a thing or two about kids. Chances are, they'd been kids before if nothing else. Knowing that they were likely to send kids away when the adults were talking (see Matt 19:13-14), Jesus' decision to bring in a little kid in as an example of what to do is really shocking.
But can you imagine what I would be like if we did accept God's Kingdom like little children? When He tells us He loves us we'd believe Him. We'd ask Him every question that popped into our heads fearlessly, and we'd take His answers at their word. We'd accept His gifts as gratefully and excitedly as a kid getting a birthday present from their mom or dad. We'd never pretend to know more than our Dad. May God give you the Spirit to do this today, and every day.

Challenge:
Find a way to become like a little child, and put it into practice.