More recently I've been having problems with the question, how? It's not the general "how?". Like asking how to do something, how an event went, or how birds fly? . It's answering the question, "how are you doing?"....
Why is this such a hard question to answer?
Too often we ask this question without considering the gravity of it. The usual response comes in less than a full sentence. Fine, OK, kinda tired, stray looks or groans like "uugh".... and we accept that. Why?
I know that we are busy people who live fast pace lives on the go and rarely take the time to be real and honest because we value the relationship and time with people who we know.... It's like a long run-on sentence that has no punctuation. And that just wouldn't be sufficient either now, would it? I am guilty of such things. But now I am actually bothered by the question how. I shift in thought, emotion, joy, grief and practice. So how do I truthfully explain that. Each day we are asked this question at least 20 times. How can the answer always be the same? It may be that I am over-analyzing this right now because of all the shifting that is currently taking place within myself, but it has caused me to re-asses how I answer such a question in a truthful way. I have a few responses now:
1. I don't want to answer your question.
2. There isn't enough time to answer that question.
3. Right now? or recently?
4. (I take the time to answer honestly)
I've even tried to not ask the question in passing. I want to know more if I do ask it. I think making good use of time is not valuing time but all that happens within the time you have. 2 minutes, 1 hour, 3 days, or whatever you have. I'd rather have a "hi" and a wave than to be asked "how are you doing?" with no intention of actually knowing. Maybe this is why we're such lonely people most of the time. And trust me, a lot of us are. I've heard it said, I've watched it, I've seen it in the eyes of too many now. But still we continue on the same way without expressing the truth; to someone! In a crowd, we're lonely; at home, we're lonely; in church, we're lonely. If that's not you then I am thankful and pleased. But if that's not you then I hope you open your eyes, because there is probably someone around you who is. And still, sometimes even when we can see it we will accept, fine. OK, maybe we'll press, "no really, I'm OK." but see, we don't want to step on any one's toes do we... It's one thing to have just caught one of those blank moments that people have. It's a whole other issue to actually see and discern that there's a problem but not labor with somebody to see that they get through.... Proverbs 27:5-6 says "Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy."
I could go on and on about this and get into other issues. But what I really want is authenticity, integrity, honesty. I need it. Not just from others, but myself.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
A Memorial for Jesus Christ (a not so good friday)
Last night we had a memorial service for Jesus.
Mary (the mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene, a Roman Soldier, Peter, James, John and Barabbas were all present. The setting was sad and at the end of the service there was a feeling of hopelessness left. All except for James, John and Mary gave word here. Let me try and paint this script in a short way if I can.....
The lights turn off. A video plays scenes from the Passion of the Christ with deep soundtrack and words that flash on the screen: Shame, Forgiveness, Debt, Sin, etc...etc
The Screen goes black and a drum track begins... BOOM....BOOM...BOOM
Down the center aisle four men come walking carrying a casket. We all know who this is suppose to be. Thy put down the casket in place in the front of the Stage. Two home-made spotlights hit the stage; one to a photo of Jesus, the other to a podium. Jame and John take their seats in the front row next to Mary and Mary. The MC comes up as the somber reality of the moment hits, begins with a greeting, a short reflective of Jesus as friend, teacher, humble lover of all and Son of God. Condolences are passed to the family and as the ceremony is set to preside.
A song "Calvary"
He calls a dear friend, Salome, to come up to read the obituary and letter from the mother. Silence fills the church pews, a few sniffs and moans here and there.
Then Mary Magdalene comes, bloody towel in hands. She describes Jesus as a man who looked at her like no other, who really loved her, forgave her, and was a true friend. Even after her past, all the men, all the sins. "He saw me for who I was, not what I had done"...she eventually broke to tears and the MC had to help her back to her seat.
The Roman Soldier came. He seemed humble. He carried a whip, bloody clothes and a crown of thorns. He spoke of his military history and loyalty to his king. He's put may criminals to death and watched many men who deserved to died. The cracking in his voice as he spoke of Jesus was shocking. He confessed that Jesus was different; quiet. Other men yelled back at crowds and cursed. He whipped Jesus, hit Him, gambled His clothes and heard of the plea for forgiveness. By this moment the tears were present and he reminisced on the earthquake. "Surely He was the Son of God!"..."He didn't deserve it, I didn't know, I'm so ashamed, I'm sorry!"
Another Song "Where you there"
Then from somewhere in the back one exclaims "I got somethin ta say!" A rough looking man walk down the side aisle. "Ay, that's the murderer Barabbas" a man from a pew says. Immediately James and John jump up from the front row pointing and adamant about getting to him, "Don't you say a word! No!"...Mary jumps up to block them and the MC also holds them back, "it's ok, it ok, let him speak." James and John looking puzzled take their seat and you can feel the tension in their bodies as Barabbas talks.
"Yea ima murderer, so! You know how it is." His tone was disrespectful "I heard the crowd calling my name, Jesus must have been some kind of criminal." He made you want to spit at him the way he talked. But then his own tone changed, "He looked like he was glad to take my place, I wouldn't die for anybody, especially a criminal...it got me thinkin, who is this Jesus?"
After this Peter came...Peter looked like he had no sleep last night. He spoke of days with Jesus, excitement of the hope and the victory of just a week before. He was broken because of what had happened, he turned his back on Jesus. "He knew I would do it, He knew. And He still wanted me, why?" "Things were suppose to be better, why did He let them kill Him, I'm so confused. And now He's gone! what hope is there now?" "I'll tell you one thing, I. Will. Never. Forget Him! Never."
The MC came back and recounted the stories that were given in memory of Jesus on this Friday night. That it is sad and confusing. Jesus was like no one. He said we might one day see Him again and we all have this hope because we believe there is a heaven. He said that it's a sad moment because in spite of all Jesus told us, it still feels like we've missed it, like there was more it Him and the things he was trying to tell us. Once again he gave his support and sorrows to the family and friends. Then he asked the pallbearers to come and take the casket. and that was it. A depiction in modern day acting of a 2000yr old truth. That for them, it may have been a 'not so good friday' (for us it's Good Friday as we remember what Jesus has done for us)
Well of course before the service fully ended. the lights came on and Pastor Jamie clarified the play they just had seen and gave the good news of good Friday as a remembering of the Cross and called this truth of who Jesus is. He reminded them that if they don't feel so happy that it's ok and probably and good thing that the Holy Spirit is convicting them. Then encouraged all to come Sunday so that we can celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the hope within us that had been fulfilled. This Gospel. This Jesus. This Savior. God.
Today is Saturday, that day in-between. Even today, remember and reflect on the death. But look forward to tomorrow, the resurrection. Do not forget or hold back the hope within you. And Praise and Worship and Celebrate. Jesus is Alive....
glory to our God and Father through the Son Jesus Christ by the working of the Holy Spirit! be blessed.
Mary (the mother of Jesus), Mary Magdalene, a Roman Soldier, Peter, James, John and Barabbas were all present. The setting was sad and at the end of the service there was a feeling of hopelessness left. All except for James, John and Mary gave word here. Let me try and paint this script in a short way if I can.....
The lights turn off. A video plays scenes from the Passion of the Christ with deep soundtrack and words that flash on the screen: Shame, Forgiveness, Debt, Sin, etc...etc
The Screen goes black and a drum track begins... BOOM....BOOM...BOOM
Down the center aisle four men come walking carrying a casket. We all know who this is suppose to be. Thy put down the casket in place in the front of the Stage. Two home-made spotlights hit the stage; one to a photo of Jesus, the other to a podium. Jame and John take their seats in the front row next to Mary and Mary. The MC comes up as the somber reality of the moment hits, begins with a greeting, a short reflective of Jesus as friend, teacher, humble lover of all and Son of God. Condolences are passed to the family and as the ceremony is set to preside.
A song "Calvary"
He calls a dear friend, Salome, to come up to read the obituary and letter from the mother. Silence fills the church pews, a few sniffs and moans here and there.
Then Mary Magdalene comes, bloody towel in hands. She describes Jesus as a man who looked at her like no other, who really loved her, forgave her, and was a true friend. Even after her past, all the men, all the sins. "He saw me for who I was, not what I had done"...she eventually broke to tears and the MC had to help her back to her seat.
The Roman Soldier came. He seemed humble. He carried a whip, bloody clothes and a crown of thorns. He spoke of his military history and loyalty to his king. He's put may criminals to death and watched many men who deserved to died. The cracking in his voice as he spoke of Jesus was shocking. He confessed that Jesus was different; quiet. Other men yelled back at crowds and cursed. He whipped Jesus, hit Him, gambled His clothes and heard of the plea for forgiveness. By this moment the tears were present and he reminisced on the earthquake. "Surely He was the Son of God!"..."He didn't deserve it, I didn't know, I'm so ashamed, I'm sorry!"
Another Song "Where you there"
Then from somewhere in the back one exclaims "I got somethin ta say!" A rough looking man walk down the side aisle. "Ay, that's the murderer Barabbas" a man from a pew says. Immediately James and John jump up from the front row pointing and adamant about getting to him, "Don't you say a word! No!"...Mary jumps up to block them and the MC also holds them back, "it's ok, it ok, let him speak." James and John looking puzzled take their seat and you can feel the tension in their bodies as Barabbas talks.
"Yea ima murderer, so! You know how it is." His tone was disrespectful "I heard the crowd calling my name, Jesus must have been some kind of criminal." He made you want to spit at him the way he talked. But then his own tone changed, "He looked like he was glad to take my place, I wouldn't die for anybody, especially a criminal...it got me thinkin, who is this Jesus?"
After this Peter came...Peter looked like he had no sleep last night. He spoke of days with Jesus, excitement of the hope and the victory of just a week before. He was broken because of what had happened, he turned his back on Jesus. "He knew I would do it, He knew. And He still wanted me, why?" "Things were suppose to be better, why did He let them kill Him, I'm so confused. And now He's gone! what hope is there now?" "I'll tell you one thing, I. Will. Never. Forget Him! Never."
The MC came back and recounted the stories that were given in memory of Jesus on this Friday night. That it is sad and confusing. Jesus was like no one. He said we might one day see Him again and we all have this hope because we believe there is a heaven. He said that it's a sad moment because in spite of all Jesus told us, it still feels like we've missed it, like there was more it Him and the things he was trying to tell us. Once again he gave his support and sorrows to the family and friends. Then he asked the pallbearers to come and take the casket. and that was it. A depiction in modern day acting of a 2000yr old truth. That for them, it may have been a 'not so good friday' (for us it's Good Friday as we remember what Jesus has done for us)
Well of course before the service fully ended. the lights came on and Pastor Jamie clarified the play they just had seen and gave the good news of good Friday as a remembering of the Cross and called this truth of who Jesus is. He reminded them that if they don't feel so happy that it's ok and probably and good thing that the Holy Spirit is convicting them. Then encouraged all to come Sunday so that we can celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the hope within us that had been fulfilled. This Gospel. This Jesus. This Savior. God.
Today is Saturday, that day in-between. Even today, remember and reflect on the death. But look forward to tomorrow, the resurrection. Do not forget or hold back the hope within you. And Praise and Worship and Celebrate. Jesus is Alive....
glory to our God and Father through the Son Jesus Christ by the working of the Holy Spirit! be blessed.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Mens Prayer
This Post alone is dedicated to God. For the record.
By conviction, that I can speak on at a later date, I started a men's prayer group at Moody. Sweeting 222 if you wanna know. I see small numbers every Wed night from 9-10pm. The most there have been at one time was 7. But tonight there were four of us, 4. That's the usual turn out. I can tell you now that one hour is never long enough to pray for us. But tonight was different.
Truthful confession, honest questioning, real conversation, humble and Spirit filled. And for these three men of God I am thankful and grateful, because something was accomplished. And I depend on the Lord for His promise. Because He knows. Even if they/I/we don't.
So why don't more men come. I don't know, but I know what it could be. So I've got work to do.
By conviction, that I can speak on at a later date, I started a men's prayer group at Moody. Sweeting 222 if you wanna know. I see small numbers every Wed night from 9-10pm. The most there have been at one time was 7. But tonight there were four of us, 4. That's the usual turn out. I can tell you now that one hour is never long enough to pray for us. But tonight was different.
Truthful confession, honest questioning, real conversation, humble and Spirit filled. And for these three men of God I am thankful and grateful, because something was accomplished. And I depend on the Lord for His promise. Because He knows. Even if they/I/we don't.
So why don't more men come. I don't know, but I know what it could be. So I've got work to do.
Monday, April 2, 2012
YEEEESSSSSS! PRAISE GOD!
PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD! PRAISE GOD! THANK YOU JESUS! THANK YOU JESUS! THANK YOU JESUS! TO YOU HOLY SPIRIT! THROUGH YOU HOLY SPIRIT! THANK YOU HOLY SPIRIT!
Why can I rejoice this way. JOHN YUGI sent me a message. Who is John you ask? John is one of the Choose to Wait teachers in Kenya. Choose to wait is one of the ministries of Christ's Hope (Prevention of Aids teaching “Choose to Wait”- a biblical sexual purity program. This includes evangelism, discipleship, and life skills). We had an opportnity to accompany him and even to speak some words to the young pupils(7th-8th grade students). I just received an email from John that said, "last week 20 pupils committed Their life to Christ and they decided to remain pure until mariage. We thank God for thier life."
This is why! we saw these kids, the teaching of the truth they were taught and received. In a place where outside voices are constantly speaking. That still small voice, the powerful word of GOD, penetrated their heart and now they are not only saved from sin, but have choosen to save themselves for marraige, for love, and most imprtantly FOR JESUS CHRIST!
PRAISE GOD!!!
Why can I rejoice this way. JOHN YUGI sent me a message. Who is John you ask? John is one of the Choose to Wait teachers in Kenya. Choose to wait is one of the ministries of Christ's Hope (Prevention of Aids teaching “Choose to Wait”- a biblical sexual purity program. This includes evangelism, discipleship, and life skills). We had an opportnity to accompany him and even to speak some words to the young pupils(7th-8th grade students). I just received an email from John that said, "last week 20 pupils committed Their life to Christ and they decided to remain pure until mariage. We thank God for thier life."
This is why! we saw these kids, the teaching of the truth they were taught and received. In a place where outside voices are constantly speaking. That still small voice, the powerful word of GOD, penetrated their heart and now they are not only saved from sin, but have choosen to save themselves for marraige, for love, and most imprtantly FOR JESUS CHRIST!
PRAISE GOD!!!
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