This year isn't even a month old, but it seems already a lesson from God is taking shape: be real. Just within the last couple of days I've been reminded by it as I read a blog post and moreso the comments about backbiting and another that dealt with God wanting us to be honest. Like Andrea wrote I'm rather private and find it difficult to share my weaknesses and admit where I struggle.
In Wild Goose Chase, Mark devoted a chapter on "the cage of guilt" and shared how confessing our sins is actually a biblical thing to do according to James 5:16. I'm not saying we blatantly share them as if we were proud of our sinful deeds, but when we truly want deliverance from things, why not share this with others? Marks said as a pastor he has heard a number of confessions and they used to surprise him. But now, he said the thing that surprises him more is when people actually confess. My own pastor said he'd much rather sit across the desk from someone who admits he is struggling with pornography or drug addiction than someone who pretends everything is fine in his life while this battle rages privately. As my pastor says, the church is for the sick! It's for those who need help from God and support and love from the people of God. Don't think you have to be all holy and cleaned up before going to church. It's there where we should find help for our struggles.
But all too often the people of church wear masks. We smile. We shake hands and greet our neighbors. We look great dressed in our Sunday clothes, while inwardly we are hurting and crying and struggling with all sorts of things we would never ever want our fellow churchgoers to know. What would they think if they knew my family wasn't perfect?
What a shame.
We are all humans, yes? And last I checked, all humans go through troubling times with either a wayward child, a hurting spouse, an ailing friend or even an addiction-laden self! Why then do we think we have to project perfection?
Do you really think the Bible characters had it all together? Maybe if they had written their own stories they would have edited out the ugly parts. You know that whole adultery-and-murder thing with King David or the running-away-from-God-and-being-swallowed-by-a-great-big-fish experience Jonah went through. I mean, how humiliating is that? And Moses - the wonderful man used greatly by God -- lost the right to enter the Promised Land because he disobeyed God and hit the rock instead of speaking to it. Ugh. I would have written my story differently. Does the world really need to know of my selfishness, my grumbling, my struggles, my unkindness in responding to others?
God didn't sugarcoat the Bible. He showed His people, warts and all. Why then do we pretend with Him? And with others?
Let me add that I don't mean this confessing of "well, that's just the way I am so there" attitude. This is some people's attempt to justify their backbiting and hateful attitudes when they have no desire for God to change them. I've heard people say this before and it was basically their way of saying, "I'll slander and be unkind in how I respond to you because that's just the way I am so deal with it." Eh, that's not a Christlike attitude. For sure those may be natural responses (Hello, I have those, too!), but like Jesus they are not.
And if our goal is to be like Jesus, we need to quit justifying "that's just the way we are," and seek His help in responding in a different way.
Boy was this a rambling post . . .
Do you find it easy to confess your faults and weaknesses to others or do you tend to sugarcoat yourself (and you family) so others see a well-put-together you? Why do you think people are scared to be real and share with others within the church? What are your thoughts about this thing being between me and God so why would I share it with anyone else? Have you ever found confessing something to be freeing? Do you think one result of keeping things quiet is making others believe they are the only ones going through this same thing? Any other thoughts or questions on this topic?
Showing posts with label Wild Goose Chase. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wild Goose Chase. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sin + Grace = Gratitude
I wrote this post six months ago when I first read this book. I wanted to repost this because I found it meaningful again.
First do you remember from the Gospel about Peter three times denying that he knew Jesus? As soon as the third denial happened, a rooster crowed. Mark wondered if, in the future, hearing a rooster crowing caused Peter to have a twinge of guilt. Kind of one of those Ivan Pavlov conditioned reflex things. Is there something in your life that triggers a regret or guilty feelings? A song, a smell, a place? Whether or not you have one of these guilt inducers, you may enjoy these words about grace and guilt.
From Wild Goose Chase ... the chapter on the cage of guilt.
"Let's be honest, the church can be the most pretentious place on earth. We are afraid of revealing our imperfections and dysfunctions. We're afraid of revealing our painful scars and sinful secrets. And that is why so many people are so lonely. I've met people who feel like they have to get their act together before coming to God. Where did that ludicrous logic come from? That's like suggesting you have to get healthy before going to see a doctor. It makes no sense. The church needs to be a safe place where we can reveal our worst sins. Anything less is hypocrisy." (pg. 112-113)
This also reminded me of some cultures and families where it is too shameful to discuss things so people keep their dark secrets hidden. I think this makes people believe they are freaks because surely no one else has ever gone through this awful situation before! Crazy! It's as if all people are naturally holy and righteous all the time and sinful actions never happen. What a burden to put on individuals and families!
"Guilt has a shrinking effect. It shrinks our dreams. It shrinks our relationships. It shrinks our hearts. It shrinks our lives to the size of our greatest failures.
Grace has the opposite effect. It expands our dreams. It expands our relationships. It expands our hearts. And it gives us the courage to chase the Wild Goose all the way to the ends of the earth." (pg. 114)
Think about Peter denying our Lord three times prior to Jesus' crucifixion. Then remember how the resurrected Jesus commissioned Peter to feed His sheep. And remember in the book of Acts how Peter was used greatly by the Lord. Grace is freeing.
Sin - Grace = Guilt
Sin + Grace = Gratitude
We can be thankful because our sin met His grace and God's grace is bigger! Now you see why we praise and thank our God, right?
First do you remember from the Gospel about Peter three times denying that he knew Jesus? As soon as the third denial happened, a rooster crowed. Mark wondered if, in the future, hearing a rooster crowing caused Peter to have a twinge of guilt. Kind of one of those Ivan Pavlov conditioned reflex things. Is there something in your life that triggers a regret or guilty feelings? A song, a smell, a place? Whether or not you have one of these guilt inducers, you may enjoy these words about grace and guilt.
From Wild Goose Chase ... the chapter on the cage of guilt.
"Let's be honest, the church can be the most pretentious place on earth. We are afraid of revealing our imperfections and dysfunctions. We're afraid of revealing our painful scars and sinful secrets. And that is why so many people are so lonely. I've met people who feel like they have to get their act together before coming to God. Where did that ludicrous logic come from? That's like suggesting you have to get healthy before going to see a doctor. It makes no sense. The church needs to be a safe place where we can reveal our worst sins. Anything less is hypocrisy." (pg. 112-113)
This also reminded me of some cultures and families where it is too shameful to discuss things so people keep their dark secrets hidden. I think this makes people believe they are freaks because surely no one else has ever gone through this awful situation before! Crazy! It's as if all people are naturally holy and righteous all the time and sinful actions never happen. What a burden to put on individuals and families!
"Guilt has a shrinking effect. It shrinks our dreams. It shrinks our relationships. It shrinks our hearts. It shrinks our lives to the size of our greatest failures.
Grace has the opposite effect. It expands our dreams. It expands our relationships. It expands our hearts. And it gives us the courage to chase the Wild Goose all the way to the ends of the earth." (pg. 114)
Think about Peter denying our Lord three times prior to Jesus' crucifixion. Then remember how the resurrected Jesus commissioned Peter to feed His sheep. And remember in the book of Acts how Peter was used greatly by the Lord. Grace is freeing.
Sin - Grace = Guilt
Sin + Grace = Gratitude
We can be thankful because our sin met His grace and God's grace is bigger! Now you see why we praise and thank our God, right?
God our Savior, Reacting like a Christian, Impacting Lives
"We can't appreciate the full extent of God's grace until we realize the full extent of our sins." (pg. 99)
If you don't realize you are a sinner, you don't realize you need a Savior. Perhaps you believe you can save yourself through your good deeds. Between Muslims, Jews and Christians there are many names for God. Do you consider one of them, the Savior? Why or why not?
I posted these previously, but since I'm rereading this book and these things once again stood out to me, I am copying them here. Challenging stuff!
From Wild Goose Chase . . .
Mark hit the nail on the head! I find this so true. I can be going around "perfectly holy" all day, and then someone does something to me or something doesn't go how I'd planned and the reactionary self rears its head and too often takes over and replaces my "perfectly holy" mask.
Can you relate or am I a rarity?
Mark challenges us to "thank God for opposition" because "it forces us to pray like it depends on God, which it does. And it reconditions our reflexes in the process." (pg. 102)
I absolutely love this next part . . .
"If you want to impact someone's life, love them when they least expect it and least deserve it. When people blow it, you have an opportunity to impact their lives forever. You might think, But they don't deserve it. That's the point isn't it? Do you deserve the grace of God?" (pg. 104)
Have you ever had the opportunity to love someone when they least expected or deserved it? Even if they never said anything, I imagine your act of grace touched them more than you realize. This is the kind of love and grace God demonstrates to us. What a challenge to love others as He loves us!
"God's love is proactive. He doesn't wait for us to get our act together. God always makes the first move. And we're called to follow suit." (pg. 105)
Remember, even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
And, we love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:19)
If you don't realize you are a sinner, you don't realize you need a Savior. Perhaps you believe you can save yourself through your good deeds. Between Muslims, Jews and Christians there are many names for God. Do you consider one of them, the Savior? Why or why not?
I posted these previously, but since I'm rereading this book and these things once again stood out to me, I am copying them here. Challenging stuff!
From Wild Goose Chase . . .
In my experience, it is much easier to act like a Christian than it is to react like one. Most of us are good actors -- we can play the part. But our reactions reveal who we really are. And maybe that's why Jesus focused so much of His teaching on reconditioning reflexes.
Pray for those who persecute you.
Love your enemies.
Bless those who curse you.
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
(pg. 99)
Mark hit the nail on the head! I find this so true. I can be going around "perfectly holy" all day, and then someone does something to me or something doesn't go how I'd planned and the reactionary self rears its head and too often takes over and replaces my "perfectly holy" mask.
Can you relate or am I a rarity?
Mark challenges us to "thank God for opposition" because "it forces us to pray like it depends on God, which it does. And it reconditions our reflexes in the process." (pg. 102)
I absolutely love this next part . . .
"If you want to impact someone's life, love them when they least expect it and least deserve it. When people blow it, you have an opportunity to impact their lives forever. You might think, But they don't deserve it. That's the point isn't it? Do you deserve the grace of God?" (pg. 104)
Have you ever had the opportunity to love someone when they least expected or deserved it? Even if they never said anything, I imagine your act of grace touched them more than you realize. This is the kind of love and grace God demonstrates to us. What a challenge to love others as He loves us!
"God's love is proactive. He doesn't wait for us to get our act together. God always makes the first move. And we're called to follow suit." (pg. 105)
Remember, even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
And, we love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:19)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Assumptions, Logic, Faith, Delight & Dreaming Big
January 7, 2010
Folded: several tax receipts
Stuffed: said tax receipts into envelopes
Watched: the Alabama Crimson Tide roll over Texas in the football championship bowl game
Mailed: a note to a friend
Stayed: home all day
From Wild Goose Chase . . .
Speaking on assumptions, logic, faith and trying to explain the supernatural, Mark says this:
"Instead of embracing the mystery, we come up with human explanations for supernatural phenomena. Instead of living in wonderment, we try to make the Omniscient One fit within the logical limits of our left brain. And if I may be so bold, I honestly don't think this makes us smart. I think it makes us small-minded. And God isn't the one diminished. We are." (pg. 71)
"The more faith you have, the fewer assumptions you will make. Why? Because with God all things are possible."
By the way this chapter speaks of Abraham, and God getting Abraham out of his tent to count the stars. Mark suggests often we make assumptions based on our view of the eight-foot ceilings around us when we need to go outside at night and consider the One Who hung the moon and sprinkled all those stars across the heavens. Notice the difference? When we assume the ceiling's the limit, we don't dream, we don't believe all things are possible. But when we consider the moon and the stars and the One Who made them and His desire to work through us, we realize anything is possible with God!
"Faith is not logical. But it isn't illogical either. Faith is theological. It does not ignore reality; it just adds God into the equation. Abraham 'faced the fact.' But he was also 'fully persuaded' that God had the power to deliver on His promise. Faith is not mindless ignorance; it simply refuses to limit God to the logical constraints of the left brain." (pg. 79)
I love that. So often I limit life to reality instead of dreaming. Do you believe God puts dreams into our hearts? One psalm instructs us to delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our hearts. If I understand this verse correctly when we delight in the Lord, His desires become our desires and God wants to give us those things. So why limit life to the sometimes dreary "realistic" outlook ahead of us? Take God into the equation! See the future through His eyes and realize with Him nothing is too difficult! Indeed, anything is possible!
What is something you have in your heart to do, but maybe you've tried to squelch that dream or passion because it's just sooooo unrealistic that it seems it will never happen? Have you limited God by your assumptions and logic? Have you ever stood outside on a clear night and been amazed by the awesomeness of God as you gazed into the sky? Or maybe you've had this experience while hiking in the mountains or while considering the vastness of the ocean or desert or simply by observing a newborn baby or the flowers in your yard. Do tell!
Folded: several tax receipts
Stuffed: said tax receipts into envelopes
Watched: the Alabama Crimson Tide roll over Texas in the football championship bowl game
Mailed: a note to a friend
Stayed: home all day
From Wild Goose Chase . . .
Speaking on assumptions, logic, faith and trying to explain the supernatural, Mark says this:
"Instead of embracing the mystery, we come up with human explanations for supernatural phenomena. Instead of living in wonderment, we try to make the Omniscient One fit within the logical limits of our left brain. And if I may be so bold, I honestly don't think this makes us smart. I think it makes us small-minded. And God isn't the one diminished. We are." (pg. 71)
"The more faith you have, the fewer assumptions you will make. Why? Because with God all things are possible."
By the way this chapter speaks of Abraham, and God getting Abraham out of his tent to count the stars. Mark suggests often we make assumptions based on our view of the eight-foot ceilings around us when we need to go outside at night and consider the One Who hung the moon and sprinkled all those stars across the heavens. Notice the difference? When we assume the ceiling's the limit, we don't dream, we don't believe all things are possible. But when we consider the moon and the stars and the One Who made them and His desire to work through us, we realize anything is possible with God!
"Faith is not logical. But it isn't illogical either. Faith is theological. It does not ignore reality; it just adds God into the equation. Abraham 'faced the fact.' But he was also 'fully persuaded' that God had the power to deliver on His promise. Faith is not mindless ignorance; it simply refuses to limit God to the logical constraints of the left brain." (pg. 79)
I love that. So often I limit life to reality instead of dreaming. Do you believe God puts dreams into our hearts? One psalm instructs us to delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our hearts. If I understand this verse correctly when we delight in the Lord, His desires become our desires and God wants to give us those things. So why limit life to the sometimes dreary "realistic" outlook ahead of us? Take God into the equation! See the future through His eyes and realize with Him nothing is too difficult! Indeed, anything is possible!
What is something you have in your heart to do, but maybe you've tried to squelch that dream or passion because it's just sooooo unrealistic that it seems it will never happen? Have you limited God by your assumptions and logic? Have you ever stood outside on a clear night and been amazed by the awesomeness of God as you gazed into the sky? Or maybe you've had this experience while hiking in the mountains or while considering the vastness of the ocean or desert or simply by observing a newborn baby or the flowers in your yard. Do tell!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Routines, Rote Prayers & Heuristic Bias
From Wild Goose Chase
In this section Mark deals with the key to spiritual growth being our development of "healthy and holy routines" or spiritual disciplines. He suggests that once the routine becomes a routine, we need to disrupt it. Why? "Because sacred routines become empty rituals when we do them out of left-brain memory instead of right-brain imagination. ... One of the greatest dangers we face spiritually is learning how and forgetting why."
The "tendency to think the way we've always thought or do it the way we've always done it is called heuristic bias. It is an incredibly complex cognitive process, but the end result is mindlessness. We do things without thinking about them. And if we aren't careful, we pray without thinking, take Communion without thinking, and worship without thinking." (pg. 59)
After quoting this verse:
13 And so the Lord says,
“These people say they are mine.
They honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
And their worship of me
is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. (Isaiah 29, NLT)
Mark says, "God doesn't want to be lip-synced. He wants to be worshiped." He reminds us that the psalms "exhort us no fewer than six times to sing a new song. We need new words, new postures, new thoughts and new feelings. Why? Because God wants to be more than a memory!"
Also Jesus put it this way:
In this section Mark deals with the key to spiritual growth being our development of "healthy and holy routines" or spiritual disciplines. He suggests that once the routine becomes a routine, we need to disrupt it. Why? "Because sacred routines become empty rituals when we do them out of left-brain memory instead of right-brain imagination. ... One of the greatest dangers we face spiritually is learning how and forgetting why."
The "tendency to think the way we've always thought or do it the way we've always done it is called heuristic bias. It is an incredibly complex cognitive process, but the end result is mindlessness. We do things without thinking about them. And if we aren't careful, we pray without thinking, take Communion without thinking, and worship without thinking." (pg. 59)
After quoting this verse:
13 And so the Lord says,
“These people say they are mine.
They honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
And their worship of me
is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. (Isaiah 29, NLT)
Mark says, "God doesn't want to be lip-synced. He wants to be worshiped." He reminds us that the psalms "exhort us no fewer than six times to sing a new song. We need new words, new postures, new thoughts and new feelings. Why? Because God wants to be more than a memory!"
Also Jesus put it this way:
7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again." (Matthew 6, NLT)
Coincidence, Sabbath, Spontaneous Ministry
More notes from Wild Goose Chase . . .
"I don't believe in coincidence. I believe in providence. I believe in a sovereign God who sets up divine appointments half a world away. He can use any one of us to touch anyone else in the world." (pg. 52)
This reminded me of all my blogging friends because I do believe God brought us together to share and learn from each other.
Speaking of taking a Sabbath or day of rest, Mark rightly declares that God did not need a break. His view: "The Sabbath is a weekly reminder that we don't keep the planets in orbit; He does." In other words, quit trying to do so much. Got a mile-long to-do list? Don't fret if you can't get it all done in one day or even in a week!
We tend to miss ministry opportunities when we are too busy and too much in a hurry. Notice how often Jesus was on his way somewhere, but he was interrupted and stopped to help. He didn't say, "Oops sorry...late for an appointment with Lazarus!" Nope, he stopped to minister and heal the woman with a bleeding disorder. Realize sometimes those annoying human interruptions are really divine appointments. God uses us to reach out to others. Don't be in such a rush to get somewhere and get things done that we don't stop to help the ones in need (think religious leaders in the story of the Good Samaritan).
Mark sites a study where researchers concluded, "The words 'You're late,' had the effect of making someone who was ordinarily compassionate into someone who was indifferent to suffering." (pg. 57)
Mark believes, "Spontaneity is an underappreciated dimension of spirituality. In fact, spiritual maturity has less to do with long-range visions than it does with moment-by-moment sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit." (pg. 58) This makes me think again of the post I did recently on Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip was directed by the Holy Spirit where to go, which chariot to approach and thus was able to preach the good news of Jesus to this searching man!
What do y'all think? Is Mark way off base or do you think his ideas have merit? Have you any experience in where seeming human interruptions turned into "divine appointments"? Are you a spontaneous person or are you like me and like things planned out in advance? :-) Do you recall times when you felt the Spirit was prompting you to visit someone, call someone or go some place that you had not thought to go? Did you obey that prompting or did you ignore it? Anything worth sharing about that experience? What do you think about taking a day of rest and Mark's "take" on it? Anything else you'd like to share? Please do!
"I don't believe in coincidence. I believe in providence. I believe in a sovereign God who sets up divine appointments half a world away. He can use any one of us to touch anyone else in the world." (pg. 52)
This reminded me of all my blogging friends because I do believe God brought us together to share and learn from each other.
Speaking of taking a Sabbath or day of rest, Mark rightly declares that God did not need a break. His view: "The Sabbath is a weekly reminder that we don't keep the planets in orbit; He does." In other words, quit trying to do so much. Got a mile-long to-do list? Don't fret if you can't get it all done in one day or even in a week!
We tend to miss ministry opportunities when we are too busy and too much in a hurry. Notice how often Jesus was on his way somewhere, but he was interrupted and stopped to help. He didn't say, "Oops sorry...late for an appointment with Lazarus!" Nope, he stopped to minister and heal the woman with a bleeding disorder. Realize sometimes those annoying human interruptions are really divine appointments. God uses us to reach out to others. Don't be in such a rush to get somewhere and get things done that we don't stop to help the ones in need (think religious leaders in the story of the Good Samaritan).
Mark sites a study where researchers concluded, "The words 'You're late,' had the effect of making someone who was ordinarily compassionate into someone who was indifferent to suffering." (pg. 57)
Mark believes, "Spontaneity is an underappreciated dimension of spirituality. In fact, spiritual maturity has less to do with long-range visions than it does with moment-by-moment sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit." (pg. 58) This makes me think again of the post I did recently on Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip was directed by the Holy Spirit where to go, which chariot to approach and thus was able to preach the good news of Jesus to this searching man!
What do y'all think? Is Mark way off base or do you think his ideas have merit? Have you any experience in where seeming human interruptions turned into "divine appointments"? Are you a spontaneous person or are you like me and like things planned out in advance? :-) Do you recall times when you felt the Spirit was prompting you to visit someone, call someone or go some place that you had not thought to go? Did you obey that prompting or did you ignore it? Anything worth sharing about that experience? What do you think about taking a day of rest and Mark's "take" on it? Anything else you'd like to share? Please do!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Eds, Logos, Altars, Zacchaeus
January 3, 2010
Dressed: colorfully* & warmly since it was so stinkin' cold today!
Enjoyed: discussing life in Africa with my mom and grandmother
Squeezed: my adorable nephew - and not just once!
Annoyed: that I still can't get my brother on his cell phone
Joked: with my grandfather about my being a spy*
Wondered: if Jesus being the Logos (Word) and thus revealing the mind of God is for the benefit of our logic ... Logos and logic seem awfully close ... the things that make ya go "hmmmm"
* I had on my black "Cat in the Hat" hat, a black coat, long red scarf, royal blue gloves and my sunglasses when I left my grandparents' house today.
Notes to ponder from Wild Goose Chase ...
"Where have I gotten too comfortable as a Christ follower? ... If I let routine rule my life, I'll never get where the Wild Goose wants me to go." (pg. 44) quotes except I changed the pronouns from you and your to I and me to personalize it
Am I stuck in the rut of routine?
Remember times in the Bible when altars were built? "Altars help us remember what God doesn't want us to forget. They give us a sacred place to go back to." Do we "feel spiritually lost because we don't have any milestones that help us find our way back to God"?
"We need altars that renew our faith by reminding us of the faithfulness of God. And every once in a while, we need to go back to those sacred places to repent of our sin, renew our covenant with God, and celebrate what God has done." (pg. 48)
"Celebrate what God has done" - I like that. I need to built more altars so I can remember God's faithfulness at times when life seems out of sorts.
Mark then wonders about certain Bible characters and places where their lives were changed. I liked these a lot! Here is one favorite, "Did Zacchaeus ever take his grandchildren back to climb the sycamore tree where he caught his first glimpse of Jesus?" Wow, what a thought!
Dressed: colorfully* & warmly since it was so stinkin' cold today!
Enjoyed: discussing life in Africa with my mom and grandmother
Squeezed: my adorable nephew - and not just once!
Annoyed: that I still can't get my brother on his cell phone
Joked: with my grandfather about my being a spy*
Wondered: if Jesus being the Logos (Word) and thus revealing the mind of God is for the benefit of our logic ... Logos and logic seem awfully close ... the things that make ya go "hmmmm"
* I had on my black "Cat in the Hat" hat, a black coat, long red scarf, royal blue gloves and my sunglasses when I left my grandparents' house today.
Notes to ponder from Wild Goose Chase ...
"Where have I gotten too comfortable as a Christ follower? ... If I let routine rule my life, I'll never get where the Wild Goose wants me to go." (pg. 44) quotes except I changed the pronouns from you and your to I and me to personalize it
Am I stuck in the rut of routine?
Remember times in the Bible when altars were built? "Altars help us remember what God doesn't want us to forget. They give us a sacred place to go back to." Do we "feel spiritually lost because we don't have any milestones that help us find our way back to God"?
"We need altars that renew our faith by reminding us of the faithfulness of God. And every once in a while, we need to go back to those sacred places to repent of our sin, renew our covenant with God, and celebrate what God has done." (pg. 48)
"Celebrate what God has done" - I like that. I need to built more altars so I can remember God's faithfulness at times when life seems out of sorts.
Mark then wonders about certain Bible characters and places where their lives were changed. I liked these a lot! Here is one favorite, "Did Zacchaeus ever take his grandchildren back to climb the sycamore tree where he caught his first glimpse of Jesus?" Wow, what a thought!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Broke My New Year's Resolution Already!
Happy New Year and all that good stuff! Hope 01.01.10 has been a good one for ya. Mine started a bit rough, but ended up pretty well, thankfully. I cleaned toilets and vacuumed the house and got a lot of stuff done for my workplace that needs doing in January. Aaaaaaaaand I watched some of the Florida State football game (that's American football with the brown ball, helmets, tackles) and was happy to see them win. This was their eighty-year-old coach's last game and I wanted to see Bobby Bowden go out with a win. So, yay for beating the West Virginia Mountaineers!
Since it's supposed to get bone-chillingly cold here for the next week, I decided today I needed to walk outdoors and get some fresh air, bask in the sunshine and just enjoy the mid-forties temperature. And while doing so I was looking skyward and noticed a hawk gliding in the breeze so majestically. I kept watching it as I walked and the thought came to mind of "the Wild Goose."
Yeah, yeah, yeah, well, this is a hawk, not a goose. Plus I said I wasn't going to read books that encourage me to chase the Wild Goose this year. I even told Andrew that a few weeks ago and reiterated it on my blog just days ago! I get frustrated when I read them with high hopes and then settle back into my ordinary, purposeless life.
Here's what I wrote:
2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any resolutions really. I do recall now that I wanted to live by faith, not fear, and I think I did better than some years, PTL! Next year...I won't read any books that urge me to chase the Wild Goose.
And what do you know! I made ONE resolution I thought I'd have little trouble keeping. Yet . . .
I already broke it.
*ahem*
Didn't even last a day!
Wellllllllllllllll, when I saw that majestic bird, I was reminded of the Wild Goose and then, then I remembered, "Ah, it's about the Holy Spirit" and what do you know? just yesterday I said I would soon write about the Holy Spirit here.
Hmmm
Have you ever just felt lead to read something or watch or do something? Like you get an impression that you should just do it despite what resolution you made?
The other resolution I made to myself today is to see how long I can avoid dwelling on or mentioning the "S" word. I'm sure Andrew is ready for me to move on so I think I'll see how many days I can go without talking about it.
Re: the Wild Goose -- If you are wondering what I'm talking about and are interested, here are posts I wrote last year when I read about the Wild Goose. They are in reverse order, but if you click HERE and then read from the bottom up, you will get the idea. I just felt I needed to read it again and why not start on the first day of the new year? Resolutions are made for breaking, right? It's part of American tradition. :-)
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Notes to ponder from chapters 1 & 2
Have I settled for inverted Christianity? Instead of following the Spirit have I "invited" him to follow me? Instead of serving God's purposes have I demanded God serve mine? Result of this "inverted relationship with God is not just a self-absorbed spirituality that leaves us feeling empty, it's also the difference between spiritual boredom and spiritual adventure." (pg. 4)
"Jesus speaks to that deep-seated longing for adventure by challenging us to come out of the cage. But coming out of the cage means giving up the very thing in which we find our security and identity outside of Christ." For the rich young ruler this cage was financial security. (pg. 9)
"When God puts a passion in your heart ... that God-ordained passion becomes your responsibility." (pg. 20)
What kind of God-ordained passion has been conceived in your spirit? (pg. 25)
Reminders:
Christianity was never intended to a noun. It should be an action verb. Think: Book of Acts (not Thoughts or Sayings or Theories) (pg. 29)
Most often in the Bible, signs follow faith (pg. 32). If you have signs first, faith isn't really required.
Pray for the favor of God (pg. 34)
When you can't figure out how to get from where you are to where you want to be, "be the best cupbearer you can be." (Nehemiah -- pg. 37)
Since it's supposed to get bone-chillingly cold here for the next week, I decided today I needed to walk outdoors and get some fresh air, bask in the sunshine and just enjoy the mid-forties temperature. And while doing so I was looking skyward and noticed a hawk gliding in the breeze so majestically. I kept watching it as I walked and the thought came to mind of "the Wild Goose."
Yeah, yeah, yeah, well, this is a hawk, not a goose. Plus I said I wasn't going to read books that encourage me to chase the Wild Goose this year. I even told Andrew that a few weeks ago and reiterated it on my blog just days ago! I get frustrated when I read them with high hopes and then settle back into my ordinary, purposeless life.
Here's what I wrote:
2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't make any resolutions really. I do recall now that I wanted to live by faith, not fear, and I think I did better than some years, PTL! Next year...I won't read any books that urge me to chase the Wild Goose.
And what do you know! I made ONE resolution I thought I'd have little trouble keeping. Yet . . .
I already broke it.
*ahem*
Didn't even last a day!
Wellllllllllllllll, when I saw that majestic bird, I was reminded of the Wild Goose and then, then I remembered, "Ah, it's about the Holy Spirit" and what do you know? just yesterday I said I would soon write about the Holy Spirit here.
Hmmm
Have you ever just felt lead to read something or watch or do something? Like you get an impression that you should just do it despite what resolution you made?
The other resolution I made to myself today is to see how long I can avoid dwelling on or mentioning the "S" word. I'm sure Andrew is ready for me to move on so I think I'll see how many days I can go without talking about it.
Re: the Wild Goose -- If you are wondering what I'm talking about and are interested, here are posts I wrote last year when I read about the Wild Goose. They are in reverse order, but if you click HERE and then read from the bottom up, you will get the idea. I just felt I needed to read it again and why not start on the first day of the new year? Resolutions are made for breaking, right? It's part of American tradition. :-)
---------------------------------------------------
Notes to ponder from chapters 1 & 2
Have I settled for inverted Christianity? Instead of following the Spirit have I "invited" him to follow me? Instead of serving God's purposes have I demanded God serve mine? Result of this "inverted relationship with God is not just a self-absorbed spirituality that leaves us feeling empty, it's also the difference between spiritual boredom and spiritual adventure." (pg. 4)
"Jesus speaks to that deep-seated longing for adventure by challenging us to come out of the cage. But coming out of the cage means giving up the very thing in which we find our security and identity outside of Christ." For the rich young ruler this cage was financial security. (pg. 9)
"When God puts a passion in your heart ... that God-ordained passion becomes your responsibility." (pg. 20)
What kind of God-ordained passion has been conceived in your spirit? (pg. 25)
Reminders:
Christianity was never intended to a noun. It should be an action verb. Think: Book of Acts (not Thoughts or Sayings or Theories) (pg. 29)
Most often in the Bible, signs follow faith (pg. 32). If you have signs first, faith isn't really required.
Pray for the favor of God (pg. 34)
When you can't figure out how to get from where you are to where you want to be, "be the best cupbearer you can be." (Nehemiah -- pg. 37)
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Goals & Final Challenge
Final notes from Wild Goose Chase . . .
"You won't accomplish any of the goals you do not set." (pg. 160)
"We need to dream God-sized dreams . . . not because we need to make a name for ourselves -- selfish goals always result in shallow victories. We need to dream God-sized dreams because they're the only things that will drive us to our knees and keep us living in absolute dependence upon God the way we were designed to." (pg. 160)
Mark encourages us to set goals. Remember the Bible says where there is no vision, the people perish. Mark reminds us that Jesus was a goal setter. In fact, His God-sized goal was huge: "'Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to everyone, everywhere.'" (pg. 161)
In the final part Mark asks, "You've been comfortable long enough, haven't you? Isn't it time to come out of the cage?" And follows this with this reminder:
"And remember, ultimately it's not about you. It's about the One who wants to write His-story through your life. A world in desperate need can't do without what you will bring when you become part of something that is bigger than you and more important than you: the cause of Christ in this generation. The stakes could not be higher. And like the first-century disciples, we have the opportunity to turn the world upside down." (pg. 170)
Finished the book. Wow, who knew I could write so many posts about one book with fewer than 200 pages? :-)
"You won't accomplish any of the goals you do not set." (pg. 160)
"We need to dream God-sized dreams . . . not because we need to make a name for ourselves -- selfish goals always result in shallow victories. We need to dream God-sized dreams because they're the only things that will drive us to our knees and keep us living in absolute dependence upon God the way we were designed to." (pg. 160)
Mark encourages us to set goals. Remember the Bible says where there is no vision, the people perish. Mark reminds us that Jesus was a goal setter. In fact, His God-sized goal was huge: "'Go into all the world and proclaim the Good News to everyone, everywhere.'" (pg. 161)
In the final part Mark asks, "You've been comfortable long enough, haven't you? Isn't it time to come out of the cage?" And follows this with this reminder:
"And remember, ultimately it's not about you. It's about the One who wants to write His-story through your life. A world in desperate need can't do without what you will bring when you become part of something that is bigger than you and more important than you: the cause of Christ in this generation. The stakes could not be higher. And like the first-century disciples, we have the opportunity to turn the world upside down." (pg. 170)
Finished the book. Wow, who knew I could write so many posts about one book with fewer than 200 pages? :-)
Indecision, One-Way Missionaries, Light & The Walk
The final chapter of Wild Goose Chase deals with the cage of fear . . .
"Most of us are far too tentative when it comes to the will of God. We let our fears dictate our decisions. We are so afraid of making the wrong decision that we make no decision. And what we fail to realize is that indecision is a decision . . . that keeps us in the cage. . . . [Remember] nothing ventured, nothing gained." (pg. 144)
I greatly enjoyed the examples Mark gave of people who had gone into dangerous situations in order to do the will of God. Mark believes most of us think our purpose in life is to arrive safely at death, however he challenges us to think differently. He told about A.W. Milne and other "one-way missionaries" who went to countries knowing they likely would never return home. Milne went to a tribe of headhunters in New Hebrides where all former missionaries had been killed. However he felt called to go and obeyed. "He lived among the tribe for thirty-five years and never returned home. When the tribe buried him, they wrote the following epitaph on his tombstone: 'When he came there was no light. When he left there was no darkness.'" (pg. 149) What a way to live with an eternal perspective in mind!
Mark told of a friend who invaded the porn industry in order to spread Christ's light. Then speaking frankly, Mark declared: "If we are going to fulfill our ancient commission, we need to get out of the comfortable confines of our Christian ghettos and invade some hellholes with the light and love of Christ." Then he gives us this quote from C.T. Studd: "'Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.'" (pg. 150)
What do you think of this false assumption?
"We subconsciously think it should get easier the longer we follow Christ. Let me push back a little. I certainly believe that some dimensions of spiritual growth get easier with the consistent practice of spiritual disciplines. But I also believe that spiritual growth prepares us for more dangerous missions. As we grow, God gives us more difficult things to do." (pg. 150)
Many good things to consider. I know I've often desired the comfort of life rather than wishing to live dangerously. But I believe I am a-changin' on that front! Hope so anyway. Maybe I'll change my mind tomorrow...yikes! And I agree with this final statement by Mark. I think we do tend to believe that the Christian life should be easier as we grow in it. Like the hard assignments are in the early years and we should go towards some more relaxing, retirement type of place in our walk eventually. Hmmm. I wonder why I think that way.
"Most of us are far too tentative when it comes to the will of God. We let our fears dictate our decisions. We are so afraid of making the wrong decision that we make no decision. And what we fail to realize is that indecision is a decision . . . that keeps us in the cage. . . . [Remember] nothing ventured, nothing gained." (pg. 144)
I greatly enjoyed the examples Mark gave of people who had gone into dangerous situations in order to do the will of God. Mark believes most of us think our purpose in life is to arrive safely at death, however he challenges us to think differently. He told about A.W. Milne and other "one-way missionaries" who went to countries knowing they likely would never return home. Milne went to a tribe of headhunters in New Hebrides where all former missionaries had been killed. However he felt called to go and obeyed. "He lived among the tribe for thirty-five years and never returned home. When the tribe buried him, they wrote the following epitaph on his tombstone: 'When he came there was no light. When he left there was no darkness.'" (pg. 149) What a way to live with an eternal perspective in mind!
Mark told of a friend who invaded the porn industry in order to spread Christ's light. Then speaking frankly, Mark declared: "If we are going to fulfill our ancient commission, we need to get out of the comfortable confines of our Christian ghettos and invade some hellholes with the light and love of Christ." Then he gives us this quote from C.T. Studd: "'Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.'" (pg. 150)
What do you think of this false assumption?
"We subconsciously think it should get easier the longer we follow Christ. Let me push back a little. I certainly believe that some dimensions of spiritual growth get easier with the consistent practice of spiritual disciplines. But I also believe that spiritual growth prepares us for more dangerous missions. As we grow, God gives us more difficult things to do." (pg. 150)
Many good things to consider. I know I've often desired the comfort of life rather than wishing to live dangerously. But I believe I am a-changin' on that front! Hope so anyway. Maybe I'll change my mind tomorrow...yikes! And I agree with this final statement by Mark. I think we do tend to believe that the Christian life should be easier as we grow in it. Like the hard assignments are in the early years and we should go towards some more relaxing, retirement type of place in our walk eventually. Hmmm. I wonder why I think that way.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Journey Is Important,Too
More from Wild Goose Chase ... good thing this book only has 8 chapters. I have written so much about it already! But there is so much gooooood stuff that I want to remember!
"Getting where God wants me to go isn't nearly as important as becoming who God wants me to be in the process. And God seems to be far less concerned with where I'm going than with who I'm becoming. I think some of us want to know the will of God more than we want to know God. And it short-circuits spiritual growth. You can't do the will of God if you don't have the heart of God." (pg. 137)
"In the words of George Bernard Shaw, 'People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can't find them, make them.' But it goes beyond that. You not only need to make the most of your circumstances; you also have to realize that God is in them. And He is capable of working them together for your good. It doesn't matter how long the delay or detour, He can make them work together for good." (pg. 141-142)
"'The unpredictable twists and turns of life can drive you crazy. Or you can learn to enjoy the journey.' Where are you right now -- insane or having an insane amount of fun?" (pg. 142)
This was interesting because I know quite often I feel as if I am just marking time waiting for God to reveal what I'm supposed to DO. Reading this reminded me that the process is also important. Perhaps even more than "the final destination." While waiting on God, I am drawing closer to Him and getting to better know Him and His heart.
"Getting where God wants me to go isn't nearly as important as becoming who God wants me to be in the process. And God seems to be far less concerned with where I'm going than with who I'm becoming. I think some of us want to know the will of God more than we want to know God. And it short-circuits spiritual growth. You can't do the will of God if you don't have the heart of God." (pg. 137)
"In the words of George Bernard Shaw, 'People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can't find them, make them.' But it goes beyond that. You not only need to make the most of your circumstances; you also have to realize that God is in them. And He is capable of working them together for your good. It doesn't matter how long the delay or detour, He can make them work together for good." (pg. 141-142)
"'The unpredictable twists and turns of life can drive you crazy. Or you can learn to enjoy the journey.' Where are you right now -- insane or having an insane amount of fun?" (pg. 142)
This was interesting because I know quite often I feel as if I am just marking time waiting for God to reveal what I'm supposed to DO. Reading this reminded me that the process is also important. Perhaps even more than "the final destination." While waiting on God, I am drawing closer to Him and getting to better know Him and His heart.
Will of God, Divine Appts., Following the Wind, Open Doors
More from Wild Goose Chase
"We put so much pressure on ourselves, as if the eternal plans of almighty God are contingent upon our ability to decipher them. The truth is, God wants to reveal them more than we want to know them. And if we think one misstep can frustrate the providential plans of the Omnipotent One, then our God is way too small. Not only does God want us to get where God wants us to go more than we want to get where God wants us to go, but He is awfully good at getting us there. He may not always reveal His plans how or when we want Him to. But when we chase the Wild Goose, our future becomes His responsibility. 'In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.'" (pg. 129)
Wow! That's freeing! I think I really had that mindset that it was up to ME somehow to figure out God's mind and, ooops!, I'd better not make a wrong step or I could never be redeemed... well, I could, but I couldn't do what God had planned for me originally. Hmmm.
I love the part where Mark discusses divine appointments. In referring to one that happened while a group from his church was visiting a Spanish-speaking country, Mark writes, "God knows no spatial or chronological limitations. Setting up divine appointments in a different hemisphere is as simple for God as setting up a divine appointment with your next-door neighbor." (pg. 132)
I can attest to that since God brought people into my life whom I never thought to look for. And He brought them in such an unexpected way. And while we may be in the same hemisphere, the Atlantic Ocean and the continent of Africa separate us!
Reminding us of Jesus' words about the Spirit's connection to the wind, Mark writes: "Chasing the Wild Goose is recognizing which way the wind of the Spirit is blowing and responding to it. It requires a moment-by-moment sensitivity to the Wild Goose. And you have to trust His promptings more than you trust your own plans. Instead of getting frustrated by fighting the wind, you appreciate the fact that something uncontrollable and unpredictable will get you where God wants you to go." (pg. 134)
Remember the verse from Revelation 3 about open doors (emphasis mine):
7"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.
Thanks for bringing that to my attention, Mark!
"We put so much pressure on ourselves, as if the eternal plans of almighty God are contingent upon our ability to decipher them. The truth is, God wants to reveal them more than we want to know them. And if we think one misstep can frustrate the providential plans of the Omnipotent One, then our God is way too small. Not only does God want us to get where God wants us to go more than we want to get where God wants us to go, but He is awfully good at getting us there. He may not always reveal His plans how or when we want Him to. But when we chase the Wild Goose, our future becomes His responsibility. 'In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.'" (pg. 129)
Wow! That's freeing! I think I really had that mindset that it was up to ME somehow to figure out God's mind and, ooops!, I'd better not make a wrong step or I could never be redeemed... well, I could, but I couldn't do what God had planned for me originally. Hmmm.
I love the part where Mark discusses divine appointments. In referring to one that happened while a group from his church was visiting a Spanish-speaking country, Mark writes, "God knows no spatial or chronological limitations. Setting up divine appointments in a different hemisphere is as simple for God as setting up a divine appointment with your next-door neighbor." (pg. 132)
I can attest to that since God brought people into my life whom I never thought to look for. And He brought them in such an unexpected way. And while we may be in the same hemisphere, the Atlantic Ocean and the continent of Africa separate us!
Reminding us of Jesus' words about the Spirit's connection to the wind, Mark writes: "Chasing the Wild Goose is recognizing which way the wind of the Spirit is blowing and responding to it. It requires a moment-by-moment sensitivity to the Wild Goose. And you have to trust His promptings more than you trust your own plans. Instead of getting frustrated by fighting the wind, you appreciate the fact that something uncontrollable and unpredictable will get you where God wants you to go." (pg. 134)
Remember the verse from Revelation 3 about open doors (emphasis mine):
7"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.
Thanks for bringing that to my attention, Mark!
Failure, Dependence & Disorientation as Good Things!
From Wild Goose Chase, chapter entitled "Sometimes It Takes a ShipWreck" . . .
"Failure teaches us our most valuable lessons. It takes us from taking the credit for or taking for granted later successes. We make the all-important discovery that even when we fall flat on our faces, God is right there to pick us back up again. And failure also has a way of opening us up to other options." (pg. 118)
"While our failed plans can be incredibly discouraging and disorienting, God often uses the things that seem to be taking us off our course to keep us on His course." (pg. 122)
"Few things are as disorienting as in-between times -- between jobs, between relationships, or between a rock and a hard place. But nothing rattles the cage like a bad diagnosis, a pink slip, or divorce papers. They cause the compass needle to spin. And we feel lost because our plans and our lives fall apart. But the upside is that it causes us to seek God with a raw intensity that cannot be manufactured any other way. Disorientation has a way of driving us to our knees. And that is one reason why the bad things that happen to us can actually turn into the best things that happen to us." (pg. 123)
This is very true. It's usually during those very rough seasons that I seek God's word on matters more. And I seek His reassurance and encouragement as well.
Mark reminded us that while a healthy parent-child relationship moves from dependence to independence, the opposite is true in a godly relationship. Instead of living independently of God (which makes us servants of sin so it's not true independence), God desires to move us to total dependence on Him. Thus disorientation "is natural and healthy... a normal part of chasing the Wild Goose. We won't know exactly where we're going much of the time, but that disorientation develops our dependence upon God. And it is our dependence upon God, not our best-laid plans, that will get us where God wants us to go." (pg. 127)
Can you think of times of failure or disorientation in your life that lead to something you didn't imagine? A new direction in life perhaps? Maybe if you don't have a personal example, you can think of someone you know. I'm going walking now and will think on it.
"Failure teaches us our most valuable lessons. It takes us from taking the credit for or taking for granted later successes. We make the all-important discovery that even when we fall flat on our faces, God is right there to pick us back up again. And failure also has a way of opening us up to other options." (pg. 118)
"While our failed plans can be incredibly discouraging and disorienting, God often uses the things that seem to be taking us off our course to keep us on His course." (pg. 122)
"Few things are as disorienting as in-between times -- between jobs, between relationships, or between a rock and a hard place. But nothing rattles the cage like a bad diagnosis, a pink slip, or divorce papers. They cause the compass needle to spin. And we feel lost because our plans and our lives fall apart. But the upside is that it causes us to seek God with a raw intensity that cannot be manufactured any other way. Disorientation has a way of driving us to our knees. And that is one reason why the bad things that happen to us can actually turn into the best things that happen to us." (pg. 123)
This is very true. It's usually during those very rough seasons that I seek God's word on matters more. And I seek His reassurance and encouragement as well.
Mark reminded us that while a healthy parent-child relationship moves from dependence to independence, the opposite is true in a godly relationship. Instead of living independently of God (which makes us servants of sin so it's not true independence), God desires to move us to total dependence on Him. Thus disorientation "is natural and healthy... a normal part of chasing the Wild Goose. We won't know exactly where we're going much of the time, but that disorientation develops our dependence upon God. And it is our dependence upon God, not our best-laid plans, that will get us where God wants us to go." (pg. 127)
Can you think of times of failure or disorientation in your life that lead to something you didn't imagine? A new direction in life perhaps? Maybe if you don't have a personal example, you can think of someone you know. I'm going walking now and will think on it.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
On churches, guilt and grace that is freeing
From Wild Goose Chase ... the chapter on the cage of guilt.
"Let's be honest, the church can be the most pretentious place on earth. We are afraid of revealing our imperfections and dysfunctions. We're afraid of revealing our painful scars and sinful secrets. And that is why so many people are so lonely. I've met people who feel like they have to get their act together before coming to God. Where did that ludicrous logic come from? That's like suggesting you have to get healthy before going to see a doctor. It makes no sense. The church needs to be a safe place where we can reveal our worst sins. Anything less is hypocrisy." (pg. 112-113)
"Guilt has a shrinking effect. It shrinks our dreams. It shrinks our relationships. It shrinks our hearts. It shrinks our lives to the size of our greatest failures.
Grace has the opposite effect. It expands our dreams. It expands our relationships. It expands our hearts. And it gives us the courage to chase the Wild Goose all the way to the ends of the earth." (pg. 114)
Think about Peter denying our Lord three times prior to Jesus' crucifixion. Then remember how the resurrected Jesus commissioned Peter to feed His sheep. And remember in the book of Acts how Peter was used greatly by the Lord. Grace is freeing.
"Let's be honest, the church can be the most pretentious place on earth. We are afraid of revealing our imperfections and dysfunctions. We're afraid of revealing our painful scars and sinful secrets. And that is why so many people are so lonely. I've met people who feel like they have to get their act together before coming to God. Where did that ludicrous logic come from? That's like suggesting you have to get healthy before going to see a doctor. It makes no sense. The church needs to be a safe place where we can reveal our worst sins. Anything less is hypocrisy." (pg. 112-113)
"Guilt has a shrinking effect. It shrinks our dreams. It shrinks our relationships. It shrinks our hearts. It shrinks our lives to the size of our greatest failures.
Grace has the opposite effect. It expands our dreams. It expands our relationships. It expands our hearts. And it gives us the courage to chase the Wild Goose all the way to the ends of the earth." (pg. 114)
Think about Peter denying our Lord three times prior to Jesus' crucifixion. Then remember how the resurrected Jesus commissioned Peter to feed His sheep. And remember in the book of Acts how Peter was used greatly by the Lord. Grace is freeing.
True Love
"If you want to impact someone's life, love them when they least expect it and least deserve it. When people blow it, you have an opportunity to impact their lives forever. You might think, But they don't deserve it. That's the point isn't it? Do you deserve the grace of God?" (pg. 104)
"God's love is proactive. He doesn't wait for us to get our act together. God always makes the first move. And we're called to follow suit." (pg. 105)
Remember, even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
And, we love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:19)
from Wild Goose Chase
"God's love is proactive. He doesn't wait for us to get our act together. God always makes the first move. And we're called to follow suit." (pg. 105)
Remember, even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
And, we love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:19)
from Wild Goose Chase
Yes, but do you REACT like a Christian?
From Wild Goose Chase . . .
Mark hit the nail on the head! I find this so true. I can be going around "perfectly holy" all day, and then someone does something to me or something doesn't go how I'd planned and the reactionary self rears its head and too often takes over and replaces my "perfectly holy" mask.
Good stuff!
In my experience, it is much easier to act like a Christian than it is to react like one. Most of us are good actors -- we can play the part. But our reactions reveal who we really are. And maybe that's why Jesus focused so much of His teaching on reconditioning reflexes.
Pray for those who persecute you.
Love your enemies.
Bless those who curse you.
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
(pg. 99)
Mark hit the nail on the head! I find this so true. I can be going around "perfectly holy" all day, and then someone does something to me or something doesn't go how I'd planned and the reactionary self rears its head and too often takes over and replaces my "perfectly holy" mask.
Good stuff!
Monday, June 8, 2009
On Assumptions, Faith & Logic
From chapter 4 of Wild Goose Chase
"Don't put an eight-foot ceiling on what [God] can do." (pg. 74)
"Faith is not logical. But it isn't illogical either. Faith is theological. It does not ignore reality; it just adds God into the equation. . . . Faith is not mindless ignorance; it simply refuses to limit God to the logical constraints of the left brain." (pg. 79)
"It's never too late to become who you might have been." (pg. 79)
"Living generously is way too fun and way too exciting. Too many of us allow a scarcity mentality to keep us in the cage. We assume that the more we give, the less we'll have. That's an unbiblical assumption." (pg. 87)
"Abraham is the patron saint of Wild Goose chases. He had no idea where he was going, but he did not let that keep him in the cage. By faith he ventured into the unknown. He left behind his family, his home, and his assumptions." (pg. 90)
Wouldn't it be wonderful to have that kind of faith? Wow.
"Don't put an eight-foot ceiling on what [God] can do." (pg. 74)
"Faith is not logical. But it isn't illogical either. Faith is theological. It does not ignore reality; it just adds God into the equation. . . . Faith is not mindless ignorance; it simply refuses to limit God to the logical constraints of the left brain." (pg. 79)
"It's never too late to become who you might have been." (pg. 79)
"Living generously is way too fun and way too exciting. Too many of us allow a scarcity mentality to keep us in the cage. We assume that the more we give, the less we'll have. That's an unbiblical assumption." (pg. 87)
"Abraham is the patron saint of Wild Goose chases. He had no idea where he was going, but he did not let that keep him in the cage. By faith he ventured into the unknown. He left behind his family, his home, and his assumptions." (pg. 90)
Wouldn't it be wonderful to have that kind of faith? Wow.
Ordinary Stuff
I'm still in that chapter about the ordinary so I figured I should use a color I don't ordinarily use! I wonder if this color will even show up. :-)
Here are a few more good things from chapter 3.
Mark mentions we often need a change of pace -- as in, don't be in such a hurry because when we are in a rush, we often see divine appointments as human interruptions.
"Spontaneity is an underappreciated dimension of spirituality. In fact, spiritual maturity has less to do with long-range visions than it does with moment-by-moment sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And it is our moment-by-moment sensitivity to the Holy Spirit that turns life into an everyday adventure." (pg. 58)
"Who you are isn't the issue; the issue is whose you are." (pg. 65)
"[T]he only way you discover a new identity is by letting an old one go. And the only way you'll find your securities in Christ is by throwing down the human securities we tend to cling to." (pg. 66)
"If you find your security outside of Christ, you have a false sense of security [and] ... identity." (pg. 67)
"Your success isn't contingent upon what's in your hand. Your success is contingent upon whether God extends His mighty hand on your behalf." (pg. 67)
Mark used the example of Moses being told to throw down his staff. His staff represented his identity as a shepherd. If Moses refused to get rid of that identity would he have been the man God used to deliver the Israelites from Egypt?
Things to consider anyway.
Here are a few more good things from chapter 3.
Mark mentions we often need a change of pace -- as in, don't be in such a hurry because when we are in a rush, we often see divine appointments as human interruptions.
"Spontaneity is an underappreciated dimension of spirituality. In fact, spiritual maturity has less to do with long-range visions than it does with moment-by-moment sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And it is our moment-by-moment sensitivity to the Holy Spirit that turns life into an everyday adventure." (pg. 58)
"Who you are isn't the issue; the issue is whose you are." (pg. 65)
"[T]he only way you discover a new identity is by letting an old one go. And the only way you'll find your securities in Christ is by throwing down the human securities we tend to cling to." (pg. 66)
"If you find your security outside of Christ, you have a false sense of security [and] ... identity." (pg. 67)
"Your success isn't contingent upon what's in your hand. Your success is contingent upon whether God extends His mighty hand on your behalf." (pg. 67)
Mark used the example of Moses being told to throw down his staff. His staff represented his identity as a shepherd. If Moses refused to get rid of that identity would he have been the man God used to deliver the Israelites from Egypt?
Things to consider anyway.
What do you take for granted?
In Wild Goose Chase, the author states that "we take constants for granted" (pg. 42) and gives examples that include even God! Because He is constantly loving unconditionally, faithfully blessing us and just being our kind Sustainer, we often take God for granted. Other things we take for granted may include the air we breathe, health, freedom, food, even sunrises.
I wonder if people who live in majestic places such as this take it for granted. I hope not! But I've met people from Asheville who told me they just took living in the beautiful mountains for granted. I guess they grew up there and didn't realize the specialness of it until they met us flat-landers.
Here is something I read from chapter 3, "Dictatorship of the Ordinary," last night:
"You never know when or where the Wild Goose is going to invade the routine of your life." (pg. 45)
Mark gives the example of Moses tending sheep on the backside of the desert. Here was a man miraculously saved at his birth and schooled in the palaces of Egypt yet he fled as a fugitive after he killed an Egyptian taskmaster. So Moses fled and tended sheep for forty years. I wonder if he ever thought God would use him. It is neat to think of Moses going through his routine day and ending up talking with God in a burning bush! How his life changed that day and likely he never saw it coming!
So I am anticipating God invading the routine of my life. It's a wonderful thought!
I wonder if people who live in majestic places such as this take it for granted. I hope not! But I've met people from Asheville who told me they just took living in the beautiful mountains for granted. I guess they grew up there and didn't realize the specialness of it until they met us flat-landers.Here is something I read from chapter 3, "Dictatorship of the Ordinary," last night:
"You never know when or where the Wild Goose is going to invade the routine of your life." (pg. 45)
Mark gives the example of Moses tending sheep on the backside of the desert. Here was a man miraculously saved at his birth and schooled in the palaces of Egypt yet he fled as a fugitive after he killed an Egyptian taskmaster. So Moses fled and tended sheep for forty years. I wonder if he ever thought God would use him. It is neat to think of Moses going through his routine day and ending up talking with God in a burning bush! How his life changed that day and likely he never saw it coming!
So I am anticipating God invading the routine of my life. It's a wonderful thought!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
"Christianity was always intended to be a verb"
In Wild Goose Chase Mark says there are times we need to quit praying and do something. You don't have to pray about loving a neighbor, serving others or meeting a need. Those are all things we know to do already.
If you feel you are presently stuck in something that is not your God-ordained passion while waiting for the Holy Spirit , Mark encourages you to do your very best at whatever God has you doing presently.
Mark wishes to do something he is not capable of doing so that people can see that GOD did it. It was something the Lord did through Mark, not something Mark did in his own power. This reminds me of a lesson I learned while reading Experiencing God last year. Mark also reminded me that faith requires stepping out while not being sure. If we were 100% sure of the next step, there would be no need for faith! Signs of confirmation often follow our stepping out in faith.
I think I will walk now and mull over this stuff I've read today. The book is an easy read, but packed with thought-provoking material so I am reading it slowly. Much to chew on in these pages.
When Christianity turns into a noun, it becomes a turnoff. Christianity was always intended to be a verb. And, more specifically, an action verb. The title of the book of Acts says it all, doesn't it? It's not the books of Ideas or Theories or Words. It's the book of Acts. . . . Some of us live as if we expect to hear God say, "Well thought, good and faithful servant!" or "Well said, good and faithful servant!" . . . There is only one commendation, and it's the by-product of pursuing God-ordained passions: "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (pg. 29)
If you feel you are presently stuck in something that is not your God-ordained passion while waiting for the Holy Spirit , Mark encourages you to do your very best at whatever God has you doing presently.
Mark wishes to do something he is not capable of doing so that people can see that GOD did it. It was something the Lord did through Mark, not something Mark did in his own power. This reminds me of a lesson I learned while reading Experiencing God last year. Mark also reminded me that faith requires stepping out while not being sure. If we were 100% sure of the next step, there would be no need for faith! Signs of confirmation often follow our stepping out in faith.
I think I will walk now and mull over this stuff I've read today. The book is an easy read, but packed with thought-provoking material so I am reading it slowly. Much to chew on in these pages.
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