Into the World...

John 17. 14  (Jesus says) "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."

Seven years ago, we struggled with making a decision.  Russ and I discussed our options over and over; we talked to friends, we consulted our parents, and we prayed that the Lord would tell us what to do.  The question:  should we homeschool Sophia for kindergarten?  Our answer came through the passage above, in which Jesus prays for his disciples.  Jesus was soon to return to heaven, leaving his disciples to carry on the work He had begun.  I found what He did not pray for as compelling as what He did pray for his spiritual children.  He did not pray that they would ascend into heaven with Him ... yet.  He did not pray that they would be removed from the public arena in an effort to shield them from the inevitable hurts, questions, insults.  He simply prayed that they would be protected from the evil one while they were in the place He called them to be, i.e. the world.  He stated He had given them Truth and asked that God, using that Truth, would set them apart for a sacred purpose.  Then Jesus sent them out.  As I read those words during my quiet time in early August, 2001, I sensed I should do the same thing.  We had given Sophia as much Truth as a little five-year-old could take in, trusting God would both protect and use her.  Looking back, this was so much easier to do in 2001 than it has been in 2008.  

Although we have homeschooled our children off and on during the years, this year Sophia is attending 7th grade at a public middle school.  When I picked her up yesterday we had an interesting conversation.  The subject was homosexuality.  A girl in her class casually mentioned that her older sister was homosexual. Sophia told her that she believes homosexuality is wrong.  Interestingly, both girls had just come from a classroom session that dealt with handling disagreements appropriately.   Sophie simply read from the little half-sheet she'd been handed, "I understand how you feel, but I disagree."  It did not get ugly.  I told Sophia I was very proud of how she had handled the situation, and we discussed why we, as Christians, believe homosexuality is wrong.   

Like Jesus, it is not our plan to remove our children from culture ... but rather to train them to live out their faith in the culture.  And they are learning as we send them, step by step, into the world. 

All Those Questions...

Sam's favorite question these days is "why?".  He asks it at least a hundred times a day ... or so it seems to his tired mom.  Why do I need to do this?  Why does it work this way?  Why do you want me to do that?  He's not being rebellious; he's just growing up.  "Because I said so", just doesn't cut it anymore;  he needs a more substantial answer.  

Paul says when he became a man he put childish ways behind him. (1 Cor. 13.11)  Now in NO way is Sam a man!  He's still a grimy little boy who sometimes runs around the house dressed as Spiderman.  BUT, even at the age of 9, he's putting childish ways behind him.  He's beginning to question the establishment, as it were, in an effort to get answers and to form his own convictions.  He needs valid reasons, solid explanations, rational grounds ... and so do I.  As I grow in my faith in Christ, I am finding that I ask more and more questions. Sometimes ... even the dreaded "why?".   Like Sam, I am no longer satisfied with some canned answer I heard someone give years ago.  As I mature, I find that I have to think a bit more ... get into the Word a bit more ... pray a bit more ... obey a bit more in order to find those answers.  An example in my own life is the question of predestination.  I began seriously considering this matter ... over a year ago.  I've studied it, although not as in depth as I would like to.  I've meditated on it, prayed for understanding, and come to a conclusion.  I'll save that for another blog; the point I'm trying to make is that we should always seek to find answers ... even hard ones... because learning is growing.

Lessons from Esther...

This morning I read to the kids from the Old Testament book of Esther.  The title character is a young Jewish girl whom God uses to influence a king and save a people.  While Esther’s story is certainly complex, one particular part of it really spoke to me, as if God Himself had highlighted it in fluorescent yellow!  (I am consistently amazed at the lessons I learn from the Children’s Bible!) 

In preparation for meeting the King of Persia (who ruled while many Jews were still living as captives in Babylon), Esther was given a year of beauty treatments.  A year.  A year of having massages, special ointments, perfumes and cosmetics.   OK, before you begin to feel jealous, thinking Esther had been pampered quite enough … let’s investigate the real beauty secret. 

Esther Chapter 2.12-13 states “…she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments – six months of oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments.”  Any bride-to-be would relish a full year at the spa, but Esther’s beauty treatment involved so much more than she could have imagined. 

As you may know, myrrh was used as burial spice as noted in John 19.39, when Nicodemus brought myrrh to anoint Jesus’ body following His sacrificial death on the cross.  Death.    Myrrh (which means “bitter” in Arabic) was also used for medicinal purposes, to promote healing because of its antiseptic qualities. Healing.

Through Esther, the Lord is showing me that death and healing go hand in hand and are meant to beautify His people.  Having experienced the death of both her parents, Esther had known great pain long before she was placed in a position of great influence.   Two friends of ours have suffered similar pain just recently. Each has lost a sibling unexpectedly.  I cannot imagine the difficulty of such a loss.  But after the death comes the healing … and after healing, beauty.  Both our friends know and walk with Christ, so the healing oil may not sting quite as much.  Nevertheless, it still stings.  I don’t profess to understand what beauty may come from this sorrow, but I trust in a Savior who never wastes a hurt. If the Jesus I am called to imitate did not exempt Himself from the most painful of experiences … separation from God … but rather let God use it to bring about unimaginable healing and beauty to the masses, then I must follow suit.  I must allow God to use not only the most pleasant parts but also the most painful parts of my life to minister to others.  

SPOILER:  Esther 2.17-18 “…the king loved her (Esther) more than any of the other young women.  He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen… To celebrate the occasion, he gave a banquet in her honor for all his princes and servants, giving generous gifts to everyone and declaring a public festival for the provinces.” 

Plenty...

In Luke 23.35, Jesus asks his disciples a question.  “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag or extra clothing, did you lack anything?”

In this particular passage of Scripture, Jesus is about to hand over His earthly ministry to those He has trained and equipped.  As Jesus sends the disciples out on the mission of their lives, He reminds them that it isn’t the first time.  In Luke 9, Jesus sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  A dress rehearsal, you might say ... although it would be anything but a "dry run".   While He gave them power and authority, he did not give them much in the way of material possessions.  (And apparently, they didn’t NEED much!)  Jesus told Peter, James, John and the others not to “take a bag, or food or money … not even an extra coat.”   The result:  they came back rejoicing over what God had done through them!  So, what does this have to do with us?  Plenty.

In Luke 23.37, Jesus says, “But now, take your money, and your traveler’s bag.  And if you don’t have a sword, sell your clothes and buy one!”  Although these words were spoken to eleven men over 2000 years ago, they are also meant for us Christians in the 21^st century!  I am encouraged to know that Jesus is not sending us out into the world empty-handed.  Just like the early disciples, Jesus gives us authority to preach His Kingdom. Furthermore, He gives us His very Spirit to live inside each of us who answer His call! His mission will be accomplished, and we will lack nothing!

As Russ & I look to a future that may not include wearing a uniform, this is tremendously encouraging.  If the early disciples – who basically had nothing materially speaking – can make Jesus known to the world around them, so can we.  We, who have the Spirit of God living in us, we who have relationships with people outside our hometowns, we who have money, clothing, extra clothing, clothing we no longer fit in, clothing we don’t particularly like anymore, and … don’t even get me started on how much food we have!  We who have the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) in our hearts, in multiple Bibles, on our radios, on our laptops and cell phones ...  we can preach the Good News and bring healing to millions!  All we have to do is go…  

Next time...

Last night Sam and Annabelle got into an argument, and Sam said some things he wishes he hadn’t.  As we talked about what had happened, his assessment of the situation was very insightful.  Basically, he said that in his short life, he’s noticed a trend.  He said he’s “done it all” … lied, said mean things, made bad choices. And he says he always gets the same advice … “ask for forgiveness, try to do better, and move on with your life”.  “The problem is,” he says, “that I want to do the right thing.  But I just can’t do better next time”.   That’s a profound statement coming from a nine-year-old boy who can’t pick up his own socks.

The Apostle Paul conveys the same perspective to the church … to me.  In Philippians 2.13 he writes, “For it is GOD who is working in you [enabling you] both to WILL and to ACT for His good purpose.”  It is only through the work of Christ in us, changing us, renewing us,  empowering us … that we’ll EVER do better next time.

Lessons from the South Rim...

A couple of weeks ago Russ, the kids, and I headed out on a great adventure … otherwise known as the summer vacation.  It was FANTASTIC!  We crammed more into this trip than we ever thought possible … the beach, LegoLand, SeaWorld, Sophia’s 12^th birthday, California Adventures, time with Russ’ family in Los Angeles, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, and my personal favorite, the Grand Canyon!

As I reflect, my mind goes back to the first time I saw the Canyon.  Russ and I were driving cross-country from Georgia to California to see his family.  I was about two months pregnant with Sophia and slept almost the entire time, occasionally waking up long enough to eat yet another order of Burger King fries.  Hey, when you have morning sickness, you go with whatever stays down!. Keep in mind, Russ had been going on and on about how colossal the Canyon is … how incredible it is …. how breathtaking the view would be … for about 1500 miles.  Personally, I was more impressed with the poncho liner that had kept me warm for all those miles than with his over-the-top descriptions of the Canyon.  I had already seen pictures of the giant hole in the ground.  I was sure it would be pretty, but come on. It had snowed the night before we drove up to the Canyon from Flagstaff, so the drive was treacherous as it was beautiful. When we finally arrived, the clouds parted, the sun shining on that giant hole, and I saw it for what it really is … amazing … indescribable … awe-inspiring.  Russ was right! I could have never imagined its majesty, its enormity, its beauty.

Twelve years later, we stand on the jagged edge of the Southern Rim.  All five of us, only inches away from unbelievable beauty and possible peril.  One wrong step along parts of the trail and … buh bye … we’ll see you on the other side.  When your children are 12, 9, and 6, that’s a little unnerving.  There was one particular spot on that trail where the edge was crumbling into … nothingness.  We gave the kids a verbal warning … or twenty … and held their hands as we trekked along the well-worn trail.  In the end, we all made it to our destination, but it was still scary! 

When we had completely exhausted our time at the Canyon… and ourselves… we headed back to the car.  As we drove away, Russ made a couple of observations that I immediately understood to be true.  God is bigger, more beautiful, more grand than we can possibly fathom apart from seeing Him face to face.  While we’re on this journey called life, Scripture continues to describe to us this God we cannot yet fully understand.  We will be amazed at the sight of Him!!  He is also scary… powerful enough to frighten, even destroy, His worst enemy.  We often do injustice to God by portraying His character as one dimensional … only as loving and beautiful when, in fact, He is also a warrior!  And warriors are dangerous. 

I’m so glad I got a glimpse.

Calculated Risk...

In Luke 19, Jesus tells a story about the kingdom of God.  In the story there is a “nobleman who is called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return.”  Before he leaves, he gives silver to ten servants to invest for him while he is gone.  When he returns, the servants have to give an account of their earnings.  The first couple of servants, whose investments have increased, are praised for being trustworthy and given more responsibility.  The third, not so much.  In his own defense, this servant says, “I hid it and kept it safe because I know you are a hard man…”  The nobleman is NOT pleased, which brings me to Jesus.

I believe that Jesus is speaking of Himself as the nobleman.  And I believe we who follow Him are in the role of the servants.  He has given each of us riches.  For some that may indeed mean literal wealth.  For some it is incredible knowledge of the Word (this is meant for all of us!).  For others it may be the ability to do this or that.  But whatever the “silver” may be for you, one thing remains constant.  Jesus expects us to take risks! 

As you may know, I am a fan of all things Apple, and think this short excerpt serves as a modern day example of the kind of risk I’m talking about.

  Steve Jobs & Risk Taking 

The “Apple I” prototype was designed in Jobs’ bedroom and put it together in his garage, Jobs went on to show the machine to various electronic retailers locally and one ordered 25, he gathered advice from an ex CEO of Intel as to how to market the product. To start their company they had to sell their most valuable possessions, Jobs sold his VW Micro Bus and Wozniak sold his HP Scientific Calculator which raised $1,300 as capital, to add to this they went to local retailers with their idea and basically begged for credit to set up their first production line, Wozniak was encouraged to quit his job at HP by Jobs which he did, he then became the vice president, in charge of research and development of Jobs’ new company, Apple.

 

They both took risks by selling off their most prized possessions to start this company, but they were calculated risks as an order had already been placed for 25 of the computers from a local store, so this identifies Jobs as a calculated risk taker, something that he displayed though out the years. He risks criticism and failure by making gutsy decisions to take his companies in the direction he wants.

Calculated risk takers.  I believe that is what Jesus calls us to be!  If we truly trust in the Jesus Scripture describes, the Jesus who is the Almighty God of the Universe, the Jesus we have come to know along our journeys, we know we can afford some risk!   Now, there is a difference between a gamble and a calculated risk. A gamble implies leaving the outcome to pure chance.  But because of the Truth of Scripture and the character of God, no risk we take is just a roll of the die.  Pure chance is not part of the equation.  (As you read above, Jobs wasn’t taking a gamble but rather a “calculated risk” based on a tangible, albeit small, order.)  For those of us who follow Christ, we can calculate that He who calls us is faithful.[1]  We can consider that He is reliable and loving.[2]  We can be certain that He rewards those who seek after Him.[3]

In the story in Luke, the third servant claims he knows the nobleman to be a “hard man”. That is why he doesn’t take any risk with the money.  I submit that if he had really known the power and intent of his future king, he would’ve been willing to risk everything!

---

[1] Deut. 7.9, Ps. 86.15, 1 Corinthians 1.9

[2] 1 John 4.16

[3] Hebrews 11.6

POD ... Thursday

What an INCREDIBLE day at California Adventures ... 

We celebrated Sophia's 12th birthday until the park closed ... then on to In & Out Burger for a late dinner.

POD ... Wednesday

We had a GREAT time at the beach in San Clemente!  Could hardly get the kids out of the water... including the big one!

Picture of the Day ... Tuesday

It took over 308,000 Legos to build the Capitol building!  We had a great time at LegoLand!  For more pics, my friends can go to my Facebook page. 

Picture of the Day ... Monday

Sam touches a stingray at Sea World ... the little hand next to him is, of course, Annabelle.  We drove to San Diego this morning and spent the entire day trying to get wet at Sea World!  We watched all sorts of cool shows ... whales and dolphins ... but the sea lions stole our hearts.  Tomorrow ... LegoLand!!!

Picture of the day... Sunday

Today we made it to San Clemente, CA, today!  Russ' friend, Chet, is letting us stay at their beautiful beach house ... only a short walk from the Pacific.  Tonight the kids swam in the pool while Russ & I relaxed after today's 500 mile journey.   Tomorrow it's Sea World!! 

Picture of the Day... Saturday

We were at the Grand Canyon today.  What a beautiful sight!  I've decided to try to post a picture of the day while we're on vacation.  Hopefully, I can keep up!

I'm outta here...

Hope you'll forgive me for not blogging this week ... had a wonderful visit from my parents, volunteered in the kitchen for the post-wide VBS that serves over 500 kids, went to Tuesday night Bible study, enjoyed a friend's birthday dinner,  did endless loads of laundry and packed myself and three kiddos for vacation.  We'll heading out tomorrow morning on what is slated to be the Best Family Vacation ever!!!!  Grand Canyon, California beach, Legoland, SeaWorld, Disneyland, celebrating Sophia's 12th birthday all along the way!  I'll get back to blogging after the 16th.  

Just in case you're wondering, Russ packs his own suitcase!

Let Freedom Ring...

Most United States citizens celebrate Independence Day on July 4^th, but three Americans celebrated it a couple of days early this year.  Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell, who had been held hostage by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) since February, 2003, were rescued on July 2, 2008. 

CNN aired the first interview with the former hostages, and I was quickly drawn in. As each man recounted specific details of his experience in captivity, I found myself relating more and more on a personal level. In some way they were not only telling their stories, but my own.  In fact, I dare say they were telling the story of all of us.  While we may not identify with being imprisoned in a literal sense, we can certainly recognize that we’ve been held hostage.  Some of us still are.  The captor is called sin, and Satan is in charge of security. 

At times there was no verbal communication to the point that the men actually lost their ability to speak in anything more than a whisper; at other times all visual contact was lost in this “black hole” of isolation. Isn’t this what sin does to us? We feel guilty, so we isolate ourselves in an attempt to hide the truth.  Soon the truth is silenced altogether.

They spoke of being tied to trees and of sleeping in boxes.  Immobility. We find ourselves so wrapped up in a certain sinful behavior or thought pattern that we cannot break free … emotionally … physically.  We need a rescuer!

Keith Stansell had this to say, “Imagine this… marching through the jungle - 15 feet of chain weighing 10 pounds wrapped around your neck and secured with a big heavy lock.  You’ve got a guy three feet behind you holding the chain using a dog leash and pointing a rifle at your back … and you’ve marched like that for years.”  What is that 10 pounds of chain for us … that sin that just gets heavier with each step?  How long will we allow it to weigh us down, as the Subjugator keeps us from moving forward in a relationship with Christ by controlling our every step. 

There was one other thing that intrigued me in particular about this story.  It was the way that Keith Stansell described his captors.  In veiled attempts to garner sympathy from their prisoners, they would state they were only “following orders”.  While they tried to present themselves as “good guys”, their cruel actions always betrayed them.  They simply were not to be trusted.  Because the captors knew they had no real (political) power, they chose to use any means available to wreak as much havoc as possible toward their hostages. If that doesn’t sound like Satan, I don’t know what does!  The one who disguises himself as an angel of light is anything but!  Although he has no lasting power … Christ has seen to that… he will use what he does have … lies, guilt, isolation, misrepresentation, fear, to do what he can.

Again and again I saw spiritual parallels. So many, in fact, that I’ve been sorting through them in my mind since the actual interview almost a month ago.  I hope you won’t lose heart … because there is a happy ending. The men in this story were rescued! And so was I!  Christ’s atoning work on the cross paved the way for victory over sin once and for all.

One final thought: according to Gonsalves, his rescue was bittersweet. As I listened, he certainly sounded joyful over his newfound freedom; however, his heart seemed to ache for other hostages to know the freedom he now enjoys. So, he has taken it upon himself to put out a message to the world: “others are still imprisoned in the jungles of Colombia”.  I know how he feels.  Any joy I experience because of my own relationship with Christ is tempered by the sobering fact that so many are still held captive. My message is to the church, but the sentiments are the same. If we truly understand what it means to have been rescued from the grip of sin and death … if we have been liberated from guilt, isolation, immobility … we must help someone else to experience that same freedom. 

To see the actual video, click on the link below.  (You can scroll half-way down the page to click on the portion of the interview I found most meaningful. The title is "Exclusive: Held Captive by the FARC".)

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/07/10/farc.americans/index.html#cnnSTCVideo