I’m going to be honest, here. I feel that there’s a huge problem today in our worship to God (myself included).
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. (more…)
“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?
This is weighing heavily on my mind lately.
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:
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.
Yesterday I read a post by Tyler about the fragility of life. Needless to say it got me thinking about a lot of things.
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.
This image currently describes how I’m feeling lately. I’m totally that guy in the bottom corner walking.
You know, I used to think that I’d keep some sort of strict schedule when it came to blogging.
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:
What about you all?
How can I pray for you?
