Ora et Labora

This is a blog post mostly written for my church family, but all are welcome and invited to read it.  I realize that most of the people who will probably read this are not the people who need to hear it. 

Our church is currently going through a sanctuary renovation project. We are updating the carpet, the paint, and the seating.  It is an exciting transition.  Some people may question the use of the word "transition," but it really is an appropriate term.  Transition is about looking at what exists, deciding what matters, and changing what doesn't fit.  

By making these changes we must face some difficult questions about what the purpose, value, and role of a church building is.  I don't have answers to all of these questions.  I haven't even fully identified all of the questions that are being asked.  But at the core of each of these questions we must determine what the changes that we're making say and show about our beliefs about God and His plans for the church. We must face our expectations and see what matters most to us.  

 There are things about the project that I really like, things about the project that I really don't like, and things about the project that I really don't have a preference on.  But my response in each of these areas exposes my heart.  Do I recognize what really matters?  Am I questioning someone's decisions because it goes against my convictions?  Or am I merely letting my preferences get in the way?  When I stack up my convictions against the changes I see, I find that nothing is changing.  Stubbornness can be a good thing when you are asked to change your convictions.

A lot of people like to say nice sounding things like "the church is the people, not the building" or "don't go to church, be the church".  But I think that sort of perspective undermines the complexity of this issue.  

The church was called to impact the world.  As we interact with a Holy and Awesome God, we experience Love and Freedom in ways that help us to do so.  And I believe that as a Christian, you are called on to have an impact everywhere you are, and in everything you do.  Work, friendships, and more are all aspects of your ministry.  We enjoy an astounding amount of religious freedom in this country.  We lack much of the persecution that the church worldwide must face.  However thankful we are for this freedom, we must also recognize that it leaves room for complacency and disengagement.  We are a "Christian nation" in name.  Most Americans profess belief in God or claim to be Christian.  But we are an entertainment driven culture.  People expect (its past the point of enjoy or prefer) to be entertained.  The problem with entertainment in America is that it is a usually spectator event.  People want to stay at home and watch church.  Or allow themselves to fall out of the habit of going to church. This is where the church building's role matters. The church building that we have been blessed with is an important part of God's plan for us in America. It gives us a place to meet with other Christians - in ways that build us up and encourage us as well as in ways that expose our rough edges.  It gives us a setting where we can join together with others and worship and in prayer because of our shared beliefs and in spite of our issues.  We are a body and we all have strengths and weaknesses, but these are not the same for each of us.  Together we are better than we are separate.  This is why we need a place to meet.  It is God's desire for us to be in unity.  And unity begins at church.

Now as we go through this process, it would be easy for our church body to let the people who have strengths in building/construction/painting/etc to take over the project and run with it.  It would be easy for some of us to let it happen and sit back to enjoy (or complain about) the end result.  But I feel as though we are each called to get involved.  I think God has asked us to give more than just financially to this project.  I think God wants YOU to take an active role and to give of your time and your energy.

When this project began, we heard from some of our church family who's (literal) blood, sweat, and tears were poured into this building.  Many people gave and worked and sacrificed in ways that most others will not understand.  Most of us will never know what it cost for us to have this building.  But even though this is a (relatively) small project, you can have an investment in something that will have an impact on God's kingdom.  He wants you to be involved.  He even promises to bless you as a result!

²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24)

What looks like paint, God sees as something which can create an atmosphere for bringing peace to a troubled heart.  What you see as ripping out old carpet, God sees as making room for the new dance floor for his unashamed worshipers.  

This is something that I learned during a missions trip to Haiti.  God loves when you prayerfully work to see things happen.  So take advantage of this opportunity.  I love the "slogan" for Roberts Wesleyan College (my alma mater) and find it especially relevant: 

Ora et Labora.  Pray and Work. 

If you will commit to working and enter into that work willingly and prayerfully, excited to see what God will do through it, I promise you that you will be blessed.  It does not matter how small you think your role is.  Give it your best.  

So here it is: Get over your preferences and get involved because you can have an impact you will never understand, but will bring joy and glory to God.  Be blessed both now and in the inheritance to come as you give, and never doubt or regret what you have given.  Ora et Labora.

New Life

I am reading through the book of Leviticus in my personal reading now.  In the past this has always felt like a struggle and a chore (truthfully, it still does at times).  Normally Leviticus is where I stall out and lose momentum as I try to read through the Bible each year.  But about a week ago, my pastor challenged me to read scripture with a new perspective in mind.  He said that you should be able to find Jesus in any passage of scripture or you’re not looking hard enough.  I wanted to (but didn’t!) roll my eyes as he said that when I realized what book of the Bible I was beginning.  But I kept an open mind - and have been blessed in fresh ways this time around!  

I am amazed at some of the Truth that has been opened up to me.  I’m not sure that I can fully put into words or explain the things I am seeing, but here is a partial list and a few brief explanations.

• The sin offerings (literally a scapegoat) for the people of Israel took place outside of the camp; Jesus suffered and died for our sins outside of the city of Jerusalem.  He was our scapegoat.  (define scapegoat: “A goat (or person) who bears the blame that should fall on others.”)
• Blood - it seems that an important recurring theme of the book of Leviticus is the role of blood.  Leviticus 17:11-12 explains, “‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells amount you eat blood.’”
• It plays an important role in many of the different types of sacrifices and in deciding who is “clean” or “unclean”.  
• The book repeats the idea of “sprinkling blood” over and over in the process of making clean that which is unclean.  This idea is incredibly powerful when paired with 1 Peter 1:2, when we see that Peter gives the following greeting: “in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” - Even the way we greet others can bring sanctification.
• How shocking Jesus’ words must have been to his audience in John 6:53-54. “Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
• Many of the sacrifices required both a living and a dead animal for sacrifice; Jesus was able to fulfill both roles.
• The Levitical order was established for Aaron and his sons; Aaron as the High Priest and his sons given over to other priestly duties.  Jesus is now considered our High Priest and we have been adopted into his family as sons - giving us a priestly duty.  Scripture also points out that Jesus has finished the work of the High Priest once and for all and has sat down at the right hand of God, no longer needing to continually offer the same sacrifices year after year.
• It is fairly easy for something or someone to become unclean or defiled under the Levitical Law, but 1 Peter 1:4 tells us that we now have a salvation which is “incorruptible and undefiled”.

I am only part way through the book.  But I am excited to see what else God wants to show me in this.  I love when I find new life in something familiar.  God wants to meet you in the same way.  Look for Jesus in every passage of scripture you read and may you find new life as well. 

Getting Sick

Every once in a while, I get sick.

I know most people would probably respond with something like, "well,...duh..."  Especially when I go on to say that I hate getting sick.  Does anyone actually like getting sick?  I mean besides the average hypochondriac (yeah, I know you claim you don't like getting sick, but I don't believe you).

But it really is weird for me.  I have a tendency to walk around with the expectation of health.  I am genuinely surprised every time I get sick.  I am not afraid of getting sick and rarely take the precautions that most people do.  I have faith in my immune system and its ability to do what it was designed to do (and I don't use the word "designed" lightly).  In my mind, health and attitude are not disconnected.  I joke about hypochondriacs, but sadly, it is a truth that some people choose to live in sickness rather than health.

But when I do get sick, I have this tendency to turn into a big baby.  It leaves me wanting nothing more than for someone to take care of me.  I'm not looking for someone to fix it, just for someone to ease the process and comfort me while I wait to get better.  I know its going to take time to get through the process of getting better.  When I am sick I am reminded that despite my best efforts to hide it, I am not perfect - I have flaws and those flaws sometimes get the best of me.  My vulnerability is exposed.

Getting sick shows my need for something - for Someone - beyond myself.  I may hide my true heart's cry for help on a regular basis, but in my weakest moments, it comes out.

So today I am thankful for the reminder that getting sick brings me to be grateful to Jesus, my savior, my healer, my friend. and all He does to comfort me through my daily sicknesses.  He is my eternal immune system and is constantly working to restore me to the health I was created for and choose to live in.

Mistakes

Can we be honest for a moment? We all make mistakes.  And there is no guarantee that anything we do will work out like we want it to or think it should.

I think we I sometimes get so worried about making mistakes that we I fail to act when we I should.  Why is that?  Sometimes we I feel phony or ill-prepared to handle what we I see as a need.  Sometimes we I become overwhelmed by the immensity of the problem that we I don't know where to start or how anything we I do will make a difference.  But God expects us to act.

 ^7-11Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! (1 Peter 4:8, The Message)

It is interesting that the definition of the word "act" is to play a role or a part; to perform.

How often do we I complicate the choice to act or not to act?  Too often we I let a limited understanding of an unlimited God affect this vital choice.  We I tend to make the decision based on what we I know will yield a positive result. We I must accept that we are I am NOT responsible for the outcome.  And when we I can buy into that idea, we I will begin to act like we I should.  We I have a role to play.

It does not matter how qualified we I feel or what we I believe to be possible.  It only matters that we I follow Jesus' example and obey Him.  We I can see very clearly in the passage above that what matters is that we I play our my part and do something. We I can pray, or be generous, or whatever, but we I should not worry about making mistakes.  All we I should worry about is acting out of love.  As long as love is the motivation, the impetus for action, then it will be forgiven.  Until today I always thought the forgiver in this passage was Jesus and the "sinner" was whoever I was showing love to...but I'm beginning to suspect that the forgiver is that person to which I show my love and the "sinner" is me.  I may offend, frustrate or anger someone with my actions, but if I am motivated by a pure love, in the end, it will be forgiven.

So what am I waiting for?  Its time to start making mistakes.  Will you forgive me?

Sunday Hymns: Immortal, Invisible

Good morning!  Enjoy this hymn written from 1 Timothy 1:17.  I love how unashamed it is of Who God Is.  Its a very short hymn that extols a handful of God's wonderful Names.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes, most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.

Unresting, unhastening, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; Thy justice like mountains high soaring above Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all, life Though givest to both great and small; In all life Though livest, the true life of all; We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish; but naught changeth Thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;  All laud we would render; O help us to see Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.

Here's an acapella version for you to enjoy:

Be encouraged this week because the God this song sings about loves YOU!

Ordinary

I recently read Tony Dungy's book, "Quiet Strength".  It is a very easy-to-read book which I highly recommend to anyone looking for an encouraging read, even if you're not that into sports.  Although an appreciation for football certainly helps. 

Its a wonderfully moving story of Tony Dungy's life.  The highs and the lows.  The successes and the struggles.  They did a great job I will admit that it brought me to tears several times.  Tony is an incredibly thoughtful man.  He used every experience in his life to learn and to grow.  He has incredibly faith in God.  He loves his family in amazing ways.  He was always looking to improve the lives of those around himself. 

Things I liked in/learned from this book:

1. Extraordinary things happen when you focus on doing the ordinary things better than anyone else.
2. Use everything you experience as a learning tool to help you grow.
3. Recognize your position in life as a gift and use that platform for good.
4. Value people and keep your priorities aligned appropriately.  (God. Family. Job.)
5. Stay the course.  Don't doubt yourself or your values if they don't seem to yield the right results.  Hang in there.
6. Sometimes life is hard.  But even when life will never be the same again, it won't always feel the way it does in the moment.

Here is one of my favorite (of MANY) quotes:

At some point in life's journey, professionally and personally, we have to be able to trust our preparation.  When we've done everything we can, we need to wrap things up and move on....Higher priorities, such as spending time with God and family, must not be afterthoughts jammed into your schedule.  But doing so requires faith-faith in your preparation, faith in your outcome, and for me, faith that God is watching over me, even when I can't understand His plan.

I sincerely hope you pick up this book and read it.  I'm confident you will be glad you did.

Here's an interview with Tony Dungy:

Confidence

I love this verse:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

As much as I love this verse, I am beginning to realize that I may not truly understand or believe it yet. friend has recently been trying to convince me to start living like I believe this verse on a day-to-day level. 

You see, I tend to think about this verse as a great call to faith in times when things don't seem so great.  I have repeated it to myself over and over again when I'm frustrated, or struggling with something, or feeling burned out and exhausted.  Its brought me hope over the years.  This verse has helped me through some difficult times.

But what does my friend mean when they point out that I don't believe this on a day-to-day level?  Well, most days aren't so difficult that this verse has felt necessary.  You see, I have tended to read this verse as "we know that in bad things God works for the good of those who love Him..."  But that is not what the verse says.

This verse says, "...in all things...".  ALL things.  That means that in the mundane things, God is working for my good.  It means that in the good things, God is working for my good.  In the seemingly meaningless things,...God is working for my good.  God is ALWAYS working for my good.  He is on my side.  He has my best interests in mind.  He loves me and wants to give me the best.

I can have confidence that in any situation or circumstance, in any decision or action, God will carry the weight of responsibility for making it work out for my good.  As long as I keep trying to follow Him, and keep trying to seek His will and desires, I can't miss.  I can swing for the fence and be confident that God is in control of the outcome.  I may hit a home run out of the ballpark - its under His watchful eye.  I may strike out - He will instruct me and help me to grow.  I may have to take one for the team that helps someone else, but He has the bigger picture in mind.  I may get a hit that looks like nothing much, but if I run with passion, and get the right bounces, I may get an inside-the-park home run with Him cheering me on and waving me home with all His might.

I choose to put my confidence in the One with my best interests at heart and the power to move mountains in His words.