My wife and I have recently come to a place of sudden and life altering news, and for the first several days we simply felt stunned. There was, and still is, a tremendous amount of crying out to God, but there was also a struggle to understand why we were brought here. God was faithful to meet us and call us to trust Him. Yet, He didn't describe what trusting Him this time around is going to mean. We believe He has us in His hands and that He is in the process of answering our prayers, but we just don't know how He will do this. It feels like we've taken the first deep breath after coming out of the water but haven't yet exhaled. We'll begin breathing normally again, but until we do we're in between. At least, it feels that way to me.
It is in the in between that my heart is overwhelmed. It is a place of utter vulnerability where I recognize that I am powerless to change my circumstances. While I have a promise from God to answer my call, and my bitter cry, still I must wait to see it fulfilled. The in between is the place where the enemy of my soul longs to bring me fear and cause me to question my Holy Father. It is also a place where my Abba sees and feels my torment with me. It is a place where He reminds me of His utter love and compassion poured out for me through His son Jesus.
The in between is a place where I need to be reminded of my Daddy God's presence, His touch, and His loving eyes. It is in this place where I learn to trust my God anew, and that while He will not always take the pain from me He will lead me through the darkness. I don't think I will ever embrace these places, but I will look forward to the sweet embrace of my God as long as I'm there.
Habbakuk 3:19The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enable me to go on the heights.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Would All the Revolutionaries Please Stand Up?
What does it mean to be a revolutionary? We study the concept from history. We watch from our televisions as nations are changed, seemingly overnight. Yet most of us can not appreciate what it means to take part in something that transforms a culture, a people, or a society. The need for revolution seems mostly foreign to us. We aren't able to quite comprehend what it would mean to utterly and completely overthrow a powerful enemy and to thoroughly change something. Perhaps we should. Perhaps we should consider the needs before us, in the lives of people all around us, and even within ourselves. So many of us look to fill the needs of our hearts and souls with so many things that simply cannot satisfy. Then, from good intentions we often mean to help others from the same empty solutions. Yet, there remains only one solution. Only the love of Christ can truly fill the longings of the hearts of men. As we allow Him to utterly transform us then can we be positioned to carry that same life altering and peace filling love to others.
So, where are all the revolutionaries? If we don't know where to look we won't see them, and we won't know how to join them. More often than not they won't be found on the 5 o'clock news, the morning headlines, or the front page of most news sites. Yet, they can be found, and often are all around us. If I may let me show you what I mean.
Just two months ago, on April 27th, a devastating series of tornadoes ripped through the southern part of our country, especially the state of Alabama. So many cities looked worse than many war zones. I was deployed as part of a team of chaplains from Foursquare's Disaster Relief initiative and saw the destruction firsthand. Town after town had been laid waste. We talked with person after person who either lost loved ones, their homes, or places of work. Yet, we also saw something else. People immediately responded to the incredible needs with a super human effort. Churches were transformed into emergency shelters and distribution centers. They went through the demolished neighborhoods looking for anyone who needed help and they opened their doors to all who would enter. Restoration Church in Madison is one such place. Since many of their congregation had been through a Disaster Relief Training just a few months earlier they were well prepared to respond to the need. Nearly half of their church building was turned into a relief center, providing food and supplies for anyone affected by the tornadoes. They connected people with other agencies as needed, and coordinated the arrival and work of our chaplain teams. For many years they had already been a beacon of life and hope by preaching and living out the truth and love of Jesus. Then they stood and responded to a very specific need, and in so doing they helped to bring healing to their community. They are well living out their name as restoration is coming to those they touch. They stand as true revolutionaries fighting back the darkness for many and ushering in the light of Christ, both in word and deed.
I am also reminded of one particular chaplain I had the privilege of serving alongside. Sandy is one remarkable woman. As a young teen she overcame much because of the transforming touch of Christ she encountered. Years later, after being married and preparing for a life of ministry, she and her husband Steve (also one of our amazing chaplains) became lead pastors ministering to the streets of East Nashville. Yet, what seems so remarkable to me about Sandy is how she allows nothing to hold her back from faithfully following Jesus. Not long after arriving in Madison and joining our team I learned that she was battling Leukemia, along with a number of other ailments. Even still she never let this slow her down. In spite of her sickness she brought hope and comfort to people who had seemingly lost everything, including their own family members. I briefly wondered how she was able to do this, and do it so well. As I got to know her I realized that she had simply allowed the love of Christ to completely permeate her entire being and was therefore able to live as the child of God she is. Sandy is a woman fully committed to her Savior...a revolutionary.
So many of the people that our chaplain team met in Alabama had courageously faced devastation while not allowing it to define them. Their experiences in the storm mark tremendous change in their lives but are also part of many larger stories. Lylo, is one such young man whose courageous journey began many years earlier in South Chicago. While his appearance suggested there to be a real hardness about him, nothing could be further from the truth. His harsh tattoos and piercings were simply reminders of a former life and seemed to melt away as he revealed the warmth and kindness within. After inviting me in out of the heat with a big smile, offering me a cold bottle of water, and a seat beside him on the couch he explained his encounter the day of the tornado. As with many other visits with other tornado survivors I was again amazed at what he had endured, and how God had protected him. Then he began to tell me how Christ had rescued and changed his life, not from the tornado but from a life of dealing drugs and gang-bangin' in Chicago. His life was transformed when as a teenager he took a trip to Alabama to visit his grandparents and gave his heart to Jesus. He would never be the same, and years later would move there permanently, eventually getting married, and beginning to raise a family to love the same Father God who he himself had fallen in love with. His biggest concern as we talked was not the significant, and still un-repaired, damage to his home but the desire to be sure that his children would follow in his steps, the ones marking his new life...as a revolutionary follower of Christ.
Almost everyone we spoke with somehow held on to hope, sometimes through tears, and occasionally words of frustration. They knew they would be alright, their homes and businesses could be rebuilt, and they believed their lost loved ones were with their Savior. On many occasions they brought more encouragement to us then we seemed possible of offering them. So many of them simply knew whom they were anchored in and took comfort in knowing the Lord was with them. Their changed lives and their stories serve as a call to us. While most of us won't experience or be near to the kind of destruction born by a tornado we all are familiar with how cruel and painful life can be. We all know those whom while experiencing such cruelty have not the hope of Christ. Yet, Jesus calls to us today to stand and rise above whatever would seek to pull us down, to stand against the darkness that pervades so many. Like Restoration Church, Sandy, and Lylo, He calls us to open ourselves completely to His grace and to follow in His steps. His steps are those of the great revolutionary of all time. I don't know about you but I want to do my best to walk with Him.
So, where are all the revolutionaries? If we don't know where to look we won't see them, and we won't know how to join them. More often than not they won't be found on the 5 o'clock news, the morning headlines, or the front page of most news sites. Yet, they can be found, and often are all around us. If I may let me show you what I mean.
Just two months ago, on April 27th, a devastating series of tornadoes ripped through the southern part of our country, especially the state of Alabama. So many cities looked worse than many war zones. I was deployed as part of a team of chaplains from Foursquare's Disaster Relief initiative and saw the destruction firsthand. Town after town had been laid waste. We talked with person after person who either lost loved ones, their homes, or places of work. Yet, we also saw something else. People immediately responded to the incredible needs with a super human effort. Churches were transformed into emergency shelters and distribution centers. They went through the demolished neighborhoods looking for anyone who needed help and they opened their doors to all who would enter. Restoration Church in Madison is one such place. Since many of their congregation had been through a Disaster Relief Training just a few months earlier they were well prepared to respond to the need. Nearly half of their church building was turned into a relief center, providing food and supplies for anyone affected by the tornadoes. They connected people with other agencies as needed, and coordinated the arrival and work of our chaplain teams. For many years they had already been a beacon of life and hope by preaching and living out the truth and love of Jesus. Then they stood and responded to a very specific need, and in so doing they helped to bring healing to their community. They are well living out their name as restoration is coming to those they touch. They stand as true revolutionaries fighting back the darkness for many and ushering in the light of Christ, both in word and deed.
I am also reminded of one particular chaplain I had the privilege of serving alongside. Sandy is one remarkable woman. As a young teen she overcame much because of the transforming touch of Christ she encountered. Years later, after being married and preparing for a life of ministry, she and her husband Steve (also one of our amazing chaplains) became lead pastors ministering to the streets of East Nashville. Yet, what seems so remarkable to me about Sandy is how she allows nothing to hold her back from faithfully following Jesus. Not long after arriving in Madison and joining our team I learned that she was battling Leukemia, along with a number of other ailments. Even still she never let this slow her down. In spite of her sickness she brought hope and comfort to people who had seemingly lost everything, including their own family members. I briefly wondered how she was able to do this, and do it so well. As I got to know her I realized that she had simply allowed the love of Christ to completely permeate her entire being and was therefore able to live as the child of God she is. Sandy is a woman fully committed to her Savior...a revolutionary.
So many of the people that our chaplain team met in Alabama had courageously faced devastation while not allowing it to define them. Their experiences in the storm mark tremendous change in their lives but are also part of many larger stories. Lylo, is one such young man whose courageous journey began many years earlier in South Chicago. While his appearance suggested there to be a real hardness about him, nothing could be further from the truth. His harsh tattoos and piercings were simply reminders of a former life and seemed to melt away as he revealed the warmth and kindness within. After inviting me in out of the heat with a big smile, offering me a cold bottle of water, and a seat beside him on the couch he explained his encounter the day of the tornado. As with many other visits with other tornado survivors I was again amazed at what he had endured, and how God had protected him. Then he began to tell me how Christ had rescued and changed his life, not from the tornado but from a life of dealing drugs and gang-bangin' in Chicago. His life was transformed when as a teenager he took a trip to Alabama to visit his grandparents and gave his heart to Jesus. He would never be the same, and years later would move there permanently, eventually getting married, and beginning to raise a family to love the same Father God who he himself had fallen in love with. His biggest concern as we talked was not the significant, and still un-repaired, damage to his home but the desire to be sure that his children would follow in his steps, the ones marking his new life...as a revolutionary follower of Christ.
Almost everyone we spoke with somehow held on to hope, sometimes through tears, and occasionally words of frustration. They knew they would be alright, their homes and businesses could be rebuilt, and they believed their lost loved ones were with their Savior. On many occasions they brought more encouragement to us then we seemed possible of offering them. So many of them simply knew whom they were anchored in and took comfort in knowing the Lord was with them. Their changed lives and their stories serve as a call to us. While most of us won't experience or be near to the kind of destruction born by a tornado we all are familiar with how cruel and painful life can be. We all know those whom while experiencing such cruelty have not the hope of Christ. Yet, Jesus calls to us today to stand and rise above whatever would seek to pull us down, to stand against the darkness that pervades so many. Like Restoration Church, Sandy, and Lylo, He calls us to open ourselves completely to His grace and to follow in His steps. His steps are those of the great revolutionary of all time. I don't know about you but I want to do my best to walk with Him.
Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Answer for the Ancients, and for You and Me.
So often as I read my Bible I meet ancient believers who could not understand why God didn't seem to come to their aid. They cry out for His deliverance and for answers to their suffering, but often the answers seem to allude them. I wonder what some of these ancients would have thought about how God ultimately did answer their calls for help.
I wonder what they would have thought of a simple man who lived and walked among the people, a common man. I wonder what they would have thought of such a man being anointed as their saving king. I wonder what they would have thought about a savior who was able to raise the dead, but unwilling to raise a sword.
What would they have thought of this man, who instead of delivering them from their enemies gave himself up on their behalf. What would they have thought when they saw him rise up from the grave and hear him call them to lay their lives down as well. I don't know how they would have responded to Jesus doing all of this and more. But I do know what I think.
I think embracing Christ is the easiest choice I've ever made, but following in His steps is no easy road. Yet, I can think of nothing so rewarding. I wonder what you would think of such a man. I wonder if you would look anew upon Jesus Christ this Easter and see the freedom and the love He holds out for you, and embrace Him too.
I wonder what they would have thought of a simple man who lived and walked among the people, a common man. I wonder what they would have thought of such a man being anointed as their saving king. I wonder what they would have thought about a savior who was able to raise the dead, but unwilling to raise a sword.
What would they have thought of this man, who instead of delivering them from their enemies gave himself up on their behalf. What would they have thought when they saw him rise up from the grave and hear him call them to lay their lives down as well. I don't know how they would have responded to Jesus doing all of this and more. But I do know what I think.
I think embracing Christ is the easiest choice I've ever made, but following in His steps is no easy road. Yet, I can think of nothing so rewarding. I wonder what you would think of such a man. I wonder if you would look anew upon Jesus Christ this Easter and see the freedom and the love He holds out for you, and embrace Him too.
Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!
Psalm 44:26
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Coudl it Be?
It is unthinkable to consider
That I could really be loved
Just for who I am
This is a love too great
Too pure
Too perfect to fathom
It escapes comprehension
And is beyond understanding
Surely only I am aware
Of the soiled and sickly
State of my heart
If the unsearchable could be revealed
If the buried could be found
From me they would run
They would know the reason that I over-eat
And why I live so anxiously
They might trace the marks of the needles
To the marks of my heart
And understand why the streets have chosen me
They would know the reason that I strive
Or the reason I keep running to hide
Laid bare would be the fear I believed
Unloved and unlovable am I
Worthy to none
And from me they would flee
Wouldn't they?
For isn't this what they would see?
So how could there be
Such a love from One who could see
And yet remain with me
Can it be that for me He longs?
To hold me, and to know me?
It cannot be, can it?
Somewhere, such a fear
Lingered too in my heart
Neither thriving nor living
And yet not dying
Until He journeyed there me
Just as He longs to do with you
Taking my hand in His
He walked with me
Through darkness and death
Over hills and mountains we climbed
Through deep valleys
And cavernous depths
Until the source of my fear He revealed
Then grasping it in His hands
Right and left, and then his feet
He showed once more
That it was already put to death for me
And then I began to see
How great and deep
How true and perfect
Is the Father's love for me
And He who does see
To the depths of my heart
Causes me to consider
That I really am loved
Just for who I am
Ephesians 3:19...to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sometimes I Cry
Sometimes I cry
When I stand before God in wonder
And think of HIs great love and grace
I see Him holy and full of splendor
I start to sing
As praise ascends to my lips
Still I see His glory and srength
But fear hides that I am His
Tho Christ I see
A shame remains deep within
Years of brokeness and stans have soiled
The fabric of my soul so thin
Then I hear Him
Still I hold you in my arms
I am here and you are mine
Rest in me, I'll shield you from harm
And so I breathe
Deeply from my heart once more
The shell around me broken again
My gaze returns heaven ward
I consider
All that Jesus Christ has done for me
All that His grace has wrought
My spirit is lifted as I bow my knee
And, sometimes I cry
"You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy."
Leviticus 19:2b ESV
When I stand before God in wonder
And think of HIs great love and grace
I see Him holy and full of splendor
I start to sing
As praise ascends to my lips
Still I see His glory and srength
But fear hides that I am His
Tho Christ I see
A shame remains deep within
Years of brokeness and stans have soiled
The fabric of my soul so thin
Then I hear Him
Still I hold you in my arms
I am here and you are mine
Rest in me, I'll shield you from harm
And so I breathe
Deeply from my heart once more
The shell around me broken again
My gaze returns heaven ward
I consider
All that Jesus Christ has done for me
All that His grace has wrought
My spirit is lifted as I bow my knee
And, sometimes I cry
"You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy."
Leviticus 19:2b ESV
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