HONORING LIPS

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

-Josh Billings

'...the solution isn't to try harder, fail, and then make bigger promises, only to fail again. It does no good to muster up more love for God, to will yourself to love him more. When loving God become an obligation, one of many things we have to do, we end up focusing more on ourselves. No wonder so few people want to hear from us about what we ourselves feel is a boring, guilt-ridden chore!' 

-Francis Chan

'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'...'Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.'

-Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 15:8-9 & 17-18)

Holly and I have started reading again as a couple every night. And since the youth group is using Francis Chan's 'Crazy Love' book as the main resource, we decided to read it together. Through reading again, I have come to realize how important it is to have time with each other and our creator. While I have the luxury of working for a church, I can honestly say that I still struggle with my relationship with God. I know I read scripture everyday, but the question becomes do I really let His word clothe me and run through me-changing me for the day or have I become so numb it doesn't matter because I've heard it before?

I chose the above quotes and scripture because I've been struck by God's Word! I mean Josh's quote get right to the heart of the matter...do we love God or our neighbors more than we do ourselves? If the answer is no, then we both have a serious problem. In Francis Chan's book he talks about how true love makes you do some silly things. I mean for those of us who have been in a relationship before...we know we have spent a small fortune on that special someone-but if we love God, why don't we give more money in the offering plate (why does He get the buck or two we really don't care about)? We also know that we would do anything for the person we truly love...like take time off of work to prepare for a surprise (getting them something or doing something they'd really enjoy)-but if we love God why aren't we willing to give Him more of our time? Why aren't we volunteering more of our time and energy to something we know would really please Him? 

*AS I SAY TO MY YOUTH...MARINADE ON THAT FOR A BIT...

I think we have become too desensitized  and too complacent in our lives and have become unwilling to give God more-let alone entertain taking on more. There are too many things in our daily lives that we give more time to-that we think are more important, but what can be more important than living as Christ and God has commanded? It's too bad that loving God and living as a Christians has become a chore for us...and that our failed attempts have left us broken and lost as we try to fill the void with things we know won't last. 

I know that I have honored Him with my lips and that there have been times where my heart was far from Him-I was too busy thinking about my own issues and duties. We all have those days...when life demands more than we can give, but God doesn't demand more than we can handle. In fact he offers us relief. 

Read Matthew 11:30

When I read: 'the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart,' I couldn't help but go back and read the whole chapter for some context. And what I realized is that the nuts and bolts of this whole chapter wasn't about being psychically unclean (what the Pharisees were arguing about), but about an unclean or untrue heart. I think it has something to do with faith and works. 
My challenge to you is to slow down-we are so quick to answer, and really listen to God's calling on your life. I know I asked you to ask this earlier, but are you living for Him or yourself? I know it can get complicated at time, but who do you turn to? While friends and family are good to have as a support system...people can and will let you down, but have you given God a chance? And when I say a chance, I don't mean a half-hearted plea during a prayer, but having faith and being changed by the power and renewal only he can bring. I dare you to truly be transformed and changed...no more false words and 'honoring' lips that only reflect emptiness or half-heartedness.

WE HAVE LOST OUR FOCUS

"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."
-Kahil Gbran (novelist and poet)

As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
-Jesus of Nazareth (Luke 21:1-4)

I know what you're thinking (as your eyes roll)...Jeff is about to write concerning money, but you would be wrong (not completely though). The truth is, I'd like to write more about love. More specifically, our love for God. While the quote and scripture provided above could easily point towards money, I think it points to the heart of the matter, something we struggle with as Christians...our heart and how we live out our lives as Christians. In Matthew 22:34-40 we hear Jesus talk about the 'greatest commandment'-that is to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. He goes on further and says the 'second is just like it, Love your neighbor as yourself' and that the laws and prophets hang on these two commandments.
Wow! So how does one go about living with a loving heart that is meant for God and for others? I mean we live in a selfish world. We are taught to look out for ourselves, not others. I mean we've grown so desensitized to the afflictions of others that very little moves us anymore. Poverty, hunger, homelessness, and the loss of jobs aren't new to us...in fact, they're so old that we haven't any room for them in our lives. I mean, we go to church, hear about such sadness, but we do nothing ourselves...we always assume or even say 'wow, that's horrible, someone should do something about that'-not thinking that God might be calling us to do something-to step up.
When I think about this, I can't help but remember something else Jesus said: 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me'. Sometimes is really angers me when God's church doesn't do as it should. It's upsetting to know that psychology plays more of a role in our lives than theology. Think about it, we can rationalize anything in our mind to make us feel less guilty or to pass off the guilt onto someone else. I mean being a 'good Christian' is too commonly passed off on those who work in the church, but that's not true. Throughout the Bible God chose mere mortals to do extraordinary things-it's just that it took some convincing on their end. What will it take for you?
Getting back to Jesus talking about the poor woman who gave all she had...did you noticed anything? He was pointing out that she was being faithful...even when she had nothing left. I mean when you truly love God you don't rationalize your next steps, you just do it. You don't come up with excuses as to why you can't do something...you just do it. I know it's easier said than done because I too am a sinner who struggles everyday. But I think we really need to take a step back and ask ourselves...are we living for 'me' or or living for Jesus? I think we have a nasty tendency of planning ahead, planning for a future, but keep God out of the loop. The interesting thing here is that He continues to bless us in-spite of our shortcomings (and most of the time) when things don't work out...then we seek Him-asking out of our brokenness...giving God the left overs.
Again, if God blesses us, why do we only give out of our wealth rather than out of what we have been given? Truthfully, God has given us more than money, he has given us family, friends, and our health. Sure, the money helps pay the bills, but doesn't God have missions that need to be carried out (like the Great Commission from Matt. 28)? After all, we are His 'hands and feet'.
My point is...if you can honestly look yourself in the mirror and say that you're content-then you need to dig deeper and search Him out with all your heart, soul, and mind. God loves us too much to leave us where we are and how we are. We are meant to be molded and shaped by the potters hands, but we have to make a choice to let Him take the lead. To truly have faith that our problems aren't bigger than Him. I think that when we don't give as we should (or what we can) we show our true colors-just how greedy and selfish we truly are. The love of God is meant to be shared-not hoarded and that extends to what we give God (not just concerning money). I think it's too easy to be boastful and compare ourselves to others, but in God's eyes none of us are good, saintly, or just. Jesus even corrected someone for calling Him 'good'. Even today, I think most of us have this 'following Christ' thing all wrong-just like the Pharisee from Matthew who compared himself to the Tax Collector on the street did.
My challenge to you is to refocus yourself. And this might mean taking sometime off from work and really having a spiritual retreat-just you and God. Search your heart and the scriptures for His answers...seek Him in prayer and be open to the truth for pride doesn't leave room for anyone else let alone God. 

TRULY LIVING

'In prayer it is better to have a heart without words and words without a heart.' -Mahatma Gandhi

Jesus Promises Living Water

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) -John 7:37-39



You know, I think Gandhi had it right. Especially when we look at the scripture that follows. Jesus talked about what it might look like to be spirit filled and spirit led. He describes it as 'rivers of living water' that will 'flow from his heart'. Amazing! However, when you take a step back and examine your own life...do you see that your life, your daily words and actions flow with this abundance?
If not, I think we need to look at some more scripture and peel away the many layers that protect the 'real' us from others, ourselves, and God. By now, we should all know that we're not fooling anyone-especially not God. The texts I'd like us to really read and marinate on are from Matthew and John. While the scripture from John brings this all together (and we've already read it-in the above), we need two more pieces to this puzzle/pie. In Matt. 6:19:34 we find Jesus talking about money and possessions and in Matt. 13:44-46 He talks about hidden treasure.
After reading the two pieces in Matthew a word should jump out at you. Do you know what it is? The word is treasure. Now, we're not pirates, but we do have a tendency to seek out that which isn't ours or that which isn't even needed in our everyday life. In fact, the majority of the time, once we've attained it, the thrill or excitement is gone and we end up never using whatever it is for very long or end up forgetting about it. *Very fitting since we just got done opening Christmas presents huh?
I think this 'treasure' we seek at times isn't of the spiritual nature-it isn't something that will bring us peace or true happiness. Rather, I think what we seek to often leaves us feeling empty inside. So think about that 'treasure' you seek-fill in the blank: I seek _______
It could be love, it could be money, it could be a restored relationship, or it could be healing from brokenness (both from our own doing and others causing us pain). But I think we all, as Christians need a restored relationship with our creator. A portion from Matt. 6 that always gets me is 'Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.' Whenever I read it, I get this feeling that I'm unworthy and sometimes I even feel ashamed. While many would be shocked I feel that way, it's the truth and I think too many of us are in denial about our true needs in life. I know that I treasure things here on this earth more than I do God and it saddens me. I know we all struggle with it, but how sad is it that God doesn't get enough of our time and our hearts?
My challenge for you is to dig deep and to take a serious look at your life. I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this...we all do. I just hope that one day I will once again be as eager as that man in the parable from Matt. 13-he was so excited at what he found/had, he gave everything up just to keep it. What do you wish to keep?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

While I know I'm a little late on my first blog of the New Year, trust me...it was worth the wait. So let us begin! Did you make a 'New Year's Resolution'? Did you make one last year? If so, how many did you make and did you achieve all of your goals?
Did you know that nearly 97% of New Year's Resolutions fail each year? Do you know why there's such a high failure rate concerning New Year's Resolutions? Is it because we have commitment issues...yeah, I can see that, but I think it's much more than that. I think it's something more basic, a value or discipline we all struggle with and it doesn't have to do with the goals themselves, but how we go about making the 'change' for the better.
When you think of New Years Resolutions you think of a list. And when you think about that list you don't really get into specifics concerning how you plan to achieve it. According to Psychology Today  we fail because of 'unclear and vague goals'. For instance, one of the top 5 resolutions is concerning eating habits or weight, but it's usually written down or considered more of a 'wish' list rather than an actual goal that can be achieved. So when we slip up, we throw in the towel! Our mindset and goals aren't on the same page. Too often the bar is set so high that when we screw up we beat ourselves up over the failure and give up instead of pressing on and not focusing on the negative and saying things like 'I can't do it' or 'I'm a failure'. No one likes to fail, but when there's no plan for our goals...how can we hope to achieve it?
Again, Psychology Today offers us an example:

Three reasons for failing to achieve one's stated goal-
(1) Unclear and vague goals. It is better to state "I plan on losing 20 lbs by June 1st" rather than "I plan on being more healthy."
(2) Failure to gauge one's progress toward the stated goals. It is better to weigh yourself every Friday morning as a means of gauging your weight loss rather than leaving it to how "well you feel in your pants."
(3) Weak self-control and self-regulation when facing challenges that impede one's ability to achieve the stated goals. It is better to state that once you go on vacation, you will only have a single plate at any meal at the all-you can eat buffet (irrespective of the offerings) rather than having to respond to the temptations at each meal void of a self-regulatory action plan.

Now, the thing that jumped out at me was 'rather than having to respond to the temptations' and 'self-regulatory action plan'. Concerning our spiritual lives we often miss the boat completely because we have only well intentioned goals and no plans to help us reach the goals. And some of us often end up praying to God empty prayers and go through the motions, yet still expect Him to be faithful and give us what we want...when really- what have we done for Him lately? And then, for some, it becomes a bargain or 'offer' that we throw out there: 'please God, I promise to do this if you will do this,' yet more often than not...we never follow through on our end. I mean we might for a while, but not long enough to make it a life-style or life-altering change.
Now, lets take a look the word and definitions of resolution: a formal expression of opinion or intention made, the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.
Did anything jump out at you? How about 'determining upon an action or course of action' or 'the mental state or being resolved' and my favorite: firmness of purpose. My challenge for you, especially if you've made a commitment to God in your life-not as a New Year's Resolution, but rather to be a Christ-led follower, is to stay focused and firm concerning the goal of becoming more Christ-like. 

A CITY ON OUR KNEES

In my last blog I touched on prayer and I'd like to continue it...take it a step further (if that's possible). In Toby Mac's newest song, we get a sample of what true community should be 'on Earth as it is in Heaven.' I decided to use 'The Lord's Prayer' (the Message version) as my transition from prayer to getting serious...

Click on the picture of Toby Mac to view 'City On Our Knees' on Youtube or just click this line. 

Once you're done watching the lyrics and listening (I recommend you really absorb it-listen to it more than once), come back to my blog to finish reading some of my thoughts...

So what did you think? Did you like it? What kind of emotions did it invoke from deep within you? It's the beginning that kicked me in the face: 'if you gotta start somewhere, why not here?' and 'if you gotta start sometime why not now?' Thought provoking is it not? I mean, in today's world it's all about convenience and how there isn't enough time in our day-not just for God, but for others too, we only seem to find time for us or at least what 'maximizes' our time (with the mind thought of: what do I get out of it?).

I'm curious...how do you spell CHRISTIAN? I used all capital letters so that it wouldn't give away my thought process, but seriously...how do you spell it? When I spell it, it's like this: 'Christian'-not just to honor or emphasize Christ as the root of the word, but to emphasize something behind it all: 'commitment'.

When most think of Christianity, or what it means to be a Christian, people automatically run through a list of what it means to be that...forgetting that it really means to be committed to that 'list' because they truly believe it in their hearts. And for some, this is where we find a line between the 'sinners and the saints'-even among those in the church. I mean think about it, the Pharisees knew God's word like the back of their hands, but not in their hearts. And when Jesus got more attention than them and they found he was wiser and had humility, they didn't welcome him with open arms...they became jealous, prideful and condemned him!

In today's world...this still happens-people attaching labels to others based on their preconceived ideas of what a 'true' friend would do or not do in any given situation, or even in the work place...when we take it a step further, that's how many see it in the church (no different). Instead of focusing on what unifies us as Christians: Jesus, we have a nasty tendency to point out our differences which leaves me to think-especially this time of year...'where is the love?'

So this holiday season I challenge you to focus on Christ this Christmas. Don't forget your prayer life and don't neglect God's call upon your life. If you're unsure of what direction He has set for you, it's time to purge yourself of too much 'you'. Because I really do think Toby's onto something...if not me, then who, if not here, where, if not now, when??? If we keep putting His call off until tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year-especially when we know what we ought to do, then we only guarantee it doesn't get done until we're 'ready'. Is being a Christian about convenience? 

THE POWER OF PRAYER

When was the last time you spent time with God in prayer? When was the last time you got away and had some 'me' time-just you and God? I only ask because I think it's important that we pray. Mike Yaconelli thought it curious when he realized that we could actually pray without ceasing. Curious indeed as it is hard to imagine praying continuously throughout the day...unless of course you don't take it too literal-as in, talking to yourself out loud. Perhaps we can achieve it in all that we say and do in our daily lives. Change comes from within and that what is within us is shown to others in our interactions, word, and deed.
If that were so, then I guess that would mean that we would actively live out the gospel and show no fear when it comes to colleagues or peers at school or work. We would have the confidence to approach someone in need when words aren't there (perhaps all they really need is someone to cry with or listen to them).
This of course, leads me to this scripture found in James 5:16 'Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.'
Now, in my previous blog I mentioned the freedom that God offers us and in reading James I find that I'm not righteous by any means. It's not that God hasn't blessed me, it's just that my frustrations from time to time could be of my own doing (which I alluded to in my previous blog). I've been kicking it around and I've come to realize that I don't pray nearly as much as I should. Oh I pray everyday, but I don't pray as long as I could and should...nor do I pray with the intent/reverence I should. It's easy to go through the motions when it comes to prayer, but prayer should be about humbling oneself and coming to God knowing there's nothing we could offer that would improve our chances of blessings (it's a gift) and that we shouldn't get bent out of shape when things don't go our way. Perhaps God wants us to remain 'stuck' until we learn what has already been revealed to us.
Forgive my randomness...I just thought I should share that God offers more than just freedom from our burdens, but power in the many blessings he gives us day to day-we just need to be truly grateful for that which we take for granted.

THE STORY OF STUCK

Earlier this month I had the privilege of attending one of Princeton Seminary's Certification Retreat and Forum in Hendersonville, NC (Kanuga Retreat Center). This was an amazing week filled with humbling insight and confirmation concerning that which I had been struggling with.
In Jeremiah 29 we read of God's people struggling with a situation...they were stuck. To be more precise: they were exiled into captivity and under Babylonian control. Ironically, this year's theme for the youth group is Jeremiah 29:11-13 and it's usually used like a 'Hallmark' greeting card...sounds good, so we use it, but in it's context...it's something hard to swallow.
Did you know that there are two ways to read the Bible? Traditionally it's either: literally or allegorically. However, I will refer to Francis Chan's definition: Exegesis is an attempt to discover the meaning of the text objectively, starting with the text and moving out form there. Eisegesis imports a subjective, preconceived meaning into the text.
I think we have a nasty tendency to 'import' our own 'preconceived' meaning into the scripture we read. While that's not exactly a bad thing, I do think it's a major contributor to twisted misinterpretations of what it was truly meant to say to us. Personally, I think it's best if we take a look at scripture from both perspectives-after reading a particular text or portion of scripture (if you don't know the reason for it or don't understand it, do some research-get yourself a Study Bible) and then ask yourself questions like: 'what struck me about what I just read?' or 'what does it have to do with me?' or 'what is it that God is trying to reveal to me through His Word?'
See, you and I get stuck and we tend to look for answers in all the wrong places from all the wrong people. Pride tends to get in the way of truth and sometimes we don't like what we hear. Which really leaves us with two options: pursue the truth or give up because it's too complicated, time consuming, or requires too much sacrifice.
If you were to read on in chapter 29 you'd find out that God warns the Israelites not to listen to or buy into 'false hope'. He tells them to get used to their situation because it's where they need to be (for 70 years) for all their short comings (sins). When we sin...we find ourselves in a 'stuck' situation. Until we either come clean and seek forgiveness or give up we won't find peace or happiness. And it won't be because God's denies us, but because we deny ourselves of the freedom He offers.
Again, there are two ways to read scripture, but there's two ways to 'read' a situation too...it's my fault or it's someone else. We either take responsibility or we place blame upon those who we deem are at fault for our own shortcomings.
So the question becomes: are you stuck? If so, why are you stuck? And if you know that you're stuck and the reason for your stuckness...then what are you doing about it? Read carefully Jeremiah 29:11-13 because I think there's something we can all learn here-the honest truth: we have failed to follow God with our whole heart.
My challenge to you is to continue the journey...to seek Him when it's inconvienent and hard. To do what it takes to find peace and happiness. Now, it may mean making some sacrifices, but didn't God make the ultimate sacrifice? Remember, 'for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also'.