So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.(Luke 14:33)
It is clear from this scripture and others that being a disciple comes with a price. Otherwise, we slip into the comfort of “cheap grace.” As Dietrech Bonhoffer wrote, “Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession.... Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate." (Cost of Discipleship)
It is a deep commitment to begin the walk of a disciple. It is a calling from our Lord that requires His Spirit to accomplish. I cannot be a disciple through willpower alone. If I attempt to be a disciple of Jesus without developing a relationship of prayer and dependency, I will fall into the trap of religious rules and performance based love. My failure to “abide by the rules” and the example of Jesus can lead me to self condemnation and crippling despair. This is the glory of grace. Jesus loves me as I am, yet yearns for me to be more than I ever imagined. He loves who I am and who I am becoming. How do I respond to this love and the expectations of discipleship?
First, I realize that my conforming to the image of Jesus is a process. Everything in my life (the good and bad) is designed and ordained by God to encourage my discipleship with Him. I praise Him in the good times and lean more on Him in the tough times. I am working on praising Him in the tough times but I’m not quite there yet. :)
Second, I realize that the discipline of my flesh takes time to perfect. This includes the abolition of old habits and the addition of new ones. There are so many spiritual disciplines to measure our progress that the list can be overwhelming. Prayer, bible reading, fasting, worship, service to others, solitude, submission, confession, etc. As Jesus said, discipleship comes with sacrifice. Here’s two indicators in my life that help give me a measure of where I am in following the example of Jesus: If I take control over what goes into my mouth (food, type and amount) as well as what comes out of my mouth(choice of words and loving delivery), then things are on the right track. Being a good disciple involves every aspect of my life, but when the mouth is under control, the rest of the body seems to follow (James 3).
We are all a work in progress (Phil 1:6). The grace of the Cross was not cheap and deserves our best response. Help us Lord!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
God's Relentless Love
"And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land." (Jonah 2:10)
Why did the Lord command the fish to vomit Jonah out? Jonah was obstinate from the beginning. He was commanded to go to Ninevah to preach to the lost city. He rebelled and took a boat headed the opposite way to Tarshish. Did he really think he could escape God's will by running to the open sea that God created? Seems like a redundant question until I pose it to the mirror. Do I really think I can escape God's will for my life by avoiding or delaying obedience to His commands?
God could have raised up another prophet to deliver the message. But He chose to take Jonah through a miraculous journey into the belly of a fish. He loved Jonah enough to keep him in the plan. According to Jonah 2, the fish actually saved Jonah from drowning. Only God could make being swallowed by a fish a good thing! The near death experience caused Jonah to praise God and give Him thanks. His praising of God gave the signal that he was ready to continue the journey to carry out God's will. He set out a second time to Ninevah, this time preaching to a city of repentant citizens ready to receive God's mercy.
We all need a readjustment sometimes. Sometimes we are moved by sweet conviction and sometimes we are motivated by fear. If I can just remember that everything that God has for me is GOOD all the time (Rom 8:28), His methods of readjustment for me may be less painful than Jonah's.
"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ" (Phil 1:6)
Why did the Lord command the fish to vomit Jonah out? Jonah was obstinate from the beginning. He was commanded to go to Ninevah to preach to the lost city. He rebelled and took a boat headed the opposite way to Tarshish. Did he really think he could escape God's will by running to the open sea that God created? Seems like a redundant question until I pose it to the mirror. Do I really think I can escape God's will for my life by avoiding or delaying obedience to His commands?
God could have raised up another prophet to deliver the message. But He chose to take Jonah through a miraculous journey into the belly of a fish. He loved Jonah enough to keep him in the plan. According to Jonah 2, the fish actually saved Jonah from drowning. Only God could make being swallowed by a fish a good thing! The near death experience caused Jonah to praise God and give Him thanks. His praising of God gave the signal that he was ready to continue the journey to carry out God's will. He set out a second time to Ninevah, this time preaching to a city of repentant citizens ready to receive God's mercy.
We all need a readjustment sometimes. Sometimes we are moved by sweet conviction and sometimes we are motivated by fear. If I can just remember that everything that God has for me is GOOD all the time (Rom 8:28), His methods of readjustment for me may be less painful than Jonah's.
"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ" (Phil 1:6)
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. (1Pet 3:7)
Today my church heard an amazing testimony from a dear friend on her role as a wife and daughter. She testified that she has failed to honor her husband as a submissive wife. She also commented on how many women have fallen into the pattern of “emasculating” their husbands with criticism and control. She wants to break this cycle before her daughters enter into marriage and follow the same pattern. Her courage and transparency invited the work of the Holy Spirit into so many of us in the congregation. We are grateful for her obedience to the Lord’s prompting.
Her observations on the “upside down” leadership in so many homes today reminded me of the many couples I counsel with that are in this cycle (as well as my marriage once upon a time). I submit that while some women are born with strong leadership tendencies, many adopt this style in response to fear and the abandonment of male leadership in the home. Here is the cycle in a nutshell: When men fail to lead by the example of Jesus, women become fearful. For many, the primary response to fear is to attempt to control the environment to feel safe. This attempt to control causes frustration and fatigue as it works against God’s natural design. The fear and fatigue comes out as criticism toward the one who is supposed to make them feel safe (husbands). Her anger and criticism invite the man to run away and escape. The more he withdrawals, the more abandoned she feels. The vicious cycle continues.
How do we break this cycle? As men who are designed to be leaders in the home, we must first reverse our natural tendency to run away from strong emotions. We have to address the fears and feelings of abandonment that our wives are experiencing. As we take responsibility for our failures to lead, they can begin to heal and feel safe. This means walking into some “control and criticism” coping behaviors and standing firm with love and patience. As we trust in the Lord to protect our tongue during these exchanges, our efforts to listen and honor our wives will bring new attitudes to the marriage. My failure to lead in the first 10 yrs. of marriage brought tremendous pain to my family. I can still feel the temptation to run from my wife’s emotions, but the Lord is teaching me to stand firm and love her through her fears and concerns. He is faithful when I trust Him.
Lord, help us to love our wives as you love the Church.
Today my church heard an amazing testimony from a dear friend on her role as a wife and daughter. She testified that she has failed to honor her husband as a submissive wife. She also commented on how many women have fallen into the pattern of “emasculating” their husbands with criticism and control. She wants to break this cycle before her daughters enter into marriage and follow the same pattern. Her courage and transparency invited the work of the Holy Spirit into so many of us in the congregation. We are grateful for her obedience to the Lord’s prompting.
Her observations on the “upside down” leadership in so many homes today reminded me of the many couples I counsel with that are in this cycle (as well as my marriage once upon a time). I submit that while some women are born with strong leadership tendencies, many adopt this style in response to fear and the abandonment of male leadership in the home. Here is the cycle in a nutshell: When men fail to lead by the example of Jesus, women become fearful. For many, the primary response to fear is to attempt to control the environment to feel safe. This attempt to control causes frustration and fatigue as it works against God’s natural design. The fear and fatigue comes out as criticism toward the one who is supposed to make them feel safe (husbands). Her anger and criticism invite the man to run away and escape. The more he withdrawals, the more abandoned she feels. The vicious cycle continues.
How do we break this cycle? As men who are designed to be leaders in the home, we must first reverse our natural tendency to run away from strong emotions. We have to address the fears and feelings of abandonment that our wives are experiencing. As we take responsibility for our failures to lead, they can begin to heal and feel safe. This means walking into some “control and criticism” coping behaviors and standing firm with love and patience. As we trust in the Lord to protect our tongue during these exchanges, our efforts to listen and honor our wives will bring new attitudes to the marriage. My failure to lead in the first 10 yrs. of marriage brought tremendous pain to my family. I can still feel the temptation to run from my wife’s emotions, but the Lord is teaching me to stand firm and love her through her fears and concerns. He is faithful when I trust Him.
Lord, help us to love our wives as you love the Church.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Riptide of Culture
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Prov 22:6)
A recent trip to Orlando reminded me of how powerful our culture’s influence has become. The world is obsessed with Stuff. Only a few hours in Mickey’s World gave a stark reminder to the state of our being. We were herded like cattle from one form of entertainment to another. Each one brought a moment of joy and laughter, but then on to the next thing. Sad, really. Most people appeared to be in a constant state of seeking, planning and moving to the next potential thrill. Each stop was less than fully satisfying. Thus, the need for the next one.
I really became focused on the younger people, so many of them searching for the next sensation, fully expecting the “show” to satisfy. One image in a souvenir store brought home the power of the culture. A father was guiding his two young girls through the maze of toys and trinkets. The younger daughter (maybe 5 or 6 yrs old) was the model of a compliant child. Her eyes were fixed on her father’s instructions as they navigated through the busy store. Her older sister presented the opposite personality. Her focus and energy was bouncing from one display to another. The father continually begged his older daughter to move forward without much success. This scene was not unique in the World of Disney. Yet for me, this one was different. The father was Arabic. Both daughters wore a hijab, the traditional head covering of a Muslim woman. The picture of the older daughter (maybe 7or 8yrs old) will stay with me. On top of her hijaj, she wore a pair of bright pink Minnie Mouse ears! The culture had grabbed the attention of this young girl even through the powerful, conservative traditions of the Muslim faith.
For a brief moment this Christian dad felt a common bond with that Muslim father. Earlier that day, my daughter (18) texted my wife that she had gotten her first nose piercing. Surprise! Seeing this little girl reminded me of the battle between the culture and tradition. We were just a couple of Dads trying to hold back the tide of society’s influence on our precious gifts. I know my Kendall has Jesus to help guide the way. I pray those little girls will come to know Him too.
A recent trip to Orlando reminded me of how powerful our culture’s influence has become. The world is obsessed with Stuff. Only a few hours in Mickey’s World gave a stark reminder to the state of our being. We were herded like cattle from one form of entertainment to another. Each one brought a moment of joy and laughter, but then on to the next thing. Sad, really. Most people appeared to be in a constant state of seeking, planning and moving to the next potential thrill. Each stop was less than fully satisfying. Thus, the need for the next one.
I really became focused on the younger people, so many of them searching for the next sensation, fully expecting the “show” to satisfy. One image in a souvenir store brought home the power of the culture. A father was guiding his two young girls through the maze of toys and trinkets. The younger daughter (maybe 5 or 6 yrs old) was the model of a compliant child. Her eyes were fixed on her father’s instructions as they navigated through the busy store. Her older sister presented the opposite personality. Her focus and energy was bouncing from one display to another. The father continually begged his older daughter to move forward without much success. This scene was not unique in the World of Disney. Yet for me, this one was different. The father was Arabic. Both daughters wore a hijab, the traditional head covering of a Muslim woman. The picture of the older daughter (maybe 7or 8yrs old) will stay with me. On top of her hijaj, she wore a pair of bright pink Minnie Mouse ears! The culture had grabbed the attention of this young girl even through the powerful, conservative traditions of the Muslim faith.
For a brief moment this Christian dad felt a common bond with that Muslim father. Earlier that day, my daughter (18) texted my wife that she had gotten her first nose piercing. Surprise! Seeing this little girl reminded me of the battle between the culture and tradition. We were just a couple of Dads trying to hold back the tide of society’s influence on our precious gifts. I know my Kendall has Jesus to help guide the way. I pray those little girls will come to know Him too.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Anxious For Nothing?
Be anxious for nothing…(Phil 4:6)
I have heard this scripture quoted so often by Christians just trying to help a person through a tough time. For years I read this Word as a commandment to “not be anxious” about my circumstance. Trust God in all things. It’s not right to be anxious because if I trust God then my anxiety is a sign of my lack of faith, maybe even a “sinful” response to my trial. Hearing many sermons refer to this scripture in a similar vein only reinforced the idea that when I am worried or anxious, I am actually sinning against God in my lack of faith. I even brought this idea into my ministry as a husband, reminding Beth that her battles with worry and anxiety were actually sinful. (Please forgive me for that one, honey !)
Now God is showing me a new perspective on this old idea. The picture of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane offers me hope in trying to understand God’s Word on anxiety. Luke 22:43 says that an angel appeared before Jesus to strengthen Him. The next verse portrays an incredible image of our Lord Jesus.
“And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (vs 44)
Wow! Jesus, who never sinned was stressing out over the cup put before Him by His Father. He was willing, but clearly struggling with the events that were about to unfold for Him. Isn’t this comparable to our worry and stress that we experience in our own life? If worry and anxiety are a sin, then the example of Jesus isn’t perfect here. But I know that He is and always will be perfect. So, maybe the words of Phil 4:6 are not intended to be a hard commandment. Maybe they are words of a glorious invitation? I need to take all my cares to Him in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. When I make my request known to Him and trust by faith the He will take care of me (in every way), the peace of God will become known to me. When I am faithful to follow this invitation, He has always been faithful to bring me some measure of peace. The greater my faith, the greater my peace. I’m still learning this one
It’s comforting to know that this invitation is not a commandment that was meant to point out my sin. Even Jesus experienced stress.. What do you think?
I have heard this scripture quoted so often by Christians just trying to help a person through a tough time. For years I read this Word as a commandment to “not be anxious” about my circumstance. Trust God in all things. It’s not right to be anxious because if I trust God then my anxiety is a sign of my lack of faith, maybe even a “sinful” response to my trial. Hearing many sermons refer to this scripture in a similar vein only reinforced the idea that when I am worried or anxious, I am actually sinning against God in my lack of faith. I even brought this idea into my ministry as a husband, reminding Beth that her battles with worry and anxiety were actually sinful. (Please forgive me for that one, honey !)
Now God is showing me a new perspective on this old idea. The picture of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane offers me hope in trying to understand God’s Word on anxiety. Luke 22:43 says that an angel appeared before Jesus to strengthen Him. The next verse portrays an incredible image of our Lord Jesus.
“And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (vs 44)
Wow! Jesus, who never sinned was stressing out over the cup put before Him by His Father. He was willing, but clearly struggling with the events that were about to unfold for Him. Isn’t this comparable to our worry and stress that we experience in our own life? If worry and anxiety are a sin, then the example of Jesus isn’t perfect here. But I know that He is and always will be perfect. So, maybe the words of Phil 4:6 are not intended to be a hard commandment. Maybe they are words of a glorious invitation? I need to take all my cares to Him in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. When I make my request known to Him and trust by faith the He will take care of me (in every way), the peace of God will become known to me. When I am faithful to follow this invitation, He has always been faithful to bring me some measure of peace. The greater my faith, the greater my peace. I’m still learning this one
It’s comforting to know that this invitation is not a commandment that was meant to point out my sin. Even Jesus experienced stress.. What do you think?
Monday, July 12, 2010
Free from Sin?
“But now you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” Rom 6:22
Have you been set free from sin? Paul has declared that the atoning work of Jesus in His death on the Cross has freed us from sin. Powerful words, do you believe them? Early in my recovery from sexual addiction, I read these words and questioned their application to my life. While God’s grace had miraculously delivered me from certain temptations, I certainly was not sinless. Why was I not set free from all sin? God’s Word was not lacking, only my understanding of the process.
Prior to God’s intervention in my life, sin (specifically my addictive behaviors) had dominion over me. It consumed my thoughts, my energy and my actions. It was my god. Paul writes that when I was a slave to sin, I was free from the control of righteousness (Rom 6:20). My mind was corrupted by foolishness and folly. The intrusion of Jesus Christ into my life awakened new desires in me. I yearned for holiness and a greater understanding of God. My mind was now redirected to pursue these things. The body, however, was not free from all temptations. I began setting guards in my life to protect my mind from the weakness of my flesh. New boundaries were established against exposure. The eyes were the first to be protected. Internet, movie and television viewing immediately changed. Even the beach was off limits for a few years until I could honor my wife with my eyes.
If the work on the Cross set me free from sin, then why is the pursuit of holiness still a challenge? While my spirit has now been released, my mind (which controls the body) is in the process of being renewed. New understanding of God’s Word invites new thoughts and habits to be formed. The repetition of old behaviors had literally hard-wired my brain to sinful responses. As my dear friend Harold Olson would say, “Sow a thought, reap a deed, sow a deed, reap a habit, sow a habit and build a character.” By faith, the saving work of Jesus on the Cross creates new thoughts that can now develop into new deeds, new habits and a new character. (2 Pet 1:1-12) The work of Jesus on the Cross is perfect and complete. My understanding and application of its power is still a work in progress (sanctification).
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom 12:1-2)
Put to death anything that corrupts this transformation. Praise God for His faithfulness and companionship in our journey!
Have you been set free from sin? Paul has declared that the atoning work of Jesus in His death on the Cross has freed us from sin. Powerful words, do you believe them? Early in my recovery from sexual addiction, I read these words and questioned their application to my life. While God’s grace had miraculously delivered me from certain temptations, I certainly was not sinless. Why was I not set free from all sin? God’s Word was not lacking, only my understanding of the process.
Prior to God’s intervention in my life, sin (specifically my addictive behaviors) had dominion over me. It consumed my thoughts, my energy and my actions. It was my god. Paul writes that when I was a slave to sin, I was free from the control of righteousness (Rom 6:20). My mind was corrupted by foolishness and folly. The intrusion of Jesus Christ into my life awakened new desires in me. I yearned for holiness and a greater understanding of God. My mind was now redirected to pursue these things. The body, however, was not free from all temptations. I began setting guards in my life to protect my mind from the weakness of my flesh. New boundaries were established against exposure. The eyes were the first to be protected. Internet, movie and television viewing immediately changed. Even the beach was off limits for a few years until I could honor my wife with my eyes.
If the work on the Cross set me free from sin, then why is the pursuit of holiness still a challenge? While my spirit has now been released, my mind (which controls the body) is in the process of being renewed. New understanding of God’s Word invites new thoughts and habits to be formed. The repetition of old behaviors had literally hard-wired my brain to sinful responses. As my dear friend Harold Olson would say, “Sow a thought, reap a deed, sow a deed, reap a habit, sow a habit and build a character.” By faith, the saving work of Jesus on the Cross creates new thoughts that can now develop into new deeds, new habits and a new character. (2 Pet 1:1-12) The work of Jesus on the Cross is perfect and complete. My understanding and application of its power is still a work in progress (sanctification).
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Rom 12:1-2)
Put to death anything that corrupts this transformation. Praise God for His faithfulness and companionship in our journey!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Freedom of Obedience
“He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me... “ (NKJ) John 14:21a
Have the commandments of God been given to us so that our love for God can be measured by our performance? If I honestly evaluate my ability to keep the commandments of God I am immediately overwhelmed by my inability to keep God’s Word in thought or deed with any regularity. Even as I do the right thing, my heart strains to be filled with God’s love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Gal 5:23). The words of Jesus always challenge us to consider the heart of the matter, not just the deed. Yet, this verse in John brings a direct correlation between my obedience to His Word and my love for Him. Why does God relate my obedience to love? I think because my obedience to God in thought and behaviors indicates what I am truly thirsty for. If I am not seeking after God in prayer, counsel and fellowship, then I am seeking after worldly things. I am seeking my own way.
If we think that God’s overall goal is just obedience then we miss the point of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Obedience is the means to an end. The ultimate goal of obedience is to cleanse ourselves of worldly influences so that we may commune with God more fully.
“And He who loves me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him” John 14:21 b
His desire is to manifest Himself to us. Other translations say He wants to “dine” with us. My experience (especially the failures) has taught me that God’s commandments are rooted in love. He wants and knows what is best for me. I can never fully recognize the depth of God’s goodness until I walk in obedience to His plan. If I can put my rebellious nature to death (Rom 6:11, Ephes 4:17-24), God is faithful to create a new nature in me. His goal is to be one with me and I with Him. This is all for my benefit and His glory. Keeping His commandments guards this vessel from being filled with the distractions and lies of this world. They allow God to purify my heart and body to become the new man He promises to create. So, obedience is not the goal. Communion with my Lord is the goal. Obeying His commands frees me to engage. I can’t fully love Him unless I am free.
Have the commandments of God been given to us so that our love for God can be measured by our performance? If I honestly evaluate my ability to keep the commandments of God I am immediately overwhelmed by my inability to keep God’s Word in thought or deed with any regularity. Even as I do the right thing, my heart strains to be filled with God’s love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Gal 5:23). The words of Jesus always challenge us to consider the heart of the matter, not just the deed. Yet, this verse in John brings a direct correlation between my obedience to His Word and my love for Him. Why does God relate my obedience to love? I think because my obedience to God in thought and behaviors indicates what I am truly thirsty for. If I am not seeking after God in prayer, counsel and fellowship, then I am seeking after worldly things. I am seeking my own way.
If we think that God’s overall goal is just obedience then we miss the point of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Obedience is the means to an end. The ultimate goal of obedience is to cleanse ourselves of worldly influences so that we may commune with God more fully.
“And He who loves me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him” John 14:21 b
His desire is to manifest Himself to us. Other translations say He wants to “dine” with us. My experience (especially the failures) has taught me that God’s commandments are rooted in love. He wants and knows what is best for me. I can never fully recognize the depth of God’s goodness until I walk in obedience to His plan. If I can put my rebellious nature to death (Rom 6:11, Ephes 4:17-24), God is faithful to create a new nature in me. His goal is to be one with me and I with Him. This is all for my benefit and His glory. Keeping His commandments guards this vessel from being filled with the distractions and lies of this world. They allow God to purify my heart and body to become the new man He promises to create. So, obedience is not the goal. Communion with my Lord is the goal. Obeying His commands frees me to engage. I can’t fully love Him unless I am free.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The Living Water
Isaiah 55:1 says "Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters" Do you thirst for something?
This blog is the first on my journey to share my thirst for the Lord and His "living water." I hope to share reflections on this page of God's grace and mercy in my life. I want to give glory to God's Word in my posts. This is a journey to be shared with my friends. So many of you are in recovery from addictions. I pray that these words will offer encouragement to your walk. Your reflections and insights are precious to me. God has used so many saints to assist in my spiritual growth. I hope this blog will increase the dialogue of God's goodness. Do you thirst for God? Jesus says the He is the living water (John 4:14).
Let's drink together. I look forward to your reflections on my thoughts.
This blog is the first on my journey to share my thirst for the Lord and His "living water." I hope to share reflections on this page of God's grace and mercy in my life. I want to give glory to God's Word in my posts. This is a journey to be shared with my friends. So many of you are in recovery from addictions. I pray that these words will offer encouragement to your walk. Your reflections and insights are precious to me. God has used so many saints to assist in my spiritual growth. I hope this blog will increase the dialogue of God's goodness. Do you thirst for God? Jesus says the He is the living water (John 4:14).
Let's drink together. I look forward to your reflections on my thoughts.
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