Faith Journeys

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Family Dynamic

One thing that’s taken some adjustment since moving to the Pacific Northwest is the lack of privacy. Someone’s always coming around the corner or knocking on the door. I grew up with lots of privacy and mega doses of alone time.

There’s nothing wrong with needing a little space, but my worldview is slowly shifting on the topic of “me time.”

The Bible says that we should train up our children throughout the day. This means that our actions and words are being observed every minute, especially if you’re in a large family.

 I cannot expect my siblings to learn if I constantly need space and refuse to let them participate in my daily routine. They all love to run errands with me or help me with my chores.I get asked a lot of questions about how to do things or why I do something a certain way.

Thats why I’m really having to get past my need for more privacy.

I want my siblings to spend as much time with me as possible. Sometimes I don’t want to bring a kiddo to the store or have them help me with the dishes. It would be a lot easier and faster if I could do it alone.

 However, they always thank me for allowing them to go or participate in whatever I’m doing.

Talk about feeling convicted about your selfishness!

Add that guilt to hearing your three year old sister, who calls you her best buddy, say, “Thank you, Audra for bring me to the store.”

It will make you repent fast!

The bottom line is that I am blessed by their eager hearts and hands. It’s such a privilege and honor for me to know that my siblings want to be with me.

This kind of family dynamic is one that I want to cultivate in my own home some day.   

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Get out of the cemetery!

No one ever told me that “Thriller” was a music video.

I remember being terrified the first time I watched it. At five or six years old, the first thought after “Ahhh!” was “This is a very intense movie.” Can you imagine going out on a date with someone and halfway through that person is chasing you around because he or she is now a zombie?

The Christian life is kind of similar. We are all dead without Christ, walking around like zombies. Before you know Christ there’s a hollowness, which cannot really be explained. It’s just a feeling that something is wrong; it’s the zombie effect of sin.

You can’t escape from sin without a Savior.

Sin is a zombie slurping up your brain like a milkshake.

Do you remember the story of the mad man from Gerasenes? He was a zombie! He lived in the cemetery! This guy was full of demons, running around naked, and uncontrollable. The Gospel of Mark says that “night and day he roamed through the graves and the hills, screaming and slashing himself with sharp stones” (Mark 5:5). Jesus came to town and threw out the demons. 

The mad man was saved!

The townspeople found the former mad man, now sane, talking with Jesus and his disciples. Naturally they were freaked out. They asked Jesus to leave. This miracle was too much to handle. So Jesus got in his boat to leave. The newly sane man begged to come along. I can imagine it was the first time he had a true sense of purpose. Jesus told him, “Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19).

The end of the story is my favorite part. The former mad man of Gerasenes started sharing his testimony. Eventually, Jesus came back and the people in and around Gerasenes were receptive. This guy was instrumental in leading his region to Christ. How awesome!

I hope you see the parallel.

When you accept the gift of salvation, the old you is dead—gone forever! Here recently I heard a pastor say that God doesn’t want to make you better; he wants to make you new. That’s what believers should be telling people. It’s one of the greatest truths of the gospel.

Christ died so you could be new.

What if the mad man would’ve stayed in the cemetery after Jesus left? What if he said, “I don’t know what to do next…guess I’ll just hang out here”? Old and new cannot hang out together. That’s why Jesus said that you can’t put new wine in an old wine skin.

It’s impossible to walk in newness of life and keep doing the same old things.

Did you notice that the mad man was ineffective as the demon possessed, looney tune who lived in the cemetery?

Get out of the cemetery!

Share your story.

Live out your faith.

Quit acting like a zombie!  

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Beware of Faulty Perceptions

I remember a game frequently played in my elementary school. The class would sit in a circle and a student was given a certain phrase by the teacher such as “Susie Q ate beef stew.” That student then had to whisper the phrase into the next student’s ear and so on. By the time it went around the room, “Mark W. liked dogs.” 

If you’re thinking, “That’s a lot like gossip!” You would be correct. It is gossip plain and simple.

And gossip is not an acceptable means to discern a person’s character. I’ve been working extra hard to not let the things I hear about someone affect my opinion of them before I even meet them.  

Let’s take this a step further: Have you ever shared a cup of coffee with a friend you thought you knew only to discover your perception of them was completely wrong?

This has happened to me several times and I’ve walked away shocked at how much I didn’t know.

I’m not talking about a topic that is foreign. Judging someone based on rumors, gossip, and hearsay has been going on since there were more people than just Adam and Eve on the earth.

All I want to do is stop it from poisoning my perception of others. Many friendships are left uncultivated because of a faulty perception and I’m tired of missing opportunities!

Furthermore, let’s extend some grace to each other.

I’m not always perfect. And I bet if you were being honest, you aren’t either.

It’s easy to throw someone else under the bus and forget that last month, last week, yesterday…you needed a good dose of grace too. Don’t be afraid to ditch gossip and extend grace. It could make all the difference. The bottom line is that perception is not often reality.       

Take a good look in the mirror. What is it not saying about you? 

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Opening Doors of Opportunity

I have often heard of people praying for God to open doors for them. These same people usually ask God to close doors for them as well. This prayer has become the mantra of the masses and I only know this because I have prayed the same thing many, many times in hopes for a breakthrough.

One has to wonder if God ever gets tired of spending His time shutting and opening doors for us. Isn’t that the reason for discernment? I ask this question in the midst of decisions to be made in my own life.

Today I walked into town to run a few errands and something caught my eye: The door of the Marion Times-Standard office was open. I stopped just past the entrance and did a double take.

Go inside.

I paused a minute longer and continued on my way.

After I dropped off my dry cleaning, I traced my steps back to the office and obeyed. 

Here’s the truth about your dreams: No one is standing around thinking of ways to jumpstart them. I am quite sure there are plenty of people willing to help, but only you can start the process. The door being opened at the Marion Times-Standard definitely kick started my thinking, but the opportunity would have been there even if I opened the door myself.

I am ready to pursue opportunity. That means I might be rejected and criticized along the way. That means discouragement and apathy will whisper—no scream—in my ear as I work to become disciplined. However, my dreams are worth it—I am worth it—so I choose to pursue opportunity.

 No matter where you live one thing is certain: Men and women of vision and character are needed. It’s time to stop hiding out from our fears and uncertainties. Of course, you should always be on the lookout for open doors, but don’t be afraid to open them either.

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What’s the Big Deal About Grace?

You read a lot in the Bible about grace vs. the law.

It makes you wonder what’s the big deal, right? Follow the rules and it’ll all be okay…I think. The problem is that most people add a lot of rules that aren’t in the Bible.

Grace is inviting, welcoming, and it offers hope.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says that it is “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

When Christians are walking in grace lost people are drawn to Jesus like bugs to a bug zapper.  

However, when Christians start adding things to grace things get really hairy.

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [comes] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Galatians 2:21).

What is God’s grace?

God knew that we would be sinners from the beginning of time, so He made a way through His only son, Jesus Christ, in order for us to be reconciled back to Him.

Grace cannot be earned nor is it deserved. That’s what makes it so awesome.

What is the law?

Most people consider the law to be the rules and guidelines given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. If you’re having trouble getting a mental picture, think of Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments. Think of lots of cows, sheep, goats, and doves being sacrificed to atone for sin. It’s actually quite bloody when you think about it.

The Bigger Picture

Without Jesus I have no hope of living up to the law. It’s impossible. However, the blood of Jesus Christ makes it possible for me to be in right standing with God. He came and took the place of my sins, became my blood sacrifice. Only because of Jesus’ sacrifice do I have any hope of following the commands of God, aka The Bible or God’s Word.

Mixed Messages

The law says, “You stink! How dare you come less than perfect? You’ll never measure up.”

Grace says, “You can change. Don’t be afraid of past mistakes, present struggles, or future mishaps.”

I hope that the difference is obvious to everyone. The law, religion, legalism—whatever you want to call it—is not the message that Christians were called to share.

We are called to follow Jesus and walk in grace. That’s the message we need to be sharing. 

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Learning to Love and Loving to Share

In John 13:3-5, Jesus does something that really blows my mind.

“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He [rose] from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel and girded himself. After that he [poured] water into a [basin], and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.”

Jesus, the savior of the world, understood that everything was His, but He washed the disciples’ feet. I am humbled by this passage because I have to stop and think, “Would I be willing to do that if I understood that they should be washing my feet?”

Sometimes I feel that we as humans get caught up in the entitlement trap.

Look at me. I’m really something.

Yeah right.

This line of thinking is borderline idolatry. Satan’s entitlement issue is what ultimately led to His being cast out of Heaven.

I mean, everyone is always beating up on the Pharisees and the Sadducees, but really we have all been like them at some point.

While selfishness is a human tendency it should not be entertained as an option in the life of a believer. In fact, the mark of a servant leader is humility before God and others.

Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Get this: Jesus washed Judas’ feet.

Holy cow! Talk about really loving on your enemies. I don’t know if I would be able to do that.

Think about it.

Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him. And he washed Judas’ feet? The guy who was about to turn him over to be killed?

Don’t forget about the other disciples. They were about to scatter and leave Jesus all alone. Peter denied Jesus three times. And he washed their feet?

When I read this passage of Scripture, it makes me love Jesus even more.

He willingly gave up his life for me. He suffered the wrath of others for me. He freely took my sins about his shoulder.

His sacrifice is the ultimate example of servant leadership in practice. 

I am driven to serve others because of what Christ did for me.

How can I not share? My cup is running over with love from my Father.

I want others to know what that’s like because God’s love is daily changing my life.

Let’s spend some time this week spreading that love around. Call a friend, send a card, or shoot someone a message on Facebook or Twitter. Just share what God is freely giving you. I know that I am finding it harder and harder not to. 

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Three Questions to Consider When Seeking Advice

 I love to give other people advice, and I love to receive advice from other people.

Often times, though, there is a gap between giving and receiving advice and actually implementing it. This inconsistency is part of the human condition, but it can be conquered with persistence.

Most of the New Testament is an instruction book. I realize that I have been talking a lot about the Bible.

Let me explain.

My thinking has radically changed about the Bible. I am learning that my life will all be for naught without Christ and the transforming power of His living word, the Bible.

But what does this have to do with giving and receiving advice?

The Old Testament laws were often hard to keep, but the New Testament instructions are possible if you’re walking in grace.

Grace is God’s DNA coursing through your veins.

Grace pushes you closer and closer to Christ, so that you begin to look more like Him.

Follow Christ, walk in grace, and be transformed by the power of God’s word.

That’s the New Testament in a nutshell.

I am telling you all of this because the best advice to follow is godly in nature.

The Bible is where you filter all advice that comes your way. It helps you find the biblical principles to back up the changes that need to be made in your life.

There are two Scriptures that best illustrate this point. The first is found in Ezekiel 33: 31-33:

“So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not do them. And when this comes to pass—surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”

I don’t know about you, but I can totally relate to this passage. I have been given advice, ignored it, and then saw the prophecy come to pass. Conversely, I have also heeded sound advice and reaped the benefits.

The second Scripture, Acts 17:11, is probably more familiar to you.

“[The Bereans] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

The Bereans understood that it was ultimately their responsibility to teach themselves good doctrine. It’s always easier to spot a phony when you are educated and informed.

All of this said there are three basic questions to ask when seeking advice:

  1. Who is giving this advice? Are they trustworthy? Responsible? In a place to be giving out advice?  
  2. What Scripture(s) back up this advice?
  3. If Questions 1 and 2 can be answered, what’s my plan of action?

If you walk away with nothing else from this post, keep this in mind:

Advice, much like exercise equipment, only works when it’s put in use. 

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Proverbs and Potato Chips

The book of Proverbs is awesome.

When I start reading through Proverbs it’s like eating a bowl of chips. I want to keep reading and reading.

I would be in big trouble if I was  trying to read Proverbs and eat a bowl of chips, but I digress…

My dad wrote in the Scofield Study Bible he gave me back in June. He concluded his note with the Scripture reference for Proverbs 4:20-23.

“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

In this passage the Bible is considered to be life and health to those who choose to study it.

Maybe I shouldn’t compare Proverbs to a bowl of chips.

Maybe I should compare it to apples and peanut butter or carrots and broccoli because the Bible is called life and health.

Reading the Bible, infusing its words into the core of my being, actually improves my health.

How cool!

Forget the chips! Pass me my Bible!

Sometimes, on bad days, I get really discouraged. It’s hard to read the Bible. I start thinking, “What’s it matter anyway? I’m just going to mess up. I can’t get this right. Why try?” However, that’s exactly when I need God’s word the most.

The Bible offers hope by telling us that we’re not alone. We have instructions from our Father on how to live. God has left us guidance and the Holy Spirit to teach us how to live.

But that’s not all!

God also places us in families, in churches, in jobs where we can be surrounded by godly men and women to help us along the way.

I find comfort in these facts because God is guiding me to the right people, to the right places, and to the right Scriptures to help me through. 

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What I Learned While Cutting Grass

When I cut the grass, I have a system: Look at where I’m cutting, think about what I want it to look like, and proceed.

The main reason for this system is that I have a battery operated weed eater. I usually have about an hour’s worth of juice, so I have to have a plan of attack. If I don’t plan my yard looks horrible and I get really cranky.

As I worked today, I couldn’t help but think of the creation story. I’m pretty sure that God sat back and really thought about His plans. He had a lot to get done in six days.

“Let’s see, first I have to create light and darkness, then land and sea. Yes, get the terrain set and then add the animals. That way everything will be ready for Adam.”

I’m amazed at God’s diligence and thoroughness. He thought of everything to make the world perfect for His ultimate creation: Mankind.

Isn’t it amazing?

The coolest part is that God loved humanity so much He knew that man would sin and STILL continued in His work.

He wants a relationship with you and me.

As I walk in relationship with Christ, it changes how I do the most every day things. I think about the normal, seemingly mundane tasks in life in a whole new way.

God wants to be the God of your family, finances, health—every aspect of your life—and in return He wants you to take responsibility, to trust and see His plan in all things.

It’s a cyclical notion.

That’s how I can see the fingerprint of God as I cut the grass, in the spider who builds His web, in the inner workings of a family.

God is everywhere.

The more Christ opens my eyes, the more I see the beauty of God’s creation, and how I fit into His plan.  

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Did God Just Call Me A Knucklehead?

Prophets had a tough gig in the Old Testament.

I mean the Lord came to them and said, “Listen up! The children of Israel are knuckleheads, and I intend to teach them a lesson—to put a dunce hat on their stupid, little heads. Go tell them my plans because of their stupidity.”

Can you imagine being a prophet in that situation? Can you imagine how scary it must have been? Especially because the prophets knew that this was a group punishment? Meaning that they were also a part of this group…

I’m reading in Ezekiel right now, and let me tell you what! God was seriously ticked off. In Ezekiel 16: 30 He says:

“How degenerate is your heart! says the Lord God, ‘seeing you do all these things, the deeds of a brazen harlot.’”

That’s a pretty heavy statement.

But it gets better! Well, I guess it just depends on your definition of better…the Lord seemed to breathe for a second before attempting to reason with the people.

Let me paraphrase Ezekiel 18:21-24 for you:

“When a wicked man repents and follows God, his iniquities are forgotten. When a righteous man turns away from God, his sins are remembered in full. Does God want anyone to die in unrighteousness? No! However, he’ll judge everyone according to their works.”

Ezekiel 18:25 deserves to be directly quoted. God was talking his way through the above scenarios before declaring:

“Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair?”

Wow. God laid down the law. Notice a few key words here: way and ways.

There is only one way to follow God, and that is His way. Man’s ways are wrong.

Is it really that simple?

I love the fact that the Bible is so clear, that God is so clear. Christians are to follow God and God alone.

What is God’s way?

Believe in His son, Jesus Christ, as the ONLY way to receive salvation. Walk in grace, listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and encourage others to do the same.

If the Bible is the foundation of a Christian’s life, then it is imperative that we understand this fundamental truth.

It’s not okay to figure out other ways to follow God, ways, I might add, that are so rooted in the world that Christians are not even recognizable as followers of Christ anymore.

Fair is fair.

God has made the terms pretty clear:

“‘Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord God. ‘Therefore turn and live!’”(Ezekiel 18:31-32)

I have been a knucklehead like the children of Israel. I have attempted to figure out ways to do as I please and follow God as well. And every time I have found myself in the same situation: Frustrated and stuck in a rut.

I am thankful that God left His children some instructions. The more I read the Bible, the less I look like a knucklehead, and the more I look like a child of God.