Stand by Me - Roger and Friends

I've watched this video several times, each time enjoying it more than the first. It’s a remake of Ben E. King's classic Stand by Me - I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it.

In the near future, I'll be posting from the Wisdom literature on the idea of being powerfully present with those we love. In effect, how to be incarnational with those in crisis - how to practically and powerfully stand by people in their darkest hour.

At some point in our lives we've hurt, we've been confused, and we've needed the actual presence of God. In my life, I've felt His presence through people who’ve allowed themselves to be conduits of His grace – it is the Presence in their presence.

As you listen, think about specific people who've stood by you. The people who brought God’s actual, healing presence into your life. Offer another prayer of thanks and be mindful that we are ambassadors of the great and gracious King.

no matter who you are
no matter where you go in your life
at some point you're gonna need somebody to standy by you...

http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&vid=9c60ea5d-4d57-46d4-a1b9-9d365fd3f224&playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:750c0064-779b-4a51-b5c7-0f3020f25233,a87ca295-0e9c-4e31-bea0-9b56f06c5353&from=MSNHP&tab=m137&gt1=42007

Enjoy.

(I'm sure there is a way to embed the video directly onto the blog - way out of my league at this point! If anyone cares to help, I'll gladly take it)

Substitutionary Atonement - by Jaden

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:4-5

Contextualizing theological truths for a three year old can get a little tricky and as any parent can attest, their questions are limitless. Some of my favorites from our eldest son: what is sin, are we sinners even if we don’t do anything wrong, why did Adam and Eve do it, why didn’t God stop them, so - Jesus NEVER lied?

One memorable conversation dealt with the following,
Why did Jesus die?
He loved us so much he died for us.
But dad, why did he have to die?

At the time, Jaden was three. And as with many budding minds he realized that the initial answer, though probably true, avoided the question rather than answering it. So again…

Why did he have to die?
Well, the Bible talks about Abraham being a friend of God.
We can be friends of God, but we're all in trouble because of sin.
Do you remember what sin is?
When we lie, hit our Justus, and have stinky attitudes.
Ok. So what does daddy do if you do something really bad?
I get punished. You spank me.
Well, because we sin God’s job is to spank us.
Sin makes Him sad and we need to be punished.
So Jesus came to take our punishment;
on the cross he took all of our spankings for us.
Jesus took our punishment, so we can be friends with God.

The answer apparently sufficed for after tucking him in Jaden remained quiet for the night. And while we’ve since built upon the aforementioned discussion, none of our exchanges have been quite as colorful as the one we shared yesterday evening.

The Context:

It must be a first born thing because when Judah, our second son, sees the twins in trouble – his eyes sparkle. But Jaden’s different. If the twins do something that warrants discipline, Jaden takes this extremely personal. In firing off 10 reasons why Janna and I have grossly misread the situation, he becomes their immediate advocate. Comparatively, Judah just smiles.

The Conversation:

Last night after dinner, Josiah and I were about to go have a “talk”;
Carrier code for age appropriate discipline.
On cue, Jaden spoke
but his argumentation had a uniquely theological twist.
But daddy, I thought Jesus took all of our spankings?
Brilliant, for if Jesus took all our spankings on the cross
then Josiah must be expunged of all culpability.
I was caught off guard and he knew it.
While dealing with Josiah on the spot,
I just smiled at Jaden and politely nodded.

Everyone was in bed as I sat down to write. Jesus did take all of our punishment. The full extent of God’s righteous wrath was to be poured out upon me but Jesus became the propitiation (I John 2:2). Not only did He absorbed every ounce of God’s anger, but Christ invested me with the full extent of His own righteousness (2 Cor 5:21). Accordingly Paul states the following, “there is no therefore no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Rom 8:1). In a strong sense, I guess Jaden was right.

Neither Athanasius, Augustine, nor Calvin

could have said it any better.

These are very familiar passages, but my son gave me reason to stop and consider the radical nature of God’s grace. Jesus died for His brothers and sisters. In doing so, he died for me. May our convictions be settled – Christ has provided the once for all substitution by which mankind enters into communion with our Father.

Let this truth anchor our hearts and breath hope into our souls.
May our children continue to grasp the principles of life
and may we be found faithful stewards of His glorious grace.

Grace and Peace

Freed to Believe

What little I know about were I’ve been…
The day after pancakes I began to fast:

No breakfast,
Check.
Resist urge to snack,
Check.
God, heal Josiah’s head,
Check.
I’m starved.
What time is it?
Exactly how long did I say this would last?
Cause his bone to grow,

Check….

In our journey with Josiah, I’ve recognized that it is entirely possible to practice both deprivation and devoted prayer without being mindful of either the Spirit’s rhythm or my own sense of faith. Void of divine leading, my initial fasting lacked any supernatural empowerment. I felt aimless and my prayers lacked boldness. There was a previous season when this level of fasting and prayer felt constructive, but this time it all felt odd. In the past, ample reward was attained through checking off my spiritual “to do” list. In effect, I felt good about my piety.

Frustrated, I continued to fast and pray not necessarily for Josiah to be healed but for God to show me His plan. There was a desperate desire to fast and pray under divine leadership. The overall heart of my request became “how do you want me to pray?” After days of asking, I felt encouraged one morning to begin praying for complete healing. There was joy in the fast. There was renewed boldness in the prayers. There was eagerness because it felt as if God had let me in on something.

As we drove to our appointment, I knew there was good news. To be sure, there was. Instead of the projected deterioration, the bone that had been brittle had begun to solidify. Every area surrounding the hole had regained strength. I believe that I was led to pray toward His will, that I was able to partake in the Divine Plan. Again, the primary intent of fasting is not simply abstinence from food. It is an ongoing interaction between the finite and the Infinite. A fast toward healing assumes a posture of dependence and submission; we are freed to follow and freed to believe.

Our faith matters unto God; belief that He will lead, belief that He is able, and belief in His purposes. We honor Him by our faith in His power and grace. For a moment, consider what you feel to be the boldest prayer you're currently praying. To what extent do you believe God can and will answer? [1]

For me, often times the attitudes behind my prayers expose latent feelings of doubt and fear, attitudes that are enslaved by the "here and now." In essence, "there's no way this can happen, God obviously hasn't moved so I've got to improvise". At times attitudes of bitterness surface, "God I know you can, but I doubt you will." In fasting and praying for specific situations we are seeking to purge our faith of the dross that often colors our deepest attitudes toward God.

In closing there is much to the phrase "what little I know about where I’ve been". In working the last several months out on paper, I’m processing most of this as I go. Certainly the interplay of prayer, healing, and fasting are anything but a science and I readily admit that there is a certain element of inherent mystery. This said, thank God for His healing graces and may our hearts be warmed to the God who heals all our infirmities (Psalm 103).

Grace and Peace.
_________

[1] Some have asked, "why fast and pray?" If God is going to lead where He will, why concern ourselves with fasting, faith, and prayer. On so many levels I appreciate the weight of this question and certainly some offer more exciting answers than I. They stress that in fasting and prayer we unequivocally move the hand of God, etc. And while I greatly appreciate the urgency these friends often exhibit in their spiritual practices, I find their theological framework consistently neglecting central themes of Scripture. As such, I cannot follow them into their more anthrocentic approaches to Christian living, etc.

My answer to this question: we fast and pray for the same reason the woman dances. Though she’s not ultimately in control, she can still enjoy the journey by being an active participant within the dance. She is not a lifeless partner void of expression, as such I fast and pray in order to sense the privilege of being led. I fast and pray, because faith honors God. I’m listening for His leading while boldly claiming His power to fulfill my deepest desire. I’m craving His purposes, while exercising bold faith and intimately sharing my heart.

Freed to Follow

Remember Bill Murray in Groundhog Day?
The guy’s stuck repeating the same exact day over and over.
When we sign up for dance class, it’s repeatedly February 2nd.
Nothing ever changes.

We go. We learn.
Alone, I do ok. When coupled, it’s altogether different.
I’m told the male must lead,
but to lead is to know something
about what you’re doing and where you’re going.
We go home. I practice, she doesn’t.
Wanting to impress her, I practice more.
Behind closed doors, in the kitchen, even in the shower.
We return. Paired with the instructor, she graces the floor;
when with me, not so much.

Of course, she’s to blame.
If she weren’t so stunning,
I might be able focus, maybe even lead.
Though she laughs, I don’t think she buys it.

I haven’t asked, but I’m sure my wife would enjoy dancing with someone who could actually lead. A skilled leader can make all the difference in the world. Make no mistake; if the guide is inept the woman’s experience will be qualitatively different.

With whom do we dance?
Is He any good at leading?

Herein is one privilege of living faith: we are led by His hand. In turn, I would suggest that the quality of fasting hinges upon our ability to sense and follow divine leading. Without leading, purposelessness is fostered; our susceptibility to self-righteousness and vain repetition is increased. Without interpersonal dialogue with God, we make it through the fast thinking, “is this it, what now?”

In fasting we grow increasingly receptive to His governing hand, the hand that orders and inspires specific prayers. Whatever the situation may be, healing or otherwise, there must be a sense where we seek to hear before we are heard. From this posture, we will often be led into greater clarity as we begin to sense the divine rhythm that dictates the various situations we encounter. Consider these verses as each deal with the idea of being led:

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

“…having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia…they were trying to go into Bithynia and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them. Having come down to Troas a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, “Come help us.”

“My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Thy will be done.”

“(elders) Do not lay hands upon anyone to hastily and thus share responsibility for the sins of others.”

In summarizing the aforementioned passages I’d use the word ‘sensitivity’. Each highlights the matter of being sensitive to God’s movement, of being led by God’s hand into the Divine Will. And while the selected texts do not directly mention fasting, they certainly capture the primary principle intended by the fast: increased awareness to God’s governing hand.[1]

What can we expect? Expect freedom to follow wherever He may lead. Through traditional and creative means, expect divine impressions. Be attuned, accustomed to actually hearing from God. Is He leading you to fast and pray for a particular healing? Are you prepared to follow? Do we actually think God may in fact reveal His will within a particular situation?

Our spiritual vitality hinges upon our ability to listen for God's leading. Within the various contexts of life, can we be characterized as attentive listeners? Do people experience you as one who consistenly demonstrate the quliaties of a good listener?

If sitting with His silence, continue to be attentive while praying fervently for the situation. Unlike Job, don’t grow blind by entitlement. Allow fasting to heighten your sensitivity, embolden your faith, and energize your prayers. Envision yourself before the throne of grace, an heir sharing concerns and allowing your deepest desires to be shaped by His grace. And whatever the course, be comforted by His love knowing your efforts will be blessed.[2]

Grace and Peace
____________

[1] In his prayer for healing Paul experienced divine leading (2 Corinthians 12). When considering the context for apostolic ministry, divine leading (Acts 16). Jesus while knowing His predetermined course actively submitted to divine leading (Matthew 26:36). Similarly, Paul exhorts the elders to wait for the Spirit’s leading lest they pray carelessly (I Timothy 5:22). Again, Paul calls all believers to pray in step with the Spirit’s movements (Ephesians 6:18).

[2] My intent was not to offer an exhaustive dissertation on the issue of situational fasts; the goal was simply to take the events of the last 14 months and begin putting them into a coherent account. I do realize that there are many competing voices concerning this issue, I’m certain I’ve left out ideas or passages that may enhance or challenge certain aspects of my writings. Certainly, there are circles within Christendom that shudder at the notion of God’s “creative means” within revelation; others cringe at the idea of listening for His Will before speaking our own. And while my ongoing dialogue with the various subcultures will continue, I’ll say this with conviction: the spectrum is replete with misunderstanding, caricatures, and proof texts. Some expect silence from God because that’s all they’ve ever sought. In their faithlessness and sloth, they remain locked behind theological constructs that were intended for freedom unto faith. Some ignorantly make bold declarations without giving thought to the deeper blessings of persecution and suffering. Some surrender divine power; others are under delusion by it. Some wait longingly for the kingdom to come, others act as if it were here in entirety. But no matter, may His grace continue to sustain and shape us from glory to glory and as always feel free to email or post insights, questions, or meaningful passages.

The Imago Dei

You simply must watch this. Forget reading the story, go right for the video - it might be one of the more heartwarming stories I've heard in some time...

event:http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30226936/

While there are a host of biblical parallels that could be drawn from this story, I leave you one: with the prophet Samuel, let us be slow to judge on outward appearance. Our plastic society often misses the many gems among us.

May we be quick to learn and slow to speak, God Bless.

The Norsemen

1-2-3, 4-5-6; 1-2-3, 4-5-6
Both effervescent and full of encouragement,
the two were terrific instructors.
1-2-3…the box-step was set, nothing but the basics.
I was in the zone, confidence skyrocketing.
4-5-6...never mind that it was an entry level dance class.
Once paired with the female instructor,

I nailed it; flawless execution.
Never mind, they parked us on the bunny slope,
I was ready for the double black diamond

1-2-3, 4/5-6; 1-2-3, 4/5-6…
Curses
Sweat began to bead
Stepped on her toes and mine
It would get worse, the instructor suggested salsa
Train wreck, untold carnage
I couldn’t even count that fast

For a moment, imagine someone who can really dance. What words come to mind? One word might be freedom; freedom to move effortlessly. Having no further need to count steps, they are unencumbered by uncertainty. In giving themselves over to the rhythm they are freed to deeply enjoy the music, to enjoy and explore the spontaneity of dance.

Not so with me.
I hear music.
I detect rhythm.
I dance...

But under no certain terms would the word freedom be used to describe my movements. In being preoccupied with what to do next, I’m not really listening to the music. I’ll force movements that aren’t natural to the ebb and flow commanded by the rhythm. And while slight satisfaction is gained by solidifying all know stereotypes concerning Anglo men, I confess that my inability to move in step inhibits me from being freed to deeply enjoy the experience.

But don’t fret, I’ve grown quite comfortable in my role:
leading the Carrier boys in both song and dance
picture Norsemen returning with untold plunder
- truly a spectacle to behold

To point, you may recall a recent post that paralleled fasting and dance - namely that general, systematic fasts teach us to stay in step with the Spirit’s rhythm. Over and above other disciplines, biblical fasting enables the refinement of our craving for, and instinctual response to, all things spiritual. In taking this idea further I would suggest that there is a certain spiritual freedom only derived by keeping step with Him, a manner of life that is freed to both enjoy and explore the nuances of living faith.

Once privy to this rhythm, there is greater clarity and privilege. Herein the bride is freed from entanglements and uncertainty. She is wooed. Not with static, lifeless jargon but with the language of Sovereign Grace; a tongue that nurtures her faith and invites her to dance with the Possibility.

Having once been jaded she feared faith, warned against hope, and forbade love. So yes, at first she may need to count the steps aloud but she will see the unseen. She will sense resolve in what will Appear. She will extend that which she has found, to even the least of these. She will be freed to pursue the miraculous, freed to walk in step with the abiding Spirit of Christ.

My aim over the next few posts will be to move beyond general fasting and into the specific freedom we have to engage God in situational fasts for healing. As these posts are submitted, please know that with each passing phase there are more questions than there are answers. Know that these questions have led to numerous conversations with people spanning the entire spectrum of Evangelicalism. Some conversations I’ve eagerly absorbed and others I’ve patiently endured, but all were invited and in their own respects of great benefit. I expect that some of you may have stories to share or insights to add, please feel free to do so. But above all my prayer is that we develop an acute sense of His leading, learning to dance freely throughout the heights and depths of our common journey.

Grace and Peace

Two Turning Two

amid unmistakable décor and unrelenting chatter
His weight was at first faint

the Infinite descended, time ceased
taken aback, I knew He’d entered
It was in the way he caught my eye
his sly smile held Him
though He refuses to be contained
He willfully attended
in coming alongside Elmo,
the Infinite graced the finite

amongst the celebration
He intentionally reminded me
of something I can ill afford to forget:
The weight of His glory.

in his smile He spoke
of His kingdom
of His faithfulness
of His lovingkindness
of His covenant
of His community
of His sovereign grace
of change

through unmistakable décor and unrelenting chatter
His glory powerfully present; celebration became worship.