SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

Month: June 2015

  • Hatred is NEVER okay

    Hearing the news of the people who were killed in prayer meeting is disturbing to say the least. As we remember them…let us not remember that 9 people were killed. Let us remember these people…individuals…people who were in the house of God. These were preachers and coaches and young people. These were people who had families and lives and made a difference in their community.

    As we remember them and pray for their families and their loved ones, it is a reminder that hatred is never okay. It is NEVER okay to hate someone regardless. Not once does Jesus condone hatred. The OT speaks of God’s hatred but in a manner of disdain for sin. We are not God. And, we are all sinners. Hatred is never okay.

    Jesus said that his disciples would be known by the way that they LOVE. Of all of the characteristics, it is that they will be known by their love. Loving is not easy. Loving takes work. Loving takes effort. Love is difficult and trying and painful at times. Love is messy and confusing. But hatred is never the answer. I think of how Jesus told us to love God and love others. I think of how he reached beyond the ethic boundaries of his day to show love. I think of how he told the parable of the Good Samaritan. I think of Paul reminding us in Romans to transform and renew our minds.

    It is also never okay for us to think more of ourselves that we think of others. We are superior to no one. We are the church. We are servants. Our Lord and Savior washed feet. Our Lord and Savior never owned anything and never had a place to lay his head. Our Lord and Savior spent years with the man that would betray him. And, we are reminded in Philippians that Jesus humbled himself in the ultimate humility. If Jesus did not think of himself as better…how can we?

    The question then is how we as a church show love in our community. How do we show radical love that shakes the foundations of the institutions of our world with a love so intense and driven by the love of God that it changes things? How do we so love with the love that God has poured out in us that we stand for justice and peace…but not in violence, rather in love?

    Love does not mean that we sit by and watch things happen. Love does not mean we let people run over us. Love means we take a stand for what is right. Love means we don’t accept hatred. Love means that we are willing to stand united to show what it means to follow God in a way that transforms. Love does not go with the mainstream. Love is different. The love of God reminds us that hatred and superiority are NEVER OKAY. What can do you with the love that God has given you? What can we do as the church with the love that God has poured out in our hearts? How can we truly love like never before?

  • Hope?

    It is easy to have hope when that is what you see.  When things are going well, hope is effortless.  But, if it is effortless, is it really even hope?  Or is it really just feeling good because things are going well?  In my opinion, having real hope means that despite my circumstances, I can look beyond and know that there is something better.  It means that even when the world seems to be crashing down around me, I know that joy comes in the morning.  And, it means that when things are at their darkest, there is always a glimmer of light.

    I was listening to an older Third Day song this morning.  It is one of my favorites…Cry Out To Jesus.  It is a reminder that there is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, and love for the broken heart.  There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing…HE will meet you where ever you are!

    It is a powerful reminder of where my hope comes from.  Now to learn to live more like someone who has hope…

  • Perspective Shift

    They say that you never know what you have until it’s gone.  I somewhat disagree.  I think that you really realize what you have when there is the realization that it could be gone in the blink of an eye.  You know those life changing moments where you realize that what is here today could be gone tomorrow and your perspective begins to change.  I think it changes even more as I get older.  As a young person, considering the end of life is difficult…it is as if I will live forever and all things will just continue until then.  But, there is something about aging.  While I am still “young”, my perspective is definitely taking a shift.  My friend gets hit by a car on his bike and found out he has cancer.  A young 16 year old is dying from cancer.  My Dad has been gone for 1 year after his battle with cancer.  My oldest daughter is driving and dating.  My youngest is cheering and growing up.  And…I hit a milestone birthday.  I’m always excited about birthdays…I am in way better shape now than 20 years ago.  I feel great and am thankful.  I have a wonderful wife and a beautiful, loving family.  This 40th birthday is exciting…but doesn’t come without me considering that each day is a gift.  I approach 40 with eyes that are opened a little more than usual…I am blessed if I just look around.  I approach 40 with ears that are a little more attentive…I can hear the voices of those I love if I just listen.  I approach 40 with my mouth closed a little bit more often…what I say isn’t nearly as important as what I do.  Words are super important…but most effective when backed up by actions.