Guts Falter...

'How long has your gut been around?' I once heard a pastor ask this question in regard to decision making. Particularly those decisions that butt against Truth.

Those heart-felt, gut-confirmed decisions that seem oh so right in the heat of the moment with current information, understanding, knowledge...and yet in acting upon them we in some way, shape or form deny Christ's Truth.

Our guts lead in many areas. From believing we're called to one particular college (seemingly innocent) to claiming that the moral nature of God found in Scripture is outdated. We may become emotionally connected to someone who lives contrary to His Divine Nature (innocent). Yet in our emotion, our empathy, our limited understanding of True Love we follow our gut in place of Truth - we trade Truth for gut. Holy Spirit guidance for gut instinct.

How long has your gut been around? 30 years. My gut has been around a little over 30 years.

...Yet the wisdom of God has guided men and women from the first breath in the Garden, wanderings in the deserts, wars and factions and reunification's, tribes and languages and cultures diverse, centuries and millenia, writings in stone on through digital fingerprints...

My gut may have another 30 years. His Truth has already outlived my gut. The Truth of God never ends or changes or falters. My gut has faltered numerous times. My gut has changed (spiritually and physically). My gut will end. And so will yours.

Our gut, our heart, our seat of emotion and response. It's wickedly selfish one day and compassionate the next. It's overflow may build up or tear down. It allows peace within our inner being and it twists us up with immense anxiety.

Are you following the moral standard formed by your gut? How long has your gut been around.

Or is your gut bowing down to unchanging Truth, the standard of God? It's His 'divine power [that] has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him' (2 Peter 1:3-11). Though imperfectly I truly desire to lay my gut before His throne. It's His divine power that gives life's purpose, direction, knowledge and godliness...not my gut which moves depending on meals, news articles, inspiring songs, confrontational documentaries, abuses in the church, favorite speakers or emotional responses to friends.

In other words, 'Does your Gut Win or does Christ Win out in your decisions and discernment?' What's your gut telling you right this moment? Maybe you need to do the opposite in response.

Word of Beard

'Now this is what the Lord Almighty says, "Give careful thought to your ways..."' Haggai 1:5

The Prophet Isaiah saw Assyrian threat and the fall of the Northern Kingdom. Habbakkuk watched Babylons rise and the coming exile. Jonah spoke against a pagan nation beyond the Lords chosen.

Haggai 'faced in some ways a more trying situation; a time of inertia and apathy when spiritual life had burned low [among Gods people]...' amidst comfort and security in their homeland and a temporarily mild political climate. While politics may raise our blood pressure in our own time I wonder if Gods message through Haggai isn't relevant today.

Are we also less inclined to listen to the Word, discern it's Truth, and act it today. Haggai was called by El-Shaddai - The Lord Almighty - in the midst of this very same corporate attitude - Who among us is called to be the voice of a modern Haggai?

Have you given careful thought to your ways? Inertia and apathy are prowling around like roaring lions...give careful thought.

I believe there's a new generation rising to answer Haggai's challenge.

Read Haggai and Robert Fyalls Bible Speaks Today Commentary

The Day...

Why did it take The Wise Men so long to realize the fulfillment of such a game-changing prophecy. The prophecy about The Prophet. The Priest. The King?

What exactly were these pagan? seer's aware of regarding The Incarnate One?

Had these Eastern mystics studied the Hebrew Prophets?

Had they followed ancient stories of their own tribes? Tales that so happened to line up with Gods handiwork?

What if these Asian prophets had heard the same creation story as the Hebrews? What if the proto-evangelium - the pre-historic news of the One to come - was known throughout the entire Eastern world? Though it was clearly altered by the many nomadic peoples, tribes and nations that distanced themselves from the True God over time.

These magi, according to their study, were fully aware of this cataclysmic event. The coming not only of a divine kingdom to earth but of it's King as well. At least they were aware of something...supernatural.

Maybe it was the long, arduous journey from the East that took years to complete. Mountains and deserts. Warring nations and arrogant kings. Strange tongues and scarce supplies.

Either way, the Dayspring rose in the East and these men were fully aware. Clearly their eyes, minds, yes their guts were awakened to a new life, one worth embarking on such an incredible multi-year ordeal.

This Prophet. This Priest. This King. He is still worth whatever time it takes to realize His eternal significance.

Word of Beard

'To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy...' Jude :24

In the previous passages Jude calls believers to personally and corporately Build up their faith, Pray, Keep in Gods love and Wait patiently in Christ.

By living out those admonitions we continue the sanctification process which ultimately is God transforming us. In the midst of our transformation, or metamorphosis, He 'keeps' or protects us from eternally falling into 'the fire' (Jude :23).

Fantastically enough He doesn't just protect us from eternal wretchedness but Christ presents us to our Holy God free of our sinful nature - our stains and blemishes. Ultimately He does this with an everlasting and contagious joy! All creation groans for this joy.

...to those who have been called, loved and kept.

un/Faithfulness...

What does it mean to be faithful?

My gut tells me what it means to be unfaithful more than my heart is able to describe faithfulness at times.

Think about your spouse (if you happen to have one), what would you consider an unfaithful act. Adultery? Flirtation? Deep emotional attachment to one other than you?

What about your vocation. If you are or could be the boss, what would you consider a conflict of interest in the work place or an act of employee unfaithfulness? Taking on a second career that steals time away from your business? A job at a rival company? Simply not doing the work that was agreed upon?

In sports you wouldn't assist the opponent to victory would you?

In your studies you wouldn't falsify your testing would you?

A soldier who trades sides only to fight against their own is a...traitor. Unfaithful right?

A Few Thoughts:
1) Obedience: Simple obedience to what we've given ourselves over to is a physical sign of faithfulness.

2) Integrity: A state of wholeness, particularly the holistic blend of orthodoxy and orthopraxy. An undivided life both internally and externally...this life undoubtedly perpetuates faithfulness and staves off unfaithfulness.

3) Joy: Deep within every one of us is the need to experience joy in what/whom we're called to be faithful to. Joy doesn't equal passion or happiness. In fact joy may come in the dark, painful deserts we experience. When joy is intrinsic faithfulness abounds.

4) Divinity: Gods glory is the root of faithfulness. We exist because of His glory. Faithfulness comes to fruition within the knowledge of His Divine Nature. Without giving ourselves over to someOne greater than us, we may never know holistic faithfulness much less live it out personally.

What does it mean to be faithful? Joyful obedience to the Divine funded by the Spirit. This attitude perpetuates our ability and desire to be faithful, not simply to one-another, but ultimately to the Messiah who was and is and will always be eternally faithful to us.

To Israel at the end of his days Moses said, 'Do not be afraid or terrified because of [worldly forces], for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.' Deut. 31:6

I am, therefore, He is.

Now, now, now...

'Now, now, now, now, now think about it like this...'

It seems this is what Jesus is saying during much of His three and a half year teaching and touring ministry in the Middle-East. Redefining, clarifying, simplifying and reconciling new realities based on ancient truths about Himself.

The Beatitudes - clarifying the blessed.

Initiating the 'born-again' - this is completely out-of-the-current-box.

Dying to the flesh in order to gain eternal life - completely turning the wisdom of man upside down here.

Oaths, divorce, revenge, adultery and the mind, idolatry and the heart, sabbath and law and...grace.

It's as if Jesus was saying to Israel, 'Now, now, now, now, now think about YHVH this way now.'

The Church must continue in Jesus' footsteps saying, 'Now, now, now...'; readdressing, according to His New Covenant, our habitual attitudes toward our 21'st century version of Christianity.

As a friend always notes, 'be cautious when dealing with ancient boundary stones,' I would echo that most of them need not be removed. Often we simply need to re-examine why they were put there in the first place without altering Jesus' precepts.
'Now, now, now, now, now think about it like this...'

Read Matthews Gospel for a refresher course on thinking anew.

Word of Beard

'I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do...I have revealed You to those whom You gave me out of the world...I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message.' John 17:4,6,20

In His prayer in the garden, recorded by John, Jesus - the Master Teacher - models a holistic way of connecting with the Father personally and corporately:

UP: (17:1-5) Jesus models having a direct connection to the father in prayer, fellowship and worship. Following in His footsteps we need to be connected as adopted heirs to the throne.

IN: (17:6-19) Jesus prays for those closest to Him, that His disciples would be unified, protected, sanctified and sent. We need to be growing in Truth individually and together as the Church.

OUT: (17:20-26) Jesus prays for the future Kingdom, the future Church, those His disciples will reach around the globe through time and space. We are 'the others'. We also need to continue reaching outward graciously as salt and light.

This UP-IN-OUT attitude wholly shapes our spiritual journey.

Word of Beard

'...to those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and Kept by Jesus Christ.'

Called: chosen, awakened, elected, handpicked, predestined, convinced...
Loved: deeply cherished, set-apart, disciplined, reconciled
Kept: protected, held, hemmed in

The Danger of Self-Sufficiency

I recently taught on Self-Sufficiency at LakeView Church. Very challenging topic and passage (2 Samuel 24).

David acknowledged his self-sufficient sin - repented.
He shifted gears in his attitude towards God - (re)reliance.
He then owns the consequences in his restoration - responsibility.

This is an individual heart issue that if ignored becomes a communal or corporate failure of Christians to actually be the Church. Spirit-dependency must replace self-sufficiency.

'May the Lord your God accept you.' He has. He will.

Word of Beard

'Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.' John 17:17

In the garden at the end of His days with the twelve Jesus spent very intense and very intentional time in prayer. Praying that His disciples would be 'set apart for noble purposes' defined by truth. Truth does exist. It isn't subjective. It isn't private nor individual. It's universal. Eternal.

And it's found in the word. Scripture. The very word God spoke through His prophets of whom Jesus was the greatest.

Worship

...holistically giving ones honor and respect and glory to the Creator and Savior.

We lift up Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength.

We speak of Him and to Him.
We kneel before His presence and Stand Firm in His power.
We move when He moves and stay when He stays.
Our thoughts are redeemed by Him and directed toward His goodness.
Our hearts are broken at the cross and made new in salvation.
Our souls come alive at the sound of His Word.

We gather not simply to sing, but sing to connect on a deeper level with the movement and fluidity of the Spirit as the living and active Word.

We pray not to hear ourselves speak, but we pray to be unified with our Creator.

We listen to the Word being taught, not simply because it's what Christians do, we listen to gather and profess truth, equip the saints, encourage one another, renew our hearts and minds, ground ourselves in divine knowledge…and become like Christ as we breath in the very Words He has breathed out.

Out of obedience we gather yet out of desire we worship.

We gather to worship just as we will throughout eternity.

Word of Beard

'...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.' Hebrews10:22

Being confident that by entering into an authentic relationship with Jesus we are forgiven, justified and reconciled to Him eternally - we can draw near to Him as Adam and Eve did in the garden, as the 12 disciples did so regularly with Jesus.

'Sprinkled' is the language of the O.T. sacrifice, where blood would be sprinkled on items to cleanse them. To be washed with pure water is to wipe away all impurity. We don't have to feel guilty all the time once we're forgiven.

We actually can draw near to the One who's blood was sacrificed on our behalf.

Word of Beard

'May the Lord your God accept you.' 2 Samuel 24:23

As King David was headed to offer a sacrifice to the Lord in order to seek forgiveness and stop a plague from ravaging more people, Araunah, the owner of the land David was using made the statement above.

It sounds like a simple 'goodbye' type of phrase right, a send-off? Not here. Lives were literally at stake. Relationship with God was being renewed...May the Lord accept you...This is an honest plea.

Useful Beyond Slavery...

The Lord does not call followers to a vague and purposeless life.

Every believer, once the Spirit indwells them upon belief, is infused with a gift used to build up the body of Christ, the Church. Some gifts are even a catalyst to leadership within the Church. Others are tendons and muscles and veins and even cells that unite and serve the body in immensely intricate and eternal ways.
In Pauls short, personal, obscure letter to Philemon, the runaway slave Onesimus may have been hard working, he may have been apathetic in his service to Philemon. Whatever the case, upon realizing his worth at salvation, that Jesus would die for a gentile slave, his awareness of living a life worthy of that Gospel brought about a powerful reconnection with his birth name - Onesimus, which means 'useful.'

The Divine Nature of God intersects with life in refreshing and awesome ways.

You and I do not have vague spiritual lives to live.

As the Spirit indwells us, He also infuses us with meaning and value. Because we are made in His image, we have purpose. There's something about meeting Jesus that awakens our souls to that reality.

...and the gifts of the Spirit are a wild overflow of the Kingdom of Heaven uncarnating us.

You and I are useful. Period.

Read Philemon - Romans 12 - 1 Corinthians 12

Word of Beard

'I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.' Philemon :6

'Sharing your faith' here is much bigger than our Western conception - that is, evangelizing or sharing the Gospel story with another.

This is the holistic living out ones faith; the old fashioned word and deed combo. Philemon was known for physically, spiritual, mentally and emotionally refreshing those in his community. He shared his faith in every action and every word.

The whole Gospel at work.

Good Job

In the OT book of Job, Jobs friends assumed that direct, personal sin was the cause for his troubles: his dead children, his bitter wife, the festering sores over his body, his destroyed vocation and lost wealth...

Yet Job knew he was blameless. They were wrong in their assumptions, their judgements. Job had honored the Lord in all he did, in fact, this was the very reason God allowed Jobs persecution. Not sin but sanctification.

We struggle through the same issues today right? Pain, loss, evil, assumptions, judgement...

Good people suffer and hurt. Good people also thrive and live peaceful and productive lives.

Bad people suffer and hurt. Bad people also thrive and live peaceful and productive lives.

All good, even the good that bad, deceitful, evil people experience comes from the Lord. Regardless of Gods direct role in the goodness bad people experience at times, everyone on earth has the opportunity to experience goodness simply because God exists. His hand is on the earth and everything in it. He holds all things together and His presence - love, righteousness, purity, humility, goodness - affects all of creation regardless of it's moral conduct or awareness of Him.

The same is true for good people. Because God is, goodness is. Though Scripture speaks of Gods desire to bless those who truly do follow Him and live out His Truth. Absolute blessing will eventually come to those who are 'good' according to His divine nature.

When the day comes that the Lord removes His hand from the earth...then and only then will those alive experience absolute darkness - an eternal void, empty of anything righteous.

Job wasn't simply a good man though. Yes his friends were wrong but he wasn't simply a nice guy. He was a man who new the Creator of goodness, justice and righteousness. He was grounded, not in the knowledge of the reason for suffering, but in the Source of Life beyond the suffering.

It will continue to happen, suffering that is. But if you ask someone who has experienced the knowledge of Christ and who has faith that His love conquers all...you'll discover a mysterious response to suffering. Job had the same response.

Read Job - Particularly the Lords response in the final chapters.

Word of Beard

'For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ...' Colossians 2:9

Christ who was man was also God. 100% both. That divine power and life is also in us thanks to Christ. What a crazy mix of fear and joy at the reality of being united with God so intimately.

The Little Warrior Within...

Larry Osborne, at the Sticky Church 2.0 conference, spent some time challenging the notion that a person or a church or an organization needs replicate or reproduce a program, style, culture or quality that a more fruitful person/organization is doing.

He brought up David. Not King David but the young, confident, sheep herding David.

'Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine...', sound familiar? Dude was awesome, 'your servant will go and fight him.' Young and ready to do what he had been training to do - leading sheep, wrestling bears and lions, training. In speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity...set and example even in your youth. Those words from Paul to Timothy totally connect to David and his ability to move in the Lord at such a young age.

We know the Spirit was on David, that God had a plan for him to move into a role of leadership in Israel. We also know that the same Spirit that was in sheep-herding-King David is in us.

At this point David wasn't seeking out what other mighty warriors he could mimic in order to take on Goliath. He knew his strengths and weakness' so when Saul called for him he was ready to respond in a healthy way. When opportunity came he was comfortable with his capacity.

Ultimately Saul puts his own armor on David to send him in to battle. Seriously? Compared to Saul, David's a curly headed pygmy with a sling and some sheep. He was restricted, confined, unable to move about the way he had trained and knew he was capable of. He was being set up for success according to someone elses plan and purpose.

I absolutely admire what he did next. So simple and yet so bold. David stripped off the armor and left to fight using the skill set, vision and confidence that came from the Lord, not the mighty warrior and king Saul.

As a follower of Christ, empowered and designed by Him, who are you trying to be like that totally doesn't fit who you actually are. Yes, to grow we need to learn from all camps, from many sources beyond our own understanding and worldview...but our character doesn't change, our foundational qualities that are divinely handed down don't need to be thrown out right? Maybe revamped and reformatted but ignoring who you are or what your organization is designed to do in order to copy another 'more successful' can only lead to heart-ache and possibly sin either now or later.

Are you fighting in your strengths or someone elses? What Philistines are you trying to overcome with unnatural tools and style? Every warriors has his own skill set, what's yours?

Taken from 1 Samuel 17 and 1 Timothy 4:12

Word of Beard

'...And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." Matthew 13:57

Upon returning to Nazareth and throwing down incredibly wise teachings on the Kingdom and life (as a tradesmans son) it makes sense that his childhood elders and peers and even family members would be offended at his presumed 'higher education', right?

Then Jesus coins this phrase that's managed to cross cultural and contextual boundaries for centuries now. If only we understood how severely was His rejection here - the Creator of the universe (John 1) was denied trust, faith, respect...honor in his own house by His own creation.

And we still take offense at Him.

Truth In...Crap Out...

Paul teaches that with every new believer there's a former way of life. An old self that must be annihilated.

He also teaches that the very Truth that opened our hearts and minds to Christ is what shapes our new attitude or mindset. The new self is 'created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.' There is no room for the old self. What has been destroyed...is done.

For some the old crap attempts a mutiny from time to time - but it only mutinies if it's still within us...if it hasn't really been destroyed.

For others the garbage has been taken out and now we have to guard ourselves from the outside world. Our sin nature, not being fed from the inside, begins to seek junk from the outside through our eyes, mouths, hands etc. and all on behalf of Satan.

Isn't this why Paul also tells us to constantly be working out our salvation. To be on guard in prayer and fellowship. To be in and trust in the living and active word...To be sanctified and set apart. Romans 12 - Philippians 2 - Hebrews 4 - Luke 11...sort of stuff.

All believers are called to be imitators of God. This is the Truth that shapes us. This is the reality of Kingdom life.

We're all made in His image right...maybe it's time to fully adopt His attitude as well.

Read Ephesians 4:11-5:1

Word of Beard

'...refresh my heart in Christ.' Philemon :20

This is Pauls hope and desire from a good friend of his. Philemon was known for his faith and his love towards the believers meeting in his home on a regular basis. Paul was encouraged that Philemon 'refreshed the hearts of the saints,' and truly desired that he would benefit personally from that reputation.

How awesome it must have been to be known by the Apostle Paul as a guy who was refreshing in the Lord.

Sellvation...

Have I bought into a doctrine that truly has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God?

I recently watched The Greatest Movie Ever Sold with Morgan Spurlock and it got me thinking about what I've really bought into in with this Christian worldview?

Have I bought into the reality of salvation - where I repent from everything that isn't focused on glorifying God first and foremost, sinful actions and neutral ones alike.

Or have I have bought into sellvation - have I bought my Christianity. A give-and-God-will-give-back-ten-fold financially/materially right-here and right-now type of faith. Do my motives, actions and beliefs line up with the 'come to Christ with empty hands and receive salvation' Scriptural approach - or have I been attempting to buy my way into a relationship with Jesus, into the Kingdom? Sellvation.

Sellvation is quite deceiving isn't it. In the end I'll have purchased nothing right. Like throwing goats into a volcano to please the gods or meditating on nothing until I no longer exist...meaningless. I'll never buy enough, offer enough nor meditate purely enough.

Salvation on the other hand - well it's definition says it all - yeshua in the OT was used of deliverance, a rescuer, a savior - likewise soteria in the NT. It's enough in itself.

No one can purchase divine deliverance. It came to us. It's offered. The price was already paid by Yeshua the Soter - by Jesus the Savior.

Do we really have anything more valuable to offer?

Seemingly-Righteous

Have you ever assumed that because you're a good person - 'righteous' - that you're in? Meanwhile you've assumed that the others - the 'wicked people' - were obviously out?

What if a prophet showed up on your doorstep and claimed that a righteous man who trusts in his own goodness is in serious sin while the wicked people who are discovering truth and goodness and living it out and relying on God are the ones actually being called into the Kingdom?

Would you call this justice? Would you believe this bass-ackwords way of righteousness stems from the source of a Just God? That this God truly desires that all 'wicked people' turn (repent) from their crap, shake evil from their bones and follow His way to life, while the seemingly-righteous fall?

Ezekiel nailed the role of the watchman. He was that prophet knocking on doors, called to share Gods truth with Gods people: with words, prayers and wild physical analogies. He was vitally responsible to get the truth out. That was his role and the rest was up to the hearers to act on that truth.

Ezekiel may have been speaking to the Israelites but his truth spills over the centuries and cultures onto you and I. Divine-righteous-truth doesn't change.

We may say 'The way of the Lord is not just' as the Israelites did...but the reality is there's no foundation for justice apart from this God which means that He is able to 'judge each of [us] according to his own ways...[that] unless you repent, you too will all perish.'

In all sincerity, good luck proclaiming steadfast, perfect justice according to your own understanding and standard.

From Ezekiel 33:1-20 and Luke 13:3

Word of Beard

'Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.' Hebrews 5:13

Jesus is our Mediator. Our Intercessor. He speaks to God the Father on our behalf. His Spirit searches our hearts and knows our thoughts. His Word is living and actively shaping our us: hearts, souls, minds and bodies. From Adam to Abraham to Armageddon no knowledge, action, thought, emotion etc. is hidden from Him.

Every knee will be bow and on that day will give an account of how we lived our lives to His glory. So...just let it all hang out (metaphorically speaking)...it's laid bare before Him anyways.

Actual, Genuine...Belief

Does genuine belief in Christ actually play a major role in salvation? Do we actually have to believe in this guy?

Jesus, teaching a crowd of Jews being riled up by the Pharisees, said this to the few who believed and put their faith in Him, 'If you hold to my teaching, you really are my disciples. Then you'll know the truth, and the truth with set you free.' John 8:30-32

Considering Jesus claimed to be the Light of the world in the midst of this discussion and the heated resistance to His testimony - I would say actual, legitimate, personal, rational belief intersects with salvation in a direct way.

The author of Hebrews follows up on this topic by noting that all those under Moses who disobeyed, rebelled and sinned ultimately died in the desert physically and spiritually 'because of their unbelief.' Hebrews 3:16-19.

To those who read, hear or see the message of Christ, Jesus is saying, 'Today...do not harden your hearts.'

Salvation is a vital gift. You and I don't have to accept it, but if we do...we have to believe it's real.

Today Hear the Waves...

Ocean waves are fantastic.

Sitting and watching. Listening to the crash and the drift. Body-surfing. Swallowing liters of saltwater. There are so many analogies that ocean waves provide.

For instance - the author of Hebrews warns us not to turn away from the Living God and ultimately be hardened by sins deceitfulness...sounds intense. It is. I had just caught a wave and rode it back to shore, thrilled, ready to ride another beast...and then it nailed me from behind. A rogue wave toppling over my head grinding my salted beard into the pebbly-sand. I had turned away from the source of power, even for a moment, glorying in my own skill, deceived that I could 'handle' the ocean...I handled it alright...in the face.

How often do I turn away from Christ - only to slowly return, hardened by sin and deceit. It takes riding another wave to loosen me up once again and believe.

Ocean waves are likened to the immensely powerful nature of God. The powerful rumble and crash displays His strength. The never-ending march of waves display the awesome reality of His never-ending love, power and permanence. One can sit on the shore and simply take it all in, with eyes closed, and be encouraged that 'Today' His voice is being heard.

Ocean waves speak. Not in a pantheistic sort of way...but in a God-created-all-and-creations-existence-displays-His-own-existence...sort of way.

He calms the waves. He resides over the deep. His Leviathan displays His strength and creativity. He knows every grain of sand along the shore. His knowledge is beyond the oceans depth.

Today I heard His voice.

Taken from Hebrews 3:12-14

Word of Beard

'Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.'

Moses. The author of the Torah. He was the base line of righteous living, obedience and wisdom. His calling was miraculous and His life's story in leading the Hebrew nation to freedom from Egypt was nothing short of divine. He was the father of practical Judaism, true religion.

And then Jesus appears. The Author of life. The Word from the Beginning. The High Priest of Kingdom life. And if you didn't catch it, this passage clarifies that Jesus is God.

'...For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.' Hebrews 3:3-4

Word of Beard

'Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 3:13-14

Paul has abandoned all confidence in his flesh (:4-8). Even his most reputable achievements and titles in his culture he pushed aside as he 'strained' toward the Kingdom.

Here are a few things he abandoned in order to move heavenward: 1) Past guilt, hurt, shame  2) Present comfort and prestige  3) Future success' and achievements in the world. Paul 'forgot' everything that hindered his journey with Christ and guess what...he changed the world.

Really Bad Things...and God

Why do bad things happen. Why doesn't God stop them. Really bad things. Evil things. Like bombings, starvation, abuse, sex-slavery, lies...they happen. Daily.

If God truly exists why doesn't He just eradicate evil once and for all?

He did.

The Story has already been told. 'Then I saw a new heaven and new earth...There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away' (Revelation 21:1,4).

Time doesn't bind God. He's outside of linear time. He is the beginning and the end and everywhere in between. The 'eschatological' end has not simply been written but completed. Evil already has been destroyed. Johns vision was not simply a dream but a taste of what has been done, in the future. (Watch 'Back to the Future' for Doc's fantastic explanation of bending).

The very appearance of the incarnate Jesus was a prelude to the final act of the story of reconciliation. Jesus put an end to the eternal hold that death had on man since our lustful fall in the garden. We chose death - He's chosen life. And that life comes through Christ.

Why doesn't God end evil already. The real question is, when do we (the hurting, abused, disenfranchised, lied to, abandoned, hungry...) finally get to holistically experience the victory Jesus has already secured?

Begin the journey now by trusting in the salvation Christ offers.

Read Romans 1:1-3 & 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Heart

Heart.

The inner person - oneself - the seat of thought and emotion.

Has your heart ever ached. Have you ever noticed that some actions, thoughts, truths just don't feel right in your heart while others do. What about love. It makes your heart leap with joy and happiness and you feel...loved.

In the OT Hebrew context, the heart was the storehouse to many of a persons experiences. When Moses recounted the Lords desire that all of Israel love Him, that command probably filtered through their hearts and on to their minds then wove through their souls with all of their strength.

Moses, of course, touched on every known area of a humans life and consciousness to describe how we're to connect with our Creator. But the heart. The heart has web-like strings attached to every area of the body, it seems it's all interconnected. On the one hand it makes us more aware and alert. On the other it becomes untrustworthy as it's left so unguarded much of the time.

Have you checked your heart lately?

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Word of Beard

'We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.' Hebrews 2:1

To diligently be aware of and devoted to the teachings of Christ - the Gospel. The apostles gave their lives in Christs footsteps so that we might 'continue in [truths found in] the Holy Scriptures' (2 Tim. 3).

It's surprisingly easy to drift away from eternal truths. The less care we take to hold them in our hearts, the easier it is to fall for another 'truth.'

Word of Beard

'You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.' James 5:8

James compared the Christ-followers journey to the seasonal rains of his day. As the 'firstfruits' of a new covenant, we're to patiently wait, perseverant, hope-filled and faithful for the movement of the Lord just as the struggling farmer waits for rain to water the crops.

Patiently and eagerly wait for the Kingdom to overwhelmingly collide with your life. He is near.

Now Testify...

If we only had the NT it would be enough to know that Jesus is who He claimed to be.

But we have more. We have the entire OT (not to mention nature and all that's metaphysical). The OT tells the story of Jesus pre-kenosis - or pre-humility into humanity.

To the Jews Jesus had riled up after claiming equality with God Jesus said, 'You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me' John 5:39.

They believed eternal life was found in strict adherence to the Law. The Torah. And yet Jesus was turning the page on their beliefs. The very Law that they believed led to life actually pointed to Jesus. Let's get mystical, mystical (Olivia Newton John anyone?) - think of it like this, the Jews were merely looking at the Scriptures to stave off death when they should have been looking through the Scriptures to see His Life. The Sciptures point to the Living Word, the Son of God, the very Man standing before them - Christ.

Jesus simply told them to search the Scriptures and they'd find Him. OK:
  Isaiah 7:14 - Jesus' birth - Matthew 1:23
  Psalm 16:10 - Resurrection - Acts 2:31
  Zechariah 11:12-13 - Price for Jesus' life - Matthew 26:15, 27:5,7
  Genesis 49:10 - From the Tribe of Judah - Hebrews 7:14
  Isaiah 61:1-2 - Holy Spirit on Him - Luke 4:15-21

Maybe it's not so mystical. We know that Scripture is God-breathed, that it's living and active and that it's to be handled with the utmost care. Maybe it's simply a matter of prayer, study, belief and Sprit. Supernatural, but maybe not mystical.

There are hundreds more examples. Entire passages, stories and characters such as: the Exodus, Temple, Jonah, Hosea, Babylonian Captivity etc. and all tell pieces of the story of the eternal life of Christ.

Since Scriptures origin is also the author of the universe (2 Peter 1:20-21), it stands to reason that when Jesus claimed to be the true life found within the Scriptures...he wasn't insane, lying nor exaggerating - He was providing authentic testimony to His own being.

Ada Update...

It's been a great ride.

Ada Kathleen is beautiful, like that of her maker. I've posted a few last pics on the 'Baby' page rounding off our adventure to the hospital and back again.

Enjoy. Hopefully she'll be meeting you soon enough.

With Love, Ada.

The Golden Girl...

'Even in darkness the light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.' Psalm 112

There's a perverted notion in various Christian communities that a genuinely righteous man will also be a financially blessed man/woman. As if grace, compassion and moral righteousness could be weighed and measured in gold here on earth. As if any man were able to muster up righteousness from within worthy of God.

My wife gave birth to our second child this week, a daughter, Ada. She's a tangible example (if not contextual) of light that dawns for the 'upright'. A brilliant gift symbolizing life and it's creator. My wife and I would never claim to be upright and yet in Christ we're forgiven, justified, sanctified...heirs to the heavenly throne alongside Christ.

This brilliant little light wasn't a gift we found within ourselves. It's from God.

One chapter before, in Psalm 111 we read, 'his righteousness endures forever...the Lord is gracious and compassionate.' The very same attributes given to the upright.

Any semblance of holiness we might display that sets us up to receive such a beautiful gift as Ada only comes from the God who models it. Money is necessary, it's a blessing to be sure...but it isn't the defining symbol of a righteous man. God is the definition and the symbol.

He cannot be weighed in gold. Neither can the blessings of a righteous man.

Can you imagine your entire life being analogous of Gods plan for His people. Read Hosea.

Branding...

Whether you realize it or not, everything you do works for or against your personal brand. Your beliefs, culture, friends, clothing, cars, music etc. all play a role in shaping who you are. To varying degrees they're a glimpse of who you are: how you think, how you view yourself and the world.

But if every tangible item, action, desire that you feel defines you were stripped away - if you were left naked as a new-born-babe - would your brand also disappear or is there more to who you?

The real question is: 'Is Christ your brand?'

Are you a 'cattle-branded' disciple (Philippians 2:1-11)? Have you been bought out and transformed into something new and refreshing (2 Corinthians 5:17)?

When you 'ascend the hill of the Lord' are you coming with empty hands in need of branding or are you presenting your own image you wish to offer Him?

Take personal inventory. Do you need to re-brand?

Idea of branding from POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
Psalm 24 - hill of the Lord

Word of Beard

'The works of His hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast for ever and ever...' Psalm 111:7-8

The author goes on to reiterate the words of Solomon, that fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and that true understanding comes in following His ways, truths, teachings, commands, precepts...From this passage alone we know that:

1) He works: past, present, future.
2) We should have faith/trust in his works.

3) He is just. His decisions are just. He defines true justice and works all things out toward that end.

4) His truths are, once again, worthy of our trust and far above our own wisdom.

5) His works and precepts stand the test of time and the spirit of the age. His Truth is Truth forever...and ever.

Jeff Bridges and Jesus...

Jeff Bridges explained to Jay Leno the other night that acting burns him out. After shooting a film he's always 'bushed' - ready to bunker down in seclusion to recoup. He noted that for him, acting uses some strange muscle that gets wrecked during the stretch of a movie.

Pretending is exhausting.

Pretending to be someone/thing you're not is exhausting.

Professional actors find contextually creative ways to be someone else. However, I wonder how many of us act, cover-up, pretend or simply lie about who we are on a regular basis?

Hiding the details about a surprise party for your wife is tiring but rewarding when it's over (unless she hates surprises).

Hiding the details about a financial loss, drug binge, character flaw, inappropriate relationship or even an unnecessary purchase can wreak havoc on our hearts, minds and physical health - ultimately our souls and the relationships we're tied to.

Lying is exhausting.

Maybe Jesus' yoke of eternal truth, living in the light and sharing in the freedom from the expectations that our culture, jobs and families place on us (directly or indirectly) truly is lighter than what we're currently acting out? Do your actions line up with your words - do your words line up with your beliefs - do your beliefs line up with Biblical Truth?

Bridges is bushed at the end of making a movie. At least he gets a break. Do you?

Passages in context: Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Corinthians 5:17

(un)carnation

Incarnational disciples. This phrase has been rocking me over the past few days.

'Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity...' - the author of Hebrews, referencing Isaiah 8, notes the realness, the humanness, the offensive reality of the incarnation. In Acts, however, we see the reverse happen to the Apostles, the coming of the Spirit into their own flesh.

I've been hit with the idea of myself, my wife, my kids, my group of friends in Christ...all of us being incarnational in nature. This incarnationality is different for us though. We're already meaty.

So it must work in reverse.

To be incarnational disciples we have to let the Spirit of the Living God - the spiritual world of the eternal Kingdom - flow through our imperfect lives and dwell within and among us. We must be infused with God the Spirit to partake in and bring reconciliation.

Jesus brought salvation through abandoning His throne temporarily and uniting Himself with mans flesh. We must be ambassadors of reconciliation by abandoning our flesh (so to speak) and uniting it with the spiritual. A reverse incarnation.

An 'uncarnation.'

Hebrews 2
The book Competent Christian Counselors struck me with the idea of 'incarnational counseling'

Romans, Countrymen...

Some like paint-drying. Some like grass-growing. Some like cat-bathing. Some even like room-temperature-coffee...

Them's all good and great...however, I get jazzed about 8,000 pages of J.M.Boice's Expositional Commentary on Romans!

Anyone else? Anyone?

What are you reading? Fiction, non-fiction, prose, poetry, history, biography? Lewis, Knowles, Zacharias, Fitzgerald, Miller, Paul the Apostle...? Who are you reading and how are they shaping your heart, soul, mind and strength? Even Sherlock Holmes has strengthened my faith.

Though nothing replaces the extremity of style, topic, personal challenge and truth as the Word.

Representin' the Text...

Jesus discussed creation in Genesis. Mark 10

Jesus compared his journey to Jonah's. Matthew 12

He also spoke about Sodom. Matthew 11

He referenced the Prophet Daniel. Matthew 24

Noah's Ark is discussed. Matthew 24

Jesus quotes Isaiah (several times). Matthew 24

He notes hells reality. Mark 10

He acknowledges the reality of Moses and gives him credit for the Torah. Mark 12

Though I realize this is an oversimplified deduction...is it possible to acknowledge that Jesus is who He claimed to be, 'the way, truth and life' and not believe in the creation story? or Noah and the flood? or the reality of Hell? or Jonah and the whale?

Did Jesus lie and simply 'play along' with the ancient tales in order to connect with His audience? In His human nature did He truly believe in these fictitious stories? Did He truly fulfill hundreds of prophecies, live a miraculous-sinless life, raise from the dead and yet misrepresent the OT? If so, then do these theories alter His righteous character?

Do you doubt the trustworthiness of the OT and yet follow Christ? Then ask yourself - 'What insight do I have, above and beyond the Christ, the Scriptures, the Spirit, that allows me a more 'trustworthy' vantage point than that of the Creator?'

Now if Jesus is the Messiah.
And He assumed the reality of even the wildest OT stories.
And you believe in Jesus.
Then it stands to reason that you can trust the entirety of the Scriptures.

'I praise You, Father...that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants' (Matthew 11:25) - the wisdom of this world doesn't compare to the open heart and mind of the faithful.

Word of Beard

'Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving-kindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!' Psalm 107

Six times within this psalm this phrase is repeated almost directly. Six times we're told that in the midst of pain, hunger, stormy destruction, wandering in wastelands, distress and darkness, rebellion, distance from God in our souls, etc...Six times we're reminded that in these conditions His love is yet unfailing and eternal.

His wonders are apparent in the sand and the trees and your children and the existance of, awareness of and desire for...love. His love endures forever - Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!

Go Ahead...Point that Finger

'Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?' Job 40:8

'If this God allows ________ to happen he is clearly not a God I want to follow.' Many of us have heard or even said this regarding some offense or pain that affects us personally, philosophically, emotionally. That God is unfair, unjust or simply blind and ineffective in real life...this is usually our own attempt at making sense of life yet in the process putting our wisdom and worldview far above the Eternal God.

My view of justice is based on 30 years of life in Midwest America, a democratic-republic, ideas of equality, tolerance, rational explanations and a loving God in a naturalistic environment. I have one legal, cultural, social, religious point of view in world full of views. Who am I to corner the market on justice? Who am I to stand outside creation and point a finger, scolding the Lord for living out to a system I don't fully understand?

But our thoughts are not like His. Our ways are not like His. (Isa. 55:8)

We will never understand each and every action taking place upon the earth and beyond. Though when we're united with Christ our minds/attitudes/hearts/worldviews are renewed and can begin to fathom His total sovereignty over the good and the bad, the righteous and the evil.

'Good teacher,' says a young man to Jesus who immediately corrects him, 'No one is good - except God alone.' If no one is inherently virtuous but the Lord can we really justify our imperfect actions and thoughts and beliefs in light of perfection? Now if you don't believe in God then who cares about justification right? But if there is a God, as all of creation signifies, then discrediting His righteousness is a far more dangerous undertaking.

Aaahh - 'to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.' (Tim. 1:17)

Word of Beard

'Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?' Job 40:8

This is the Lord's thunderous response to Job and his friends.

He either is or He isn't sovereign over the universe and all it's happenings. If He is then He is perfectly just in all His ways, he makes no mistakes, falsely accuses no one and yet is wise in how He allows pain and suffering to affect our lives. If He isn't...

Good ole Christian...

'Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.'

Knowing your Bible isn't simply what every good Christian should do is it?

Paul says that 'skillfully dividing the word - handling it rightly' tests and approves us as faithful, unashamed disciples. It shows whether we are on the right track, speaking truth in context, not wavering or babbling fluff. He reminds Timothy of the Gospel he taught, he reminds him to beware false teachers, he even passes on a 'trustworthy saying' and all this before challenging him (us) to handle the Word of Truth with eternal care.

Jacob Neusner explains how Jewish students wrestle with the word, 'This one proposes, that one disposes. This one forms a proposition in response to what the Torah says, and that one says why this one is wrong...' and so on to form a symphony of students attempting to handle the Scriptures carefully.

Peter understood this wrestling and challenged believers to remember, 'If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God' (1 Peter 4:11). Be a student of Truth. Handle the word well. We all teach it the moment we share it with one, one-hundred or one-thousand people.

So continue doing your best with skill.
Constantly present yourself to God for service.
Live daily with an attitude defined by the grace and truth of Christ.
Pray continuously that you may proclaim it clearly, as Paul eagerly desired.

2 Timothy 2:15
Judaism's Theological Voice - Jacob Neusner

Word of Beard

'If I have put my trust in gold - if I have rejoiced over my great wealth - if I have highly regarded nature so that my heart was secretly enticed to worship...then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high.' Job 31:24-28 RDV

Yet, when our trust, wealth and worship are His and His alone...How ridiculously good are even the worst of times because we know that He Is, He Was and He Will Be.

Total Loss...

The words, 'I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ...' Those words hit hard as I read them again.

Several years ago we experienced a fire in our apartment building that destroyed 100% of our neighbors goods and over 50% of our own.

We experienced loss of belongings, memories, overall a sense of safety. My wife and I along with our one year old were at a loss.

Our ministry director, the director of the camp where this took place, was eternally gracious. Our church body was infinitely gracious as well. Friends were equally gracious. Families were a blessing. Individuals we hardly knew were like shining stars.

However, one young lady in particular comes to mind always when reading the above passage. A twenty-something single woman, having been saving for a vacation the sum of around $600 chose to consider her vacation a loss compared to loving Christ.

The Spirit prompted her to think, 'How can I save for vacation when they don't even have a place to call home?' So her vacation fund became our rebuilding fund.

Knowing Christ is knowing the body. Her act of devotion and compassion in response to the Spirit will always goad me into going to Jesus with open hands and returning to His people with helping hands. I came into the world naked and I will leave that way...nothing is mine.

Everything is a total loss, burned in fire, compared to knowing Christ.

Philippians 3:7-14

God-Man-Morality

'I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.' (Leviticus 11:44)

The breath of God in His creation of man imparted the Holiness of God into His new creation. Paul confirms that the moral law of God truly is written on our hearts. This is wild! Knowledge and experience of holiness is within each of us and has been all along.

All of nature speaks of Gods revelation of Himself, His will, His kingdom and His holiness...everyone is left without an excuse. Regardless of culture, time period, race, gender...there are clearly acts that are good and those that aren't, period. On that note Peter, the trustworthy and imperfect disciple of Christ, speaks to the church:

'As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do...' (1 Peter 1:14-15)

And so that no one can brag saying they've become holy due to their own efforts, we know that, 'we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all' (Hebrews 10:10).

God is the standard that never changes. This isn't legalism, you and I are welcome to do as we please, we're free to conform to the worlds standard. However, what pleases us doesn't become the standard. God is holy and holiness doesn't change. Our standards are to be transformed into His.

The Truth of the moral freedom within each of us didn't develop through time via monkey-men, although it's reality has been slowly revealed by the Spirit and set in Scripture. It was instilled in us from the beginning of time, before time began. It was revealed to man as man moved about.

In Christ truth was codified eternally through his sacrifice on our behalf and our breathing in and out of this reality awakens our hearts, souls and minds to Truth as it was, is and will be.

Half-Monkey-Man-Morality

I overheard a discussion in the philosophy section of a bookstore the other day regarding the trustworthiness of the moral standard coming from the Bible. That a 3,500 yr. old book couldn't possibly speak into the lives of modern men and women.

They went on to describe the development of morality as it appeared in nature. Evolving along with the monkey-men hundreds of thousands of years ago. Half-man/half-monkey and various combinations therein slowly discovered right and wrong. What was acceptable and what was intolerable. Basic good and evil.

I find it interesting that these individuals find the moral aptitude of half-monkey-men living hundreds of centuries ago more acceptable than a coherent system of moral law recorded only 3,500 yrs. ago, without the help of the half-breed.

Hm. Interesting as well that half-monkey-men could figure out the basic tenets of good and evil and yet many of us, a much more evolved and advanced version of these creatures have come to the conclusion that there is no standard of right and wrong. That each person may define it for oneself.

Thanks monkey-man and your evolutionary counterpart...but I'll stick with the reality of the divine moral code written on our hearts, experienced in the world, recorded in Scripture and modeled in the Trinity.

Lord of...what the!?

Is it possible to be a follower of Christ, called to BE Christ-like - and yet hold to a low-commitment, low-involvement, low-investment attitude and lifestyle in the body, in your faith?

Now I'm not so sure this is a question of salvation, though that alone is a matter to be dealt with in 'fear and trembling.'

If Jesus is Lord of All 'with angels, authorities and powers in submission to Him' (1 Peter 3:22) - and if true disciples are called to such a high commitment as to hate their 'father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters' and thus 'carry their cross' after 'counting the cost' (Luke 14:26-28)...then a low view of Christianity isn't much of an option is it.

He is either Lord of all in which you count all as nothing or He is Lord of nothing in which you count yourself as all.

Have you counted the cost of discipleship? If you have concluded that you can fit Jesus into your schedule then I will boldly challenge that your calculator sucks. Your count is off. What if Jesus only half commited himself to his mission, to salvation, the kingdom, to you? What if Paul only squeezed in holiness when it fit into his schedule...sounds depressing and illogical right?

Check your: use of time - gut honest desires - legalistic tendencies - pragmatism in the church - cynical attitude - materialistic cravings - spiritual hunger and knowledge - love of God/others...

If you have counted the cost, or are wrestling with the price of salvation in a sanctified life...then the call to be a 'living sacrifice' is terrifyingly refreshing. Your schedule is shaped by Him. Your purpose abounds. Your heart transforms. Your passion grows. Your grace overflows. Your love for God and for others is on display. You are carrying the cross. You aren't perfect. You won't be perfect on earth. You will hit a low spiritual season. However you are highly-committed.

Word of Beard

'Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.' 2 Chronicles 19:7

Jehoshaphat appointed judges among the Israelites and called them to a terrifyingly healthy fear of God in light of their divine responsibility. The apostle Paul does the same in the N.T. assuring us that righteousness only comes through a healthy fear of the Lord and especially those in leadership who carry a heavier burden.

God is never wrong. Never forgetful. Never unjust, unfair or curmudgeonly. He is Holy. Period.

Paul & Piper

John Piper, in his blog, discusses the paradox of man's choice/Gods will in Philippians 2:12-13 - we work while God works.

This is a spiritual mystery we're actually capable of practicing in real time. We may not understand our role in salvation and sanctification as designed by God but Paul models it and the Spirit guides it...so we can faithfully trust this paradox and live it.

God powerfully works in us. (1:6)
We fearfully work towards Him. (2:12-13)
Paul divinely models it. (3:10-14)
His sovereign will is fulfilled eternally: past, present and future. (Rom. 8:28-30)

Starflyer, My Son & the Kingdom

My son ran into the kitchen the other day ridiculously excited about finding a toy saxophone. In and out of every room. Under the couch. Beneath his bed. Digging deep within a toy-box...and there it was.

He earnestly sought after it.

We had been listening to a favorite band of mine - Starflyer 59 - and he wanted to partake. He wanted to contribute to the song.

His excitement and joy reminded me of my own passion to be a part of what God is doing right here and right now. That I get to be a part of His story, His people, His work here on earth and into eternity. His song of creation, redemption, kingdom.

I don't always hear the song. It dissipates amidst clanging symbols, anxious groans and my own music charts. My son heard the music.

I don't just want to hear the music either. Like my son, I want to be a part of the band.