I think I’ve really only taken three in my entire life.

Pathetic.

A new risk was added a few weeks ago.  In the time I’ve had to reflect, I can honestly say that I’m both surprised and glad that I took the risk.  

Years ago I would have dismissed the idea before even considering it.

Thankfully, things can change for someone like me.

And you, too.

A friend of mine, who I’m connected with at work, shared a great story with me just over a year ago.  He is very involved with youth ministry, and one example is a camp in Northern Arizona for kids with disabilities.  He told me the story of a boy who was severely handicapped, and how one part of the camp allowed for these kids to participate in a special ropes course, with a zip-line  at the end.  These guys and girls can participate in this course without the reminder of the disability that so often holds them back from “normal” activities.

The course started out with a series of platforms that you had to step off of and make your way to the next one via the ropes.  Before stepping off of the platform, this young man would freeze with fear.  You know – legs shaking, teeth chattering, the works.  The leaders would ask him, “do you want to come down?”  ”You don’t have to go any farther than you want.”  Eventually, he would take the step off the platform and make his way to the next, only to be overcome by fear again.  The leaders asked the same questions every time, and after about an hour the young man made his way to the end of the course.

My friend said that he asked the boy, “why didn’t you just come down when you got scared?”

He answered, “It was only fear, that’s all.”

That’s how I want to see the risks that God asks me to take.  Is it scary?  Sure it is.  If it’s not scary you’re either not paying attention or dead.  That’s why they call it a risk and not “safe”.  But, you and I must remember that it’s only fear that’s holding us back.  That’s crippling us. 

Sometimes we can’t shake it.  We’re frozen.  There’s seemingly no way out.  But, if we look at God for who he really is and not what we’ve made him, we’ll see an awesome and powerful God who is for us…not against us.  What can fear do to us when we know this?  Nothing.  It can only be fear.  Nothing more, nothing less. 

He’s already overcome it. 

Trusting that he did?  Now that’s a risk right there…

This is especially true in our American culture, I think.

And I’m not just talking about singing, for it’s most certainly not the only way to worship.

The problem, in my opinion, is this:

A lot of us have an extremely low view of God.

If this view of him can change, I believe everything will change. 

Everything.

Do you ever get like me and judge God?  Now, I’m not talking about asking questions to God.  He’s not so small that he can’t handle our questions.  But, do you ever judge him?  Do you ever find yourself asking (like me), “God- why don’t you do anything about things in this world?  How come people are dying from not having clean water?  What about AIDS?  What about Haiti?  The homeless?  Won’t you do anything?  You have the power for crying out loud!  You could make this all go away….if you really wanted to.”

If you are like me and ask those things, you probably also (like me) forget that it will be us standing before God one day, not the other way around, and he’ll ask us why we didn’t do anything about it, and that he gave us his Holy Spirit to have the power through him. 

Ouch.  That’s a painful perspective for me to get. 

It’s almost like I somehow create this image of God being created for me, when in reality it’s that I was made for him.  Do you get this way sometimes as well? 

Or how about the times that I resign to the fact that my issues (or the world’s) are too great for God to overcome.  Sure, I never vocalize it that way, but my life would indicate to others that it was what I believe.  That attitude bears a certain fruit, and it’s not one of hope. 

I’ve reduced him to a cross on a chain, a sticker on a car, a Bible never opened.  This must change.

I need to remember just how huge God is, and therefore place him where he rightfully belongs in my life – first.  I’m reminded of Psalm 33 today, verses 6-7. 

By the word of the Lord where the heavens made, their starry hosts by the breath of his mouth.  He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.

Our Father creates entire galaxies with merely his words.  Try to wrap your mind around that one for a bit. 

I’m also reminded of Ezekiel seeing God.  Look how he attempts to wrestle with the right human words to describe a holy God.  (Ezekiel 1:26-28)

Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man.  I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.  Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.  This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.  When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

I love the section of the book of Job (starting in chapter 38) where God begins to remind Job of just how big he is.  God asks in verse 12 of that chapter:

 ”Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?” 

Simply amazing.  Could you imagine God asking you these questions?  What would you say?  What if you saw him like Ezekiel did?  What would you do? 

I think you and I would hit the ground like Ezekiel, hoping that we didn’t have a heart attack.  Questions would not matter at that moment, I can guarantee you. 

God is huge.  His glory is far beyond any words we could imagine saying.  He was not created for you and I.  We were created for him.  When we have this kind of view of God, I believe things start changing. 

Have you ever just stood in awe of God?  Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 says to…

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.  Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.  Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.  God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

Take a moment today to simply be quiet.  No prayers, apologies, vows, nothing.  Let your words be few and be silent before him.  He’s in heaven and we’re down here.  He’s magnificent and we’re his creation.  He values us over anything he’s made. 

Anything.

Think on these things.  Spend time today thinking of God in this way.  Sing to him in this way this weekend when you gather for corporate worship with your church or fellowship of believers.  Surrender your stresses, marriages, fear, pride to this God who is always able to overcome.  He’s not intimidated by our circumstances. 

Having a high view of God will change the way you and I worship.  I believe that with all that I have, which is nothing in comparison to him.

Take  a moment to check out this video if you wouldn’t mind.

“Here I raise my ebenezer, hither by Thy help I’ve come…”

Today holds value in terms of markers in my life.  And I can honestly (and embarrasingly) say that it’s a rare day.

You see, I’m taking a risk today.  A pretty big one for me, at least.

And I am not good at taking risks.  Trust issues, I suppose.

Today I’m flying to Nashville to record a 6-song EP with Jeremy Casella.  I’ll be going nonstop from Thursday to Sunday.  I’m super excited and super afraid at the same time.  I believe this is what qualifies it as a real risk, right?

This is a time to remember where God has shown up before.

And He has a lot.

Today I’m resting in the truth of what God says about me, not what I think about myself in my insecurity.  I would greatly appreciate your prayers, specifically that I don’t talk myself out enjoying something that God has provided for in so many mind-blowing ways.

When was the last time you took a risk?

What became of it?

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.  Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.“

The story of Lazarus is the story of us.

If you’ve never read it, it’s in John 11. Take the time to read it if it’s new to you.  I’ve heard it and read it many times myself, and I’ve always focused on the fact that Jesus was deeply moved and mourned the loss of his friend (knowing very well that he was going to raise him from the dead).  This story amazingly shows the truth of Jesus being fully man and fully God.

But have you ever paid any attention to the last line?  I can’t say that I always have.  But it’s profound…

“Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

You see, Lazarus was indeed raised from the dead, just as Jesus intended.  However, to everyone watching he still resembled a dead man.  Why?

Because of the grave clothes.

All of the strips of linen with spices underneath to keep ‘ole Lazarus from smelling foul in the tomb was still on him after he was resurrected.

He still appeared dead.

But he didn’t need them any longer.  Jesus had called him into life, but Lazarus was still identified by what was on him.

I think that’s why Jesus told the people to remove the grave clothes.  They had served their purpose while Lazarus lay in the tomb, but now he was called into something better.

You and I have been called out of death and into life if we follow Christ, so my question to you (and most certainly me) is:

Don’t you think it’s time we remove the grave clothes?

Do we live our lives wrapped in grave clothes, when we’ve been called out of the tomb?  Are we identified by our bindings and fetters instead of our call to freedom in Him?

I think it’s time for them to go.

And I think Jesus thinks so even more.

It reminded me not only about how life is so fragile, but it reminded me about the value of time and relationships. 

Remember the story of Jesus visiting Mary and Martha in Luke 10?  Jesus reminds Martha that although she was tending to things that were totally fine and well, Mary had chosen to prioritize correctly, which was to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him.  And there was nothing in the world more important.

Jesus knew the value of relationship over doing ”good” things.   

I’m also reminded of a story a friend of mine told me about a year ago, describing an experience he had with a young man in an African village on a missions trip. 

They were in Sudan, an African country that has a lot of persecution towards Christians.  So, as you can imagine, this trip was a fairly dangerous one.  My friend took several people from his church with him, along with men and women he had become friends with over the years through different jobs, churches and states of residency.  The village they went to would huddle in tents at night to hold church services, virtually whispering the worship songs that were sung.  The group had to form a tight circle in order to hear the message in whisper-form, as they could be killed on the spot if overheard.  He told me about the move that God was doing in this village, and how the people were so passionate and dependent on God for everything. 

And then he told me about John. 

John was 19 at the time, and spoke English fairly well.  He was bright, and wanted to become a pastor.  One night in the secret meeting place, one of the men with the group of missionairies was asked to speak to the village.  He went on to talk about how his church could come alongside this village, providing resources for food, shelter and a safe place to worship.  They could build a more secure building for them to meet in with thicker walls, which would allow for them to speak loudly and free when gathering for worship and teaching.  In the back of the room, John whispered to get this man’s attention.  And this is what he said. 

Excuse me, but we only have a limited time.  Could you please tell us about Jesus?

19 years old!  I’m 29 and I don’t always have perspective like that.  Geesh.

You see, we are but a breath.  Our days are like a passing shadow. 

So, what are we to do with them?  How does the truth of life’s uncertainty play into how we treat others?  These are some of the questions I have today. 

image: bogenfreund

I know I haven’t posted lately.

You know, I used to think that I’d keep some sort of strict schedule when it came to blogging.

• To be consistent.
• To get readers/subscribers.
• To boost my blog stats.  <—- Oh, how easy it is to be a slave to these!

But that’s not life for me.

Life is hectic and noisy.  I used to thrive in this realm.  Solving problems and organizing was fun for me.

But right now, I need rest.

Now don’t get me wrong, life is good.  I’m living and breathing, which means a new opportunity to grow in character and humility.  To become more and more restored.  There are a lot of things good happening right now in my life.  The image above doesn’t represent danger from every direction.  It represents opportunities (all good) and discerning the right road to take.

That’s really all I have to say today.  I wish it was something inspirational or encouraging.  I wish it was something that caused us all to think or become challenged.

But this is all I’ve got today.  I don’t want to force a blog post for the sake of blogging.  There are plenty of good blogs to read that have great posts (almost daily).

I will, however ask for your prayers.  I have specific requests:

1. That this season would bring about clarity.
2. That this season will result in the fruit of community.

What about you all?

How can I pray for you?

image: sam

“Wait, are you with a church, or are you just being human?”

Her question caught me a bit off-guard.  I responded with an awkward, “well, I would have to say it’s both.”

Her name is Linda.  She’s a beautiful woman.  Her eyes were crystal clear and green, and she had impeccable teeth.  You know, the kind you see on toothpaste commercials.  Linda is kind, polite and articulate.

And Linda is homeless.

I saw Linda a few weeks ago at Burger King in Wickenburg.  I go there most Wednesday mornings to talk with my mom on Skype.  She was sitting outside when I got there, but moved inside as the morning went on due to the heat.  I had finished talking with mom, so it was time for me to go.  I walked out to my car, and I caught an older gentleman walking quickly from his car back inside, giving Linda some cash before swiftly returning back to his vehicle.  She seemed shocked and grateful.  I was excited to see someone have compassion for her, and yet I was sad to see no conversation take place.  Perhaps he had somewhere he needed to be at shortly.  I had some time still.  So, I walked back inside.

She was putting all of her belongings in one of the corner booths inside, which included several plastic grocery bags filled with odds and ends she had probably gathered along her travels.  I excused myself as I walked towards Linda, hoping not to scare her.  I asked her if she would like some food.

“Why would you think that I would need food?”

“Well, I kinda feel like you do” I said, hoping to God that I didn’t insult her.

“Yes, I would like some food very much.”

So, up to the front we went.  Before we got to the register to order, she asked me the question I referenced first:

“Wait, are you with a church, or are you just being a human?”

She wanted to know if my kindness had an agenda, I guess.  Perhaps she’s encountered that before.  I gave my awkward answer and proceeded to order her whatever she wanted on the menu.  She tried to see what I would get so she could just order the same thing, and she asked me if there was a limit to this transaction.  I assured her that buying her the most expensive thing on the menu wouldn’t do me in financially, and that I just wanted to make sure she had a full meal today.

I asked her if she lived in town or in Phoenix, and she said (with a smile) ”Honey, I’ve been everywhere…more places than you could imagine.”  I told her I was here most Wednesday mornings, and that I would love to get her another meal and hear her story.  Besides, everyone has a story. I wanted her to know that I didn’t have an agenda.  Her story is important.  There’s a reason why she’s wandering around with all her belongings in hand.  What happened in her life?  Divorce?  Economic hardship?  Addictions?  Illness?

I haven’t seen Linda since that day a few weeks ago.  I hope that I see her again so I can talk to her.  Hear her story.  I’d love to eat a hamburger with her.  I’d love to see more of Jesus in her.  Because let me tell you, her question cut right to the core of me.

As Christians, what are our intentions when reaching out to someone?  Do we have an agenda or are we just genuinely loving that person?

I’d love to say that I have reached out to people in need like this so many times that I’ve lost count, but I can’t.  That would be lying.  I do know, however, that Linda left more of a mark on me than anything I did for her that day.

And for that I am thankful.

I love live music.

You know, good live music.

The sound, the crowd’s excitement, the performance.  It really doesn’t get much better (when it’s good).

So, if you could pick…

One band.

One artist.

Live.

Who would it be and why?

My answer, you ask?  Easy.  Coldplay, for no other reason than to experience “Fix You” live.

And, the winner is:  Jason Benoit.

I have a place in my heart for Anchorman references.  :)

Enjoy, man!