Courage for Newness

Each summer I watch our mulberry tree in the front yard bear new fruit. I have the joy of picking those berries and enjoying them on pancakes and in my cereal. For many years now, we've cared for that tree by pruning it and watering it. It's amazing to watch it's renewal each year!

Just as that tree brings fruit to our table each summer, so there is a process where I may have renewal or "freshness" as well. As an act of my faith, I identify with Christ in His death so that I may experience that resurrection life.

Romans 6:4 - "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."

Romans 7:6 - "But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter."


newness - kainotes - (kahee-not'-ace) - freshness, renewal, not simply an experience similar to the past, but a qualitative different one; having not been this way before

The above two passages are the only places this word "newness" is used in the Bible. It stems from the same initial experience (salvation) but produces a qualitatively different experience from past experiences. In Christian circles, that "experience" is sometimes called "growth" or "maturity". It is more than the acquiring of more knowledge. It is literally walking by the Spirit out into places we've not yet been.

It's interesting that many of us want to "grow" and experience the Father more, but going where we've never gone before makes us anxious. So, the tension between our desire to grow and the anxiousness of the unknown can cause us to "freeze" in our tracks. The wonderful thing about the Father, though, is that He knows where we should grow and will continually "draw" us to that growth. That "drawing" might look like a desire to be with certain people. It might look like wanting to read the Bible more. It might look like talking to the Father more than ever before.

Suddenly we find that the "pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change". Taking the step out into "the wide open spaces" of the Father becomes a joy. It's found that all along He was leading and creating hunger for more of Him. Our vision of Him is qualitatively larger and keener. There are new areas of Him that open to us. Courage to keep going rises because of the way He met us for the current step of growth. That is a picture of the "newness" of life in the Spirit!

Just as I know my mulberry tree has in it the potential for bearing fruit, so I know the Father has put in us the potential for growth.

Father, I sense Your drawing hand. I know You want to see me walk in newness of life more than I even know. Help me not fear so much the change but long for the newness of life You offer. I know what it is like to feel that pressure to serve because I am supposed to serve. What potential do you see in me, Father? I need courage!

Talent Search

Do you ever wonder why it seems some people have all the talent? Comparisons cause us to shrink sometimes because we compare and contrast ourselves with others. Why do we think there is just one type of person who can do a certain job? Certainly truck drivers have to be trained for skills needed. Dental technicians need to be trained in their craft. Salespersons need to know their product and be skilled in selling it. But, have you ever noticed not all truck drivers are alike? How about those dental techs? They come in all shapes and sizes  . . . and temperaments. They all are skilled, but they are still different.

Eph 2:10 says “We are God’s workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus to do good works”. The picture of that masterpiece is that of a poem (Greek word is “poeme”). It’s as though the poem was written with our talents already named and we have the joy of living out the “poem” He has written! It puts a rather different look on talents, doesn’t it?

How do we know what we can do? It might be that we need places to try out our skills. Generally, skills can be learned. Maybe not everyone is comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Taking a Toastmaster’s Class might help. Being a truck driver takes just a little bit of “crazy” from the beginning. I can’t even imagine being a dental tech! More than skills, there must be a willingness to work on the craft. Squeezing an 18-wheeler down a skinny street takes some skill, but it also takes the courage of the driver. Speaking in front of a crowd can leave a timid person breathless (and faint). Being a dental technician takes . . . . well  . . . the patience of Job! Maybe there are needs that could be met without such technical skills.

Maybe the key to the talent search is finding people who will “try” at least a couple of times to see how they do at a particular job. If you can’t keep the cushions straight on your couch, does that disqualify you from straightening the chairs in the sanctuary? Likely not! If you burned last night’s dessert, does that mean you shouldn’t offer to bring something for munchies at church? Be daring! There are always people to rescue you if your risk to teach a children’s class doesn’t go so well. It’s nice to know you’re never out there by yourself. It is possible, that wherever you serve will go well and you’ll wonder why you never previously gave it a try!

So get honest now . . . what talent do you have to share with others? Get daring . . . stretch . . . it’s a safe risk!

Father, sometimes I think my life is more packed than I want. I understand there are talents You have put within me. Some of them, I’ve developed over the years. Help me remember they are there for a good reason. No one is tired of my talents – nor should I be. What joy it brings to You to see me living out what You have placed in me. My heart for serving might need renewing, but I know You want to see me try those “skinny street” challenges. It would mean I would need to trust You even more. Ahhh . . . now I understand. You want me to grow. Thank you, Father!

Spending A Moment

The alarm rings . . . Yawn . . . already? Drifting . . . . zzzz . . . wait! Eyes fly open and close quickly. What time is it? Rub eyes . . . it is morning. Hmmm . . . is it Good morning, Lord!  or good lord, morning! Alarm clocks have brash sounds (if they are really going to wake you up!) that seem to bury deep into the psyche.

 

Time . . .everything is about time. It’s all about schedules or keeping up with the “to do” list. It feels like there’s never enough of it, but if, by chance it is enjoyed, guilt seems to push out the enjoyment with a pile of “shoulds”. Sounds pretty jaded, eh?

 

Are you settled comfortably with how you spend your time? If we all get 24 hours, then we all start out at the gate on equal footing. That seems fair enough. Those of us who name Jesus as Lord find we have A Source to whom we must go for direction of those 24 hours. Not only are we to number our days (Ps 50:12), but we also are challenged to live purposefully. We are challenged not to merely wander through our 24 hours letting time happen to us, but we are to “redeem” (make the most of) the time given us (Ephesians 5:15-16). There’s a directive of wisdom given us to be careful about our use of time.  How is that working out for you?

 

There are a couple of different Greek words for “time”. One kind of time is the moment by moment passing of minutes; it’s called “chronos" time. Chronology is the word we use for the logical minute by minute passing of time. Another word for “time” is “kairos”. This kind of time is a very specific moment that stands out from the rest. Paul had a “kairos” moment on the road to Damascus. Have you ever experienced a “moment” with God about which you still think even though it may have happened some time ago? That was a “kairos” moment. Those are the times when God broke in on your “chronos” time and spoke His heart to you. You remember it. You knew it was Him. When that moment is gone, you feel a little hollow – something is missing. We know He is always with us (at least at a head level), but those amazing times when He steps from His timeless dimension into our chronological orderings leave us changed. What if we measured time between “kairos” moments rather than “chronos” moments? What if we could listen so closely to Him that we experience the “kairos” moments closer together? What would you do for those kinds of moments?

 

Maybe Kingdom time is not about “to do” lists or a pile of “shoulds” for God. Maybe Kingdom time encompasses those measures of moments leaning into the Father and Him whispering His heart to us.  Is this a picture of “redeeming the time” given to us? Oh my! Until you’ve experienced those measures of moments with Him, you will reach for the lesser fulfillments of Earth. Until the God of “kairos” moments meets you in your “chronos” measurements, you will only fill your 24 hours with the things of Earth. The more you experience the “kairos” moments, the more you will hunger for Him.

 

What will you do with the next 24 hours? 

If you lean into Him, do you think He might open to you His measured moments?

 

Father, I love to spend time with You. Sometimes my day gets away from me before I realize it. Yes, there are demands for my time. Yes, I waste it too. I repent.  Just like the Psalmist, I long for You. You are water to my soul. I want to listen for you today for those special measured moments that are just between You and me. Break in on my day. . . I will listen for You . . . .

 

Sucker Protection - Skepticism

Have you ever found there are some people who just won’t believe you? They are sure there is a “catch” somewhere or somehow.  The blind man mentioned John 9:8-9 must have heard many a comment about the validity of his healing. People made excuses for their skepticism so they would not be uncomfortable with the results. Have we become equally cynical?  It must be those blasted infomercials! They are never as they seem. Yes, that’s it; you can’t believe anything you see. The daily adventures of mailbox offerings (snail mail as well as email) only embolden us to assure ourselves that we will not be suckered into some scam. There’s a sense of satisfaction knowing no one fooled us.

What about the matters of the Kingdom of God? What do you do when something happens about which you are not comfortable? Excuses seem easier than actually just believing that God might have moved in a person’s life. Ponder those people who are closer to the Kingdom of God than you might know (or think).  Oh how messy moves of God can be on opened heart humans!

Jesus sees people as potentials for a full life in His Kingdom. If we could only see through His eyes! Actually, we can. It just means reminding ourselves to push past the comfort zone of our thinking and drop the pride of being suckered. I don’t have to know another person’s complete story; Jesus does. I don’t have to have all my questions answered; Jesus knows. He is the author and finisher of our (all of us!) faith. (Heb. 12:2)

How are you protecting yourself from being suckered and maybe missing how God is moving in your sphere of influence?

Father, I confess I hate to look foolish. Being suckered is not comfortable. Sometimes I don’t know who is authentic and who is not. Help me lay aside the weight of skepticism. You start each person’s walk of faith and we each are on a journey of finishing.  Remind me that I don’t know their journey, but You do. Stir me to look to You as we are all moving to finish well!

A Holy Spirit Dare

Somehow I want my dare to come from a draw of the Holy Spirit,

rather than a duty born from the habits of the past.

 



 

Less than a week ago I felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit to let Him draw me to a dare. I am reading Brene Brown's book, Daring Greatly  with some friends who want to take the challenge as well. A vision emerges of a goggle-laden Snoopy with scarf flying horizontally straddling his doghouse. Victory! Soon though, I began to wonder just what my dare would mean? What would the fresh place of my daring?

 

 

While it hasn't been announced yet, my dare is something I've done before on a very small scale. Previously, I could do it at my leisure  and inspiration. My current dare is much more directed as well as occurring daily. These two facts make this an adventure uncharted for me. I must practice the presence of God and be very aware of the present moments in my life. I have the feeling this will evaluate my vanity and define my dare. 

The High Ways

"My ways are higher than yours . . . "

Is. 55:8

 

As a parent, I recall reminding my children that I really do have more experience (and hard knocks) in real life, so it might be good to listen to me. That statement is followed by how smart a parent gets in correlation to the age of the child. Younger . . . smart parent. Teens . . . not so smart parent. College age  . . . a little smarter parent. Career age . . . smart parent.

 

It only makes sense to me that God has ways much higher than mine. If not, He wouldn't be all that spectacular, right? There are myriads of people smarter and wiser than me. I can't imagine serving a God who is only my equal. So what about the "high ways"?

I'd sure like to know more about those high ways. I know I can through the Bible. Is that it though? Actually, is that enough? You'd think it would be, right?



Step into the Arena

"It is not the critic who counts;

not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles

or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,

whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;

who strives valiantly;

who errs, who comes short again and again,

because there is no effort without error and shortcomings

but who does actually strives to do the deeds

who knows great enthusiasms,

the great devotions;

who spends himself in a worthy cause;

who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,

and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. . ."

- Theodore Roosevelt (April 23, 1910)

 

 

I get that I should be "in the arena". "Being about the Father's business", I've heard it called. Sometimes arenas remind me of lion's dens. At this point in my life, I guess I don't know what someone could do to me that would matter so much, but maybe I still am a little "lion shy". My eyes are turning from the challenge of doing to the challenge of daring. Paul, in the Bible, talked about spending himself for the gospel. Isn't daring more for younger people as they have their whole life before them? Maybe there's a bit of dare in every season of life.

 

When I was a kid, I lived in the country. During the summer, my friends and I would head up the creek to a place we had carved out as a swimming hole. We dammed up the stream a little below the hole, and actually removed some of the rocks from the hole to have a bit of a pool. Oh how we all loved to head up to the swimming hole on a hot day. There were so many dares during that time. Should we just take the trail to the hole or do we think we can make it across the marshy muddy pasture without losing our shoes? Should we just run and jump into the hole or walk in more carefully in case someone has tossed in rocks we don't know about? At that time in my life, those dares seemed daunting. I think I passed several of those daring tests.

 

Now, it seems I am a bit discontent. I think I haven't dared much lately. I get a shot of adrenaline with a dare. Somehow I want my dare to come from a draw of the Holy Spirit, rather than a duty born from the habits of the past. Is it the sameness of the past which I avoid? Is it that I see others daring greatly but I don't know how to begin? Just as the swimming hole was my afternoon arena, I am now wondering into what arena will my dare be spent?

I wonder what Jesus has in mind?

Sometimes it's hard to get behind somebody's head. What in the world were they thinking? (Even that question can be read with different voice inflection to mean different things.) I have to remember what I know about Jesus - His words, His actions and Who He knows. I wonder what Jesus has in mi?

When I was a kid I sometimes wished I was in another person's shoes. Their life sure looked good! They had things I didn't and didn't have things I did. Much like the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, I was sure they must have it better. Of course, I grew up, found out that isn't always the case and, in reality, I didn't have I so bad. Then I read about the promises of God. I wonder what Jesus has in mind?

I've said in my life if I lose everything, I will still have family and friends. I hope I don't have to come to that place, but I know there are people in the world for whom that is true. I've dreamed of having to sleep in a shelter. At least it would be a shelter. Could I still be solid in my faith if I truly emptied myself? I wonder what Jesus has in mind?

Now I hear about being "fully present". Live in the moment and be what I can be in that moment. Hmm . . . I wonder what Jesus has in mind?

Pulling Close

There were many action words in the sermon this week at The Clifton Vineyard. In worship I saw myself IN the love of God and Him casting fear away from me.  I wonder if I think I thought it was MY love that casts out fear. Can I have perfect love? Don't think so. Can God have perfect love? Yes! Going through challenges doesn't exactly make me feel loving. "Why" questions usually arise. Often it's more about what I might have done wrong to cause this bad thing.  Interestingly, I know the "rain falls on the just and the unjust" so I know I'm still working past some shame based stuff.

I've felt safe with God for a longtime, but imagine the picture of God holding me through the challenges. My pastor said the idea is like a fireman rushing into the burning house and snatching the person to hold them close to him as he runs out to safety.  This is a picture of The Lord rescuing us.  I don't imagine I know always from what I am being rescued. That's probably a good thing!

I've been trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do these days to serve. I was involved in worship leading for the better part of 25 years.  I was involved in prayer ministries for years. I know you don't lose the heart to pray or worship but should you always be smack dab in the middle? Is there someplace I am supposed to be that is new for the new time in my life at this point? The worship leader yesterday mentioned, just in passing, as we were waiting on the Lord that "the calling was still there". It caught my attention . . . what calling? Now I'm curious . . .

Thankful for people with opinions!

I think I feel the swish of people stepping back from this post. Oh boy, really? Do I really want anybody's opinions? Sure! The other side of that card though might be that I'd like to be able to express mine as well. It's interesting how folks have their opinion, but seem less interested in hearing mine. I appreciate people who have ideas, opinions and are willing to think. There is a wonderful art to listening, processing and appreciating (not always agreeing) the thinking of others.

Thankful for music

I cannot imagine my life without music! Several times a day, I break out into song for something. (vocal or on the harmonica) My students are used to it by now. I saw a video this evening with a whole group of people doing the jazziest rhythm with cups. I began to imagine my class out sitting out in our hallway rockin' with that kind of rhythm. What a hoot! I also read about the joy of singing The Doxology. I can't tell you how many times I've stood with friends to sing this song a cappella and we've belted out four part (plus) harmony. Now I'm watching the CMA Awards. Wow . . . not what I remember of country music. I remember my mom practicing with students for Solo and Ensemble contests. I remember competing in them as well. I wasn't as fond of the competition - vocally or instrumentally. I just liked the music! I even remember a few times when a group of us were singing songs to God and I heard additional voices joining in - many more than were present at the time. Yep, I know sounds crazy. Truth is, others heard them too. Guess you had to be there to have an opinion on that. Truly . . . I cannot imagine my life with out music!

Thankful for sleep tonight . . .

On this Election Night I have mixed emotions. In my teaching practice, my students learn about the passion and diligence of the Founding Fathers as they separated from England and wrote a governing document that still stands today. Yes, it's been changed over time and is even interpreted differently that the original Founders might have intended, but one can't deny the fervor and risk in the original task done. After all of the work of the Declaration of Independence, Ben Franklin summed the situation up frankly by saying, "We either hang together or we hang separately!" I often wonder how they slept at night? I am thankful as I lay my head down tonight for assurance that I will be able to sleep. I will be rested by morning time. I am thankful that God will help my mind be in perfect peace as my  mind is stayed on Him. Good night, friends. Sleep well!

Thankful for my Job

Almost ten years ago, I heard a new direction calling me. Interestingly enough, I was not sure which direction! I changed my work situation and found myself working at a craft store and then a propane company. I met quite the variety of people! It was a great learning experience. During the latter job, I was going to school at night. My writing skills were awakened as well as my heart for learning. I forgot I loved learning so much. Right after graduation (for the second time), I found a profession that challenged me to use all the skills I acquired for many years. Could I do it? Could I tolerate little kids? Adults are much easier to teach. (snicker) Honestly, what a change of mind I have had. My job has given me such an opportunity for learning and growing. I am surrounded by people who generally love what they do. (There are some days . . .) For living in one town over 30 years, I thought I knew many people. Just get in different circles and it's amazing who I've met. My job has opened quite the world for me. I have met the most amazing families. I am thankful for my job!

Thankful for a Place

In recent years, I have walked in unfamiliar places. Am I changing and where exactly do I fit? Where is my place? Then I remembered I have been "placed" in the Beloved (Jesus). It strikes me that wherever I go and whatever I do, I have a "place". Times change and circumstances change. My "place' will not be shaken. How thankful I am!

I am thankful for Hope that is within me. There will always be challenges. I don't have to rest on my own hope. Isaac Watts, who wrote the lyrics to Joy to the World, also penned a song that comes to mind today. "Our God our help in ages past, our Hope for years to come. Our Shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home."

Thanks to God

I am thankful to God who sent His Son to redeem me. I am accepted - not perfect. My life is about what is before me not just what I have done or where I have been. It is God who works in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

A Different Kind of Easter

All day I've been trying to figure out what was different about today. Was something wrong? Is this good or not so good? Easter is usually a very busy time. Of course with the changes in my life, things are different. (I actually was able to play the piano for almost an hour this past week. Did not realize how much I missed it after not playing for the better part of four years.)

Church was wonderfully simple. I'm sure many people were involved behind the scenes, but it didn't look complicated. Churches sometimes create big productions, but this song probably made the whole evening. I went to church feeling a little sad and came away singing this song. I am richer in my spirit.

"There's an anchor for my soul . .I can say all is well
Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
Victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagle's wing
Before my God, fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise, I will rise.

Worthy is the Lamb!"
by Chris Tomlin

I want to keep this richness and never let it get away from me again.

Almost There . . .

As I look at the end of this year, I realize I am well on my way through a process of change that began in 2005. During that time I was challenged by a thing someone called "Holy Discontent". It rattled my thinking and I've not been the same since. I sensed it would be a 5 year process in which I would emerge in a whole difference space. Four years into this process, it is happening. Who would have ever guessed I'd finish another degree in college and be teaching 4th graders? So painful at the beginning, I am much more healed now. I'm thankful . . .

Thinking for a Change - What does that mean?

Just picked up a book by John Maxwell. Previously I've used his books as motivational materials for my own business. I always grew when engaging his principles. Not always sure I did them as coming from my own heart as much as just believed they worked for other people so they should work for me.

At this time in my life, I'm less about rotely doing what someone else does and more about seeing if certain ideas/techniques are something I can buy into for my own growth. True to his style, Maxwell gives 11 ways to be a better thinker. Honestly, when I read the title, I wondered what it meant.

Thinking for a Change

What do you think that title means?

Trying to Explain a Foundational Shift of Thinking

Have you ever felt like you had something to offer that, if honestly considered, might change a whole thought process? It's a change of mindset . . . a different approach or systemic change.

Sometimes people want changes to fit along an already existing linear path. What if the different process fits in a different dimension parallel to the existing linear path? This process is not another "tick" along the line to be "accomplished" and then gone past. This process becomes the foundational source from which life is lived.

I'm talking about "mission". People have long asked "What am I here for?" I believe buried deep in the heart of every human is a desire to fulfill mission. Living in that place where significance is experienced. Every socioeconomic slice of humankind is willing to go beyond the "easy" when there will be a sense of value in the doing. How does that "sweet spot" come to experience? I think there is a simple process to help unearth those divinely embedded passions. The process may be simple; the wrestling with the process is not. When the wrestling is done, the product is a mission statement that gives purpose and joy in the reciting. The more it's expressed, the more it is owned by the speaker. The more it is owned, the more it is embraced. The more it is embraced, the more clear is the desire to clean away anything that does not flow through it with clarity and passion.

Consider . . .
My mission is to inspire, nurture and release creative purpose in myself and others so that we all my life to the full measure of our creation.

yep . . . I can imagine living my life for Christ fulfilling this mission!