Missing Miracles

I am doing a Bible reading plan via YouVersion that will have me read through the entire Bible in 1 year. (Admittedly I am a bit behind but I am trying to catch up.) Today's reading had in me in Exodus, reading one of my favorite stories in the whole Bible. The parting of the Red Sea.

Besides the whole story being amazing, here is the part that stuck out to me and prompted this post:

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” Exodus 14:13-18

 

So let me set the stage... The Israelites had been in slavery for a really long time in Egypt, hundred's of years. They were horribly mistreated. Through a series of miraculous plagues sent by God upon the Egyptians, the Pharaoh decided to let the Israelites go back to Israel. 

They all set off on a long journey by foot. Literally over 2 million of them. On foot. 2 MILLION. I know how slow going traffic is in Dallas with a few hundred cars so I can't imagine how slow moving 2 over million men, women, children and animals was. Yikes!

Anyway, the Pharaoh changed his mind after they left, and so they got their chariots ready and went after them to bring them back. One would think that 2 million people would be no match for a few hundred men and horses, but I guess that shows the power of the mind when someone else controls it.

The Israelites see the chariots coming and they panic, blaming Moses and saying they should have never left in the first place. You see... they were in a bit of a pinch. Before them was the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh bringing up the rear and closing fast.

In case you were wondering, the Red Sea is big! It's about 220 miles wide at it's widest part and covers over 169,000 sq. miles of land. This was no trivial little body of water to cross and going around was not an option.

So Moses has a little talk with God and what he is told blows my mind. I'm sure it blew Moses' mind too. I really would have like to watch that conversation taking place. I can see Moses appearing to talk with himself and it getting a tad bit animated with lots of hand gestures. I have to imagine there may have been a few "You want me to do what? And you're gonna do WHAT?" type moments. 

God told Moses to put a stick (well staff but still a stick) across the sea and it would part so the people could walk across on dry ground. They didn't even have to worry about mud!

In case you are visual like me, here is my favorite video clip from The Prince of Egypt movie that shows this scene play out.

Anyway, it got me thinking. What if Moses had listened to the Israelites and not believed God could save them? What if this miracles never had happened because of the doubt in their minds. Because they couldn't wrap their human brains around the fact that God controls everything, even the seas, and is faithful to deliver us in times of trouble.

They would have missed one incredible miracle!!

How many times in our lives do we miss miracles that God is willing to do on our behalf because we can't wrap our little human brains around the fact that our God is big enough to part seas for us?

How many miracles have we missed because we stop trusting and taking action when we hear God ask us to do something that seems impossible and forget that HE will make a way if we will just believe?

That is my challenge to myself and to all of you today. Believe God when you hear Him asking you to step out in faith. Take action. Move forward and get ready to watch God in action.

History shows us that when we get out of the way, are obedient and take action as led by the Lord, that what we see Him do will blow our minds!

PS - If you are wondering if this is just some story found in a book that was made up, Google it. They have actually found pieces of chariots at the bottom of the Red Sea. How awesome is THAT! What evidence of God's miracles will they find in your life when they look at it year from now?

The Widow's Mite and $20

I haven't written a blog post in almost a year. It's high time I get back to it. So here goes...
 
Today I think I know how Jesus must have felt when he was in the temple and had the privilege of witnessing the widow giving her mite. To most seeing it, it was of no consequence. Such a small amount, what difference could that possibly make?

Jesus saw past the amount given and focused on the heart that gave it. This woman who didn't have much, gave out of her lack with a joyful spirit, desiring nothing in return.  

           Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box. ² He also
          saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. ³ He said, “I tell you the truth, this
          poor widow has put in more than all of them. ⁴ For they all offered their gifts out of
          their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on.”
          Luke 21:1-4

Pure.

Generous.

Love.

I think Jesus must have had another one of those moments today as He looked down from heaven and saw the events unfold that have touched me so deeply.

My daughter, Kira and I have the privilege of going to Peru for the second year in a row on a mission trip with our church. Since Kira was in 6th grade she has been going on mission trips, sometimes more than one per year. She has my work ethic for sure. She has never once sent out support letters, but instead had a deep seeded conviction that she needs to work for her trip money. So, we bake cupcakes.

Over the last 6 years, I have lost count how many cupcakes we have made. LOTS. But we enjoyed the time together baking (and tasting). We always trust that God will take care of the money piece and just ask for trip donations instead of charging a specific amount. And every year, she has been fully funded. God is faithful to provide! This year is no different. We have baked and the Lord is providing. 

Kira decided to change things up a bit and add a t-shirt fundraiser this year as well. They are super cute (sorry - ruggedly handsome for the guys that have purchased one) and will be a good conversation piece.

Today I got a text from a friend saying she was dropping off a gift for Kira and I at church. It was from her daughter. I love surprises! I wasn't sure what to expect, but when I retrieved it, I was blown away.

Inside the bag were two beautiful notebooks, pretty flower pens and a note, hand decorated. Inside the envelope were 2 "Frozen" stickers (which I am sure were treasured possessions and will likely go on Kira's guitar case) and $20. 


Enter the widow's mite moment...

See, what I found out later is that when asked by her mommy if she wanted one of Kira's shirts, this sweet little girl asked how much they were. Ran to her piggy bank and retrieved $20 and proceeded to say she didn't need a shirt, she just wanted to give to our trip.

I don't know if you can remember when you were in elementary school or not, but $20 was a LOT of money. And she gave it freely.

Pure.

Generous.

Love.

As I thought about this sweet gift, it made me think about my own generosity. You see, I know that this little girl sees the example set by her parents in their generosity. And they point the way to Jesus every chance they get.

I know that children tend to model what they see their parents doing. Both the good and the bad. So I had to ask myself through tears, what example of generosity have I given my own children?

I have shown them what it looks like to give your time to the work of the Lord. And what it looks like to do that with excellence so we are giving our best to him. I am glad they have seen that from me.

But did they see me giving more than just my time? Was I enough of a visible example of generosity with my money that they picked that up and adopted that as their own now that they are grown? Do they know that we should give out of love for Christ and not out of obligation?

Thankfully it's never to late to be a good example to those around us. And while it is not important to be noticed by others when we give, if we live a life of generosity in all areas - people won't be able to help but notice. Every part of you will ooze it. And it will be contagious.

Today, this precious gift was contagious. So thank you Abigail, for your beautiful example of what it looks like to give like Jesus did. Today I know you made Him smile!

How are YOU doing in this area? If you're at all like me, I bet there is room for growth! Join me in the journey. Won't you?

Nothin but a Dream?

So, I was driving this morning after dropping my youngest off at school, noticing the clouds as I normally do, when a thought occurred to me. What must it have been like, as a disciple to wake up the morning after the very first Easter? After Christ resurrection?

They had just spent the last 3 days huddled in fear, together all in one room. So I would imagine that after the chaos/joy/amazement of seeing Jesus alive - they continued to stay together talking and rejoicing late in to the night. Life had changed. Again.

I kind of imagine it like the slumber parties I used to have as a kid with my cousins after not seeing them for a very long time- except WAY better!

I wonder if they woke up and remembered the events of the day before, the tears, the happiness, the awe.  And then.  For just a second. I wonder if they panicked thinking maybe it was all just a dream. Have you ever felt that feeling? Adrenaline surging through you as you rack your brain to find reality?

What a relief it must have been to roll over and look across the room and see Jesus there. Quietly taking in all the events of the prior days. I don't know why but I see him sipping coffee at a table. I know it probably didn't happen like that.

Sigh. Of. Relief. 

It was real. Jesus is there. He is alive. It really happened. All is well.

Many of us had encounters with Jesus this past weekend. Whether at a Good Friday or and Easter service. For some of us, it was the very first time. He showed himself evident to you and your life was changed.

You may have woken up this morning and wondered to your self  for just a moment if it had all been a dream. Was what you felt/heard/knew all a dream or was it reality? Can what happened in your heart and life continue, or was it all just fleeting?

I assure you that it was real. The bible says: 

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 1:6

If God begins a work in you, he WILL complete it.

However - just like the disciples, we have a choice to make. Will we allow him to continue the work in our lives? Are we willing to keep our eyes on Jesus and make Him our new reality?

Growing. Changing. Moving ever closer to Him and away from the world?

If the answer is "Yes", it will not be an easy adventure. But I can promise you that it will certainly be worth it!

Whom Shall I Fear...

Let's face it. Life is just tough some times. Between jobs and family drama, financial issues and health crisis... Sometimes it just seems overwhelming.  Even the little things all gang up against us and can seem insurmountable at times.

You hear people tell you that God won't give you more than you can handle. Well, in many cases that is just plain false. (Not to mention it is not Biblical) We have stuff thrown at us in all the time in life that we can't handle.

Panic
Fear
Anger
Worry
Anxiety

and a host of other negative things threaten to take over our lives as we try to "handle" these things. They grip us tight and don't want to let go.

Can you identify?

So, a bit of a true confession here. Hang tight. It will all come together in a moment...

When I first heard the Chris Tomlin song Whom Shall I Fear, I didn't like. Then in a worship session one night, I really really listened to the words. They ministered to me deeply and it has now become one of my favorite songs to bathe myself in when the negative starts to creep in and take over.

"Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies)"

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful

It reminded me of several times in the Bible where children of the Lord were facing insurmountable odds and the god of Angel Armies came through and delivered them.

In 2 Kings 6, Elisha and his servant were facing and angry king who wanted to kill them and God revealed an army of horses and flaming chariots surrounding them for protection. 

In Joshua 5, Joshua and the children of Israel faced a mighty fortified city and God revealed to him who was fighting for them and indeed they did not raise a sword and were victorious. 

Can you imagine?

The very same God that commands the armies of innumerable Angels says I am his friend. And He is faithful to fulfill ALL He promises to us. He will "never leave us or forsake us." 
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

Our God is big enough to handle anything we come up against in this world. He will be faithful to deliver us, either in this world or by taking us to our eternal home. But we can be assured we do not have to fight the battles alone. We are never alone. He is always with us!! 

If you believe that - whom do you have to fear?

Safety or Risk: The Scary Truth about Living a Faith without Borders

This is my dog Sydney. She LOVES to be outside. 

She explores our backyard like it is her vast wonderland, which it probably seems like for a 12 pound puppy dog. 

The fence in our yard is in need of just enough repair that she has some small windows in to what lies beyond her safe haven. She barks at the other dogs like she is much bigger than she is. She defends her turf when the neighbor is tending her garden. She owns her space and is bold. 

Enter the open door...

Sometimes when I go out front to take out trash or get the mail, I will invite her to go with me. She hesitantly stands at the front door, wanting so badly to go out with me and explore this strange new world - full of possibilities and new adventure. 

And yet she hesitates. No amount of coaxing will get her to budge.

Even though I will be right by her side and will not let anything happen to her, the great unknown is just a little to much for her. She is happy with her walls and fence and the safety and comfort they bring. 

And so, she stays. Safe in what she knows and missing out on all that she might discover if she just ventured out.

Today I feel a bit like Sydney. 

A few weeks ago I was comfortable with my life and my ministry. Great house. Wonderful family. All was well.  And then God saw fit to rock that boat a bit. 

He has seen fit to begin to break down my safe walls and opened the door to possibilities for my future that I did not know were there or would not have even considered just weeks ago. I hear Him asking me, nudging me, to follow Him and just trust. I know in my heart that He will never let me down and will always be by my side, and yet - I hesitate. Comfortable in the walls I have made for myself.

As He so often does, He spoke to me loudly through music this week. 

I have had this song, Oceans by Hillsong, on repeat for most of the last 2 days. The chorus is shouting at me and yet gently soothing my soul at the same time. It says this:

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander. And my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior."

And so the decision is mine. I can stay where I am and wonder what greatness God has for me beyond the borders I have built for myself, or I can venture out to the unknown - firm in the knowledge that my faith WILL be made stronger in the presence of my Savior. 

I don't know about you - but I choose to walk forward in faith. Trusting God will lead and guide. That what He has for me through that open door is more than I could ever ask for or imagine. 


So what about you? Are you being called beyond your trust borders? Are you ready to go? What is holding you back?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

I would love to hear from you. Shoot me your comments and let me know what you think. Share it with others as well and follow this blog for future thoughts and reflections. 

The Times They are a Changin'

How do you feel about change?

Love it?
Hate it?
Somewhere in the middle?

I am one that, for the most part, likes it. I have a tendency to get bored when things stay the same for too long. I can usually navigate change well and enjoy the process. 

However...

What happens when God asks you to change and it involves something that you love and hold very dear to you heart? That's the world I am living in right now. 

For the last 7 years I have had the privilege of serving the Lord through my music. It is my love and passion, but God asked me to lay it down. He has asked me to give up something that I hold very very dear and instead, move in to a place of uncertainty. 

I am not a fan of uncertainty. I like to be able to see the picture even when the pieces are not all together yet. I actually usually do that fairly easily. But not this time. It is just blurry. I can't see how things are going to all work out and it makes me uneasy. 

The real "ah-ha" moment came when I heard God say "Do you love your job and your ministry more than you love Me?" "Will you lay it down for Me?"

I was faced with the ugly question of whether or not I had made my worship an idol that was more important that the One who was the object of that worship.

In the Bible, Genesis 22, Abraham was faced with the same situation. He longed for a son and when Isaac was born, he thanked God for the gift of his son. He loved Isaac more than his own life. 

Then God asked Abraham to make the most difficult decision of his life. God asked him to lay Isaac on an alter and sacrifice him like an animal to honor the Lord. 

And Abraham did what the Lord asked.

Only at the very last moment, God stopped Abraham from killing his son and provided a ram to sacrifice in his place. 

God saw that Abraham was willing to lay down his most precious thing, a supreme sacrifice for sure. And so God blessed Abraham and all his descendants.

I am not comparing my situation in any way to the magnificent sacrifice Abraham was willing to make for the Lord, but I do feel like God was asking the same question of me. 

"Are you willing to give up what you hold dear because I ask it of you. Are you willing to move to a place of uncertainty that may cost you something because you love me and you trust that I have something better for you?"

And so, with tears and mixed emotions, I said "Yes, Lord. I will lay it down for you. I will lay it down because I love you and I trust you."

As I navigate this change, I don't do it right every day - but I try my best to give it over to the Lord because He asked it of me. I strive to navigate these days with grace and trust that His plan for my life is far better than anything I could ever ask or imagine.

What may He be asking you to give up? Is there anything that you may are putting above Him in your life? Will you lay it down if and when he asks?

Hidden Treasures

This beautiful hidden treasure is in China, Guilin. The so called Crystal Palace lies 790 feet deep in the Reed Flute Cave. I was fascinated by the picture when I saw it. To me, it looks like a whole new world I would love to live in and explore. 

Then I thought, why on earth would God put something so incredible - 790 feet below the surface of the earth? At that depth, who can enjoy it's beauty and marvel at it's creation? It seems such a waste to have something so breath taking in a place that it can not be fully appreciated.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was just like God to do that. I believe that there are hidden treasures that we miss in a lot of places in our lives. Whether it is the snuggle of a child because we are to "busy", or stopping to admire a sunset because we are late to the next "thing" - we miss things because we don't actively search for God's hidden treasures in every situation and every moment of every day. 

Even in the toughest of times, His treasures are there. Like the friend who prays for you when God brings you to their mind, even though you may never know it.

So, take a moment and admire this beautiful underground wonderland and remember to  take time to find the hidden treasures God has for you each and every day. It's easier said than done, but I sure am gonna try. Why? Because it's worth it! 

I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3

In Name Only

I was reading an article out of the newest edition of Relevant Magazine (you should totally subscribe btw) about how our things are made. In one part of the article it highlighted the story that came out a few years ago about a man who bought an iPhone and while band new - was loaded with 1 picture on it. 

She became known as iPhone girl in the media and was the factory worker in China who helped get the phone ready for shipping to it's new home. The pictures went viral and all of the sudden the coveted technical device became so much more to people. Everyone began to realize the lives that were attached to each and every piece of consumer product we buy. This one in particular spawned a firestorm of media coverage highlighting the appalling work conditions of people in the factories in that part of the world. 

People became outraged as they found details about the people who work for mere pennies in horrid conditions to supply us with the things we think we "need" so badly. As I was reading I found myself joining that group who was outraged about this injustice. It is wrong - just plain wrong.

The question was - What could I do about it?

I find myself feeling this way from time to time. Moved by the injustice in the world and ready to go and fight for those who are effected by it. 

I am heart broken for those caught in the human trafficking trade. 

I am disgusted by the fact that so many go without clean water each day. 

And now... I can add sweat shop conditions to my ever growing list of things to pick up my sword for.

HOWEVER...

As quickly as I was up in arms, it seems I had moved on. Back to my comfortable life in suburbia. iPhone girl was a distant memory and my phone was once again the instrument that makes my life easy. 

Why is that? Why is it that I fall in to the complacency that plagues our society and leaves others in this world to fight for even the smallest measure of things that most of us consider our "rights" as those living in the good ole USA.

God has been challenging me over the last few days as I have pondered what I am to do about this pathetic problem I have. Am I going to be an activist in word only - or will me deeds speak louder than my words? Will I not just talk about it, but actually do something about it?

The same could be said for the majority of us I think. It is nice to know I am not in this boat alone, but I hope that each of you reading this will be as haunted by these questions as I am. 

This is not just about social activism here people. It is about the very lives of human beings. And as much as God's heart breaks for the injustice of this world he designed to be perfect and is clearly NOT, His heart breaks even more for the souls of people who do not know Him. The people who are going to spend eternity without Him. 

And why is that?

Because for most of us - we "talk" a better Christian game than we actually act out in our every day lives. (preaching to myself here)

I have felt a change coming in my life for a while now. I am still unsure what that means or looks like, but I know God is breaking my heart for certain injustices in this world and for those who do not know Him and His love for them.

God has been challenging me, so now I challenge you.

What are YOU going to do about it?

Dear children, we must show love through actions that are sincere, not through empty words. 1 John 3:18 (gwt 1995)

Eternity...

I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. Proverbs 8:23

Today is my husband's birthday. (Happy birthday babe!) As I was driving this morning reflecting on the gift that was born to this earth on September 10 some years ago, I had the realization that in God's plan, John had literally existed. There was never a time in eternity past that John's life did not have a plan and a purpose. 

I got to thinking about the fact that God had no beginning and has no end. I kind of pictured this "ring of time" that is eternity that just goes and goes and goes... seamlessly. Think about that long enough and your mind will blow, at least mine would. 

So, if what I believe is true and God always knew that he would give John to the world as a gift on his birthday, the same would be true for all of us. God ALWAYS knew you and every thing about you. 

He ordained your birth, all your days and your death - infinity. He didn't sit down at a desk one day with pen and paper and "design" your life. It has always been there, ready for you to live it. 

So, what does that mean for today? For my day and your day? It means that God has always known what his plans are for us today and it is up to use to walk in His will and fulfill it. 

Infinity ago, God knew I would ponder this in my car, He knew I would write it down and He knew you would read it. Now... what are you going to do with it?

I don't know about you, but knowing that God ordained THIS day for me to live eternity ago bears some weight on how I will execute it. I hope I will not go through it mindlessly, not thinking about His plans but only my own. I pray that I will stop and look for those God ordained moments He laid out infinity ago and capture them and use them for His glory. 

Will you join me in that today. Live out your eternity today for His renown. 

Oh, He also knew you would comment on this post and let me know what you are thinking :)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Attention Please

Have you ever gone to great lengths to get someones attention for something that was very important?


There once was a man who God had very very BIG plans for. But he couldn't quite see past his own agenda to the great things God had in store for him, so he continued on his own path, doing as he saw fit and wreaking havoc along the way, but happy with his progress. 

One day, God decided that enough was enough and it was time to get down to business. So, the Almighty got this man's attention in a way only the God of the Universe can. He struck him blind (after knocking him on his back side with a loud voice from the heavens.) I would dare say that would get any one's attention and it worked in this situation quite well. 


After letting him wallow a bit, think about his situation and ponder what he would do for a bit, God sent someone to the man to give him back his sight. The guy chosen for the job was a bit hesitant, with good reason, because the blind man had quite a reputation for being not very nice. But God reassured the messenger with these words: "Don't argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I'm about to show him what he's in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job." Acts 9:15 (msg)


So the messenger went on his way, the blind man recovered his sight and needless to say God had his full attention. 


Some of you may already know this is the story of Saul (later re-named Paul). Perhaps one of the greatest men in the Bible. You can read more of the story in the book of Acts starting in chapter 7. 


As I read this story again, the thought struck me -  How many times has God had to go to such great lengths to get my attention to do what He has planned for my life? What He has in store for me can never be compared with the meager existence I carve out for myself day to day. God sees so much bigger than my small frame of reference. His plans for my life, to be used up for Him and His purposes are infinitely better than anything I could even imagine. 


If God gave you breath this morning, which I'm assuming He did since you are reading this. Then He has a purpose and a plan just for you today, and every day after this that you wake up. What does He have to do to get your attention? How low does He have to let you sink before you realize he has a plan for your life and He just needs you to give yourself to Him? How far off course does He have to let you travel before you realize you are lost and need His help to find your way back home?


Let today be the day. Don't wait for the drastic measures to come. Tell Him even now that you are His and will do His will for your life today. I promise, though it may not always be easy - it will be the best adventure you could ever have with the greatest reward at the end.


If you not sure quite how to do that, message me on Facebook (facebook.com/jantouchberry). I would love to be the messenger God uses to bring real sight to you today.

Intimidating

So I was talking to a friend the other day who is very new to faith. She had just bought a Bible for the first time and I asked if she had read it yet.I was so excited for her to dig in and to begin exploring and learning.  Her reply was one that took me a little off guard. She said "Not yet. It's a bit intimidating." This was not what I was expecting to hear.


Usually when I get something new, I want to unwrap it and use it right away. The excitement usually gets the best of me. However, as I thought about her statement it hit me and my response was this, "The Word of God should intimidate everyone. if it doesn't there is something wrong with you."


The more I thought about that conversation, the more truth rang in my heart about it and convicted me. If I look at the Bible as more than one of the books on my shelf or the thing I read in the morning each day and instead truly look at it as the inspired word of the God of the universe - man that rocks me a bit. 


I have so easily looked past the first word that appears on the front of many that I own: "Holy". I have read the words inside it many times and let it touch my heart and change my life, but can I honestly say that when I pick it up I think of it as something more than familiar? I think for me, and probably many of you, it has become to familiar. An old friend of sorts that we go to take comfort in and learn from, both honorable and desirable things. But it should intimidate us as well. 


The words in it are the words that God himself chose to share with us to mold and shape us in to who He created us to be. The words have the power to literally change lives. 


God spoke. 


To me.


To you.


GOD SPOKE!


And we have those words at our finger tips. Amazing? Yes. Intimidating? Heck YES! And it took a simple phrase from someone who is at this point exploring what it means to have a relationship with Jesus to remind me of that.  


I am thankful for the reminder and the glimpse of God's words through the eyes of one seeking. It changed me.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Bubbles

Warning: "Soap-box" issue at play.


 Bubbles. When you are a kid they are one of the most mesmerizing things you can play with. When you are a parent they are cheap and hours of fun for your kiddos. Winning! (not in the Charlie Sheen sense of course) My favorite was to watch the really talented people who could blow a bubble within a bubble. Even if you popped it - there was still a bubble. Cool! 

At one point in my life, many many years ago (yes - I am old), I remember watching a movie called The Boy in the Plastic Bubble. He had a disease that caused him to risk death if he came in contact with germs and therefore was place in a sterile "bubble room" to live. He even had to be in his bubble if he went outside for fear he would contract something that could end his life. To live secluded from other human touch and contact with the outside world was what he needed to survive. 


Some of you may have heard  people talk about the "Christian bubble". This phenomenon takes places when Believers (those who have decided to make Jesus Lord of their lives and accept His free gift of salvation) decide that in order to survive in this dirty, sickness filled world - they must seclude themselves from all things that could contaminate their Christian walk. Christian books, Christian music, Christian clothing, Christian friends, and the list could go on. Nothing that is not "of Christ" is allowed in if we can at all help it. It is to dangerous. In fact, I loved the bubble. It took time and effort on my part to create this safe haven and it was amazing.


I took part in the purging of all my Cd's that were not "Christian". I surrounded myself with the "bubble" and it was good. All my friends were believers, all my music spoke of the One that I worship with my whole life, I had plaques and reminders everywhere I looked of the One who is most important to me. Great! Awesome! Good for me! Except I slowly began to realize that the story I was telling with my life only had listeners who had the same story. I was preaching to the choir, so to speak. 


Now, I do believe with all of my being that one of the things I am called to is to disciple and spur on other believers in their walk with Christ. But I began to see the walls of my bubble and started to feel very claustrophobic. I began to realize that I couldn't think of the last time I had a spiritual conversation with someone who didn't share my love for Jesus, the last time I had had personal contact with someone diseased and dying. I began to see that although my life was sterile and as uncontaminated as a life on this earth can be - it was not the life that Jesus led and therefore calls me to as one who desires nothing more than to be like him. 


In fact, I slowly realized that Jesus had great disdain for people like me in His day.  Those that wanted nothing more than to immerse themselves in their religion and not let any of the "sinners" in to the bubble they so carefully created for themselves. I began to wonder at what point "Christian" became and adjective to describe the "things" I surrounded myself with and ceased to be the noun that told others who I am and the verb that described how I live my life. I began to hate my bubble and want desperately to escape it. 


I remember one particular day, driving down the road listening to my favorite Worship band on the radio and heard the Lord ask me how I could possibly relate to the lost and dying in this world who have the same passion for music that I do if I didn't speak their language. I couldn't name secular bands. I didn't know secular songs. It was that day that I turned my car radio to a non-christian station and there it has remained for the most part for the last several years. I decided to learn a new language for the sake of being able to open doors with other music people and hopefully share Jesus with them at some point. I had popped the bubble.


At the end of the movie I describe above, the boy decides it is worth losing his life to be in contact with the world. And so he does. He leaves the protective confines of his sterile sanctuary and braves the germ filled outside world. And his reward was more than he could ever have imagined. (you should really watch the movie some time)


1 Corinthians 9:19-23 says this: For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.





How about you? Are you in the bubble? Do you need to get out? Ask God where to poke - I promise He will show you.

Are Your Comfortable with Church?

I am not usually one who is big on seeking out new experiences. In fact - I kind of HATE it. I am a wall flower by nature and a self proclaimed extroverted-introvert. There for, my "comfort zone" is usually very small and I am in control of what happens there.


Church is a comfort zone for me. I have been "in church" all my life and have worked at a church for almost half my life. I am VERY comfortable here. I know what it looks like, I know what is supposed to happen and there is control. But God has been changing that zone of late. The once controllable world I call church has become less so. 


Last Sunday was one of the rare occasions I find myself out of my local church. In a city that is unknown to me a friend was used by God to take away just a little more of my comfortability with church. He asked me to visit Church Under the Bridge with him. 


I had never heard of such a thing but he explained that it began as a ministry to the homeless (not in my comfort zone) and 30 years later, there is a full blow church that literally meets under the overpass bridge of a major freeway every Sunday (really not in my comfort zone!) 


My first instinct was to use my sleeping daughter as a reason for not going. But after a good breakfast, we decided to leave the comfortable and experience something new. And boy did we. I will try my best to paint the picture for you.

Church was a place where everyone served, setting up folding chairs, plastic tables, a portable stage and port-a-potties. Church was a place where they served a hot meal to anyone who came. Church was a place where the dividing lines of race and social status no longer existed - being under a bridge has a way of leveling things. Church was a place of worship in song so pure with no agenda, sung by a homeless man with mental challenges and a woman who sung in a language different than mine and yet every word spoke to my heart. Church was a place of being washed by the Word of God spoken with the passion of a woman who really KNOWS God. Church was a place of honest discussion about the things that we let divide us as we pondered MLK's dream. Church was a place of communion remembering the ultimate sacrifice made to rid the world of the division between God and man.

Church was reaching out and hugging a homeless man who just wanted to know he is loved (I think he may have been the church's self proclaimed greeter.)  Church was shaking hands with Richard, who was so very proud of his "church" that he picked up all the small bits of trash as they blew in the wind under the bridge, which was somewhat of a futile effort. Rain, snow, or summer Texas heat - these people meet here to be the Church. 


The word 'challenged' doesn't seem to quite encompass what I feel about this experience. But it is causing me to deconstruct what I have always known to be "church" and to question if it is OK for me to be comfortable there.


My daughter and I were debriefing our experience on the way home and as usual, she was an inspiration to me at the ripe old age of 13. She explained that on their summer mission trips to Mexico there are a lot of homeless people, and that she thought maybe God showed her this to somehow minister to them when she goes again this coming summer break. She said that her Student Ministries pastor (who is very wise) has told them to "get comfortable with being uncomfortable." 


I think I might need to work on that a little bit. How about you?