Peer-Pleaser or God-Pleaser?

19-21What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.

Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God's grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.

Galatians 2:19-21 (The Message)

¹⁹For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. ²⁰I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ²¹I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Galatians 2:19-21 (NIV)

I was talking to Lisa Myers the other day and she told me that this Bible verse from "The Message" translation "blew her mind". So I checked it out. I've also put the NIV translation up, because I found that it was a verse I've read and heard quoted before. The Message translation made me look at it in a new light, and I thought that was awesome.

I found this part especially pointed: "Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God?" How easy is it to try to adopt what we believe to please our peers. It is so "in" these days to accommodate everyone else's point of view on religion and try not to offend them. It seems like the right thing to do. If we are accepting of their beliefs, then we're loving them, right? Well maybe.

Then again, maybe not.

This verse talks about us having a relationship with God, and living out our lives through that relationship. If we are instead trying to live our lives to please our peers and trying to build a relationship with God based on that, we are not on a firm foundation. I think it's important to note though, that Paul never promises this is an easy task. It takes work to have a relationship with God - just like any other relationship. It's a much more rewarding one to have however because God never bails on you and He's always ready to take you back no matter how many times you bail on Him.

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God is in my iPod

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

John 6:68 (NIV)

It's been a bad day for me today. I turned my iPod on shuffle and just the right songs came up to speak to me. It's nice to know God is in my iPod.

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Psalm 139

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

¹ O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

² You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

⁵ You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

¹⁸ Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

It's been a while since I've posted, and even longer since I have posted with reliability. Over the past few months I have been thinking and praying about my call. I have been asking, "What does God want me to do?" It has been a time of confusion and darkness. I have felt as if I can't see where I'm supposed to go, and so I've stopped moving forwards - mainly because I've lost my bearings and I'm not sure where to go.

However what I've found is I haven't lost my way in my day to day life. I still know where I'm going and what I'm doing on the small scale, and I enjoy it. Today's passage was recommended to me by my friend Meggie. She suggested that I read it, pray about it and reflect upon it as I work on figuring out my call. I printed the passage out and carry it around in the back of my planner. It reminds me that God is here, He knows and He is patiently waiting for me to get where I need to be. But I don't have to lose hope in the meantime, because no matter where I am in my life, He will use me while I'm there.

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My Refuge

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

I got this one from a daily verse site. I thought it was interesting. It evoked the idea of God being an experience of all the senses. It is also a simple verse of assurance - blessed is the man who takes comfort in Him.

Give God thanks.

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Ministering to Our Brothers and Sisters

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart

1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

When looking for today's verse I was inspired by the people God has sent to me over the past few days, and who God has sent me to. I have had many conversations over the past few days. In many I was ministering. In some I was ministered to. In one more than the others, I felt that I was both being ministered to and ministering at the same time. In all these conversations, I heard God.

I realized today that I hear God speaking to me differently than some people. For some people, they hear God in their hearts, or in the words in the Bible. I hear God in those places as well, but it is my relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ that helps me put everything together. Do not overlook the power and value of a conversation with a fellow Christian. You never know when God wants you to be ministering to each other.

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What is Faith?

Today's post is a bit different. Today and for the next several days I'm going to be posting the personal reflection exercises I am writing for an overnight our church youth will be doing in a couple weeks. There are still verses to read, but if you like this may be a chance to get a little more involved. Take the time to pull out a journal, a notebook, a scrap of paper, or pull up your blog, or a facebook note and spend 20 minutes writing your own thoughts down. You can share them if you want, but this reflection time is for you. If you find you have things you want to discuss, you know where to find me. :)

What is Faith?

The dictionary has many definitions of the word, "faith".

Faith
–noun

1. confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.
2. belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
4. belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
5. a system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
6. the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.
7. the observance of this obligation; fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc.: He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
8. Christian Theology. the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.

The root of the word "faith" is the latin fidere, which means "to trust". What does the word "faith" mean to you? What is your faith? What do you believe in?

Read the following verse from Hebrews 1:11 and then take 20 minutes to reflect upon your own faith. Write your thoughts in your journal.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Previous Reflection: http://kairosverse.blogspot.com/2010/01/who-am-i.html
Next Reflection: http://kairosverse.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-do-i-live-my-faith.html

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Love Eternal

15 "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!

16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.

Isaiah 49:15-16 (New International Version)

There's more that dances on the prairies
Than the wind
More that pulses in the ocean than the tide
There's a love that is fiercer
Than the love between friends
More gently than a mother's
When her baby's at her side
- Rich Mullins, If I Stand

These verses are God responding to His people's cry that He has forsaken them. He says that he will love us more than a mother loves her child - never forgetting us no matter what. It is a love eternal. This passage is one of comfort and hope.

This is the last set of verses and lyrics for Rich Mullins' song, If I Stand. The song has always been one of comfort to me, even though it's a somewhat sad and slow tune. The verses he ascribes to his lyrics speak of God's greatness, the eternal reward of heaven, his love for us. They speak of hope, comfort and love.

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Weeping for Our Home

1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept
when we remembered Zion.

2 There on the poplars
we hung our harps,

3 for there our captors asked us for songs,
our tormentors demanded songs of joy;
they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD
while in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
may my right hand forget its skill .

6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
if I do not remember you,
if I do not consider Jerusalem
my highest joy.

Psalm 137:1-6 (New International Version)

But if I weep let be as a man that is longing for his home.
- Rich Mullins, If I Stand

This passage makes me think of how we often forget how awesome heaven is in comparison to where we are now. When we enjoy where we are - and what we're doing - we lose sight of our ultimate goal. At the same time, this verse says to me - anything you weep for, it is less than the grief of not being in heaven. It is both a comfort and a warning.

It is very easy to say, "Try your best and you will go to Heaven." It's a comforting thing to think. However that is a simplification of the concept of grace. This verse speaks poetically of the woe of those far from their homes. God's grace gives us a place in heaven and the Bible tells us what our response should be.

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A song of ascents.

© Alyssa Grabinski

A song of ascents.

¹ When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.
² Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
³ The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
⁴ Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
Psalm 126 (New International Version)

So if I stand let me stand on the promise
That you will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace
That first brought me to you
If I sing let me sing for the joy
That has born in me these songs

- Rich Mullins, If I Stand

Today's verse is about how God turns our sorrow to joy. Even in the midst of our sadness, he can turn things around. Those are words of comfort when we are sad or depressed. Rich Mullins' lyrics say, "Even if I can't sing about joy in my life now Lord, I can still rejoice in the joy that brought me to you." His grace is abundant, and it is always there to catch us when we fall.

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Every Good Thing

¹⁴but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. ¹⁵Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

¹⁶Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. ¹⁷Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:14-17 (New International Version)

The stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance
I owe only to the giver of all good things
- Rich Mullins, If I Stand

This verse goes back to the question of "Why does God let bad things happen?" Bad things come from sin. Good things come from God. That is a simplification, but that doesn't make it untrue. Bad things happen because we live in a broken world - a world broken by sin. Rich Mullins' lyrics tell us that we don't owe any allegiance to that sin. We owe it to the Almighty. Our verse tells us that he is constant and good, and that is why he deserves our devotion and allegiance.


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Law and Gospel

¹⁷ The arrogance of man will be brought low
and the pride of men humbled;
the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,

¹⁸ and the idols will totally disappear.

¹⁹ Men will flee to caves in the rocks
and to holes in the ground
from dread of the LORD
and the splendor of his majesty,
when he rises to shake the earth.

²⁰ In that day men will throw away
to the rodents and bats
their idols of silver and idols of gold,
which they made to worship.

²¹ They will flee to caverns in the rocks
and to the overhanging crags
from dread of the LORD
and the splendor of his majesty,
when he rises to shake the earth.

²² Stop trusting in man,
who has but a breath in his nostrils.
Of what account is he?

Isaiah 2:17-22 (New International Version)

There's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiment
A music higher than the songs that I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance

-Rich Mullins, If I Stand

I've been learning about how we as Lutherans interpret the Bible so that I can teach a class in Sunday school. On of the things Dr. Mark Allen Powell talks about is how pastors are taught to look for both Law and Gospel in every verse they preach upon. I look at this verse and I see law. People will run in fear and cast aside their idols when the Lord comes. Rich Mullins' lyrics talk about the promise of gospel however. Loyalty that is more than just words - it is a truth so true and pure that it cannot be expressed in its fullness. Law and gospel.

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A Hug In Words

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
so the LORD surrounds his people
both now and forevermore.

Psalm 125:2 (New International Version)

More that shines in the night
Than just the moon
There's more than just this fire here
That keeps me warm
In a shelter that is larger than this room

- Rich Mullins, If I Stand

This verse is a verse of comfort. I have never read it before and I love how it's like a giant hug in words. God is always there, surrounding us, protecting us. It's not the oppressive weight of Big Brother, but the majestic sweeping of beauty of solid bulwarks that last for eons. God was here before us and will be there long after we are gone from the earth. What images does this verse evoke in your mind?

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Let us acknowledge the LORD

© Meredith Sizemore Photography

3 Let us acknowledge the LORD;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth."

Hosea 6:3 (New International Version)

There's more that rises in the morning
Than the sun

If I Stand
Rich Mullins

I read this verse and I imagine standing on a mountaintop, basking in the presence of the Lord as the sun rises. Have you ever looked at a blade of grass and marveled at the detail that God puts into each blade? His creation is a wondrous thing. Where do you see God in your life? Where do you see Him in the world around you? When do you acknowledge His presence?


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If I Stand

8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (New International Version)

In looking for another song or verse that spoke to me, I ended up going back to one of the songs that speaks to me on many levels. The song is "If I Stand" by Rich Mullins. Rich Mullins was an artist that died in a car accident, and his death affected me because as tragic as it was, he live his life for God. It was so clear to me that God called him home. I bought one of his CDs in a music store. It was stuck in the discount rack. It had "Here I Stand" and "Awesome God" on it. When I looked inside at the lyrics, I noticed that there were little scripture references throughout every song. There were 8 passages alone just for this song. So over the next week, we are going to be looking at these passages.

Today's passage was listed at the beginning of the song, and I believe it was meant as an overarching theme for the song. The song is a song of praise and a song of supplication. As you listen to the song and/or read the lyrics, what do you think about? How does it relate to the verse above? This verse is the core of the Lutheran Faith - we are saved by grace. What does that mean to you?

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Set the World on Fire

As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

Mark 2:14 (NIV)

Today's verse is one I came across in Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book, The Cost of Discipleship. Bonhoeffer talks about how in the above verse, Jesus calls Levi and Levi responds. He doesn't come to God asking to serve. He doesn't think about it, or do it on his own terms. He just answers the call.

To continue with the musical theme for this week, I have a song by Britt Nicole called Set the World on Fire. The song is about wanting to serve. The song reminds me of the hymn, Here I Am Lord, but it's a song about answering the call Jesus has given to us.

Jesus calls us. We answer. It's as simple as that.

I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for You
It's everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

[CHORUS]
I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the Father's hands

[CHORUS]

Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I cannot do
Nothing I cannot do

My hands my feet
My everything
My life, my love
Lord, use me

I wanna set the world on fire
I wanna set the world on fire, yeah

Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I cannot do
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
There's nothing I can't do
Nothing I can't do

I'm gonna set the world on fire
Set the world on fire

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Glorious Unveiling

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

1 Cor 13:12 (NIV)

Continuing with the musical theme we have a song by The Micah Watson Band. If you click on the link to the band's site you can listen to their first album. The first song is the title track for their CD, "Glorious Unveiling". I went to look up the lyrics in the case and found the above verse in parentheses. What a wonderful message.

Before I address today's verse, I want to put in a plug for The Micah Watson Band. My friend Joe is the bassist for the band. He and I met at my first Kairos. He taught me everything I know about U2. :) The band is working on their new CD, and they are hoping to pay for it by selling pre-release packages. If you like their music, I would encourage you to support them if it is within your means. You can find the pre-release in their store - just click here! :)

We often talk about God's grace and how it saves us. Everyone has an idea in their head of what heaven will be like. This verse talks about the wonders of our reward in heaven. Imagine fully knowing. Imagine understanding all the things that perplex you now. We get to find out where gravity comes from. We can ask "why?" about anything and know the answer! Imagine a world where you can see everything clearly - where there is no need for deceit because everyone can see it for what it is. There is only truth.

Sounds good.

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The Beauty of Grace

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

2 Peter 1:2

Today's verse was inspired by music. Specifically a song by Krystal Meyers, entitled "The Beauty of Grace". Take a listen to the song. The message is pretty basic. God's grace saves us. Woo hoo! It's always good to come back to the basics and be reminded of that fact. No matter what doubts we're having, or questions we're asking, one thing remains true: We are saved by God's grace. We have eternal salvation. That's an infinity mile warranty that never expires and is non-transferable, but always shareable. His grace covers all our pain and all our sins. We are washed clean by His blood. That knowledge brings all sorts of peace.

For those who are interested, here are the lyrics, from LyricsMania.com:

Tell me why'd you run?
You say you’re so ashamed
Bruised and broken
Thought if I figured out the mess you made
Then I’d leave

But anywhere you are
Is never too far away
There’s freedom from your scars
The mistakes that you’ve made
Forgiven
The memories erased
Baby, that’s the beauty of grace

La de da, la de da da

Tell me what is love?
I’ll never hold you to
The things you may have done
You say you want new life
In My arms there’s mercy

Anywhere you are
Is never too far away
There’s freedom from your scars
The mistakes that you’ve made
Forgiven
The memories erased
Baby, that’s the beauty of grace

La de da, la de da da

So blow a kiss goodbye
To all the pain you hide

Anywhere you are
Is never too far away
There’s freedom from your scars
The mistakes that you’ve made
Forgiven
The memories erased
Baby, that’s the beauty of grace

La de da, la de da da

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Being Faithful to Friends

A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends,
even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Job 6:14 (NIV)

Today's verse goes with yesterday's. I found it last week when I was going through the Bible looking for verses about the word "despair". We often talk about how the old testament and new testament are both part of the Bible - and yet as Christians we seem to spend most of our time in the new testament. What struck me about this verse is how it echoes many of the things I've read in the new testament.

This verse talks about not forsaking your friends, no matter what. When they can't ask God for help, you do it for them. When they can't believe, you still believe in them. Jesus said we must also love our enemies, not just those who love us. But we still should be loving our friends.

One of the side-effects for me of reading this verse is I started writing down my prayers. When they ask for other petitions in church, I have a list of names I go through in my head. I generally know what I'm praying for, and so does God. But I realized that I had so much more to say, even for those people. So I started writing them down in my datebook, which has all this space for notes I haven't been using. I carry it with me always, and when I'm praying I can pull it out and read it to remind me of people I want to pray for, and it reminds me what I'm praying about sometimes too. :)

Really though, this verse reminds me of the people who asked me what was wrong and listened and offered me support. I also want to thank everyone who reads these and let's me know that they appreciate it. I started these for two people, myself being one of them. I realize though that encouragement to continue is helpful after a while though. :) So to everyone who supports me, thank you.

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Faithful Friends

There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man.

Mark 7:32 (NIV)

Today's verse is from yesterday's gospel lesson. It stuck out to me because of a few things. First, because my pastor pointed out in his sermon today that the man didn't asked to be healed. It was the faith of the man's friends that brought him to Jesus. They brought him to be healed. Second, because of the discussions I've been having with many people over the past two weeks.

I have been having a crisis of faith. Not about whether I believe in God, but in what I feel God is calling me to do. Partly it was brought on by the recent division that has sprung up in the church. But I think that issue was masking the other issue - which was my own self-imposed deadlines on doing paperwork to get ready for seminary. What I realized is that I have been trying to make things happen in my time, instead of God's. The same issue I was having with our church is one that I realized was tearing me up on a personal level.

What I learned tonight in a discussion with Juliet Hutchins, is what I need to be asking God for in my prayers. It isn't, "What do you want me to do?" That's pretty clear to me in both my internal and external call. (By which I mean that I feel like God wants me to be a pastor and it's what I want to do, and that people think I would be a good pastor and tell me so.) What I need to be asking, is, "How do you want me to do it?"

I believe that got me through the last two weeks was not my own faith or my own prayers, because I had nothing to say and no will to pray. Instead it was the prayers of others for me. They knew what to pray, even though I did not. Those prayers saw me through. The faith of others helped me, and I just had to share that. After two weeks of not having a Bible verse to share, I suddenly had one I just had to share.

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One body, many heads.

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

Luke 22:42 (NIV)

I was also upset by a number of Facebook statuses I saw after the ELCA's social statement on sexuality was passed. People were celebrating, saying that the ELCA had "done something right". There was gloating and cheering. I thought that we were the body of Christ - here to support one another. Instead this issue is a passive-aggressive, "us against them", fight? Those messages made me feel like the time I had spent over the last ten years in discernment on this issue was wasted time; because on both sides the lines were already drawn. It doesn't seem to ever have been about coming to an understanding, but about pushing agendas.

I have heard a lot of good talk about discerning God's will in these discussions, but that seems to have gone by the wayside in the euphoria of a win for the home team. In that, if nothing else, we have divided ourselves by defining "winning" and "losing" sides. We are suddenly the body of Christ moving in different directions - pulling apart. This isn't the first time it has happened - look at the reformation. There were many un-Christian things done in the reformation in the name of Christ, and the first was picking sides instead of attempting to reconcile.

I pray for unity in this discernment instead of division.

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Sexuality as a Stumbling Block

⁹Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. ¹⁰For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? ¹¹So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ¹²When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. ¹³Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

1 Corinthians 8:9-13 (NIV)

The ELCA's social statement has created a lot of consternation over the last week. I have talked to people who are re-thinking their calls. I have talked to people who are considering leaving the church. One of the thoughts in my head lately has been, "Didn't anyone think about the impact this would have?" Maybe the disruption this is causing is inevitable. I can't help but think of the above passage though.

This issue is a HUGE stumbling block for many people. Does the social statement really make things better? When people start thinking about leaving the church over an issue that has no clear resolution after 8 years of discussion, are we making the right choice?

I pray that we will keep all our brothers and sisters in prayer as we continue to discuss this issue.

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Being Cheated On

³The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" ⁶They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." ⁸Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

⁹At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. ¹⁰Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

¹¹"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

John 8:3-11 (NIV)

Today's passage is third in a three-day series. I have been talking with a number of people about cheating lately, both spouses and boyfriends/girlfriends. Today's verse is for people who have been cheated on.

You may be surprised by the verse I chose. I think it is appropriate when you are hurt by someone else to take a step back before going on the offensive. Jesus did say that if your spouse commits adultery you can divorce them. But is that what we should do? And what about dating? In today's passage, Jesus tells us that we shouldn't be accusing others unless we too are blameless.

As painful as it is, a relationship takes two. It takes two to make work and it takes two to mess up. Having someone cheat on you hurts, and abandoning the relationship seems like the easy thing to do sometimes. If you've been dating for a month when you are cheated on, you probably don't want to be in that relationship. Cheating is a hard thing to recover from and it requires a past history of trust and a lot of unconditional love.

If you have a long relationship and you are cheated on, look at why it happened. Is the relationship recoverable? If so then that is probably the right course of action. Hard times include those that are self-inflicted. Ultimately it may not be an easy decision, and you may not be able to make it work; but your first response should be to try to forgive.

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Cheating On Someone

But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment;
whoever does so destroys himself.

Proverbs 6:32 (NIV)

Today's verse is second in a three-day series. I have been talking with a number of people about cheating lately, both spouses and boyfriends/girlfriends. Today's verse is for people who are thinking of cheating on someone else.

This verse provides wisdom for those think of cheating on their boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse. If you are so unhappy in your relationship that you will consider cheating, why are you still in that relationship? People who cheat are often looking for consolation and attention. The attention that they end up getting is often negative and hurtful. You can destroy your relationship not only with your significant other, but with friends and family who get caught in the crossfire.

If you are truly unhappy in your relationship, then you should resolve that relationship before moving onto a new one. As I mentioned yesterday, if you start a relationship by cheating, you are eroding the trust for your new relationship before it even starts because you both know that you cheated. If you are dating, ending the relationship should be relatively easy if you feel that is the right thing to do. It will still be painful, but you will be ready to move on.

If you are living with someone, the situation is more complicated. Living together is making a commitment - one that is not easily broken. You should examine why you want to leave. If it's for greener pastures, you are likely to be disappointed after the painful experience of moving out.

If you are married, you have made a commitment before your friends, God and your spouse to stick it out through thick and thin. You should examine why you're so willing to go back on that now. If you are willing to break your word this time, chances are you will be again. Only 30% of first marriages fail. 75% of second marriages fail. When you make that commitment, it is one that should be taken seriously. Jesus tells us the only acceptable reason for divorce is if you are cheated on. That doesn't mean that cheating is a get out of marriage free pass.

Cheating is ultimately a destructive choice for your relationships - both present and future. Keep that in mind when you are contemplating it.

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Cheating With Someone

²⁷"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' ²⁸But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV)

Today's verse starts another three-day series due to absence. I have been talking with a number of people about cheating lately, both spouses and boyfriends/girlfriends. So this series is addressed in three parts to the three people in that kind of relationship. The first who are thinking of cheating with someone else. The second is for people who are thinking of cheating on someone else. The third for those who are being cheated on. I imagine these lessons will be painful for some, but I hope they will serve as guideposts for others if they are ever in this kind of situation in the future.

Today's verse is about cheating in our hearts. When you look at someone and think, "I want to be with that person," you are laying the groundwork for making that happen. You are thinking about how to make that happen - what to say and how to act. When that person is already with someone, you are tempting yourself to cheat.

Does this verse mean Jesus expects us to never look at anyone else and wonder, "what if?" I don't think so. But when you find yourself falling for someone in a relationship, and they feel the same, you have a responsibility to be mature about it. You should encourage the other person to end their former relationship before they start a new one with you. If they're just dating, this may be relatively simple. If they are married, then this should take some prayerful consideration on their part about why they want a divorce (more on this tomorrow.)

If the person is not willing to get out of their old relationship, this should be a signal to you that you are not that important to them. If the excitement of a new relationship is because of the cheating, then there isn't a real relationship there to begin with. The other reason for ending the old before beginning the new is if you start your relationship by cheating, you are destroying the trust in your new relationship. You both will know that the other is capable of cheating. You will both be suspicious of the other. That's not a good way to start a relationship.

Ultimately though, you should consider stepping back. It's ok to have feelings for someone. What you do with them is the important thing. You should avoid getting between other peoples' relationships. We are called to build each other up, not tear each other down. In today's verse Jesus warns us about thinking and day dreaming about cheating. Once you start thinking about it, it's easier to do it. So try not to think about it. Easy? Perhaps not always, but in the end it's the best thing for you and them.

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Pray for One Another

I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.

Romans 15:30 (NIV)

These words were written by Paul, and they are a reminder that we all need friends. We need help and support and prayer from them. We cannot do things on our own. At Kairos, Nicole and I split our small group into pairs for prayer partners. We ask people to tell each other what's going on in their lives. Then we ask them to pray for each other. It's something people usually aren't sure about but end up enjoying. It's something that's easy to do when you're there, but I doubt many people pray with their friends when they are home.

If you're like me, even suggesting to say grace when you're at lunch with your friends can feel a bit daunting. Especially if they're not all Christian. However usually if you suggest saying Grace, people agree. Though you usually get the joy of praying. ;) So the next time you're at lunch with friends, suggest saying Grace. It doesn't have to be long. "Thank you God," is easy enough to say. If your courage isn't quite there, considering bowing your own head for a moment and silently praying, "Thank you God." You'd be surprised the effect it can have on people.

If someone's having a bad day, you might consider praying with them as well. It sounds hokey, but it helps. It also tells the person you care enough to go out on a limb like that for them.

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Be Disciplined

⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

Lately I've been a bit overwhelmed with all I've had to do to get myself and my kids ready for school. There's a LOT of paperwork, and I, being a procrastinator, put some of it off. I've been getting better lately, and yesterday when I dropped the kids off at school I had all my paperwork done. It was a very nice feeling.

So, today's verse is just a reminder to me and you to be disciplined. Get things done and you will be happier. This verse also has the lesson - you don't know it all, which is always a good one. Even more so for teenagers. :) What in your life should you be doing that you're avoiding?

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True Friendship

If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NIV)

Today's verse is inspired by Katie Gross. We haven't talked much this summer because we've both been busy. I got a note in the mail today that lifted my spirits in the middle of a rough week. I texted her to thank her to it and we caught up. A good friend is one that will pick you up when you fall, no matter how long it's been since you talked with them. Most of my best friends have moved away as I've grown up, but even if we haven't talked for months, I can call them up and talk to them. We pick up where we left off. We're there for each other.

Jesus is like that. It doesn't matter if we've forgotten about Him, gotten too busy for Him, or even have turned away from Him. He is always ready to catch up with us. He is always ready to support us. He never holds grudges if we haven't had time for Him, but is always happy to see us when we come back. One of the four Greek words we translate into "love" is philia. It is brotherly love. It is friendship. It is the love of someone who is there for you when you need them.

Not only does God provide people in our lives that we can turn to, but He is also there for us - one of our best friends. He was such a good friend that He gave his life for us so that we would not have to suffer eternal torment. How awesome is that?

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Following Isn't Always Fun

And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

Matthew 5:40 (NIV)

I had an experience this past week which made this passage active in my life. Some money was stolen at work that I was responsible for while it was in someone else's care. I took responsibility for it, and I paid the money back. I realized that I had not only given my tunic in the form of my reputation and trustworthiness at work, but I also gave my cloak as well in the form of paying back the money that someone else stole.

What I realized is that Jesus never says, "and be happy about it." I have been really upset about this. Something David Drebes said in his sermon at the vocations conference last week was, "It's not always fun to follow Jesus." Gathering with other Christians at events and during church is one of the rewards - the fun things - that we get to do as Christians. It's not all easy though. Sometimes it's downright tough.

So today I ask you to pray for me as I work through my own feelings from this experience. I also ask you to pray for whoever took the money; because while we are supposed to pray for our enemies, that doesn't mean we can't ask for help in doing it.

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Giving Back

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,

Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

Yesterday in church the people who went to the National Youth Gathering reported on the event. Bill Meicke, one of the parents that went had this to say about what he learned from the trip, "If you have a strong faith what you need to do is give back."

Today's passage is about service. Specifically it is instructions for slaves to serve their earthly masters. Today I saw it is instructions for how we should serve others. We are supposed to put ourselves last. We are saved by grace, not works. Works are the fruit of our faith. So like Bill says, if we have faith then we need to be giving back - both in helping others, and in sharing our faith.

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Our Human Journey

⁹Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; ¹⁰take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

Matthew 10:9-10 (NIV)

In my pastor's sermon today he read this quote:

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.

That thought brings new meaning to the above passage. Jesus doesn't call us to go out on a spiritual pilgrimage, but to go out on a lifelong journey. He tells us not to worry about material things, but instead to focus on our ministry. Our entire lives are a human journey, but they are not the only part of our existence - just one part.

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Fear and Crying

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Romans 8:15

Last night a friend scared the stuffing out of me. She showed me a movie case in the movie store. It was a movie that I'd seen as a kid, and it scared me so much then that I avoid horror movies. It scared me so much last night that I shut my eyes and screamed like a little girl. It was all I could think about. I was so afraid I couldn't think of anything else. It was completely irrational. It took an hour for my heart to slow down. She thought it was hilarious. I did not.

As I thought back over the experience this morning, I realized that what upset me the most in the aftermath was that I was so afraid I couldn't reason with myself. I was jumping at shadows. I knew there was nothing to be afraid of. It wasn't real, and as the above verse says, we do not have a spirit of fear.

I'm not sure I have a point today, just a story. What do you do when you're afraid?

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Walls

Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!"

Genesis 45:24 (NIV)

This verse was part of the passage during one of our worship services at the vocations conference. Kate Proctor preached a sermon on it, focusing on this verse. To set the stage, the speaker is Joseph. The one with the technicolor dreamcoat. His brothers sold him into slavery. He became the ruler of Egypt and when they came to him for help, not knowing it was him, he gave it to them - he even gave them more.

Kate's sermon was about the ways in which we quarrel with our siblings, both blood relatives and church relatives. What do you think of when you think of quarreling siblings? Kate thought of creating a wall between herself and her brother in the car seat on long car trips. She also thought of the things that we do to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and how we should act towards them.

What do you think of when you think of quarreling with your brothers and sisters? What kinds of walls are you putting up? What can you do to break down those walls - in a loving way? What can you do about the walls that others put up?

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God is Calling

¹¹If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)

Today's verse is about service. As I am spending my week contemplating how I want to serve - and more importantly - how God wants me to serve, I invite you to do likewise. Some of you are going off to your first year of college. You get to create new identities - be someone different. Who are you going to be? Is church going to be a part of your life? What can you do to make that happen, and not just be lip service that is soon forgotten?

Some of you are going back to high school. You have to deal with the same old stuff you did last year. People know you. It's hard to be different - whether that's change in yourself or standing out from the crowd. How are you going to take Christ into your life when you go back to school?

Some of you are entering the workforce. You will be experiencing the harshness of life. You will be dealing with new people. Some will be jaded, hurt and mean. They will try to crush your dreams. How will you handle them? How will you keep your spirits up?

Some of you, like me, will have the same life you did yesterday. Things haven't changed. Have you? What will you do to show God's love to those around you? Will you forget about church and youth events and the things that seem so far away now that you're back in the real world?

If someone asks, will you talk about your faith?

Will you seek out fellow Christians this year in an effort to grow in your faith?

Will you serve those around you through God's strength, and not your own?

I don't have answers to these questions. I am not you.

God is calling. What will you do?

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Adminstering God's Grace

¹⁰Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Today's passage was inspired by an experience I had Sunday with my cell phone. It died. I had to go to the Apple store to get it fixed and I had about 5 minutes to get there due to extended goodbyes. :) So Sarah Yucha offered to go with me to help me find it. We got in my car, and it wouldn't start. :( Not one to give up, she said, "Let's take my jeep!" So we did. We drove into the Short Pump mall, which is a huge outdoor mall. It's a bit confusing if you have never been to one. Sarah knew where to look , and we literally walked into the store with seconds to spare.

It was like walking into California. People were everywhere hanging out with Macs. The salespeople/cashiers wandered the stores chatting with people. At the very back of the place were people in different shaded blue shirts. These were the "geniuses" I needed to fix my phone. I knew none of this. Sarah knew it all, and pointed to the screen taht showed my name like an airplane arrival list. We had made it in time. After a DMV-like wait in a coffee shop background, it was my turn. My phone was replaced in two minutes. I was back in business.

If it hadn't been for Sarah, and her dad who had suggested making the appointment that morning, my day would have been much more stressful than it was. After I learned my lesson about material things (see Monday's verse), God sent me someone to help me out. Sarah didn't use an encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible or share her faith story with me. She helped me out in a stressful time. She was calm, collected and smiling - her usual charming self. She helped me out in a small way, but it had a big impact on my life, and it made me thankful for her. It also made me thankful for the many other people that God puts in my life, and how on a daily basis they help me out in big and little ways. Today's picture is of a pink sunset. I chose it because it display's Meredith's talent of finding beauty everywhere, and because pink is Sarah's favorite color. :)

Who has God put in your life to help you today?

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Hospitality

⁸Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1 Peter 4:8-9 (NIV)

For the next two days I will be away at the VA Synod Vocations Conference. It's where you learn about being a pastor. What you have to do, talk to people about what it's like and decide if it's something you really want to do. I went last year, and I'm going again this year. Last year was just to get a head start. This year it will hopefully be the first step on a new journey for me. Please pray for all those in attendance this week.

Since I'll be away again, I'm doing a series of three passages for the next three days. I was going to do three different passages on these three topics, but a single passage from 1 Peter 4 worked very well.

This past weekend I spent the weekend with Sarah Yucha's family. They were wonderful and gracious hosts. They fed us delicious food and helped us out in big ways and small. (See tomorrow's verse for more on that.) What struck me was how many families have opened up their homes to myself and others as part of the Kairos planning group process - and not just before Kairos, but after it. The Delaney household, and Dave's wife Nancy in particular is always so wonderful about us invading her house for half a week and then stealing her husband for another week after that. Jack French's family put us up last year and fed us blueberries until we burst (ok I ate most of them). My time there was one of the fondest memories I have of the 2008 Kairos week. This year Malinda Britt's family put us up and made us feel so welcome. Last year Justin Arnold's family and Mandy Fitzgerald's family shared the task of housing the planning group for a reunion. Their parents were so nice and glad to have us.

I mention all these families first because I am thankful for what they did for me and the other members of various planning groups they have housed. But I also mention it because every time I went into one of these houses I felt welcomed as a brother in Christ. I felt what Jesus talks about when he talks about welcoming people into your home. They didn't just open the door, but made us feel like we belonged. They took time out of their lives to get to know us and form relationships with us. They took time to have fellowship with us. These memories are some of the fondest I have of my past two Kairos, and I just wish that more people could share the experience.

My point? Fellowship is a wonderful experience - and it is not limited to Kairos or Winter Celebration or reunions or church narthexes. Fellowship is something you enjoy whenever you are with fellow Christians. Enjoy it. Seek it out. Offer it with joy. It will bring you and others so much more in return.

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Cell Phones Treasures

¹⁹"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

This verse is inspired by my Sunday, which started by my brand new iPhone no longer working. I lost my ability to call people, to connect with them, and to arrange meetings for the Watermelon Festival today. Luckily everyone I was with had a phone and had most of the numbers I needed. But not all of them. I found out how much I rely on my cell phone.

Further I found how much of a distraction my phone was. When it was broken I was sitting in church trying to listen to the sermon and I was running scenarios in my mind about what would happen when I brought my phone into the Apple store for repair. Then I started thinking about what today's verse was going to be.

So my conclusion is not to throw away your technology. But when it fails you, realize your life isn't over and don't obsess over it. I still had people to hang out with. It was all God. And when I finally let it go and got to the Apple the store, the guy behind the counter took about 30 seconds to look at my phone and just gave me a new one. Having said that, back up your cell phone. It's a very good thing to do. :)

For me, I found that while I did complain a bit about my cell phone breaking; and fret about not meeting up with all the people I planned to (sorry Sarah, Suzanna and Meggie), I was able to take that step back and enjoy what I did have. Regardless of your situation, God gives us things to be thankful for. So when stuff happens, look for the silver lining and remember your friends' value is in their company, not their contact info in your phone.

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Be Imitators of God

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

Our third verse for this weekend is from today's lessons. We come back to our first verse, where Jesus tells us to love like Him. We add in the idea of not just loving, but of living. Live a life of love. If we are living a life of love, the verse tells us, we are a living sacrifice, giving of ourselves for others. We love one another as Jesus loves us. We carry each other's burdens. We live a life of sacrifice.

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Carry Each Other's Burdens

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Continuing our theme from yesterday, of Jesus' command to love one another, we have this verse. This verse talks specifically about how to love one another. Carry each other's burdens. What does this mean? Help each other out. When you see someone struggling with something, offer your assistance. This doesn't mean just carrying the groceries. It encompasses more. If you see a friend who is sad, comfort them. If you see a Facebook status that indicates something is wrong, send that person a message and see what's up.

Those are relatively easy ways to carry soemone else's burden. If you know your friend is doing something wrong, say something to them. Support them if they're trying to quit something they shouldn't be doing. Keep them accountable. Keep them away from that boy who keeps hurting them, or that girl that keeps using them, or those cigarettes, that beer - whatever they need help with. Carry their burden because that is what God has asked you to do. Love one another.

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Love Each Other

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

John 15:12 (NIV)

Today's verse is part of a three-parter for the weekend. The theme is following Jesus' commandment to love one another, and how the Bible tells us to do that. Today we have Jesus telling us to love one another as He loves us. He set an example and He asks us to follow it.

Every time I think what it means to love like Christ, I think about loving those I would first judge. For me, that's people who aren't Christians, and people who have politically different opinions. I find myself often disregarding what they have to say and not wanting to associate with them. So when I think about this, I think about not just tolerating, but trying to understand people who have different points of view. Then when I encounter people who don't think as I do, I have a loving way of relating to them and disagreeing without judging, and without acrimony (being mean).

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Basket of Love and Grace - Free Refills

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

I John 4:9 (NIV)

This verse immediately made me think of our response to it. The Great Commission is Jesus' instructions for us to go out into the world and share the good news. This verse is God showing us what he did for us before he asked us to go out into the world. The Great Commission isn't just orders we follow, but our response to the wonderful gifts of love and grace that God has given us. Even more that, it is God saying, "Hey I have this bottomless basket of fish and bread - go share it." Except it's a bottomless basket of grace and love, and the more we give, the more we receive - both for our own lives and to share with others.

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Life by the Spirit

¹⁶So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ¹⁷For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. ¹⁸But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV)

My handy dandy random Bible verse generator came up with this one. I like it - it's pretty straightforward - don't do bad stuff. I'm listening to Superchic[k], a band suggested to me by Maggie Christ. It took me like a year, but I finally bought one of their albums and it came today. :) The song I'm listening to now is called "One and Lonely". It started by talking about reality TV and not living the way the rest of the world lives. That's what this verse is about.

Being justified by grace doesn't mean we have a free license to sin. That's cheap grace. Instead we have to do something - we have to make an effort. Specifically live by the Spirit. We have to do the things we know we should, even when we don't want to. We have to steer away from the temptations that are in our lives. Sounds hard, right? It is. we have a sinful nature - we're drawn to sin. Every day is a new battle, but also a new day to succeed where we may have failed the day before.

Being a Christian isn't making a decision and putting Jesus in our pocket. It's a way of life. God gives his grace freely, but there is a response, and that's where they idea of costly grace comes in. God gives us grace and then takes up a free love offering. What are you going to put in the plate today?

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Praising An Awesome God

¹ I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.

² Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

³ Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.

⁴ One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.

⁵ They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

⁶ They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.

⁷ They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

⁸ The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

Psalm 145:1-8 (NIV)

My iPod played "Awesome God" twice in a row and I took it as a sign. Today was a rather rough day for me. Nothing spectacular, but lots of little things that added up to something less than wonderful. Despite this there were good things in my day. I spent most of it in the company of Patrick Powell - one of my youth who is all grown up and working with me. We did lunch and dinner and his enthusiasm for life was a very nice thing to have today. The picture I chose today is a sunset captured by Alyssa that displays God's power and beauty. As I looked at the photo I could almost see the clouds moving. How majestic!

Sometimes despite the things going on, God sends us what we need to continue on. When Jesus gave us the Lord's prayer, he gave us more than just words to say. He gave us a pattern to follow. It satrts with praise, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." The psalm today is the start of a prayer. It is the start of mine today, and I encourage you to make it yours. Start your prayers with praise and then ask God for the things you need.

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