Encountering Jesus ~ Wanted "Every When"

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 

“Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6.30-40)

Jesus fed 5000 with next to nothing. He walked on water and calmed the wind and waves. And He already had a reputation... so all those people who couldn't walk on water still followed Him to the other side of the sea, and there, they began to ask Him questions. They wanted to know how to please God... God's Word tells us that He likes for men and women to seek after Him. That appeared to be what this crowd is doing. But they didn't seem to like or want to agree with the things He said. Their hearts did not seem to be teachable and inclined to learn.

What gives me this impression? This crowd does the same thing my kids often do when I answer their questions... or when I tell them what they can do to please me. They start trying to figure out a way around... something different... something that they like better or that makes more sense to them... or just something that they decide, their own way rather than submitting to authority. They aren't intent on listening and they aren't content to accept and obey but would rather debate and tell me all the problems they see with what I've just said. Instead of looking for how they can please and obey, they are trying to figure out a way out.

Look at how the people respond after Jesus says that belief in the One He sent is what pleases God: "What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will You do?"

I think, implied in this statement, was the idea that the Israelites followed Moses because he fed them... And they'd followed Jesus across the sea because He'd fed them. He is showing them that their motive is not a spiritual searching. Rather, they wanted full bellies with little or no effort on their part. So Jesus reminds the people that Moses wasn't the provider - that God was and that He still is.

The people respond ~ 

always

evermore

at all times

literally from the Greek, "every when"

supply and furnish this necessary thing.

They did have one thing right. Bread from heaven is a necessary thing... but not for the reasons they were expecting and not provided in the manner they expected.

And that's what Jesus explains to them next.

That's when He makes the very radical statement, "I am the Bread of Life."

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These few verses have me asking myself what "every whens" I'm insisting Jesus meet or fill or satisfy... at my whim and at my demand.

How about you? 

 this week's gratitude list

(#'s 4082 - 4103)

time at the fair with the family

time at the fair with just the littles

visiting family to the north

visiting family to the south

a very challenging and thought provoking discussion @ a life overseas

coffee with a friend I rarely get to see

another friend feeling better

deciding on an exercise program

the beginning of volleyball practice for my girlies

impromptu-like deciding to watch a softball game

garden fresh veggies

elephant ears at the fair

"free?" corn dogs at the fair

hotel reservations made for my trek to PA with my boy

5 in the bed snuggling one morning this week

a video that reminded me all about why gratefulness for God's infinite graciousness is so life changing

a book arriving in the mail that I can't wait to read

Wednesday night prayer meeting/Bible study

watching her stretch herself as she applies for jobs

another girlie starting her first job

watching him begin to get ready for his written driver's test

little one asking questions about Jesus interspersed with questions about assorted superheroes and getting to explain why Jesus is so much better

 

Ten most recent posts in this series: 

• When Jesus asks me, what is my response?
• "Arise..."
• "...take up thy bed and walk!"
• Jesus Encounter Take Two
• It's the beginning of a showdown!
• Jesus speaks with the Jews in charge
• "And what would YOU have said? What would YOU have done?"
• When seeing God at work just isn't what I expected
• "When did You get here?"
• "How do you know you are making God happy?"
• Because He says, "It is so..."

Click here for all of the titles and their corresponding links in the Encountering Jesus series.

Five Minute Friday ~ Rest

What about all the rest?

You know, that stuff that remains after the best or most important or loudest or priority or prominent or easiest and least resistant has been cared for or dealt with? 

Those two or three dishes that somehow find their way to the sink after everything else is washed up?

Or the bit of food that is left after dinner... the stuff that gets shoved into a container, pushed into the back of the fridge and then is forgotten until it starts to either grow again or stink really, really badly?

Or the junk that remains laying around my girls' bedroom (6 girls in one room really is recipe for a most of the time natural disaster-sort-of-mess... I know because I brave walking in there most mornings after they leave for school) when one of them comes and says "I've cleaned up my part. THEY can do the rest." 

And then I hear or read or even say words like these: 

• "We do not live in a spiritual welfare state. God is not going spend His time doing the very things He equipped us to do. We need to do our part and having done it, trust God to do the rest. That is the proper way of looking at troubling situations and pressing problems."
• "Seek to do the best you can with what you have available and then let go and let God take care of the rest."
• "Do your best and then have faith that God will do the rest."

I don't want to imply that those are inherently wrong or bad words to say, because they do contain important truth.

I do want to communicate that I'm uncomfortable with those words...  and what I know in my heart they mean if I would say them... at least today. (I despise my own fickleness at times.)

For...? They can also mean that what I do is the most important, the most key and critical part, at least in my mind. They can reveal that, in my head, I've set the picture topsy-turvey where somehow I'm in focus in the foreground and God is relegated to the nothing more than maybe interesting or worse yet distracting scenery. They point out my arrogance that generally I don't even recognize until it hits me full force in the face on days like today.

For what God does is never just (just as in by a narrow margin, barely, merely...)-- 

• a less than whole or insignificant remainder,
• a picking up of the bits and pieces I got too tired or disgusted or frustrated to deal with,
•  less important or noteworthy or commendable,
• the bit that will later be forgotten and spoil and thrown away because no one wanted it
• gather those never ending pieces that otherwise convince the job can never be complete...

I keep thinking of these words:

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.  

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. (from Colossians 1)

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Now it's your turn!

"Now, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back... and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..."

Your choice? Commit a tiny sin... or accept great suffering because you refuse to commit that tiny sin?

What would be your choice?

Preacher David Murray summarizes some key points made by Puritan Thomas Manton in his long-ago sermon about Moses in Hebrews 11:25:

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,

than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RevThomasManton.jpg

 All 15 points were zingers... but two in particular stepped on my toes:

1. To suffer is not in our choice, but to sin, that is in our choice. Afflictions are inflicted, sins are committed.
2. Sin separates us from God, but suffering and affliction doesn’t, and therefore the greatest affliction is to be chosen before the least sin.

To read all Pastor Murray's review of all 15 things Manton calls his listeners [readers] to consider at they muse on choosing sin or suffering, head on over to HeadHeartHand: Informing Minds, Moving Hearts, Directing Hands.  Your toes might end up a little sore... or a lot, like mine... but I think you'll appreciate the challenge.



Screen shot of The Complete Works of Thomas Manton @ openlibrary.org

When Daddy's Delinquent

Amnon and Tamar
by Jan Steen
@ http://www.wikipaintings.org/en/jan-steen/amnon-and-tamar-1670

So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. When the king came to see him, Amnon said to him, “I would like my sister Tamar to come and make some special bread in my sight, so I may eat from her hand.”

David sent word to Tamar at the palace: “Go to the house of your brother Amnon and prepare some food for him.” So Tamar went to the house of her brother Amnon, who was lying down. She took some dough, kneaded it, made the bread in his sight and baked it. Then she took the pan and served him the bread, but he refused to eat.

“Send everyone out of here,” Amnon said. So everyone left him. Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food here into my bedroom so I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar took the bread she had prepared and brought it to her brother Amnon in his bedroom. But when she took it to him to eat, he grabbed her and said, “Come to bed with me, my sister.” (2 Samuel 13)

This is one of those biblical accounts that I find repulsive on so many levels - and so yes, I'd read it and yes, I'd even thought some about it... but I still allowed my distaste for the events in this story to push me away. I had never really studied it in detail... until now.

If you'll recall, at our last ladies' meeting, we'd started looking at 2 Samuel 13 as a part of our continuing Bible study of biblical conflict and confrontation. And the resulting discussion was quite rich... culturally eye-opening for me, too! Because that last post had already grown quite long, I decided to stop and come back to it later. Here's later!

We talked about the encounter between Jonadab and Amnon. And we recognized that our different background knowledge and cultural upbringings impacted how we looked at that passage. For me, it seemed pretty clear cut that Jonadab was not a true friend who may have started off well (i.e. he noticed that his friend was upset, went to him and asked him about it), but then tickled the ears of his buddy by telling him what he thought his friend wanted to hear. The ladies in this group weren't quite so sure that this was the case and helped me see at least two other possibilities for what might have motivated Jonadab to counsel Amnon as he did. And we all agreed that regardless of the ancient reality (which we may never know), what is clear is that we need to understand our own motives for becoming a confronter and make sure they are for God's glory and our neighbor's good...

Jonadab's plan, whatever his motivation, while deceptive was clearly effective. King David did come to see his ailing son to find out what was wrong. Here was one place where both the ladies and I agreed 100%: THIS was a missed confrontation on the part of David. Consider the context. David had just been confronted by Nathan for his sin - the pursuit of a woman who was not rightfully his to pursue. Murder followed adultery; the entire affair was immersed in subterfuge and deceit. We all believed that David was probably well aware of what was going on. In other words, he recognized Amnon's passionate feelings for Tamar, but chose not to confront his son. Why?

Differing ideas propose by the women:

1. David's sin didn't occur in a vacuum and palaces are notorious for the gossip and rumors that wander through kitchens, courtyards, storage rooms, stairwells and hallways. Perhaps David felt he had no business confronting his son... that his sin disqualified him from being a mentor, invalidating his authority and any advice he might have to offer his clearly confused man-child.
2. Amnon might have refused to respond to his dad, saying something to the effect of "Hey Pops. I'm only following you and the example you;ve set for us... doing whatever it takes to get what I want. What business do you have judging me, you hypocrite."
3. David might have taken a fatalistic sort of view. Nathan had prophesied that these types of things would befall his family - a consequence of David's own sin. Therefore, he might have assumed nothing he could do would impact what was about to happen.

This led into a very fascinating discussion. These ladies, I think because of the very fatalistic view that is part and parcel of a Muslim background, seemed to really believe that Amnon had no choice in the matter. In their minds, God, through His prophet had declared that these things would happen and nothing David nor Amnon could do would change that. In other words, it was ordained that Amnon would sin to fulfill Nathan's prophecy. 

What? 

Believing something like that allows culture to trump God's Word. It is not consistent with what the Bible teaches. God does not change, but there are occasions where He relents and pursues a different path. Abraham pleaded with God for Sodom and Gomorroh; Moses pleaded for the nation of Israel. As far as a New Testament example, there is the parable of the unjust judge who finally relented at the widow's persistence. Don't forget, either, what James writes: "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man." (James 1:13)

God gave me an opportunity that Saturday. I encouraged these woman to begin erasing a very predominant cultural conception regarding God. With God, it is always possible to make the righteous choice, to act justly, to be obedient, to show kindness, to be angry and sin not... Because we have been made in the image of God (and if we have trusted Him as Savior and have His Spirit living within), there are some wants and wishes that come from within and that are beautiful and pure. Because we are all sinners and have all chosen to disobey and violate His law on countless occasions, our hearts can also be deceitful and direct us towards disobedience, devience and disgusting, distasteful desires.

We are never left without the opportunity to choose the right from the wrong and to refuse temptation. 

David ignored his duty as Amnon's dad. 

• Yes, David had sinned. 
• Yes, he was unqualified to sit in critical judgment of his son. 
• Certainly his children would have to bear some of the effects and negative consequences of his sin. 

But that is precisely why he was the perfect one to talk to Amnon. This was his boy, after all (and Tamar was his daughter...)! Isn't it sometimes amazing when we see our own struggles and shortcomings revealed so clearly in the behavior of our children? It's sometimes like a slap in the face. David had just walked this road. He knew the pleasures were not worth the resulting pain. He knew there were other, better courses of action to take. He knew the consequences for this sin... for any sin, really... were grave, for all sin is ultimately a sin against the only most high, most holy Lord of Heaven and Earth.

David failed to confront - and then Amnon received his tacit approval. In Amnon's twisted thinking, he might have perceived it as a blessing even, when David acquiesced to Amnon's wishes and sent Tamar to him. Maybe he thought Amnon's passions would be calmed just be spending time with his sister. Maybe he never dreamed Amnon would let his lustful feelings actually lead to physical harm. I also can't forget that maybe he truly had no inkling that Amnon's feelings for his half-sister were so vehement and potentially dangerous.

Whatever the case may have been - David squandered this opportunity to disciple his son by authentically and transparently sharing the hard and difficult lessons he had learned. Additionally, he failed to protect his daughter. I was a bit surprised that the women saw this to be the case, as I wondered if their cultural perspectives would influence how they understood these verses.

All in all, at least in this chapter, David was a delinquent daddy. He who'd been such a good shepherd to his father's flocks failed to adequately shepherd his family.

This missed confrontation is a powerful reminder of our responsibility. We are to be looking out for each other. If we see a brother or sister (or child) making a sinful choice, we are accountable for our action... or lack thereof. True - God does not call us to directly intervene every single time we see something questionable. Often it depends on our level of relationship and trust with the other person to be able to confront in such a way that pleases God. But when He does place us in that position, we must listen. We must make sure our motivation is God's glory and the other's good. Then we must gently engage the other person, making sure we share Biblical truth. 

We can't determine another's choice, but at least we can know that they understood there was another option.

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We had one more great discussion topic that Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago, but once again, this post has grown long. Stay tuned for the continuation - coming soon! 

In case you want to go back and look at the previous posts from this series, here they are, in order even! 

• So what do you do when someone just won't listen to plain "good sense..."
• Am I my brother - or sister's keeper?
• "Nin go ga ti bora din..." or "You ARE that man..."
• Expensive and Expansive
• that "action of bringing two parties face to face"

Disney Didactics

I'm thankful my kids still enjoy building sand castles and settlements out in the front yard, dressing up and snuggling on the bed to watch a movie. Even my big kids still seem to enjoy the fact that they are just that... still young people... and act that way instead of "too big for their britches." Well, most of the time... but that is a different story!

One of my high school friends recently posted a fb status about loving the fact that her teen girl and her daughter's friends thought it great fun to get together and watch Disney movies. I agree completely: I love it when that very thing goes on with my girl teens and tweens. It is wonderful that they haven't become too grown up, sophisticated or jaded to dream of princes and princesses, beautiful horses and castles, and fairy tale endings.

That doesn't mean I like everything or accept unequivically all that happens in a Disney movie. We do talk them over and discuss what parts come from worldly thinking and what parts corresponds to Biblical truth; we look at choices and consequences and often these movies become great teaching tools.

It shouldn't surprise me when God uses them to teach me...

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Recently, I was hurt by something someone I know did not do.

That sounds kinda funny, typing it out, doesn't it?

I try not to place a ton of expectations on others, really! God has been working on me with that lesson over the past few years... yet this time, I expected someone to act/respond in a certain way. When the person didn't, I was confused, didn't understand why, wondered if I'd offended in somehow and, as I already said, I was hurt. I spent more than a few hours (more truthfully, more than a couple of days) mulling it over, my feelings ranging from overreacting anger ("Never wanna talk to that one again!") to prayers begging God to help me forgive because I knew my response was unbiblical. Then I grew frustrated with myself, because it had become such a big deal in my heart and I couldn't seem to let it go...

Then Mulan filtered into my picture... you know the story, don't you?

...the young Chinese girl who disguises herself as a young man to take the place of her elderly father who had been conscripted into military service to fight the Huns. Taking the name Ping, she learns to fight, earns the camraderie of her fellow soldiers, even wins the respect and trust of her (very handsome) commanding officer, Shang. After Mulan/Ping daringly saves Shangs life, he says to her:

"Ping, you are the craziest man I've ever met,

and for that I owe you my life.

From now on, you have my trust."

Right after Shang makes this statement, literally, Mulan/Ping collapses due to injuries sustained in battle... and of course the doctor uncovers the truth. Ping isn't such a manly man. What's worse? Her masquerade and deception is shameful, and punishable by death. Her friends, her commander, everyone -they all turn their back on her, some more vehemently than others.

Shang chooses not kill her, but he does abandon her in the snowy mountains to find her own way home, on her own and in disgrace. In the process, she sees the Huns recover from what looked like certain destruction and regroup... then head towards the capital to finish what they'd come to China to do. She makes her own mad dash to the capital, to warn Shang and his men that another battle was imminent... so that they would be prepared.

It was the following conversation, when Mulan finally catches up with Shang, that God used - just like He used Nathan's story to confront David with his sin, thousands of years ago.

Mulan: Shang!
Shang: Mulan?
Mulan: The Huns are alive! They're in the city!
Shang: You don't belong here, Mulan. Go home.
Mulan: Shang, I saw them in the mountains. You have to believe me!
Shang: Why should I?
Mulan: Why else would I come back? You said you'd trust Ping. Why is Mulan any different?

The particular person with whom I was so frustrated had never, to my knowledge, previously done anything intentionally to hurt, harm or discourage me. So why would I assume that about this particular situation? Why wouldn't I trust what I already had experienced as true with this individual, even though I didn't understand? Instead of assuming evil motivations, why not simply assume that the person hadn't done something I normally would have expected him/her to do... nothing more, nothing less... and instead remember all the reasons to trust... the many kind, friendly and generous ways said person had interacted with me and my family in the past?

?????????????

I guess if God chose to speak through a donkey, I shouldn't be surprised that He'd decide to speak a needed message to me and through a Disney movie, eh? 

How about you? How did God last speak to your heart about something in a way that caught you completely by surprise?

Multitude Monday - 1000 Gifts: "Guarded Hearts"

That's a phrase that, really, could have two connotations.

One could be, at least in today's current culture pushing for authenticity and transparency, quite negative. In that sense, a guarded heart evokes the image of a heart - feelings, emotions, soul or mind - blocked up behind walls... unable, unwilling or afraid to even tentatively reach out and risk bona fide relationship because of selfishness, fear or pride.

Yet biblical expression, "guard your heart," is a beautiful, powerful and important one. We are memorizing the following passage (Proverbs 4.23-27):

Garde ton coeur plus que toute autre chose,

Car de lui viennent les sources de la vie.

Ecarte de ta bouche la fausseté,

Eloigne de tes lèvres les détours.

Que tes yeux reardent en face,

Et que tes paupières se dirigent devant toi.

Considère le chemin par où tu passes,

Et que toutes tes voies soient bien réglées;

Ne te détourne ni à droite ni à gauche,

Et écarte ton pied du mal.

(Yes, we are memorizing it in French... and then Zarma, hopefully)

These verses, along with the theme of spiritual health, are going to be very key this year in the local church where we serve and worship.

But back to the dichotomy concerning this single phrase - a guarded heart... yesterday, at the two very different church services we regularly attend, godly servant leaders spoke to us concerning our hearts - preaching on principles to remember and apply that will prevent troubled hearts. That's a more-than-relevant topic these days; the troubled heart temptation can be a mighty challenge in often overwhelming darkness and heaviness so prevalent in this present age.

In the first service, we were exhorted to protect our hearts from all wickedness and envy... for when we allow our hearts to traipse down either or both of those two paths, our actions will not be long in following. The speaker particularly emphasized the importance of knowing God (not just about Him, but being in an active, growing relationship with Him) and discernement - just because something is culturally acceptatble does not disqualify the possibility that is evil or that it might result in an envious spirit.

In the evening (English language) service, we looked at John 14, where the Lord clearly teaches that we are the ones who "let" our hearts be troubled - or in other words, a troubled heart is avoidable. Sunday night, we were encouraged that 1) an eternal perspective, 2) knowing Christ (again!) because if we know Jesus, then we know the Father... in a much less traumatic way, and 3) remembering and relying on the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit are all absolutely essential to an untroubled heart. That phrase, "do not let your heart..." is found twice in this chapter, and is how the Lord counseled His disciples in those last moments before His arrest. Seems like pretty key information for me to practice, before my heart is seized by trouble or fear...

If only it were that easy...

Instead, I find myself often feeling like the disciples... They were described by the speaker Sunday night as clueless and self-centered... at least in these chapters... Ouch!

One thing clearly stands out to me, though. I'm struck, once again, by how balance is so key... my moderation is to be known by all men - and that includes this arena of a guarded heart. I must guard my heart, seeking to protect it from wickedness, envy, cultural deception, letting it be troubled (and many other things). Yet at the same time, I can't stop experiencing and feeling and interacting with people or situations who make me uncomfortable. I can't guard my heart from authentic, deep and possibly hurtful or painful times and relationships. I guard my heart to keep me from sin; if I guard my heart with the single goal of staying safe... that, in and of itself, may actually be sin... at least those are the thoughts spinning around my head tonight. As CS Lewis writes (of Aslan) in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, God "...is not safe... but He is good."

This somewhat introverted, slightly worn-out misso finds that thought a scary one, even on the good days. It is terrifyingly traumatic on the hard, bad ones. And that's even more my reality when think of teaching it  and watching it play out in the lives of the ones I love, particular these 8 young becoming ones the Lord has so graciously shared with us.

this week's gratitude list:

(#s 1992 - 2012)

not really sure what my ramblings today particularly have to do with gratitude, but thankful that God continues to teach and challenge me... and somewhat amazed how once again, He orchestrated both sermons from two very different services to dovetail together so well and to be just exactly what I was needing to hear 

sunburnt shoulders after Sunday afternoon swimming and lunch at the pool

coming up on 18 years this year, and knowing without a doubt, I'd still do it all over again and I'm thankful he says he would, too...

knowing I've got a friend who's "got my back" - I doubt I'll every find that less than amazing!

clean floors that I didn't have to sweep or mop

amazingly cool days for March in the Sahel

good dialogue, even when perspectives differ

miraculous God sized fingerprints of safety for friends who rolled their truck (several times) while traveling, way out on the other end of this country

opportunity to pray for another friend and colleague who has also been in a horrendous accident, and the family of the little girl who died

seeing evidence that God is up to something: as a friend just reminded me - with all these "attacks" it makes one wonder exactly where He is advancing... and it is always exciting and sometimes terrifying to watch Him work

ideas

dreaming dreams

mental wandering and wondering about the future

warts removed

girlies who've discovered jumping rope... again

friends and teachers willing to help probe about and discover why one of those girlies seems discouraged and stressed

pulling out the boy size 7s and 8s (they've been packed up for a long time) and moving down, passing along the size 5s and 6s

passing the #2000 signpost... and realizing I've just barely dipped my big toe into practicing this thing called gratitude

saying a next-to-impossibly-hard "No"

looking forward to talking with my parents - and even when it didn't happen, the antipation throughout the day was delightful and will make it that much more fun next time we can connect

2 days without anyone throwing up

Multitude Monday - 1000 Gifts: Thinking about Humble Pie for Thanksgiving

Missed church this weekend because of some sickies - and ended up reading this (WARNING - do not click unless you'd like to have your toes stomped on at least a few times).

"Humility is one of those qualities that every leader says they admire, but few want to experience.

Think about it. Ask any group of leaders if humility is important, and almost every one of them will nod their heads and tell you that the world needs more humble leaders in every field, from business to politics to, well, everywhere. Ask that same group if they would like an opportunity to be humbled, and virtually every one of them will decline."

It is a painfully truthful, thought provoking, and if I will allow the truth it contains to penetrate and change, humbling perspective. As I've meditated some on what the Lord might be trying to say to me, He keeps drawing my thoughts back to Philippians 2...

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude of in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Hmself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient..."

The first thought that crossed my mind as I've chewed on the above quote (and article) was that Christ humbled Himself... I most often must be humbled by an outside source - be it  my children, my students, my spouse, my God. I don't choose humility unless it is forced upon me. The Lord has taught much in the past few years about accepting His humbling will for my life with gentleness - but I certainly don't ask for it - well, unless it accidentally comes out as mindless verbiage when trying to pray aloud in the presence of other people, and trying to sound good. Ironic, right?

My other key thought was that as I read through the above scriptural quote (NASB), it seems awkward. "...being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man..." As I've read and reread it - it hasn't grown any less so. I guess I'd never noticed the repetition before. Repetition obviously emphasizes the importance of the humanity of Christ as Savior and Messiah.

Looking at the context, however, another thought has also managed to fight its way to the surface, a thought that will require lots more ponderings for this particular person. The first occurrence is contained in a sentence talking clearly about His humility to God the Father. The second sentence certainly includes this in His obedience to the sovereignty of the Father's plan and will for His earthly life, but I think it also manifests His humility, submission and obedience to the will of men - evil, selfish, power-hungry, pride-filled men. Understood - His submission to men was the result of His obedience to God. It also included His choice to allow those weaker and so far below and less than Him to have their way. I don't know how He did it. It is easier to accept, to be "humbled" by one I respect, by one I consider more: more powerful, stronger, more intelligent, more educated, more experienced... or at least an equal.

It is not so easy to swallow being humbled by one I consider less... (like my child). Jesus allowed His creation to humiliate Him ~

• degrade, defame, reduce in rank or status, demote
• to lower in dignity, dishonor or disgrace
• to deprive of self-esteem or self-worth

Humbleness defined as the gentle acceptance of losing face, choosing downward mobility and transparently allowing those I look at as "less" to be the tools of my demotion.

That is the standard I'm reading in the article to which I've linked. That is what I'm hearing confirmed in my heart. I can't say I like it, for it is a chalky and bitter pill to swallow. Do I have the courage to seek, praying for (and really meaning it), these types of opportunities to learn and practice humility, to be like my Savior?

this week's gratitdue list

(#'s 1579 - 1603)

little by little progress

learning to appreciate the practice of downward mobility

funny, snuggly little one

clean floors

a new marking period at school

better grades than expected

seeing what classes where we still need lots of work

distance, both physical and emotional, even when it hurts

homemade bookshelves - no nails included

new beginnings next week

learning persistence in prayer

loneliness, even amidst busyness

not understanding but trying anyway

questions without answers

forks in the road

imagining what might be

anticipating pumpkin roll, pumpkin cake and freshly roasted pumpkin seeds

coming to the bottom of the barrel

the coolness of my waterbed when the power goes out

watching the ants work with m&m this morning

freshly washed comforter

the puzzle of what happened to my bedroom curtains when we moved

little blondie on my lap chattering away as I type out all for which I give thanks

smelling the stolen perfume in her hair as she sits here

Thought provoking quote...

"I was in Baghdad in March 2003, where I lived as a Christian and as a peacemaker during the “shock-and-awe” bombing.  I spent time with families, volunteered in hospitals, and learned to sing “Amazing Grace”… in Arabic.

There is one image of the time in Baghdad that will never leave me. As the bombs fell from the sky and smoke filled the air, one of the doctors in the hospital held a little girl whose body was riddled with missile fragments. He threw his hands in the air and said, 'This violence is for a world that has lost its imagination...'" 

-Shane Claiborne

I found this quote very convicting... violence - physical... verbal... mental... - most often indicates either an inability or an unwillingness to consider the possibilities... a refusal to imagine a different alternative...

Lord, the next time I feel the anger rising... the desire to say or think something ugly and mean...  the longing to slam a door or roughly throw the folded towels in the closet... wish to fix "someone" with an angry, withering glare... provoke the imagination and plant the seed of what You would rather see me do, and then don't let me rest until I obey.

Ya gotta love a good book about pirates, romance and life on the high seas...

...especially when it challenges you to think about

• what it really means to "turn the other cheek;"
• how selfish, prideful ambition is often disguised, even to ourselves, as self-sacrificing service to others... when we look deep or ask God to search our hearts, our true motivations might surprise us;
• how only God truly sees the heart - people are not always what they seem, and even those who appear evil have many layers, many depths - and need to see the God's grace, not man's judgment; and...
• the truth that often, the largest, most difficult land to conquer is rebellious territory within our own hearts...
• and perhaps most importantly, asks us the question, "How do we confront evil?" and should we use different strategies if the evil we find is without... or within...?

So far my favorite "completed" read of the summer?


The Trophy Chase Trilogy, composed of

1. The Legend of the Firefish




2. The Hand that Bears the Sword
   

   
   

   
   
3. The Battle for Vast Dominion

   
   

If you know someone who loves swashbuckling pirate stories, adventure on the high seas, deligtful protagonists pitted against complex antagonists, not too sappy romance and the challenge to think biblically... all rolled up into three books, I can't recommend this series enough. We checked these books out of our local library... and I can't wait for a few more of my kiddos to read them!

Click here to read more about the author or the books.

Craving...

A former pastor of one of our supporting churches writes and sends out a daily devotional that I always appreciate. Recently, he sent these thoughts about 2 Peter 2.1-12... and as a mama who has nursed 8 babies, God's word picture of craving milk like a babe is a powerful image...

“...if we are craving Scripture we will not be focusing on ourselves or others. He encourages our cravings to be intense, like a young baby calling out for milk, only to be satisfied when milk is received. When hungry, no amount of walking, rocking, singing, or holding will be sufficient; only milk will satisfy. May we so crave and only be satisfied in the Word of God. We must not cling to reading books, listening to sermons, singing hymns and songs of faith, or fellowshipping with the saints. Though each of these is good… they must never be substituted for time in the Word of God. Our diligence, our craving must be for God and His Word, for it is here we learn of His grace and goodness, here we learn of His redemptive plan, here we see His mercy and faithfulness,here we learn of true worship, and here we learn to love Him. May we have a never satisfied and always growing craving for our Lord and His Holy Word."

Mary Michelle (Dec. 2008) snuggled up to her Gammie... after her tummy had been filled.

It is easy to grab for something good... all of those other things listed above... and miss out on the best - the very words of God Himself, the very person of Jesus, Word Incarnate.

• Why do you think this is such a common struggle?
• Do you think all of the "tools" and other writings and reflections we have serve to distract rather than direct?
• How do you keep from falling into that trap?

(Thanks, Pastor Terry Burlingame for reminding me and challenging me with these thoughts!)

When a "repenter" repents...

I don't tend to be one of those people who reads and rereads books, time and time again. Generally, I read it once and then pass it along or put it on the shelf to pull out for one of my children to read later. Granted, I have a few "good friends" to whom I return time after time... but really, there's only a few of those. This one has definitely made the "must read" list for our older children, and it has earned a membership in that pretty exclusive forever-keep-to-read-over-and-over-again club section of my bookshelf.  In fact, I have a friend wanting to read it... and I'm going to hand it over in the next few days... but I already can't wait to get it back to study through it again, more slowly and keeping a journal and using it more as a Bible study.... hmmm... maybe she'll want to go through it as a Bible study with me? I might have to ask.

So... how's that for a recommendation? If you are looking for a book that will step on your toes and challenge you, this is one of those sorts of reads. As an adult, I've appreciated the writings and ministry of Nancy Leigh Demoss; she tends to say it like it is, and has a gift for doing so gently and succinctly.

The book begins with the challenge to pray the following prayer at least once a day for the next 30 days:

Oh, God,

show me more of Your holiness.

Show me more of my sinfulness.

Help me to hate sin and to love righteousness as You do.

Grand me a deeper conviction of sin

and a more thorough spirit of repentance.

And make me holy as You are holy.

It isn't a prayer to pray unless you want God to do just that - point out areas of darkness and filth and resemblence to the detestable things of this world as He begins the process of refining and removing all those unholy bits.

Somehow, much of current Christian culture practically believes that grace = tolerance, that holiness = legalism. They might agree with the theological and doctrinal principles that we are all unworthy sinners overwhelmed by grace and that we are to be a people set apart reflecting our Lord's loveliness, purity and moral character. Why do you thinkg that is a common conception? CS Lewis writes "How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing... it is irresistible." (in Letters to an American Lady, p. 19) I love how Nancy shares about this: 

Towards the end of the book, a powerful example is given from the persecuted Romanian church while under communist rule. There, followers of Jesus were given the name "repenters" as an insult. One pastor began confronting his church with regular sin... sin that had become not only tolerated but accepted and even encouraged. This church of "repenters" repented, began pursuing holiness in all areas of their lives and God sent a revival that impacted churches throughout the country and Nancy makes the following observation: "In many of our churches, we're knocking ourselves out trying to be 'relevant' so we can attract new members. We don't want to appear to be different, extreme or too spiritual, for fear of turning off unbelievers. By contract, once the church in Oradea [the example above] was willing to be different from the world, the very unbelievers who had once ridiculed them were irresistibly drawn to Christ.... When will we realize that the world is not impressed with a religious version of itself? Our greatest effectiveness is not to be found in being like the world; it is to be found in being distinct from the world, in being like Jesus." (p. 160-161)

Holiness: The Heart God Purifies is worth the investment for anyone passionate about not abusing the marvelous gift of grace and thus pursuing holiness.

"I remember first discovering as a child something of what it meant to be 'set apart' for and by God. Based on their understanding of the heart and ways of God, my parents established what they felt to be wise practices and limitations for our family. At times, we would complain, 'But everybody else...!' My parents' response was along these lines: 'You don't belong to everybody else -- you belong to God!' They convinced us that there was something really special about being set apart for God rather than being squeezed into the world's mold. I learned early on that to be 'set apart' is not a punishment; it is not an attempt on God's part deprive us or to condemn us to a cheerless, joyless lifestyle. It is a priceless privilege-- it is a call:

• to belong, to be cherished, to enter into an intimate love relationship with God Himself, much as a groom declares his intent to set his bride apart from all other women to be his beloved wife
• to fit into the grand, eternal plan of our redeeming God for this universe
• to experience the exquisite joys and purposes for which we were created
• to be freed from all that destroys our true happiness." (p. 30-31)