A Clear Road in a Blizzard

Angela and I have been praying since beginning of her diagnosis for wisdom in navigating treatment options.  Between traditional medicine, natural remedies, medical centers in other countries, weirdos (those who became an expert in their basement), and conspiracy theorists on the Internet, there are many choices.  Then, of course, there is the choice to do nothing.

We've received lots of suggestions, links, and articles from strangers, friends, and family.  On top of that we've been researching on our own.  There is so much to wade through that one could spend 40 hours a day (I know there aren't that many hours in a day), every day for a year, and still not read through all the information that is available... isn't the Internet a beautiful thing!?

Needless to say, the amount of information and options has been overwhelming.  It feels like being in the middle of a blizzard. There's a temptation to give in to the weight and simply quit, but there is also a persistent desire to push through and seek God's wisdom.

That brings us to Wednesday and to explain Wednesday I need to explain Tuesday night.  On Tuesday night, Angela and I were experiencing one of those moments where we were feeling the weight of information overload.  Some of the information was good, while much was either conflicting, incorrect, or upon reading the entire article we discovered that it only applied to very specific and unrelated situations.

On Wednesday, Angela spent much of the day reflecting on the wisdom part of James 1 and seeking God's direction.  That night, when Angela was tucking Ruby in, they began their devotions in her kid's bible (which I love because of the pictures).  The story was David and Goliath, and as Angela and Ruby talked about the story together, a moment of wisdom/clarity was given to Angela.  Later that night, Angela told me about it and it 'clicked' for me too.

The wisdom and application from the story came from the exchange between David and King Saul over whether or not to wear the King's armor.  In the end, David didn't feel comfortable wearing the armor and chose to use the weapon and the way God had given him to succeed in the past (his sling and a few rocks).  God spoke to Angela through this in a very simple way... Angela's approach to facing this giant in her life needs to be done in a way that is personal and familiar to her.  Other methods/weapons may work for or fit some, but if they do not fit her then she isn't to use them.  Her decisions moving forward need to be in the rhythm and familiarity of her personal walk with God.

We both believe this to be God's will for our lives in responding to the multitude of choices.  Others may shake their head in dismay if we make a choice that is different from the one they would make (similarly to how King Saul must have shaken his head about David's decision to go into battle with just a sling), but we believe that this is God's will for our lives.

Until this point, when we've faced options that made us feel uncomfortable, there has been a nagging doubt and/or an irrational hope.  The nagging doubt has come from us second guessing our wisdom... wondering if we're being stubborn, closed-minded, or weak in faith.  The irrational hope has come from that place in your heart experienced when you're about to scratch a lotto ticket and you have that feeling like it's going to be a winner... it's that desire to believe in something so much that you ignore wisdom and/or facts.  It's the stuff that manifests in gold rushes, snake-oil purchases, and housing bubbles.

Every medical choice up until this point has felt like being in a blizzard, but this moment of clarity, provided in God's wisdom, it feels like turning on to a road that is well salted, sanded, and marked. 


I hope that came out the way God revealed it in our hearts.  


   

There Is No Other

"For this is what the LORD says-- he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited-- he says: "I am the LORD, and there is no other.  I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob's descendants, 'Seek me in vain.' I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right." Isaiah 45:18-19 (NIV)

I am reminded again this morning through reading of Isaiah 45-46 that He is God and there is no other.  We may be tempted to make our own truth (because it's convenient or we don't fancy the alternative); to turn to science (because we can see it and touch it); to reason (because our minds can understand it); or to experience (because we can feel it), but there's no getting around the reality of the God of the Bible.  It doesn't fully come as a surprise to me that all He simply requires is faith to receive His redemption.  Faith is the only issue when it comes to the big questions of life.  How we respond to God alters everything else.

I'm glad that God does not hide Himself, use us as an experiment, or create us with a dead-end purpose.  'God has made it plain to [us].  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that [we] are without excuse.  For although [many of us] knew God, [we] neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but [our] thinking became futile and [our] foolish hearts were darkened." (1)

I am obligated ... to [tell you], both to the wise and the foolish. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes ... For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith. (2)

I hope that as you read this and that as I write this, we turn our hearts and minds more fully to God.  That we recognize His greatness as our Creator and His goodness as our Savior.  Life is not just best lived, but only lived in this reality.  Everything else is simply a counterfeit life hiding in the shadows of the deceitfulness of our sin, the foolishness of our limited wisdom, and the darkness of evil.

(1) Romans 1:19b-22 (NIV); (2) Romans 1:14, 16-17a (NIV) 

You Just Need To Have More Faith!

"You just need to have more faith!" has been a common expression in many Churches in recent decades.  The was often said in response to self-perceived unanswered prayers usually related to ones comfort (i.e. our health or finances).... [heaven forbid we pray for someone other than ourselves].

There is a segment in the Christian community and in most Christian minds that feel as though if we live following God's ways that everything will be comfortable.  And if things aren't, it's because of our level of faith.  And yet when we read Acts, the early Church was filled with great faith (perhaps the greatest faith the Church has ever seen) and it resulted in greater discomfort.  This leads me to believe, that in this season of life (before Christ's return), those with the greatest faith will be hurled into incredibly uncomfortable situations and those with little faith will be lulled to sleep by the comfort of our world and the appetite of our flesh.

God isn't cruel however.  He has a purpose in mind when we journey through trials and temptations... he is working in and through us, preparing us and others, for what's in store... Heaven!  Hebrews 11 captures this well...

Excerpts from Hebrews 11 (NIV) - Read all of Hebrews 11 for even greater context.
1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. ... 8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. ...  36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

As Christians we shouldn't seek pain and discomfort... we should seek to share, by faith, Christ's death and resurrection by following Him, guided by His Word, and empowered and gifted by His Spirit.  Following Him, however, will result in uncomfortable situations (like having less things, going to foreign lands, using our time for things that aren't our flesh-preference).

So who do you think has more faith, the person who worships God in the midst of comfort or the person who worships God in the midst of difficulties?  This isn't a rhetorical question either... there is actually a good argument for both... in comfort faith fights pride and in sacrifice faith fights pride.  I guess this all could be simply summarized by saying follow God and worship Him in the good and bad... God's grace can be revealed in both.

Does God Set Us Up to Fail?

I thought this Scripture to be a good follow up to our text on Sunday (Acts 8:1-4... listen here):

James 1:12–15 (NIV84) "12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

We often think that God is tempting us, just waiting for us to screw up so he can say, "I told you so!"  The opposite couldn't be more true.  God does test us, but he does not tempt us... and there is a big difference.  Tempting sets us up for failure.  Testing sets us up for success... and God is all about seeing us succeed (hence Jesus).  Earlier in James 1:2-4 he says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  then he follows it up with this confirmation in v. 17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

In other words... God does not hide or mask himself slipping around in the shadows trying to trick us (that's what Satan does).  God never changes and He always makes Himself known.  He will give you wisdom if you ask for it (James 1:5) to know the details of your situation and how to respond.

As you begin the work/school part of this week, may you know that God is cheering you on, setting you up for success (even if it is in the form of a test... it is a test that you can pass and use to grow in your purpose, fulfillment, and calling)!

Waking up from Hibernation

After getting called a pumpkin on Sunday, I guess it's not much of a stretch to call me a bear.  I woke up this morning at 4:45am ready to go for the day... this is normal for the fall, but not the summer.  I guess fall is coming early this year and my summer hibernation is over.

One of the reasons I write on this blog is to communicate the reality that being involved in formal/vocational ministry is a lot of fun and that just about anyone can do it.  While there are definitely difficult moments and seasons full of personal and family sacrifice, the joy and privilege that it is to serve in this capacity is simply awesome.  This is the reason that I often write about the personal side of my life and add some reflection about our Church.  This morning, however, I feel the need to communicate more of God's written Word (not just today, but into this new "year").

I was reading Psalm 149 this morning when the phrase 'he crowns the humble with salvation' jumped off the page.  As someone who often errs on the side of self-confidence/pride, I need to be reminded of this daily.  I think know this is the reason why I am often brought to tears in worship on Sundays, in my morning commute, and at random times when the grace of God hits me in a new way.  It is in these moments that I realize the foolishness of my arrogance, self-righteousness, and self-reliance.  It is in these moments that I realize the graciousness of our God.  Grace found in the form of patience, provision, health, family, friends, a Church family, and most importantly, salvation through Jesus Christ.  God has been been so good to me and to think that I often believe that the things which are good in my life are the result of my own doing or good fortune!  This brings me to the second reason for tears... shear gratitude. From gratitude God then moves me to action.  I know that God has blessed me not just so that I might praise Him, but that I might taste the fruit of their fulfillment as the goodness and greatness of our God is experienced in those who cross my path.  God said it best when he said that we are blessed to be a blessing.  My limited experience has taught me that the greatest blessing to me personally doesn't happen when I am blessed, but when I give that blessing away.  The fulfillment and pleasure that comes from seeing God's grace bloom and bless others starts with that place of humility where salvation is found.

If you're feeling confident in your self and self-made this morning, I hope that the power of the cross humbles you and that your confidence is replaced with what Christ has made you (this will render you grateful and not deserving/self-entitled).  If you're feeling beat-up this morning, I hope that you will see that the power of the cross builds/heals you and that your wounds are replaced with the love and hope we have in Christ.

That's what we're about and I guess in some ways, it's kind of like waking up from hibernation.

Words to Live By

Psalm 32
1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. "Selah" 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"-- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. "Selah" 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. "Selah" 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. 10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Natural Evangelism

1 John 1:1-4 NIV
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. which we have looked at and our hands have touched  The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.  We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  We write this to make our joy complete."

I don't know about you, but the way in which I have gone about evangelism (spreading the Good News of Jesus) in the past never felt natural.  Forcing memorized methods and arguments into unique situations (people) always rubbed me the wrong way.

Over the last couple years I have been challenged by God's Spirit speaking through Scripture to analyze my motives.  The result was a conviction to love people without an agenda...  that as I follow Christ and grow in my understanding of Him, I would love like Him and it would overflow into every area of my life.  God's love and grace would then be experienced through my words and actions in a much more natural way.  My confidence in talking to others about God wouldn't come from my confidence in knowledge, but would be from the evidence of His working in my life.

When I read, 'We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us.' it backs up my conviction that evangelism is simply expressing what we have seen and heard in relationship to our fellowship with God.  There is a natural process of sharing Christ with others when it what we are saying has been lived out personally by us.  It then no longer becomes someone else's story, but belongs to us.  When we own it, it is more natural (therefore easier), it is real (therefore more believable), and is more impacting.

My prayer for our church family is that we would draw into deeper fellowship with Jesus so that His life and love would shine brighter in our everyday, natural, life.