Chase the Son

On Grace, Everywhere

2011-08-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

See God everywhere. Be on the lookout for His gifts, His grace. And once you start seeing, more are exposed. It begins with a sprinkle, then steady drops, then it pours. God pours out so much blessing that there is not room enough for it.

And all He wants is our thanks. To notice what He's doing. Be eager to find Him at work. It's a beautiful game of hide and seek we play with our Lord.

It may be hard at first. How can there be blessing, grace, when we don't have enough money to pay the bills. Or when a grandmother dies. Or when she's run so far from Jesus she denies Him.

How?

In the darkest hour, when we feel most vulnerable, God Almighty scoops us into His loving arms. It is in despair that we search for Him, recognize our need for Him. Yet He is always there.

So notice Him in the everyday. In the laundry time, the lullabies sung, the lattes shared with friends.

He is in all, with grace. For you.

On God Going Ahead

2011-07-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

In seeking the Lord these past few weeks, I've felt moved to beseech him to go before us--in all things. God has set out our path in front of us as only the Almighty could. Puzzle pieces falling together, forming a picturesque image of where He is leading us. Just as worry seeps in about this detail or that, His peace overwhelms me.

Our God is so good.

I've asked Him to go on ahead of us, to lead us into the home He wants us to inhabit, to establish relationships with those He knows will encourage us, counsel us, and receive the same from Kevin and me. But also, I've asked him to move ahead of me and show me my place in all of this--how I am to minister, where/how/when/if I am to work.

And our Great God is doing that already. My desire would be to establish a successful piano studio in town. And even before we move, I have 2 potential piano students and connections with the instrumental music director at the public school. I may even be considering a role as choir accompanist. Wow.

And I will give the LORD the glory due Him--all this is from Him.

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8

On HIS Work

2011-04-29T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 13:20-21

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen

When I read this verse today, I was instantly reminded that the work we're doing is not ours, but God's. Anything we've accomplished, all we're working for is not for us. It's not to enrich our lives or make our name known. We are here to advance the Kingdom of God. And to do so, we must follow the Lord's call whatever the cost. His plan will be accomplished because HE IS GOD, not because He chose us as his servants.

May God's will be done.

On Leading to the Cross

2011-04-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

Without Easter our faith would mean nothing. What hope do we have with the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

This week my heart has been dwelling on the Cross. Many years the Easter holiday seems to come and go as just another excuse to eat Reese's eggs and Jolly Rancher jellybeans and wear pretty dresses. Those things are nice. But they totally miss the point.

Last Sunday night at youth group as Kevin was announcing the church's Easter events coming up, the teens kept excitedly referencing candy and the Easter bunny. Between my heart's focus on the Cross and not-so-great-attitude I had that night, I got really upset at these antics really fast. I wasn't mad at the teens specifically, but at the grotesque misunderstanding society has of Easter.

God moved in my heart to lead these students to the Cross, to their knees, to their Savior. With his prodding I gathered music for three songs whose words envelope the richness of the death and resurrection of Jesus. They needed to come face to face with the reality of the situation--to know the immense pain Jesus endured even after beseeching God to remove the cup from him. But he was obedient to the Father's will, even to the point of death. His blood poured out for you, for me. Because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. And so He covered us in perfect redemption.

But without the third day, we have no hope, no future, no full life. Our God not only redeemed us through the crucifixion, but He didn't let death defeat his Son.

He is RISEN.

Lead me to the cross, where your love poured out.
Bring me to my knees, Lord, I lay me down.

Rid me of myself, I belong to you.

Lord, lead me. Lead me to the cross.

[lead me to the cross by hillsong]
Listen here. Soak in the power of the Cross.

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword...

2011-03-28T17:11:00.001-07:00

Now I'll admit...this idea has always confused me. It begs certain questions...questions like "if the pen is mightier than the sword, why do actions speak louder than words?"

Think on that for just a second...I'll wait.

I don't think that the pen is mightier than the sword. I think ideas are more important than facts. I suppose you could say I was a romantic, at least as opposed to a realist. When it comes to what I want...I rarely have a specific outcome in mind...I just have priorities.

This has its advantages and disadvantages. Truth, for example, is one of the things I value above almost anything else. I feel like it's important that I know the truth. Having the right perspective means you can make right choices. If your perspective or your facts are wrong, then why bother trying to do the right thing? You're probably going to screw it up no matter how well-meaning you are.

I realize that for many people that may seem a bit harsh, and maybe I am. I'm not known for being soft and delicate. But think about it this way...which is more useful, a pastor who preaches the truth, or an atheist humanitarian? Which would you rather trust your kid to? Intentions may dictate how you react to the person, but ultimately we're going to be judged on not only our intentions, but our beliefs.

That's why the Bible says "believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved" (Romans 1:9 Acts 16:31)...not "try your hardest and hope it all works out."

What you believe matters. The Truth matters. I think that's why the Word of God is so important. It "...is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12) If we know the Truth, then we can share it with others, and we can know that we are doing what is right. The Christian walk isn't about avoiding sin. The Christian walk is about becoming progressively closer to being perfect, as Jesus called us to be. That means that the more we understand God, the more we start imitating Him...and sin isn't the problem anymore. It's surrender to whatever He wants from us.

The greatest thing I can aspire to in this life is giving up...and letting God run everything. God, and everything He asks of us is right. Everything else is wrong, and is sin. That's the idea that will change your life.

On Grace Speech

2011-03-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

Colossians 4:6

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you many know how to answer everyone.

On Wednesday, our young adult small group spent a lot of time working through the meaning of this verse and discussing its implications for our lives. The conclusions we drew were insightful and have been stirring in my spirit ever since.

My understanding of the word "grace" is receiving something you don't deserve. God the Father showed us the fullest extent of his grace when he turned his back on his son, Jesus Christ, who bore ALL the sins of the world on his shoulders as the life dripped from his beaten body on that rugged cross. Human beings, as his creation, were given the choice to sin or follow our Creator. We chose separation from God rather than communion with him, but in all his mercy, God offered an alternative. Wereceived the gift we never could have earned--total forgiveness and full and eternal life.

Having my conversation always be filled with grace starts there--at the cross. I must be constantly connected with that sacrifice, the redemption granted me from that place where my Savior died. If my mind is meditating on the cross, on his grace, my heart will be overflowing with the same.

Every word I exchange with another should flow from the place of grace--particularly if that person "deserves" nothing other than frustration, anger, disrespect. In those moments when I have been wronged, humiliated, frustrated, exasperated, annoyed, or hurt, I am to season my words with salt--making them delicious to the recipient. The sentences flowing from my lips should not be the same as the world's. Those who don't follow Jesus believe in retaliation, anger, and revenge. But Jesus showed us a different way. The way of Grace.

To be seasoned with salt means our words go from being normal, typical, similar to the rest of the population's, to be tasty, memorable, enjoyable, blessed. Salt keeps food preserved, fresh. Our words shouldn't be filled with bitterness, rage, or malice, but with the life-giving, sustaining, savory salt of grace.

On Seeking Perfection

2011-02-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

I am Melanie, and I am letting go of perfection.

This is a scary thing for two reasons. 1) I am a seeker of perfection and have often driven myself crazy as I strive. 2) Doesn't Jesus call us to be perfect just as He is perfect?

Yes, he does, but he doesn't call us to work and achieve and beat ourselves up when we fail. He calls us to himself, He draws us near, and the closer we become to His heart, the more in unison our hearts will beat with His. The goal is not the trying, the striving. The goal is to be Holy as I AM is Holy. We can only reach such perfection when we release our efforts and accept the life changing, new-covenant-making, total atonement of the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.

He became our once-for-all sacrificial lamb.

This doesn't mean we give up, stop seeking, or accept our sinful state as part of the deal. Absolutely NOT. By receiving that redemptive blood of Christ over your sinful heart, you have been given new life. We begin to stumble along beside our Master and experience discipleship for all it's worth. We are created to learn from Him, to long to be like Him.

It all starts with believing in the Lord Jesus and accepting His all-surpassing grace and love into our lives. Then we offer all we have back to him--our love. Jesus will know the truth of our love by our obedience, and our obedience is simply the outpouring of our heart's desire to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.

There is no striving, no achieving involved. Only grace. Only love. Only pursuit of the One who has given us life. We can't know our Lord intimately and not experience His holiness as a part of our life. He commanded us to be perfect, knowing it would be the natural result of a life truly and wholly in love with Him.

Freedom.

Such a good metaphor...

2011-02-14T03:40:00.000-08:00

The Church is the bride of Christ.

My reaction to that whole metaphor in scripture was always "huh?" As a kid I got that Jesus loved us, but it was a little weird to imagine myself married. I mean married. The idea was almost spooky to little 12-year-old Kevin.

Some things just make more sense in time.

So it's Valentine's Day, and I just thought it would be an appropriate time to talk about how much I love my wife. Seeing her is the bright spot in my day, and even if things aren't perfect, or she's just wearing sweats...I love her. Seeing her makes my day better.

Thinking that's the way that God feels when he looks at us...well it blows my mind. The idea that the God of the universe is just as proud and happy with us as I am with Mel puts everything in perspective. God isn't sitting on his throne up in heaven counting up all your sins...He's eager to forgive, eager to please, and He loves you.

Many people say they have a hard time making the decision to do hard things for God. Thinking of God as the bridegroom helps give me the desire to do right, to be like Him, and to be the best I can.

On Eucharisteo

2011-02-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them..." (Luke 22:19)

Just hours before Jesus was about to give up his life, He sits down to give thanks. He gave thanks?!

Ann Voskamp, in her new book One Thousand Gifts, shares a revelation that literally changes her life and is in the process of changing mine. She digs into the root Greek word behind "thanks." It is eucharisteo and the contents of this word are unbelievable.

Charis. Grace

Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving

Chara. Joy.

The joy of life--life to the full--comes only after thanksgiving for the grace, the gifts God has given. We have been given the gift of salvation, and we have been ushered into the family of God, but have we yet experienced the full measure of life that Jesus came to bring us? Have we come to Him in the spirit of thanksgiving day in and day out, thus welcoming the miracle that is chara joy?

Ann takes readers through a new prospective of the story of the leper Jesus healed in Luke 17:11-19. We have all read, perhaps in awe, that Jesus healed all 10 men afflicted with this debilitating disease. After this, ONE of the men rushes back to Jesus, praising God for his healing. He thanked Jesus.

But what comes next?

Jesus turns to the man and says, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." (vs. 19).

But wasn't the man already healed? Why did Jesus tell him once again that he was made well?

Perhaps the secret to a full life lived in the grace of God lies in that one part of the story we never noticed before. Yes, the man was already healed of his disease. But when he came back and exclaimed his thankfulness to The Master, he was given the gift of complete healing--wellness encompassing every part of his life. By having faith and a true attitude of thanks, this man found the fullness of life--the real healing Jesus is looking to give.

It starts with the gifts God gives.
We offer our thanks.
And we receive that miracle of joy--the full life.

These gifts are all around us. The light streaming in the window. The cold water in my glass. The cat napping on the pillow. My husband's deep breathing. The wind blowing as the dried leaves cling to the branches. We don't have to pack a bag and travel the world to see the beauty. Our lives are brimming with the gifts of our great God. Even though our days may be filled with dirty dishes and jammed schedules and heartbreak, we are called to eucharisteo. Yes, even in the hard times.

"Thanksgiving is inherent to a true salvation experience; thanksgiving is necessary to live the well, whole, fullest life" (One Thousand Gifts, p. 39). Eucharisteo thanks precedes us experiencing our fullest salvation in Christ, being saved from the bitter, angry, resentful qualities of sinful living.

Join me and (in)courage Bloom Book Club as we experience the miracle full life that flows from thanksgiving.

One Thousand Gifts: Chapter Two from Bloom (in)courage on Vimeo.

On Delegating to Community

2011-02-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Today, Jesus said to me,

"Obedience to Me doesn't always mean doing everything yourself. Nowhere in Scripture is it commanded (or even indicated) that you are to "go into all the world...and you must go it alone." Where did you get this notion that the work you do is only able to be done by you? Child, you are irreplaceable and an essential part to my Body, but you are being overtaken by pride. You must give me those secret thoughts that say, "But if I don't do this, no one else will (or no one else will do it this good or this right.)" Your way is not perfect.

MY way is perfect, my dear, and my way is done in community with others. From the days of Moses I have been instructing my children to call on others to accomplish my will. I commanded that great man to delegate responsibilities to other leaders. He was trying to do everything himself and it just wasn't working. It's impossible.

As soon as you realize you're doing it all, you must recognize that you are also rejecting my involvement--my leading.

Don't be afraid to lose control. to lose respect. to lose words of affirmation when you give responsibilities to others. It may be a hard decision to make, but it is the right one. It is the humble choice that follows the example I set for you. Servanthood. When you make the choice to give up control, you are saying to others that you value their help, you need their help, you are not super woman.

You were created for community. Live in it.

And start by letting Me lead."

On Jesus Leading

2011-01-31T07:23:00.000-08:00

Jesus says,

Follow Me.

You do not need to know where the road will lead you, because I am your Heavenly Father. I would never take you into danger, and if we walk into a place of pain or hardship, you need not fear. I am taking you through it--you are not going it alone.

I have a beautiful plan in store for you. Oh! I can't wait for you see where I am leading. You will be in awe of what I will do in you life, and your heart will sing my praises. That is the point of your life, dear one--to bring me glory. You can do that by leaving your fears at the foot of the cross--I will carry your burdens--and trusting me to lead you through the troubles of this world with the peace I bring you.

I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on Him, for he cares for you.

Matthew 11:29-30 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

John 14:27 Peace I live with you. My peace I give. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

On Striving. and Holiness

2011-01-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

Jesus says,

I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have pulled you out of the mire and muck of your sin-laden life. I have redeemed you, dressed you in my purest garment, and written your name in the Book of Life. Never will I forget you or forsake you.

Look at Israel. She was a nation with the most predictable cycle of sin. I would rescue her. She would serve me. Hard times would come. She would reject me. I would pursue her heart. She would come back to me begging for forgiveness.

And I never loved her any less. She was my precious child--the one set apart for my purposes.

You are now a part of my family. I created a new covenant so that you could enter into this beautiful relationship of love and mercy, of worship and holiness. All I ask of you is that you be consecrated unto me--set apart for my sacred use. I will do great things with your life if you let me.

Love me with all of your heart and the obedience will follow. You will never be able to earn my acceptance, so stop striving. Know my love as yours and float in it, worship me for it, honor me because of it.

You needn't worry about your eternal destination. If you confess with your mouth I am Lord, and you believe in your heart that my death and resurrection cover the cost of your sin you are saved.

With an unquenchable passion for me, holiness will be your pursuit.

Devotions in the Snow

2011-01-13T13:24:00.001-08:00

Some of you remember reading about my views on snow...if not, you can scroll down a bit and it'll become apparent.

I love snow.

Seriously, I think it's about the only thing that makes cold weather worth it, although I am less bothered by cold weather now that I've decided to wear things including (but not limited to) a coat, scarf, and gloves. Getting older means I don't have to worry so much about looking "manly" by freezing my tail off in the snow.

In any case, yesterday I was looking out at a beautiful snow-covered world...and a now covered front walk and church walkway. I started shoveling our back walkway (the one we use to get to the church) and I saw one of the older guys at the church (really cool guy) arrive with his truck to plow the parking lot.

Then I started thinking I should quickly finish my walkway so I could get inside before this guy asked for help.

Then I stopped to consider that for a second. What the heck was I thinking? Did I really want this nice guy to have to shovel the church's front walk because I was too lazy and wanted to get back into my house and drink coffee?

So I decided to just go ahead and shovel the church's front walk. It's not huge, but it's a decent size, and took an extra 20-30 minutes. The whole time I was surprised at how ok I was with doing extra work. Life and society have taught us over the years to do as little work as is necessary, and not to strain ourselves...but as soon as I decide to do extra work to help someone else, shoveling snow became...devotional.

There's no real point here, just wanted to share my thoughts...maybe go out and do something nice today.

On Contentment

2011-01-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

Jesus,

Change me. Restore me a teachable spirit. Help me release my old ways to you.

[Philippians 4:11-13]

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

On The Failure

2010-12-30T18:53:00.000-08:00

oh....Dear........Father. My emotions are so raw right now. My thoughts are harried. My heart beats in a confused rhythm. The wounds still fresh.

Sometimes I just don't know what to do with myself. My failures stack one on top of another, again and again, as if attempting to mimic the tower of Babel. Dumb idea, I know. But my sinful nature ~~seems to~~ definitely has a mind of its own--and a very powerful one at that.

WHY, GOD, WHY do I keep doing the things I hate--the evil I see within me? Why do I cling so tightly to the Law of Sin and Death?

How is it possible to know the good I need to do, and even to WANT to do that good, but to fail to do it.

Over.

and.

Over.

again.

But alas, I know the truth of the matter. I am sinful. I fail. I will keep failing. But I am not a FAILURE. My identity is found in You alone.

What a wretched woman I am!! Who will rescue me from this body of death?! THANKS BE TO GOD! for it is through the grace given me by Jesus Christ our Lord.

On His Leading

2010-12-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

Jesus is calling, saying, "My child, don't look to the left or to the right. I am leading you along a path which is for you alone. No one else will ever experience what I have in store for you. All I need from you is your hand tightly in mine, your eyes fixed on me. It may seem difficult to be living in a way that is becoming more and more set apart from this world. This is not cause for fretting--that only leads to evil. Your path will increasingly diverge from that of others. But you know what? This actually gives you even more freedom to love people.

Today, stop and take the opportunity to rejoice in the intimate communion we share. Experience my peace and be filled with eager expectation of losing yourself in Me."

On Setting Aside Busyness

2010-12-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

From December 19 Jesus Calling

Do not be weighed down by the clutter in your life: lots of little chores to do sometime, in no particular order. If you focus too much on these petty tasks, trying to get them all out of the way, you will discover that they are endless. They can eat up as much time as you devote to them.

Instead of trying to do all your chores at once, choose the ones that need to be done today. Let the rest slip into the background of your mind, so I can be in the forefront of your awareness. Remember that your ultimate goal is living close to Me, being responsive to My initiatives. I can communicate with you most readily when your mind is uncluttered and turned toward Me. Seek My Face continually throughout this day. Let My Presence bring order to your thoughts, infusing Peace into your entire being.

Proverbs 16:3

Matthew 6:33

On Jesus, Always

2010-12-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

Jesus says, "Why do you rely on imperfect human beings to fill and support and strengthen you? There are so many reasons you know this to be an unwise decision. First, it is unfair to put such a burden on them. You know and they know there's no way they can be your everything, all the time. People fail. So why place your trust in them?

I beseech you to trust in me. My deepest desire is that you would long to spend every minute you are drawing breath with me. I know you love your husband. That is so good. I am honored by the cherished relationship the two of you share. You seek me together. You build one another up. You are a positive example of marriage and thus of the Bride of Christ and My Father.

But.

No matter how much you love you husband, you cannot look to him to sustain you. You mustn't place your need for security and peace in his power. Yes, he will do his best to provide for you and he does deserve your trust. But, daughter, I will never fail you. You know this, don't you?"

Yes, Jesus. I know.

"Then come to me. Turn your needs over to me--I will fill them to overflowing. I will give you purpose. I will give you peace. I will always listen. I will never fail."

Jesus, I'm so sorry. I know you deserve my everything. You shouldn't just be a priority in my life. You should BE my life. I want to make YOU the one I long to spend every waking minute with. I want to think of you first when I have exciting news or a devastating blow. Forgive me for replacing you. Be my everything. Now.

On Respect

2010-12-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

Jesus calls husbands to love their wives. We women are pretty good at demanding that, right? If the men in our lives don't tell us enough or show us enough, we can beat them into the ground. We would never take the excuse, "Well, I told you I loved you on our wedding day, shouldn't that be enough?" That's crap. So how much more should we run from the lie that we will respect our husbands as we see fit. As long as he's taking out the trash when I want it done, as long as the towels are folded correctly (MY way), as long as helps without me asking, as long as he works hard and makes plenty of time for me, as long as he's not stupid for not stopping to ask for directions, THEN I'll respect him.

NO. Jesus calls wives to respect their husbands. He's a smart one, our Creator. He wired us women to need to feel loved, so he commanded men to love. He designed men to function fully only if they feel trusted and respected, so he commands women to respect. Simple.

I shared a bit of my personal story over yonder, and I may (I hope to) continue to share the wonderful truths I learn in Shaunti's book, For Women Only.

But for now, I will tell you what I am telling myself--

respect your husband simply because he's your husband.

trust his judgment (even when it has to do with laundry or dishes or directions).

defer to his judgment (stop cutting in and correcting him).

stand up and support him publicly and privately.

seek a change in heart--ask Jesus to move you from making an effort to trust, to give you a heart that truly trusts him.

On Teen Pregnancy

2010-12-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

I admit. I don't always stop to think about the passage of Scripture I'm reading. It's easy to just skim past them after hearing them again and again and again for years. But the Word of God is living and active--and it applies specifically to me today in a way it didn't three years ago. And twenty years from now, that same passage will be filled with God's Spirit and working in my life in a new way once again.

I was reminded of this as we enjoyed a beautiful Christmas musical presented by a church in our conference. It depicted the story of Mary and Joseph in a fresh way, delving into their thoughts and emotions, the criticisms and pressures felt by the onlookers. And it made me think.

My husband has been writing a modern day version of the Nativity story for our teens to tell our congregation on Christmas Eve. (I won't go into the reason he's still working on it, other than to say I may have bumped the power button while dusting, causing him to lose his almost completed work.) As we talked about the details of the birth of Christ and what the implications would be if it occurred today, in 2010, I was struck by the thoughts running through my mind.

If one of my teen girls came up to me and told me they were pregnant and then went on to say it was the Son of God in their womb, I'm fairly certain I would call them crazy.

"WHAT IN THE WORLD are you talking about, Girl?! Honey, if you're pregnant, it's ok. We can deal with this. We'll help you through it."

"Melanie, I am still pure, I promise you. An angel of the Lord appeared to me and scared the crap out of me. He told me I was going to give birth to son--God's son. I know it's unbelievable, but it's true. I've never been so certain of anything ever before."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Don't you remember all of those Old Testament passages we've studied together? So many of them talk of our Messiah and give details on his entrance into this world. THIS is IT. I've been chosen. Will you support me?"

Wow. I never thought about it like that. It's easy to believe a story that happened thousands of years ago. But taking the concepts and applying them to my reality points out my lack of faith. It helps me identify with Mary's family and friends. And yet it shames me. Why wouldn't I believe her?

God is so good. He chooses those who are weak, those who the world ignores, rejects, despises. He choses those who have nothing so that when His Will is accomplished, everyone will know it was God's work--not man's. To Him be the Glory.

Jesus, I pray you would continue to reveal your story to me in new ways this Christmas. Open my eyes to the truth and bring my spirit closer to the faith I lack. Amen.

Routine Blows

2010-12-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

I mean seriously. Granted, I could probably have worded this blog title a little more appropriately... I just figured why bother being demure when I'm about to post about how getting situated and all nested in is terrible for your spiritual life.

Lately, I'd been getting situated in a routine where I was really productive. I was getting a ton done, getting talks and studies ready for Youth Group, memorizing scripture with the teens, and in general doing all the things I thought I should be doing.

Somewhere along the line, I feel like I've forgotten to stop and smell the roses. I forgot to enjoy the feeling of the arctic chill when I walk outside and I'm honestly cold. I forgot what satisfaction there could be in doing something well...and something out of the ordinary.

Right now, I feel like I need to mix things up a bit in my life. I've gotten situated in this whole "sub to earn money, spend the rest of your time on the Youth Group" thing going. Then the last few weeks have been crazy, what with Thanksgiving and the National Youth Worker's Convention we went to. (Thanks, Spring Arbor FMC for paying our ticket cost!) All that break in routine just made me realize how unsatisfied I am with it. We weren't meant for consistency.

As humans, we seem to crave stability, safety, and predictability...but I wonder why we think it's important. Why do we need to know where next month's meal is coming from?

Now don't get me wrong, I have money in the bank in case of a 'rainy day.' But that doesn't mean that I don't question why I feel like I need more stability. If we really trusted God, would we need the money in the bank to feel secure? Why in the world do we value our routine and shelter in it like a suit of armor? Why do we as Americans put so much time and effort into walling the moving Spirit of God out of our lives and decisions?

So I'm here to tell you that I think routine isn't just overrated, it flat out blows. I think that routine is Satan's way of getting into our psyche. If he can get us to value our routine, then we'll do our part to silence God's voice when He tries to move in our lives. I don't want to block God out.

God, mix up my life a bit, I think it'd do me some good.

I need to remember this blog title...

2010-11-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

...because often enough I try to just let Jesus come to me.

I sit in church on Sunday mornings, I play bass guitar, I baptise (which was awesome...Christopher Brian is now a baptized member of our church family!), and I listen to one of our teens preach the Sunday morning sermon...I spend a relaxing afternoon hanging out with my brother, and then I lead almost 20 teens in a study of Chan's book 'Crazy Love' before shipping them all back home to start their weeks.

Sounds like a great day...until I realize that I've forgotten to spend time alone with God.

In the middle of doing so much work for the church, I forgot to invite God to spend the day with me. It happens far more than I would like to admit. I get too busy, I get too tired, I get too...something. And I let my first love slide.

So this is my friendly reminder to you all. Don't let the opportunity to spend time reading God's word slip by. It's too good to let go. It's too important to put off. It's too vital to not drink in every chance you get.

So go find your bible and read for a bit.

Philippians 2: unity in the Church

2010-11-14T12:40:00.000-08:00

First, I apologize for my GEPC negligence. I was sick this week. But also just lazy. Neither are really good excuses. I've missed it.

Philippians 2 is one of my favorite chapters ever--verses 6-11 in particular.

Who, being in very nature[a] God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped;

7 but he made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

I memorized verses 7-8 when I was a young girl but seeing them in context is incredibly powerful. Verses 6-11 were required memory for everyone in the worship arts program at SAU--under the belief that our lives as worship leaders ought to be lived in complete humility.

We are called to be like Jesus--not just to read these verses and be moved by the humble choices of the Son of God, but to be driven to action. Jesus was willing to become our only hope of accessing the Father--by coming to earth (that had gone from perfection at creation to sinful and polluted), in the form of human being (GOD in the form of the created), lived the life of a servant (the lowest status of human life), and obediently followed his Father's will to the cross (a sinless man dying a death of the worst criminal). FOR ME. For YOU.

But back up few verses---"your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" (which is described in verses 6-11.) woah. Talk about high calling.

Back up a bit more--to the beginning of the chapter. Paul is beseeching the church body to live in unity, in love, all for Jesus. How often do you encounter conflict in the church?--most likely over issues that should not be issues at all. Gossip over this one thing this one person overheard this one time. Assumptions in the reasons for changes made by the leadership. Hurt feelings and no willingness to resolve conflict. I can imagine Paul's frustration with at least a handful of the churches he's shepherding. THE POINT IS JESUS, PEOPLE. It's not about YOU. or ME. We are to go out of our way to live in complete humility alongside each other; to pursue our own interests last, to rid ourselves of our desires and pursuits of selfish gain. We are to be like minded--to be focused on Jesus only. And subsequently living out the purpose of Jesus with selflessness and love. Because the point of your entire LIFE is Jesus.

That little two year old in your ear...

2010-11-13T03:52:00.000-08:00

You know, the flu did something to me this week. It gave me time. I had a ton of time to sit around, lay on the couch and lie there. The first day this was great, we caught up on some TV we'd been meaning to watch, maybe a movie. Then day two...and day three...it got a bit boring.

So I immediately started trying to think of things to do, things I could be productive on. I tried to stay busy. Problem was that I was so sick there wasn't a whole lot I could do. So I ended up lying around, sleeping, and reading.

There is a question that I had in all this though...Why don't we like to be quiet? Why don't we like to be alone? Personally, I was forced to face my inner toddler. And I don't like listening to him.

My inner toddler may be an odd way of phrasing it, but that's what I call the corner of my brain that says 'Why? Why? Why?' constantly. Normally this isn't a problem because we can just drown out our inner toddler...but every once in a while, I slow down enough he starts it up all over again.

For instance, if I'm being particularly angry at someone, and I'm reveling in my sense of injustice...the toddler ruins it all by sneaking up on my psyche and asking 'Why?' The conversation would go something like this:

Me: I'm so ANGRY how could they POSSIBLY think this is a good idea! Are they crazy! I'm so MAD!

Inner Toddler (IT for short): Why?

Me: Well because they're doing it WRONG!

IT: Why?

Me: Because my way is better!

IT: Why?

Me: Because it works better! We have to do it the best way!

IT: Why?

Me: We can't just do it a way that isn't the best!

IT: Why?

Me: Because...*stomps off angrily*

See, I'm convinced that if you listen to your inner toddler enough, you'll realize eventually that 90% of the things we get all worked up over are really not important. So what if you have a better way of doing things? Maybe it's not the point. So what if someone else is immature and hurt you? If it's on purpose and they refuse to apologize, there's nothing for you to do but let go, forgive them, and hope they realize their mistake later. Anything else and you're just not obeying God.

So often we work and work at maintaining our sense of 'us vs. the world!' mentality. We've got it all worked out...and if other people would just listen...

But here's a question: How often do you think other peoples' Inner Toddlers defend you?

The Washington Monument

2010-11-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

Something has been bugging me lately...I've been hearing quite a few people ask me why God allows bad things to happen. How in the world can an all-powerful God who loves us allow life to be such crap sometimes? (no, this isn't brought on by my recent bout with flu, but it's hardly an antithesis)

I know all the standard replies...God loves us, but He doesn't control us, so other people can make bad choices that hurt us...or maybe it's a result of us not making the right choices, and God doesn't take away consequences...or maybe we just don't have enough Faith and God is trying to make us better people.

They all have an element of truth in it (huge pun there that you may get in a bit here), but I've had something else strike me recently. And it came in the form of the Washington Monument. (Don't worry, I'm speaking metaphorically, I didn't actually get hit in the face by a piece of weighty American History.)

Did you know that the Washington Monument isn't made entirely of stone? Did you know that the cap of the monument is made of pure aluminum? As in the stuff that we use to wrap up our food before we stick it in the oven? Even more strangely, did you know that Aluminum was more valuable than gold at the time the Washington Monument was built? (click for details!)

True story.

The obvious question is WHY. Why was aluminum so valued, when we use it and throw it away now? You have to admit, it's pretty...but it's also common. The reason aluminum was so valued was that it was hard to make pure. Aluminum ore was easy to get your hands on, but the process of taking a rock with some aluminum in it and making a block of pure aluminum was difficult and expensive.

The reason aluminum was valuable was that you had to work to get it just right. (obvious spiritual metaphor enters the scene)

But because I don't like leaving even obvious corollaries unsaid...here goes nothing.

Maybe there's evil in the world partly because God could make right behavior easy...but it's more valuable if we have to fight for it. We all know from personal experience what happened to that wonderful cap of expensive aluminum on the Washington Monument...aluminum became easy to get...and it became cheap. Shiny...but mostly worthless.

Who would really be all that irritated if someone stole a wad of aluminum foil? Probably not so much.

So here's my thought. Belief in God is cheap. The bible says that even demons believe. But right behavior isn't cheap. Obeying God in the face of evil in the world is hard. Trusting in God no matter your circumstances is hard. It takes work, it takes time, and it takes a deliberate Faith.

There's a quote from a movie that I like watching...based around a guy who turns his world upside down by "letting that which does not matter truly slide."

So here's my question: Does evil in the world matter in the long run? If we can agree that evil in the world is a product of sin, which God hates...it shouldn't change our opinion of Him. Our life shouldn't be about trying to fix this world, but bringing ourselves as close to Him as we can, and dragging as many people along with us as possible.

Evil in the world makes truth, light, and right that much more valuable. Righteousness is worth something not just because it's good...but also because it's not evil. It's in direct contrast against everything we see, so we cling to it.

So go and do good today in the face of evil...because it's hard...but it's the right thing to do.