If you are involved in a discipleship or mentor relationship, here is an interesting video about dealing with pride in disciple making.
Dealing with Pride in Disciple-Making from Multiply on Vimeo.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Dealing with Pride in Disciple Making
Right now, a friend and I are going through "Multiply" a one-on-one discipleship book written by Francis Chan. Let me tell you, it is AH-MAZING what God is teaching me through this study. I am the disciple in this relationship and have already learned so much from scripture and from leaning on the wisdom and accountability of my friend, the disciple maker. Thank you friend :)
If you are involved in a discipleship or mentor relationship, here is an interesting video about dealing with pride in disciple making.
Dealing with Pride in Disciple-Making from Multiply on Vimeo.
If you are involved in a discipleship or mentor relationship, here is an interesting video about dealing with pride in disciple making.
Dealing with Pride in Disciple-Making from Multiply on Vimeo.
Hopeful
My last two posts (Pt 1 and Pt 2) were about the transformational work God has done on my heart in recent years, and in the last several months. What's so amazing is that God will never cease to work on me and I will never cease to be amazed by the things he can teach me and the ways he can humble me.
Let me confess: I am feeling so much friction in my faith walk right now. I guess that's what they call "working out your salvation." It is truly tuning into God, recognizing and repenting of sin in your life, and responding to his call in every single moment. It is wrestling with the tough questions and trying to really understand what it is God wants you to do. It means taking a good, long look in the mirror and saying, "I'm not in control." It means hours of prayer with tears streaming down your face as you feel completely overwhelmed by everything God is putting on your heart. It means cornering people and telling them all that's on your mind, because you're filled to the brim and you need to share.... then feeling guilty for cornering them and vomiting information on them. It means seeking Christ centered relationships and opening yourself to the influence of others because you truly recognize that others have "been there, done that" so to speak and can offer so much in pointing you to Jesus.
The apostle Paul wrote in Romans, "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members." Romans 7:21-23
I feel so full of God's love and so sensitive to his calling on my life in this moment, but I also feel resistance, or friction. It's the best way to describe it. God's way is always going to be met with resistance, because of Satan. So it was time to really examine my heart and ask God to show me my sinful ways and point me to him.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
The apostle Paul wrote in Romans, "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members." Romans 7:21-23
I feel so full of God's love and so sensitive to his calling on my life in this moment, but I also feel resistance, or friction. It's the best way to describe it. God's way is always going to be met with resistance, because of Satan. So it was time to really examine my heart and ask God to show me my sinful ways and point me to him.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
So-- let's start with my sin. I'm not about to air all my dirty laundry, but I'll share a few things that have really held me back in this season. I asked God to change my heart-- to really give me a heart for other people. I asked him to show me how to love my neighbor as myself. So I solely began to focus on the lost, the down-trodden, the under-resourced, the sexually abused, the hurt, the lonely, etc... I wanted to climb a mountain, carrying the torch of the saving power of Jesus to those people. And I hardened my heart to the people I spend a majority of my time around-- churched people. Since Weston is on staff at a church, we spend alot of time talking about church. Church is a huge part of our lives- of MY life. In this season I spent quite a bit of time struggling with why we even do what we do? What's the point? Why do we care so much about church programs, ministry activities and meeting the needs of church people when there are broken, lost people out in the world who need love, compassion, and truth. I wanted to move out of my 'Holy Huddle' so to speak and really do something for God's kingdom. I wanted to be used in big and mighty ways.
I was really, REALLY critical. Critical of just about everything around me.
Do people who love Jesus actually DO anything for His kingdom?
The church isn't doing enough.
I am not doing enough. (this is the big one!)
We're totally blowing it.
What are we missing?
What's wrong with it all?
What's wrong with it all?
And this is the conclusion I came to. What's wrong with it all is that our measuring stick for 'enough' is Jesus. And Jesus is perfection. He lived a life without sin. He healed the sick. Restored the emotionally distraught. Spoke truth to the self-righteous. He hung out with the worst of the worst and spoke a message of hope to all. He gave up his life as a sacrifice to restore us to right relationship with God. I mean... those are some pretty big shoes to fill. When comparing yourself to perfection, you'll always fall short. I will fall short. People will fall short. My church will fall short. But that's okay because God know's we can't quite cut it. That's WHY we have Jesus and WHY Jesus comes to live in our hearts when we invite him in. It's so that the Holy Spirit can show us the way, guide us, direct our paths, and empower us.
I felt so full of the Holy Spirit and so in tune with God.... and so negative at the same time. My negativity was the glaring sin that Christ was calling me to offer up in repentance. As I studied scripture, with a focus on the local church, God really began to change my heart. That's what he's in the business of doing-- changing hearts.
So- instead of feeling negative, I am HOPEFUL! And here's why.
1. God hit me with the truth that there are broken, hurt, under-resourced, LOST people sitting in our pews every single Sunday. Maybe I should actually make an effort to invest in people right where I am! It's amazing what might happen! Remember when I said that I was one of those people- attending church, but still totally lost? What if someone had been so interested in doing something "remarkable" or "amazing" in their walk with Christ that they forgot to pay attention to the person desperately reaching out for friendships and truth? That desperate person was once me- and those people are in our midst. They're everywhere. Chances are, we will be that person many times over in our lives. Hurt or defeated by life's circumstances. Desperate for the discipleship and love of other Christ followers. Desperate for someone to carry us along through a tough time and speak truth into our lives. What kind of disciple makers would we be if we ignored the people all around us simply because our sights are set elsewhere. Our ministry to make disciples includes taking the message to the ends of the earth just as much as it in includes making disciples right where we are. In fact, Jesus told the apostles that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). They would be his witnesses right where they were FIRST, and then to the ends of the earth. I have a calling right where I am and that gives me HOPE!
1. God hit me with the truth that there are broken, hurt, under-resourced, LOST people sitting in our pews every single Sunday. Maybe I should actually make an effort to invest in people right where I am! It's amazing what might happen! Remember when I said that I was one of those people- attending church, but still totally lost? What if someone had been so interested in doing something "remarkable" or "amazing" in their walk with Christ that they forgot to pay attention to the person desperately reaching out for friendships and truth? That desperate person was once me- and those people are in our midst. They're everywhere. Chances are, we will be that person many times over in our lives. Hurt or defeated by life's circumstances. Desperate for the discipleship and love of other Christ followers. Desperate for someone to carry us along through a tough time and speak truth into our lives. What kind of disciple makers would we be if we ignored the people all around us simply because our sights are set elsewhere. Our ministry to make disciples includes taking the message to the ends of the earth just as much as it in includes making disciples right where we are. In fact, Jesus told the apostles that they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). They would be his witnesses right where they were FIRST, and then to the ends of the earth. I have a calling right where I am and that gives me HOPE!
2. We are created in God's image. Genesis 1:26 says "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness...'. Then God looked at all he had created and said it was VERY good (Gen 1:31). God gave nothing but the good stuff when he poured Himself out on His creation. He gave out the good stuff because he IS good stuff. Period. If we are created in God's image, then we are capable of so much! How insulting it must be to God when we are critical of His people... of His creation. Sin causes us to fall short, but we can't forget that we are created in His image, which is pretty remarkable in and of itself. If we are created in God's image and we are to be His church, His hands and feet, then you better believe He will bless that and that He will empower us. God created us to do good works and if we are created in His image then He will surely equip us to do those works- here, there, and everywhere. In that, I find HOPE!
3. God empowers us and through him anything is possible. John 14:15-31 is an amazing passage where Jesus tells his apostles about how they will receive the Holy Spirit one day. The Holy Spirit- literally God dwelling in them. Jesus goes on to say in John 16 that the Holy Spirit will come and guide us into all truth. I take that to mean that when we completely surrender to Jesus, the Holy Spirit will open our eyes. He will guide us and direct our path. He will protect us. He will fight for us. He will empower us to have influence. After all, we were created in His image to do good works. Not for our glory, but to glorify God and bring praise to his name. So again, who am I to say we're not doing anything. I just needed to let the Holy Spirit open my eyes! Wow, the church is alive and well in Shreveport, LA and around the world!
I am running into church members all over town who are serving God's people. Maybe they're serving their next door neighbors through prayer, or meeting physical or financial needs of someone in their life group, feeding the homeless, showing up at the jail to spend time with their friend (who happens to be a prostitute), or simply hosting a playdate where they can be a witness of Christ to moms and children in their neighborhood. We are ALIVE and WELL! We can do so much more, it's true- but we can't discount the work God is doing right here, right now. That gives me so much HOPE!
4. God longs for unity among His people . He desires for us to be united in our purpose to go and make disciples of all nations. There are people who are completely sold out for God in my midst. Have I just never opened my eyes to seek out those relationships? Have I never cared enough to want to learn from others? Have I really let so much time pass without really wanting to hear someone's story? Is it really that for the very first time, I care? Wow, that's pretty sad. I feel like I have new eyes and new ears. God is bringing these people out of the wood works! I am learning about the things people are doing in their work places to be impactful for Jesus. I am learning about missions in our church. I am learning what people are doing in their neighborhoods. I pray that we would be united in purpose! That we would have an infectious love for Jesus. That we would all have new eyes and ears to see the works God is doing in our community, through the people of the local church, and celebrate. That we would lean on each other, learn from each other, encourage one another, and lift each other up in prayer. I AM HOPEFUL!
I needed an attitude adjustment and I got it. May we not be living our faith out on an island alone, but may we be united. May we invest in relationships right were we are and open our eyes to God's amazing work.
I am running into church members all over town who are serving God's people. Maybe they're serving their next door neighbors through prayer, or meeting physical or financial needs of someone in their life group, feeding the homeless, showing up at the jail to spend time with their friend (who happens to be a prostitute), or simply hosting a playdate where they can be a witness of Christ to moms and children in their neighborhood. We are ALIVE and WELL! We can do so much more, it's true- but we can't discount the work God is doing right here, right now. That gives me so much HOPE!
4. God longs for unity among His people . He desires for us to be united in our purpose to go and make disciples of all nations. There are people who are completely sold out for God in my midst. Have I just never opened my eyes to seek out those relationships? Have I never cared enough to want to learn from others? Have I really let so much time pass without really wanting to hear someone's story? Is it really that for the very first time, I care? Wow, that's pretty sad. I feel like I have new eyes and new ears. God is bringing these people out of the wood works! I am learning about the things people are doing in their work places to be impactful for Jesus. I am learning about missions in our church. I am learning what people are doing in their neighborhoods. I pray that we would be united in purpose! That we would have an infectious love for Jesus. That we would all have new eyes and ears to see the works God is doing in our community, through the people of the local church, and celebrate. That we would lean on each other, learn from each other, encourage one another, and lift each other up in prayer. I AM HOPEFUL!
I needed an attitude adjustment and I got it. May we not be living our faith out on an island alone, but may we be united. May we invest in relationships right were we are and open our eyes to God's amazing work.
We have reasons to be hopeful! Not to be critical or defeated- but to hope!
I love this post from Beth Moore. In one of my many recent sleepless nights I read this and it resonated with me in a big way. I feel it too.... I feel the stirring of something amazing. The stirring of a revival!
Rain Down Revival
I love this post from Beth Moore. In one of my many recent sleepless nights I read this and it resonated with me in a big way. I feel it too.... I feel the stirring of something amazing. The stirring of a revival!
Rain Down Revival
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Totally Honest- Part 2
In Part 1 I described my journey with Christ. My journey from being a solid believer, to a rebellious fool, to a baby believer hungry to know what life in Christ was really supposed to be like.
Over the next 5 or 6 years I re-discovered what life really should have been like. What I had missed out on for so long. A life full in Christ. Seeking His direction, soaking in His love, and attempting to study His word. At least I thought I was living full in Christ, but turns out I was still missing the mark.
I still felt spiritually empty. Like I was missing something. I was going through the motions, experiencing seasons of growth and then seasons of drought. I couldn't place my finger on what was going on so I did what we're all supposed to do.... I turned to the bible. I wanted something to help put the bible in context for me, so I picked up a bible study by Jen Hatmaker and set out on a mission to learn. I had no idea what I was getting into. The bible study was all about the different ways that God speaks to his people. How to hear God's voice through all the static. It was about the amazing ways we can communicate with God (COMMUNICATION- it's a two way street. We should expect to hear from God!). I can't describe the bible study in full... but all I can say is, I began to hear God again. And he spoke very clearly to me.
An excerpt from my journal entry- in the middle of the study:
"This study is rocking my world. Maybe for a few reasons 1. I'm actually reading the bible and devoting quiet time to communicate. 2. I'm learning all of the amazing ways God tries to speak to me. I just have to listen.
You could say that I'm hyper-aware. With this awareness comes the clear movement and voice of God. I'm testing it through scripture to make sure I'm not a crazy person. And here is what I know:
1. He's calling me out on my INACTIVITY. I literally do nothing but self-serve. I serve my husband- noble but ultimately my motives are for a happy husband, happy home, happy ME. Serve my kids- also noble but there is so much more than my FANCY life, my FANCY husband and my FANCY healthy kids.
2. I dont give ANYTHING of myself to others. My spiritual giftings are mercy and encouragement and God is literally begging me to use my gifts.
3. I dont know what to do. God is pressing so many things on my heart.
*go on mission, learn to serve
*little babies need families. big kids need families
*children need a positive influence
*birth mothers need adequate support and care
*people everywhere are hurting
*people are hungry
*people need love
*people need Jesus
I'm not doing anything.
I have no idea where to start. I'm not even sure what to make of all of it. I'm waiting patiently and praying for God to show me. I'm praying I don't miss it.....
God is moving and it scares the bejeezers (yes I actually wrote that) out of me. When God moves he does it big. He expects alot. Yet he encourages, empowers, and gets the glory. And through that we are fulfilled."
I realized that I have never really had a heart for others. Like REALLY had a heart for them. People are staving, children are orphaned because their families can't feed or care for them, people have to sleep on the streets for all sorts of reasons, single moms or families ON MY BLOCK may be struggling to keep it all together. I mean yeah, this stuff is unsettling, but it's not really my problem. I've always had a "Aww, that's too bad. Somebody should probably do something about that." attitude. Well, I asked God to speak to me and to show me. So that's what he did!
And here's the thing. When you step out in faith, even if it is a teeny tiny baby step, and ask God to use you. He WILL. He will move BIG TIME.
As I began to study scripture and a handful of other books here are some things that stuck out to me. We need to take much of what the bible says literally, and not just figuratively.
*Shane Claiborne writes in The Irresistible Revolution , "What would the world look like if we truly believed, as the apostle Paul figured out, that we no longer live, but only Jesus lives in us (Gal 2:20)?" He goes on to say, "We are the body of Christ, not in some figurative sense, but we are the flesh and blood of Jesus alive in the world through the Holy Spirit-- God's hands, feet, ears."
Why have we been sold this LIE of the American Dream? There is not much about the American Dream that reflects the words of scripture and the teachings of Jesus. There is nothing about "Me! Me! Me!" and "More! More! More!" the resonates with anything Jesus said. After all, Jesus said, "If anyone wants to be the first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35). I'm pretty sure Jesus meant this. He even demonstrated this through the act of communion with his disciples. In her book "Interrupted" Jen Hatmaker describes it like this:
"Not only was communion a symbolic ritual, it was a new prototype of discipleship. "Continuously make My sacrifice real by doing this very thing." Become broken and poured out for hopeless people. Become a living offering, denying yourself for the salvation and restoration of humanity. Obedience to Jesus' command is more than looking backward; it's a present and continuous replication of His sacrifice. We don't simply remember the meal; we become the meal." (pg54) Um, WOW!!
In Matthew 25 Jesus tells us a story to describe what will happen when we all stand before God. People will be separated into two groups. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Matt 25:35-39) He goes on and judges the ones who did not care for the "least of these", sentencing them to eternal punishment. But he welcomes the righteous into eternal life.
So, picture whatever you can when you think of as the "least of these" and then just picture the face of Jesus. Okay... so that makes it pretty real. It no longer becomes someone else's problem. YOU are the hands and feet of Jesus. Spiritual maturity means dying to your old self and becoming a NEW CREATION in Christ Jesus. Again, that means that YOU no longer live but CHRIST lives in you. And you know what.... you were once the least of these as well. And Jesus sacrificed everything for you, out of love. Just pause and take it all in.
I began to feel that TRULY being filled with Jesus and seeking his will to be done, "here on earth as it is in heaven" would require a little more action on my part. I began making a list of all the things Jesus is or that Jesus does that I can also be or do. It's a pretty long list, and I'm sure I'll never stop adding things to it because Jesus is everything that is good and nothing that is bad. For example, Jesus is God. Well I can't be God. But I do have the Holy Spirit that can empower me to be bold and courageous. Jesus meditates on scripture. Jesus prays. Jesus has compassion on people. Jesus goes to the broken, the lonely, the wretched and the poor- he doesn't just wait for them to come to him. Okay-- I can do all of those things! And through the power of his Holy Spirit which lives in me I can really be the hands and feet of Jesus.
And I'm not talking just about social justice. As our world becomes more and more connected we become more aware of what is really happening around the world. Just watch the news and get an idea of what is happening in your own city. Broken people everywhere, even in our church pews. Anyone can feed a hungry person or clothe the naked or care for the sick. But only those who know Jesus can lift them up in prayer to the creator of the universe. Only those who know Jesus can walk along side them and offer biblical counsel. Only those who know Jesus can love them with the love of Jesus. And that's where it all starts, LOVE. So... God just loudly said to me, "Go love my people." And so I'm trying to heed that call, here in Shreveport, LA.
And that's where I'm at. I'm asking God to use me and show me people to love. In my life, over the past few weeks, life has looked something like this.
1. Taking stock of all our possessions. Wow we have a lot of stuff! Instead of selling whatever we can on Craigslist, it will be donated to those in need.
2. Analyzing and CHANGING our budget so we can be in a financial place that allows us to be more generous to others. We might sell some things to help pay off our one car that still has payments left. Eliminating a car payment would allow hundreds of additional dollars to use for God's kingdom.
3. Stepping out into some uncomfortable situations. Our family had dinner last night with some homeless people. For the first time ever. I literally want to tear down the walls of social norms and do whatever I can to understand people and just accept them where they are, for who they are. Because after all, they are loved by the same God that loves me.
4. Serving as a family. This can't just be something I do on my own, or that Weston and I do together. I want my girls to grow up in a home that serves. Yes I need to protect them. Yes I need to keep them from dangerous situations. My responsibility as a parent is to disciple them. But I want them to go with us on a journey as we love and disciple others.
5. I want to go somewhere. I want God to open my eyes, showing me what life is like for others.
So, I don't write this to boast in any way. I offer it up to you as just a part of my story. Asking for accountability. When you find me on my self-absorbed high horse, please gently ask me to come down and then speak truth into my heart. Please pray for me and my family. Please search your hearts and see if you're willing to be a little bit abnormal with me, I'd love the company!
Influences:
The Bible :)
Matthew 25
The book of Luke
The book of Daniel
Mark Driscoll's sermon series on the book of Acts
"Tune In" by Jen Hatmaker
"7" by Jen Hatmaker
"Interrupted" by Jen Hatmaker
"The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne
"Draw the Circle- The 40 day Prayer Challenge" by Mark Betterson
"Multiply- disciples making disciples" by Francis Chan
Books I want to read
"Crazy Love" Francis Chan
"Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller
"Confessions of a Reformission Rev" by Mark Driscoll
"Rich Christians in the Age of Hunger" by Ronald J Slider
If you have any other suggestions, please add them! I'm making up for several years of inactivity, so I'm in hyper-drive, reading as much of God's word as I can an learning from those he's gifted to teach and write.
Over the next 5 or 6 years I re-discovered what life really should have been like. What I had missed out on for so long. A life full in Christ. Seeking His direction, soaking in His love, and attempting to study His word. At least I thought I was living full in Christ, but turns out I was still missing the mark.
I still felt spiritually empty. Like I was missing something. I was going through the motions, experiencing seasons of growth and then seasons of drought. I couldn't place my finger on what was going on so I did what we're all supposed to do.... I turned to the bible. I wanted something to help put the bible in context for me, so I picked up a bible study by Jen Hatmaker and set out on a mission to learn. I had no idea what I was getting into. The bible study was all about the different ways that God speaks to his people. How to hear God's voice through all the static. It was about the amazing ways we can communicate with God (COMMUNICATION- it's a two way street. We should expect to hear from God!). I can't describe the bible study in full... but all I can say is, I began to hear God again. And he spoke very clearly to me.
An excerpt from my journal entry- in the middle of the study:
"This study is rocking my world. Maybe for a few reasons 1. I'm actually reading the bible and devoting quiet time to communicate. 2. I'm learning all of the amazing ways God tries to speak to me. I just have to listen.
You could say that I'm hyper-aware. With this awareness comes the clear movement and voice of God. I'm testing it through scripture to make sure I'm not a crazy person. And here is what I know:
1. He's calling me out on my INACTIVITY. I literally do nothing but self-serve. I serve my husband- noble but ultimately my motives are for a happy husband, happy home, happy ME. Serve my kids- also noble but there is so much more than my FANCY life, my FANCY husband and my FANCY healthy kids.
2. I dont give ANYTHING of myself to others. My spiritual giftings are mercy and encouragement and God is literally begging me to use my gifts.
3. I dont know what to do. God is pressing so many things on my heart.
*go on mission, learn to serve
*little babies need families. big kids need families
*children need a positive influence
*birth mothers need adequate support and care
*people everywhere are hurting
*people are hungry
*people need love
*people need Jesus
I'm not doing anything.
I have no idea where to start. I'm not even sure what to make of all of it. I'm waiting patiently and praying for God to show me. I'm praying I don't miss it.....
God is moving and it scares the bejeezers (yes I actually wrote that) out of me. When God moves he does it big. He expects alot. Yet he encourages, empowers, and gets the glory. And through that we are fulfilled."
I realized that I have never really had a heart for others. Like REALLY had a heart for them. People are staving, children are orphaned because their families can't feed or care for them, people have to sleep on the streets for all sorts of reasons, single moms or families ON MY BLOCK may be struggling to keep it all together. I mean yeah, this stuff is unsettling, but it's not really my problem. I've always had a "Aww, that's too bad. Somebody should probably do something about that." attitude. Well, I asked God to speak to me and to show me. So that's what he did!
And here's the thing. When you step out in faith, even if it is a teeny tiny baby step, and ask God to use you. He WILL. He will move BIG TIME.
As I began to study scripture and a handful of other books here are some things that stuck out to me. We need to take much of what the bible says literally, and not just figuratively.
*Shane Claiborne writes in The Irresistible Revolution , "What would the world look like if we truly believed, as the apostle Paul figured out, that we no longer live, but only Jesus lives in us (Gal 2:20)?" He goes on to say, "We are the body of Christ, not in some figurative sense, but we are the flesh and blood of Jesus alive in the world through the Holy Spirit-- God's hands, feet, ears."
Why have we been sold this LIE of the American Dream? There is not much about the American Dream that reflects the words of scripture and the teachings of Jesus. There is nothing about "Me! Me! Me!" and "More! More! More!" the resonates with anything Jesus said. After all, Jesus said, "If anyone wants to be the first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35). I'm pretty sure Jesus meant this. He even demonstrated this through the act of communion with his disciples. In her book "Interrupted" Jen Hatmaker describes it like this:
"Not only was communion a symbolic ritual, it was a new prototype of discipleship. "Continuously make My sacrifice real by doing this very thing." Become broken and poured out for hopeless people. Become a living offering, denying yourself for the salvation and restoration of humanity. Obedience to Jesus' command is more than looking backward; it's a present and continuous replication of His sacrifice. We don't simply remember the meal; we become the meal." (pg54) Um, WOW!!
In Matthew 25 Jesus tells us a story to describe what will happen when we all stand before God. People will be separated into two groups. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Matt 25:35-39) He goes on and judges the ones who did not care for the "least of these", sentencing them to eternal punishment. But he welcomes the righteous into eternal life.
So, picture whatever you can when you think of as the "least of these" and then just picture the face of Jesus. Okay... so that makes it pretty real. It no longer becomes someone else's problem. YOU are the hands and feet of Jesus. Spiritual maturity means dying to your old self and becoming a NEW CREATION in Christ Jesus. Again, that means that YOU no longer live but CHRIST lives in you. And you know what.... you were once the least of these as well. And Jesus sacrificed everything for you, out of love. Just pause and take it all in.
I began to feel that TRULY being filled with Jesus and seeking his will to be done, "here on earth as it is in heaven" would require a little more action on my part. I began making a list of all the things Jesus is or that Jesus does that I can also be or do. It's a pretty long list, and I'm sure I'll never stop adding things to it because Jesus is everything that is good and nothing that is bad. For example, Jesus is God. Well I can't be God. But I do have the Holy Spirit that can empower me to be bold and courageous. Jesus meditates on scripture. Jesus prays. Jesus has compassion on people. Jesus goes to the broken, the lonely, the wretched and the poor- he doesn't just wait for them to come to him. Okay-- I can do all of those things! And through the power of his Holy Spirit which lives in me I can really be the hands and feet of Jesus.
And I'm not talking just about social justice. As our world becomes more and more connected we become more aware of what is really happening around the world. Just watch the news and get an idea of what is happening in your own city. Broken people everywhere, even in our church pews. Anyone can feed a hungry person or clothe the naked or care for the sick. But only those who know Jesus can lift them up in prayer to the creator of the universe. Only those who know Jesus can walk along side them and offer biblical counsel. Only those who know Jesus can love them with the love of Jesus. And that's where it all starts, LOVE. So... God just loudly said to me, "Go love my people." And so I'm trying to heed that call, here in Shreveport, LA.
And that's where I'm at. I'm asking God to use me and show me people to love. In my life, over the past few weeks, life has looked something like this.
1. Taking stock of all our possessions. Wow we have a lot of stuff! Instead of selling whatever we can on Craigslist, it will be donated to those in need.
2. Analyzing and CHANGING our budget so we can be in a financial place that allows us to be more generous to others. We might sell some things to help pay off our one car that still has payments left. Eliminating a car payment would allow hundreds of additional dollars to use for God's kingdom.
3. Stepping out into some uncomfortable situations. Our family had dinner last night with some homeless people. For the first time ever. I literally want to tear down the walls of social norms and do whatever I can to understand people and just accept them where they are, for who they are. Because after all, they are loved by the same God that loves me.
4. Serving as a family. This can't just be something I do on my own, or that Weston and I do together. I want my girls to grow up in a home that serves. Yes I need to protect them. Yes I need to keep them from dangerous situations. My responsibility as a parent is to disciple them. But I want them to go with us on a journey as we love and disciple others.
5. I want to go somewhere. I want God to open my eyes, showing me what life is like for others.
So, I don't write this to boast in any way. I offer it up to you as just a part of my story. Asking for accountability. When you find me on my self-absorbed high horse, please gently ask me to come down and then speak truth into my heart. Please pray for me and my family. Please search your hearts and see if you're willing to be a little bit abnormal with me, I'd love the company!
Influences:
The Bible :)
Matthew 25
The book of Luke
The book of Daniel
Mark Driscoll's sermon series on the book of Acts
"Tune In" by Jen Hatmaker
"7" by Jen Hatmaker
"Interrupted" by Jen Hatmaker
"The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne
"Draw the Circle- The 40 day Prayer Challenge" by Mark Betterson
"Multiply- disciples making disciples" by Francis Chan
Books I want to read
"Crazy Love" Francis Chan
"Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller
"Confessions of a Reformission Rev" by Mark Driscoll
"Rich Christians in the Age of Hunger" by Ronald J Slider
If you have any other suggestions, please add them! I'm making up for several years of inactivity, so I'm in hyper-drive, reading as much of God's word as I can an learning from those he's gifted to teach and write.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Totally Honest- Part 1
Alright y'all, I'm about to be totally honest about a bunch of stuff.
God is really rocking my world right now. I don't know how else to describe it. Let me start here.... I have been a believer since I was about 7 or 8 years old. I invited Jesus into my heart at such a young age that I don't really remember doing it. I remember meeting with the pastor and getting dunked.
*PAUSE* I am a Christian. I believe that God created the world. That he sent his son Jesus to dwell on earth and live a perfect life, free of any sin. That Jesus ultimately was killed, and hung on a cross, to bear the sins of every human being (so yeah, that means you). After his death, they buried Jesus. But the grave couldn't hold him. He rose from the dead, into heaven to sit on his throne as King and Creator of all things. God is so holy and we are so NOT holy that the only way to enter into God's presence is through Jesus. Seriously, God loves us all so much that he gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could know a life with him and never have to know a life of eternal separation from him. And when you enter into a life with Christ, God will use you to do great things. There is not a single human being on the face of the planet who isn't invited to know a relationship with Christ. A life with meaning and purpose.
Okay-- So, follow that with several years of bible drill, youth group, mission trips, youth camp, etc... Then follow that with complete rebellion. College and a few years after are like a complete blur... a blur that I'd like to forget. Just as Adam and Eve hid from God in the garden because of their sin, I worked really hard to hide from God. For SEVERAL YEARS. I still believed in my heart that God was real and that Jesus saves. I just chose my sin instead. Simple as that. No one to blame but myself. Not my parents, my church, or any of that. I dipped my toe in the water, and decided to dive on in. Because of this I missed out on some really great friendships and opportunities to grow in (or even exercise) my faith.
But here's the thing... God is FAITHFUL and RELENTLESS in pursuing his children. And you, my friend, are God's child. Whether you know and accept Him or not, you're His.
So after years of hiding and ignoring, God called me out in a big way. I got into a little run-in with the law (sorry Mom) and got a serious wake-up call from the guy upstairs. In everything, I clearly heard the voice of God, through my thoughts, telling me "Lindsay, are you sure this is the path you want to choose? I want so much more for you. I created you to do amazing things for my kingdom and I've missed you. Please come back. Please choose me instead. It's a better way."
I wanted to say yes. I actually already KNEW it was a better way because I had experienced it. I needed sucked out of my sin cycle (or the sin toilet bowl, as I like to think of it). So I just asked God to show me how. I felt like I had very few "real" friendships. You know, the types of friends who speak truth into your life. Who pray for you. I needed friends to encourage me. Friends to disciple me. Friends to listen. I wanted to be that kind of friend as well--- and I was really out of practice. I was attending church at the time (funny how you can go to church regularly, but still be totally lost) and I ran into sweet, sweet Kristen, a sorority sister from college. I just asked her if she'd be my friend... I told her my story and asked her if she could help me meet some other people. So that's what she did. God totally placed her in my path for that very reason... and I'll always be so thankful to Kristen for actually being obedient to God in that way. He led her to me, gave her an opportunity to just love me, and that's what she did. Jesus saved me, and Kristen was my friend. My one friend. But God can do big things with just a single act of obedience and with one single friend.
So, that's the story about the time I was saved... again. But, why am I telling it now? Many who know me really well probably know this story, but many do not. I'm telling it because it's a part of me. I'm telling it because it is our stories and our testimonies that show how God works in BIG BIG ways. These are the stories that show that God is REAL. These stories display God's true love for us. The kind of love that will stop at nothing to bring us to a life that is full in HIM. This is a part of my faith and my relationship with Christ. It is my story that helps me understand hurt, broken, lost people and want to love them with all my heart. That kind of love was never withheld from me, and it is my purpose to show this love to others. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. That is the great and first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself..." (Matthew 22:37-40) So basically Jesus says, "Love God. Love people. In that order."
The journey back to living life in God's will was tough. It required severing several friendships. Deleting a bunch of Facebook friends. Breaking up with boyfriends. Not returning phone calls. It required discipline and a lot of time alone. And, a lot of time spent in God's word. If I wasn't alone, I tried to make sure I was in the company of other believers. People who could offer wise counsel and pray for me. People I could attempt to pray for as well. I felt like a baby believer again. I was amazed that I had ever strayed so far away. I felt full of God's love.
Anyone who has a relationship with Christ has a story. It may be like mine or it may be totally different. Why does it seem that so many testimonies of salvation go like this... "I thought life was going great. Then something happened and I hit rock bottom. Then God spoke to me." Here's my take on it-- God NEVER stops pursuing us. He never ceases to put people in our lives who want to point us to Him or simply love us where we are and love us for who we are. For those who are believers, his Holy Spirit never stops convicting us and trying to turn our hearts to Him. But this is what I know, it is often that ONLY at rock bottom are we actually willing to listen. It is only at rock bottom that we are actually willing to respond. It is often only at those times that we submit. But how amazing it is to live a life submitting to God in ALL TIMES, not just the bad times!
A life lived in Christ is a life of submitting to God. A life of saying, "Your way is better. Just show me how." And God will do amazing things when you approach him with that kind of heart. You don't have to be perfect. You don't even have to be close to perfect. You just have to submit. In each and every moment and decision... you submit. "God, please direct me. God, please change me. God, please never stop pursuing me. Give me an opportunity to obey." We have a God that is so tender and gentle with new believers, just as a mother is tender and gentle to nurture and love a newborn baby. But, just as children grow, we as believers must grow. God created us to worship him and to do good works. And for those that seek to mature and grow, by feasting on his word, he will direct your path and point you to the good works he designed you to do. He simply asks that we submit.
God has laid it on my heart to share these things. I'm not sure why now is the right time... but I'm trying to be obedient, so here it is. In Part 2, I'll describe my next wake-up call. It's not a wake-up to salvation, but rather a wake up to GO and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Read Part 2
God is really rocking my world right now. I don't know how else to describe it. Let me start here.... I have been a believer since I was about 7 or 8 years old. I invited Jesus into my heart at such a young age that I don't really remember doing it. I remember meeting with the pastor and getting dunked.
*PAUSE* I am a Christian. I believe that God created the world. That he sent his son Jesus to dwell on earth and live a perfect life, free of any sin. That Jesus ultimately was killed, and hung on a cross, to bear the sins of every human being (so yeah, that means you). After his death, they buried Jesus. But the grave couldn't hold him. He rose from the dead, into heaven to sit on his throne as King and Creator of all things. God is so holy and we are so NOT holy that the only way to enter into God's presence is through Jesus. Seriously, God loves us all so much that he gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could know a life with him and never have to know a life of eternal separation from him. And when you enter into a life with Christ, God will use you to do great things. There is not a single human being on the face of the planet who isn't invited to know a relationship with Christ. A life with meaning and purpose.
Okay-- So, follow that with several years of bible drill, youth group, mission trips, youth camp, etc... Then follow that with complete rebellion. College and a few years after are like a complete blur... a blur that I'd like to forget. Just as Adam and Eve hid from God in the garden because of their sin, I worked really hard to hide from God. For SEVERAL YEARS. I still believed in my heart that God was real and that Jesus saves. I just chose my sin instead. Simple as that. No one to blame but myself. Not my parents, my church, or any of that. I dipped my toe in the water, and decided to dive on in. Because of this I missed out on some really great friendships and opportunities to grow in (or even exercise) my faith.
But here's the thing... God is FAITHFUL and RELENTLESS in pursuing his children. And you, my friend, are God's child. Whether you know and accept Him or not, you're His.
So after years of hiding and ignoring, God called me out in a big way. I got into a little run-in with the law (sorry Mom) and got a serious wake-up call from the guy upstairs. In everything, I clearly heard the voice of God, through my thoughts, telling me "Lindsay, are you sure this is the path you want to choose? I want so much more for you. I created you to do amazing things for my kingdom and I've missed you. Please come back. Please choose me instead. It's a better way."
I wanted to say yes. I actually already KNEW it was a better way because I had experienced it. I needed sucked out of my sin cycle (or the sin toilet bowl, as I like to think of it). So I just asked God to show me how. I felt like I had very few "real" friendships. You know, the types of friends who speak truth into your life. Who pray for you. I needed friends to encourage me. Friends to disciple me. Friends to listen. I wanted to be that kind of friend as well--- and I was really out of practice. I was attending church at the time (funny how you can go to church regularly, but still be totally lost) and I ran into sweet, sweet Kristen, a sorority sister from college. I just asked her if she'd be my friend... I told her my story and asked her if she could help me meet some other people. So that's what she did. God totally placed her in my path for that very reason... and I'll always be so thankful to Kristen for actually being obedient to God in that way. He led her to me, gave her an opportunity to just love me, and that's what she did. Jesus saved me, and Kristen was my friend. My one friend. But God can do big things with just a single act of obedience and with one single friend.
So, that's the story about the time I was saved... again. But, why am I telling it now? Many who know me really well probably know this story, but many do not. I'm telling it because it's a part of me. I'm telling it because it is our stories and our testimonies that show how God works in BIG BIG ways. These are the stories that show that God is REAL. These stories display God's true love for us. The kind of love that will stop at nothing to bring us to a life that is full in HIM. This is a part of my faith and my relationship with Christ. It is my story that helps me understand hurt, broken, lost people and want to love them with all my heart. That kind of love was never withheld from me, and it is my purpose to show this love to others. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. That is the great and first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself..." (Matthew 22:37-40) So basically Jesus says, "Love God. Love people. In that order."
The journey back to living life in God's will was tough. It required severing several friendships. Deleting a bunch of Facebook friends. Breaking up with boyfriends. Not returning phone calls. It required discipline and a lot of time alone. And, a lot of time spent in God's word. If I wasn't alone, I tried to make sure I was in the company of other believers. People who could offer wise counsel and pray for me. People I could attempt to pray for as well. I felt like a baby believer again. I was amazed that I had ever strayed so far away. I felt full of God's love.
Anyone who has a relationship with Christ has a story. It may be like mine or it may be totally different. Why does it seem that so many testimonies of salvation go like this... "I thought life was going great. Then something happened and I hit rock bottom. Then God spoke to me." Here's my take on it-- God NEVER stops pursuing us. He never ceases to put people in our lives who want to point us to Him or simply love us where we are and love us for who we are. For those who are believers, his Holy Spirit never stops convicting us and trying to turn our hearts to Him. But this is what I know, it is often that ONLY at rock bottom are we actually willing to listen. It is only at rock bottom that we are actually willing to respond. It is often only at those times that we submit. But how amazing it is to live a life submitting to God in ALL TIMES, not just the bad times!
A life lived in Christ is a life of submitting to God. A life of saying, "Your way is better. Just show me how." And God will do amazing things when you approach him with that kind of heart. You don't have to be perfect. You don't even have to be close to perfect. You just have to submit. In each and every moment and decision... you submit. "God, please direct me. God, please change me. God, please never stop pursuing me. Give me an opportunity to obey." We have a God that is so tender and gentle with new believers, just as a mother is tender and gentle to nurture and love a newborn baby. But, just as children grow, we as believers must grow. God created us to worship him and to do good works. And for those that seek to mature and grow, by feasting on his word, he will direct your path and point you to the good works he designed you to do. He simply asks that we submit.
God has laid it on my heart to share these things. I'm not sure why now is the right time... but I'm trying to be obedient, so here it is. In Part 2, I'll describe my next wake-up call. It's not a wake-up to salvation, but rather a wake up to GO and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Read Part 2
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