From the Outside In

Jesus came for the "outsiders". He came for the non-Jews, the un-religious types...prostitutes, partiers, the greedy and unclean. You name it, He loved them all and as He made His love for them known it turned the religious world on its head. I am one of those outsiders. Chances are, you are one as well. But since spending over twenty years as a Christian, I am starting to wonder if I had somehow transformed into one of the religious insiders?

We have spent some time not attending church on Sunday mornings. But we are the church, and very connected to the church. (Some of you may wonder, how can that be? Some of you may even worry about the state of our souls. Thanks for your concern.) As an outsider, I find myself feeling "out of it" when conversations turn to the usual..."worship was so good this morning" or "the presence of God was just thick on Sunday" or many of the other things that come up as we critique our most recent church services. Trust me, I have been there in the midst of such conversations, very much an "insider" and I now wonder how it must have sounded to other outsiders, whether they be outside of church in general, or just my church, or even pre-believers. Now it all seems so strange to me, almost as if we are saying "Wow, God really likes our church services! I think He likes them more than anyone else's."

"Changing churches" is another strange thing, and it makes some of us quite nervous. I know it did me the first time we had to do it. I was very uncomfortable at first. I have since realized that most churches are pretty much the same. The buildings differ, some small and humble, some large and theater-like, and inside people sing songs, usually led by a group who look similar to many of the "bands" we grew up with, only more clean-cut...sometimes...but not always...or there might even be a choir in robes...but there will usually be some music to start with, then there will be some form of announcements, then the plate, basket, or velvet bag will be passed, then someone, (usually a man), will go up front and teach...(this part being quite similar to a college class I would assume, though I didn't get to college)...and then there will be an altar call...either you need to accept Jesus as your Savior, or you need Him to re-purpose you, or whatever the call might be...and then everyone goes home. Or to lunch. Some people go back to their lives, with very little change in them...others are quite busy and involved in the whole production of "church" so they go to various meetings throughout the week to organize and "do" all of the things that keep the production going. If it is a "spirit-filled" church, then these meetings will be more prayer based, which causes the members to feel quite superior to the other types of churches. In all, though, pretty much the same. And I am wondering how different "church" today is from those Temple meetings back in the day when Jesus first came?

Recently, I was reading a conversation on Facebook about angels. There was discussion of the angelic activity that was sensed during a church service, and then there was talk about more prayer for more angelic activity, and for eyes to be opened to see and sense the angels during service, etc. This was all good and very exciting and I am not criticizing at all because I love angelic activity as much as the next girl. And I have also been very involved in such conversations in the past. The thing is, hearing it from my current "outsider" viewpoint, it would seem as if there is only angelic activity in a church meeting, and I know that the people having the conversation don't believe that. But it seems that when we are immersed in church meetings, and focused on church meetings, and if church is the place where we go to experience God...then our expectation of angelic activity will be focused on church meetings.

The funny thing is, the very week I read this conversation on Facebook, I was in between locations on another leg of our vagabond journey, and playing ball with my 3 year old grandson in the hallway of his home. We were kicking the ball and laughing and suddenly I "felt" the manifest presence of angels or "The Angel of the Lord" or just that presence that we love...and I knew that Heaven had come to earth in that moment, in that hallway, while playing ball with my grandson. The joy I felt in that moment increased tremendously, and our laughter increased as well. My grandson and I were experiencing God together, and it was delightful! And we weren't "in church"!

I am aware and amazed at how often I sense Heaven, or angels, while playing with my grandson...or at many other times in my day to day life. But I guess I didn't used to. And...now this is my point, really...I wonder if I sense the "Presence" more often now in day to day life than I used to when I was focused on church, and mostly expected to feel God on Sunday morning? Do you get what I am saying? I wonder if maybe before there was a sort of laziness in my "Christianity" that caused me to just rely on "good worship" or the corporate anointing...to get my God fix. And maybe, just maybe...I wasn't even looking to experience Him, or His angels, or the Presence, outside of church. Maybe my understanding didn't even leave room for Him to be in the humdrum of my life. My life was sort of compartmentalized...I knew He was with me, but I had to work at drumming up an experience...or go someplace where others had done the work so that I could just enjoy it. Because there must be work, after all. God wouldn't just drop His presence on us for no reason, would he?

I see now from a different perspective. I see now how religious I had become. I see how I had allowed a little bit of the Old Testament perspective to creep into my understanding. God was in a building on Sunday mornings. He was in that church, instead of in "The Church" the one He said He would build upon Peter's revelation of Jesus, the Christ, the Liberating King (which is what Christ really means). This Liberating King who is alive, and everywhere!! He really is... everywhere! He is in the dark alley with the drug addict, He is in the bar with the alcoholic, He is in the gala events of the rich and famous, and He is most definitely in the hallway playing ball with my grandson and me! And He invites us to see Him, and to experience Him...everywhere! We don't have to get  discouraged when our loved ones aren't attending Sunday morning meetings with us. We can experience God with them, right where they are! What if we took them to breakfast on a Sunday morning, what if we missed a church service, to "be" the church...in service?

This is the Jesus revealed to us!! He cannot be contained inside any church walls, because that is not where He came! He came to us, the outsiders. He came to weddings, and funerals, and parties, and beaches and yes...He came to the Temple meetings as well. But let's not get so caught up being insiders, let's not be so focused on church that we miss Him everywhere else. Jesus is there, if we learn to look for Him, just as he was with us before our eyes were opened.

A baby...in a manger. Because there was no room for Him inside, He came to us "outside". I pray that no matter where I may end up spending my Sunday mornings, I always remember that I am an outsider...and God is...every where I go.

Pioneer Woman

Not so long ago, I was sitting in my cozy mid-century modern home, enjoying the sunshine in Southern Oregon. Life was good, and I was content with my wonderful church family, new friends, and beautiful surroundings. I had comfortable chairs to sit in, a beautiful view out of my windows, a lovely neighborhood to explore, and I was looking forward to more sunny days and comforts.

When the thought popped into my head that we should put our house on the market, I tried to ignore it at first. I loved that house and hadn't even begun to do all of the projects that had taken shape in my imagination. Yet...there was an urging that I couldn't explain that we needed to sell.

Hubby wasn't on board at first. It was too soon, housing prices are climbing, we could make a lot more money if we wait...yet, there was this urgency. Hubby asked "Where would we live if it sold?" and out of my mouth came the reply "We could buy another RV!" Wait, what? Did I just say that? We lived in an RV for 2 years, and had actually and quite thankfully just sold our 5th wheel a year ago.

As it turns out, hind sight is amazingly insightful. Hubby's job took a downhill turn, and he was offered a job in Vancouver WA. Our house sold at just the right time, we found an RV at just the right time, (our motor home is an "Adventurer" and when I think of it I can just see God winking at me) and we are en route to our new location next month. I didn't know "why" we should put our home on the market. And it didn't seem like the prudent thing to do at the time. But I have learned to heed those unexplainable urgings since becoming a Pioneer Woman.

Heading out into new frontier, into the unknown, on yet another adventure, sounds romantic at first. And it still does woo me at times. But I have to be honest with you, it isn't always smooth sailing, and sometimes it is difficult to see the trail before me through the tears. With adventure comes stretching, and the older I get, the less easily I stretch. I long for comfort and "sameness" sometimes. Each time we pull up stakes and head out, a big part of me wants to stay behind where life is known and a bit more predictable. I absolutely do not like having to leave relationships which have sustained me and given me such delight. Yet...how could I stay when I have been drawn by One so irresistible?

So, here I go again..Into the wilderness. With no plan, other than to obey. With no idea of what that will look like. I step out into this unknown territory with the courage of a little girl, gripping tightly to her Papa's hand, trusting that He will keep her safe. By the sparkle in His eye, I know He is pleased with me. He knows that I really am a Pioneer Woman at heart.

Blessed Couch Redeemer

I was tired of my living room, and I wanted something new, so I sold my couch. I decided the leather love seat would be fine...no need for a new couch. But...I wasn't happy with the leather love seat. Now I know that my couch it really doesn't matter, and I know that when I feel this unhappiness it isn't really about a "thing". But since I am a selfish human, I ignored past lessons and focused on what it isn't about. In this case, the couch.

 

A couple of months later, hubby starts looking at dirt bikes on craigslist. WHAT? WHY? "I used to ride a dirt bike and want one again before I get too old to ride one." Fine, whatever...ugh.

 

One day I see this cool modern couch on craigslist. (It reminds me of one I found at Scan Design that we almost bought but then decided it was too much money and besides, we don't really need a couch.) Anyway, it looked cool in the picture. Hubby said let's go look at it. We did. I liked it, but wasn't sure. I wondered if it would work in our house, or if I'd end up not liking the rest of my stuff? I suggest that we go to Costco and think about the couch. Instead of his being relieved at that suggestion, he goes ahead and makes an offer! We end up buying the couch. A couch I am not even sure I want. (Though part of me is glad and wants the couch because I deserve it if he is getting a dirt bike!)

 

The couch moves in and I immediately don't like it. Every day I walk into the living room, and the couch is taunting me, reminding me of the ungodly motives in my heart. The color looks dingy, the condition isn't as good as it looked in her living room...and it is a HUGE thorn in my side. 

 

I put an ad on craigslist. No bites. But of course not! Nobody is going to want to buy this expensive couch!! Why did I buy it? We don't have this kind of money to throw away! We are probably moving anyway!! I HATE THIS COUCH!!!

 

Normally, I would be seeking God when feeling such turmoil. But...I can't really pray and ask that it sells...because, well...this is all my doing, and all my fault, and I need a consequence for my selfishness. Right? God loves me, but this is just one of those life lessons for which I must suffer. RIGHT???

 

So one day I get an email...a gal wants to come and see the couch. I email her back and head out for my walk. I had had a wonderful time with the Lord that morning, and was drenched in the reality of His grace and great love for me. While walking I begin to talk to Him..."Jesus, You are my Redeemer. You saved me when I didn't deserve it. That is who You are! So I'm gonna ask that this couch sells. I even ask that I won't have to take a huge loss in the sale of it. I am so sorry I bought it. Please redeem this mess for me." I had great faith that He would, because in that moment I knew who He is. He is my mess fixer, in spite of me! He is not an evil task master who withholds from me because I need to suffer consequences. He knows that I am just a learner, and He is my Teacher. I had learned the lesson, now He wanted to redeem it!!

 

She bought the couch. She was a lovely lady and we were instant friends. She bought it for her birthday, which happened to be just days before mine. I am blown away at God's goodness toward me...in SPITE of my stupidity. And here's what I know now...He was delighted to redeem my mess for me, and especially delighted that I came to Him confident in the knowledge that He would redeem it, because that is who He is.

 

I pray you would somehow understand what I'm trying to put to words. God wants you to know Him like this. He wants you to know that yes...He sees when you mess up. But it doesn't change the fact that He is right there loving you, full of grace for you, He is not disappointed in you, and He will even redeem your messes for you. He is for you!! He knows you are learning. He is not a God who punishes us. He extends us grace upon grace...because that is who He is! Our blessed Mess Fixer and Couch Redeemer...

Lonely...But Not Alone

 

I am finding more and more that I don't fit in most "fundagelical" circles. So many conversations seem to be foreign to me, way outside of my line of thinking. Maybe it's because I don't watch FOX news, or listen to conservative talk radio, I don't know. But it is a little disconcerting to me, not having a "group" to call my own, and being without the comfort and security that group mentality provides. I notice a lot of "us" and "them" language within Christian circles. It seems like the "us" people are the ones within our group (and assuming we all think exactly alike), the "them" people...well, obviously they are the "outsiders", you know, "those people" with whom we don't have relationship...homeless, addicted, drunken, gay and tattooed people all fall into the "them" category. Oh, and democrats. Let's not forget that they are definitely "outsiders" too, in most Christian circles.

You have probably heard the expression "I'm calling you out" meaning, I am going to address your BS when I see it. Lately, God has been calling me out. He has called me to step back a little and examine the current group thinking (or should I say theology), and to sit with Him one on one, asking Him what He thinks, what He finds important, and what is on His heart. It is more difficult than it might seem, not jumping on the next bandwagon, but seeking God before I give an "amen" to any group conclusions. I think I have often jumped into causes and opinions that are popular with the group just for the sake of not feeling an outcast. Ah, the blessed security of group mentality! The lines are drawn, the preferences are made clear, but at what cost? Is this the life Jesus exampled for us?

At any rate, I am currently in a somewhat lonely place...lonely for the fellowship of other humans in a shared experience...lonely in the ways that any outsider experiences loneliness. Which could ultimately be the purpose for this season. If I can somehow grasp the feeling of loneliness within the "outsiders", maybe I will grow in compassion, grow in love, and grow in grace towards those who are different from me. Hmmm, sounds like that might be a God thing. And through it all, I take great comfort in knowing I am never truly alone.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Sometimes I wish God had a trap door. You know, a lever He could pull when I say or do something completely stupid (which is more often than not) and the door would open, and I would drop out of sight. I'm not sure where I would go once I dropped through the trap door. Maybe I would just sit on His lap for a minute, have a good cry while He assures me that although I say and do some really stupid things, His love for me never changes. Once recovered, I would find myself back in my house and ready to face another day.

There is one time in particular recently, where I wished for this scenario. We live in old east Medford, which is a pretty nice area. Most of the homes are owner-occupied, so they are well cared for. But, there was this one house...across the street from us and a couple of houses down that street, that really bothered me. We have a perfect view of this house from our balcony, where we spend a lot of our time. It was not so well cared for. In fact, it didn't look very great. There were always junky cars parked in the driveway and the carport was full of stuff, and the kids who lived there were kind of loud and obnoxious. It seemed especially obnoxious to us because we were trying to enjoy pleasant evenings on our balcony. They also had a little dog that would get out, a lot, and proceed to follow anyone walking down the street...yapping at their heals. It became a real nuisance. One time Hubby even went over there, knocked on their door, and informed them that they needed to keep their dog in the yard. Humph! Some people...After all, this is OUR nice neighborhood, and we don't care for the likes of you moving in and destroying our peace and quiet! The nerve!

Well, after about a year or so, there appeared a "for sale" sign on the lawn of the house across the street and down two houses. We were delighted! Oh we hope it sells! We hope someone moves in and fixes up the place! The "junky neighbors" will be moving! Yay!!

It took months, but we finally noticed a "sale pending" sign was up. Soon, we noticed a lot of activity going on that looked like packing and we were elated! Our real estate value is no longer threatened! Our peace will be restored!

So on this particular day, I was outside visiting with my across the street neighbor. She is an amazing lady, who is on dialysis and in a battle with cancer. But you would never know it. She cleans the neighbor's house in exchange for her grandkids swimming in their pool. She is always outside visiting with someone. She brought cookies to us twice, while we were painting and putting in the floor. What a sweetheart she is! We were chatting and I said "It looks like someone finally bought that house" looking over at the offensive dwelling with distain. "I am so thankful. Maybe someone will clean it up and fix it up! It really drags the neighborhood down, don't you know." She was quiet for a moment, then she replied, with no judgment or malice, "Oh, I'm sad they are moving. She is my friend. In fact, we had them over for Thanksgiving dinner." A long pause...open mouth, insert foot. (Come on, God! Pull the lever!! Do it now!! What are You waiting for??)

I will never forget that day, or how I felt after that conversation. Besides wanting to crawl into a hole, I was so shocked at the ugliness in my heart. (Isn't that what sweet conviction is? We catch a glimpse of our own wretchedness in the light of God's grace.) Sadly, it took my dear neighbor...who in the midst of her own struggles, was willing to reach out to another in love, to show me how self-centered I had been.

For many years, on a regular basis, I have prayed "Search me, Lord! Show me if there is any unclean thing in me!" There are some prayers that God just loves to answer.

Fresh Bread

I was reading Luke chapter 6 the other day, where the Pharisees confronted Jesus with the law because His disciples were eating grain on the Sabbath. Jesus answered them, "Speaking of the sacred law, haven't you ever read about the time when David and his companions were hungry? Don't you remember how he went into the house of God and took the sacred bread of the presence -- which, you may recall, only the priests were lawfully permitted to eat? Remember that he not only ate it, but he also gave it to his companions? Likewise, the Son of Man has authority over the Sabbath."

Wow. There is so much here to chew on! Jesus, our High Priest, is the Sacred Bread of the Presence! He came from the Presence, He came from God's presence, to us...a hungry people!! And He was broken. He gave Himself to us, He shared Himself with us...His companions! And now we have the very Bread of God's presence with us! We shall never be hungry again!!

There are many who are hungry, and many who are only eating little pieces of grain. There are also many who are still partaking of the unleavened bread, waiting for the Messiah. But we have the full loaf!! The risen loaf! The yeasty Sacred Bread of the Presence to share with our companions!

Jesus said whenever you gather, remember Me. Eat of the Bread of Life that is Me...and share Me with your companions. Drink of the fullness of joy, My Blood which was poured out for you. New wine!! And new bread!! Hallelujah!!

Cropsharing

For the second time in my many years of fellowship with God and with His people, I am joined with a church whose leader is an evangelist. It is funny because it is so foreign to me, the life's mission of going out and finding people with whom to "pray the prayer". I admire and am frankly in awe of those who live this way, I marvel at their tenacity, and their non-stop focus on this Kingdom work.

 

Being one who sees the value of the evangelist, and is certainly very thankful for the man who led my husband to pray just such a prayer oh so many years ago, doesn't make it any "easier" to sit under this gifting on a weekly basis. As I listen to testimonies of the number of people who have been "led to the Lord" or who have "accepted Jesus as their Savior",  something within me begins to feel like this Kingdom life is a contest which I am losing. I resist feeling that I am a great big failure in God's eyes. How many people have I prayed the prayer with? I could count them on one hand. Will I stand before the loving scrutiny of Jesus, and fail to hear the words "Well done, good and faithful servant"?

Does the life that I live before Him have no value? Is He keeping the same tally sheet that the church places so much importance on, the ledger book of how many people have prayed the Sinner's prayer?

 

I find myself asking, why is the seed-sower more valued than the one who cares for the young seedling...watering, weeding, and protecting from predators...is there no value in the one who stands alongside the young plant, strong and steady like a stake on whom it can lean and to whom it can be tied until it is sturdy and strong enough to withstand the storms on its own? One act takes but a moment of time, the other a commitment...a sacrifice of time, sometimes years, sometimes even a lifetime.

 

Jesus told us to go and make disciples. He also instructed us to share the Good News of Him with everyone we meet. I believe we are all valuable, I believe that each of us plays a part in His redemptive story. I respect and admire the sowers, for without them there would be no crop to tend. I also respect and admire the "tenders" because they help insure that the crop is healthy, and alive, and one day heavy with fruit.
 

I wonder if there might be another tally sheet, another ledger book in heaven, one that notes all of the prayers, and the late night phone calls, and the tears shed on behalf of another? Is there a book that records the patience and grace and love poured out on a day-to-day basis, the encouraging words spoken to one who feels ready to give up life, the faithful endurance of one who is willing to stand in the gap for another until he is able to stand on his own?
 

I choose to be content in who I am, and I will not play the comparison game. As much as I value this gift of evangelism in others, I will rest assured that He loves me no less. I realize that my value is and ever was totally wrapped up in Him.
 

I guess my deep-down hope is that there are no such score books at all in heaven. And every feeling that I'm "not good enough" or "not doing enough" will melt away under His loving gaze...

 

So Much Controversy

Just over a year ago, we made a huge lifestyle change, and became vegetarians. Well, technically we are "pescetarians" because we do eat fish. (I also might add that this was not such a huge lifestyle change for me, but for my strictly-carnivorous-up-to-this-point husband.)

We have adjusted to our new diet remarkably well, it is truly quite satisfying. And Hubby is much healthier since we made the change, which makes his doctor and I happy. The funny thing is, our choice to omit meat and poultry from our diet has proven to be very controversial within our Christian community. I have actually been to pot lucks and BBQ's where I was aggressively encouraged to "just eat some chicken" or "try a bite of my rib, it won't kill you" to the point that it was downright awkward and uncomfortable. (Imagine if they knew I don't consider myself "right wing" or even "conservative" for that matter. YIKES!!!) 

We found out that to many, the word "vegetarian" is interchangeable with "left-wing hippy." OK. How crazy is that??? But you know, I can remember being in the "group" with that mindset. I find it bizarre now, looking back at the things I picked up over the years within Christian culture...so many judgments. Christianity is the most inclusive of all religions, yet we have set up our own "ins and outs" and classifications according to our cultural and political "norms."

I think it's sad that so many of the conversations that take place within Christian circles involve  judgments. We love to opine about who is or isn't going to hell (please tell me how anyone knows this), who is or isn't truly a Christian, politics (a favorite), how "certain people" dress, or (horrors) if they have tattoos, the list goes on and on. Reminds me of the unwritten code in middle school, "We must all dress alike, act alike, and be alike, or we will suffer for being different."

It is odd to find that I no longer "fit in" with those whom I thought were my peers. Sometimes I want to keep my vegetarianism hidden for fear of judgment and scorn. But there is freedom in breaking out of the need for cultural acceptance and realizing the only acceptance we truly need is God's...and He already provided for that in Jesus!!

Therefore, today I will stand up amidst so much controversy, and say without shame: "My name is Holly...I don't eat meat, but I love God." Whew, that felt good!

Tribes

Today I would like to share my thoughts on what has become the new and trendy Christian way to refer to our different church communities. I am referring to the label "tribe" and I will try not to make this a diatribe against it. But it kind of is. In a nice way, though. Well, maybe not so nice because I cringe every time I hear that word in reference to we believers!

I think we wanted to re-name ourselves because we have been walking out of religiosity, especially we fundagelicals, and so we wanted to call ourselves something different, something besides "church members" or whatever it was we used to be called. But the thing for me is, every time I hear the word "tribe" I think of tribal wars, and divisions. I mean, even the definition of the word is "social division." I think it feeds into our natural tendencies toward the "us vs. them" mentality.

But don't we serve a Savior whose whole life and death and message was the most "inclusive" message ever thought of? He hung on that cross, said "It is finished" and now you're all "in"!! Then we took it, and ran with it, and because of our human need to feel "better than" or "elite" or maybe just because we like cliques, we divided ourselves up into different "denominations" which we now call "tribes". I feel like we have somehow, with the use of this label for ourselves, brought the whole dividing line back in where we were hoping to obliterate it.

I think I like "family" better. "What church family are you a part of?" Yes, that seems to settle better in my spirit. God created family. It must be a good thing.  And ultimately, we are all just one big happy family. Right?

Up In Arms

As a follow up post to my recent "Armed and Dangerous" Pondering, I feel led to clarify some things. Please bear with me as I ponder further...

What sparked my thoughts about all of the posts on facebook that are "pro guns" and "pro our right to bear arms" is not the lawfulness behind these posts. That is not what I bring into examination. As I said before, I do believe that we humans have a right to own guns, to own them and even to shoot them if we feel the need to defend our homes, or our families. I stated that I do not feel that personally, I could use a gun to kill another human being, or even an animal for that matter. But I am not such a pacifist that I can't see the need for weaponry and force to sometimes be used. I respect the Police, Sheriffs, and others who have chosen to put themselves in harm's way in order for my safety. I also respect anyone who is currently, or has ever been in the military. I know many amazing men who served in the military in different wars, none of whom would share their stories of killing and warfare in a bragging sense. In fact, just the opposite it seems. They did what they felt they had to do, but certainly did not enjoy it. This is not the issue, or the thought that I am pondering.

There was a clip on SNL recently which caught my attention. It was titled "DJesus Unrobed" and is a horrible parody about Jesus' return and His ultimate revenge on mankind. He is shooting us and cutting us to pieces, and it is utterly ridiculous and blasphemous, but as I watched I couldn't help but think that maybe we have had a hand in this wrong thinking...that quite possibly we have misrepresented our Lord to a world who so desperately need Him.

The Christian community has been sending out a message that seems to me (and most likely to anyone outside of our community) to be fear based, and violence promoting. And while I understand the passion behind these posts and comments, I only desire to cause us to take a moment and examine our message. God looks at our hearts. He is also revealed through us, and through our choices and lifestyles which reflect our hearts and ultimately His.

On the one hand, we are in an intense battle with the spirit of the world, and against the killing of babies in their mother's wombs. But on the other, we continue to lift up guns and weapons and anger as the answer to everything else. Is that truly our answer? While we continue to curse our government, and hold up weapons as the solution to the evils that seem to be taking over the world, I wonder if we are losing the power of Jesus in our message? It just seems that through our double message, we might be in danger of sounding a bit hypocritical.

The truth is, our answer came to earth in the form of a man. His life and death brought in a whole new way of thinking, of dealing with the world, and a whole new radical way of living. The testimony of Jesus is a testimony of grace and love, and therein lies the greatest power of all. So instead of being all up in arms, let's lift up our arms to the One who is truly our only Salvation...and lift Him up before others. For we know where our help comes from. And He said that through us, He would be made known.

Armed and Dangerous

There has been a lot of talk among we Christians lately, (especially on social media) about our right to bear arms. (I guess one could say we are breaking out the big guns.) Now mind you, I am a person who has been accused of being uncaring and even slightly stupid because I don't see the point of bashing our President on social media. Because I choose to pray for him, and speak blessings over him, it is assumed that I have my head in the sand over any and all political issues. I find this somewhat amusing. In my desire to live by Jesus' example, I am judged by most of my Christian associates.

Which brings me to the gun issue. Daily, there are numerous posts showing a big gun, or a pile of guns, or someone carrying a gun. While I don't read all of them, there seems to be a barrage of fearful and angry posts making the point that we have rights, as American citizens, to bear arms. And while I do believe that is true, I wonder where Jesus is in all of our ranting?

I remember an incident where one of Jesus' compadres tried to defend Him by cutting off the ear of a guard who had come to arrest Jesus. Jesus said to him "Put your sword back. People who live by the sword die by the sword." Wait, that seemed the right thing to do at the time, didn't it? Defending the Lord and all. But Jesus quickly picked up the ear, replaced it (awkward moment) and went on to His death.

I also recall something that our Savior taught in the book of Matthew, "But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Wow. So what is He saying here? That even if someone evil or threatening comes at you to do you harm, you should allow it, and just turn the other cheek? What about my right to bear arms and shoot the son of a...well, you get my point.

It seems to me as I read the red letters, the very words of Jesus, that he was all about operating out of a new Kingdom (as He put it)...He came to show us a new way of life, and a new way of dealing with life. He reminded us that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Which is one of the reasons He was so controversial that they wanted Him killed.

I read a cool story recently. Some ladies were having a party, and an evil man busted in to do harm and rob them. The host of the party told him to back off, in the Name of Jesus. Then the rest of the gals began to chant "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." and the bad guy left, imagine that! You might say that those ladies were armed and dangerous!

When we look at Jesus' arrest, we see how Pilate left it up to the people whom he should release...Jesus, a gentle and loving Teacher; or Barabbas, an active, militant, Jewish leader against the Roman occupiers. And their choice seems an interesting one. It's like they were offered two types of revolutions: a revolution of power that was easily visible, a revolution that would conquer their enemies with violence, in a way they could understand; or a revolution of healing, a revolution of love, a revolution that brought the kingdom of God to earth in a mystical, transcendental, yet no less real way. We know the rest of the story. We know the choice that they made. After all, who wants a gentle revolution in times of war? 

I pray that if ever confronted with danger or evil, I will choose to call on the Name of Jesus, the Name above all other Names, and trust Him with the outcome. Let's face it, could I even shoot someone if given the opportunity? Could I live with myself if I did? 

Maybe the bottom line is, are we driven by fear? Is it a fear of death which motivates us? Or are we guided by Love? Do we truly believe that even death has no sting for those of us who are in Christ Jesus?

I don't carry a gun. But I'm packing heat, alright. The fulness of God dwells within me! I choose Love!  And therefore, I am...armed and dangerous.

No Pop-up Ads, Please!

I recently got an I-phone. I am probably one of the last people to join the I-phone club. And even so, I only got last year's model and not the new one. Hey, these things take time...

One of the things I enjoy on my new phone is the free games. I particularly love playing "Words With Friends" even though it often challenges these friendships when my opponent gets all of the great words right on top of the triple word tiles, (you know who you are), but my game rage issue is not the point of this post.

I notice that certain games on my I-phone are "free" but then when I actually download the game and begin to enjoy it, I am inundated with numerous pop-up ads. The ads are frustrating enough, but then some of them proceed to get stuck on my screen, and no amount of clicking on "continue" or the X seems to work, so I have to turn my phone off, and turn it back on, to eliminate the intruder.

Today I was thinking how often times Christianity seems to be littered with intrusive pop-up ads. What I mean is, we receive God's amazing and totally free gift of grace through his son Jesus. We are so delighted to have this new free gift! But just as we begin to "play" in this wonderful new Kingdom we have entered into, here comes those darned pop-up ads...you know the ones...pushing you to buy into something after you have already received all that you wanted for free! Every time I hear a preacher talk about our need to do something in order to truly be forgiven or healed or break a curse or whatever the current to-do trend is, (usually in order to sell their latest book), I feel the same frustration that I feel while playing Words With Friends.

If this is truly free, (which it is!!) then why are there so many annoying distractions vying for my attention? I guess the only way to get out of it when we are stuck in a pop-up ad is to turn it off, wherever "it" is coming from, and reboot ourselves with a good dose of Jesus. Aaah, I feel better already!!