Category: Christian Faith

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Spiritual Blindness

My dear friend, mentor, teacher, and co-worker in the mission field we call life on earth has recently challenged me to focus on Spiritual Formation as a topic of great concern. Greg Wiens pointed me to a few books in particular: The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith1 and Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ2. While it’s not a new field of study, the significance of the “journey” cannot be overstated. To begin with, we need to recognize we’re on a journey that we’re all growing in our faith (or not).

Step Zero

I refer to this awakening as Step Zero. While it sounds simple, I’m afraid it’s much more difficult than I can express in just a few words. We all suffer from some level of spiritual blindness. As I begin to peel back the layers and understand more about this topic, I can’t help but see things differently. To begin with, my own vision is skewed and distorted in ways I have yet to consider. While there’s no quick and easy fix for this dilemma, part of the answer begins with the humble confession: I’m spiritually blind!

This morning I wrote a post for HOPE Missions that addresses this subject briefly. I’d be honored if you took a moment to look at that post and pray for those who serve the least, the lost, and the lonely with humble hearts and open hands every single week. Here’s the post:

Give Me Eyes to See

Part of the solution is to serve others: serving is healing. When we serve others, we take on the nature of Jesus Christ.

Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
  rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross! Philippians 2:6-8

Don’t Do This Alone – Koinonia

One of the keys to moving from blindness to seeing clearly is to find someone to venture on the journey with. This might be your spouse or a good friend, but don’t limit yourself to the possibility that other like-minded Christ-followers will challenge and inspire you. This is true, Koinonia.

Part of what I get to do these days is lead a Bible study focused on the Gospel of John. As we read one passage at a time, it never ceases to amaze me how the people are surprised at Jesus’ teaching. But what really catches my eye is that the disciples, those closest to Jesus, were just as confused. They didn’t get it while he was teaching. I find this to be quite comforting. If they didn’t immediately get the meaning of the message when Jesus taught, there’s a good chance that I won’t get it right the first time either! Yet one more reason to find someone to study with.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

The Church Scattered

Ah, but you raise your hand and object, “there’s a pandemic, we can’t gather!” No, my friend, that is not the case. I believe the present pandemic is a gift from God to scatter his people to advance the kingdom. I’ll save that thought for another post, but don’t look for excuses not to venture out. I love what Jeremiah had to say to those exiled centuries ago:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:13-14

The present pandemic feels like an exile to Babylon. It seems like we’ve been scattered and torn apart. For many, this is probably true. Their world revolved around a routine that required little thinking or planning — just show up, sit down, and listen to the preacher. While that’s a good habit, it’s far from going forth and making disciples of all nations (see Matthew 28:19-20).

Here’s my pointed exhortation: we’re blind.

And here’s the opportunity:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17

It all begins with Step Zero.

As we studied John 7 this week, the NIV Application Commentary pointed out that at certain points during the Festival of Tabernacles, the people would sing Psalms 113-118 as they worshiped God. When I first saw that, I missed the opportunity. I was blind. Then it occurred to me: read Psalms 113-118 as if I were worshiping along with them. What a concept! Take a look at the link. Many parts of these songs remind us that God is so good to us. He will lead us through the present difficulties if and when we lean on him.

Final Thought

Thanks to Greg, I have some way to navigate through my spiritual blindness on the heels of Dallas Willard, Eugene Peterson, Janet Hagberg, Robert Guelich, and others who have dedicated their lives to teaching and writing. It doesn’t have to be mysterious, but I know it will not be easy. That’s good.

My challenge to you is to awake from your blindness, change your glasses, get a new prescription, and lean on Christ with others who are like-minded. My prayer is you will find this difficult and awkward at times, but more rewarding than any could possibly imagine.

Not to us, Lord, not to us
    but to your name be the glory,
    because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1

Amen.

1 Hagberg, Janet O.; Guelich, Robert A., The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith, Sheffield Publishing Company, © 2005, 1995.

2 Dallas Willard, Eugene H. Peterson, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ, NavPress, © 2002, 2012.

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Sea of Words

Before me lies a sea of words
which ones to choose, said I,
the words of a sweet lullaby
or words that would make you cry?
In these days, we’re tempted, true,
to turn away our gaze on you,
but let me be the one who stays,
who remembers the countless ways
you’ve saved us in trials before
and will always, forevermore.
May words I say, my thoughts and needs,
be overshadowed by some good deeds
that go unnoticed by many, except
the ones whose need was kindly met.
There is no law, no global decree
that prevents us from loving God so free
with all our heart, and strength within,
with Faith and Hope, let us begin
to love our neighbors as we’re told
and to our Savior bravely hold
as the world around us spins away
may we be wise in what we say.
So, as our thoughts become words we speak,
may we be kind, may we be meek,
and show the world what Christians do
when love includes our neighbors too.

I tried to write the thoughts I keep thinking as I go from meeting to meeting in an effort to serve our community. My most consistent thought is to say words that are useful, helpful, and kind. There are so many people talking nonstop about Covid-19 that my heart aches. May we be known as a people whose words are kind and overshadowed by things we do to serve others.

This is the day to learn how to love your neighbor. Begin by learning their names and praying for them. Ask them if they have a need. For the first time in your life, you’ve been given the mantle of ministry. You can’t invite them to a gathering, but you can show the kindness of Christ by showing them how to love God and love your neighbor.

Print the graphic above from the Art of Neighboring* and write the names of those 8 neighbors closest to you. Pray for them. Pray for wisdom. Show them the love of Christ.

One last note before I go. Here’s something that kept ringing in my ears yesterday:

I know you’re way ahead of me, but today I had the occasion to suggest that pastors take a look at those in their congregations that are first responders or medical staff and reach out to them to see if they need childcare, a meal, or simply a break. The burden of the current crisis is on their shoulders. The rest of use are merely inconvenienced. Wouldn’t it be amazing if every church reached out to these incredible people?

 

Your brother in Christ, Dave.

*https://www.artofneighboring.com/

 

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Moving from Spectator to Participant: How The LOT Project Changed Me

The shift from wanting to serve in the community to helping others find a place to serve was subtle, yet significant. A few short years ago, I met Andy Gibson and Cody Wright at The LOT Project (David Moore joined the team a year ago). The idea was simple, just show up and lend a hand.

Change can happen in a flash. A mere spark is often found to be the culprit for a fire that scorches hundreds of acres, but the spark is only a catalyst. We may talk about mitigating sparks and controlling open flames, as we should, but the forest wouldn’t have burned so quickly if it weren’t for the slow change over time. The imperceptible move from a rich and luscious grove of trees to a dry and barren environment ripe for destruction often goes unnoticed.

The opposite is true, as well. I like to say that I’m a “recovering Pharisee,” meaning that I once was the one who took pride in studying the Bible, attending all church events, praying before meals, etc. There’s nothing wrong with any of those activities except the part about pride. I didn’t notice. The people around me didn’t notice either because they were all drinking from the same fountain.

Here’s the catch: there wasn’t an “aha” moment. There wasn’t a particular time when it was clear I was on one side of the line or the other. Honestly, it’s not really a line; instead, it’s more like moving from dark gray to light gray. However, when I look back at the time I began to serve at The LOT Project, the change is now evident.

I’ve always been one who is drawn to serve others. Serving is part of my DNA. From the time I was a young child, we served in a local church and the community. I love the fact that churches, in general, promote serving the community. But if the motive for serving is only to spend some uncomfortable time around others who need to be served, we’ve missed the point of the lesson.

Peter sums up the idea beautifully here:

Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:7-10

Verse 10 captures the whole notion of serving at The LOT Project, use whatever gift you have received.

When you first serve on a Tuesday or Thursday night, you’ll hear a consistent message from Cody or whoever speaks as we circle up just before opening the doors. We’re here to provide free clothing, hygiene products, shoes, and a meal, but more than anything, we’re here to remind those we serve that they are God’s amazing creation. Each and everyone is a beautiful work of art handcrafted by the Master that created the entire universe. Take time to get to know some of the friends we serve.

The sign painted on the wall outside by a group of Middle School students, led by Josh Powell, captures the essence of this reminder: worthy, hope, and love.

As you look at this photo, reread Peter’s words. What a beautiful scene! These are faithful students. With each stroke of the brush, the wall beneath becomes a testimony to love and beauty. The cracks disappear, and the imperfections absorbed as your eye is now drawn to the giant letters that proclaim WORTHY. I’m thankful for Josh and his class, but they’re not the only ones.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, a faithful few show up to sort through donations and prepare the room for guests on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Each week the process is repeated. Drip, drip. Slowly, the bucket fills with water until its overflowing.

Kindness is contagious.

The core of The LOT Project is love for each and every person the way the perfect Father loves his child. You’re bound to change when you surround yourself with people with hearts set on loving the least of these, just like the most of these.

And that’s the point of this entire story.

Week after week, I moved from feeling awkward about sitting and talking to someone I’d never met to looking forward to Tuesdays and Thursdays to check in on Chris, Emmanuel, William, Kristi, Felicia, on and on. Suddenly, it’s normal to say, “I love you” to people a year ago I never knew.

Your experience serving at The LOT Project will be different than mine, or at least I hope it will. Honestly, I couldn’t think of anything more encouraging. It would be incredibly boring if we were all alike! What I know is I’ve been able to experience the joy of not just serving others, but loving people from all walks of life and on both sides of the serving line!

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

One last thought as I wrap up this post: get in the game. Go and serve as Peter reminds us all. Serve with joyful hearts. Look inside your heart for a place to be Jesus to someone that needs to hear the assurance that the Creator loves them. There is no more excellent form of evangelism, no stronger discipleship than serving others with the eyes and heart of Jesus Christ.

Go. Serve. Love.

And for goodness sake, smile!

 

 

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The Reading Room

Any Christian will tell you that the Bible is the inspired word of God. Some say the Bible was given to us as a guide, while others would assert that each word must be followed by the letter. Some demand that the only real Bible is the King James version of 1611, and therefore The Message translation is pure heresy! Find your spot on the spectrum and have a seat. Relax. I’m not going to support or defend any of the assertions above. What I hope to do is provide an ounce of inspiration that will enable you to enjoy the moments when you get to read the Bible. May each day be filled with opportunities to sit and hear from God, and may some of these be times that you read the Bible. I hope you got that concept.

Reading the Bible is just one way to hear from God–it’s not the only way. When we pause and think about it, the concept is simple. But it’s easier to rely on a checklist and ask some pointed questions about the time spent reading rather than hearing and learning.

The Bible is only a drop of words in an ocean of existence.

If we agree that God is omnipotent, omnipresent, omni____, and if He’s been around since the beginning of creation, the words He has spoken are like the stars in the sky: impossible to count. Here’s your math equation: Words in the Bible divided by the words God has spoken throughout eternity. Let’s agree that the number is very small.

The Bible is only the highlight reel to help us learn to hear God’s voice, to know His character, and understand His relentless pursuit of redemption for His creation.

It is NOT an idol to be placed prominently on the mantle above the fireplace. It’s a story to build us up, to encourage and equip, to rebuke and punish, to be shared from the heart.

Please don’t misunderstand my point. I’m grateful for the many ways the Bible has been published and made available to us. Adding chapter and verse numbers was an ingenious invention that helps to guide our discussion and builds uniformity. These are great features that improve understanding of the text, and I’m happy they exist.

I am authentically excited about the time I get to spend reading the Bible! I’m not trying to impress you, but I am trying to change your perspective from a duty that’s performed to a privilege that you anticipate. The idea extends beyond the Bible and can change the way you approach reading if you let it. Let me introduce you to the Reading Room.

The Reading Room

Imagine you’re walking in a hallway going from your bedroom to the kitchen. Place yourself in some luxurious manor, perhaps the Biltmore, or some such place. As you’re walking down the hall, you see a door open on the left. You glance in to see two chairs by the fireplace. One is empty. One is not. You pause for a moment and realize the one sitting in the adjacent chair is The One. Jesus is waiting for you to come and sit with Him by the fire for a few minutes as you begin your busy day. He wants to tell you a story, to speak to you, to remind you of mistakes His people have made in the past, of triumphs, of great faith, and even ridiculous failure. He’s waiting for you to come and sit and listen for a few minutes.

This is reading the Bible. This is learning to hear the very voice of God in our lives.

When you think about reading the Bible, consider Jesus sitting there with an empty chair asking you to join him. He won’t keep you long. After all, he’s given you work to do for his kingdom. But he does want to talk to you. He desires to teach you in many ways, one of which is through the stories in the Bible.

Here’s the thought: Will you continue walking down that hallway without stopping? Are you too busy to sit with Jesus for a few minutes?

Take the time to sit and listen as the words fill your mind. Imagine Jesus saying something like, “Do you remember the time when a shepherd boy confronted a giant?” or “Let me teach you about honor and dignity by telling you a story about Mephibosheth.”  In these moments, he is speaking those words for you, his only student at this moment. He wants what’s best for you.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10b

When you hear a verse quoted like the one above, ask Jesus to help you understand where that came from, i.e., back up a few verses and get the context for that quote.

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. John 10:3-6

Read the Bible, yes, but listen to his voice as you read. When the time comes, and he calls you by name, you’ll be glad to know you listened well and know his voice.

Lord, I love the fact that you are always there for us. Help us to take advantage of your presence in our lives today.

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Thankful for This Day

Last night I had the privilege of joining ministers from Anderson, South Carolina, in a Thanksgiving Holiday Service. Complete with a community choir, a collection for Safe Harbor and Tabernacle of Faith, and an excellent sermon from the new guy in town (Austin Carty, Boulevard Baptist Church), we joined ranks to proclaim we are thankful for this day! Special thanks to Evangelist Doris Gray, Rebecca Powell, and Reverends James Clark, Josh Hunt, Austin Carty, Kitty Holtzclaw, and others I’m sure I failed to capture, for their efforts to eliminate barriers in our faith community. We are indeed all one.

We spent less than an hour worshipping together, but it was truly family. Grateful hearts met gracious smiles and warm embraces.  I especially liked the Community Choir’s song, “Thank You.” Perfect.

Rev Carty’s sermon was excellent! I will never read Romans 10:8-13 the same again!

If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Austin set the stage for a greater understanding of this famous verse by reminding us of the context from which these words were offered. At a time when Caesar was “lord” by decree, and Pax Ramano was the way of the Roman Empire, merely stating “Jesus is Lord” could have devasting results. That didn’t stop Paul from declaring the truth for any that desired true salvation! We may not be under the rule of an emperor but in this day and age of political correctness, I wonder how we respond to this edict:

Will you declare, ‘Jesus is Lord?’

Would you be so bold if it might land you in jail or being nailed to a cross?

Austin pointed back to Jeremiah 28 for contrast and underscored the importance of speaking the truth boldly and without reservation. Hananiah attempted to appease the people by proclaiming words that made them happy. Jeremiah offers a sober response, as usual, and Hananiah’s fate, well, let’s just say it doesn’t go well for H. The lesson learned is one I wish we all could hear. Thanks, Austin, for encouraging and challenging words.

We live in a world divided by race, religion, politics, and wealth, to name a few. For an hour, we were none of these things. I’m thankful for that time — a mere moment in the span of a full calendar.

Bless the Lord, O My Soul

I had the privilege of leading the gathering with a song I love by Matt Redmon. The verses were written for the occasion. How I long for the day when ten thousand upon ten thousand will sing with all our might, bless the Lord, O my soul!

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) – Matt Redmon
Thanksgiving 2019 verses – Dave Phillips

Chorus

Bless the Lord O my soul O my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before O my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name

Verse 1

We’re thankful Lord, for Your many blessings
Your love so pure and a heart of gold
Wherever we may go and where’er we see another
Ten thousand souls will sing Your praise once more.

Chorus

Verse 2

We’ve gathered here in Your mighty presence
We feel Your love, yes, we know Your fame.
May all who hear Your praises sing this song unending.
Ten thousand times we lift Your holy name.

Chorus

Chorus + tag

Final Note

One final thought before hitting the “publish” button: what are you thankful for? Take time to write it down. Make a habit of reflecting on such things. I read an article this morning that provided scientific research that proves a posture of gratitude is good for mental health. (Link to Gratitude – Neuroscience)

I’ve asked several people in the last week as they waited in lines for food, “how’s it going?” Many of these weary souls simply smiled and said, “I’m blessed to be alive!” We should learn from those who appreciate the value is waking up each day. Father Gregory Boyle tells many stories in Tattoos on the Heart that intensify my gratitude. Chapter 7 begins with this quote from Leo Rock, his director of novices:

God created us–because He thought we’d enjoy it.

Father Boyle goes on to say,

We try to find a way, then, to hold our fingertips gently to the pulse of God. We watch as our hearts begin to beat as one with the One who delights in our being. Then what do we do? We exhale that same spirit of delight into the world and hope for poetry.

Jesus is Lord! Have a blessed day!

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God Did Not Send Jesus to do His Dirty Work

Read: John 3:16-21

I know we just discussed this here, but there is much more to say before moving on. As I read the NIV Application Commentary over and over again, I’m struck by the need to explain John’s statements further. The phrase that leaps off the page is the title of this post:

God did not send Jesus to do His dirty work.

God was and is for us. It is His greatest desire that all would come to accept that which the world has taught us otherwise: there is absolute truth and that truth is wrapped up in the incarnated life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The following is an excerpt from the NIV Application Commentary that dives deep into the subject in a much more eloquent manner than I can express. Please take time to read this three or four times. It’s that significant.

 

 

Today’s intellectual climate is offended by the absolute claim of religious truth, but a faithful rendering of New Testament Christology demands this. This theme will continue to come up throughout the Gospel of John, but at this juncture, John has said something important that we must pause and note.

Many Christians today think about the work of Christ with an unfortunate, ill-informed understanding of God and Christ. I see this again and again both in classes I teach and in the church.

The imaginative picture used by many to express the work of Christ is that Jesus has died in order to placate an angry God, whereas the cross expresses the love of Christ for us and his work appeases God’s threatening wrath. This makes God an opponent and an adversary while Jesus is our ally.

But this is not what John says in 3:16. “God so loved the world…” The work of Christ is God at work, God saving the world, God extending himself into the condition of our humanity and bringing about reconciliation. The center of this error is a deficient view of the Trinity or, more precisely, a deficient understanding of what the church’s earliest theologians were trying to express at the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325).

Christ was not created— there was no time in history when he “was not”— and so he enjoys an eternal existence precisely like God. Further, he shares the very essence or being of God (the Council of Nicea used the word homoousios to express this concept). Why is this important? Because it means that God himself is on our side. God himself is at work on our behalf.

He did not send a messenger (Jesus) to do the dirty work. God himself came to the cross and suffered in order to bring his beloved creation back to himself.

This understanding is expressed repeatedly by Paul. In 2 Corinthians 5: 18–19 he describes the goodness of God in rescuing us and remarks: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” Or again, in the words of [Bible]Colossians 1:19–20[/bible]: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

The cross is thus God’s work. Jesus Christ came to earth, not in order to change God’s mind, but to express God’s mind.

 

Who can understand why God chose this method or the timing? Why did He wait 430 years to call Moses and lead His people out of slavery? Why, what, how? I can’t answer these things sufficiently because the explanation requires some degree of faith. It requires belief in something greater and more powerful than mankind. I’m required to confess that I lack the intellectual capacity to answer these questions to appease the cynic and skeptic and I have the audacity to conclude there is a God that is responsible for all creation that is not bound by time nor offended by my opinions. He is God. I am not.

I tried to explain my perspective in this post: Reason for the Hope I have in Jesus Christ a few months ago. The current study of John’s gospel continues to rattle the chain and begs me to investigate more. My prayer is these words will stir something in your heart and keep you awake at night. I suggest this is the Holy Spirit stirring in your heart. Listen to that voice. Turn off the streams of worldly advice and hear from the voice of One who loves you more than my words can express.

 

 

Source: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland, David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 61930-61950). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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The Miracle of the Bible

As I was reading Acts 20, I couldn’t help but stop and wonder about Luke, the author, and the Bible itself. I don’t want to forget the human element that is part of the divine inspiration which we believe is the result of this thing we call the Bible. Luke is the author who is inspired by God to narrate the story for future generations. This is incredibly remarkable when you stop and think about it. His careful selection of events that included himself, as in this chapter, and others that he knew about provide a timeless narrative that gives us direction today. I would suggest this concept should be known as The Miracle of the Bible.

It’s a book that is beyond fascinating. It captures the imagination of generations before and after Jesus’s appearance on earth. It’s not meant to be idolized, put on a shelf and worshiped, or cherry-picked apart to support our individual positions for or against anything. It is, rather, an invitation to hear the voice of God in narrative form.

One analogy I’ve used recently is to suggest reading the Bible is like getting a phone call from a dear friend, perhaps your best friend. I hope you have someone in your life that is so significant to you that you would answer the phone at all hours of the day or night, allow them to interrupt meetings, or drop everything to help you out anytime.

Reading the Bible is like one of those calls. When the phone rings, flashes, or vibrates, I’m eager to answer it. Depending on circumstances, I might answer with some anxiety if I sense something is wrong. If it rings at 2 am, I’m pretty sure something is amiss! There are many stories in the Bible that read like this. Stories of despair, anger, hostility, revolt, or just plain bad news. Other stories are exciting and encourage me to tell others.

This blog has been growing for some years now. What I’ve found is the more I read and write about what I’m learning, the more interesting the Bible becomes. Each time I learn something different. It might be a new angle or perhaps a gap was filled from some other source. Sometimes just doing life with another person exposes some Scripture that I seem to have missed in the past.

All I know is this: the more I read, the more I grow. The more I grow, the more I’m able to help others. Oddly enough, my definition of love has grown deeper. My patience for others is extended beyond my own understanding. My joy for hearing from God is difficult to explain. I’m not anywhere close to being done, but I have a peace in my heart that is there to share with others. I pray that I’m becoming kinder and gentler, but I have a lot of work to do in this regard.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

It’s not good enough for me to be encouraged or uplifted by God’s Word in the Bible. It’s only useful if it is shared with others. Dig deep, my friends. Find the treasure that’s buried within the inspired Word of God for all people and for all time. It’s amazing! It is The Miracle of the Bible.

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Reason for the Hope I have in Jesus Christ

Read: 1 Peter 3

For years I have encouraged others to write down their response to 1 Peter 3:15, to work through the words and develop a cohesive statement of personal faith. Here is my work in progress, some thoughts that help me respond to Peter’s exhortation:

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:15-17

My hope is wrapped up in many experiences in life. I can point to examples of divine provision, but you might think God is a magic genie if I leave you with the notion that asking and receiving is a precursor to faith. Believing without seeing is the definition of faith.

My apologetic reasoning goes something like this: the more I look at the complexity of life, the more I’m convinced it was no accident. I’m convinced it would take infinitely more faith to believe we were accidentally created than it does to believe there is a God who orchestrated the whole thing.

From this point, William Lane Craig and Tim Keller kick in. In Reasonable Faith, Craig provides scientific arguments that are compelling, to say the least. Keller’s book, The Reason for God, takes a more philosophical approach and really makes you think — if you have an open mind. There are scores of other resources if you’re interested in venturing into the halls of apologetics, all quite interesting.

I’m not a scientist, but if we can agree that there is a Creator God, we can begin to explore His character as revealed throughout the Bible as well as the countless examples of mere mortals throughout history. Once we begin this journey, I have no idea where we will land, but I am confident that if we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and minds, wherever we arrive is a better place than where we began.

The Bible provides a snapshot of God’s consistent desire to have a relationship with His creation. It’s only a highlight reel for us to consider, but an important one to say the least.

All this to say I believe there is more to life than breathing in and out. As I have stopped to consider the possibilities and understand the nature of mankind, I must conclude the story of Jesus is more compelling than any other. I’m no scholar and certainly not well versed in every religion. What I do know makes sense, but more than that, I get a sense of peace from it all.

Mathematicians can explain harmony in musical notes, the meshing of frequencies that define a perfect triad. All I know is I can hear dissonance, I can feel the tension and know how to resolve the chord. Must I have a degree in Mathematics to convince you? I don’t think so. The only real requirement is an open heart and receptive mind.

From this perspective, the Spirit of God can and does perform miracles.

The reason for the hope I have in Christ is not because my Sunday School teachers said so, though they did. It’s not because I heard David Wilkerson’s convicting call to accept Christ when I was a teenager, but he most certainly did. It’s not because of the miracles I’ve seen in my life, those incredible coincidences that are unexplainable yet too real to refute, but I have seen many. It’s not because of these things, but it is these things have caused my mind to wander and wonder.

When I sit and listen, my heart is stilled by creation. A love that is unexplainable enters my mind. A peace that cannot fit into a formula comforts my heart.

And I smile.

Medically, the twitching muscles in my face respond to requests from my brain as electrical signals are transmitted to the exact nerves that fire and the skin on my face flex in an upward fashion on the left and right at the precise moment the thought entered my mind.

Or perhaps it’s the water that forms in the corner of my eye when I first saw our oldest child born — the first time I saw her breath. Then the second, third, and fourth child. Then every other child I’ve seen since.

And I cry.

Maybe it’s the funniest thing Tim Jones said, or just the expression on his face when he said it, I don’t know. He has a way of making ordinary words create a response inside me that’s hard to express. Or maybe the clown nose that Patch Adams donned to make his patients smile, along with his goofy antics.

And I laugh.

It could be that holding the one I love creates a sensation in me that is vulnerable, daring, comfortable, uncompromising, safe, secure, content, and warm. At the end of a long day or the beginning of a storm, this thing is irrefutable and unexplainable with scientific measurements, but there is no doubt:

And I love.

The reason for the hope I have in Christ is wrapped up in moments like these. I hope you’ll take time to examine your life to see what it is that means more to you than mere existence. I hope you’ll look for the source in the pages of an old collection of writings we call the Bible.

The more I look for answers in Christ, the more I’m convinced I made the right choice.

Live. Love. Cry. Smile. Laugh.
But mostly
Love

How about you?

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Personal Retreat One

I’m back on the grid after a few days of taking my first personal retreat. Thanks for praying for me while I sought to meet with God. He never disappoints.

My agenda: outline The Forgotten Way, learn from the resource, write a dozen songs, learn So Will I on the hammered dulcimer, come face-to-face with my sin, accept forgiveness, read Scripture, and hear exactly what God has in mind for my next steps. All in 2-1/2 days.

Yep. That’s they way I’m wired. Nope. That’s not what happened.

I did get through Ted Dekker’s book, some 18 pages of hand-written notes (no electronic devices were allowed on my trip). I’ll continue to process through that and perhaps offer some highlights of the three main movements for in the Way, Truth and Light sections. Those who carry the label Christian need to be reminded of the truth that Christ is IN us. We have work to do on that front.

Studying So Will I was really enjoyable. I found great beauty in the lyrics by  grouping the verses, choruses, and bridge. Take a look at the lyrics when you can. The verses proclaim: God of creation, God of Your promise, and God of salvation. Each chorus begins with “As You speak,” and includes, “I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made, say, and done.” The lyrics are full of “If…” questions throughout the choruses and bridge that all end with the assertion So Will I. We offered these assurances at Exponential last week during our pre-conference. God did not disappoint!

My agenda was ambitious, to say the least. God was not moved to fill my agenda. I did not learn the hammered dulcimer overnight, did not write a single song, did not convince God to satisfy my desire, though I demanded to know what He wanted from me, He was not moved.

Finally, exhausted, I crawled into bed. At 5:45am I heard the answer: Rest, Remember the Sabbath.

I had proudly declared that the personal retreat was not because I needed to rest, I was going to wrestle, to fight, to learn. God said, rest. He reminded me that I’ve not honored the Sabbath. That somehow I’ve elevated myself above needing a day of rest and reflection on Him. The fourth commandment is not a suggestion or wise saying, even for reborn Christians. Throughout the Bible, the NIV includes the word Sabbath 154 times. Hmmm. Maybe God is serious about this idea.

I packed my guitar and dulcimer and set it aside and rested.

Sunday, my official start of the retreat, I had a big lunch at Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Central, SC. After spending the morning reading and studying, it was a good break and a huge meal. When I checked into the bed and breakfast, I learned the breakfast part was a self-serve continental breakfast (mostly pastries) affair. I decided to do something I hadn’t intentionally done in recent memory, I fasted from food. I really wasn’t the least bit hungry during the trip. I walked from The Eagles Rest to The Potter’s Place in the sunshine on Monday, but mostly prayed and wrote and listened. God never disappoints.

I returned yesterday, turned on my devices, cleared emails and messages. The world somehow survived without my immediate response.

Thank you for praying for me while I was away. Turning off the phone was important and significant. That’s how it started at Exponential last week (a whole different story). That’s what I needed. Thanks God.

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8

However you make that work in your weekly rhythm, I hope you find rest.

 

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Help Me Be Content

There’s a song stuck in my head today, a simple tune as usual. The word content, to be content with all I have, floods my mind. There’s a peaceful place somewhere in the midst of all this chaos and noise. Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters this morning, that they may find themselves content with all You have given them, well, us.

The weird thing about being a musician, especially one that’s not trained, who has little understanding of theory, etc., is I hear strings, pads, piano, vocals, bass, lead swells, everything all at the same time. I see images and aromas fill the air. Strange.

Some scripture to consider as this song plays.

Proverbs 14:30
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body.

Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:32-33
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Philippians 4:12-13
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.

Hebrews 13:5
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Psalm 37:3-4
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Proverbs 16:8
Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

Proverbs 28:6
Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.

Ecclesiastes 3:13
That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

May God give you some peace today, may your heart be filled with the knowledge that God is for you. You are His plan A.

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