flawed thinking

When we don't know who our enemy is,

we start with people who look like our flawed idea of our enemy.

We even begin to second-guess those we were meant to count on, including God himself.

One flawed reason for why we question God is we mistakenly begin with ourselves as an accurate reference point for love and justice.

Thankfully, flaws don't have to have the final word.

God's bigger than any error in your judgment or any mistake you've made.

BUT... it helps to specifically invite Him into those mistakes.

AND... it helps to own when we have left things or people we should have stuck with.

Confession unpacks freedom.

Freedom unpacks purpose.

Purpose unpacks clarity.

Clarity sees through flawed thinking.

"My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck." (Proverbs 3:21-2)

becoming naturally supernatural

Today is not yesterday,
nor is it tomorrow.

Life has many different chapters for us.

Several hard-to-process chapters in a row do not sum up the whole story,
nor do they signal it’s the end of your book.

I sense it's one of the reasons why the combination of December-into-January is such a unique window of times. A part of us is overwhelmed by the beauty, colorful lights and peace of Christmas... and then suddenly we're into a new year and not quite sure if we even understand the past one.

A new year offers many natural transition points, yet when we live according to them we may end up reacting than responding.

Following Jesus means we're able to live for something deeper and supernatural. The "natural" still has its place, but the"supernatural" is where real purpose offers an embrace.

The Bible is filled with life after life, story after story of situations that seemed a certain way for a season only to then experience a turnaround in the next.

It's all about becoming naturally supernatural.

Be aware of the chapter you're in, realizing that the Author is not yet done writing. His penmanship may be slower than yours, but His creativity and sense of the larger narrative is beyond compare.

In fact, try handing Him the pen you tend to want to take out of His hands.

And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Rev. 21:5 

in between

There is a moment in the middle...

in between the old and new thing...

called many things.

It's true name is transformation. 

Instead of pining for the old or the new, lean into this moment right now.

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Go on...

right now...

swing. 

how? or why?

You're going to spend an immeasurable amount of time in your life learning how to survive.

We assume this is a good thing - after all, bare bones... we all need to survive.

In the workplace, surviving is called "just clocking in" or "living paycheck to paycheck."

In households, it's felt when we concentrate on the next chore in front of us.

You're not dead... you're just busy.

You're asking the question "How?" on a regular basis.

Tracking so far?

What you may not spend as much time on in your life (at least, comparatively) is asking how to thrive beyond mere survival. 

We assume this is a luxury thing - after all, bare bones... we all need to survive - and maybe "one day" we'll thrive.

In the workplace, thriving is called "being career minded" or "considering the big picture."

In households, it's felt when we concentrate on the next person in front of us.

You're not dead... you're quite alive.

You're asking the question "Why?" on a regular basis.

Ready for the real takeaway?

You may want to write this down.

If you have your "why" to live, you can face down almost any "how."

Unfortunately, the opposite is not true.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

forgiveness is a commitment

Forgiveness is not a feeling.

Forgiveness is not a choice.

Forgiveness is a commitment. 

It doesn't mean you can easily forget what happened, but that you will consciously choose not to focus on what happened.

It doesn't mean the relationship returns back to how unhealthy things were, but that you are embracing what a healthy new alternative to the relationship needs to be.

Forgiveness is a commitment. 

It's you giving grace... instead of you holding a grudge.

It's you trying to grow up personally... instead of you trying to grow your support publicly.

It's you moving forward... instead of you replaying the past.

It's you giving a gift to someone... instead of you demanding that person satisfy a debt you feel.

It's you releasing... instead of you gripping.

It's you owning what you did wrong... instead of you waiting for the other person to own what you think they did wrong.

It's you taking actual steps in this... instead of you looking for the "Yeah, but what if they..." loophole.

It's you not doing all of this one day... but you doing all of this every day - every day.

Forgiveness is a commitment. 

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13b)

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (Romans 12:3)

what's wrong with the world?

In truth, we are all pretty messed up.

While it's convenient for us to point the finger at some external source of misery and say, “Right there... that person... that situation... there’s the problem!” it is more authentic to confront the person and situation staring back at us in the mirror.

The London Times once asked people to respond to the question, “What is Wrong with the World?” Christian theologian G.K. Chesterton wrote this bold reply:

Dear Sirs,

I am.

Sincerely yours, G.K. Chesterton

Thankfully, God has not washed His hands of us. He already has a plan in force to set our upside-down world right-side-up again... it involves us washing our hands (and our entire lives) in Him.

The problem with the world is not something strange out there.

The problem with the world is something familiar within. 

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. " (1 Timothy 1:15)

paying the price

You can experience so many things if you're willing to pay the price for them.

Strangely, we understand this with entertainment... vacations... designer beverages.

Strangely, we neglect this with personal and spiritual growth.

Consider the investment Jesus has made into you - His own life.

Why expect that to more fully step into that investment that it would cost you any less?

"What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries." (Luke 12:6-7, The Message)

TGIF?

TGIF?

Just a thought - you can just aim for the next temporary buzz, or actually thank God it's Friday by finding real joy in how you live today:

• Look people in the eye, giving them all of your attention.
  It offers worth to the person.
  
• Tell the truth, even if it means you have to appear foolish.
  It fosters integrity to your life.
  
• Own a situation you should have handled differently, even if it feels "in the past" or you'd rather not acknowledge where you dropped the ball.It restores value to the relationship.
  
• Make a difference by helping restore people and things back to their original, created God-given purpose.
  It adds vision to everything you do.

Or, you know... just live for the next temporary buzz.

As for me and my household, though... I'm all in.

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

an honest, gutsy spiritual growth plan - pt 2

Buckle up - this is part two. Go read part one if you haven't.

After asking the questions from before, now what? What’s the plan? Will you avoid nudges from God or radically throw yourself in the direction He’s pointing you, any way you can? Who will you tell so that you actually follow through all year? What will you do today?

Enough questions... start running the bases.

You’re likely familiar with how a baseball diamond works. Use it as a metaphor to grow - as the "bases of Fully-Alive Living":

• H: Christ – come as you are to Him today, and make Him your Savior/Lord over the direction and details of your life.
  
  
• 1: Character – let the Holy Spirit “have at you” from the inside-out as you put Him first in all things.... not just first, but first in all things.
  
  
• 2: Church community – grow w/others in large, medium and small gatherings.Why? Because you have blind spots, and only others can see them. A church is meant to nurture those with encouragement and truth.
  
  
• 3: Calling – find your “circle” of gifting and influence.
  
  
• H: Christ – home plate comes around again, just like you need to take another step with Him, including intentionally sharing Him with others you can help “run the bases.”
  
  
• Baselines: This journey isn’t just about the defining moments when you feel you’re “on base,” but also the journey that gets you there. You’ll need to invest into people, programs and practices that will help you keep moving forward while you help them keep moving forward.

Here's the deal - you have to run these bases in the right order. The world runs it backward. Don’t fall for the trap of putting work/ministry ahead of community, community (church) ahead of character, or character (morality) ahead of Christ. God isn’t just looking for “good people” who do “good things” – come as you are, take your next step with Him, and BE the Church.

Today's step: Take this all in, and take on whatever it takes on what you sense God is saying or guiding you to do next.

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12)

an honest, gutsy spiritual growth plan - pt 1

I waited a month to share this with you.

We all know January 1st is full of great intentions that often go nowhere past the first week. Now that it's February, it's time for a spiritual growth plan that you might actually stick with. Every day can be hectic, and sometimes our best intentions get lost. You can recover them and the life God intended for you with a plan and process to draw closer to Him. (James 4:8)

Let's begin by asking some good questions you're willing to be honest about:

• What words would I use to describe who God was to me five years ago? Has anything changed since then? Should it have?
  
  
• When I pray, what do I pray about? How do I listen to God?
  
  
• What does it look like for me to really care about other Christians?
  
  
• How will I grow in my love for people who don’t yet know Christ?
  
  
• Am I giving God what’s right or what’s left financially?
  
  
• In what areas of my life am I making excuses?
  
  
• In what ways is God bearing some real fruit/change in me?
  
  
• Do I really care about the Bible? Do I believe God speaks through it? Will I memorize any particular Scriptures?
  
  
• What’s my attitude toward church or spiritual leadership?
  
  
• What music/songs resonate with my soul?
  
  
• With whom do I need to go back and “make things right?”
  
  
• What is one area of my life I’ve become stronger this year?
  
  
• How do I settle for the appearance of growth/accountability that needs to go deeper and wider to really make a difference?

Here's one more that ties those together:

• Who am I trying to speak in generalities with because I don't want them to know the specifics of how I'm really doing?

Today's step: Talk to that person, and share how you answered those questions.
See you tomorrow for Part 2.

"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8)

4 questions to realign your life

Are you trying to give the world energy you don't have?

Maybe you do have it, but it's misaligned.

We often tend to live against the grain of who God created us to be, even when we're doing the things we think He wants us to do. At times a realignment means a change in circumstances, but often it's an internal shift that changes how you approach those very same circumstances. It's a process of uncovering the "created you" you were meant to be and can be, which in turn means personally unearthing what Jesus meant when He said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23) 

One of the biggest culprits is in thought patterns we live by. For some strange reason even Christians will say we will do something because "I have a peace about it." Strangely, God didn't call us to feel at ease with what we do. Our ministry on earth often means doing whatever will bring life to others, for often  the Lord calls us into chaos to bring peace.

This is why your quiet time with God matters more than you give it credit for. Especially in today's culture, you're likely more "active" than ever before, often at the expense of the ancient practice of contemplation. Parker Palmer, author of "Let Your Life Speak," shares this great thought:

True self, when violated, will always resist us, sometimes at great cost, holding our lives in check until we honor its truth.

Vocation does not come from willfulness. It comes from listening. I must listen to my life and try to understand what it is truly about quite apart from what I would like it to be about – or my life will never represent anything real in the world, no matter how earnest my intentions.

Vocation does not mean a goal that I pursue. It means a calling that I hear. Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am. I must listen for the truths and values at the heart of my own identity, not the standards by which I must live — but the standards by which I cannot help but live if I am living my own life.  - Parker Palmer

To clarify what this means, Palmer has stated, "I would be lost in the dark without the light Christianity sheds on my life, the light I find in truths like incarnation, grace, sacrament, forgiveness, blessing, and the paradoxical dance of death and resurrection."

If you resonate with how your life needs to resonate, here are some key questions to ask to better align your life "as is" into what you were actually created for:

Where is the life/joy?

• What are your reactions to life?
• When was the last time you felt joyful, be it through an experience, conversation, event, movie, etc? Did you pay attention to it at the time?
• When does a surge of energy/enthusiasm come into you? (Pay attention to it next time.)
• Where are you assuming you are doing the right thing because it feels peaceful. Might you have settled for false peace versus working toward a peace beyond understanding that might require doing what's difficult?

Where is the impact/fruit?

• 1 Peter 4:2 clarifies that our lives are not merely for ourselves, for a Christian "does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God."
• Jesus reminds us in John 15 that what is publicly birthed out of our life is directly related to what we do behind closed doors.
• How have you avoided fruit in one area of your life because you feel productive in another area?

Where is the affirmation?

• Who is someone who speaks into your life and won't tell you what you want to hear?
• What are the projects or places you are at ease with what needs to be done?
• How are you able to do things others seem unable to do?
• Where are you bumping into God on things He is resisting you on?

What is your character like when you are and aren't doing something significant?

• You have cracks in your character. What is the break-up in your make-up?
• Where are you demanding people just need to "understand you" instead of you doing the hard work of growing up?
• When you're sitting around waiting for the next "battle," what's happening inside of you?

If you want to become clearer on the path God has you on, take those questions in personally as well as with others who will share the journey with you.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

no more doing life on your own

Would you allow me to offer you a thought today, especially if you're a Christian?

Be led.

I get it... you don't want anyone telling what to do, how to live, who to vote for, or ____________. Nonetheless, I again encourage you that you need some type of beyond-you leadership over your life that presses in against how you currently see or want to see the world.

For Christians, this is God... but it cannot be a fail-safe "god" who gives you a pass into heaven. It has to be the actual God whom you let be God - your Lord over every area of your life.

Be led... in every area.

You have something amazing to offer the world, but if you gut out life in your own power and perspective you will fail. At best, your ideas might get "liked" on social media websites, but your Creator has bigger plans that the thumbs of your peers.

So without sounding too cynical or legalistic, let me first offer this practical step to Christians.

Read the Bible. 

Seriously, Christian... read your Bible. 

Your excuses are excuses. Own that. 

Don't let yourself not do this today.

Throw yourself into it and figure it out as you go. 

And if you're not a Christian, find someone who actually will do what I just challenged and let them as they follow Jesus Christ be your "Bible" for a season. If they grow in the Lord, you'll get to know who the Lord is by watching them.

I normally conclude my thoughts with Scripture, but since you're about to read the Bible anyway I'll offer a couple of paragraphs from John Grisham’s novel, The Firm. This exchange is a part of the main character's journey into a law firm, and takes place during the interview:

“You’ve done quite well here, Mitch,” Mr. Lambert said, admiring the resume. The dossier was in the briefcase, under the table.

“Thank you. I’ve worked hard.”

“You made extremely high grades in your tax and securities courses.”

“That’s where my interest lies.”

“We’ve reviewed your writing sample, and it’s quite impressive.”

“Thank you. I enjoy research.”

They nodded and acknowledged this obvious lie. It was part of the ritual. No law student or lawyer in his right mind enjoyed research, yet, without fail, every prospective associate professed a deep love for the library.”

You have a choice - pretend you're actually spending time growing, or actually spend time growing. Don't merely acknowledge the "ritual" that you're supposed to be a part of, but actually dive into the living, breathing words of God.

On that note, keep in mind that the problem isn't that you don't yet understand the Bible or that it's not full of Life; the problem is sin deadened you to understanding the difference between Life and death.

Reclaim that again, right now, by leaping into its pages... not so you can read it, but so it can read you.

the ad of your life

Sometimes it takes a history lesson to redirect our future.

Ernest Shackleton was one of England’s famous explorers of the frigid Antarctica. His took great risks in life (often to his detriment), but his greatest accomplishment was the preservation of his crew after his ship “Endurance” became frozen in ice and eventually collapsed into frigid water.

Much has been written about how he kept the men alive on ice floes for 497 days before finally setting food on land. Shackleton even gave up his own gloves to a photographer he brought with and consequently suffered extensive frostbite.

What you may not realize is this epic story all started with his epic selection of the Endurance crew. He handpicked some members, including two who had served him faithfully on a previous expedition. To recruit the rest, he posted the following notice:

Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.

- Ernest Shackleton, Antarctic explorer

Shackelton placed this ad in the London newspaper, hoping to assemble a team of willing, able-bodied men who were prepared for the rigors, risks, and hardships of a lengthy and arduous journey to the Antarctic.

What would be your answer to such an opportunity?

As the story goes, thousands of men responded... which means Shackleton had to turn thousands of men away, and at least three women.

On that note, consider the last time you were offered something so epic. Doesn’t it seem like the "ad" life hands you every day (hidden underneath all the banter you hear and headlines you read) is as follows:

People wanted to not offend anyone. The appearance of peace promised (although actual peace withheld). Fake smiles. Everybody minding their own business. Long seasons of neutrality. Consistent loss or consistent morality. Safe relationships without real accountability. Applause for liking things.

- Broken humanity

What would be your answer to such an opportunity?

The truth is you respond to this invitation in how you live, and it feels like most people opt for it by default. Take a look at what you're putting out there in conversation and online... we say we want to have a genuine life, and yet we spend so much time hoping to not cause waves and have people figure out our deepest secrets.

And think about what you want everyone to get along - might that be somewhat about you not wanting to be judged yourself?

Some time ago I heard another “ad” that I responded to with my life. Jesus Christ said it this way:

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (John 15:19)

"For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them." (Matthew 13:15)

"I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Either you just read a bunch of Bible verses, or you heard an invitation that caused your heart to respond.

Admittedly, I didn’t respond to it right away. I thought I had, but really I’d confused looking at Him with following Him. Perhaps you know what I mean.

Everybody says they want to make a difference in the world, yet only a few people want to be different than the world. Perhaps that’s why Shackelton made sure a crewman grabbed a violin so there would be music on the ice floe that would inspire them beyond survival mode.

It's not enough to wake up and get through each day - you have to have something to live for. Let it be the One who offers the only Life that lasts.

Jesus' offer is not limited to 27 people, but for anyone who would receive it. Maybe it’s time you really got on board, too?

three "Christians" walk into a bar

You're perhaps familiar with the scenario.

Three people say they are Christians. 

One person seems to be richly walking with God and is full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control; another person is angry, proud, speaks negatively of others, is hard to be around, has opinions that aren't allowed to be challenged and asks to be accepted without being held accountable; a third person hovers in between and figures, "I'll admit that I'm not perfect, but I won't do anything about it. Maybe if I don't look like the second category, I'll at least look more like the first category."

Of course, you're the first category.

Of course.

I "know" I am.

Yet all three people claim they are Christians.

Why does one of those individuals' lives seem to line up more with what Jesus prescribed than the others?  Or does it? Who's right? Who's wrong?

Are all three really Christians?

Often we believe the "bar" to gauge if someone is a real Christian is if they are spiritual as we are. The trouble with that concept is the only "bar" to measure anyone or anything is Jesus Christ. We likewise forget that our sense or morality isn't as pure as we'd like to believe.

John Ortberg, in his book Faith and Doubt, illustrates this by challenging that if we really wrote out what we believe at our core it would look less like the Apostle's Creed and more like a something we sketched in the sand. For many that might mean owning up to these hidden beliefs:

• "I believe that a lie is a bad thing, but it might be necessary for me to avoid pain."
• "I believe that it pays to be nicest to people who are wealthy, attractive, smart, athletic, successful or important."
• "I believe that I have the right to pass judgment on others."
• "I believe that I have the right to gossip about people."
• "I believe that I had better be looking out for number one."
• "I believe that things have not gone as well for me as they should, so I deserve a little treat: another doughnut, another drink, another pill, another fantasy…" 
• "I believe that thirty thousand children dying of preventable diseases every day in our world are not worth risky my affluence for." 

Ortberg sums it up by adding "All of these convictions lie deep within me, and you can see that I believe them if you look at the way I live."

Along these lines, examining the life of Jesus shows us what integrity and wholeness of faith looks like. When we give Him our life, receive Him as Savior and follow Him, we undergo a transformation. He redirects us, changes our core convictions, and offers us a glimpse at why we're on planet earth.

Honestly, I'm not interested in what category you're in or I'm in. All three categories of people need Jesus - we will all walk into a bar one day with His name on it. It will either hurt because we closed our eyes and wouldn't see it coming... or it will give us comfort because He is consistent, firm and unmoved in a world that feels less like bedrock and more like quicksand.

Be honest... you're probably nodding your head at that more quickly than you're nodding your life.

I know I am... and I hate that enough to do something about it. Do you?

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

my personal growth plan... today, that is

I'm often asked a question that I was asked again last week. I thought I'd share it here for anyone whom it may benefit. 

The Question: So what are you doing or reading in order to have an answer (to theological questions that come up) and stay thirsty for God, etc?

My response: That's a tricky question, because my spiritual disciplines today reflect the foundation of my spiritual disciplines in days, weeks, months and years past. In everything I read or engage in, I am seeking four things:

• How can I increase my awareness of what God is doing in a person/situation/me? (This drives me to become more intimate with the Holy Spirit)
  
  
• How can I identify what is truth, what is opinion and what is a lie? (This drives me to read the Bible, certain books based on what I am dealing with or talking about, and so on)
  
  
• How can I say "YES!" to God quicker today than I did yesterday in whatever He leads me in, even if I don't understand why? (This drives me to become more obedient, courageous and a bigger-than-I-can-see-thinker in everyday things)
  
  
• How can help someone take one more step in God's direction in an area I have no authority in? (This drives me to not rely on my personal channels of authority, such as being a pastor or writer, to do all my evangelism but pushes me into new areas where I have to rely on God?)
  
  
• How can I not only know the facts of what is coming up on the horizon culturally/theologically, but be in a place where I've asked the first and second round of questions about it? (This drives me to make sure I am not just recycling my faith and photocopying my walk with God from year to year)

Some books that have rocked my world with their presentation and/or helped me minister to others this past year:

• From the Bible: James (I wrote a study on it for a publishing company and it forced me to go places beyond the usual stuff)
• From the Bible: Matthew 5 (Beatitudes)
• Seven: The Deadly Sins and the Beatitudes (Jeff Cook)
• Sifted: God's Scandalous Response to Satan's Outrageous Demand (Rick Lawrence)
• Erasing Hell: What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We Made Up (Francis Chan)
• God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?  (David Lamb)
• Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope (MaryBeth Chapman)
• Imaginary Jesus (Matt Mikalatos)
• Normal Christian Life (Watchman Nee)
• Closing The Window (Tim Chester)

There are others, of course, and some of it I read to help me know how to serve others. There are some real tragedies in my midst (situations I can't share publicly). I mean, you have to dig deep to sidestep the temptation to spout off cliches or easy answers.

So that's a slice of my life today, but like I said - it takes into account my past attempts to make progress in this area. I didn't know much of anything about Jesus Christ until my junior year of high school. I still feel like I'm playing catch up - maybe that's what helps... I never feel like I know enough.

I know I'll never have this down pat, but I do think God does. To paraphrase Rich Mullins, the Bible wasn't given to us so we can prove how right we are; the Bible was given to us to show how right God is and how the rest of us are just guessing without Him. I'd say that's good motivation to jump into it and do more than read it - rather, let it read us.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)

get off the fence

If you are riding the fence in an area of life, don't be surprised at the damage you cause to yourself and others falling off. 

We want it all, but often won't commit because we're *sure* the grass is greener on the other side... or was it the other side? 

Be careful - your weight will soon shift when you least expect it, and hurt will unfortunately occur all around you. 

Both sides of the fence involve comfort AND carrying your cross. 

Buck up.

Get off the fence.

"You don't have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense, the kind you'd use if, while being taken to court, you decided to settle up with your accuser on the way, knowing that if the case went to the judge you'd probably go to jail and pay every last penny of the fine. That's the kind of decision I'm asking you to make." (Luke 12:57, MSG)

the "disability" we don't need to choose (but often do)

There's always something to complain about... from local stores you feel mistreat you and traffic that frustrates you, to politics you won't listen to and people you won't agree with.

Maybe it's just "life" in general.

Today.... I'm going to try to instead praise God for those thoughts. - not the content of them (because what we complain about can become quite the black hole) but the fact that I have the ability to think and articulate... to feel and understand those feelings,

Maybe it's because a half-hour ago I met someone who has a disability and couldn't stop repeating the same sentence. I can't begin to tell you how humbling it was to realize the simple things I take for granted.

Or maybe it's because I often am that person without realizing it - repeating the same complaint, over and over.

There is always something to complain about.

Then again, there is always a reason not to.

Right?

the questions asked by "answer men"

I have found something to be true of the categories I may fit in: Pastor, writer, and practical theologian.

This is likewise true of others in similar categories.

• Sometimes we ask questions to find answers.
• Sometimes we ask questions to sound profound.
• Sometimes we ask questions to maintain job security or sell something.
• Sometimes we ask questions to increase our base of fans and followers.

Ironically, those motives will all ask the very same question.

Yet each asks that question for a completely different reason.

"All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD." (Proverbs 16:2)

do you see what they see?

It's easy to snap your fingers at others and demand everyone accept you for who you are. After all, we live in a world that says you are to push back on any constructive words someone offers you.

It is far more productive, however, to actually grow in uncomfortable ways.

Not to appease others, but because we all have blind spots that others can see more clearly than we can.

Granted, sometimes other people don't know what they're talking about.

More often, though, we claim that merely as an excuse to do as we want, and not as we ought.

So... which will it be today?

If you aren't sure, think about who you are mad at... versus instead of using that energy to be madly working at what they've pointed out.

"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." (Proverbs 27:6)

an openness to brokenness

An openness to brokenness.

It feels near impossible at times, whether it's the honesty required when trying to lose weight or the denial of your dominant urges when the alarm goes off and you need to get out of bed. It's no wonder why soul care is often neglected, for while we can see the effects of neglecting our bodies we don't always catch how overlooking our spiritual life affects everything else.

But it does.

To clarify, when I say "spiritual life" I don't mean the times you decide to go to a church service or read your Bible... I mean that everything is spiritual, because God is everywhere and a part of everything, whether we recognize in Him or not. This means that folding your laundry or going for a walk in nature can be as spiritual an activity as popping in a praise CD or praying.

If you don't understand this, then take a moment to think about it before you move on a read the rest of what I've written here... otherwise, you'll miss out on the core point.  (Here's a hint - what is the difference between a businessman sitting in a church service merely to get clients versus another sitting right next to them who wants to connect with God through what is about to happen?  And is the same thing possible when you're cooking in the kitchen or watching a movie?)

I'm writing what follows at the request of a couple of friends who have asked me, "How do I get from 'here' to 'there' when it comes to lasting life change?" For example, this past Sunday the speaker in our church services invited people to respond to God by letting Him break them on the inside - from pride, religiosity, sin, and everything else. There is something amazing that can happen in this moment, but we need to fan that flame to be sure the moment becomes a "movement" versus a "monument."  Here are a few thoughts on the factors that need to be in place for this:

1) New Jesus. To follow the real Jesus, you need to trade in the "Jesus" in your head. After all, everyone likes to dress up Jesus in their favorite ways. "Your Jesus kicks people down who ________? Cool!  Oh, my Jesus is the 'Judge not, lest ye be judged' Jesus. He doesn't know any other Bible verses, but that one works just fine. My friend was just showing me his Jesus who doesn't require him to do take part in church services to be a Christian. We might trade next month."

Quit dorking around on this - if you call yourself a Christ-follower, then follow Christ... don't ask Him to follow you. Honestly, that's what we do when we step forward a foot to "say a salvation prayer," and then slow down our growth to millimeters (if that) afterward. Growth is going to look differently for everyone... but it does boil down to you looking to take another step with God versus defend the steps you've already taken.

2) New community. Surround yourself with people who aren't just nodding their head at Jesus, but who are making sacrificial steps forward with Him. Let's face it, if you want to keep doing what you're doing without anyone passing judgment on whatever it is, you can find other people in any church who want the same. We'll sort of not say anything to one another, and keep on doing what we all like doing... and we'll write it off as just "another version of Christianity - you have yours, and I have mine." We'll even feel good about how we're doing a few things for God, like helping out or showing up.

When that happens, no one grows... even though we think we are. So find brothers and sisters in the faith who will sharpen you as you sharpen them. Tell them, "I want Jesus to be my number one priority in life... can you kick my tail on this?"

3) New habits. What in life do you need to say "no" to that you've said "yes" to in order to propel further down the road with God? What about the reverse - what do you need to say "yes" to Him on that you've been otherwise resistant to? Confess these in all truthfulness - in fact, use that "community" from step 2 to be a part of that. Make sure another spiritually-mature Christian knows 100% (beyond a pastor, that is - we are easy to confess to, even though we're not easy to confess to, if you catch my drift). And then share your idea to start a 1-3 new habits into your life, asking him or her to fan this flame in you.

4) New food. Don't wait until the next upcoming church service or Bible study to get fed... feed yourself spiritually, or read up on how to feed yourself spiritually - like this article: http://www.christians.org/grow/grow01.html  Find a Bible plan that you will be consistent with, and dig in.

Why? Because if you don't eat you won't be healthy... and you will have zero strength when something or someone in the world strikes at you.

----

The bottom line? You need to have an openness to brokenness  - what God has broken up inside of you now must be rebuilt into something new. And He has given you a large part of the responsibility in this.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)

This "fruit" of the Spirit is the product of spending time with God - not the predecessor or the point.

Which means if you want to want what God offers, you have to want God - not what He offers.

And to gain Him and that, you must till the soil of your heart, do some digging, plant the right seeds, water it, and expose it to the Son... and as it grows, you will be able to feed yourself and others around you.

The change you want to see in the world begins in you.