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Sometimes It’s Good to be Unplugged, Take II

If you read my last post, you know that I was given the opportunity to write for the Marion Times-Standard. Well, they asked me to write an editorial for the paper every week! The editor told me that he could not guarantee that my editorials would run in every edition–and it’s unpaid as of right now–but it’s a start! Also, I get to write about whatever I want, so that’s awesome as well. I sent in a picture and get this: The title of my column is the same as my blog. Isn’t that cool?

This post may sound familiar toward the end. It’s actually part of an older post combined with some fresh perspective. This is my first submission for the paper as a regular contributor. Please leave your comments below and suggest some things you would like to read about in the editorials.

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Building relationships is hard work. I am starting to understand why people find it easier to park their cars in the garage and never speak to their neighbors. For one thing, there are a lot of awkward pauses and silences when you first get to know someone. It’s like a bad job interview that never really ends.

Once you get past the general questions—Married? Single? Have kids? If so, how many?—all that is left to do is stare at each other and scope out appearances. Well, he or she is clean and has good style, so they must be decent human beings…right?

I realize this example seems a bit extreme, but I know that I am speaking the truth. However, I am still hopeful that all is not lost. Not everyone lives in Mayberry, but developing meaningful relationships is possible whether you live in Marion or New York City.

The truth is that most people do not listen. It’s time to put down cell phones, to close laptops, to turn off televisions. Why not look someone in the eyes when carrying on a conversation? Then that person might, just might, be convinced that you are actually listening to them.

Technology is awesome, but I’m afraid that it is also ruining relationships. It’s so, so easy to be a lazy communicator when texting can get the job done just the same. When you opt out of social events to play video games or surf the web. When you like someone’s status on Facebook, but never talk to them in person.

Does anyone else see a problem?

Sometimes it’s good to be unplugged. It causes you to pay attention, to really listen. Don’t get me wrong. I love technology just as much as the next person, but technology CANNOT replace common courtesy, conversation, and personal relationships.

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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. 

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Are You Guilty?

I remember this play we were going to do at church one time.

It was entitled Guilty Christian.  

The premise of the play was that a teenage girl was put on trial for being a Christian. At first, the girl vehemently denied being a Christian because she did not want to be convicted. However, when the judge gave her a not guilty verdict the girl realized what she had done. She started saying, “No, wait! I’m a Christian! I’m guilty!” Of course by this time it was too late. The judge had already handed out his verdict.

My church, The Church Revived, is sponsoring a discipleship group called The Damascus Road Encounter. At first I didn’t want to sign up, but I did because I felt compelled to do so.

I am not the same person, okay? Like Paul, the scales have fallen out of my eyes. I had a real encounter with Jesus Christ, so I walked away different. It’s inevitable.

My goal now is to daily renew my mind, so I can look more and more like Christ.

I’m coming to find out that what the Bible says is true:

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

If I’m looking more like Christ, then I’m looking less and less like the world. This may seem like an elementary concept, but it’s hard to master.

Try swimming upstream for a few minutes. It’ll take the wind out of you. However, what if you knew that going with the current would lead you straight to a waterfall?

Jesus was warning us that the road is narrow because He knew we would be looking around going, “Wait a minute. That road over there is a lot roomier…why can’t I go that way?”

Of course that road is broader because it has a lot more foot traffic.

Following Christ is a choice.

The narrow road might be a bit more difficult, but the destination is worth it.  

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Sometimes It’s Good to be Unplugged

Imagine being six years old and sitting in the doctor’s office.

Your hearing test was abnormal, so your mom takes you to the doctor.

The doctor comes into the room and goes about the normal procedure: Listens to your heart; checks your eyes, ears, throat, and reflexes; flips through your chart while asking questions.  

He takes a closer look at your ears and says, “Aha! I see a slight blockage in your left ear. We’re going to clean it out, okay?”

A few minutes later the nurse comes into the room with a syringe. The alarm bells start going off because you realize they’re about to give you a shot in the ear…

What to do? Scream, of course, what else is there to do?

The nurses eventually peel you off the ceiling while reassuring you that there is no needle. They’re irrigating your ear because it’s stopped up like a pipe.

This is a true story.

I was that little girl.

Thinking back, the story is actually quite hilarious. However, the situation didn’t seem all that funny back then.

The truth is that most people do not listen.

What?

You didn’t hear me?

Why don’t you try putting down your cell phone? That might help.

Yes, close your laptop. Look me in the eyes.

Act like you are actually listening to what I am saying.

Technology is awesome, but I’m afraid that it is also ruining relationships. This might sound weird, but I wholeheartedly believe that technology can be a waxy buildup at times.

It’s so, so easy to be a lazy communicator when texting can get the job done just the same.

When you opt out of social events to play video games or surf the web.

When you like someone’s status on Facebook, but never talk to them in person.

Does anyone else see a problem?

Sometimes it’s good to be unplugged.

It causes you to pay attention, to really listen.

Don’t get me wrong. I love technology just as much as the next person, but technology CANNOT replace common courtesy, conversation, and personal relationships.