Word of Beard

'Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!' Matthew 26:46

Refreshing isn't it. That we follow a Lord who spent hours in prayer seeking the appropriate heart and mind for histories most intense oncoming struggle.

And when it reared it's ugly head this Leader stood, gathered His closest followers, and gracefully but directly confronted the betrayer head on.

Are you praying and confronting...or sleeping?

Read Matthew 26:31-46. Take notes.

We Know Cain

There are pains that are unexplainable even when good explanations abound. There are unacceptable offerings we give to God that externally appear beautiful and sacrificial...and yet they pain Him as dirty, unacceptable.

Why did Cain murder his brother. Why was his sacrifice unacceptable to the Lord.

There are pains that exist and that is simply that. Seasons of struggle emotional, mental, etc. Hurts that sting for moments, days, years...both us and the Lord.

Our typical immediate response, our initial coping mechanism is to take matters into our own hands. Our hands are fallible, small, fragile...dirty. And we know this. We know Cain. And we respond again and again with the same frail tools.

Yes, I believe many of our pains can be traced to our own co-missional sins...I believe Cain would be in this camp whatever the root.
Yet sometimes things just hurt and there is no one to blame. Maybe not even ourselves. No finger to point. No shaking fists at God. No matter to take into our hands. No acceptable explanation. Not that God is uninformed or lacking control, but that we would not and could not understand.

Sometimes we simply need to meditate on the way of Cain and wonder if we are acting on his behalf.

Always, however, we meditate on the way of Yeshua and ponder whether we're following in His steps. Living an attitude of set-apartness, an attitude that is honoring to our God in the midst of our unexplainable and unacceptable pains.

Read Matthew 11:25-30 for rest from the pain. Read Genesis 4 and 1 John 3:11-12.

The Courageous New Era

'What is the sign of the new era? Gods giving of His Spirit to His people - not the outward, physical sign of water baptism but the inward sign of Spirit baptism.' - D. Bock

You know this. But what if you read it as a call to live with courage and confidence and power. To be content with a spiritual wisdom that far exceeds the knowledge of Plato, Einstein or Hitchens.

John's proclamation of the Savior is divinely courageous. It's charismatic. It's founded in a divine guidance that flowed from the Spirit. John wasn't scared to ignite among his people an unruly awareness of  the shifting of the heavenly realms.

Anyone can make spiritual noise and make it loudly without much consequence (or fruit), but John brought this noise to his culture, his people in real time and with eternal success.

He took on his spiritual leaders - 'you snakes, you scoundrels'

He took on the pagan ruler - 'you murderer, you adulterer'

This wild prophet steadfastly cried out to the heavens that every man would be ready for a new era.

A new era designed to painfully and yet soothingly re-shape us deep within: heart, soul, mind and body. It's the same Spirit at work in John and his enormous proclamation of life that is at work in us today.

It's mysterious. It's entirely supernatural. It's dangerously simple. It's culturally courageous. How amazing is it that something spiritually invisible has so holistically impacted the physical world eternally.

The New Era has come. Is it an inward or outward source of courage shaping your life?

Read Darrell L. Bock's Recovering the Real Lost Gospel (pg12) - Read Luke 3 more on Johns ministry.

Kingdom Cycle

The Kingdom is not simply a 'then and there' locale that will one day replace our worldly system - the Kingdom is the original creation fused together with our current fractured one.

Miracles, truth proclamation and Gospel living are avenues for experiencing the original creation. Avenues for knowing that the divine nature the of eternal God is here and that His Kingdom is redeeming the earth and reforming it to its natural state - perfection. This is not replacement but reconciliation.

This is our Kingdom.

We have entered into it so we must continue to reveal it's true nature in all we do, say, believe. We are the firstfruits of restoration. Yes there will be an end - Yes it's incredibly horrifying that many will not live within the eternal kingdom. That is why we must be willing to live with a Kingdom mindset here and now. Without exception.

As our worldview transforms so do our beliefs and subsequently our actions. In the diagram above we see the cyclical rhythm to a life living out the Kingdom attitude. It flows as such:

Preaching Kingdom is a catalyst for proclaiming King

Proclaiming King is a catalyst for teaching Kingdom values

Teaching Kingdom values is a catalyst for living on mission

Living on mission is a catalyst for Preaching Kingdom...

Read Tim Kellers 'The Prodigal God' for more on the Kingdom.
Read Matthew's gospel chapter 4:12-25 to catch the beginning of this rhythm of life. Jesus Teaches, Preaches and Demonstrates Miracles.
Listen to my recent teaching 'It Begins' for a more in depth look at this cyclical idea of following Jesus in the Kingdom.

Word of Beard

'The Lord said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites..."' Hosea 3:1

Gomer (Hosea's wife) was analogous to Gods people. Her adultery, prostitution and overall unfaithfulness were examples of the nature of His people. Hosea on the other hand represented the savior figure, reclaiming and reconciling, forgiving and forging on.

Though Hosea's story took place 2500 years ago the theme is the same. Those who call themselves 'His people' are still unfaithful, still idolatrous, still prostituting themselves for other distorted 'gains'. Sounds depressing right?

But just as God sent Hosea back to his wife, He sent Immanuel (Jesus) to reconcile with us, the ever-wandering generation. To us he says, 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me.' Such gentle and comforting words to people so callous and distant.

Social Security: One

There exists this constant tension in my mind and heart regarding the idea of 'Social Security'.

That if only I could achieve the appropriate title or degree or home...that I would then be socially and thus personally secure.

That the security I desire for my beautiful wife and fantastic kids might be found in societal norms, acceptance, comforts. Worse that I have a right to a certain level of social security.

I know I'm not alone in this tension, how many conversations I've had with others who struggle to find actual security in life. Who chase after temporary structures, philosophies, finances and people and end up with more positive and negative experiences yet still without security.

Social Security isn't wrong, it simply depends on what society, what kingdom, what 'norms' that sense of security emanates from. If the leader of said society is imperfect - society follows and security impaired. On the other hand, if the leader is also the Holy Author, Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Lord and King...well then security isn't so much a notion as it is a reality to be entered into.

The tension is only intensified on my end because I have been made aware of this alternate society. I have seen the light of this other kingdom. I have experienced it's peace. I have breathed in it's spirit and tread it's path. I have professed it's King. I know of this definite source of security.

As a follower of Christ I have to wrestle with the already/not-yet tension. That while the Kingdom can be seen in the Church, the fruit of the Spirit, the Word and even nature...it isn't fully integrated with our lives yet. We live in a season in time where the imperfect (you, I, our world) is in spiritual/physical tension with the perfect (God, His Kingdom). Where we can taste the divine but cannot consume it fully. We can know it and experience it...yet only in part.

I rest in the eternal security of an Eternal God. I rest in His truth. I rest in knowing that the imperfect isn't the end - that perfection is and was and will be.

Social Security. Interesting notion. What society are we attempting to find security in?

After all 'Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.' If Christ called no place 'home' while here. Should I find security in the here and now...

Read Matthew 8:18-22 - not a direct response to this notion of security but a challenge to what's important.
Read Matthew 5:1-12 for a greater understanding of Kingdom social 'norms' and securities.

Word of Beard

'Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.' 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In all circumstances. Joy? Really? And this joy comes through a continuous stream of prayer each and every day?

And this continuous communication with the Lord, thanking Him in every situation that apparently produces joy is Gods will for the Christian? His purpose, plan, desire for every disciple....

So it's not only an option to enjoy life as a believer but it's imperative that I do. It's imperative that I see and comment on everything in life thankfully and subsequently joyfully and eventually vice versa.

I like His will much better than mine via the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect income, the perfect family, the perfect body, the perfect set of talents, the perfect education...I actually want to be joy-filled with the perfect Love.

Word of Beard

'The Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first.' Job 42:12

Light recap on Job's story: Dude was wealthy and wise - Crap hit the fan big time - He sought Gods response.

After reconciliation we find Job holistically better off than before. Faith and suffering go hand in hand (Philippians 1:29) and it appears, at least in Job's story, that God's desire was to save the best years of Job's life for the latter half.

With a little grace let me stretch that idea a bit - Is this your attitude? Whether you've been blessed up to this point in your life or you've been suffering. Whether you've passionately served the Lord or regretfully run. Whatever you're story, are you willing/planning on allowing God to glorify Himself through you in the latter part of your life and in turn be infinitely blessed?

My wife and I have decided to seek out joy in the Lord and in life. That is our 'latter half' New Year resolution. To experience joy.

Blessing happens in many forms and even aids in the healing process. Whatever His eternal storehouse pours out on you, are you willing to step up to partake in it.

'Back in '82, I used to be able to throw a pigskin a quarter mile.' Uncle Rico wasn't able to move on and experience authentic joy for most of the latter half of his life - he lived obnoxiously in his past 'glory days'. Know that the Lords 'glory days' never end and you and I are eternally a part of them. Now is a great time to make the latter half of life significantly more worthwhile.

Read the story of Job. It's heart wrenching and a fantastic display of how God interacts with those who truly know Him. Watch Napoleon Dynamite for more on Uncle Rico.

You the Static-Bearer...

Static electricity.

My three year old son recently discovered this magical world of physics. Of course he discovered it at my expense...

Nations. Tribes. Communities. Groups. Peoples. All of these experience seasons of stasis. In my own experience many times these seasons are brought about by apathy, vision-leak, lack of clear-purpose or simple disagreement with others in my tribe.

Yet, there are seasons of stasis for a group that are positive. Intentionally pausing to reconcile. To seek the Lord. To gain clarity. To rest. To be still and know that...He is God, right.

Static electricity is fantastic isn't it. To have the Ernest-Goes-to-Jail'esque ability to electrify another human with god-like power is a ridiculous thing. Think about it. A human body, a non-conductor, carrying something infinitely more powerful, dangerous and unstable than itself and then passing it on to another human...always with joy too.

And when the atmosphere is just right, and you scoot across the carpet like my three year old son with that sheepish smile, right up to your sleeping dad on the couch...the pop! from that single touch on the cheek is eye-opening! It's heart grabbing. It's a catalyst for a greater uncontrollable movement on the receiving end - more scooting, frizzy-haired, joyful people joining the current-movement.

Tribes. Groups. Peoples. The Church. When these are in stasis, whether positive or negative, it only but necessarily takes that one little shock to create a greater movement. The passing on, not of electricity, but of the Holy Spirit from one hand to another. From one fleshly creature to another. One sinner to another.

This powerful, dangerous, uncontrollable, joy-filled Spirit is supernaturally implanted in and around us to ignite and then guide the Body-apathetic. It takes one little pop! Vision ignites. Purpose abounds. Word is life once again. Ironically static brings the dynamic.

Don't be scared of the shock. I have been. Discern the state of the Body, yes. But don't fear the initial pain nor the  cataclysmic activity that may follow. The Spirit guides us remember. We cannot guide, control or worse condemn Him.

Are you the static-bearer? Or are you the necessary recipient? Jesus said,

'I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things that these...the counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.' John 14

All/But

Let's say for moment that your foundational spiritual gifting is that of a teacher. You not only teach Scripture well but you absolutely love to do it. You get energized by it. You welcome opportunity. You rest in the grace of God to work in you before a gathering.

Yet for a season you're challenged by the needs of your local body, your church, to step into the lead role and steer the ship. Now you're making large-scale decisions for everyone involved. You're shepherding your fellow leaders and managing the chaos of community. You have less time to prep for teaching. You're ability to soak in the word is diminished, quiet time has been replaced with meetings and resting in grace has become a searching for it.

In several places, Paul and Peter both describe the various roles, offices, gifts of the Spirit that EVERY believer is intrinsically given upon entering into the Kingdom in the here and now. Though many of us never discover these gifts they are there, at least one and probably more.

I teach - among other things. I believe that teaching is foundational to my role in the body, my response to the Lord and my interaction with Truth.

I am not naturally a pastoral figure. Nor am I a kingly type leader. Evangelism...well my beard tends to scare people off before John 3:16 even enters the room.

I don't have All of the gifts ascribed to the body. But depending on the need and the season I am capable of stepping in and being filled with all the riches of the Spirit in order to equip the saints.

Following Christ is an All/But journey. We are all living sacrifices but we spend a lifetime shedding the old habits of the world.

All of us have at least one spiritual gift we can be confident in. But many times we need to step into other roles for a season simply to love God and love our neighbor. For many of us the experiences we share in all the different roles afford us the knowledge to discern what our strengths truly are.

There are many tools, tests, surveys, books, classes, programs you can partake in to discover your spiritual gifts. Yet if you're active in a local church I would challenge you to first study the Word and secondly to seek the wisdom of those who know you best who might be able to inform you or at least point you in the direction of you giftings. Either way, true confirmation is in the fruit of the Spirit.

If you've found your strengths you've probably found a lot of peace in your role in the body. If you haven't there's a good chance you're regularly burned out, frustrated and under-joyed...I challenge you to evaluate once again who you are in Christ.

All/But.

Read Ephesians 4:11-13 for one of several lists of gifts. Reasearch the 'one-anothers' in the Text as well for practical ways to be fruitful as you discover who you are in the Kingdom.

Word of Beard

'"Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the Lord.' Haggai 1:8

Welcome to the first Word of Beard of 2012. Stinkin' Awesome! What better way to kick off new year celebrations with an OT prophetic reminder.

Through the prophet Haggai the Lord is calling the people of Israel to re-focus on re-building His dwelling, the Temple. The temple wasn't simply a static home for YHWH as it was for other pagan gods. YHWH moved where He chose, revealed Himself when and where He wanted and spoke to whom He desired however He desired it - dynamic. The Temple, though vital to His dispensation of Word among the people was yet a structure for a season.

Jump to the Church in 2012. Leave the 'timber' behind and don't worry about traveling to any particular mountain. Instead realize that we, the Church, are the Temple of the Lord. He both statically and dynamically lives amongst us. His dwelling is heaven and yet through the Holy Spirit His home is also within and among you and I, those who genuinely follow Jesus as Lord.

What is it He takes pleasure in? His Holy House.

What honors Him most? His glory in His Temple...His people.

Build His house and He promises to both dwell and move simultaneously.