Dear Ladies,
It seems to be popular for preachers to preach messages about prosperity and having God's best for your life. While wanting God's will and God's best for us makes sense, it is not always as "pretty" as the picture is painted for us to believe. A few days ago I began reading "The Radical Cross" by A.W. Tozer. It is a collection of essays all about the cross. One scripture frequently used throughout the book is Luke 9:23 which states,
"Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
What struck me vividly upon reading this verse was Jesus referencing the cross....before He was murdered on one. The cross was referred to as a burden. Each of us have something burdening to us. The carrying of the cross for Jesus meant He had to deny His own wishes in order to carry the burden of the sins of humanity. If we are to follow Him, we too must learn to deny our fleshly desires and answer the call given to us.
When God calls us, it is often in an area in which we are not the most comfortable. Operating in this calling can cause butterflies in our stomach. It can keep us up at night. All because to be answering God's call means we are not operating in any ability of our own, but only through the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I love that Jesus added the "daily" part to His statement. It is a reminder to make this choice every day. It is also reassurance that when I mess up, I can always pick it back up tomorrow.
My life has changed dramatically since truly accepting Jesus into my life. I would be lying if I said it's been all roses and rainbows. The difference is my ability to handle whatever life throws my way. There is a peace that truly does surpass all human understanding. Following Jesus means denial to ourselves. It means following His lead to live a holy lifestyle. It means we forego our desires of the flesh. Even when we attempt to partake in worldly things, we find they no longer have the same appeal to us they once did. My weekends previously would be filled with nights out at the bar or a club. Now if I go there, I no longer find it as enjoyable as I did before. I watch people and instead of seeing a fun time, I see their hurt and cries for attention. I see misplaced affections and fake love. I see it because I used to be these people.
The cross I carry now is so much lighter than the one I carried before coming to Christ. I've come to realize we all carry some kind of a cross. The question is are we willing to pick up the cross of Christ or continue carrying the cross of the world? The choice is up to us. Daily.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
True Religion
A friend recently posted on Facebook the following statement: "If you can afford beer, drugs, cigarettes, manicures, and tattoos, then you don't need food stamps or welfare." A friend of my friend commented on the post with this statement: ""You got that right and another thing, since when is a cell phone an unalienable right? I have no phone and I could care less why do they need one to find their hiding boyfriends/daddies and/or husbands or to set up the next robbery heist or drug delivery??"
The person making this comment declares himself a Christian. While never close friends with him, we did previously attend the same church. Reading this caused me to think about the reality of how most church goers view single parents, and especially single mothers. While there are many single dads out there, it seems the single dads are viewed as heroes and amazing role models for taking on so much on their own. At the same time, single moms are judged by a different standard. I am writing based on what I have witnessed in the lives of other single mothers as well as from my own experience. I've watched as leaders and pastors play matchmaker with the singles in the church, but rarely do I see it attempted with a single mother. Perhaps we are a harder "sell" when it comes to a "good, Christian man."
I make no excuses for my situation as a mother. I will be the first to admit I made poor decisions in my past which led to my single parent status. One relationship was over before I found out I was pregnant. Upon finding out I was pregnant, the father strongly urged me to have an abortion. I was told how selfish I was to have a child and called names too unfit to type here. The "easy" route would have been to have an abortion. No one would ever know of my sin (sex outside of marriage) and I would not have to face the judgment of others. Abortion was never an option in my mind. However I can easily understand why for many women, this is the only feasible option they see. To have a child on your own (or even if you do receive child support) requires a lot of sacrifice. Financial is just a small part of the picture. I would venture the majority of women who receive food stamps or welfare are largely raising children on their own.
Upon finding out I was pregnant the second time, I felt more shame and embarrassment than anyone can possibly imagine. One "accident" is seen as excusable, but the second time brings disappointing looks and the "didn't you learn anything the first time around?" conversations. I have been in and out of church my whole life, but at the time of my pregnancies I was not actively involved in a church community. While unplanned and unmarried pregnancies happen inside the church, I would think most happen outside of the church body. Or perhaps it's only the births that happen outside the church. How many girls and women in our churches choose abortion out of shame and fear of how they will be treated when their belly starts to grow with the miracle of life?
As all these thoughts were going through my mind this morning, I began to ponder this verse in James:
"Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27
If this verse is true, then why are there so many single parents (the single mother is the modern day widow) who are struggling every day to simply make ends meet? For most of us, our greatest stress is how we are going to pay our rent and keep the lights on. Contrary to popular opinion, most of us are not planning which club we will hit this weekend and which new shoes and outfit we should wear. Yes, there are agencies and churches who will offer support or a benevolence fund, but in order to get assistance you are put through a series of drilling questions. It is a humiliating enough experience to need to ask for help, but it becomes even worse when you are made to feel a failure for having to ask.
If the church was willing to step up and help more of the orphans and widows, then perhaps we would begin to see less abortions. Most abortions are performed on women who do not have an intimate relationship with Jesus. We all sin and the sin of premarital sex is often committed out of a need for love and acceptance. What I've learned personally and through speaking with numerous women, is that most women are not aware God has a better plan for their lives than the lie the world is giving them. It is easy to simply say "just don't have sex and you won't have to face the problem of abortion or single parenthood," but the reality of our world is that most women do not value themselves enough to say no. Nor do our men respect and value our women enough to not lead them into this temptation. I wish I could say I've seen a difference in the single men in the church, but I have not. The majority of both the women and men within the church are as accepting of this sin as the men and women outside of the church.
I have a friend who does sidewalk counseling at a local abortion clinic. While many would argue the effectiveness of her methods, I hear the stories of the women who have chosen life as a result of her obedience. Not only does she minister at the clinics, but she stays in contact with the mothers and organizes baby showers for them and follows up with them to help them along their motherhood journey. What would happen if more of the church was wiling to keep themselves unstained by the world (foregoing the bigger television, newer car, etc) and was more willing to help out with paying someone's light bill, buying a child's shoes or school supplies, or other necessity? Instead of judging those in need of help, what if we offered help without making them feel inferior because of their lack? Instead of judging the unwed mother, what if we honored her decision to choose life? If it was important enough for James to mention in scripture, shouldn't it also be important to us?
The person making this comment declares himself a Christian. While never close friends with him, we did previously attend the same church. Reading this caused me to think about the reality of how most church goers view single parents, and especially single mothers. While there are many single dads out there, it seems the single dads are viewed as heroes and amazing role models for taking on so much on their own. At the same time, single moms are judged by a different standard. I am writing based on what I have witnessed in the lives of other single mothers as well as from my own experience. I've watched as leaders and pastors play matchmaker with the singles in the church, but rarely do I see it attempted with a single mother. Perhaps we are a harder "sell" when it comes to a "good, Christian man."
I make no excuses for my situation as a mother. I will be the first to admit I made poor decisions in my past which led to my single parent status. One relationship was over before I found out I was pregnant. Upon finding out I was pregnant, the father strongly urged me to have an abortion. I was told how selfish I was to have a child and called names too unfit to type here. The "easy" route would have been to have an abortion. No one would ever know of my sin (sex outside of marriage) and I would not have to face the judgment of others. Abortion was never an option in my mind. However I can easily understand why for many women, this is the only feasible option they see. To have a child on your own (or even if you do receive child support) requires a lot of sacrifice. Financial is just a small part of the picture. I would venture the majority of women who receive food stamps or welfare are largely raising children on their own.
Upon finding out I was pregnant the second time, I felt more shame and embarrassment than anyone can possibly imagine. One "accident" is seen as excusable, but the second time brings disappointing looks and the "didn't you learn anything the first time around?" conversations. I have been in and out of church my whole life, but at the time of my pregnancies I was not actively involved in a church community. While unplanned and unmarried pregnancies happen inside the church, I would think most happen outside of the church body. Or perhaps it's only the births that happen outside the church. How many girls and women in our churches choose abortion out of shame and fear of how they will be treated when their belly starts to grow with the miracle of life?
As all these thoughts were going through my mind this morning, I began to ponder this verse in James:
"Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27
If this verse is true, then why are there so many single parents (the single mother is the modern day widow) who are struggling every day to simply make ends meet? For most of us, our greatest stress is how we are going to pay our rent and keep the lights on. Contrary to popular opinion, most of us are not planning which club we will hit this weekend and which new shoes and outfit we should wear. Yes, there are agencies and churches who will offer support or a benevolence fund, but in order to get assistance you are put through a series of drilling questions. It is a humiliating enough experience to need to ask for help, but it becomes even worse when you are made to feel a failure for having to ask.
If the church was willing to step up and help more of the orphans and widows, then perhaps we would begin to see less abortions. Most abortions are performed on women who do not have an intimate relationship with Jesus. We all sin and the sin of premarital sex is often committed out of a need for love and acceptance. What I've learned personally and through speaking with numerous women, is that most women are not aware God has a better plan for their lives than the lie the world is giving them. It is easy to simply say "just don't have sex and you won't have to face the problem of abortion or single parenthood," but the reality of our world is that most women do not value themselves enough to say no. Nor do our men respect and value our women enough to not lead them into this temptation. I wish I could say I've seen a difference in the single men in the church, but I have not. The majority of both the women and men within the church are as accepting of this sin as the men and women outside of the church.
I have a friend who does sidewalk counseling at a local abortion clinic. While many would argue the effectiveness of her methods, I hear the stories of the women who have chosen life as a result of her obedience. Not only does she minister at the clinics, but she stays in contact with the mothers and organizes baby showers for them and follows up with them to help them along their motherhood journey. What would happen if more of the church was wiling to keep themselves unstained by the world (foregoing the bigger television, newer car, etc) and was more willing to help out with paying someone's light bill, buying a child's shoes or school supplies, or other necessity? Instead of judging those in need of help, what if we offered help without making them feel inferior because of their lack? Instead of judging the unwed mother, what if we honored her decision to choose life? If it was important enough for James to mention in scripture, shouldn't it also be important to us?
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Waves On The Shore
Monday I had the chance to spend a couple hours on the beach near Wilmington. Because of erosion there was a significant drop off in the water right around the area where the waves were breaking. There were many broken shells making it a little uncomfortable to stand where the water would stay around your feet. In order to be "comfortable" you would need to push through where the waves were breaking and past the drop off. Once you were out a little further the sand was smooth and the water calmer.
In order to get back to the shore I had to watch the waves and time my return when the waves were small. In order to get out of the water you had to "climb" up where the sand dropped off and step up onto broken shells. It was not very stable so if your timing was wrong, your exit from the water was not very graceful.
As I was standing there I was thinking of how similar this is to many of the situations we have in life. In order to get from where we are to the place where we can be comfortable, we have to press past something painful or uncomfortable. If our timing is wrong, the results could be disastrous. The waves around us vary in size and we may have to wait until the waves decrease in order to "return to shore." This may require us to stay in a place longer than we intended to be there. If we rush the timing we could end up causing ourselves harm. It also doesn't mean the waves disappear completely, but that they become smaller and a bit calmer. The waves of life are always happening around us.
One of my favorite verses about change is found in Hebrews 11 in the story about Abraham.
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." Hebrews 11:8
This is a verse I have read many times since I left my corporate job years ago. Change in our lives is often required without fully knowing all the details of the change. Abraham was called to make a change, but not told of his final destination. When God commands us to make a change it can be uncomfortable and often all the details are unknown to us. We simply have to be willing to take the steps necessary to follow God in whatever He calls us to do.
Is there a change you need to make in your life? It could be a job change, a location change, a relationship change, or another kind of change. What is it that has been holding you back from taking the necessary steps to begin this process? Is the pain of change keeping you from doing what you know needs to be done? Just like standing on the beach near the drop-off can be uncomfortable, pressing through the pain to reach the smoother ground and calmer waters will be worth everything required to get there!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Living With Eyes Wide Open
This past weekend I travelled 4 hours away to attend the baptism of a dear friend. Not only was she baptized on Sunday, but the whole service was her sharing her testimony before her baptism. She was saved two months ago and part of what started her transformation was receiving a flyer for the Invasion concert. She saw Brian "Head" Welch was performing and it led to her reading his book in which he shares his testimony. She went to church after finishing his book and she accepted Christ. She has been radically saved since then and is a bold witness in sharing Christ! Several of the Invasion team made the trip to be there to show her support from her new "family."
One part of her testimony has been haunting me since hearing it on Sunday. On the first day she went to church she chose a seat in the far back corner of the sanctuary. In her words she "wanted to hide, but also was praying for someone to see her." When the service was over people began leaving and she felt defeated. I should mention she has lived a past of shame and anger. She has numerous tattoos covering her body which she says she began getting in order to stop cutting herself, but to still experience the pain. On the Sunday she went to church, she began sobbing and asking God why He brought her to church only for her to be overlooked yet again. She stayed in her seat not wanting anyone to see her as she left. Finally someone approached her to comfort her and there ended up being four people (including one of the pastors) who stayed with her for over an hour after the church service to answer her questions and to lead her in accepting Christ.
I have shared her story because I think all of us are guilty of being the people in church who have overlooked the hurting sitting right in front of us. The fact that she was even in church was a miracle. Our church culture is guilty of thinking the hurting will mysteriously be drawn into our buildings, when most will never step foot inside of our doors. However, when they do, are we willing to really see them? Do we become so focused on rushing out to lunch after the service that we miss the lost sitting next to us?
Yesterday morning I watched the service from my home church online and heard this very message preached again. Hearing this twice in two days has led me to search myself regarding my ability to truly see people. Not just the people I want to see, but the people most of our society overlooks. In actuality, I believe the lost are overlooked out of our own fears, prejudices, and misconceptions. They don't fit into our "cool and hip" church culture, so we avoid reaching out to them. We fear rejection when offering Jesus should never be about us in the first place. How can we be delivered from drugs, alcohol, sexual addictions, depression, etc and yet live as if Jesus came only to rescue us?
I think of the woman healed of the issue of blood in scripture.
"Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour." Matthew 9:19-22
How many people come into our churches or into our circle of influence thinking "if only I could get a small touch of Jesus, I would be healed." For many, we will be the only example of Jesus they will ever meet. Will we even notice when they reach out for a touch? Are we willing to pause our own agendas in order to be the Jesus they need to see?
One part of her testimony has been haunting me since hearing it on Sunday. On the first day she went to church she chose a seat in the far back corner of the sanctuary. In her words she "wanted to hide, but also was praying for someone to see her." When the service was over people began leaving and she felt defeated. I should mention she has lived a past of shame and anger. She has numerous tattoos covering her body which she says she began getting in order to stop cutting herself, but to still experience the pain. On the Sunday she went to church, she began sobbing and asking God why He brought her to church only for her to be overlooked yet again. She stayed in her seat not wanting anyone to see her as she left. Finally someone approached her to comfort her and there ended up being four people (including one of the pastors) who stayed with her for over an hour after the church service to answer her questions and to lead her in accepting Christ.
I have shared her story because I think all of us are guilty of being the people in church who have overlooked the hurting sitting right in front of us. The fact that she was even in church was a miracle. Our church culture is guilty of thinking the hurting will mysteriously be drawn into our buildings, when most will never step foot inside of our doors. However, when they do, are we willing to really see them? Do we become so focused on rushing out to lunch after the service that we miss the lost sitting next to us?
Yesterday morning I watched the service from my home church online and heard this very message preached again. Hearing this twice in two days has led me to search myself regarding my ability to truly see people. Not just the people I want to see, but the people most of our society overlooks. In actuality, I believe the lost are overlooked out of our own fears, prejudices, and misconceptions. They don't fit into our "cool and hip" church culture, so we avoid reaching out to them. We fear rejection when offering Jesus should never be about us in the first place. How can we be delivered from drugs, alcohol, sexual addictions, depression, etc and yet live as if Jesus came only to rescue us?
I think of the woman healed of the issue of blood in scripture.
"Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour." Matthew 9:19-22
How many people come into our churches or into our circle of influence thinking "if only I could get a small touch of Jesus, I would be healed." For many, we will be the only example of Jesus they will ever meet. Will we even notice when they reach out for a touch? Are we willing to pause our own agendas in order to be the Jesus they need to see?
Monday, July 16, 2012
Coffee Shop Conversations
This morning I have been in a coffee shop working on various things that required some quiet away from home in order to focus. I have been here for several hours and gathered next to me are four men who are the leaders of a local college ministry. I have figured out the ministry (one has it on his shirt), but will not list their name out of respect for them. However, the conversation I've overheard has caused me deep sorrow. At first it was because all I was hearing was discussion of marketing, fund raising, and fun activities. I understand church and ministry requires planning sometimes. Little had been mentioned of Jesus, but I understand there are logistical sides of ministry.
One of the ideas mentioned to establish connection with college students was to hand out cigarettes in an effort to start conversations. One young man (who according to the website is not staff) said he didn't want to encourage that type of behavior. The pastor mentioned a church that did ministry to the homeless and passed out cigarettes and socks. The young mans reaction was, "well, to the homeless that's different. Their lives are over and they don't have any dreams left. Who cares about them?"
Here is where I wish I could tell you the pastors rebuked this young man. I wish I could tell you the corrected him in love for his attitude. However, the comment was met with laughter from all three of the men sitting with him. My heart was racing and it was only by the grace of God that I did not create a very awkward scene in this coffee shop. I have however already emailed the pastor, who is one of the four sitting next to me. He's been looking at his phone for the last few minutes, so it is quite possible he is reading it right now.
My point in sharing this is to mention how important it is, as Christians, that we are aware of our conversations, and our attitudes at all times. My faith in Christ is strong. I have to wonder what the impact could have been had someone overheard this conversation who was seeking Christ or who was already skeptical of Christianity. It is the kind of attitudes that keep people away from church, and away from Christ. I can speak from my own experience that if my only knowledge of Jesus was through His people, rather than my personal relationship, then I would probably never be a Christian.
The group of guys got ready to leave and I noticed the pastor waiting behind. He came over and thanked me for the email. He was very humble about what had happened and acknowledged the error of the statement. I'm now very impressed with his ability to receive correction, even from someone he does not know. This is also something we need to be mindful about in our walk. God may send us a "voice" that does not look the way we expect it to look or at a time we expect to hear. How do you receive correction? Do you get defensive or mad at someone's "nerve" to correct you? This is something I have seen often both in the world and in churches. When someone gives correction, it is wise to receive it with an open heart. Align it with the word of God to verify if it matches. If it does not align, then it is easy to dismiss. Many times the correction does align and we need to be receptive to taking it to heart.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
One of the ideas mentioned to establish connection with college students was to hand out cigarettes in an effort to start conversations. One young man (who according to the website is not staff) said he didn't want to encourage that type of behavior. The pastor mentioned a church that did ministry to the homeless and passed out cigarettes and socks. The young mans reaction was, "well, to the homeless that's different. Their lives are over and they don't have any dreams left. Who cares about them?"
Here is where I wish I could tell you the pastors rebuked this young man. I wish I could tell you the corrected him in love for his attitude. However, the comment was met with laughter from all three of the men sitting with him. My heart was racing and it was only by the grace of God that I did not create a very awkward scene in this coffee shop. I have however already emailed the pastor, who is one of the four sitting next to me. He's been looking at his phone for the last few minutes, so it is quite possible he is reading it right now.
My point in sharing this is to mention how important it is, as Christians, that we are aware of our conversations, and our attitudes at all times. My faith in Christ is strong. I have to wonder what the impact could have been had someone overheard this conversation who was seeking Christ or who was already skeptical of Christianity. It is the kind of attitudes that keep people away from church, and away from Christ. I can speak from my own experience that if my only knowledge of Jesus was through His people, rather than my personal relationship, then I would probably never be a Christian.
The group of guys got ready to leave and I noticed the pastor waiting behind. He came over and thanked me for the email. He was very humble about what had happened and acknowledged the error of the statement. I'm now very impressed with his ability to receive correction, even from someone he does not know. This is also something we need to be mindful about in our walk. God may send us a "voice" that does not look the way we expect it to look or at a time we expect to hear. How do you receive correction? Do you get defensive or mad at someone's "nerve" to correct you? This is something I have seen often both in the world and in churches. When someone gives correction, it is wise to receive it with an open heart. Align it with the word of God to verify if it matches. If it does not align, then it is easy to dismiss. Many times the correction does align and we need to be receptive to taking it to heart.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Treasures in a Field
"“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." Matthew 13:44
My pastor has been preaching a series around this verse for the last few weeks. It has been taught with an angle that has caused me to spend many hours contemplating this one seemingly simple verse. The kingdom of heaven is found here on earth through people. Therefore, each of us have a treasure which is hidden. Not everyone will see our treasure. Many of us would deny the existence of there being treasure within us.
For most of my life I would have been a person who would have argued with you over the value of who I am. I did not see where I had much of anything to offer that would be of benefit to another person. Much of this was because of the conditioning I had experienced as a child. I often felt overlooked and unworthy of true affection. What little treasure I thought I might have was being hidden deeper and deeper inside the dirt of my life. The field was growing larger with each year of life making it harder to remember where the treasure might have been.
When I truly began my Christian walk I found quickly there were people who reminded me I did indeed have a treasure. They wanted the benefits of my treasure and offered me ways that fit their needs to use the treasure that was there. What I learned was that unlike the man in the above verse who bought the whole field, most people only want your treasure and have little regard to your field. In fact, many people would prefer you not even acknowledge the existence of you field.
Have you ever driven past an excavation site? The content of the ground may be valuable, however the process of digging to find what is sought after can leave the area looking quite unattractive. In order to find gold, you have to be willing to go deep into the darkness to find what is most valuable. The same is true for each of us. It should also be true of those around us. In order to allow your treasures to be used, you need to ensure the benefactor is willing to accept your field. Fields are hard to deal with in real life and the same applies in the spiritual world. Fields can have rocks, sometimes even boulders. A few rocks we can move on our own, but the boulders require the help of others to move off our ground. The (family) trees in our fields can have deep roots. Some may be small and easy to chop ourselves, while others have roots going back for generations. These can take a while to uproot and are easiest when to uncover with the help of others.
You have a treasure inside of you. Your treasure is so precious that Jesus sold everything He had, His life, in order to purchase not only your treasure, but your entire field. He not only purchased it, but He did so with joy. Remember how valuable and precious you are to Him. Also remember the next time you are having a difficult time dealing with someone because of their field, they also have a treasure. Are you willing to help them find it?
My pastor has been preaching a series around this verse for the last few weeks. It has been taught with an angle that has caused me to spend many hours contemplating this one seemingly simple verse. The kingdom of heaven is found here on earth through people. Therefore, each of us have a treasure which is hidden. Not everyone will see our treasure. Many of us would deny the existence of there being treasure within us.
For most of my life I would have been a person who would have argued with you over the value of who I am. I did not see where I had much of anything to offer that would be of benefit to another person. Much of this was because of the conditioning I had experienced as a child. I often felt overlooked and unworthy of true affection. What little treasure I thought I might have was being hidden deeper and deeper inside the dirt of my life. The field was growing larger with each year of life making it harder to remember where the treasure might have been.
When I truly began my Christian walk I found quickly there were people who reminded me I did indeed have a treasure. They wanted the benefits of my treasure and offered me ways that fit their needs to use the treasure that was there. What I learned was that unlike the man in the above verse who bought the whole field, most people only want your treasure and have little regard to your field. In fact, many people would prefer you not even acknowledge the existence of you field.
Have you ever driven past an excavation site? The content of the ground may be valuable, however the process of digging to find what is sought after can leave the area looking quite unattractive. In order to find gold, you have to be willing to go deep into the darkness to find what is most valuable. The same is true for each of us. It should also be true of those around us. In order to allow your treasures to be used, you need to ensure the benefactor is willing to accept your field. Fields are hard to deal with in real life and the same applies in the spiritual world. Fields can have rocks, sometimes even boulders. A few rocks we can move on our own, but the boulders require the help of others to move off our ground. The (family) trees in our fields can have deep roots. Some may be small and easy to chop ourselves, while others have roots going back for generations. These can take a while to uproot and are easiest when to uncover with the help of others.
You have a treasure inside of you. Your treasure is so precious that Jesus sold everything He had, His life, in order to purchase not only your treasure, but your entire field. He not only purchased it, but He did so with joy. Remember how valuable and precious you are to Him. Also remember the next time you are having a difficult time dealing with someone because of their field, they also have a treasure. Are you willing to help them find it?
Monday, July 9, 2012
Can You Imagine?
Imagine being stripped of your clothing, beaten, mocked, dragged through the streets for all to see. Not only are strangers looking at you, but your closest friends and family are witnessing this spectacle. You're kicked. You're spit on. Your name is said in a mocking tone and with peals of laughter. Everything being done to you is because of false accusations and not because you have committed any wrongdoing.
At the height of this punishment and humiliation you see a police officer arrive on the scene. You know he has the authority and the power to stop what is happening. Just as he is about to start defending you, you stop him. Not only do you stop him, but you come to the defense of those attacking you. You cry out to the enforcer of justice begging him to forgive them! You explain they are ignorant of their actions and plead for mercy on them.
This is exactly what Jesus did when He died for us. He still does it today. The God who judges could easily strike us for all the offense we commit in our lives, but because of Jesus' pleas for us, we receive mercy. When we should have been the ones living out the above scenario, Jesus took it all upon himself and calls us blameless. (Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,~Jude 24).
Accepting Christ is not simply about getting out of hell. It's about realizing Jesus died to take the punishment for us. Tonight I have been meditating on the magnitude of what this means. In my human mind, much of it is beyond my comprehension. Why would anyone be willing to do this for me? And when I think of the fact that Jesus did it without hesitation, I am speechless. How could I not want to live my life fully and completely for Him? If it means sacrificing the "security" of a corporate job, it's worth it. If it means having family and friends who don't really understand me anymore, it's worth it. If it means often feeling like I'm alone or possibly crazy for the choices I make, then it's worth it.
How can I tell Him that He's not worth it when He paid the ultimate price to let me know how much He thought I was worth it?
"We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19
Where are you in your love affair with Jesus? Is your relationship with Him just something to do on Sunday mornings? Is church more of a social club than a house of reverence and a place to welcome in the presence of the Holy Spirit? When was the last time you told Him how much you love Him? I know our lives can become so busy we forget to take the time to be intimate with Him. Think about how you would feel if you were the one being humiliated in public when you were blameless. Would you be willing to die in the place of those who were committing the real crime? Jesus did that for you. What are you willing to do for Him?
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