If you could hire a "Christmas designer" to design the perfect Christmas, what would it look like? White snow? Glowing friends and family filling a large room with love and laughter? A tasty, juicy ham injected with pineapple or coke? Loved ones praising you for picking the perfect gift? A black Lexus with a big red ribbon wrapped around it? What does your perfect Christmas look like?
Actually, there was only one perfect Christmas, and it took God (not a "Christmas designer" or "super-mom") to pull it off. And even still, the perfect Christmas wasn't so perfect by our standards. Actually the perfect Christmas sounds a lot more like a typical Christmas for busy moms and dads. Travel through not-so-perfect weather and a day refusing to go according to the ideal plan. Exhaustion, frustration, and messiness. And THIS was the perfect Christmas. And I don't know for sure, but I think Mary would have agreed. Why? Because she wasn't aiming for just the right present for Joseph. She wasn't aiming for the perfect meal or a spotlessly clean home. She wasn't aiming for anything but the presence of Jesus.
By those standards, maybe you've had a lot more close-to-perfect Christmases than you think. Sure the green bean casserole didn't turn out just like you planned; no, you didn't get that gift you were hoping for; and yes, you're absolutely worn out by all the busyness. But when all the excessive expectations are stripped away, and when squint your eyes and look beyond the dense forest of commercialism, you'll find that this Christmas, like every other Christmas is one more reminder of that one perfect Christmas celebrated by Mary, Joseph, and a few strangers so long ago. A day to remember that day in history when God humbly invaded our story.
So raise the bar for your expectations this Christmas. Snow, family, smiles, gifts, love, laughter, and good cooking may be a part of it too, but I hope that you're expecting more. I hope you're expecting an awareness God's presence and gifts like peace, love, and hope that He brings each year as you remember Jesus.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Only for a Season
It's only for a season. That's what I told myself while I was in the midst of my third all-nighter in two weeks to finish another paper for school.
It's only for a season. That's what came to mind when I discovered my truck had been broken into again.
It's only for a season. That's what I reminded myself every time I sat at the traffic lights for ten minutes in front of Kohl's in Highland.
It's only for a season. That's what I thought when I had to turn down yet another invitation to hang out with the guys on campus at Moody.
It's only for a season. It's only for a season. It's only for a season. I kept reminding myself. I never let myself forget. It's only for a season.
The season I've been referring to for the last two years is coming to an abrupt end. And I'm terribly sad about it. The season I just couldn't wait to get through, the season I was just praying to survive, has turned out to be the best yet. As I look back at the last two years, I have so much to thank and praise God for.
The season of worshiping with what has become my family at Crossroads is coming to an end. Thank You God for placing these wonderful people in my life! Thank You especially for the leadership and wisdom Drew Brown has poured into my life. Thank You for the opportunity Kris Vos and Road Crew gave me to serve at Crossroads. Thank You for placing caring people like Joan Buss and Tiffany Nottingham in my path. Thank You for this season at Crossroads. I wish it didn't have to end.
The season of ministering to and with the awesome students of Brickhouse is coming to an end. Thank You God for showing me what it means to simply love You and love students. Thank You for an endless list of great memories with students. Thank You for allowing me to watch you change students' lives. Thank You for allowing me to see such an amazing team of volunteer adult leaders who give their time, talents, and energy every week in Your name. Thank You for the Fight Club guys, for the fun we had and the challenges we overcame. Thank You for showing me You can use a quiet, thoughtful, and just-plain-weird guy like myself. Thank You for this season at Brickhouse. I wish it didn't have to end.
The season of studying at Moody Bible Institute is coming to an end. Thank You God for teaching me more about You! Thank You for allowing me to explore my gifts in ministry, especially writing and counseling. Thank You for placing Mitch Tabla in my path at orientation and for the friendship we developed over two years. Thank You for bringing Matt Seaver into my life... chainsaw, beard, and all! Thank You for Ian Stewart and the time we were able to spend getting to know each other and praying for each other this past semester. Thank You for exposing me to great professors like Dr. Finkbeiner and Mrs. Smith, who humbly and lovingly teach with excellence. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me in real, tangible ways every day as You coordinated my studies with my experiences.
It was only for a season. Praise GOD for this season of my life!
Moody, Crossroads, and Brickhouse, you made this a season I'll never forget!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Providence and Prayer
When God moved my family to Chicago, I wasn't sure what He had in store for me. I guessed, "Maybe He's bringing me here to fill the Bible gaps in my brain. Or maybe He's planning to give me a little better theoretical understanding of what ministry is all about. Or it could be that He just wants me to learn something more about myself." In my time up north, He has accomplished all of these things, but I'm convinced He had a broader purpose in bringing me here. In the months and years prior to moving from that small, rural community in East Central Indiana, this was a regular prayer of mine: "Father, open my eyes, and help me to see your hand at work in my life and in the world around me."
Divine providence. That's what they call it in the classroom where I read all about it and wrote essays on it. Having a little book knowledge about providence is helpful, but God allowing me to witness it and experience it is what has really shaped me and my view of Him. Seeing Him work has softened me. Seeing Him work has created in me a spirit of humility, thanksgiving, and praise. God is more active in our lives and in the world than we will ever know. In His divine providence, God has spent the last 20 months teaching me about... His providence. And about prayer.
Bible knowledge is pretty important for a pastor. We get that. Of course it is! There's nothing more important, right? We have to be prepared to handle the Word of God with care, accuracy, and reverence. Preaching and teaching is what pastors do. At least that's the thing we see them doing every week when the spotlight is shining brightly on him and his mic is amped up. What we don't see are the hours of prayer for the needs of the congregation. The prayers asking for guidance. The prayers seeking wisdom. The prayers just resting in His presence and nurturing a love relationship. Prayer is what shapes the pastor's heart and vision. Without prayer, the Bible feels stale. And so does the pastor's teaching. So it shouldn't be any surprise to me that God has taught me as much about prayer in the last 20 months as He has about the Bible.
It has been interesting how providence and prayer have intersected and interacted in my life. I'm currently reading Richard Foster's Prayer. Yesterday, I sat down to read a chapter and thought, "This has been one of the most relaxing, restful days I've had in several months." I sat for a few minutes watching a storm roll in and listening to the rain. Ahhhhh. When I opened my book to chapter 9 and read the title "The Prayer of Rest," I wasn't surprised that God, in His providence, had me reading about this topic on this day at this time. God's divine fingerprints were all over this one.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt. 11:28-29)
I'm so thankful for what God is teaching me, and I'm eager to see what He does next. What is He going to teach me? How is He going to shape me? Whose heart is He preparing to hear the Gospel? What is He doing in the hearts and minds of this generation of believers? Where is He taking us?
God is good.
Divine providence. That's what they call it in the classroom where I read all about it and wrote essays on it. Having a little book knowledge about providence is helpful, but God allowing me to witness it and experience it is what has really shaped me and my view of Him. Seeing Him work has softened me. Seeing Him work has created in me a spirit of humility, thanksgiving, and praise. God is more active in our lives and in the world than we will ever know. In His divine providence, God has spent the last 20 months teaching me about... His providence. And about prayer.
Bible knowledge is pretty important for a pastor. We get that. Of course it is! There's nothing more important, right? We have to be prepared to handle the Word of God with care, accuracy, and reverence. Preaching and teaching is what pastors do. At least that's the thing we see them doing every week when the spotlight is shining brightly on him and his mic is amped up. What we don't see are the hours of prayer for the needs of the congregation. The prayers asking for guidance. The prayers seeking wisdom. The prayers just resting in His presence and nurturing a love relationship. Prayer is what shapes the pastor's heart and vision. Without prayer, the Bible feels stale. And so does the pastor's teaching. So it shouldn't be any surprise to me that God has taught me as much about prayer in the last 20 months as He has about the Bible.
It has been interesting how providence and prayer have intersected and interacted in my life. I'm currently reading Richard Foster's Prayer. Yesterday, I sat down to read a chapter and thought, "This has been one of the most relaxing, restful days I've had in several months." I sat for a few minutes watching a storm roll in and listening to the rain. Ahhhhh. When I opened my book to chapter 9 and read the title "The Prayer of Rest," I wasn't surprised that God, in His providence, had me reading about this topic on this day at this time. God's divine fingerprints were all over this one.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matt. 11:28-29)
I'm so thankful for what God is teaching me, and I'm eager to see what He does next. What is He going to teach me? How is He going to shape me? Whose heart is He preparing to hear the Gospel? What is He doing in the hearts and minds of this generation of believers? Where is He taking us?
God is good.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Entertaining Burnette
I wasn't planning on taking the 2:35 train out of Millennium Station today, but I forgot my study materials, so there was no reason for me to stay on campus. As I entered the first car, I performed my usual ritual of perusing the passengers to determine who I should sit next to in order to maximize my study time. In other words, who is least likely to BUG me?
Oooohh... this one looks promising. A middle-aged African American woman was already engaged in reading what appeared to be a work-related memo. I settled down, turned my Bible to the third chapter in Hosea, and tried to begin meditating on this remarkable picture of God's love. But my brain wasn't cooperating. "You know, it's no coincidence you're sitting here on this train at this time in this seat by this woman," my brain randomly communicated. "Maybe you should try talking to her." Maybe I should. I wonder what she's reading. That's always a good conversation starter. I glanced over and saw the Salvation Army logo at the top of her document. Hmmm. It would be pretty easy to strike up a conversation about that... but I have so much reading to get done. And Hosea is one of my favorite books. It's only a 50-minute train ride. Maybe I can get through all 14 chapters. I refocused.
Then a nudge came from the woman sitting next to me. "Excuse me. What are you reading?"
"Hosea," I said.
"What's that? What do you mean 'Hosea?'"
"It's my Bible. I'm reading Hosea."
"And what's that mean to you?"
"It's a love story. It's a story about God's relationship with Israel, but even more, it's a story about me. It's a story about my relationship with God, my unfaithfulness, and his loving kindness to forgive and bring me back to him."
And that was how my conversation with Burnette began. For the next 40 minutes, she spoke passionately and eloquently of the loving God whom we both serve. At one point during our conversation, I literally thought to myself, "Is it possible that this beautiful Christian woman is actually an angel from God?" I struggled to recall the verse that speaks about "entertaining angels" (then my ADD mind took me to a DC Talk song titled after this verse before bringing me back to my original thought... what is that verse... Hmmm... anyway...). Burnette's joy, humility, passion, and love were infectious. She was a light. She recalled Scripture like no one I've met, and she naturally wove it into the conversation. By themselves, these things were very impressive. Coupled with her circumstances they were awe-inspiring.
Burnette never took the 2:35 train before today. She couldn't. She worked until 3. Today was different though. Today Burnette was informed that it was her last day at work. She was dismissed after lunch. With the loss of her job still fresh in her mind and with an acute awareness of her husband's present unemployment, Burnette took 40 minutes to encourage me that GOD IS FAITHFUL. She's not worried about paying the bills because God blesses her every time as long as she stays in His will. During the course of our conversation, she paused several times to thank and praise God that He already had her next "assignment" lined up. "He's come through for me every time in the past, and this time will be no different," she said enthusiastically. "And He'll do the same for you! He's so faithful!" And this wonderful conversation continued...
There is so much more I could share with you about my encounter with Burnette. What a beautiful, inspiring woman! When I stepped on that train, I was looking forward to meditating on one of the great books of the Bible, but God had something even better lined up for me. Burnette brought me a message from God today:
"God is faithful! You can trust Him to come through for you!"
"No matter where you are, job or no job, you are ALWAYS on assignment for the Lord!"
I won't forget the message she carried, and I won't forget her.
Thank you Burnette for turning an ordinary commute into a heart-softening encounter with God. May God continue to bless you and your husband. And may He continue to show Himself so powerfully in your life as you witness about His greatness. I'm grateful He put you on assignment on Eastbound Train 109 this Tuesday at 2:35pm. Love, peace, and blessings!
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)
Oooohh... this one looks promising. A middle-aged African American woman was already engaged in reading what appeared to be a work-related memo. I settled down, turned my Bible to the third chapter in Hosea, and tried to begin meditating on this remarkable picture of God's love. But my brain wasn't cooperating. "You know, it's no coincidence you're sitting here on this train at this time in this seat by this woman," my brain randomly communicated. "Maybe you should try talking to her." Maybe I should. I wonder what she's reading. That's always a good conversation starter. I glanced over and saw the Salvation Army logo at the top of her document. Hmmm. It would be pretty easy to strike up a conversation about that... but I have so much reading to get done. And Hosea is one of my favorite books. It's only a 50-minute train ride. Maybe I can get through all 14 chapters. I refocused.
Then a nudge came from the woman sitting next to me. "Excuse me. What are you reading?"
"Hosea," I said.
"What's that? What do you mean 'Hosea?'"
"It's my Bible. I'm reading Hosea."
"And what's that mean to you?"
"It's a love story. It's a story about God's relationship with Israel, but even more, it's a story about me. It's a story about my relationship with God, my unfaithfulness, and his loving kindness to forgive and bring me back to him."
And that was how my conversation with Burnette began. For the next 40 minutes, she spoke passionately and eloquently of the loving God whom we both serve. At one point during our conversation, I literally thought to myself, "Is it possible that this beautiful Christian woman is actually an angel from God?" I struggled to recall the verse that speaks about "entertaining angels" (then my ADD mind took me to a DC Talk song titled after this verse before bringing me back to my original thought... what is that verse... Hmmm... anyway...). Burnette's joy, humility, passion, and love were infectious. She was a light. She recalled Scripture like no one I've met, and she naturally wove it into the conversation. By themselves, these things were very impressive. Coupled with her circumstances they were awe-inspiring.
Burnette never took the 2:35 train before today. She couldn't. She worked until 3. Today was different though. Today Burnette was informed that it was her last day at work. She was dismissed after lunch. With the loss of her job still fresh in her mind and with an acute awareness of her husband's present unemployment, Burnette took 40 minutes to encourage me that GOD IS FAITHFUL. She's not worried about paying the bills because God blesses her every time as long as she stays in His will. During the course of our conversation, she paused several times to thank and praise God that He already had her next "assignment" lined up. "He's come through for me every time in the past, and this time will be no different," she said enthusiastically. "And He'll do the same for you! He's so faithful!" And this wonderful conversation continued...
There is so much more I could share with you about my encounter with Burnette. What a beautiful, inspiring woman! When I stepped on that train, I was looking forward to meditating on one of the great books of the Bible, but God had something even better lined up for me. Burnette brought me a message from God today:
"God is faithful! You can trust Him to come through for you!"
"No matter where you are, job or no job, you are ALWAYS on assignment for the Lord!"
I won't forget the message she carried, and I won't forget her.
Thank you Burnette for turning an ordinary commute into a heart-softening encounter with God. May God continue to bless you and your husband. And may He continue to show Himself so powerfully in your life as you witness about His greatness. I'm grateful He put you on assignment on Eastbound Train 109 this Tuesday at 2:35pm. Love, peace, and blessings!
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)
Monday, June 6, 2011
YOU ARE A SOMEBODY
Satan: You're worthless
God: I stamped you with MY image
Satan: You're a nobody
God: You're my child
Satan: You can't do it
God: Do it
Satan: You're all alone
God: I am with you
Satan: You're unlovable
God: I love you
YOU ARE A SOMEBODY
God: I stamped you with MY image
Satan: You're a nobody
God: You're my child
Satan: You can't do it
God: Do it
Satan: You're all alone
God: I am with you
Satan: You're unlovable
God: I love you
YOU ARE A SOMEBODY
Monday, May 16, 2011
Suffering or Redemption?
Enemies. Would you rather watch them suffer or watch God redeem them?
“A new thought occurred to [Mrs. May]: suppose Mr. Greenleaf had aroused the bull chunking stones at him and the animal had turned on him and run him up against a tree and gored him? The irony of it deepened: O.T. and E.T. would then get a shyster lawyer and sue her. It would be the fitting end to her fifteen years with the Greenleafs. She thought of it almost with pleasure as if she had hit on the perfect ending for a story she was telling her friends.”
-Flannery O'Connor's "Greenleaf"
People with excessive self-pity and victim thinking expose the end of my grace and mercy. I know people who take this sort of pleasure in misery, and they drain every ounce of love and patience out of me. Before I understood that the bull in O’Connor’s “Greenleaf” was a Christ-type wooing Mrs. May, I was actually pleased when the it charged at her and gored her through the heart. The fact that I was disappointed at the notion that the bull may have been a form of salvation for her made me realize my sinful attitude: I had more satisfaction in the thought of her suffering than the thought of her redemption. I’m ashamed by my heart condition, but I’m glad that I am now aware of this weakness. I’m thankful that “He’s still workin’ on me” because there is a lot of work to do.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Faking Righteousness
This post is the first of a series of journal annotations from this past spring that I will be posting on my blog.
“Hadleyburg was the most honest and upright town in all the region round about. . . . throughout the formative years temptations were kept out of the way of the young people, so that their honesty could have every chance to harden and solidify, and become a part of their very bone” -Mark Twain: “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg”
Hadleyburg is a town to which many Christians in the “Bible Belt” can probably relate. They had all the outward appearances of righteousness, and they sounded their trumpets so that everyone would know just how holy they were. Like the whitewashed tombs of the Pharisees (cf. Matt. 23:27), this town was truly a wreck on the inside. It was not at all their honesty that was hardening and solidifying, but their pride and hypocrisy. The cause of the problem was the town's refusal to let any temptations or trials through its fortified gates. While they thought they were making righteousness, in reality they were only faking righteousness. As James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Without the testing of their virtues, the town of Hadleyburg was lacking quite a bit, especially in what they took most pride: honesty.
So how about you? Where are you at? Are you open to being tested and stretched? Or are you content faking righteousness?
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