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.

Kung Fu, Fasting, and Dancing with the Stars

As with most things in life, my experience with fasting has basically been a slow meandering toward the desired end.

Years ago, this particular discipline conjured up images of emaciated men sitting in seclusion and swaying to indiscernible chants. Fasting was extreme, maybe even cultish. In time I realized the contrary, that fasting was in fact a biblical exercise. Even so, I saw it as a last resort. The proverbial “panic button” of Christian practice - when circumstances were obviously beyond control, fast.

At this stage, I sensed feelings of desperation but I never quite understood the internal pursuits and attitudes associate with biblical fasting. I’d yet to realize the qualitative difference between fasting for circumstances and fasting to simply know more of Christ and the power of His resurrection. During this particular stage all fasting would cease once resolution was found.

I’d yet to pursue fasting in its fullest expression.

The individual who first introduced me to the fullness of biblical fasting could have easily passed for a young David Carradine. You might remember the TV series Kung Fu starring Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine; a displaced ninja with nothing more than a nap sack and an indomitable will to defend the weak. With my testosterone beginning to rage, this bald master was the embodiment of all things cool. Seriously for the sheer benefit of identifying a cultural icon of the 70’s, you simply must check out Kung Fu.

Where was I…

Point being, through this man’s consistent testimony I eventually grew beyond a casual interest in the discipline of fasting. In not allowing my constant inquiries to remain academic, he regularly funneled my questions into a series of informal exercises. And, truth be told, I’ve proven to be a very slow learner! Being several years removed from this man’s influence, it seems as if God’s main concern was that this saint plant seeds. For shortly after Josiah's accident, God allowed me to recall conversations with this mentor and in time their seeds began to sprout.

I've taken liberty to condense major themes of our conversations into the following:

In short, it was impressed upon me that fasting is an opportunity of privilege reserved solely for the household of faith. As a physical bridge into experiencing deeper spiritual realities, it is to be a normative expression of our faith and worship (Is 58:1ff; Matt 6:16; Acts 13:2-3). Through intentional deprivation a natural hunger is created, one that is to be guided into a consistent spiritual craving. As such, fasting is not merely the passive abstinence of food. At its heart, this discipline is an active endeavor to remove any barrier and press into the actual presence of God. Understanding that man shall not live by bread alone, a lifestyle of fasting aims to develop an acute appetite for God's self-revelation, kingdom, power, and righteousness (Deut 8:3; Is 58; Matt 4:4, 5:6, 6:16). In this light, fasting is to be practiced until the very day when the Bridegroom returns to take His bride (Matt 9:15).

While there is certainly biblical precedent for situational fasts such as healing, spiritual deliverance, expression of grief, and discernment (Ps 35:13; Neh 1:4ff; 2 Sam 1:12; Matt 4:1). I would suggest that a more full expression of fasting is that of a systematic, periodic work primarily focused upon Christ’s coming reign. It seeks to encounter aspects associated with Christ’s kingdom: intimate communion, spiritual power, and holiness.

In closing, allow me to say that I marvel at people who dance well. On a handful of occasions I’ve caught portions of Dancing with the Stars and I’m truly amazed. Yet more times than I care to consider, I’ve fasted much like I dance. In not being exactly sure what to do, I tend to move aimlessly. In only being able to keep step with the music for short periods of time, I either improvise or begin stumbling around. Similar with fasting, in not being able to keep step with the Spirit’s movements it feels awkward, maybe even a waste of time. But rest assured, we are learning. And thankfully, on both accounts, my partners have been extremely gracious and patient.

May I encourage you to begin fasting? Whatever your experiences might be, learn from His grace. I’m more than willing to recognize that this post may not stimulate you as it continues to inform me, but above all I pray that we learn to keep in step with His ever faithful lead.

In the near future I aim to post concerning the prayer of faith and fasting, but for now I invite you to consider the following questions. When and why do you typically fast? In these times, which words best describe your experience: effective and focused or aimless and idle? In your opinion, why is this the case? Lastly, how might a lifestyle of fasting equip us to better engage in circumstantial fasts?

Thank you for your continued prayers for Josiah, Grace and Peace.

Becoming a People of Praise, Part 3

Name one person in the latter half
of the 20th century who seemed happier than Bob Ross?

Name just one.

You can’t do it. You simply cannot beat Bob and his happy, little trees.



No one will ever come closer to oozing sheer, unadulterated bliss and tranquility.

He was creepy.

I reference Bob Ross only to say that when thinking about becoming a people of praise, we must avoid caricatures. We all know of at least one person who seemingly exudes joy, but let me give a word of practical advice. If we try to emulate their expression, we will certainly feel awkward largely because God has wired us all differently (gender differences, personality nuances, etc.). The goal isn’t that we have uniform expression but that we have a uniform, detailed confession - a consistent affirmation that God is actively involved within the details of life. And I suggest that this confession, this practical recounting of God’s gracious activity, is one key distinctive of Christian community. Practically speaking, in what measurable ways am I injecting praise within the body of Christ?

Consider the following verses:

Come and hear all who fear God, and I will tell of what he has done for my soul.
Psalm 66:16

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth…the humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:1-3

"…covetousness must not even be named among you… instead let there be
thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:3-4

While these portions of Scripture require little comment, they do demand an account. In what ways are we practically seasoning our conversations with accounts of God’s grace? If we were to monitor our daily interactions, would the specific recollection of God’s daily graces be a constant occurrence?

If you are like me, I suspect when you first start down this path it might seem unnatural - possibly even contrived. But may I suggest that ‘unnatural’ not be equated with ‘disingenuous’. For me, one reason it felt so unnatural is because my personality can be a cross between Oscar the Grouch and Eeyore. Whatever our wiring, we must creatively consider how to transform our speech patterns so as to not neglect our calling.

I hope you realize that I'm not expecting every man and woman to stand up in the worship assembly and wax eloquently on the many ways God has blessed their lives. Clearly, the various authors of the psalms had a way with words. King David's praise report would likely be much more colorful and descriptive than mine -so be it. But could I share with a few close friends? Could I call the church office and have the praises added to some ongoing list? Again, I'm not sure God desires us to live outside of our wiring as much as He desires us to fulfill our calling - however that may be done.

Much more could be said, but I’ll leave you with this. Speak of His goodness. Today, find a brother or sister in Christ and begin intentionally sharing accounts of God's grace.

I'm thinking of the old Geico commercials where they would hire a"celebrity" to tell the story of the "common man" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOYnOeo42ko&NR=1). Your it! No one else can speak of the countless ways God is manifesting His grace in your life so pass it on...

May God continue to loosen lips to recount His infinite praise

Becoming a People of Praise, Part 2

"Bless the Lord, O my

soul; and all that is within me

bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my

soul and forget none

of His benefits."

Psalm 103:1-2

I led a workshop several years ago, in attendance were a room full of “Christian leader” type people. The flow of our discussion was centered on developing a “theological foundation for happiness” - simply put, what does the Bible say about sustaining joy? In time, the room was alive with dialogue as people shared Scripture, practical life-principles, and biblical stories.

Then I ruined it, every ounce of energy was drained.

The discussion was intentionally derailed when I asked a simple question. What was asked? Nothing more than, “What specifically are you thankful for?”

silence

No more animated dialogue – absolutely nothing. With one little question, the main thrust of the presentation was laid bare: praise is a disciplined, daily, practical offering unto God. It is the verbal outworking of our theology: by our words we give attestation to the practical truth of God's grace, sovereignty, power, supremacy, salvation, and love. Speaking about the biblical theory of thanksgiving is altogether different than the daily recalling and recounting of specific ways in which God’s truth and grace are made new in our lives.

In time, people began to speak up:

My family.
My church.
My salvation.
My country.

silence

My health.

silence

My kids.

silence and shifting

awkward silence and more shifting

In time, I asked the individual who said “family” to share something specific about their family for which they were thankful. We went down the list: church, salvation, country, health, and kids. All in all, it was a relatively painless process. But it was one that allowed us to scratch the surface of Psalm 139:14, "...wonderful are your works and my soul knows it very well." Specific praise and adoration is but the byproduct of educated souls; souls that are daily awakened to God's sustaining grace.

Forget none of His benefits.

Envision the changes that could be made if we deliberately gave ourselves to recalling God’s grace. How might this attitude of praise transform your worship? How would it alter your outlook toward life? How would it influence your marriage, workplace, church, extended family, evangelism, stewardship, etc.?

Personal Exercise: intentionally sift through your day, taking time to write down ten specific things for which you are thankful. If you can, stay within the parameters of a 24 hour period. Be a good detective, looking for grace in every corner of your day.

Crazy church thought: What if churches wouldn’t allow new requests to be added to the prayer sheet unless they were accompanied by at least two specific praises? Crazy, I know…

Grace and Peace

Just saw this recently: it may be helpful. i think they got it from the apostle Paul...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9z2ELaBVJY

Becoming a People of Praise, Part 1

What are you thankful for? What specific thing has made you smile today? What has warmed your heart or energized your step?

"Shooos, Shooos." Justus, our third son, loves shoes. He is very particular about which pair he wears, always quick to fit both himself and his brothers. Compliance is demanded from each sibling - nothing else will due. What I personally enjoy is when Justus finds my shoes. He takes this opportunity very seriously, determined to walk around the entire house in size thirteens. As easily imagined, there is still plenty of room in which for him to grow.

On occasion God gives us impressions from Scripture. He gives us a truth principle into which we can grow. As with Justus, it will take some time for us to grow into the truth but we are to walk in it nonetheless. One such truth that He impressed upon me several years ago was the principle of gratitude. Through a series of events, God called me to begin cultivating the prevailing attitude of scripture - thanksgiving.

While there is much to say regarding our pursuit of praise, I'd like to begin by asking the question, "what are you thankful for?" Great detail is not necessary, you can even comment anonymously if you feel odd about posting your thoughts. But in all honesty, what comes to mind? I'm looking forward to your response.

Grace and Peace.