Are Your Robes Clean Or Is It Laundry Day?

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves the practices of falsehood.” Revelation 22: 14-15

There’s a blessing and a curse within this passage.

Blessing: to those who have been cleaned they are blessed with entrance into the city (the new Jerusalem).
Curse: to those who have not been cleaned and have embraced the practices of falsehood they are cursed with being an “outsider” and are barred from entrance into the city.

These are the words of an post-ascended Jesus spoken to John in his vision of what is to come. Recently I taught the book of Revelation in our bible study class and we went through each chapter together. This wasn’t some sort of theological teaching of eschatological theories and dispensationalism. This was a study of what is written within this book. This was a look into what we understand and what we do not understand. It was also understood that it is okay to acknowledge that we don’t have to comprehend everything in the text to understand what Christ is and will be doing at the end of all things…and at the restart/beginning of all things. Salvation and justice will be handed to out to us all. Reward and punishment, blessings and curses. His reign will be absolute in that there will be no question of who He is and will be for all time. His city will shine because God will be at the center providing light and love. The vision of John is both glorious and too majestic to fathom. We cannot grasp it all. Yet His wonder and might will be all consuming and powerful.

“Behold I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:7)
This isn’t some billboard or poster board written by a street preacher who is screaming through a bullhorn and attempting to scare the hell out of people (Sorry if I offend you with that, but isn’t that their purpose?). These words of Jesus aren’t supposed to be interpreted as horrifying and foreboding, yet many times that is exactly how people use them. This isn’t some catch phrase to a horror movie. These words should be read and interpreted with loving expectation and with a heart of preparation. Jesus doesn’t say these words to scare us but rather prepare us. In the Apostle John’s day these words would have evoked in the listener (the early Church) a sense of longing and hope in a world of fear, evil and Roman oppression. To us, we should see Jesus’ words as not just a warning of His return but of a time to prepare our hearts, souls and minds for Him.

Direct Questions:

How is your heart today? Is there peace in your heart and life because you have a relationship with Jesus? Are you in a good place spiritually? What things still need to be surrendered to Him today? The Holy Spirit still works within us to prepare us and to “cleanse our robes”. Are you willing to surrender every nook and cranny of your soul? Jesus doesn’t want to rent a room in your heart, He wants you all to Himself. He longs for this right relationship with us, and we must decide how full our surrender to Him will be.

I want blessings not curses.
I want His presence, not the “outsiders” view of the city.
I want to be completely His, not an ‘on again, off again’ relationship.
Is this your desire?

Chorus and Prayer:

If on my soul a trace of sin remaineth,
If on my hands a stain may yet be seen,
If one dark spot a weary soul retaineth,
O wash me, Lord, that every part be clean;
For I would live that men may see thyself in me,
I would in faith ascend thy holy hill
And, with my thoughts in tune with thy divinity,
Would learn how best to do thy holy will.

Be Blessed today, not cursed!

-Just something more to ponder.-

May 22, 2014 0

#Bringbackourgirls

Human trafficking is still real. It is still a blight in our world. The recent stories of the kidnapped school girls in Nigeria and Chad by terrorist/militant organization Boko Haram has once again brought it to the forefront of the minds of many in our world. Human slavery and the sex trade market needs to end. How horrifying to be awakened in the middle of the night by kidnappers in your room. How terrifying to be taken by men and young kids armed with automatic rifles. How tragic that young girls aren’t safe within the confines of a school…in any country. Human trafficking is abhorrent, despicable and disgusting.

How can we fight Human Trafficking and modern day slavery?

1. Pray –
This might sound like a “wish” making task, but prayer works! Pray to the Lord. Ask Him to intercede. Pray about legal actions you can take as a citizen in your country. Pray for the lives of those who are affected by human trafficking and also pray for the men, women and children who are victims of human trafficking. God hears our prayers and He does bring justice to those who are powerless and without advocates. Begin with prayer.

2. Get involved –
There are countless website of organizations that offer tangible, real advice and ways in which we can get involved in fighting human trafficking. Here are a few websites to check out and decide which might best aid you in your involvement:
The Salvation Army:
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/combating-human-trafficking

http://www.humantrafficking.org/organizations/362
http://www.humantrafficking.org/combat_trafficking
http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2013/august/how-you-can-combat-sex-trafficking.html

3. Write or call elected officials and/your state representatives –
http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml (If you are from another country look up the phone numbers and addresses to your elected officials and contact them!)

Call or write those who have the power to write laws and spend tax payer monies to combat human trafficking. Be aware and knowledgeable of the organization (listed above) that assist in fighting these causes and research the areas of our world affected by human trafficking. The truth is every country has trouble with this horrifying social disease. Calling elected officials or writing to them can add pressure for your country to take action and crack down on proprietors of human slavery.

4. Start a social media campaign –

Hashtags and posting news stories of these horrific events can continue to draw people’s attention to this serious issue. Don’t be afraid to take a stand and to start something around your community and/or on your social media sites to generate action and support.

We must fight this! We can change lives and bring victims of human trafficking home and/or to shelters of safety.
We can do this together! We can save those without a voice. Take a stand today and do something!!

May 22, 2014 0

Is the traditional family close to death? 4 threats that will flatline the family.

The divorce rate in the United States is at an all time high – 50% and climbing. For married couples, the busy world around them and the drive to be successful can be both rewarding and detrimental to their relationship. If that issue were not enough, children within the family structure are facing greater societal pressures and visual/auditory simulations than ever before. From images and videos on the web to television and online streaming accounts, the standards of moral living and what accepted behavior is, which should be taught by the parents are being contradicted by these outside influences.

The argument can be made (and rightly so) that it is the parent’s duty to monitor and regulate the “data” consumption of their children yet all too often parents are either too busy working or have little to no interest in correctly parenting their children. This is just one danger that threatens families today. A sociological description of this is summed up in the phrase: “if you want to change society tomorrow you must teach the children of today!” The question is, who is teaching our children if the parents are not?

4 threats that will flatline the family:

1 Societal Pressures: As mentioned above, who is teaching our children and what sort of influences are we allowing to infiltrate our homes? Sometimes these influences seem innocuous yet just beneath surface there looms a greater threat which could potentially disrupt the teachings of the parents. I don’t wish to sound like an alarmist or fire the danger flares without a clear sign of danger but parents be aware of what you allow your children to see, hear and do while they live in your home. You have the greatest power to mold and shape your children, don’t let these outside influences disrupt or distort the godly principles that you are displaying and teaching them!

2. Busyness:
Parents, this is a warning to all of us. Do not let your work and your job become all that you do! Your first ministry and profession is to be a good parent! This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work, but rather prioritize your schedule where possible in order to be there for your children. The threat of “busyness” can be translated by your children to mean that they don’t matter to you, they are less important than your work, and this is how they should in turn become parents to their children in the future.

Do you remember the old song “Cats in the cradle”? In the chorus there’s that haunting lyric:
“When you comin’ home, Dad
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then
You know we’ll have a good time then.”

And the song goes on and the son becomes just like his Dad and never has enough time because he is always busy.
Spend time with your children. Don’t let this threat flatline your family and your relationships to your children! Someday, if we allow the busyness to consume us, we will come to regret all of the broken promises and unfulfilled plans that never happened because we never took the time.

3. Materialism:
This might get personal, am I stepping on anyone’s toes yet? Good!
This whole “keeping up with the Jones'” needs to end in our homes! We run the risk of becoming so “stuff” focused that we lose sight of the precious relationships we have right in front of us. God gave us these living and breathing miracles to watch over, to teach and to love, and if we are so consumed with “stuff” what will our children see and want to become as well? There are some things we absolutely need in this life, but then there are those things that we crave and desire and even covet. Has materialism become an obsession in your household? There is no doubt that in our media saturated world the “tech craze” has perpetuated our wants over our needs. It has driven people to spend beyond their means and even at the risk of their families and livelihoods. If we have become obsessed with stuff, not only do we run the risk of our kids following close behind us in our footsteps but perhaps we have removed God from His rightful place as well. Does materialism rule you? Beware of this family threat that could flatline your family. Perhaps this threat may not flatline you right away, but gradually over time it has the propensity to wreck havoc in your lives and the lives of your children.

4. Financial Pressures:

One of the biggest threats to marriages today falls within the realms of finances. Some of these financial pressures are interconnected with the third threat of materialism. Families dream of buying that bigger or better house only to find that they have a bigger and harder mortgage to pay per month. Financial pressures build and create fissures within the marriage relationship. Married couples have to then work harder and slave over longer hours to help pay for the financial mess they find themselves in. Along with the housing pressures come the credit card pressures (I’m beginning to sound like Dave Ramsey now). Credit cards can be useful at times but it can also perpetuate this never ending cycle of debt in some and the dependence on borrowing money that we do not posses to pay off. “At the end of the second quarter 2013, there was approximately $850 billion in outstanding revolving debt, mainly credit cards.” (Source: http://www.credit.com/debt/five-shocking-credit-card-debt-statistics/)

Here’s another credit card statistic: “the average credit card balance per consumer was recently reported to be $3,779″ (Source: http://www.credit.com/debt/average-credit-card-debt/)

Many families are living from pay check to pay check and at times have become enslaved to their credit card debts because they have overspent and lived without a backup plan and/or financial understanding of realistically “living within their means”. This isn’t a discussion about poverty or the rich vs. the poor, this is a discussion about understanding how dangerous credit cards and debt in general can be on the family structure. Financial pressures can be inherited and taught just as moral principles of living can be taught. This doesn’t mean that all children will emulate their parents all the way into financial woes but certain habitual traits within finances can leave unhealthy blueprints for our children’s future.

Get out the paddles and jump start the family heart:

Spend quality time with your family! Regulate and filter what your children watch and hear in a media saturated world! You are the parent so take the time, live like it and share your love and passions (those things that matter) with your family! Don’t let these threats flatline your family, instead jump start your crew by intentional time and care! Plan creative family events. Do a family movie night. Talk around the dinner table. Invest in your children and in what they love to do. Go to their school events when you are able! Show up, don’t merely attend! The family is your first ministry. From your home stems all other avenues of God’s love for the world around you! Don’t let your family flatline, it’s far too valuable to lose!

-Just another thought to ponder.

May 21, 2014 1

Human Sacrifices…they still happen (A Lesson in leadership)

We would most likely all agree that mission and purpose in ministries as well as organizations are vital to its effectiveness and success. But is there a trade off to achieving certain goals along the pathway to fulfilling our missions? Are there casualties along the way? Do we become so mission focused that we lose, in some way, our compassion and care for individuals which includes team members?

The old adage “too much of a good thing is probably bad for you” could become true when all that we do, eat, sleep and breathe is our mission. I am not insinuating that we discard our mission and lose our focus, but sometimes we must check our motivations and ask ourselves some difficult questions in order to realign and correct possible missteps.

Mission is vital, but so are the people who embody the driving force behind the mission. Leaders aren’t leaders unless there are people who are willing to follow them. Whatever system is put in place, without the “fight force” (people) mission cannot be accomplished.

Are we sacrificing humans?

Truths: 1. There will be people who might not catch the vision. 2. There might be those who dissent and disagree.
But we, as leaders, must be mindful that we cannot simply continue to plow through our goal steps, chug along on the path that we have plotted without the “team” around us. If we choose to go this way and disregard those who disagree with us, we may not heed (at times) those who cry out with the voice of reason. Sometimes we as leaders have to acknowledge that we do not always have all of the right answers. Pride can enter in, and we may feel as if these decisions (which we have made) cannot be allowed to be discarded for to do so will reveal our inadequacies and/or human short-comings.

Good leaders should admit when they are wrong. Good leaders need to listen to the voice(s) of counsel, and in spite of the interpretations of others as the course is corrected; change that course.

Misguided (I wouldn’t use the term ‘bad’) leaders refuse to admit wrong doing. Misguided leaders only listen to the counsel of the ‘yes’ people and punish those who voice and/or question their authority.

Human sacrifices are still being made in organizations when mission and purpose moves at a pace which is faster than the followers can run. Mission is important, but without those who can carry out the mission, any attempt for success will be futile.

3 Preventive Steps:

1. Genuine Compassion:
In order to have followers, leaders must go to them. Leaders need to understand how their followers live, think and also what they are (and aren’t) capable of. Compassion goes a long way to ensuring the success of any mission plans. When we stop and care for the needs of those we lead we inevitably open the doors to not only obedience but healthy loyalty and love. Compassion oils the cogs of motivation and loyalty.

2. Listen

I have found myself guilty of this one. I have plotted certain paths of mission and neglected to actually listen to those with whom I was given the charge to lead. Good leaders understand the great importance of active listening. When they gather their followers they not only engage in productive planning but also engage in active listening. These moments of active listening (it is ongoing) include concerns, desires, skills, and dreams. Once leaders listen, certain plans along the way of mission may need to be altered in order to further strengthen the foundation of the “team”. These aren’t necessarily always concessions but perhaps better solutions and alternatives which will help the group to arrive at the completion of goals within the mission.

3. Motivate

“It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men. Men respond to leadership in a most remarkable way and once you have won his heart, he will follow you anywhere.” -Vince Lombardi
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Good leaders understand how to lovingly challenge people, how to push them but not sacrifice them to the mission. What is in the hearts of those you lead? How can you motivate them to accept the mission and embrace the pathway towards achieving that mission? Motivation can be challenging because all people are different, but when we are actively engaged in listening to those we lead we will find the means to appropriately motivate them. These motivations shouldn't be seen as punishments or a negative thing either. Positive reinforcement, encouragement and guidance is crucial when challenging those you lead. Find the appropriate source(s) of motivation for your team and embark on helping them see how capable and valued they truly are. Don't neglect this step because the members of your team need your motivation to achieve the goals you are setting out to accomplish.

Caution & Completion:
If you find yourself leading only to turn around and find no one is following then perhaps you’ve sacrificed the humans on the altars of mission. Beware of the dangers of leadership. Leadership carries both a burden and a blessing if used correctly. The burden being people are seen as people, not just another number or group to lead. Compassion is vital; active listening is crucial and motivation is paramount to walking across the finish line with those you began it with. Don’t sacrifice the humans for the mission…we need each other and we cannot accomplish anything without every component and every person.

***Disclaimer, leaders carry a tremendous burden and those who follow must also try to recognize where leadership is coming from and as the old phrase says “the door swings both ways”. Much of what has been written here should also be applied in reverse. Those who follow should carefully consider their motivations and consider what may be best for all concerned. Mission cannot be accomplished unless both leader and follower can work together. ***

-Just something else to ponder today.

May 20, 2014 0

“Lord, I love you THIS much!”

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30)

“Hey Dad guess what“, my son Ethan said as he looked at me with his ocean blue eyes and mischievous smirk. Okay, I’ll bite, I thought to myself as I smiled back at him. “What Ethan?” I asked. Seeing I had taken the bait, Ethan’s eyes lit up and his smirk broke out into a full smile as he quickly replied rather loudly “I LOVE YOU!”

It is a game that we like to play. We attempt to catch each other off guard with a simple question like “Guess what?” As far as I can remember my Grandfather started this game and it is still going on today. Truth be told, Ethan is rather good at it and at times he blindsides me with his spontaneous expressions of love.

-Expressions of love-

What do our expressions of love look like when it comes to our Heavenly Father? Does He receive our “first fruits” of love or just the left-overs? When asked about the commandments and which was the most important, Jesus said “The most important one is this:…Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)

Do we understand realistically how important our love for God truly is? Without this “first love” as our reference point all other ‘loves’ (including people) cannot be fully realized! Jesus doesn’t just say “love God” but He goes on to say “With all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” (it is known as the Shema or “hear”). In other words our expressions of love to God and the way we express THAT love is to be all or nothing. This love is to be complete or completely useless. Jesus’ usage of the word “ALL” means we must employ EVERYTHING in order to express our love to God. From that love relationship with and to God, we can then begin to love those around us even those who we have deemed ‘unlovable’.

How much?

How much do we love the Lord our God? How much have we expressed that love to Him?
Are we holding anything back? Are we giving Him our first fruits of love?
Can we say to the Lord: “Guess what? Lord, I love you THIS much!” as our arms are outstretched as far as they can possibly go?
The depth of our expressions of love to God will determine the depth of love that we are able to show to those around us. How is your love today?

-Just something more to ponder.

May 19, 2014 2

Is technology killing our family relationships?

I have been told that the best messages we share are those that come from the heart and are personal. This specific topic hits home with me because I love technology and and use it often…cue the song from NapoleonDynamite as Kip sings “I love technology”.

But seriously, I have found myself once in a while checking my social media sites or texting another person on my phone and then I look up to discover one of my children had been telling me something and I completely missed it.

Are you missing it to?

I’m not a hypocrite here, I am equally guilty. Technology is awesome in that it brings our big world so much closer and we can communicate to so many different people in it. But what are we sacrificing when these “tools” become our whole world or our one obsession?

We rush home from church on Sunday and instead of a nice family meal where actual talking takes place, we instead grab our tablet devices, video game consoles, cell phones a quick bite to eat and we’re all off in separate rooms practically living separate lives. It’s sad but are we missing out on relationships that actually matter?

Are we looking at the broad forest, which is the internet and all of the social media connections out there, while we completely lose out on these trees and their decaying roots (our families) right in front of us?

Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that these things are inherently evil or bad, it’s just how we choose to use and sometimes abuse them. Technology is bringing the world to us but is it pushing our families away from us as well? Is there a balance that we can find?

Here are three suggestions to help with our over indulgence of technology. I also plan on utilizing this in my own life and with my own family as well:

1) Have a family meeting

Sit down together without any distractions of televisions or any other electronic device. Discuss your concerns with your kids and your spouse. Share the desire to spend more quality time with them without being distracted. Allot time to be on devices and online, but also carve out specific times in the week that you go “device free”…parents this includes you too!

If it helps (and you’re that OCD) post a schedule on the refrigerator or in another prominent place where every family member can see it.

2) Dinner Nights

Depending on how busy you are, ensure that there are specific nights (perhaps every week night) where you sit down at the dinner table and have dinner together. BUT: do not allow devices at the dinner table! Perhaps even turn off the television if that is a distraction to your families and your conversations. Communication is so important! We don’t often realize how much we miss out on when our eyes are not focused on the one who is talking. We miss the non-verbal language which includes body language and facial expressions. Put the devices away for dinner and start talking to each other. Those devices and those “online” conversations will be there when you get back, they aren’t going anywhere.

3) Go a week without.
This probably seems drastic to you…it does to me as well. I was very reluctant to recommend this. I am still leery of such a proposition. A technology fast seems improbable in our tech-savvy/tech saturated world. Yet what would happen if we tried to simply put the devices down for a week? Could we do it? Are we THAT addicted? Why does it create such consternation in us (admittedly me)? You know the old adage about addiction, addicts refuse to admit they have a problem. Has technology become an unhealthy addiction you? Do you find yourself checking status’ on facebook and other social sites more than a few minutes an hour? Perhaps then there is some merit to going a week without these things.

We can use the excuse that we need them for work, and rightly so. But don’t try and rationalize away your usage of devices while on a fast if it isn’t “work” related. Take a break. Get away. Go outside. Go for a ride.

No Excuses just love!

Spend time with those that truly matter to you! Don’t neglect them or come to regret that you “weren’t there” later on in your life. Technology is great, but so is your family! Use tech as a tool a means to connect but don’t let it consume and separate those that matter most to you!

-Just something else to ponder today!

May 16, 2014 0

3 Things Christians should stop saying…

…if they aren’t sincere.

Everyone of us have heard these phrases. We’ve probably even used them a time or two…and dare I say half of the time we haven’t truly meant them. So why do we keep using these phrases? To be nice? To sound sincere? Because it’s “church” lingo? Why on earth would anyone come back to us seeking genuine help and support if what we’re saying isn’t actually backed up with truth and sincerity?

The Apostle Paul once said, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) It sounds as if this church was doing what was necessary to support one another with love and with the correct words with action behind them.

Here’s a thought for us before we explore these four phrases…brothers and sisters in Christ: DON’T SAY THINGS THAT YOU DON’T TRULY MEAN!!! Okay…moving on.

3 THINGS CHRISTIANS SHOULD STOP SAYING…if they aren’t sincere:

1) “I will pray for you”

I hope THIS is never our motivation to say this phrase!

This is seemingly the most innocuous phrase we as Christians say to each other and to those who aren’t yet saved. It might be within a sentence such as “I am so sorry you’re going through that right now, I will pray for you.” And then five minutes later when we have gone on our merry little ways we completely to forget to follow through with that promise. Let me ask you this; how truthful, honest and sincere is that? Don’t say things like “I will pray for you” if you don’t truly mean it! No one knows if you will actually follow through with your promise…but God will. I don’t say that to scare any of us, but if God knows our hearts why do we say things that we have no intention of committing to? If you or I say “I will pray for you”…then DO IT!!

2) “It’s not the Lord’s timing”

How could we possibly know that? Do you or I have a direct line to God? Have we checked with Him regarding this person? There are many different circumstances that we’ve either said this or heard someone say this to us. At times it’s used to lord power over another or rationalize human/leadership decisions by making it sound as if God planned these human decisions. I’m not saying that God doesn’t intervene, because He does, but don’t try to explain away your/our/others decisions by saying “it’s not the Lord’s timing”…unless you have received true discernment from the Lord Himself. (That last sentence in and of itself is another conversation for another time)

3) “Perhaps God is closing this door in order to open another door”

This one ruffles my feathers. Admittedly this specific phrase is a pet peeve of mine. Does God truly “open doors”? I know He can provide inspiration and direction for our lives and in certain specific people in this world I imagine He calls very clearly…but opening doors? Perhaps you will disagree with me on this and that’s fine, but there are times when we use this phrase flippantly instead of asking the right questions. It can become an escape mechanism for some to bail on the hard path in pursuit of an easier path. If we’re not asking additional questions to fellow Christians about their specific circumstances and instead we use this phrase, we could be giving them a green light to bail.

Secondly, we could use this phrase in order to be rid of a certain person in our lives too. Ask yourself before using this phrase (if you plan to use this phrase) is this what I discern God to be saying to me about this situation? Am I sincere in what I’m saying here, or am I just trying to give permission to a fellow believer to walk away? I do believe, however, that God blesses whatever pathway we choose in life as long as He is at the forefront of that relationship. His plans for us sometimes may be specific and at other times can be left to us to decide upon.

Be a sincere encourager!

If we use these phrases and lack the sincerity coupled with genuine compassion for our fellow believer we could do more harm than good. Be careful how you use words! Be careful how your counsel and offer advice. Consider not only your motivation but also how we can lift each other up and genuinely care for each other as fellow sojourners of the cross!

-Just something else to ponder.

May 15, 2014 0

My Rescue (a poem or sorts)

I cried out “my foot is slipping”
as I clung horrified to the rock.
Deep below my fall would kill
jagged and deadly…deep below.

In panic and pain strength, it waned
I knew I could not go on.
And just when it seemed I would fall
and my body, broken would fail
His hand reached me at last.

Within His grasp, my breath I gasped
My life had faced death’s cold stare
Yet there He stood, Jesus my Lord
and I knew that I was saved!

From death’s fearful grave
to life – rays of light warm my soul.
For He walks beside me all this way
and I know I have been gloriously saved!

May 13, 2014 0

“Getting stuck in the needle”

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24

The needle is real…
It can be possessions.
It can be people.
I can be our professions.
It can be the pursuit of fortune and fame.

This guy came to Jesus and asked Him point blank what he had to do to gain eternal life. The question alone should possibly give us a clue into the motivation. Essentially he was asking “how can I live forever?” Don’t we all want to know the answer to that question? Isn’t that the reason people have searched for fountains of youth, gone under the knife for plastic surgeries, slept in hyperbaric chambers? People want to know the secret to living longer…especially how one can live forever.

So this rich guy (or so we understand him to be) wants to know from Jesus how to receive eternal life. It’s an existential question. It’s a realistic question, and sometimes it’s a selfish question. Sometimes when we read this passage we want to demonize this guy. He’s rich, he’s done all the right things but he just can’t seem to come to terms with Jesus’ final request…”If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (vv.21)

Was the hang up on following or giving? Jesus seems to indicate to his followers that it was in the “giving”. Yet perhaps it’s both. In order to do one, this guy would have had to do the other as well. He had to let go of what he owned in order to follow Messiah and receive eternity.

He got stuck.

A few years ago I had the opportunity of going into a deep cave system with a group of young people. Down we went into this cave system until we came to a section in which we had to crawl on our bellies. The cavern we were in connected to a much larger more beautiful cavern but to get to the next “room” we had to get down on our bellies and crawl through a tight crevice in the rock. It was only about ten feet of crawling beneath this massive rock formation, but for some panic set in. Halfway through my “crawl” I came upon a segment in which I nearly got stuck. I had, in my pockets, placed keys and a wallet. As I crawled I hit a snag because of these bulky items in my pocket and I had to make a decision. I couldn’t go any further until I emptied my pockets. I breathed deeply for a few seconds and then worked my hand back down to my pockets in order to free myself from the snag. If I hadn’t emptied my pockets (which I re-positioned in my hand for the rest of the journey) I would not have been able to complete the journey through the small crevice and see the magnificence of the next cavern. I would have been stuck!

What are we stuck on?

Are you stuck?

This guy couldn’t make that next step in the journey because he was stuck on his possessions. Jesus was calling him to make this change and yet he was stuck. It’s easy to point the finger at this guy and say “well it was because he was so rich”…but how often do we find ourselves clutching onto things that are preventing us from moving on in this spiritual journey?

We’re on the crawl and we’ve hit a snag. Unless we make some changes we cannot move on…we cannot progress. We might not get into the “next room”. You see the “next room” isn’t even about seeing heaven, it’s more about being with Jesus, the One who has brought us this salvation and the power to even move forward.

So the question that we must ask ourselves is this: “What are we stuck on?”
What is holding us back from saying “Yes I will follow You anywhere and everywhere!”

Are you stuck with your finances?
How about your place of employment?
or…
Your pursuit of fame, fortune, notoriety, relationships, family…

All of these things can become a sticking point for us if they become our complete obsession in life.
Are you stuck right now?
Have you hit the panic mode yet?
Do you even recognize that these things are holding you back? Do you understand Christ has called you to greater things if you’ll just follow Him? If you are stuck right now and you wish to finally surrender yourself fully to Christ here’s a verse of hope for you today:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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.” -Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) Christ promises to provide for us. Christ longs to free us of the other burdens of these things we’ve clung onto and placed great emphasis on. His way will lighten our load and guide us towards the eternal pathway. He is our guide. Trust Him!

-Just something more to ponder for today.

May 13, 2014 0

3 Pitfalls of Holy Living

I grew up within the context of a “Holiness Tradition”. If you have grown up in this too, perhaps you will understand the importance of sanctification. This is the second blessing – the Holy Spirit’s anointing and subsequent cleansing of the soul. Holiness is the willful acceptance of the Holy Spirit’s prodding to become who we were intended to be. It is the act of complete surrender which leads us on the path of reflecting Christ in every fiber of our being. It is the beginning point of surrendering our old sinful self completely as we long to become complete in the image of Christ – which is our “new creation” image.

Yet, all too often, when the topic of holiness is discussed there are pitfalls that creep in and threaten to undo or destroy this transformation of the soul. These pitfalls come in the form of erroneous thoughts or beliefs which can make ones attempt of complete surrender to the Holy Spirit impossible or at the very least extremely difficult.

I would like to address three major pitfalls of holy living which always seem to cripple and strangle this vital growth process. I use the term “process” for lack of a better word, though I mean this walk of holiness and complete surrender. I also find myself using the words “holiness” and “complete surrender” either together or interchangeably only because “complete surrender” is what is required of us when we allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us through and through.

These pitfalls seem to be the three most influential concepts hanging around today that can cause the most damage and deter a person from accepting and receiving this second blessing:

Pitfall #1 – Holiness is about Perfection

I cannot count how many times the term “perfection” comes up when discussing “Holiness” with Sunday School classes and Bible study groups.   Holiness and “human perfection” are not synonymous. When we talk about becoming Holy, we do not all of a sudden become devoid of our imperfections while suddenly becoming perfect in every way physical shape or physical form. Human perfection is not our goal when we talk about becoming holy. The pursuit of human perfection is ~~impossible~~ improbable. We need to recognize that this pitfall of associating human perfection with holiness will only cause us to become frustrated and long for an easier route in the spiritual life.

Although we recognize that human perfection is not our goal we should also, in the same breath, acknowledge that it does not let us off the hook within the realms of our moral living. The old scapegoat of “I’m only human” cannot be our excuse when we make mistakes and stumble upon this path of righteousness. Yes, we will not be humanly perfect, but the Holy Spirit can sanctify us through and through while providing us aid and strength to avoid the trappings of the old life.

Pitfall #2 – Holiness is all about working harder

Truth be told this pitfall leads to a lot of burnout among Christ-followers. Some feel as if they must do more for the “glory of God” and when they consider what “do” is, it entails longer hours of sweat and toil. Don’t misunderstand me here, the Holy life does include many sacrifices and effort, but simply working harder is not the sole pathway to holiness.

We can dress up in our uniforms and act the part and still not be any closer to being sanctified through and through.
We miss the point. Sanctification is the Holy Spirit’s work within those who are earnestly willing to surrender everything from within and without. No effort unto our own will ever suffice. No measure of extraneous “works” will earn us holiness. We must begin with a humble, seeking heart and a willingness to be taught by the Master. When we are on our knees before Him, longing to be made whole through the Holy Spirit, then and only then may we experience the all consuming power of sanctification.

The working harder doesn’t come first…it comes second. This isn’t to say that we maintain our holiness through working harder, but rather it is a response of love and devotion to the One who cleanses us through and through. All physical appearances for the benefit of others within the realms of our “works” may very well still fall within the old life. Working harder in the hopes of attaining holiness will only cause frustration, burnout and disillusionment. Instead worthy pursuits to consider would be – humility, complete surrender, the discipline of prayer & supplication.

Pitfall #3 – Holiness is only available to smarter more capable saints.

Believe it or not many come to the conclusion that holiness is only reserved for the wisest and the smartest of the saints. Thankfully (in my case and perhaps yours) this is simply not true. Jesus even told His disciples when they were attempting to shoo off children who were climbing all over Jesus this: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14 NIV) I recognize the context here but to me this also indicates the child-like faith we need in order to receive the Holy Spirit.

Here’s a comforting thought: We don’t need to be a scholar to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and that of Sanctification. We do not need to have degrees on our walls or wear a specific color of trim on our shoulders to pursue Christ-likeness. A lot of people have the head-knowledge but when it comes to the heart-knowledge the mettle of sincere intentions and devotion are formally revealed. This is first a personal matter. A private conversation with God Himself. It is a one on one appearance with God in the holy of holies. He shows up. He will never forsake us, and His desire for us all is to avoid these pitfalls as we pursue His holiness in our lives. Yes, Holiness is possible and attainable to all who are willing to surrender fully to Him.

-Just another some to ponder today.

May 12, 2014 0