Living in the Story - Lent #30, 2009

"Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him." (John 8)

I was in a meeting this morning that made me very sad. It was all about the California state budget that was recently passed. We've been in trouble for quite some time and will be in trouble for quite a while still. And the ones to suffer most are the poorest, most vulnerable. I know, this is always the case but it was hard to hear.

As the presenter showed us chart after chart the outcome seemed to get drearier and drearier. As she spoke, I lost my faith in politics. Our leaders wrote into the state budget...like in the budget that we're counting on...trusting that the lotto will bring in double the amount as last year (a snappy new add campaign needed). Mental health and education are both being cut severely. The presentation was called "uncharted waters."

Talking to co-workers today, we all agreed that we are sick of the word "economy." As the doom say-ers speak, we lose faith.

We need to hear Jesus. We need to hear his voice. 24 hour news and talk radio need to burn. Let's listen to Jesus. Let's put our faith in him.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..." (1 John 4)

Living in the Story - Lent #29, 2009

I'm posting twice in today as I missed yesterday's gospel reading...but I love this story and did not want to skip it...

"Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
(John 8)

Today, Jimmy and I drove up and down 9th street about 6 times looking for a prostitute who, in her heart of hearts, wants to leave her life of sin. First, she needs a photo ID, then the stamina to get into a recovery program (it's not as easy as it sounds ...lots of overwhelming red tape to fight through). Then she needs to get free from the poison her body craves. Then she needs strong friendship to see her through the inbetween times. She needs the heart to stick to clean and sober living. She needs a family around her. She needs dignified work, a marketable, healthy skill set, affordable housing...she needs a whole new life. It starts with her willingness and a photo ID...and friends.

We didn't find her....the abandoned house she was living in was raided and is being auctioned off next week. We'll try again tomorrow.

Who do you know that needs to hear that you do not condemn them? That Jesus does not condemn them? Love is the best motivator to leave our life of sin.

"...God's kindness leads you toward repentance..." (Romans 2:4)

Living in the Story - Lent #28, 2009

"No one ever spoke the way this man does" (John 7)

Living in the Story - Lent #27, 2009

"...they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come." (John 7)

I was in a prayer time with local youth pastors yesterday and I read the passage from Psalm 100..."the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations." It occurred to me that this is cause for great security and rest and at the same time a call to go and do.

Jesus did not fear these crowds when they got so mad at him...we read a while ago that one group tried to throw him off a cliff but he "went his way". Jesus knew that his time was in the Father's hands and that was a cause for security. Jesus knew that his time was in the Father's hands and that was also a cause for walking, teaching, healing, sharing and going toward a goal.

God is good, his mercy is everlasting and his truth endures to our generation...and beyond. Let's rest in that. Let's work in that. Our times are in God's hands.

Living in the Story - Lent #26, 2009

"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5)

Come to Jesus. Consciously come to Jesus, O my soul, and let him give you life. Stop running. Just be with Jesus. Sit quietly. Listen. No agenda, no lesson sought after, no requests, no lists. Don't refuse. Life is with Jesus, not all these things. Go to him. Live.

Living in the Story - Lent #25, 2009

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1)

I couldn't say anything better than the video below (if you're reading this on facebook, you have to click 'view original post' to see it).

Living in the Story - Lent #24, 2009

Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. (John 5)

I have never seen a miraculous healing. I know it happens. I know people it has happened to and through and I believe them. I have just never been there to witness one...not a documented, "no shadow of a doubt" healing. I really want to, I do not want to lose hope that it can happen.

An old friend of mine once pointed out that there is a big difference in ministering healing to people and praying for people to be healed. Jesus ministered healing. He didn't pray "Oh God, please heal this man!", he said to the man, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."

I know what you're thinking, "...but that was Jesus and..." The Apostles also administered healing in this way, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Scripture does talk about praying for the sick in James 5..."Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." This is the community of faith gathering around a sick brother or sister. We rarely do this too.

Jesus said he only did what he saw the Father doing, he only said what he heard the Father saying...he had no fear about placing his hands on people and telling them to be healed. He saw and heard the Father doing it. Jesus didn't have to pray, "Oh please, maybe if you could, I'd appreciate it if you would..." No, Christ's ministry started and ended with intimacy with God and knowing His heart for people and walking confidently knowing what the Father was doing and hearing what the Father was saying.

Can we be like that? Can we walk in that kind of intimacy? Can we see the sick healed? Can we see the lost come to Jesus? Can we preach good news to the poor? Can we speak freedom to captives? Can we know what the Father is doing and hear what the Father is saying?

"Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." (John 14)

Living in the Story - Lent #23, 2009

"The man took Jesus at his word..." (John 4)

When you read his words, when you hear the story, when you look with the eyes of your heart at his face, his acts, his way...deep inside, you know it's true. Let's walk in that today.

New news!

Hey folks, YWAM Modesto's new Spring letter is available as a free PDF download...

GLONK HERE to enjoy!

Living in the Story - Lent #22, 2009

To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

(Luke 18)

Eastern Christians for centuries have used this story as a means to daily prayer in a liturgy that is called "the Jesus Prayer" or "Prayer of the Heart". Slightly modified, they promote this prayer that the tax collector says in this form...

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me"

The thought is that in this little prayer is the entire gospel. From the Wikipedia entry..."The Jesus Prayer is composed of two statements. The first one is a statement of faith, acknowledging the divine nature of Christ. The second one is the acknowledgment of ones own sinfulness. Out of them the petition itself emerges: 'have mercy'."

Orthodox Christians have also held this small prayer as a way to fulfill the call to "pray without ceasing". There is a great story chronicled in a book called "The Way of the Pilgrim" by an unnamed Russian Christian who walks across Russia, reciting this prayer over and over.

While some of the Orthodox conclusions about this prayer may not seem to fit my evangelical American culture, this is still a nice little prayer to keep in your pocket. So often we feel that "prayer" has to be some long, drawn out thing and for me, many times making up my own words in prayer feels like I'm reaching and searching for ways to say things God already knows. Sometimes a simple "have mercy" or "Our Father..." is all you need.

Prayer is not for God. We are commanded to pray because God knows we need to pray. It is the place where our heart can acknowledge God and acknowledge our need for God. Prayer is the lens we need to see the world through otherwise, all is despair. So much more than mere ritual and exercise, prayer is the very place we find our relationship with God - this is life.

Living in the Story - Lent #21, 2009

"'Well said, teacher,' the man replied. 'You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.'

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.'" (Mark 12)

This is an exchange between a teacher of the law, a religious leader and Jesus. These conversations usually end with Jesus calling these guys names...snakes, vipers, hypocrites, tombs filled with dead bones, etc. But not this guy.

"You are not far from the kingdom of God."

And he wasn't far...not just in his answer but in his proximity. He was standing right next to Jesus...the embodiment of the love that gives definition to God's Kingdom. In fact, the only distance this teacher had to cross was going from knowing the answer to living in that love and the object and example was right there in front of him - Jesus.

We Christians cast blame on the Jews for missing it. But don't we miss the point just as often? We too can make the promise of a Savior about power, position, fame, association, systems of rules and national pride.

But there is Jesus, just Jesus, pointing the way to the Father, sending us his Spirit and opportunities to love neighbors abound all around us.

Let's not hover near the Kingdom of God...let's step into it today.

Living in the Story - Lent #20, 2009

"...and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." (Matt 1)

Yeshua was Jesus' real name (in English, Joshua)..."Jesus" is the Greek translation. "Christ" is a title meaning, "anointed" or "chosen"...the Greek translation of "Messiah."

Yeshua Ha-Mashiach

Jesus Christ

Joshua, the Anointed One

God's Chosen Savior

The name actually means "God Saves!" I heard a teacher talking about this once in reference to Palm Sunday...as Jesus was entering the city the people cried "Hosanna" which means "Oh, save us!" and Jesus himself was the answer to the cry. He still is.

"Oh, save us!"

"God saves."

Living in the Story - Lent #19, 2009

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Mt. 5)

Jesus made this really simple for us (not easy, simple).

If you can, take your Bible in your hand right now. Now separate the Old Testament from the New. Now, look at that thick bulk that is the Old Testament. That's the law and the prophets. We should not do away with these but every word in here, Christ summed up in one statement..."Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as your self." That's it.

We can look to Jesus as the fulfillment of the law...how did he move, act, react, speak, forgive, serve, give? That's what it's supposed to look like. He is the deep place from which we can live our life.

People want to see someone who practices what they preach. And we can point them to someone who does...Jesus. And we point the way to Jesus by being like Jesus.

Love God, love people.

Living in the Story - Lent #18, 2009

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Don't even think about doing the math...the point is to keep on forgiving. What can I let go of today? How can I tangibly show it?

Living in the Story - Lent #17, 2009

"All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way." (Luke 4)

These were people from Jesus' hometown...they grew up with him, they felt they knew him...yeah, Jesus, Mary and Joseph's son.

But here he was in their synagogue, telling them that there was good news for the poor and that he was the fulfillment of prophesy and that the good news was for more than just their race...it was for everyone. They tried to throw him off a cliff.

Do I feel I have Jesus all figured out? Do I feel others aren't worthy of good news? Do I have prejudice against other races? Do I look away? Do I not go to their side of town? Am I afraid of them? Do I feel I have nothing in common with them?

Jesus will always break through our perceptions that try to keep him figured out...he will always break through that part of us that wants to throw parts of him out...he will always go on HIS way. He is the Lord.

Living in the Story - Lent #16, 2009

"...his father came out and began pleading with him..." (Luke 15)

The father of the prodigal and faithful sons didn't care about broken rules, procedure, probation or being "fair". He did not hold either son at arms length. He watched and wept for the wayward son. He pleaded with the faithful son. He wanted them to see that it was these relationships that mattered most. They are cause for gifts, provision and celebration.

God, help us be faithful to work and to join the celebration. To get up from our pigsty and return. To fall at your feet and let you lead us to the dance. Plead with our stubborn hearts. Don't let us miss it.

Living in the Story - Lent #15, 2009

'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes' (Matt. 21)

And here it is, at the heart of the universe, at the center of everything is the old Hollywood cliche that still sells thousands of tickets, books and songs...

The unlikely, rag tag, pure heart, poor, nothing special underdog wins the day. It is still marvelous in our eyes.

Living in the Story - Lent #14, 2009

"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony." (Luke 16)

This is Jesus, telling the story of Lazurus and the rich man.

Just yesterday I was walking along a river path with a friend. That friend is reading a book by a prominent "tele-vangelist" and he mentioned someone warning him to not tell me. I guess I have a reputation for dis-liking this certain TV preacher...well I know I do, I have been quite outspoken on the subject. The opulence of some ministers does irk me and I suppose I've been a bit too vocal about it.

Two years ago, I went along on a mission to Mexico with a local church group. Our main objective was to build a new house for a struggling family with YWAM's "Homes of Hope" project. The house was about the size of my living room with less furniture than my living room. It was a clean, well built, two room, tiny little home. Compared to what this family had been living in, it was a palace.

On the last day, the family moved in. One of the missionaries there had spent time with this single mother and her whole house received the gospel with joy! There were tears and hugs and photos all around. She now felt like a queen in her shack, on the dusty hillside of a slum in Mexico.

If that woman were to be able to see the house I come from, then I am the tele-vangelist. Notice, Jesus doesn't condemn the rich man for his wealth (of course he also does not have kind things to say about people that aquire wealth through religious manipulation or other dodgy means)...he condemned him for not sharing.

Who is outside my lavish gates that I could invite in? Is there something I can give up so that others can receive? There are so many massive needs in the world, how can I do my part? Is there a way I can live simpler? Can I share a meal with someone? Can I share my time with someone?

Looking for a worthy cause? Try HERE Or HERE Or HERE (it's better on facebook to go HERE) Or HERE Or HERE Or HERE Or HERE Or HERE

There are so many ways we can give and invite others in to our lives. It's about way more than just money, it's about presence, connection and sharing real things...it's about relationship. As much as we want to get out of it, we must lay down our life for others. This has to go beyond words and into reality.

Living in the Story - Lent #13, 2009

"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mt. 20)

"What can I do for you?" "Do you need help with something?" "How can I pray for you?" "How are you?" "I love you." "Please forgive me." "Can I get you something?" "Would like to sit and have a coffee together?" "Yes."

Such things can change the world.

Living in the Story - Lent #12, 2009

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matt. 23)

The last time I was in Thailand, we were taken by our host out to a Refugee camp for Burmese Karen people who had crossed the border fleeing the Burmese military who have been taking over their lands and destroying their villages. This sprawling camp seemed to go on into the hills forever. In this camp, there is a grass roots Christian school run by the people in the camp. Walking across the stream and up the hillside into the weaving system of paths to bamboo houses on stilts was the highlight of my trip. Hearing the children sings songs about Jesus for us brought tears to our eyes.

The Karen gentle lady that is the 'principal' of this little school (just a bamboo room on stilts in a refugee camp) had taken on a little physically and mentally handicapped boy to care for...he cannot walk or talk or do anything for himself. All she does is hold him all the time and pray for him and love him. When I hear the story of the widow's mite, I think of her. When I hear Jesus say, "the greatest among you must be your servant", I think of her. I don't know her name but Jesus does and he will lift her up.

Living in the Story - Lent #11, 2009

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6)

I was at a lunch quite a few years ago...about the third time back that it was cool to talk about how awful the singer Madonna was...the controversial, shameful, anti-christian ways that she was behaving. I was making jokes about her around a table and enjoying the laughter and admiration of everyone there...enjoying how right my prideful rant was. A girl there interrupted it all and asked if I ever prayed for Madonna. The table was immediately silent and my face was immediately red. She meant no malice in her question. I was speechless. Then she proceeded to say that we should all take a moment and pray for Madonna to come to a real knowledge of Jesus. Very soberly, we did.

Jesus' words here state what our posture should not be toward the world and what it should be. Why do I get these confused so easily? He has not called us to judgment and condemnation. Those are ultimately jobs only God can handle. Our posture toward the world is to be mercy, forgiveness and giving.

What unmerciful judgments am I making about others? Do I condemn with my words, attitude and thoughts? Do I judge through my prayers? Do I honestly wish for others to know Jesus' love and forgiveness? Am I holding on to perceptions? How can I show mercy? How can I pardon? How can I give?

P.S. I found an excellent post in the season of Lent over at the "Rabbit Room"...so good I thought I'd link it here. GLONK HERE to go tot the site...http://www.rabbitroom.com/?p=1487

Living in the Story - Lent #10, 2009

"And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Mt. 5)

If you are reading, you've probably noticed daily postings here during the Lenten season. I'm also reading another blog by an old friend, Scott who is now a pastor in New York...he's doing daily posts during Lent too. He has a great entry that goes with this verse from today's gospel reading. GLONK HERE to go there.

Sam's day planer

Sam is keeping a day timer. Here are this week's entries...

Tues. March 3, a plain 'ol day. Back to school. Everything's weird.

Wed. March 4, AWANA tonight. Finishing my book. Nag, nag, nag.

Thurs. March 5, Going to see Grandma. Red Robin, yum. poop.

Fri. March 6, Softball today. There's nothing else.

Living in the Story - Lent #9, 2009

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matt 5)

With this statement, Jesus elevates our relationships to one another to be as important as "worship". No matter how much I give, sing and work, if I am not right with you, I am not right with God.

Living in the Story - Lent #8, 2009

"...whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, this is the Law and the Prophets."
(Matt 7)

This is it. It is simple, not easy. In every decision, in every move, in my words and thoughts, what do I want others to do, think, say on my behalf? It is how I should act, think and speak. This is love, this is life, this is it. No grand theological understanding needed. No papers that have to be written. This is it.

How can I keep this in front of me today?

Living in the Story - Lent #7, 2009

"This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah." (Luke 11)

There are similarities between the story of Jonah and Jesus. Jonah left his home to deliver God's message, he gave his life so the ship crew could be safe, he spent three days in the fish only to 'resurrect' and deliver his message. And that's where the similarities stop. Where Jonah was reluctant, disobedient and pouty...Jesus was resolved, obedient and endured for the "joy that was set before him".

Is Jesus condemning all future 'supernatural' acts? Of course not, his commissioned his students to work wonders and these continued on into the days of the early church. Miracles still happen today.

However, we do not have to look for the supernatural to be assured of God's love or favor...that is what wicked people do. Jesus himself is enough. If disobedient, reluctant, pouty Jonah was enough to bring Nineveh to it's knees, how much more sufficient is Christ and his good news?

"I will praise you, O LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."

With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.
(Isa. 12)

New Interview

Hey folks, our friends at Advancing Vibrant Communities interviewed Jimmy and I for their hour long show called light house live. Glonk the link below to listen...

http://lighthouselive.blogspot.com/2009/03/ywam.html

Also, it's downloadable in the itunes store under "Lighthouse Live"

Living in the Story - Lent #6, 2009

"...your Father knows what you need..." (Matt 6)

My kids don't need to spend a lot of time convincing me of their needs. They don't plead for hours with tear stained faces begging me to help them.

Even now, they are resting securely in bed knowing that when they are up, all will be provided for them to live, eat, learn, have fun, be supported, corrected, sheltered and clean. They know that they are part of our family and that brings security, identity, good work to do, laughter, warmth, a safe place to be one's self, try and even fail.

God is a better Father than me. Resting securely in that we can pray...

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Your is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Living in the Story - Lent #5, 2009

"Truly I say to you, to the extent that you (fed, gave drink, invited in, clothed or visited) one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me."

"...even the least of them..." I've always seen this passage to mean that we look for the "least" and many of us translate that as "the poor". While this is true, the way Christ says it here suggests that this should be our posture toward everyone...even the least.

It's different because it seems we think that we should minister to the "least" every so often...do the church outreach, go on a mission trip...but Jesus calls us to a hospitable life, sharing food, drink, clothes and time with all his brothers, including the least. In this passage he is addressing his students and is including them as he speaks. In a short time, these men will be poor wanderers for the sake of the gospel, they will be thrown in prison, tortured and in need. They will desperately need each other.

Our hospitality to Jesus starts right where we are right now. Don't wait for the monthly outreach down at the shelter. Do that too but we can share, invite and welcome today.

Do you see a need? Who in your life needs food or clothes or drink or a welcoming space or a visit? How can we open our homes, cupboards, closets, schedule and hearts to one another today? How can you be hospitable where you are?