Hi, You’re on Speakerphone

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:5-10 NKJV

This passage was our focus at church recently. It is an address Jesus gave to his disciples at the last supper knowing he would soon be taken from them. In this translation the word “abide” repeats often. Me being the literary focused person that I am felt inclined to look the word up for deeper meaning for our meditation. The Oxford dictionary had three possible definitions. The first was in relation to a rule or recommendation– accept or act in accordance with. A standard interpretation with not much there to expound upon. The second in regard to someone or something is to be able to tolerate. Also lacking for meaning to the passage. However, the third definition was intriguing to me. To abide in a feeling is to continue without fading or being lost. Another verse came to mind on the heels of this discovery, “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV) I looked at the Christian Standard Bible translation and at the surrounding verses for more context. “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (5:16-18) This notion of speaking to God continuously caused me to frame it in a modern perspective. What if God was on speakerphone?

Any time I’ve had conversations with someone on speakerphone it causes both participants to monitor their behavior. When you let someone know “Hey, you’re on speakerphone” they conduct themselves with the knowledge that others may hear what is being said. Furthermore, if someone enters the room and you inform them that a call is happening on speakerphone, they typically will also modify their behavior to respect the mixed company. If you are at work and someone enters the office while such a call is going on you may even interact with them differently than were the two of you alone. Your whole manner of language may even be different. You may not even need to inform the person you are on a speaker call because the entire way you conduct yourself is such that they realize something is different. So again, what if God was on speakerphone? Would people see that you are different because you interact with them in a whole new manner?

We already know that God sees all and hears all, but what if we, under this “abide” mentality and 1 Thessalonians premise, realized that the line of communication is always live. Would you edit your behavior towards your family, friends, and coworkers if you were aware of your Heavenly bluetoothed earbud? Would people be clued in to your behavior being different because there’s a third party on the line? I would say not only that, but you would also be more aware of when God had something to say to you. Hopefully we wouldn’t respond with “Huh? Did you say something?” Or blame a bad connection for us not hearing clearly. We certainly may go through areas of our lives where the coverage is spotty and the call gets dropped, but to abide in Him means we speed dial right back in because we need that connection. I know personally that I never feel more lost than when I realize the communication has gotten disconnected and I reestablish that link. Perhaps we should make it a habit of when we reach for our phones to also doublecheck that we feel we are on speakerphone with our Sovereign Lord. There is only one carrier that connects us, the Holy Spirit that we are gifted through Jesus Christ. Abide in His love–“continue without fading or being lost.” Be dialed in!

Just Breathe

Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. Genesis 2:7 NLT

Last month I was sidelined by a bout with pneumonia. My chest felt pained and heavy, breathing was labored, and exhaustion came easily. One night I laid in bed praying, “God, you breathed life into all mankind. The air that fills my lungs is from you and for you. Bring healing to restore its strength.” The next morning I woke, thanked God for a brand new day, and began my routine; my prayers from the previous night already fading from my memory. I got in the car to head to work and KLOVE filled the cabin. The first words that played on my commute, “It’s your breath in our lungs,” from Great Are You Lord. The next song was What Are We Waiting For and my mind grabbed on to the words “Can’t speak when we can’t breathe.” Then the last song from my commute was Jeremy Camp’s Dead Man Walking, and what words stayed with me? “Then you rescued me, and now I can breathe.” I couldn’t help but think the Holy Spirit was trying to get a point across. That night I got in bed and began to say my prayers. The songs came back to mind as did my prayers from the previous evening. I heard the Lord in my spirit. “You are right to say the air in your lungs is from me, and you are to use it for me.” The confirmation for me was this: my life, my breath, is for the Lord. The air in my lungs currently ties me to this earthly plane, but there will come a time when I exhale my final breath and my long term existence begins. So I will use the air in my lungs while I can to speak His truth and praise the Lord.

I was interested to see what scripture says about the air we breathe. I found the book of Job references breath often, seventeen times in fact. During his interaction with his friends, Job said, “As long as I live, while I have breath from God, my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies.” (Job 27:3-4 NLT) That verse being remarkably close to the sentiment that I had, I began to think about Job’s lament and my time in the midst of illness. Although a couple weeks fighting pneumonia is nothing compared to Job’s suffering, it got me thinking about the posture of our hearts during our mortal moments. James mentions Job in his book, “We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.” (James 5:11 NLT)

Processing these thoughts and the breath in our lungs made me think back to my sister-in-law, as her battle with cancer brought her to the end. Holding her hand and speaking into her ear, “I want you to start taking deep breathes. With every breath you breathe in, I want you to breathe in the light and peace of Heaven. With every breath you breathe out, breathe out death and this world until the light is all that fills you and you’re in His arms.” We hold tightly to God’s promises in hard times. In our prayers we get deliverance or we get the strength to endure. It may be harder when we are to persevere, but that is what most builds our faith. Consider this, when we pray for healing and it happens, we too often think Yay! The prayer worked! Thanks God. and go on about our lives. However, when the healing doesn’t come swiftly, or as we want it to, we think Why won’t He heal me? Maybe God doesn’t care about me, or worse, maybe He isn’t there. Our worldview can become rather self-centered in our affliction. Our physical needs can distract us from our spiritual needs. We focus on being healed when God wants us to focus on being holy. Life is so short, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. The next time you find yourself in a time of hardship try focusing on your breath, and remember it is the Lord’s.

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Psalms 150:6 NLT

At Sea

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

We are in the waning days of summer and that leaves me with a longing. It has been two years now since I’ve been to the beach and I miss it so. Any time I need to calm my mind I imagine being on the beach. At times, the waves rushing over in a continuous revolution can have one imagining they can feel the world breathing. In. Out. In. Out. To me it can be so soothing. Interestingly enough, the ocean is also what I imagine when I am in chaos.

I am an analytical person by nature and I function best when I have a plan. Few words unsettle me more than when my husband and I are embarking on a new endeavor, and he says, “Let’s just wing it.” For him this concept is freeing, but for me it means death to my inner peace. Funny how we can be drawn to our opposites to challenge us, and yet sometimes upend us. When I hear those words or know there is no plan it sets me on a turbulent sea, with no horizon to gain my bearings. Not knowing which way to head to find solid ground, I’m lost and in turmoil. I realize that my need to have a plan may seem like an attempt to control the situation, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be my plan for me to have peace. That is why I am so grateful to know that God has a plan for me. I may not know how that is going to map out; but if I follow where He leads, I don’t feel lost at sea.

This reminds me of a cruise we took for our 20th wedding anniversary. Venturing up the eastern side of the Caribbean Isles, there was a day we spent at sea. I had a spa appointment for a massage and facial. While in the salon, a storm had kicked up outside. Huge swells beat against the ship leaving the crew and passengers to weave with the rise and fall. You would think this made it hard to find peace as the technician occasionally steadied me on the table to keep me from rolling. Yet, I trusted that the crew and the captain had a plan for steering us through the storm, and I remained calm.

I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalms 57:2

Having confidence that the Creator of the universe has a plan for you can give you strength beyond understanding. I will admit that my analytical mind can’t imagine all the variables that will come against the plans that I make. This causes stress in the moment something derails the plan and until a new solution comes. God has no such problem. He holds all the variables in His hands, and as such all His plans work out.

That being said, I will put forth the contradiction. While God can have a plan for your life, He has given you the free will not to choose that path. As humans we can hear “God has a plan for your life,” look at the mess around us, and scoff. “If this is His plan then I don’t want any part of it,” would be the response. However, if we have made no effort to pursue that plan then is it not your own path you’ve actually been walking? This isn’t to say that your life will be all sunshine if you are following God’s plan. Often you may hear, “God wants me to be happy.” He is a good Father who wants good things for his children. Yet, He hasn’t called us to live for what makes us happy; serving our flesh. He has called us to live for what makes us holy and trust that the fruit of that will be far better.

Jesus was laser focused on fulfilling God’s plan for his life. I’m sure he had times of joy, but there was hardship and conflict as well. We see Jesus’ own turbulent sea experiences; literally, when he walked on the water to his disciples in the midst of the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Then an internally turbulent sea on the eve of the fulfillment of God’s plan for his life. Jesus was in the garden asking if God could have this moment pass, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Matthew 26:39) Despite the internal waves, knowing he was fulfilling God’s plan gave Jesus the strength for what was to unfold.

God’s plan for us may not always be big, but it will be for our good and be kingdom work. Maybe it’s a job change where you take a pay cut, but you’ll be advancing a mission. Maybe it’s a move that plants you somewhere you are most needed. Maybe it’s being called to write and travel doing public speaking even though the introvert in you wants to pull a Greta Garbo “I want to be alone,” and shut myself in my home. Whoops! That one got close. Yet, being sure that His plan can’t fail, I can walk with confidence in who He says I am. His!

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. Hebrews 10:35-39 NLT

Through or Through

My husband enjoys backpacking and hiking. Recently, he and a friend undertook a 100 mile through-hike challenge. They trained for months; tweaking their supplies to make sure they were reaching an optimal weight for their packs. Finding this ratio of what you will need, versus not being without something vital to your survival, is crucial for a successful journey. For 6 days they hiked the wilderness, up and down mountains, crossing rivers, and sleeping in hammocks. When we picked them up at their final destination, you could visibly see the toll this endeavor had taken on their bodies. The last 3 days had not provided many spots to replenish their water supplies; and on top of that, one of their water filtering devices had failed. My husband admitted that the heat had robbed him of his appetite and his pack still contained much of the weight from food as when they started the week. We got them cooled off, washed up, and vital nutrients in their system. At dinner they debated whether or not they could officially call themselves “through hikers.” The English language, being complicated as it is, made me think how one could say they are through hiking and it mean either committing to a journey from beginning to end, or they are throwing in the towel and quitting. Now that they were safely returned, their ordeal led me in inspiration of how our spiritual journeys can be similar.

I thought back to their months of preparation, and them mapping out each leg of the trip only to find that planning somewhat deficient when met with reality. It brought to mind Proverbs 16: 9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (NLT) It was good for them to build their understanding ahead of time, just as we should build our understanding of what it is to walk in faith. Yet, when theory meets application, complications can arise that derail the best laid plans. At those ties we need to lean into God for direction. It was good to hear that the guys said they would start each day speaking aloud the things for which they were thankful to God. That would help them to get their minds right and make the hardships, that they were sure to face, less disheartening.

“Dear brothers and sister, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 NLT

The importance of water on a long, hot journey is paramount. According to a Mayo Clinic article on dehydration, even mild cases can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.* When backpacking through the wilderness, these symptoms could make an already intense situation worse. During their regular search for water my husband had to filter some sources that were brown and undesirable. However, he was happy to also find areas where springs would flow from rocky walls. How great a joy to see the words of the Psalmist in their time of need. “He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock.” Psalm 114:8 (NLT) Clean water in the wilderness is like a shining oasis to a dehydrated body and spirit. You may feel the fatigue or confusion on your faith journey, but God provides refreshment when you seek Him.

The other thing that makes our journeys difficult is how much we carry with us. For my husband, the amount of things they thought they had to have became the weight that made finishing so much harder. In our spiritual backpack—holding things we can’t lay down or let go of—are those items really for your good, or do they hinder your progress? Guilt, hurt, control, fear of being without; these are things that wear us down as the journey stretches on.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light'” Matthew 1:28-30 NLT

Maybe it’s time to reassess the things you have packed that hinder your success on life’s journey. Are there things you still carry that are weighing you down? This could be the difference between you proclaiming “I am through hiking,” (dedicated to seeing this through to the final end) or “I am through hiking!” (deciding it’s too hard and giving up) There’s someone on the trail with you. Give those things over to God, lay them down and do not pick them back up. God is big enough to see you through.

reference:

*https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086

All Authority

In the time leading up to Easter one of the things discussed was the events of the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. There was the cursing of the fig tree for looking like it was good for fruit when there was none, and the obtaining of the colt by the disciples. Living in the Midwest, our church members know a thing or two about livestock. In our discussion of these events it was mentioned that this event was a miracle in itself. In Mark’s telling Jesus says, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.” (verse 11:2 NIV) Matthew’s account goes into more detail identifying the colt as a donkey. (verse 21:2) Well, if you don’t know anything about young, unbroke donkeys, they do not let you lead them anywhere they don’t feel like going, especially by a stranger. This, and the fig tree withering overnight, inspired me to see how Jesus was revealing his authority over all things. Going back to the six days of creation do we see Jesus display power over all the things established in the beginning?

When the earth is first revealed in Genesis, the Spirit of God is over the waters. Interesting then that Jesus’ first miracle also begins with water; the wedding at Cana he turns water into wine for the banquet feast. (John 2:7) Then later, just as the Spirit of God hovered over the surface of the waters in the creation account, Matthew 14:25 shows how Jesus hovers over the water in physical form. This is when he walks on the lake to his disciples who went on ahead of him in the boat.

On day 2 God made the firmament, “God called the vault ‘sky.'” (Genesis 1:8 NIV) What do we see Jesus do with this aspect of creation? He quiets the wind and storm, as recorded in Matthew 8: 26-27 and Mark 4:39-41.

When it comes to creatures of the seas, we see Jesus on a few occasion to cast their nets again after an unfruitful fishing trip only to have their catch be almost too much for them. An event he repeats after his resurrection so the disciples would recognize it was him. Then in Matthew 17:27 Jesus send Peter to the lake, and says the first fish he catches will have a coin in its mouth so they can pay the temple tax.

The creatures of the air presents an interesting investigation. All four gospel accounts tell of how when Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit descended upon him as a dove. Then I looked at Jesus clearing the temple in Mark 11:15-17. In my mind’s eye I see Jesus letting the birds being sold go free with them having a sudden urge for migrating. This way they would not be easily recaptured by the people turning the Lord’s house into a marketplace.

I already mentioned the authority shown over vegetation and livestock in the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Also, time and again he showed his power over life itself with his miraculous healings, even from death. Then Matthew documents in 27:45-51 Jesus’ authority over two other aspects of creation in his final hours. As Jesus hung on the cross, the darkness that began to shadow over him also shadowed the sun as it hung in the sky above him. Then, as his spirit broke from his earthly body, the earth broke open as well. After this deep dive, I would say that all the boxes from creation get checked.

What I realized, in this line of investigation, was that for a long portion of my life I had Jesus relegated to a box labeled “Savior.” In my limited thinking I viewed him as my avenue for forgiveness; being the atonement for sin. Meanwhile giving all other aspects of my faith to God the Father. In diminishing Jesus’ role I was closing myself off to some true wisdom. Effectively, it was like reducing a lion to the status of a domesticated house cat. However, to borrow a line from C.S. Lewis, Jesus is “not like a tame lion.” He is the mighty Lion of Judah and King of kings.

For God [Father] was pleased to have all his fullness [Spirit] dwell in him, [Jesus] and through him [Jesus] to reconcile everything to himself, [Father] whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, [Jesus] shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 NIV

Jesus is the firstborn of the new covenant kingdom of God. The firstborn meaning he has been given the inheritance of authority over ALL things. We have been commissioned by him and are sharing in that inheritance. That is how the apostles did their miracles in Jesus’ name, and what we are called to do as well. We are commanded to go into all the world, empowered under the name of him who the entire inheritance of creation is given, Jesus, and be his disciples. Do you have Jesus in a “Savior” box and diminish the power he holds? Open up to all he wants for you.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew 28:18

The Sound Barrier

April is both child abuse prevention month and sexual assault awareness month. Unfortunately there are times when these two overlap. The National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse has done studies showing 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are molested before they are 18. However, since their numbers are only those cases reported—and they speculate that somewhere between two-thirds to 90% of victims never speak out—those statistics could be much higher. This has led to a break the silence campaign for survivors of child abuse, but I want to address what I’m calling “the sound barrier.”

You see, as a survivor of child abuse myself, I know how incredibly hard it can be to get those words out. My memories of being molested go so far back that I cannot remember a time before them. Even in kindergarten, I had the feeling I could not make friends easily because I was broken. My abuse made me feel as though I was less deserving of care, and less likely to let people in to see who I was. I walked through life often disconnected from others. I’ve heard it said that one’s experiences from birth to 10 years old forms a person’s internal legal system. When the vast majority of that person’s memories are negative that becomes a difficult pattern to break, yet many are able to do just that. Survivors become skilled at disconnecting from their experiences and emotions to the point that they grow past them and it seems like it was a different person. The level of complex mental safeguards that enable someone who grew up in the worst of circumstances to live as a thriving adult are next to miraculous. This leads me back to the idea of a sound barrier. To have someone get to the point where they are ready to break the silence means they will need to affect the order of those safeguards. However, there is no singular reaction for someone facing this task. Everyone’s journey is different.

“Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.” Psalms 25:21 The Message

My husband was vaguely aware that I had an abusive childhood. However, we were married for 22 years before I was able to tell him that I had been sexually molested often as a child. With that I began the process of unpacking those hurts. Sometimes it was with neutrality, other times with apprehension, and still other times a memory would hit without warning and panic would grip me. Once those guards come down it is difficult to control your reactions. It is a journey of healing through pain; being reforged in the fire. It is not an easy process, and that is why many choose not to disturb the safeguards that have held them together for so long. The words of confession come up against the sound barrier holding everything in place and do not penetrate it.

What also held my tongue for so long was my need to protect, and not just myself. Oftentimes a person’s abuser is someone close to them. My first abuser was my oldest brother. He was my most prevalent sibling and my mother’s favorite. He’d sneak into my room at night and violate me while everyone slept. Yet even after he passed away I felt speaking out would tarnish the memory of him. My other abuser was my mother in many forms and felt more sinister to child me. I remember as a little girl wanting to do anything to make her happy, but eventually I learned I would never be enough. That was confirmed by her own words when my brother passed and she told me she loved him more than she could ever love me. I don’t know where the devotion to protect the abuser comes from, but once I broke the sound barrier for myself that burden was graciously lifted. I do not wish them ill, but it is not on me to sacrifice my mental health to keep them safe from their own actions.

With statistics as astronomical as the ones presented by the NAASCA’s research, the truth is that there are people in the church congregation that struggle with this secret shame. It’s been projected that every third person sitting in a sanctuary is a survivor of childhood abuse. If you think about the fact that they know their abuser then the perpetuator may likely be sitting there as well. My mother was also a survivor of childhood abuse. Some continue the cycle while others break it. I was blessed to have a Good Shephard who saved His lost sheep. I had more love from my Heavenly Father than my earthly parents were able to afford me. He strengthened me to be able to turn the tide of my life towards a brighter future. Now He calls me to the purpose He raised me to fulfill. I am one who can give a voice to those whose words still get caught by the sound barrier. While my survivor instincts tell me to not be vulnerable, I pour out my words and my heart for those who are not ready for their safeguards to come down. I will encourage and lift up anyone who still feels bound to the memories of a broken past, and God willing guide them to the light of healing

“Those who have insight will shine like the bright expanse of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3 CSB

A Jesus Revolution or a Revolutionary Jesus

With revivals happening on campuses around the country and the “Jesus Revolution” movie in theaters, I can’t help but ponder the first revolution of Jesus followers found in Acts. It was the initial outpouring of believers after Jesus’ ascension and stirred up the world to create a movement called “The Way.” After causing a public spectacle, Peter delivered his first sermon and had a call to repentance to which 3,000 people responded.(Acts 2:37-41) So the first Jesus Revolution was documented, yet it would not have been possible if Jesus himself had not been revolutionary. You see, in the Old Testament we had account after account of how the Spirit of the Lord came upon someone to do the supernatural when called. However, in most of those cases we see it did not remain with them. Beside the teaching and sacrifice of Jesus, what made him revolutionary was his promise of what would happen when he returned to his Father.

When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they [disciples] were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each of them. Then they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4

One might read this and think it’s an exciting scene; but if you look at this deeper, what happens here is mind-blowing. First in Exodus 40, when the tent of meeting was finished, the cloud that had been leading the Israelites rushed in and filled the tabernacle. Again in 2 Chronicles 5, when Solomon completed the Temple of the Lord, a cloud blew in and the temple was filled. When you take into account that at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion the curtain of the Most Holy place in the Temple of the Lord was split in two from top to bottom, this presents itself as God’s exit from the temple. Yet Jesus promised, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23) So what happens with the disciples on the day of Pentecost is the indication that his followers are the new Temple of the Lord where the Holy Spirit resides. The same Spirit of the Lord that worked through the people of the Old Testament to do miraculous things is now gifted to Christ followers of all nations.

It is hard to express to a nonbeliever the feeling of the Holy Spirit when it fills you. A paltry comparison would be describing the sun to a blind person. This blessing means the difference between two people reading the same passage, and one gleaning nothing while the other feels the discernment of the Spirit. Many critics tend to say it is a hallucination or a learned response from an indoctrinated mass. Yet we would not have 2,000 years of Jesus Revolutions without the burning of the Holy Spirit among his people. Even the leaders of Jesus’ time had trouble wrapping their heads around this movement.

Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree. God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” When they [the Jewish leaders] heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while. He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re about to do to these men.” He goes on to share other examples of prophets rising up proclaiming to be someone of importance, yet when they died their movements did not survive. “So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.”

It seems unfortunate that the Holy Spirit is the least talked about aspect of the Trinity when it is the most prevalent factor in the life of a Christ follower. It is the intercessor in prayer, the comforter in our times of sorrow, and the flame of conviction that burns within ourselves. I know I would not have survived much of my hardships without Him. Yet many treat it as a fringe element that only the super religious give credence to. However, if we are to be a revolutionary people, then let us tap into what makes the body of Christ so revolutionary. I encourage you to be open to the Holy Spirit in your life and live plugged in to your faith.

Biblical Feminism

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a women’s only gala with some of my closest friends. The event was the culmination of photographer Jessica Yates’ campaign of 40 over 40. Her mission was to highlight the stories of forty women over the age of 40, and to honor how God has moved in their lives. There is something different about a room full of women who are all about lifting others up. As they spoke about the impact their faith has had, I couldn’t help but think of those critics who have said how misogynistic the Bible is and oppressive to women.

I will admit, when I’ve studied Paul’s letters to Timothy, that I wondered if this was a correspondence of the He-Man Woman-Haters Club (Little Rascals Reference). However, scholars who have studied these letters, the region this church was established, and the people of the time have concluded that Paul is addressing a specific issue and not belittling women. Audience is important. Theologians have widely accepted this as to why these verses would be so contrary to the rest of scripture, and Paul’s own praise of the women he worked with in their own churches.

The Bible openly acknowledges the contributions of women. Going back to Genesis, at the end of each day of creation God took stock to determine if each area was done to the best it could be; that it was good. After making the first human He realized mankind was not yet the best it could be. Where God made Adam a mirror of Himself, He now put divine thought into what the Earth would need to be fully good in His eyes. This is why man and woman are so different. They are purposefully a counterpoint to each other so that the caretakers of the Earth would not be lacking in anything. God loves His sons and daughters and has never shied away from using women to be his shield-maidens of faith. We see Moses’ sister, Miriam, who was considered a prophetess and among his council. Deborah was a prophetess, a wife, and a judge over all Israel. The army commander asked her to aid in leading the troops in battle, and she did so without hesitation. Ruth chose to support her ex mother-in-law and that sacrificial love earned her a mention in Jesus’ genealogy. Hadassah, whose Persian name was Esther, was put into position to keep the exiled Israelites from genocide. Of course there is also Mary, who accepted the honor of being mother to Jesus. Then there is the first person Jesus made a missionary of the gospel: the woman at the well. These are just my top line examples. If you wanted to do a deep dive, you would find the Bible is full of women being empowered, and you’d see a God who loves His daughters.

Unfortunately, the battle of the sexes has had collateral damage in all areas as war rages between masculinity and feminism. As are all things, woman is under the sovereignty of God; yet there is a hierarchy established within the confines of marriage. Where the single Christian woman submits to God, the married woman must also submit to her husband. (see Ephesians 5:22) I want to be clear that the wife is called to submit and not that she is subservient, as in less important. Scripture states that in marriage the two have become one, and that a house divided will fall. Therefore, God has determined that as man was created first and will be held to account for the way he leads his family, the wife must defer to his direction. When I was young, my mother would leave us kids alone at home and tell my oldest brother that he was in charge. Often this would be without incident, but other times something would go wrong and he would be held responsible whether it was his fault or not. That is the similar idea to the husband’s responsibility. God set them outside the Garden of Eden with the curse and said to Adam you’re in charge. Wives are to respect their husbands for this expectation that is put on them, and yield to his leadership as the head of the family.

This may sound contrary to the idea of feminism, but in reality it is actually empowering. As believers we are given authority to go forth in Christ, and how Christ gave everything for the kingdom of God to thrive. When you read on from where the wives are called to submit, you see the husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church and give of themselves for her. A man of God understands this responsibility, and recognizes that his wife is the daughter of the King. She is given unique gifts and accepts that God has a plan for her life as well. The loving husband gives authority to his wife to do all she needs to for their family, and guides her in such a way so that she can be holy in God’s eyes.

Whether married or single, women continue to minister, to educate, and to council their fellow believers. Even today you will find varying degrees of acceptance of their efforts. Regardless of the headwinds you may face, I encourage my sisters in Christ to see themselves as God sees you. Strong yet gentle. Warriors as well as peacemakers. A soft place of comfort as well as a driving force. In a word, extraordinary.

Turn to the Light

I often joke to my family that I am solar powered. When the daylight hours begin to wan in the fall I have experienced feeling dread; knowing that the deep cold and darkness of winter is coming. The holidays help to keep my spirits up, but in January and February my mild case of seasonal affective disorder gets stronger.

I have plants that usually live on my deck in the Spring and Summer, but in the winter months I bring them inside. I only have one really good window in my house for catching the most light during this time, so the plants are pressed for a place to survive. (My family would say that with my black thumb it’s a wonder they still live.) I’ve noticed that, as weeks go by, the side closest to the window thrives while the other struggles. I have to remind myself to turn the plants occasionally so that all sides have an opportunity for growth.

This process with the plants inspired me to remember that I must do the same thing. When I feel the darkness around me, and I’m struggling to lift my head, I need to turn to the light. To plants, light is vital to sustain its life, and with seasonal depression I can relate. Therefore, we must find ways to inject light into our days.

“In him [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:4-5 CSB

The human condition is a constant battle between choosing light or darkness. In January we recognize the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of his notable quotes is “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only the light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Being a pastor himself, he no doubt knew Jesus as the light of the world, and that we will be identified as being in Him by the love we show. When our world view is turned away from the light, like the plant at the window whose side faces in and out, we start to fade into that perspective. We go around downcast and withdrawn as we struggle in our lack of growth. If our days are spent feeding into that darkness we cannot find the power to overcome it. We need to remember to turn to the light; to turn to Jesus.

“Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12 CSB

When it said, “Jesus spoke to them again,” this is right after he had prevented the stoning of the woman caught in the act of adultery. Talk about a moment of darkness for her! Shamed and about to be killed for her sin, I can’t imagine the fear she must have had. Yet, in a moment, her accusers were gone and Jesus was extending forgiveness. Hope shines like a ray of light in that instance in such a way that is life changing. I have had a profound encounter myself that cannot be fully conveyed in a blog post, but I share in my speaking. It was a time of deep, consuming darkness broken by a flash of light from God. The experience would be similar to a blind person receiving their sight for the first time. Life springs up anew, and the darkness cannot overtake it when the truth is revealed.

While my mental state looks forward to the longer daylight hours of the Spring and Summer, my spirit craves long durations of being in the light of Jesus. Worship with my church family, being in the word of God (the Bible), singing along to praise music, and coming into the throne room in prayer are all ways to turn my face to the light. If you find yourself walking in darkness then I hope you will give them a try.

The Table

The holidays are winding down and a new year is dawning. In full transparency I’m going to be open with you about a consistent issue I have in my home. If there is a flat surface available it quickly gets covered up. That being said, my dining table is often inaccessible for the use of eating meals. However, with Thanksgiving and Christmas, my family and I have had to be conscientious about our effort to establish our dining table for its designed purpose, and I really do love when we come around the table together. It fills my heart to see everyone’s faces as they share in conversation, food, and laughter.

There is an intentionality in setting a table for use. Whether it’s a dining table, a conference table, or a ping pong table, it is meant for interacting with those who have gathered there. It’s a piece of furniture that plays a small, but vital, role for providing opportunities. There are many stories in scripture where a table establishes the scene and the connections of people. We even see in Psalm 23, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” (verse 11 CSB) As I presented before, preparing a table for an event has intentionality to the task. This is magnified when there are place settings with name cards, because you have thought about that person specifically and how they will interact with the whole party. What if we reimagined Psalm 23 to say Lord, your table has a place setting for me where my name card marks that You have prearranged where I will sit with You, and it’s for all to see. Jesus illustrates this in Luke 12:37, “Blessed will be those servants the master finds alert when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will get ready, have them recline at the table, then come and serve them.”(CSB) Our being alert to God’s will puts us at the table of the family of God. Who do you prepare a place for around your table? Whether it’s the table you gather around for the holidays, or a table at the coffee shop where you are connecting. Give those interactions to God and He will be with you.

Those we sit with in community around the table can build ties as close as family, maybe stronger. We had a Friendsgiving in November and I referenced the scene described in Mark 3. “His[Jesus] mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent word to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him and told him, ‘Look, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters are outside asking for you.’ He replied to them, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ Looking at those sitting in a circle around him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers!'”(verses 31-34 CSB) Now, it doesn’t say this circle they were sitting in was around a table, but I’d like to set one in the middle of them for my head cannon. It shows that Jesus viewed those believers around him, his church body if you will, were the same as his earthly family.

In 2 Samuel Chapter 9 we see that David was missing his dearest friend Jonathan. In verse 1 he asks, “Is there anyone remaining from the family of Saul I can show kindness to for Jonathan’s sake?”(CSB) The people of the court track down a servant of the previous king[Saul] and David learns from this man, “There is still Jonathan’s son who was injured in both feet.”(verse 3 CSB) I can just imagine David’s joy at learning this information. Not only was it one of Saul’s descendants as he had intended to find, but it was Jonathan’s own son! Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth had lived a life in secret, fearing that he would be put to death for being Saul’s heir and a potential rival to David’s throne. Furthermore, after being injured as a child in the mad escape from Jerusalem, living as an invalid during this time in history would have made him a lesser citizen. When he is brought before David, Mephibosheth no doubt felt fear for his life and shame at his infirmity. You could imagine someone in his position could have thought at least this life of misery will be over. “‘Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘since I intend to show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul’s fields, and you will always eat meals at my table.'”(verse 7) Later in verse 11 it establishes, “So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table just like one of the king’s sons.” He became grafted in to the family of King David just as we get grafted in to the family of God. It said he was like a son, but his gratitude for David likely ran deeper than his own children because of the life he had before. David was intentional with Mephibosheth when others would not have given him a second thought, and it changed his life. You and I do not have the resources of kings, but our actions can have great impacts in people’s lives. Maybe someone who doesn’t feel they are worthy can be uplifted by an invitation to your table, or to coffee, or a church event.

When you plan to show intentionality towards others it’s not easy to know if they are people who will find their name cards at the Lord’s table. Will your table be the closest they’ll find themselves to that community? To be in relationship with people around your table is not always easy. Sometimes there are people who no matter what work you put into the preparation, or what you serve to them, they rarely offer you a word of appreciation. Do they enrich your party or are they a Judas whose own intentions are not for your benefit? The only control you have over these situations is what you “bring to the table,” and your Father in Heaven sees that. Maybe someone sits at your table now that, like Judas, is waiting for an opportunity to profit from your downfall. Do such people need to have a place at your table, or are they a pawn for the dark forces and occupying a spot the Lord wants you to make available for someone else? You may have heard of Louie Giglio’s book “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat At Your Table,” it speaks of the battle in your own mind, but it is just as true for the evil that takes root in others that have influence in your life. Maybe there is some rearranging of place settings that needs to be done at the table of people in your sphere.

I want to be sensitive, as I know this time of year can be hard for those who are grieving an empty seat at their table. I myself just lost my father on December 4th and my Christmas joy has been tempered with sorrow. A ray of hope shines for the potential of growth through this difficult time, and the comfort of the Lord is there when I need to lean into it. Like John leaning against Jesus as they reclined around the table, he is near to those he loves. I pray this new year holds wondrous things to unfold and that you are blessed.