Adopted.

/ jerrythinks / 4 Comments

This past Christmas season, I traveled with my family to Joplin, Missouri to visit my wife’s family; her sister, her sister’s husband, their 2 young girls, and her parents.  To say that I love “her side” of the family would be a gross understatement.  I am so blessed with the in-laws that I have.  In fact, I can’t think of anyone I know with a better relationship with their in-laws than I have.

While we were there, we spent hours together just talking and laughing and enjoying each other’s company.  One afternoon, we went out to lunch together–the whole crew of us, all 12.  Toward the end of lunch the younger kids were done and since the restaurant was practically empty besides us, they felt comfortable to get out of the chairs and stroll around our long table, stopping to chat with others.  My youngest daughter Macy was near the head of the table talking to Aunt Markelle, my wife’s sister.

Markelle is approaching her 6th year of battling stage 4 colon cancer which has since spread to her abdomen and lungs.  To look at her, you’d never know it.  She’s a gorgeous young woman–vibrant and alive.  More than 6 years ago, however Markelle and her husband Chris decided to adopt a beautiful girl from Taiwan and I became the proud uncle of the one-in-a-gazillion “Cate”.  Cate was standing next to Macy as Macy talked to Aunt Markelle in that restaurant that day.  Macy asked, “Aunt Markelle, is Cate adopted?”

Okay, have you ever seen one of those paper towel commercials where some kid causes some huge messy spill and they somehow freeze frame the spill while it’s still in the air?  My immediate thought was, “Oh crap, I have no idea what Markelle and Chris have told Cate about being adopted!!!”  To my relief, Markelle said calmly and matter-of-fact to Macy, “Yes, Cate is adopted.”  And by the look on Cate’s face at that moment, this was “old news” to her by now.

But that instance and several others since then have compelled me to really dwell on the issue of adoption.  Adoption is something talked about in the Bible.  It is the very illustration that God chose to use to make clear to us the “transaction” of Him purchasing us for Himself, and bringing us into His family.  As adopted sons and daughters, we are rightfully privileged as “heirs with Christ”.  We are spiritually and “legally” endowed with the same blessings that God the Father places on God the Son.  Take a good long look at Romans 8, beginning in verse 15 (I’m going to type each word, rather than copy and paste them because I need to soak in them again…):

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s spirit when he ADOPTED you as his own children. Now we call him ‘Abba, Father.’  For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs to God’s glory.”

This truth cannot be understated.  It cannot be considered too little.  It cannot be studied too closely.  This truth in these 3 verses sum up our position as adopted children of God.  Just as Chris and Markelle CHOSE to begin the adoption process through mounds of paperwork, CHOSE to spare no expense, CHOSE to fly to Taiwan, CHOSE to take that precious child into their arms, their care, their home, and their family….so God CHOSE to lavish His love upon humanity.  God CHOSE to spare no expense–not even the life of His only Son–to purchase me into His family.  Everything that belongs to a member of God’s family now belongs to me.  Every blessing bestowed on a child of God is now bestowed on me.  Every peace, every security, every bit of love given to any one person adopted by God is given to me.  Now I have it.  Now it is mine.  Now I am His.  Now HE is mine.  He is my parent.  I am His son.  I’m not “kinda” His child.  I am HIS fully.  Neither Chris nor Markelle has ever, is now, or will ever feel anything but complete love and total care for Cate.  Cate is not “kinda” anything.  She is FULLY family.  Everything that is theirs is hers.  Every privilege, every blessing, every part of what it means to be in their family is hers to the fullest.  And I suspect that as Cates grows older, she will understand even more of just how perfect a picture her life is of what God has done for her, for me, and for anyone who receives His invitation to come.

My wife and I are currently reading through “Choosing To See” by Mary Beth Chapman.  She is the wife of the well-known and loved Steven Curtis Chapman, the Christian music artist.  I’ve been a huge fan of his music ever since my youth and it’s awesome to read the story “behind the music” and what was going on at home while I enjoyed tune after tune of his.  Let me pause here and urge you to purchase this book and read it.  What…a…blessing.

The other day Merritt and I were sitting at the kitchen table, reading another chapter aloud to each other.  It was my turn to read and I was reading the story of when Steven Curtis, Mary Beth, and their 3 biological children traveled to China and first met and held their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah.  I read the details of the unfathomable love and instant transformation that came over Mary Beth in the simple act of taking into her arms this precious child, now HERS.  I was just overcome with emotion as I read Mary Beth’s new connection in her spirit as she understood in a new and profound way just how God looks at her.  And even as a parent who has not adopted, I can look at my own kids and get a taste for the incomprehensible love of God for me and for you and for all.  There I was, sitting at my kitchen table with tears rolling down my cheeks at the mind-blowing love of the Father for me.

What have I in the world to say to God but “Yes!” and “I’m all yours!” and “Take me into your family!” and “I don’t know why you want me, but I’m so glad you do!” Just like at that lunch table with my family, I can imagine an angel in heaven asking God the Father, “Hey God, is Jerry adopted?”  And with a smile God replies, “Yes.  Yes he is.”

The power to stay

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After 16 years in fulltime ministry to students, I can still hear my professor-turned-friend-turned-ministry-partner-but-still-friend Dr. Len Kageler say, “Make every effort to stay at your current ministry position longer than you stayed at your previous ministry position.”  Through all the lectures in youth ministry class at Nyack College, and even through all those casual conversations, it was obvious that Len had (and has) a heart for longevity in youth ministry.  And he was more than successful in instilling that same passion within me.

I’ve been more than “fortunate” in the ministry positions I have held to date.  Since my graduation from Nyack College in 1995, I am currently in only my 3rd position.  My first position in Winchester, VA was 2 years and 1 month, start to finish.  Quick, but I packed a lot of learning in.  And heck, 25 months is still a chunk over the national average for length of stay for youth pastors, which is an 18-month stay.  My second ministry position was in Nyack, NY.  I stayed there from July of 1997 to August of 2004.  For all you non-pencil-pushers out there, that’s over 7 years.  Not too shabby.  And at this writing, I am less than a year away from being at my current position longer than I was at my previous position–a dream come true for both me and my beloved Len.

But as I stare down this milestone, I have to look back and take stock in just what makes a youth pastor last at any given position.  Now, I know there are a lot of “yeah, but’s” that youth pastors could spew at me, and some rightfully so.  But I’m not going to get into all the external factors that often bring about the conclusion of a youth pastor’s stay; those things we can’t control.  I’m going to instead focus on the internal factors–the things I/we DO have control over–that help me stay where I am longer than where I’ve been.

First, I’ve gotten over the fact that I’m never going to do it all. When I started in youth ministry I had the proverbial cape on my back and chip on my shoulder, thinking that I was God’s answer to youth ministry as it had been.  I hit the scene kickin’ down doors and eradicating every existing notion that “Chubby Bunny” was ever a good idea.  However, my first ministry position taught me that I’m not impervious to being damaged in ministry.  So the principle here would be to “get over yourself” as quickly as possible.  Know who you are and be that person.  After all, we only need one Jesus.

Secondly, I’d say that striving for excellence in every area is a non-stop journey.  As I’m sitting here typing I can think of how things I’m currently doing in ministry could be done differently or even–gasp–better than they’re being done.  I truly desire everything I do in ministry to be dripping with excellence.  I fall woefully short of that mark many times, but the desire is still there and that desire drives me every day I hold this position.

Next, I would fly the flag of rest.  There will be some weeks that seem endless due to the overwhelming needs that surround you as a youth pastor.  But if I don’t keep an eye on my disciple of rest, I’m not going to last very long at all; not at this church or at any church.  Leading from a rested spirit is essential to long-term effectiveness in student ministry. There have been many times that I’ve counseled fellow youth leaders with this advice: “Ministry is a lot like working on an assembly line. There will never be an end to the work coming your way.  You have to have the guts to simply step away from the line for a while.”  Inevitably, I get the response, “But what about what doesn’t get done?!?”  And I say “Yep.”  If we base our schedule on what needs to get done in ministry, nothing will…at least not for long. Rest is vital in youth ministry.  Unapologetically disconnect from your office, from your task list, from your students, and from your expectations.  Any senior pastor who tells you differently should be a senior pastor you leave in your rearview mirror.

The next principle is to cultivate the ability to be flexible. A couple years into my ministry here at my current church, I boldly told the Executive Pastor, “I could be the last youth pastor you hire.”  I wasn’t trying to be cocky, and I definitely wasn’t trying to be God.  It’s just that I made a conscious decision early in ministry that I would be willing to do what the ministry called for.  Anything less is a “Yes, but…” to God.  I’m committed to skill development, character growth, continual education, and any maturing that needs to take place in me so that I can be the youth pastor this church needs. There may come a day when–despite my greatest attempts–it becomes clear that God is done with me here, but until that day comes you better believe that I’m committed to doing what the ministry here calls for.

(I should have mentioned that this list would be in random order, as evidenced by the next thing I’d like to share.  It would definitely have been placed near the top of the list!)

One of the most critical principles I can give to my fellow married youth pastors is to constantly date your spouse. Flirt, woo, romance the pants off the helpmate God has blessed you with.  Not only is that some of the most fun you can have as a human being, but it will safeguard your marriage and ministry in ways you’ll never fully know.  As much as you can help it, never let your spouse feel like they’re in competition with your ministry.  There are obviously times when you must be away at conferences, on mission trips, for speaking engagements, etc. but those times are more than bearable when you have a spouse who already knows that all you want to do is get back home to be with them.  In my own ministry, I’ve had more students and other adults make comments on my marriage than on any message I’ve delivered or event I led.  Everyone who cares to look knows that I am 1000% head-over-heels crazy about my wife.  No joke, I’m one of the happiest married men you know. There’s simply no way around this truth: The investment of your marriage will spill over positively into your ministry and the people you’re called to lead.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s the other way around.

This next one is one that I’m just now coming to grips with.  I’ll put it this way: “Look for the blessings more than the bookings.” For many of the years I’ve been in ministry, I’ve had a bit of an ache in the back of my mind.  It’s something I don’t readily share with many people (yes, I know this is a blog on the internet).  It’s the idea that the farther into ministry I go, and the more “successful” I become at it, the more invitations I should receive; invitations to come and speak, to write, to share advice, to take a stage, to be more “known.”  And while there is more to divulge than that, I’ll suffice it to say that God has shown me that He is much more interested in His fame than He is in mine. Years ago I gave a gift to my Mom.  It was a potted plant that said on it, “Bloom where you’re planted.”  I have to admit that I’ve been guilty at times of thinking grass was greener somewhere else.  Well, it’s often the case that the grass is greener because of all the “fertilizer” over there!  Be thankful for where you are, welcome opportunities for God to expand your influence, but be so careful about prying doors of notoriety open.

Next, you need to remember that nothing will do for you what humility will. Now, humility is like a wet, slippery bar of soap.  Once you say you have it, you don’t.  Humility isn’t something you put on a resume.  It isn’t something you decide for yourself, and it isn’t something that comes naturally to most people.  But if you want to stick around longer than the church van, you’d be wise to seek a heart of humility.  It’s been said that “humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, its thinking of yourself less.”  Humility will be the stabilizer that keeps you from bitterness, from resentment, from defensiveness toward criticism, and from many other ills the enemy wants for your ministry.  Humility begins with a deep heart recognition that God is God, God is the potter, and you are the clay.  It’s not cliche’, its Scripture (Is. 64:8).

Finally, and really the greatest piece of advice for youth leaders who want to stick around is this: Don’t teach theory. Lead from who you are, where you are, and from an authentic spirit.  Get in, be in, and stay in love with Jesus your Savior.  Don’t let anything come between you and Him.  Let people see that you’re not leading/teaching/preaching from a textbook or from some idea book; let them see you walking hand-in-hand with Jesus Christ, the love of your life.  From that relationship will flow every resource and supply you’ll ever need, no matter where you find yourself in ministry.

Whether you’ve been in youth ministry for half a century or half a day, I pray that these few tidbits might spark a desire within you to, God-willing, send down your roots right where you’re at and stay put for a long, fruitful ministry.

Writhing About Tithing

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It started with a comment my wife shared with me, told to her by a mutual friend of ours; a comment that went something like this: “Jesus never taught tithing.”

Cue footage of atomic bomb exploding in my head. 

Let me first say before I proceed, that I’m “old-school” when it comes to much of my theology and doctrine.  And when I say “old school” I actually mean “biblical”.  I believe (and have for most of my life) that if you’re a Christian then certain things should be true of you: you should be a committed part of a local body of believers, faithfully attending worship services (Heb. 10:25), and involved in the ministry (Gal. 5:13).  You should love those around you freely, just like God loves you (Matt. 10:8).  You should be actively involved in evangelism; that is, sharing the Good News of Christ when given opportunity by the Holy Spirit (Mark 16:15).  And you should tithe–giving 10% of your income to your local church.  I do this personally and have for years.  Right off the “top” of any and all income I receive, 10% goes to the Lord as an acknowledgement of His provision and grace in my life.  Not only that, but I have challenged other Christians to do the same.  Not out of compulsion, guilt, or anything but gratitude.  I’ve stood in front of large crowds, sharing my conviction that God desires us to be “cheerful givers” and that our tithe (literally meaning “tenth”) is something He desires–even expects.

Pretty simple, right?

I’ve begun to dive into a study on what the New Testament (including Jesus & the Pauline epistles) say about tithing, which was primarily an “old covenant/Law of Moses” instruction.  And the more I read, the more convinced I become that tithing is more than a good idea, its a practice taught by Scripture.

First, let me share some of the verses that address the issue of tithing:

“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” –Lev. 27:30

This verse in Leviticus is a great “nutshell” of the other nearly 30 verses in the Old Testament that have to do with tithes.  Another OT verse that is often used to support tithing is Malachi 8-10, especially verse 10:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

I’ve heard this verse used countless times to teach the concept of tithing, and the jist of the teaching goes like this: “If you tithe on your income, God will bless you.  If you don’t, He won’t.”

But here’s the rub: Malachi was speaking about food, not money.  WARNING: Don’t stop reading here and think I’m going to conclude that Christians today are under no obligation to give money to their church.  From my experience, many Christians have done just that, paying exorbitant mortgages and ridiculous car payments while their local church literally falls apart.

Now, to look at the New Testament and what Jesus and Paul specifically instruct about tithing.  First of all, its true that Jesus does NOT articulately teach “You must tithe on your income.”  You might be breathing a sigh of relief right now, but let me instead suggest that you hold your breath.

The most prominent passage where we see Jesus referring to giving money is found in what has become known as “The Widow’s Mite”.  Take a look at these verses in Mark chapter 12:41-44:

“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts.  But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.  Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.  They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

In this instance, Jesus seems to bypass the entire “tithe” principle and go straight for the jugular by showing that the woman who gave only a few cents gave much more than those who gave large amounts of money.  We see here another example of the backwards, upside-down Kingdom and economy of God.  An economy where less really is more.  The reason why Jesus praises the giving of the widow and not the wealthy was because the widow was giving “all she had to live on” while the others simply gave from their “surplus”.  So, while we might have an argument that Jesus doesn’t teach that we should give 10%, we should quickly realize that Jesus teaches the amount we give should be from an attitude of willingness to release all we have.  Jesus seems to downplay the actual dollar amount and rather focuses on the attitude with which the widow gave.

And now, let’s see what Paul says about the issue of giving.  First of all, there was a call to give regularly (1 Cor. 16:1-2).  The practice of giving was ongoingly needed, so it was likewise ongoingly encouraged.  The monetary gifts Paul was referring to here was to benefit those who were destitute in the famine-stricken Jerusalem.  No matter the destination, the practice of giving to those in need was regularly upheld by Paul.

Next, the giving should come from an act of free will by the individual–not necessarily mandated or prescribed as to the amount.  The Old Testament teaching of the tithe is replaced in the New Testament early church by the giving of money as an act of grace, generosity, and loving care for others.

Also, it should be pointed out that the giving of money is necessary to support those called to ministry; the pastors and leaders of the church.  While I’m not trying to be self-serving (since as a pastor I definitely fall into this category), I do feel that the Bible is clear that regular, faithful, cheerful, and generous giving by Christians today is a practice upheld by Scripture; for the benefit of ministers and those in need in our community alike.

So, does Jesus teach tithing?  Most certainly He taught tithing to those who were under the Law, just as He was (Matt. 23:23).  But as for those who are under grace (Christians at and since the cross), we are “obligated” to give out of the overflowing abundance of grace that God has shown us on that cross.  The question, “What shall I do for God?” can always correctly be addressed by asking “What has God done for me?”  It is THIS principle, and not that of a dollar amount or percentage that ought to drive our giving today.

So, how and why do I personally still practice the tithe today?  Why am I not living out my freedom to give 8% or 25% or 0%?  It’s because I believe that the tithe is a fantastic guide for giving.  It creates for me a discipline of giving and in that giving a mindfulness that none of what I could call mine is what I should call mine.  All I have has come from God, belongs to God, and will ultimately return to God.  And it is with that mindset that I give cheerfully.

My funeral

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I’ve been tasked by my wife to plan my own funeral.  Its not that she’s planning on me kickin’ off any time soon, its that she’s incredibly afraid that I actually will (before she does) and that she’ll be in no condition to make any decisions.  Fair enough, right?

Well, death is something I’m actually looking forward to.  I regularly think as days go by, that I’m one day closer to death.  And if you know me, I’d hope that you’d agree I’m anything but morbid.  The truth is, I’m looking forward to it.  Not the process of dying mind you, just the event itself; the moment when I pass from one location to another.  The short trip begins and ends in the time it’ll take my last breath to leave my lungs.

Now, back to my funeral.  First of all, you’re invited.  All I ask is that you laugh more than cry.  And I plan on making sure that’ll happen.  In fact, it’d be really great if your guts hurt by the time you left.  Go ahead, laugh it up.  I sure will be!  Also, if you plan on hanging around, pick up a bucket at KFC on your way.  I figure if everybody brings a little, we’ll have a lot.  Not to mention, who doesn’t want to be around someone with a bucket of chicken?  You’ll probably make some new friends–MY friends, so you better treat them well.

The music at my funeral will consist of sing-along tunes so you can, uh, sing along.  Some of my favorite top-of-my-lungs-alone-in-the-car tunes include classics like “Living on a Prayer”, “The Piano Man”, and whatever the name of that song is by Four Non-Blondes–you know the one where she sings “And I scream to the top of my lungs, ‘What’s going on!?!'”  You know that one.  And I’ll probably throw in a Christmas tune no matter what time of year it is because after all, who doesn’t like Christmas (I mean, besides Jews and atheists)?  I will not however be having karaoke.  That’s just tacky.

Now, who do I want to give the message?  I don’t know.  I honestly don’t know.  No one knows me like my wife does and I can bet my last life insurance dollar that she’s not getting up and saying jack squat, you can take that to the bank.  So, I’ll have to think about it.  If you’d like to apply for the position, email me an essay in 1,000 words or less why you’d do a good eulogy.  Oh wait, I just remembered Rob.  Rob has probably read my blog as much as my Mom.  Maybe more (sorry Mom).  And he always says really nice things about it.  So, I think Rob is definitely a front-runner at this point.  You’re welcome, Rob.

Okay, so we’ve covered food (don’t forget the bucket), we’ve got music taken care of, and I’ve given Rob the preliminary head-nod on the whole eulogy thing.  What else is left?  Oh yeah, the dancers.  Can somebody make sure there are back-up dancers?  And not fresh-out-of-dance-school dancers.  I want good ones.  Preferably 50 and older.  Seasoned veterans.

Well, that just about covers it.  I hope you’ll come and enjoy looking at my smiling face (don’t worry, I’ll be smiling) one last time.  I hope you have a great time at my funeral, and I hope that reading this has made you think about yours.

Don’t forget that bucket of chicken.  Thanks.

On the ledge…

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You’ve been reading my blog for at least 5-8 seconds now.  But some (Hi Mom!) have been reading it for years.  Up until now, I’ve really only been blogging my “cerebral meanderings” and have often only happened upon a point to convey.  Judging by the feedback I’ve gotten over the years, many people have seen my point.  I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to know my blog is being read by you (you’re up to 30-40 seconds by the way).  So, thanks.

But on the horizon has been a leap forward in what I’ve always hoped and wanted to take.  And that is to branch out into a website that is dedicated more specifically to youth ministry and those who are knee-deep in ministry to teenagers.  That site will likely launch sometime in 2011, and sooner than later.  It will be at a different address than this one and at this point I’m planning on leaving this one right here and continuing to blog whenever I can.

The reason I’m jumping headlong into the world of youth ministry resourcing is because I truly feel like I’ve got enough years behind me to say a thing or two to those who are in the trenches with me.  I’m in my 16th year of full-time ministry to students, and I can honestly say that I feel stronger as a student pastor & leader more now than I ever have.  I’ve learned so much along the way and I’m excited to share all I can with those who’d be curious/wise/bored enough to actually listen.

Another aspect of the new site will be youth ministry resources.  I’ve built up quite a collection of discipleship tools and small group resources that I’m excited to share.  These resources are by no means theoretical; they are tested and proven; tried and true–good to go for any youth ministry leader and dripping with practicality.

Now, all this leaves me with a dreadful sense of anticipation and excitement for what could unfold as we roll it out.  We’ll have a marketing plan unfolding, ways to connect with youth leaders who are rockin’ the world of student ministry, and other tools to help anyone out there doing what we’re doing–loving and leading students; or banging your head against a wall trying.

So, in the coming months watch for more news on how I’m taking the leap into a new adventure.  Pray with us, and if you’re in student ministry of any kind, drop me a line and let me know how we can serve, encourage, and bless your ministry.

Thanks for reading.

I doubt it.

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Doubt is a crazy thing isnt’ it? Sometimes doubt comes directly from past experience. Like when I ask my youngest daughter, “Did you clean your room?” “Yes” she replies. I continue, “Did you clean it well?” She says, “Yes, I did.” I doubt it. Experience has taught me that she is not the tidy type who enjoys the simple joys of life, like having all her dresser drawers pushed all the way in.

Doubt can also be a result of a collision between fact and feeling. When something happens that we didn’t see coming or didn’t think should happen, we have a sense of doubt. Take Thomas as an example. He knew Jesus was dead. When he was told otherwise–voila–say hello to “Doubting Thomas”.

But doubt by definition is hinged on our feelings, isn’t it?  Isn’t doubt our trump card for faith, hope, and belief?  Doubt is our reasonable response (or so we think) to adversities of life.  We think its reasonable because we use our emotions and sensations as our compass; as the thing that dictates to us what is true, what is real, and what isn’t.  And in those moments, doubt becomes the very poison Jesus warns us of.

You think the word “poison” is too strong?  Check out what James said in the first chapter of his book:

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” –James 1:6-8

Wow, did James just say that those who doubt shouldn’t expect to receive ANYTHING from the Lord?  Sheesh, if that’s not poison then I’m not sure what is! So, how do we stop ourselves from doubting?  Well, I’m not wise man on a hill, but I do have a few thoughts.

First, understand where doubt comes from. We can trace the origin of doubt back to the Garden of Eden when the serpent introduced it to Eve in the form of a question that started, “Did God really say….?”  Eve, meet doubt. Doubt, Eve.

Now, believe me when I say that I’m absolutely not a “the devil the made me do it” kind of Christian.  But I do believe that we should rightfully acknowledge the adversary of our souls.  Satan wants nothing more than to drive as big a wedge between you and God as he can; and he’ll often use the wedge of doubt to start the process of your demise.  So, knowing where doubt comes from can give us a sobering reminder of what (and who) is behind it.

Next, we need to be realistic about what doubt does. Doubt weakens our view of God’s ability.  Doubt takes a subjective viewpoint (ours) and imposes it on an objective reality (God’s power).  We often allow what we see to dictate to us what is.  This is also referred to as notion that “perception = reality”.  My sister-in-law Markelle has battled with cancer for 5 years now.  And for 5 years we have prayed daily for her healing.  Every day, all of us.  Not just us, but people across the country and in other parts of the world.  5 years. Everyday.  And what does God do?  Nothing.  Now, we could say, “God isn’t really there, isn’t really listening, and doesn’t really care.” because that’s our perception; that is our angle on the information.  But we all know (Markelle included) that her current reality does not decide the goodness of God.  In truth, God is good no matter what.  He can heal her this instant and He is good.  He can take her home right this moment and He is good.  He can leave her to continue to walk with Him on the journey of chemotherapy and other medications for years to come and He is good.  But doubt tells us that God’s goodness is in flux.  It ebbs and flows based on how things are going for us.

Lastly, doubt keeps us from fullness in our lives. Jesus scolded the disciples who didn’t seem to have the ability to do what Jesus did.  Jesus only explanation for that was the presence of doubt.  When Thomas came to Jesus after He had risen from the dead Jesus said to him, “Stop doubting and believe.”

Dealing with doubt is not an easy thing to do, especially when every message around you screams that you are justified in your disbelief and doubt.  But consider the possibility that God is calling you to trust Him.  Trust Him with your job, your education, your house, your family, and your life.  It’s a huge faith step, but as far as I can tell, God is batting a thousand on rewarding such faith.

Emmanuel

/ jerrythinks / Leave a comment

Might sound crazy to you, but I’ve often asked God to give me more tears.  I don’t cry much.  Not at good things, not at bad things.  No “tears of joy” or “tears of heartache”.  Some might argue that I haven’t lived yet.  That my passion for life haven’t yet risen to a point where tender moments–both bright and dark–bring me to weep.  And to them I’d say, “You’re probably right.”  But be that as it may, I have to say that one thing that does get me closer to (and a few times past) tears is dwelling on the incomprehensible love to Jesus Christ.  And not generically, but specifically.  The love that drove him from his throne to this earth.  The love that puts me at the center of his affections.  The mind-blowing thought that the same voice that spoke galaxies into existence has spoken my name in loving, gentle, redemptive tones. The unsearchable reality that there is a God who so loves me and you that He laid down His life for no other reason than to secure my and your eternity with Him.

We’re 2 days away from Thanksgiving and I’m already soaking in Christmas music and the joy of the season.  I love all that comes along with December: the crowds, the busyness, the activities, the decorations, the food, the Truth Story, and the music.  I was driving to work this morning listening to Chris Tomlin’s Christmas cd called “Glory In The Highest”.  Wow.  Powerfully crafted music.  There is a particular song called “Emmanuel [Hallowed Manger Ground]” and this morning as I drove, I approached that sensation of my eyes filling with tears at the very thought of this God coming to me, coming to you, coming to us, coming to love, coming to heal, coming to show the way, coming to teach, coming to serve, coming to give, coming to die, and coming to rise again!  I fought back tears for fear of not being able to see the road, but what a powerful reminder of just how much Jesus loves us–“…in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

I found a video that someone put together of this song “Emmanuel”.  Its not an entirely captivating song; that is, until you believe it.  And my desire for you this season is that you will.

“God incarnate….Here to dwell….Emmanuel….Emmanuel….Praise His name, Emmanuel!”