You walk into a young couple's house and your breath is taken away by the striking visual of showcase rooms, stuffed full with expensive eye-furniture. In a few minutes their Jaguar will race them away to a 5-star restaurant where fresh lobster will load their plates and aged wine will go down smooth.You will not be able to hear anything, however, in this fantasy. And so you will not hear the arguing in the car or the tense silence over dinner, all caused by maxed-out credit cards, deep debt, and a scrambled budget. Across the room, however, sits a smiling and laughing couple. Looking from the outside in, they are modest at best, and might even seem to be struggling financially. But once again, you hear nothing. You don't hear her giggles, or his excited plans on how they will purchase their new home in just a few more disciplined years. They don't live a celebrity lifestyle, but they have an emergency fund with margine, no debt, and no payments. They have peace.
What's the main difference between these two couples? The main difference is between looking good versus being good.
A religious scribe is loud and verbose with his prayers on the sidewalk. He has the meticulous details of each law down to a science and he can recite them verbatim. But Jesus says he is like a beautiful tomb that inside holds only death and decay. Near the lake strolls an uneducated fisherman with a sketchy past. The spiritual leaders of his day critique him with crossed arms and verbally assault his teacher. But the Son of Man has personally hand-picked him, performed surgery on his heart and perspective, and sealed His power and grace over the man's life.
What's the difference between this fisherman and the scribe? Many things, but once again... the difference between looking good versus being good.
John Bevere says that we all have three selves: our projected self, our perceived self, and our actual self. That is, the person other people think we are, the person we think we are, and the person God knows we are. And a lot of times, out of the fear of man, hypocrisy, and self-deception, there is a wide gap between what we portray and what we actually are. Dr. Henry Cloud says that the closing of that gap is what we call "integrity."
But instead of focusing on outright hypocrisy, I simply want to issue the exciting challenge of living deep and authentic lives. Lives that speak louder than our words do. Having money instead of looking like money. Being truly intimate with God instead of the exhausting work of keeping up appearances. Having vulnerable and real friendships instead of flattering and superficial acuaintances. Having deeply rooted values and goals that are proactively being exercised and lived out instead of just talked about.
Bob Goff, who just recently wrote his first book, is one of the memorable characters in Donald Miller's memoirs. One day he inspired Donald Miller by simply urging him to be "secretly incredible."
As a passionate person who admittedly has a tendency to over-declare, I am drawn to that challenge. How about you? Let's do it. When the choice is before us to look good or be good, let's choose the latter. Let's be "secretly incredible."
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Literature of 2011: The Top 10 Most Influential Books of My Life This Year
Reading has retained a very special place in my life and heart since an early age. It is the window to both information and revelation, the door to unexplored fantasies, the key to applicable and critical knowledge, the canopy on which to bathe and refresh in poetry and song, and the escape staircase to exotic locales of fiction. It has also been a crucial key over the centuries and the undeniable catalyst for any soul desiring to excel in the noblest of endeavors - to grow spiritually, learn of Christ, and focus one's heart and mind on eternal things. I have, for my own enjoyment and future reminiscing, compiled a list of some of the most influential books in my life this year. Also, in the rare event that a handful of souls would stumble upon this and feel compelled, I would highly recommend any one of these books to you. Some are new, some are old, and some were re-reads for me.
All of these books, however, still pale in comparison to "the Book." I have now read the Word of God many times over, but it still leaves me in awe. I can read new and powerful books, but return just momentarily to casually peruse the Bible and a passage of scripture will stab me in the heart with conviction, give startlingly specific direction, or the direct encouragement I need the most. It really is the only "living" book, written by flawed men, but truly penned and breathed upon by the Holy Ghost.
I am also continually impressed by the Bible's systematic wisdom and principles that can be applied to every area of life. For example, in my list, I mention Dave Ramsey's books and it is truly a testament that in a day of broke financial sophisticates and money-hungry stock-brokers, the timeless and time-tested financial principles of the Bible have made Ramsey, his business, and his plan the most proven, the most popular, and the most successful in all of America. Same thing with health and diet. After years of tight-roping a balance between low-carb fad diets and the organic extremists that typically end up in vegetarianism and even veganism, I have found the biblical and scientifically-proven balance of Jordan Rubin's "Maker's Diet" to be a wonder for my health, not to mention the miraculous recoveries and healings that it has provided for thousands and thousands of people. Now his company "Garden of Life" is one of the number one product and whole food supplement providers to "Whole Foods" supermarkets all across the nation. And this goes, of course, for any facet of our lives. Countless scores of people have testified to the change in their lives by simply adding a daily helping of the "Proverbs" to their morning regimen. I believe with every fiber of my being that were the Word of God to be read, meditated on, and above all obeyed, this world would look drastically different.
"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian." --AW. Tozer
There are only two regrets I have in my reading studies this year. The first is my habit of speed-reading. I am fortunate to be blessed with good retention and I am glad to cover a lot of books in a short amount of time. This, however, has also left me with very little application at times. Our absorption level is only so deep. And revelation that is not turned into application can be simply wasted information. One of my New Year's resolutions this year is to spend more time on meditation and application through note-taking and planning, even if that means reading fewer books. If I applied a tenth as much as I read, I could be a spiritual giant and a much better person by now. I plan to do better.
The second regret I have is not reading the Word more. Serious theological and biographical study has been a diligent part of the serious saints over the centuries, but they would also be the first to point out that nothing should replace the preeminence of the sacred Scriptures. I plan to bathe in and swim deeper in the living, abiding waters of the Word this year.
But on to the purpose of this blog... without any further ado, here is my top ten list for the year:
1) "Relentless" by John Bevere
This book was just released a few weeks ago. However, I was fortunate enough this past summer to visit Messenger International in Colorado and at the end of the tour given to me by our curriculum representative, I was presented with a surprise gift of this advance copy. I was like a kid in a candy shop and read it about 3 or 4 times. It is chock full of unique insights, surpernatural stories, and raw faith-building content.
2) "Everlasting Man" by G.K. Chesterton
I was hooked on Chesterton ever since Orthodoxy. And early this year I finally got around to this classic. The wit is startling and the arguments are timeless. It should be read by everone - believer, seeker, and skeptic alike. This is the work that led former-atheist C.S. Lewis to a reasonable and saving faith.
3) "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala
This was the first time I have read this powerhouse in about 5 years. We went through a small group curriculum by Cymbala and his simple, refreshing, and anointed approach whet my appetite to return to his material. I was not disappointed.
4) "Joy Unspeakable" by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones
This is the classic work on the Holy Spirit recommended by both Paul Washer and David Ravenhill, and so I could ignore it no longer. I have been reading books on the Holy Spirit since 7th grade and this is the best treatment - expositorily and well-rounded - that I have ever come across. This is a treasure I will re-visit often.
5) "The Maker's Diet" by Jordan Rubin
In the introduction, Charles Stanley remarks that he had been praying for a year for a diet based on the Bible and proven by science, and now he has found it. I feel the same way and do not believe I will ever eat the same way again as the result of reading this book.
6) "The Cross and the Switchblade" by David Wilkerson
I hate to ruin the word by overuse, but this is another "classic" I felt I should re-visit this year. There are still Teen Challenges and ministries all over the world because of the simple obedience of this man. I still have not seen the movie or documentary based off this unbelievable but true story, but the books still fed my spirit like it did the first time I read it. It was especially dear to me because I went through this remarkable chronicle about the streets of New York only weeks before I actually had the priviledge to go do ministry in the streets of New York. This was also the year that Mr. Wilkerson went home to be with the Lord.
7) "Dave Ramsey" books
I know that's a kind of cop-out, but returning to all of his material is continuing to help correct and guide my course financially. At CATALYST he gave a free copy of his new book "EntreLeader" to everyone there (13,000 people...) and though it was a business book, I benefitted from it greatly. I also read "More than Enough" a few weeks ago, which is a great piece to aid in vision-casting and goal-setting.
8) "Blood Bought" by David Ravenhill
David Ravenhill is the son of Leonard Ravenhill - one of my heroes of the faith. I had the chance to meet David twice this year and at one of the conferences I picked up "Blood Bought." It is magisterial and thought-provoking, and a call to return from humanistic Christianity to a more God-centered gospel.
9) "Desiring God" by John Piper
Desiring God.org has become a favorite resouce of mine this past year and I finally read the book that started it all. It is a majestic and refreshing oasis that proposes "Christian Hedonism."
10) "Pivotal Praying" by Tim Elmore
This book was so surprisingly good that I just kept having to close it and remark to myself how good it really was. Very balanced, insightful, biblical, practical, supernatural... all in one. An excellent prayer guide.
I have to say "End of Reason: A Response to the New Atheists" by Dr. Ravi Zacharias probably would have made the list if I hadn't already been close to completion by the time I read it. In this critique, he addresses the disrespectful and often inconsistent tactics of today's militant atheist pop-stars: the late Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and namely Sam Harris. An excellent read.
The other thing (I am now editing) I would add would be the long over-due release of Leonard Ravenhill's biography "In Light of Eternity" by Mack Tomlinson. To be honest, other than the Bible, this book probably impacted me the most this year, and I can't believe I just now am remembering to add it.
Runners up: "Not a fan" by Kyle Idleman, "Wierd" by Craig Groeschel, "Fresh Faith" by Jim Cymbala, "Vintage Jesus" by Mark Driscol, "A Disruptive Faith" by A.W. Tozer, "Think" by John Piper, "Breaking Intimidation" by John Bevere, "Father Fiction" by Donald Miller, and Vance Havner's book of essays.
All of these books, however, still pale in comparison to "the Book." I have now read the Word of God many times over, but it still leaves me in awe. I can read new and powerful books, but return just momentarily to casually peruse the Bible and a passage of scripture will stab me in the heart with conviction, give startlingly specific direction, or the direct encouragement I need the most. It really is the only "living" book, written by flawed men, but truly penned and breathed upon by the Holy Ghost.
I am also continually impressed by the Bible's systematic wisdom and principles that can be applied to every area of life. For example, in my list, I mention Dave Ramsey's books and it is truly a testament that in a day of broke financial sophisticates and money-hungry stock-brokers, the timeless and time-tested financial principles of the Bible have made Ramsey, his business, and his plan the most proven, the most popular, and the most successful in all of America. Same thing with health and diet. After years of tight-roping a balance between low-carb fad diets and the organic extremists that typically end up in vegetarianism and even veganism, I have found the biblical and scientifically-proven balance of Jordan Rubin's "Maker's Diet" to be a wonder for my health, not to mention the miraculous recoveries and healings that it has provided for thousands and thousands of people. Now his company "Garden of Life" is one of the number one product and whole food supplement providers to "Whole Foods" supermarkets all across the nation. And this goes, of course, for any facet of our lives. Countless scores of people have testified to the change in their lives by simply adding a daily helping of the "Proverbs" to their morning regimen. I believe with every fiber of my being that were the Word of God to be read, meditated on, and above all obeyed, this world would look drastically different.
"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian." --AW. Tozer
There are only two regrets I have in my reading studies this year. The first is my habit of speed-reading. I am fortunate to be blessed with good retention and I am glad to cover a lot of books in a short amount of time. This, however, has also left me with very little application at times. Our absorption level is only so deep. And revelation that is not turned into application can be simply wasted information. One of my New Year's resolutions this year is to spend more time on meditation and application through note-taking and planning, even if that means reading fewer books. If I applied a tenth as much as I read, I could be a spiritual giant and a much better person by now. I plan to do better.
The second regret I have is not reading the Word more. Serious theological and biographical study has been a diligent part of the serious saints over the centuries, but they would also be the first to point out that nothing should replace the preeminence of the sacred Scriptures. I plan to bathe in and swim deeper in the living, abiding waters of the Word this year.
But on to the purpose of this blog... without any further ado, here is my top ten list for the year:
1) "Relentless" by John Bevere
This book was just released a few weeks ago. However, I was fortunate enough this past summer to visit Messenger International in Colorado and at the end of the tour given to me by our curriculum representative, I was presented with a surprise gift of this advance copy. I was like a kid in a candy shop and read it about 3 or 4 times. It is chock full of unique insights, surpernatural stories, and raw faith-building content.
2) "Everlasting Man" by G.K. Chesterton
I was hooked on Chesterton ever since Orthodoxy. And early this year I finally got around to this classic. The wit is startling and the arguments are timeless. It should be read by everone - believer, seeker, and skeptic alike. This is the work that led former-atheist C.S. Lewis to a reasonable and saving faith.
3) "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala
This was the first time I have read this powerhouse in about 5 years. We went through a small group curriculum by Cymbala and his simple, refreshing, and anointed approach whet my appetite to return to his material. I was not disappointed.
4) "Joy Unspeakable" by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones
This is the classic work on the Holy Spirit recommended by both Paul Washer and David Ravenhill, and so I could ignore it no longer. I have been reading books on the Holy Spirit since 7th grade and this is the best treatment - expositorily and well-rounded - that I have ever come across. This is a treasure I will re-visit often.
5) "The Maker's Diet" by Jordan Rubin
In the introduction, Charles Stanley remarks that he had been praying for a year for a diet based on the Bible and proven by science, and now he has found it. I feel the same way and do not believe I will ever eat the same way again as the result of reading this book.
6) "The Cross and the Switchblade" by David Wilkerson
I hate to ruin the word by overuse, but this is another "classic" I felt I should re-visit this year. There are still Teen Challenges and ministries all over the world because of the simple obedience of this man. I still have not seen the movie or documentary based off this unbelievable but true story, but the books still fed my spirit like it did the first time I read it. It was especially dear to me because I went through this remarkable chronicle about the streets of New York only weeks before I actually had the priviledge to go do ministry in the streets of New York. This was also the year that Mr. Wilkerson went home to be with the Lord.
7) "Dave Ramsey" books
I know that's a kind of cop-out, but returning to all of his material is continuing to help correct and guide my course financially. At CATALYST he gave a free copy of his new book "EntreLeader" to everyone there (13,000 people...) and though it was a business book, I benefitted from it greatly. I also read "More than Enough" a few weeks ago, which is a great piece to aid in vision-casting and goal-setting.
8) "Blood Bought" by David Ravenhill
David Ravenhill is the son of Leonard Ravenhill - one of my heroes of the faith. I had the chance to meet David twice this year and at one of the conferences I picked up "Blood Bought." It is magisterial and thought-provoking, and a call to return from humanistic Christianity to a more God-centered gospel.
9) "Desiring God" by John Piper
Desiring God.org has become a favorite resouce of mine this past year and I finally read the book that started it all. It is a majestic and refreshing oasis that proposes "Christian Hedonism."
10) "Pivotal Praying" by Tim Elmore
This book was so surprisingly good that I just kept having to close it and remark to myself how good it really was. Very balanced, insightful, biblical, practical, supernatural... all in one. An excellent prayer guide.
I have to say "End of Reason: A Response to the New Atheists" by Dr. Ravi Zacharias probably would have made the list if I hadn't already been close to completion by the time I read it. In this critique, he addresses the disrespectful and often inconsistent tactics of today's militant atheist pop-stars: the late Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, and namely Sam Harris. An excellent read.
The other thing (I am now editing) I would add would be the long over-due release of Leonard Ravenhill's biography "In Light of Eternity" by Mack Tomlinson. To be honest, other than the Bible, this book probably impacted me the most this year, and I can't believe I just now am remembering to add it.
Runners up: "Not a fan" by Kyle Idleman, "Wierd" by Craig Groeschel, "Fresh Faith" by Jim Cymbala, "Vintage Jesus" by Mark Driscol, "A Disruptive Faith" by A.W. Tozer, "Think" by John Piper, "Breaking Intimidation" by John Bevere, "Father Fiction" by Donald Miller, and Vance Havner's book of essays.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving Thinking
Well, it has been a while. I soon wish to do a 3-month recap, because the last few months have been rich with experiences and blessings. But for now, my parents have commenced their journey up to the bluegrass and before they arrive, I introduce to you my "Top 20 Things I'm Thankful for" list:
1) The grace, love, patience, wisdom, and goodness of God in my life. He is the reason to breathe and live. I cannot imagine any kind of passionate life without His peace, power, purpose, and Presence.
2) My parents. With each passing year, I realize that my "normal" upbringing - of two loving parents who don't constantly fight, who are unconditionally loving and yet corrective, who actually stay married, who don't have crazy issues, who raise up me "in the fear and admonition of the Lord," who support me in every adventure God sends me on - actually isn't so "normal" after all. I believe the emotional health and confidence I enjoy in life can be contributed to them.
3) For friends. I believe your life is enriched by the friendships you enjoy and cultivate and I have long acknowledged that God has for whatever reason blessed me with the greatest friends on earth.
4) For bridgeCHURCH. I hear people say on a weekly basis that they have searched all their life for a church like this, and even though I was privileged enough to help start it, I am well aware it is much bigger than us and that we are simply along for the ride. We have many faults and have much room for improvement, and granted I am biased, but to me it is the dream church. I love who we're becoming, what we're learning, the impact we're having, what God's Spirit is doing, and the kind of community that we are creating.
5) Coffee!! Oh let me count the ways...
6) Good food. I love food.
7) For all of my family. I have the greatest family and as I mentioned with my parents, it is something I grow more and more fond of and grateful for with each passing year, and bemoan the fact that I can't be around them more.
8) Good books. The person who said no one's life can be changed by a book is a fool. A book can do much damage or much good. It can enrich one's faith or shipwreck one's faith, and I am so thankful for the wealth of good books available to us today. From spiritual blessing to financial management to nutritional value to simply refreshing recreational fiction. Reading has been a daily part of my life since first grade and has shaped much of who I am.
9) Music. Oh, what kind of magic would be lost to life without music. From anointed worship to punk angst to relaxing melodies to uplifting rifts - anything and everything for every mood, purpose, and season. It is the soundtrack of our lives.
10) For the change of seasons. We often take this for granted. But God has given us varying scenes and colors and temperatures and atmospheres for our own emotional good, and so that we may more keenly appreciate the opposites and extremities.
11) For the many opportunities I have had for vacation and travel.
12) For living in a free country.
13) For my Pastor. He is a best friend, mentor, spiritual leader, and father figure.
14) For Greenville, SC. A rejuvenating place to always come back to with great friends and family and warmer weather.
15) For bridgeGROUPS.
16) For the many opportunities God has given me to operate out of my "sweet spot" - in leading, teaching, preaching, writing, and drama.
17) Speaking spanish.
18) My health. You tend to take this for granted until it is in jeopardy. But I am so glad for every working limb and for energy and wholeness. I am also thankful for fitness and for a gym to work out in.
19) Having everything I need. I may not be rich compared to those who shop on Rodeo Drive in LA, but compared to the vast majority of the world, I am unworthily filthy, filthy rich. I have food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and many, many extras that I do not need. I am thankful.
20) A job. (Actually, two.) Though I am quite restless for the day that church work is all that I have to concern myself with, I am well aware that there are many people who would simply like to have a job at all.
Runners up: laughter, a good pair of jeans, God's creation, a nice massage, prophets and preachers, LOST and the Office...
What are you thankful for? I reminded bridgeGROUPS last night that it is a thankful spirit that drives out many invaders of the heart - greed, complaining, worry, etc. The Psalmist encourages us to "enter His gates with thanksgiving." Thank you God for the life You have given me and for each year, day, and moment.
1) The grace, love, patience, wisdom, and goodness of God in my life. He is the reason to breathe and live. I cannot imagine any kind of passionate life without His peace, power, purpose, and Presence.
2) My parents. With each passing year, I realize that my "normal" upbringing - of two loving parents who don't constantly fight, who are unconditionally loving and yet corrective, who actually stay married, who don't have crazy issues, who raise up me "in the fear and admonition of the Lord," who support me in every adventure God sends me on - actually isn't so "normal" after all. I believe the emotional health and confidence I enjoy in life can be contributed to them.
3) For friends. I believe your life is enriched by the friendships you enjoy and cultivate and I have long acknowledged that God has for whatever reason blessed me with the greatest friends on earth.
4) For bridgeCHURCH. I hear people say on a weekly basis that they have searched all their life for a church like this, and even though I was privileged enough to help start it, I am well aware it is much bigger than us and that we are simply along for the ride. We have many faults and have much room for improvement, and granted I am biased, but to me it is the dream church. I love who we're becoming, what we're learning, the impact we're having, what God's Spirit is doing, and the kind of community that we are creating.
5) Coffee!! Oh let me count the ways...
6) Good food. I love food.
7) For all of my family. I have the greatest family and as I mentioned with my parents, it is something I grow more and more fond of and grateful for with each passing year, and bemoan the fact that I can't be around them more.
8) Good books. The person who said no one's life can be changed by a book is a fool. A book can do much damage or much good. It can enrich one's faith or shipwreck one's faith, and I am so thankful for the wealth of good books available to us today. From spiritual blessing to financial management to nutritional value to simply refreshing recreational fiction. Reading has been a daily part of my life since first grade and has shaped much of who I am.
9) Music. Oh, what kind of magic would be lost to life without music. From anointed worship to punk angst to relaxing melodies to uplifting rifts - anything and everything for every mood, purpose, and season. It is the soundtrack of our lives.
10) For the change of seasons. We often take this for granted. But God has given us varying scenes and colors and temperatures and atmospheres for our own emotional good, and so that we may more keenly appreciate the opposites and extremities.
11) For the many opportunities I have had for vacation and travel.
12) For living in a free country.
13) For my Pastor. He is a best friend, mentor, spiritual leader, and father figure.
14) For Greenville, SC. A rejuvenating place to always come back to with great friends and family and warmer weather.
15) For bridgeGROUPS.
16) For the many opportunities God has given me to operate out of my "sweet spot" - in leading, teaching, preaching, writing, and drama.
17) Speaking spanish.
18) My health. You tend to take this for granted until it is in jeopardy. But I am so glad for every working limb and for energy and wholeness. I am also thankful for fitness and for a gym to work out in.
19) Having everything I need. I may not be rich compared to those who shop on Rodeo Drive in LA, but compared to the vast majority of the world, I am unworthily filthy, filthy rich. I have food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and many, many extras that I do not need. I am thankful.
20) A job. (Actually, two.) Though I am quite restless for the day that church work is all that I have to concern myself with, I am well aware that there are many people who would simply like to have a job at all.
Runners up: laughter, a good pair of jeans, God's creation, a nice massage, prophets and preachers, LOST and the Office...
What are you thankful for? I reminded bridgeGROUPS last night that it is a thankful spirit that drives out many invaders of the heart - greed, complaining, worry, etc. The Psalmist encourages us to "enter His gates with thanksgiving." Thank you God for the life You have given me and for each year, day, and moment.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
True Grace
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound..."
Ah, the grace of God. Such a popular subject in many churches today, especially emergent and seeker-friendly ones. But what is the grace of God? Have we lost its power?
A friend and I were talking the other day about the frustration of Christ-less Christians. Hypocrisy. Not just the kind of hypocrisy we grieve and work through in our own lives, for we all are a work in process if we are to be honest. But this modern culture of quasi-Christianity where millions would label themselves Christians by name, but in reality live no different than the unbeliever next door. They continue to live in the same bondage, baggage, and sin. Ironically, a statement you will hear often in these circles is, "Yeah, I'm not perfect, but thank God for His grace."
Several years ago, John Bevere's ministry conducted a survey of thousands of Christians as to the definition and benefit of grace. An overwhelming 98% responded that it was "unmerited favor" or "forgivness of sins." It was encouraging to hear the understanding that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned and that God lovingly bestows upon us what we could never earn. At the same time, however, it was disheartening to discover that only 2% of those surveyed responded with the most prominent and vital biblical definition of grace: the empowerment to live a godly life.
The writer of Hebews said, "Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably (12:28)."
Paul said in Romans 6:14 that "... sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under grace."
In the book of Acts amid the supernatural outpouring of the Spirit and miraculous revival that was going on among the church, we read that "...with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all."
Though Jesus stripped himself of his divine rights, He still walked by the enabling of the Holy Spirit, in incredible power. How? The writer of Luke tells us in chapter two that "the Child (Jesus) grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him."
Grace, then, is powerful! So often it is only discussed in the context of a sentimental, fluffy, and sugary-sweet sermonette on the love of God. But as we study scripture, grace is not just a mere cover-up for our sins. It is the empowerment to live the life we never could in our own flesh.
I think true grace is perfectly illustrated in the story of Jesus with the woman at the well. When the harsh and judgmental religious leaders want to have her stoned, he exposes their hypocrisy, defends her and shows her mercy. "Who condemns you?" he asks when they all leave. When she replies "nobody," he follows up with those healing words of grace and mercy, "Neither do I condemn you." But notice He doesn't stop there. Neither does he add, "Okay, now that you've said a prayer, go on with life as normal." He doesn't say, "Alright, struggle on in your various sins and sexual addictions, but just thank God for His grace." He doesn't even say "Go and sin less." He flatly commanded, "Now go and sin no more." You see, true grace doesn't just forgive sin from our record; it eradicates the sinful nature from our lives. If we think we have encountered Christ, but continue to live no differently, we have some very real soul-searching to do, for Paul soberly warns us in Corinthians "not to receive the grace of God in vain," but instead to "let us purify ourselves from everything that makes body or soul unclean, and let us be completely holy (2 Corinthians 6:1, 7:1)."
The Gospel is such great news! Christ has come to show us grace not only so that we can be free from guilt, condemnation, and punishment, but free from sin to live the extroardinary, victorious, abundant life of freedom and power that He purchased for us with His blood. And we can access this grace by faith! May we not declare or live anything less.
* Additional resources for study: Galatians, Corinthians, "Extroardinary" (Bevere), & "Relentless" (Bevere)
Ah, the grace of God. Such a popular subject in many churches today, especially emergent and seeker-friendly ones. But what is the grace of God? Have we lost its power?
A friend and I were talking the other day about the frustration of Christ-less Christians. Hypocrisy. Not just the kind of hypocrisy we grieve and work through in our own lives, for we all are a work in process if we are to be honest. But this modern culture of quasi-Christianity where millions would label themselves Christians by name, but in reality live no different than the unbeliever next door. They continue to live in the same bondage, baggage, and sin. Ironically, a statement you will hear often in these circles is, "Yeah, I'm not perfect, but thank God for His grace."
Several years ago, John Bevere's ministry conducted a survey of thousands of Christians as to the definition and benefit of grace. An overwhelming 98% responded that it was "unmerited favor" or "forgivness of sins." It was encouraging to hear the understanding that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned and that God lovingly bestows upon us what we could never earn. At the same time, however, it was disheartening to discover that only 2% of those surveyed responded with the most prominent and vital biblical definition of grace: the empowerment to live a godly life.
The writer of Hebews said, "Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably (12:28)."
Paul said in Romans 6:14 that "... sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under grace."
In the book of Acts amid the supernatural outpouring of the Spirit and miraculous revival that was going on among the church, we read that "...with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all."
Though Jesus stripped himself of his divine rights, He still walked by the enabling of the Holy Spirit, in incredible power. How? The writer of Luke tells us in chapter two that "the Child (Jesus) grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him."
Grace, then, is powerful! So often it is only discussed in the context of a sentimental, fluffy, and sugary-sweet sermonette on the love of God. But as we study scripture, grace is not just a mere cover-up for our sins. It is the empowerment to live the life we never could in our own flesh.
I think true grace is perfectly illustrated in the story of Jesus with the woman at the well. When the harsh and judgmental religious leaders want to have her stoned, he exposes their hypocrisy, defends her and shows her mercy. "Who condemns you?" he asks when they all leave. When she replies "nobody," he follows up with those healing words of grace and mercy, "Neither do I condemn you." But notice He doesn't stop there. Neither does he add, "Okay, now that you've said a prayer, go on with life as normal." He doesn't say, "Alright, struggle on in your various sins and sexual addictions, but just thank God for His grace." He doesn't even say "Go and sin less." He flatly commanded, "Now go and sin no more." You see, true grace doesn't just forgive sin from our record; it eradicates the sinful nature from our lives. If we think we have encountered Christ, but continue to live no differently, we have some very real soul-searching to do, for Paul soberly warns us in Corinthians "not to receive the grace of God in vain," but instead to "let us purify ourselves from everything that makes body or soul unclean, and let us be completely holy (2 Corinthians 6:1, 7:1)."
The Gospel is such great news! Christ has come to show us grace not only so that we can be free from guilt, condemnation, and punishment, but free from sin to live the extroardinary, victorious, abundant life of freedom and power that He purchased for us with His blood. And we can access this grace by faith! May we not declare or live anything less.
* Additional resources for study: Galatians, Corinthians, "Extroardinary" (Bevere), & "Relentless" (Bevere)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
We Are Going Somewhere
We are going somewhere. But if we haven't stood up, pointed to a horizon, and started walking, that somewhere might be nowhere. And discipline along the way will be hard to find anywhere. Vision gives strength. Vision gives discipline. Vision is powerful.
Imagine two different types of road trips. The first road trip finds you on the way back from a strenuous work retreat on a 48-hour ride back to the same monotonous daily grind that you have known for the past twelve years. The second road trip is a forty-eight hour ride to Key West, Florida where you will be relaxing with your loved ones for two weeks. I imagine those two rides would be vastly different. I imagine the bumps and inconveniences on the first will be much more annoying and harder to bear. There will probably be less smiling, more frustrations, more indulging comfort meals, and less anticipation. The vacation route, however, will more likely find you more antsy yet more laid back and pleasant. You will be able to shrug off more inconveniences and perhaps even consider them to be adventures. You will be less likely to blow all of your money on the way, because you have some fun to save for. You will also be less likely to eat nine cheeseburgers on the way because afterall you will be standing shirtless on a hot beach in twenty-four hours, not to mention the lobster dinners that will soon take place.
There is power in vision, and when you pick a destination and begin to follow through, you begin to provide the needed discipline along the way. In Andy Stanley's book, "The Principle of the Path," he stated that "Direction, not intention = destination." Simple, but profound. Everyday, based on our small, but cumulative decisions, we are going somewhere - financially, physically, relationally, spiritually, etc. And when we seize a God-given vision or dream, point to that destination, and start to put one foot in front of the other, we begin to infuse our lives with the energy and discipline necessary to get there. After all, we are going somewhere.
A couple of months ago when I had a Sunday night off, I visited a mega-church in the area. Donald Miller, one of my favorite authors, was coming there again to speak. As always, he was very motivational, and he talked a lot about life goals. He actually read us his 5-year plan which was both ambiguous and inspiring. The ten of us that went were so motivated that we went to Panera afterwards to discuss some of our goals and the idea of even forming a club. Out of this, "Sunshine Scholars" was born... a loose group of dreamers that to be honest have met fairly infrequently so far due to busy schedules. But I actually ended up typing out my 2011-2012 code of what kind of person I wanted to be a year from now - physically, financially, relationally, spiritually, and emotionally. Then, I bought a fresh, college-ruled notebook which I labeled "Vision Plan" and turned each part of my code into categories where I broke my ideals down to actual goals and actions to achieve those goals. I started on August 1st. I haven't been perfect with it, and I have a long way to go, but I am getting better organized financially, I have set some new intentional spiritual disciplines in my life, and I have lost fifteen pounds. I'm going somewhere.
Just wanted to drop a line to encourage you and me that we're going somewhere. But we better know where that is. Ultimately, God is in control and we must seek Him, but "failing to plan is planning to fail," and we better get our God-given desires and dreams on paper and then start turning them into flesh. And this will give us strength. When you're not going somewhere specific, you will probably still serve the god of your stomach and indulge every lunch on whatever looks best. But not when you're going somewhere. See, now you see yourself a couple of months from now full of energy, lean with muscle, sleeping better, feeling better, and looking better. And this gives you strength to master your appetite and choose foods and activities that are going to best fuel your temple for your good and His glory. Afterall, you're going somewhere. When we're not going somewhere specific, you'll probably be prone to waste your money on whatever meal or retail purchase looks good at the time. But not when you're going somewhere. When you're going somewhere, each paycheck is an exciting time to master your money instead and divide up every penny where you need it to go - tithes, savings, investings, paying off debt, future purchases, etc. You have a destination in mind of no debt, no payments, and no stress - only giving, saving, investing, and wisely purchasing with cash. You're going somewhere. One of the facets, afterall, of maturity is delaying immediate pleasure for long-term gratification. And going somewhere helps us with this. If you're not going somewhere specific, it will be easy to let the prayer closet decay, the Word of God gather dust, and your church doors go ungraced. But not you. You want to pay the price that few do. You want to be diligent in a careful life of holiness, with time spent in prayer and fasting, cultivating inner strength and freedom, and for a life in which you can more consistently walk in a deep, abiding Presence of God. That's where you want to go. As a single person, it can be easy to become trapped in bad relationships or drift into compromise. But with a day on the horizon in which you can joyfully and pureheartedly give yourself whole to another person without more baggage and skeletons in your closet, why even play the game? You're going somewhere. In church, it can be easy to become frustrated with details and either step down or jump ship, but we are learning patience and sewing for the harvest, so we "must not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9)." We are going somewhere.
The examples are endless. We must enjoy the day at hand, for we are not promised tomorrow. But we also better make sure "we happen to the future instead of the future happening to us." Let us continue to cast vision and then relentlessly pursue. Afterall, we're going somewhere.
Imagine two different types of road trips. The first road trip finds you on the way back from a strenuous work retreat on a 48-hour ride back to the same monotonous daily grind that you have known for the past twelve years. The second road trip is a forty-eight hour ride to Key West, Florida where you will be relaxing with your loved ones for two weeks. I imagine those two rides would be vastly different. I imagine the bumps and inconveniences on the first will be much more annoying and harder to bear. There will probably be less smiling, more frustrations, more indulging comfort meals, and less anticipation. The vacation route, however, will more likely find you more antsy yet more laid back and pleasant. You will be able to shrug off more inconveniences and perhaps even consider them to be adventures. You will be less likely to blow all of your money on the way, because you have some fun to save for. You will also be less likely to eat nine cheeseburgers on the way because afterall you will be standing shirtless on a hot beach in twenty-four hours, not to mention the lobster dinners that will soon take place.
There is power in vision, and when you pick a destination and begin to follow through, you begin to provide the needed discipline along the way. In Andy Stanley's book, "The Principle of the Path," he stated that "Direction, not intention = destination." Simple, but profound. Everyday, based on our small, but cumulative decisions, we are going somewhere - financially, physically, relationally, spiritually, etc. And when we seize a God-given vision or dream, point to that destination, and start to put one foot in front of the other, we begin to infuse our lives with the energy and discipline necessary to get there. After all, we are going somewhere.
A couple of months ago when I had a Sunday night off, I visited a mega-church in the area. Donald Miller, one of my favorite authors, was coming there again to speak. As always, he was very motivational, and he talked a lot about life goals. He actually read us his 5-year plan which was both ambiguous and inspiring. The ten of us that went were so motivated that we went to Panera afterwards to discuss some of our goals and the idea of even forming a club. Out of this, "Sunshine Scholars" was born... a loose group of dreamers that to be honest have met fairly infrequently so far due to busy schedules. But I actually ended up typing out my 2011-2012 code of what kind of person I wanted to be a year from now - physically, financially, relationally, spiritually, and emotionally. Then, I bought a fresh, college-ruled notebook which I labeled "Vision Plan" and turned each part of my code into categories where I broke my ideals down to actual goals and actions to achieve those goals. I started on August 1st. I haven't been perfect with it, and I have a long way to go, but I am getting better organized financially, I have set some new intentional spiritual disciplines in my life, and I have lost fifteen pounds. I'm going somewhere.
Just wanted to drop a line to encourage you and me that we're going somewhere. But we better know where that is. Ultimately, God is in control and we must seek Him, but "failing to plan is planning to fail," and we better get our God-given desires and dreams on paper and then start turning them into flesh. And this will give us strength. When you're not going somewhere specific, you will probably still serve the god of your stomach and indulge every lunch on whatever looks best. But not when you're going somewhere. See, now you see yourself a couple of months from now full of energy, lean with muscle, sleeping better, feeling better, and looking better. And this gives you strength to master your appetite and choose foods and activities that are going to best fuel your temple for your good and His glory. Afterall, you're going somewhere. When we're not going somewhere specific, you'll probably be prone to waste your money on whatever meal or retail purchase looks good at the time. But not when you're going somewhere. When you're going somewhere, each paycheck is an exciting time to master your money instead and divide up every penny where you need it to go - tithes, savings, investings, paying off debt, future purchases, etc. You have a destination in mind of no debt, no payments, and no stress - only giving, saving, investing, and wisely purchasing with cash. You're going somewhere. One of the facets, afterall, of maturity is delaying immediate pleasure for long-term gratification. And going somewhere helps us with this. If you're not going somewhere specific, it will be easy to let the prayer closet decay, the Word of God gather dust, and your church doors go ungraced. But not you. You want to pay the price that few do. You want to be diligent in a careful life of holiness, with time spent in prayer and fasting, cultivating inner strength and freedom, and for a life in which you can more consistently walk in a deep, abiding Presence of God. That's where you want to go. As a single person, it can be easy to become trapped in bad relationships or drift into compromise. But with a day on the horizon in which you can joyfully and pureheartedly give yourself whole to another person without more baggage and skeletons in your closet, why even play the game? You're going somewhere. In church, it can be easy to become frustrated with details and either step down or jump ship, but we are learning patience and sewing for the harvest, so we "must not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9)." We are going somewhere.
The examples are endless. We must enjoy the day at hand, for we are not promised tomorrow. But we also better make sure "we happen to the future instead of the future happening to us." Let us continue to cast vision and then relentlessly pursue. Afterall, we're going somewhere.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Ocean of Memories
So I guess these last couple of months have pointed to the public failure of at least one of my New Year's Resolutions... I plan to commence my weekly blogging, soon, though, lest any of you out there have been needlessly and frantically panicking because I have not posted in a while. Remain calm.
Though this first post back in a while should probably be a life recap, I'm just going to post a poem. It was late the other night, I saw some old pictures, watched one too many Starting Line and Boys Like Girls music videos, and this overly nostalgic and hastily typed out poem came up from the mud (or my keyboard):
"Memory Ocean"
Though this first post back in a while should probably be a life recap, I'm just going to post a poem. It was late the other night, I saw some old pictures, watched one too many Starting Line and Boys Like Girls music videos, and this overly nostalgic and hastily typed out poem came up from the mud (or my keyboard):
"Memory Ocean"
I'm at the edge of a sea with memories
they lay before me, strong and dizzying
it's only on nights like this that I let them swirl around me
I can taste but I can't touch, because they are wrapped in a mystery
a mystery they call time that we know is real but can't relive a moment still
On the crest of a wave, there she is and I see her face
For a season we lived in sand castles of grace
I wince with pain at the joy on my own face
As I watch me look at her eyes like they are Paul's own prize
Her hair is blowing and my fingers lay across her hand
Her toes in the sand and as I watch this paradise fade by the land,
my mind cannot understand
But I smile with tears because only happiness so real
could cause an ache sublime and surreal
salty lips and sunburnt necks, dreaming beneath a starry deck
moments that broke the contract of time
and lasted longer than time aligned
if only to remind from time to time that I'm alive,
And I remember each breath that I would cherish
and she got to breathe hers next to mine, on earth
but so divine, we swore forever, but the clock could not keep time
I remember foreign shores with homesick sores
The air smelled the same but I had room to go insane with a new day-to-day
my heart stuck in the baggage of straying hearts miles away
but laughter like medicine would heal each ache, I learned of life and friends and how to sip mate'
and mountains and sin and then God's grace, companionships that will always stay
if not in touch for weeks and days, tucked in the recess of sweet times that will never fade
Memories rise and swell in this ocean of waves
like mirages of true pictures in the desert at noon-day, an image you try
to keep before you, but you know will fade. Because tomorrow the sun will rise
and it will be a new day, and if I choose to relish it whether sun or rain, and take each moment,
let it lie in my tongue, and memorize the taste, live forever inside every moment and give it
my undivided gaze, then sweeter still will be the memories of the following days, until the
moment they lay me in my grave and my spirit looks back and I can smile fondly on eternal days
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine's Day
"MY WIFE"
by John Piper
by John Piper
"God’s first thought, my adolescent dream,
slat-slashing dusty-barn beam
from and to the Sun;
my flesh, myself, my one,
my church in parable, in truth;
my Rachel, my Abigail, my Deborah, my Ruth,
the eyes, the wit, the bravery,
the sweat and loyalty,
my cornucopia, my cluster-laden vine, my tree
my cedar, my ecstasy;
fingers through my forearm on the way,
my pride, my pilgrim, my stay;
alive, alive with every sense,
my first, my last, my hoped-for audience;
knower, mirror, stayer,
elbow to elbow prayer;
my sons’ womb, their food, their milk,
their rock, and even now, their silk;
my feminine, my womanly, my softness,
sweet peace, this silver pillow’s tress;
my daughter’s world, her confidant,
life’s interpretation, direction for the yawning want;
fellow-heir, world’s heir, King’s seed,
co-inhabitant of thrones, compassion canopied;
better than jewels, better than gold,
ever-creating hands, from strands twelve-fold
a woven Gramma’s heart, Heaven-bent,
arch, curve, swell, living interface, sent;
my ransomed, my chosen, my bond,
my second pearl, beyond
the world and all it offers me;
my window, my sky, where I can see
in you my one sure Non-rejection,
anchored affection,
present, for me, without pursuit,
my earthly absolute."
Today is a good and bittersweet day. I think of good memories, I tip my glass to those who celebrate sweet romance, I cherish God's love, and I wait patiently on the girl He will send me from above.
Happy V-Day,
Russ
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